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It had been the rush and elation of finding Meridian and defeating the Archon. Everyone was celebrating, even as some voices were trying to mention all the things still needed to be done. And nearly all those voices were clamouring for the Pathfinder to step up.Exactly what for, Reyes wasn’t too certain. For the first time since coming to Andromeda and everything going to shit, they all had a moment to breathe. Hell, even the angara had a chance to take stock and think of more than immediate survival. As for everyone demanding more of Scott’s time, Reyes could think of some select words and none were flattering. Scott had fought, died again and bled for them to find and secure Meridian. He’d nearly lost his sister in the process. So when Reyes had actually stepped foot on the Nexus again, Scott had done a double take. Though, it had been a lot of staring, utter confusion and being hustled off to the Tempest. That Scott suddenly remembered six things to do was pure coincidence, he’d said. It seemed Scott thought if Reyes was on the Nexus too long, Kandros would chuck him into the brig.It had taken almost no effort to get Scott back to Meridian. With its lush greenery and gorgeous terrain, who wouldn’t be eager to get back there. Getting Scott on the ground and off for a little private time was extremely easy. Given Vetra’s quick procurement of a bottle of whiskey from somewhere, Reyes wondered if the relationship between him and Scott was more of an open secret now. But if she kept the whiskey coming, he definitely wouldn’t mind owing her a favour here and there.A mumble and soft sigh against his neck made him pause. Scott had settled against his back and weighed as much a sack of bricks. At least he’d passed the handsy phase, that had made carrying him difficult for an entirely different set of reasons. Reyes adjusted his grip under Scott’s knees and kept on walking through the quiet halls of the downed Hyperion. The whole battle from Meridian had left Scott a bit high-strung and tense. Tann definitely hadn’t helped matters, not to mention everyone asking Scott who the new Andromeda Council member should be. What Reyes would have given to see the look on Tann and Addison’s faces when the name Nakmor Morda came from Scott’s mouth…“Mmmgom.” Scott muttered against the back of his neck.“He lives. Up for another round of Roxanne?” Reyes teased.Scott gave a pained sound. “No more red lights. Or knocking down and getting up again.” He paused for a moment, “No more birthday cake.”The easiest drinking game ever and repetitive ridiculous old Earth songs meant the alcohol disappeared quickly. Not that Scott had been complaining. Reyes could see the tension sloughing off, with the easy smiles, constant touches and lingering kisses. At least Meridian acted like a normal planet and had a night time. Dusk had come and as they were walking back, Scott was loudly singing along to a song about a tub or something when he’d tripped and started laughing like a hyena,“I get knocked down… and I don’t wanna get back up again right now.”If anyone had told Reyes that he’d one day be in another galaxy carrying his badass drunk boyfriend piggyback to his cushy spaceship apartment… well, it was too much a stretch and he’d have wondered what they’d taken.But here he was, somehow not finding a single soul on his way back to the Pathfinder quarters. Not a single soul on a ship that was crawling with people making repairs.“SAM,” Reyes didn’t bother to raise his voice, the AI would hear. “Are you clearing the way for us?”After a moment, SAM smoothly explained, “Priority clearance was granted for your passage back. It is crucial that the impression of the Pathfinder be preserved and that he also has personal time for himself free of expectations.”Well, Reyes had to admit that was the slickest phrasing of, “People probably shouldn’t see the Pathfinder being carried piggyback by someone from Kadara.” To be honest, it was a sentiment he agreed with. Scott didn’t need further complications with his job, and Reyes didn’t need further headaches from people thinking to leverage him to access the Pathfinder. It would be tedious for both parties and sometimes, Reyes would have to deal with it. Usually with bullets when he personally had to step in.“So warm.” Scott sighed, hands burrowing beneath Reyes’ jacket.Thank goodness the hallway to the Pathfinder’s quarters was coming up. He turned and was surprised to not even see the guard on duty. SAM really wasn’t joking. Scott’s hands were already working on the shirt to try and find skin and suddenly he had to hustle. The door slid open and a few more steps before he crouched down and eased Scott down onto the bed. Reyes slipped off Scott’s shoes and honestly wasn’t surprised when he felt a tug on his sleeve. “Cuddle?” Scott was half asleep, blinking up at him.There were at least fifteen reasons Reyes could think of, that could get him out the door and back to Kadara. But he sat on the edge of the bed, took off his shoes. He hadn’t even laid down when Scott was pushing at his shoulder. Confused for a moment, Reyes turned onto his side. And then turned again when Scott made a displeased sound and kept pushing at his shoulder.“Mmm,” Scott sighed happily as he pulled Reyes in against his chest. “Little spoon.”Okay, Reyes had to admit, if all drinking games with Scott ended like this, wouldn’t be so bad. He’d even give a piggyback ride again, if need be.

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In all honesty, Sara’s gift had been easier to get and she wasn’t the one Reyes was concerned about. A quick word to Keema had given him a slim volume on angaran history and that was that. With it all wrapped up and tucked under his arm, Sara was the one Ryder he didn’t have to worry about.The small wrapped stack of four boxes in his hand didn’t seem like nearly enough. In his mind, Reyes knew the precise value of them. It had taken five backroom deals and a firefight at a pick-up point to get them. Traded to the right people, it would buy a small army and a mountainload of favours. These were rarer than angaran star-gems, than a genuinely nice word from Addison.He paused in front of the door to Scott’s quarters, staring at the gift in his hand. Reyes Vidal was the sort for grand gestures. Showing up with just this…The door slid open. “Reyes!”Too late now, Scott stood framed in the doorway a smile on his face and the burble of voices coming from his quarters. He could just see Sara peering around the corner, looking at them both with that, “aren’t you two cute” smirk. Honestly, Reyes still didn’t know if it irked him or pleased him more.“Glad I’m not too late.” Reyes came in, pressing a kiss to Scott’s cheek then the gift to his hand. “For you. Happy birthday, Scott.”“Oh,” Sara sidled up. “What is it?”“Not for you. But this is,” Reyes smoothly untucked the wrapped gift for her from under his arm. “Happy birthday, Ms Ryder.”Scott chuckled as Sara went back to the small group of people, inspecting her gift with great curiosity and drawing others into the speculation. Reyes felt like the wrapped package Scott held was still burning a hole in his own hand. He nudged Scott, still smiling.“Open it.”Scott’s brow furrowed with a moment before he looked at his gift more closely. The wrapped paper, the neatly curled ribbon… the growing curiosity as he shook it by his ear.“If you got me sand from Elaaden, I swear to god Reyes…” Scott trailed off.“A box of sand for Christmas. You better act surprised.”Scott laughed as he carefully unwrapped the box, eyes going wide as the white box with familiar red letters and the picture of a lemon and lime in the uppermost right-hand corner. The second box had dark purplish berries, the third with a strawberry and a kiwi slice and the last stood out like a sore thumb. A bright orange-red box with a small picture of an orange slice, pineapple wedge and a cherry.“You got me Jello?” Scott stared at the boxes in his hand before he looked at Reyes. “You got me Jello!”“I would have—”Reyes didn’t even finish the sentence before Scott was kissing him. When they finally separated, Scott was grinning at him like Reyes had given him the world.“I love lime Jello. Lemon-lime is even better.”“Hm,” Reyes had to admit to a massive amount of relief and couldn’t stop his own smile. “What if I could track down pudding? Chocolate? Butterscotch?”“Sara might propose marriage and there’s no way in hell I’m letting that happen.” Scott gave him a quick kiss again. “Thank you so much Reyes, I never thought I’d ever see Jello again.”“I aim to please.” Reyes chuckled as Scott quickly started ferreting away boxes in his pants pockets. “Don’t want to share?”“There isn’t nearly enough to go around,” Scott looked back at the guests still focused on Sara and her gift. “Later on.”If there was one thing Reyes would fully admit, when Scott Ryder gave him That Wink along with That Smile, it would always make him blush. Tonight was no exception.

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Scott was tired. Still it beat nearly dying by a longshot. There was still so much to do and it was crazy, they were fighting the kett even harder since the Archon died on Meridan. That snake of a Primus was stepping up to the plate, unfortunately. The kett were banding back together and becoming even more tenacious.All of which meant Scott was away even more now. He was either scouting new planets, fixing critical pieces of Remnant technology or just flat out fighting kett any and everywhere.It was starting to feel like forever since he last saw Reyes. He had stopped at Kadara but had to go straight to Ditaeon because the kett were making a push for the outpost. If there was one good thing to this whole post-Meridan thing, it was that Kadara was unifying somewhat. That’s what Reyes’ messages said when he messaged about business. The personal messages were what Scott really preferred. The last one had really piqued his interest.‘Hopefully, the kett won’t keep you away too long this time.’It was so cryptic that Scott was wondering for a second. But Reyes was not sloppy, not by a longshot. So it shouldn’t have surprised Scott that the message came from Kadara. The geostamp location confused him for a moment before he remembered: Reyes’ home. He’d only been there once, hell it took SAM’s prompt to jog his memory.When he set course for Kadara yet again, no one batted an eyelid. In fact, all Liam had had done was sigh and shake his head before wondering, “Are the kett masochists or something? It’s like they like having their asses whooped.”Scott was totally okay with that assumption. It just made his declaration of ‘shore leave’ even better when they docked. No questioned the fact that he gave them three solid days.However, Vetra was eerily good at figuring out when he was going to see Reyes. She had it down to an artform. This time, she was waiting by the ramp as Scott was leaving. She had a grin on her face and a bottle with amber liquid that she gave to him.“First bottle of Andromeda whiskey. Tell that shady bastard he owes me a nice big favour.”“Shit, I owe you a few big favours,” Scott paused, studying the bare bottle. “How do you always know?”“Because you’re terrible at hiding it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go find Suvi. She said she’d like to try her hand at a ‘wee bit of trouble’, so me and Drack are taking her to Kralla’s.”“All right then,” Scott couldn’t begin to imagine how that would go. “Make sure she doesn’t lick anything!” he called after Vetra as she vanished back into the ship.It didn’t take Scott long to get off the Tempest and even less time to weave his way through the busy Kadara markets. Reyes’ home wasn’t quite in the upper or lower parts. It was somewhere firmly in the middle, lost in the other habitation prefabs, tucked away at the end of an alleyway, right up against the mountain. Didn’t help much that the turnoff to the place was half-shadowed and easily overlooked. No wonder Reyes picked it.The door opened for him before he could even key in the passcode. The shutter for the small camera closing was what caught his attention. Right, facial recognition… Reyes wasn’t messing around. He stepped in, resting the bottle on the floor by the door before he started unbuckling straps.“Honey, I’m home!” he called out, pulling off his chestpiece.Just silence. Wary now, Scott walked into the unit with his pistol in hand. The kitchen was clear as was the small living room. He felt like an idiot when the bedroom door opened. There was Reyes, sprawled on the bed and fast asleep. He holstered the gun, pausing for a moment to take in the sight before him. Clad in nothing but shorts and half cuddling the pillow, Reyes Vidal, the great Charlatan, was really out like a light.Scott had never seen anyone look good while sleeping. Sara drooled all over her pillow and Reyes… well, there was no way that the man would ever admit it, but he snored. Soft little droning snores, like he was sawing away at little tree branches. It was a sound Scott missed far more than he cared to admit. He couldn’t help but smile as he took in the sight before him.Suddenly, Scott could feel the exhaustion down to his bones and right in bed beside Reyes was the only damned place he wanted to be so badly. He quickly and quietly stripped off the rest of his armour, leaving it in a neat pile before he hopped in the shower. Once he toweled off, it took him a few minutes to dig out a pair of shorts from one of the drawers and then crawl into bed.There was no stifling the jaw-cracking yawn he gave as he slid in behind Reyes, tucking him in close. Every time, even when asleep, Reyes would fuss up a bit, shifting until he got comfortable and was somehow pressed closer to Scott. Once he was settled again, the gentle snoring would commence once more. Scott blinked, feeling tears of tiredness at the corners of his eyes. And sure enough, a few seconds later, there was that familiar and comforting snoring. He smiled to himself, pressing a kiss to the back of Reyes’ neck. He blinked, trying to get his brain to work through the exhaustion that was settling in. Napping in bed with the man he loved, yeah, definitely no other place he’d be right this second. As soon as Reyes woke up, he’d tell him. He could stay awake that long, he was sure. Just as soon as he rested his eyes for a bit. Just a little bit. Just a minute or two, that was it.

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Reyes had made a clean break of coming to Andromeda. He’d easily left behind his past and the heavy, crushing burden that would have trapped him. He’d given it all up for Andromeda, to come here and be somebody, to make something of himself. After his brief stint in the Alliance didn’t pan out, he had been looking for the chance. Any chance, really.But here he was, nearly 600 years later, staring at a link that he had thought long severed. Just an innocent looking little package that he’d scanned to hell and back before bringing it in. Inside the package was a plain, polished ebony box. It was the embossed crest on the top of the box that really held his attention. Well, it looked embossed but it was painted on. Trompe l’oeil, as the French would say.That one symbol brought up too many memories, some not so bitter while others weren’t as sweet as he wanted. But there was no denying the hollow feeling they left inside. It was something Reyes had through he had worked through on the Nexus before he left.“Reyes?”He nearly jumped, seeing Scott sitting up on the couch with a worried expression. He glanced back at the box in his hand, tightening his grip on it. It had been so long since he shed that damned name. He was Reyes Vidal now. Scott had understood about the whole Charlatan thing. This wouldn’t be so bad. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, but Scott was already peering at the box in his hand.“Why do you have a box with the Hanasius family crest?”“Funny, you ask,” Reyes tried for levity as he held out the box. Thank god his hand didn’t shake. “Because they were my family.”For a moment, Scott just stared at him. Then, the laugh Scott gave was a little wild, and Reyes felt his stomach drop out but then Scott was shaking his head, and pressing a kiss to his forehead.“Thank god we’re literally in another galaxy, otherwise, I think I’d have been hauled in like in one of those old mobster movies. So, who went to a lot of trouble to get this to you?”The heady rush of relief that coursed through Reyes almost made him sick to his stomach. But he reached out and slowly opened the box. There was the creak of an actual hinge, smooth polished wood under his fingers and when the holopic flickered into view, it was the familiar eyes and face with a salt and pepper beard that made his vision blur.“Entiendo. Conviertete en el rey que debes ser.”The familiar burr of his father’s voice sharpened that hollow feeling inside into a pang. Reyes suddenly missed him more than he could even comprehend. Missed all those nights they spent in the study, talking. Or when they took little trips to his father’s hometown, the sun beating down overhead as they rode ponies. The sure advice from a man who married “far above his station” was always worth Reyes’ time. His father had fallen in love, reached for the stars and found the love of his life. Suddenly, Reyes found himself missing his mother too. For all the ways that they were complete strangers to each other, there was no denying she had left her mark on him. His pragmatic drive and a streak of ruthlessness tempered with intelligence and cunning… definitely not from his father. His brains came from his mother and his heart from his father.“Hey, hey, Reyes,” Scott was murmuring softly, pulling him into a hug. “I’m not upset you didn’t tell me you’re a stupidly rich trust fund kid.”That got a laugh out of him, and Reyes wiped at his eyes. Damn, he’d been crying more than he realised. He wiped at his eyes a few more times before shifting back a bit to look at Scott.“I was not a trust fund kid.”“I dunno,” Scott scratched at his chin in mock thoughtfulness. “I mean there’s rich and then there Hanasius rich. I mean, wasn’t there some news story about your grandfather buying a colony or two for shits and giggles before the Alliance program got rolling?”Reyes grimaced. “That was their money. My mother made it clear that I had to toe the line before I’d even be considered to get my inheritance.”“And?” Scott got more comfortable on the couch, pulling him in to get comfortable again.Reyes didn’t fight it, settling his back against Scott. “Do I look like I toe any line but my own?”Scott gave a laugh and his smile eased some of the heartache. “No, thank god. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”“Odalis Vidal,” Reyes reached forward, picking up the box, the holopic flickering a bit from the motion. “He took my mother’s name when he married her. Apparently it was a huge scandal at the time. But they loved each other. And here I am.”“And here you are,” Scott agreed. “But now I’m really curious. Why leave it all behind?”“I wasn’t lying when I said I came here to be somebody. I just wanted to be somebody under my own terms. Not what nearly 400 years of family tradition said I should be.” Reyes was quiet for a moment. “That’s why I tried the Alliance. My last name was a bigger hindrance than help. Not suited for the front-line, despite having the aptitude for it. Piloting on supply routes, I was good at it, but it’s not what I wanted.”“Hm,” Scott nodded his head. “Can’t have you getting killed and pissing off the family.”“Exactly. So I changed my last name and dropped off the grid for a bit. It was amazing how many so called friends dropped me when I came back and wasn’t living up to the Hanasius name.”“You know, this kinda explains why you didn’t want to tell me some things right off the bat,” Scott sounded serious now. “You were waiting for the other shoe to drop.”All Reyes could do was shrug. Agreeing with that out loud made him feel distinctly uncomfortable. As if he should have had a little bit more faith in Scott. That was the problem with getting badly burned the first time around. Not to mention the second, third and fourth. It tended to leave one with thick skin, layers of protection and a very healthy skepticism about people and motivations.It had been so different with Scott, as if he couldn’t help himself. So here he was peeling back the last few layers. There wasn’t anything else that Scott didn’t know now.“You’re a million miles away tonight,” Scott murmured as he plucked the box from Reyes’ hand to rest it on the coffee table. “Want to come back?”Reyes gave a quiet little laugh. “I miss them. My father especially. He would have thought this to be a grand adventure.”“And your mother?”“Risk analysis probably not in favour of coming. Sometimes, my dad could persuade her.”Scott was quiet for a bit. “Do you think they would have liked me?”“My father, absolutely. My mother…” Reyes trailed off.“Risk analysis?” Scott quipped.“Absolutely,” Reyes laughed. “And with your dad doing work with AI, she would have told me in no uncertain terms to never see you again.”Scott gave a little sniff of offense. “Her loss.”“Undoubtedly.” Reyes smiled as he turned to give Scott a quick kiss. “I just never expected to get something from my father ever again.”“He cared enough to figure out where you were coming to and send this memento. I would have liked to meet him.”In a perfect world, Reyes mused. Soctt was shifting, reaching for something in his pocket. A few moments later, Scott whispered softly,“Close your eyes.”“A surprise?”“Hopefully. C’mon.”Reyes rolled his eyes with a smile before he did so. He felt Scott take his hand and drop something cool on it. Then he gently curled Reyes’ fingers back over it. What struck Reyes as peculiar was the deep breath Scott took, with a little huff at the end as he was bracing himself.“Okay, you can look.”Scott drew his hand away, fingers trailing down over Reyes’ arm. For a moment, all Reyes did was look at his closed hand. It felt round, cool and had a pleasant weight on his palm. He unfurled his fingers, the black metal looking matte until Reyes tilted his hand and then like it was a ring of the night sky glimmering on his hand.A ring.He stared at it for a bit, brain trying to think of any possible explanation for this and only coming back to one. When he looked at Scott, he found the brunet nervously chewing on the corner of his lip.“Scott, are you sure?” Reyes glanced back at the ring on his hand. “This is—”“Marry me. Please.” Scott blurted out, a blush coming to his cheeks. “Oh fuck, I had something better but I can’t remember it now. I mean, I didn’t even plan on doing this now, but I couldn’t wait any more and —”Reyes couldn’t hold that ring any tighter in his hand as he kissed Scott, leaning into him. Scott’s hands slid down his torso, settling on his waist, thumbs gently rubbing against the jut of hipbones. Never in his life, would Reyes ever get tired of the feeling of Scott’s stubble against his skin, those plush lips and just him. After a few minutes, he drew back, taking in Scott’s grin and the twinkle in those blue eyes.“So… that’s a yes?”Reyes raised a brow as he took the ring and slid it on before giving Scott a quick kiss. “Just say when and I’ll make it happen.”Scott looked pleased for all of ten seconds before he frowned. “Uh, if Drack asks, just make something up.”“Drack?” Now Reyes was confused.“Yeah. Pretty sure if you tell him that I basically begged you to marry me, I’ll never hear the end of it. He gave me enough shit about that first Pathfinder meeting I ever held.”“What were his words? Begging is an interesting strategy?” Reyes laughed as Scott groaned, giving him a wink. “That’s not how you should be begging, mi amor.”“Oh, my apologies,” Scott licked his lips, looking at Reyes through his lashes. “Please enlighten me, sir.”Reyes gave a slow smile as he leaned in to kiss Scott again.

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Kadara was a place Sara had little problem coming back too. After the showdown that resulted in Sloane’s death, Reyes was busy solidifying the Collective as the ruling power in Kadara Port, and Sara was off planet not being further implicated. Besides, who knew what had happened elsewhere in the week she spent planet side. She had her hands full with the Nexus, Eos, Roekaar and co-ordinating strikes with Evfra and the Resistance on Voeld.That wasn’t to say the messages between her and Reyes weren’t happening. A few a day, at the very least. Simple, innocuous looking messages that helped immensely to imagine him actually saying. Some with that playful tone, others with a smile and a wink. Neither of them were willing to say anything that could be intercepted.If she was extremely transparent sending them back to Kadara two weeks later, she really didn’t care. That she had a message from Reyes simple saying “Tartarus” and a time, well… she didn’t think anyone would say anything right to her face. Well, anyone but Drack.So here she was, strolling into Reyes’ private room. Sara would never tire of how his eyes lit up when he saw her, the smile that came to his face as he stood to greet her.“Fashionably late.” Reyes murmured before he kissed her.Sara could definitely see how he got the nickname ‘Shena’. His kisses always left a flutter in stomach and she loved those little moans he made. He was always slick with words and she couldn’t help but wonder what else his mouth was good at. How they hadn’t slept together yet, she hadn’t figured out. She had no inclination to rush him into something though. There was plenty of time yet.“Don’t want you thinking I’m too eager.” Sara quirked her mouth into a small smile. “But I am glad to see you again.”“It’s been too long. I was thinking of a late night drive?”“Should I even ask? I mean a drive at,” she glanced at her omni-tool. “Just after one on Kadara?”“If anyone tries to shoot at us, we can handle it. Besides, I do think it’s worth it.”There was no way Sara could resist the silent question asked with that raised brow. “We can take the Nomad in thirty. Liam is offloading it now. It’s always the first thing he does here.”“Ah, time for a drink then.”In all honesty, the time passed quicker than Sara would have like. It felt like she just settled down beside Reyes, her very diluted tavum in hand when he was getting them going. He’d had to answer two messages, but Sara was honestly surprised it wasn’t more. Some days, she couldn’t even get through breakfast without receiving ten messages.When they got to the Nomad and she saw something neatly secured into the backseat, she looked at him. “Reyes, what are you up to?”“Nothing. I just figured you probably had eaten much. So I arranged a snack.”“Uh huh,” Sara wished her stomach hadn’t picked that moment to growl like eiroch. “That looks more like a full meal.”“Snack, meal,” Reyes shrugged with a coy smile. “If we’re out late enough, we can have breakfast and watch the sunrise.”Sara got in and buckled up, sure he could see her blush as he did the same. “Where to Reyes?”“Kurinth’s Valley.”“Damn, you really wanted a late night drive, didn’t you?” Sara hit the start button, letting engine go through its start up revs before she got going. “I mean, there are easier ways to get me in a smaller space you know.”“If I was going to do that, I like to think I could do better than your vehicle.”“Ever the gentleman.” Sara paused, sliding Reyes a look. “Hasn’t it occurred to you that maybe I don’t want you to be a gentleman, all the time?”Now it was Reyes’ turn to blush, she could just make it out in the low interior light. But Reyes had a small grin and his voice was low as he easily replied,“That can be arranged.”For once in her life, Sara stuck to the roads using the low beams to thread their way through the mountainous terrain. Better that than breaking both their necks with an unexpected cliff side. The drive up took them nearly an hour, but the entire time they talked. Reyes had endless questions about her work on Prothean digs and what she thought of the Remnant technology scattered through Heleus. And Reyes was far more forthcoming about himself that she expected. He had come to Andromeda to be someone, to be more than some orphan from the great teeming masses from the Santiago megatropolis of his childhood. His disillusionment with the Initiative was palpable, and having dealt extensively with Tann and Addision she really couldn’t fault him for that.Sara had meant it when she said he could have his secrets. It was the big things that mattered more in her opinion. So when he got a little too quiet after some questions, all Sara did was slow down a bit and take his hand to give it a gentle squeeze. Reyes always gave her a chagrined smile and soft squeeze back. For all they wanted to be together, they were still adjusting to each other in small ways. Getting into Kurinth’s Valley is what made her fall a bit quiet. It was silly, but she half expected another Architect to come swarming out of the ground and attack. A soft squeeze to her hand made her look over, startled a bit to find Reyes giving her a gentle smile.“We’ll go out armed. There’s some more weapons stashed under the other backseat.”Sara huffed but smiled, feeling relief. “Always full of surprises.”“Good ones.”If anything, Sara was quickly developing a weakness for that smile and a wink from those hazel eyes. She parked the Nomad out of easy sight in a little niche of Remnant stacks. A midnight picnic in the middle of nowhere with Reyes Vidal. Good thing she hadn’t told Cora, the woman would have blown something. A fuse, a gasket… her head. All Liam had done was nod and wave her off saying to give him a ring if things went south. She wasn’t too sure what Liam would come to the rescue in, but the man was resourceful.The night air felt a bit cooler as she got out but she was honestly too busy staring at the sky overhead. A hand settling on her waist made her look over to see Reyes, the light from his omni-tool set to low. His smile was a bit shy as he gave a half shrug.“Does Sara Ryder approve?”Her stomach did that fluttery thing again as she leaned in to kiss him. “Definitely,” she murmured, thumb stroking along his jaw. “Set a whole mood and everything.”“I can’t deny that’s what I was going for. This…”For once Reyes had no words, quietly taking in the sight before him. Sara slipped an arm around his hips, moving in a bit closer. It was a sky thick with stars, more than she had ever seen on any planet back in the Milky Way. Just a wide expanse of stars with a backdrop of the golden galaxy and all edged by the shadowy Kadara mountains.“It’s better with the company.” Sara stated quietly.Reyes’ smile widened but his reply was preempted by her growling stomach. He laughed as he held up the small hamper. “Shall we get you fed?”Suddenly, that sounded like the best damn thing Sara had ever heard. It didn’t take long to set the blanket out and dig into the hamper. It looked like a lot of light foods, fruit, vegetables, secure little drink packs and packets of meat. It was even better when Reyes fed her little tidbits, his gaze fixing on her lips when she kissed and nibbled on his fingertips.“You really don’t want me to be a gentleman.”The dark tone to his voice sent a thrill through her, making her shift with anticipation. She picked up his hand, tracing over the lines on his palm before she settled it on her crotch, pressing up against it hard. She could hear Reyes’ sharp inhale as she leaned in.“I think,” she whispered in his ear, sucking gently on the lobe. “That you should really show me how you got the nickname Shena.”The low groan he gave sent heat racing through her but it was when he kissed her that she felt like she was on fire. Suddenly, she hated this damned light armour and she couldn’t pressed against his hand hard enough. His mouth was definitely good enough, tongue teasing hers before he broke off to kiss down her neck. The light scrape of his teeth had her breathing harder, rolling her hips against his hand.Goddamn, she was really hating her armour now. And his, since all she could really do was slide a hand down between them and palm at his clothed crotch. Oh, and this blanket, especially when she had that nice, big bed back on the Tempest. That was when her omni-tool flashed and SAM’s voice broke the silence.“Pathfinder, I feel it prudent to warn you that there is an anomalous signal closing in on your and Mr Vidal’s location. They will arrive in less than five minutes.”Sara was breathing hard, her brain almost automatically snapping back into Pathfinder mode. Almost because she just had to drink in the sight of Reyes in the low light, hair dishevelled with lips all kiss-bitten and his hazel eyes seemed to glow.“Can you identify it, SAM?” her own voice was hoarse and Sara wondered what she looked like to him.“One moment. Processing.” Was SAM quick reply.“Hm, I wondered why I didn’t hear from SAM sooner,” Reyes got up to sit on his haunches. “Sara?”Oh God, the way he said her name with his voice like that. Whoever interrupted this was dead. “I engaged privacy mode before I came to visit you.”“Oh,” Reyes did sound intrigued. “SAM, who is paying us a visit?”“Their ID signal marks them as Outcast. A small troop, estimated at seven along with a Hydra.”“Well they’re in for the worst game of hide and seek ever.” Sara got to her feet now, unclipping her assault rifle. “SAM, patch in thermal-vision to an ocular overlay.”There was a moment of silence from SAM. “Acknowledged Pathfinder. They are two minutes out. I suggest you take cover.”“If they have reinforcements, ensure Liam Kosta gets the message that it’s gone south, with our last approximate co-ordinates.” Sara looked to where Reyes was waiting with his own gun. “Stay on my six.”“I have no problem with that.” Reyes gave a smile, cocking his gun.“You say that now…” Sara let her fist crackle with biotics.“So the view from your six will be better. Shall we go say hello?”Sara decided to start it off with a bang. A few bright red thermal shapes appeared a bit ahead of her and she Charged into them, provoking gunfire for all of three seconds. The shots bounced off her shields and she slammed down a Nova, sending bodies flying. She turned catching the dim glow of an omni-tool and realized Reyes left it on purposefully. With her biotics fading, she melted back into the darkness and the remaining shots were pinning Reyes down as the whine of the Hydra powering up shots came.So much for that plan.She moved like a Wraith in the darkness, the flash of her biotics the only telltale sign of where she was. She flickered them to distract the Hydra and the other assailants, their gunfire letting Reyes pick them off one by one. Though there was the blue crackle of an Overload and then the bright orange bloom of a Flamethrower. Sara felt confident they’d be done mopping up soon when SAM intoned,“Message sent to Liam Kosta,” a few moments and then, “He expects his ETA to be thirty minutes.”“They had reinforcements!” Sara dashed over to where Reyes was still in cover. “Kosta won’t be here for another thirty.”Reyes swore. “How many reinforcements, SAM?”“Two more troops.”“And how long until they show up?”The silence from SAM was too long and then, “One minute.”Now Reyes was swearing even more now. Sara was trying to figure out just how to get past the Hydra when a missile slammed into their cover. There was an ominous groan from the ground and Sara felt it flex beneath her feet. She barely managed to grab Reyes before the ground fell out beneath them. Everything moved, half blurred from falling dirt. But the ground was clear enough and she held on to Reyes tighter, firing her jetpack intermittently to slow their descent. They were still gonna land hard and Sara brought her barrier up and turned so she took the brunt of the fall.Still hurt like hell though and she’d be lucky if her jetpack was working properly after that hit. Reyes scrambled off her, gun up as he offered her a hand. Her back was protesting a bit as she took it and got up, eyes scanning around.“Not how I wanted to wind up underneath you.” She spotted her rifle, and dashed for it.Reyes chuckled even as he looked up at the hole they fell through. “You don’t think there’s a chance they’ll stay up there.”“Doubt it.” As if just to drive the point home, the sound of jetpacks firing up came. “Let’s go! SAM, map the place as we go so we don’t get lost.”Now it really was a game of cat and mouse, in a cave full of what seemed like glowing green crystals. At least these guys had a shred of intelligence and didn’t resort to grenades. It gave them an advantage that they pressed. And with SAM guiding them, they managed to flank and ambush clumps of the Outcasts before darting back into the frankly confusing maze of crystals. Reyes would strip their shields to let them take the full brunt of her biotics. Or she’d run in and distract them before a quick Blink got her out of the path of Reyes’ Flamethrower. It was only when SAM declared that there was no one else left that Sara lowered her gun.“Okay, next time, I pick the place.” Sara came to crouch down beside Reyes. “I’m fairly sure I can find some spot on Eos where things won’t try to kill us.”“All that sand gets in places.” Reyes glanced at her before turning his attention back to the crystal.“Voeld?”“I prefer to not freeze.”“… I’m sure as hell not gonna suggest the Nexus.”That got Reyes to laugh before he held up the crystal. “Do you know what this is?”“Looks familiar,” Sara took it from him, surprised to feel a faint buzz from it. It felt like… “Meditation crystals?”“Raw, unprocessed meditation crystals. This is a cave of wonders.” Reyes was already looking around.“I think you mean the cave of credits,” Sara looked around. “Sixty, forty.”Reyes countered with, “Fifty, fifty.”“No, pretty sure you mean sixty, forty. Between my jetpack and biotics…” she trailed off with a smile.“You drive a hard bargain,” Reyes put the crystal back down. “SAM, how long until Mr, Kosta shows up?”“Twenty minutes Mr. Vidal.”Sara laughed at the displeased expression on Reyes’ face. “There’s always later. But we do have right now, Shena.”“Later might sooner than you realise. After all, you don’t precisely want me to be a gentleman.”Sara’s laugh dissolved into a moan as Reyes kissed her. If Liam showed up late, she really wouldn’t mind it.
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Liam had thought he had fucked up with the whole mess with Verand and rescuing her from Calot. So when Ryder had taken it in stride, he’d breathed a sigh of relief and swore he’d stop doing stupid shit. It was also why he didn’t question too closely when Ryder said she was heading out for the night and to keep an ear out in case she needed back up. Liam had nodded and said to give a ring if she needed it. With everything Ryder did, she definitely deserved a night off. She probably wouldn’t really get it, but she did deserve it. Sure enough, the message from SAM had come. He’d grabbed Drack and both of them had managed to squeeze into the small exploration pod and race all the damn way out to Kurinth’s Valley. Freakin’ Kurinth’s Valley. What Ryder was doing out here so late, Liam wasn’t too sure he wanted an explanation.It was easy enough to spot where Ryder and Vidal had been ambushed. The scorch marks were barely visible in the predawn light. It was the bodies and empty Hydra that made it far more obvious. And oh yeah, the giant freaking hole in the ground that seemed to be glowing a pale green.“I never want to ride in that tin can with you again.” Drack got out, half his bones creaking in protest. “Looks like the kid had fun.”“Yeah, tell me about it. Let’s see where she is.”Liam had his assault rifle out and Drack already had his Ruzad in hand. They swept through the area, finding the parked Nomad and what looked like the scattered and trampled remains of a picnic. A midnight picnic, really? He edged closer to the hole, before he called down.“Ryder?”There was a muffled curse and then, “You couldn’t have been another ten minutes?!”The echo of Reyes’ laugh confirmed that Liam had definitely interrupted something. He stood there, awkwardly wondering just what he should say. Not that he had to because Drack solved that problem.“Want some time to finish your rutting?”“Drack!” Liam seriously wondered about the old krogan sometimes.Sara’s sigh may have echoed but damn if the frustration wasn’t clear as a bell. “Just get us out of here, please.”“Can do. Hang on a tic.” Liam called before he headed back to the pod, Drack right behind him.“Gonna winch ‘em out?”“Yeah, easier and we don’t have to worry about falling in ourselves. And really you can’t go asking things like that.”Drack just shrugged. “Fight like that, two against all those people. I’d be looking for a rut too.”“More than I ever wanted to know about you.” Liam stated. “Man, she can’t even go out date without it ending in a firefight.”“I know right. Imagine if she decides to marry the guy,” Drack laughed. “Firefight of the century.”Liam shook his head, fighting down a laugh as he grabbed the winch cord and started unspooling some length. “Definitely do not let either of them hear you say that. Pretty sure you don’t have enough parts left to survive that.”

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This was insanity. The literal actual definition of it. Well, one of them. Extreme foolishness or irrationality. That was the only possible explanation for his actions. He had no business coming to Double Down. Too many spoiled deals, too many irate assholes who felt cheated… this was Omega. There were any other number of places he could have gone to. Hell, even Afterlife would have been better, even if Aria’s goons watched him a little too closely.But Double Down was the only place where Reyes Vidal was singing. The man had made himself known for singing old Earth songs and people flocked to this bar for his Friday night act.Scott always made sure to come early so he could get a decent spot. He was sure he was spending too many creds on drinks in a month, but he didn’t care. Ever since the AI scandal with his dad, Scott had to claw and bleed even for any work, just to survive. Sara was gone in the wind, their mother dead from AEND and Alec Ryder had died penniless and disgraced.But not before the asshole had managed to send his legacy to Scott. The only thing that saved Scott from the fucking AI that downloaded into his brain was his next door neighbour. They were a medic and found him convulsing on his apartment floor. They figured shit out quick and hardlined him into the little black box he received.Thirty six hours later, Scott had a permanent passenger in his brain and and endlessly fascinated neighbour by the name of T’Perro who said she’d help out when necessary.He shook his head, studying his overpriced drink. Asari brandy always made him too damn thoughtful. What he needed to be doing was paying attention to the room. Already he was getting a few looks. All his usual spots at the back were taken and so here he was with a table smack dab in the middle of the room. Worst spot ever. Scott really hoped no one came over and started shit. Last thing he needed was to wind up in a brawl at one of his favourite place. Not to mention brawling was expensive if you didn’t clear out fast enough.The lights dimmed and Scott took a hasty sip before settling in his chair and getting comfortable by slinging his free arm along the back. A spotlight hit the front stage, an asari sitting at the worn looking piano. But the notes that came out sounded like something from a baby grand. And perched right there on a stool in a the neatest black slim cut suit, bowtie perfectly placed was Reyes Vidal.He looked like something from a different time altogether and far too damn good for the likes of Omega. Then the piano started a peppy little number and Reyes was singing.It was magic when Reyes Vidal sang. That smooth baritone always made the harshness of life disappear. It was just this small room, Reyes and the piano player. This was why Scott came, pissed away so many credits on drinks. He’d probably be back next Friday too if he could be, like some crazed sailor dashing himself on the rocky shoals of Double Down, drawn in by Reyes.The piano notes changed, sounding a bit melancholic and then Reyes was singing about a young man, who had a song and style. How he came to see him, and listened for a bit to the person who was a stranger to his eyes.What was new was how he slowly walked out into the audience, singing all the while. Heads turned and followed him just like the spotlight did. Scott absently took another sip of his drink but he damned near choked when Reyes turned and looked right at him. Those hazel eyes gleamed as he wove around a table, making straight for Scott. Sure enough the spotlight settled right on them as Reyes paused right in front of him.“He sang as if he knew me, in all my dark despair, then he looked right through me as if I wasn’t there,” Reyes settled down on Scott’s lap, his free hand sliding over Scott’s shoulder to the nape of his neck to delicately draw his fingertips against the skin there. “But he just came to singing, singing loud and clear.”Scott couldn’t look away even if he wanted to. He was mesmerized by Reyes freaking Vidal sitting in his lap and singing but then he was sliding away, still singing. His hand almost moved, anything to keep Reyes there. He settled for gripping his glass tighter and leaving his arm along the back of his chair.But then Reyes winked and Scott was now absolutely sure of a few things. His face was redder than red, and judging from the daggers he could feel being stared into his back he needed to be very careful walking back home tonight. He shifted, pulling his chair in to his table more. There was no way he was surviving if Reyes pulled that stunt again. If he didn’t die from all the blood rushing to his dick, it was gonna be a knife in the back.As much as the tension had him itching to leave, he was not getting out of his chair until his drink was done and Reyes was finished singing.It would be rude to do anything less, after all.
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If Sara were here, she’d call him any number of things. Idiotic. Insane. Glutton for punishment. But here he was back at Double Down, just like he’d been for the past month. The bouncer always eyed him suspiciously now but let him in.When Reyes Vidal decided to tease you in the spotlight, people took notice. They really didn’t like it, but they definitely took notice.Scott was pretty sure his sole saving grace was that the fights happened outside the bar. He always managed to wipe the floor with them and once left two limping home from shot-out kneecaps. Then there was the time his buddy Liam Kosta was passing by and jumped in to save his skin. All he came away with that time was a a busted lip and slash across his arm. Liam’s black eye was eclipsed by his smug grin and very prying questions. It was nothing serious, but T’Perro had tutted and patched them up.“I do not understand why you are returning to this place,” SAM confused tone came through their private link. “The probability of you being attacked again is in the 90th percentile.”“You factor in Reyes putting me on display again?” Scott muttered into his drink.A pause from SAM and then, “In the 99th percentile range.”“Call me selfish.” Scott shrugged as he took a sip. “Even with all the fights, this is the one bright spot in my life okay? Don’t ruin it.”SAM didn’t have a response to that and Scott sighed in relief. It always felt risky talking to SAM in public, he preferred to avoid if he could. Not much he could do about it now. T’Perro had made it clear that trying to extract SAM would kill him. Alec Ryder, still messing up his life, even from beyond the grave. He downed his drink and signalled to the waitress for a new one. They brought it over promptly and Scott was surprised when they delicately slid a folded square of paper their way along with the drink.“With Mr Vidal’s compliments.”He stared at his brandy as the bartender hurried off. Now Reyes Vidal was buying him a drink? He picked it up, swirling the glass around before taking a sniff. Nothing smelled off, as far as he could tell from the scent. A quick dunk of a fingertip and a drop of liquid on his tongue told him that it tasted fine. Hell, he didn’t care how rude it was, he quickly scanned the glass, really hoping this wasn’t the worst poisoning attempt known to any species.“I detect no foreign substances in the drink.”Scott picked up the glass, tilting it as he contemplated the greenish tinted blue liquour. With the compliments of Mr Vidal, huh? He took a sip before he studied the glass once more. No denying it, Reyes had some excellent taste. He looked at the folded square in front of him, tapping a finger thoughtfully against it. One thing he definitely wasn’t gonna do was look at it here. Too many prying and jealous eyes. He tucked it away just as the lights dimmed and the pianist came on. Thank god he got a seat in the back. He blended into the shadows and there was no way Reyes could find him tonight.Certainly didn’t stop the man from being bewitching everyone with nothing more than the spotlight and a microphone.And it certainly didn’t stop three morons from trying to jump him on the way home. Jealousy was an ugly thing. A busted arm, a few busted noses and a thorough beat-down hopefully got that message across.
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“So, let me see if I’ve got this straight. You’ve been going to some club for a few weeks now to listen to some guy sing. You get a piece of paper, actual paper from him, and you don’t look at it?”Scott knew that caving and asking Liam for advice was probably gonna be like shooting himself in the foot. “Look, I just need an objective ear is all. I’m just…” he made a vague gesture around his face before making a sound of frustration.“I think you’re an idiot for passing up a booty call. Every one’s talking about Vidal. Surprised Aria hasn’t offered him employment. Or blackmailed him into it.” Liam shook his head. “Why are you so chickenshit to look at the paper anyhow?”Scott just shrugged as he loaded another heat sink into his rifle. Maybe because unopened the paper couldn’t disappoint him. Maybe he wanted the world from a tiny piece of paper when it was probably just gonna be another kick from life. Their target entrance exploded with their timed charges and they rushed in, easily taking down the guards in the room.Working a job with Liam was always a good time. They got along and even more surprisingly, Liam usually kept his words barring extenuating circumstances. The guy had enough tricks up his sleeve, it would give STG pause. Like looping the security feeds with spliced video with correct timestamps. Like… who thought of that, much less cobbled it together on the fly?All Liam ever said was he knew a turian once with the biggest drive ever for vengeance and justice. When Scott asked who it was, all Liam had answered with was a shrug and, “They’re dead.”But Liam was cut a bit from that same cloth but left tattered by Omega. Not that Scott should be complaining, they were in the building, no alarm was raised and Liam was busy with something at a console.“All right, we have ten minutes to get in, grab it and get the hell out. Not a second later because God knows we’ll have Blood Pack on our tails soon enough if we dawdle.”“Well then.” Scott made sure he set his ammo to incendiary. “Chop chop.”They silently swept in, guns at the ready and even more so when they found their target and managed to get out quietly. Not that Scott was taking any chances. They hightailed it out through the service ducts and into the dangerous rabbit warren of the fans. If you knew the timing sequence, there was a very low probability of being chopped up or accidentally sucked out into space or into raw eezo dust down in the mines. Something SAM was actually useful for. They made it to an abandoned service tunnel, the whirr of the fans starting up behind them a few minutes later and only then Scott breathed a sigh of relief. The fans also helped to disperse their scent because vorcha might as well be damned bloodhounds. A silent alert from his omni-tool made him look up to see Liam grinning.“BLOODY WELL LOOK AT IT!!” was the sole message. And apparently Liam never ever bothered to turn off his capslock.Scott rolled his eyes, getting comfortable on one of the storage crates and digging out a ration bar from a pocket before quickly wolfing it down. Liam was doing the same, all the while giving pointed looks. In a way Scott was glad they couldn’t talk here. The massive fans tended to carry sound so silence was required. But hell, Liam could be like a dog with a bone some times. He dug into his pocket, pulling out the square of paper. He unfolded it, while Liam at least pretended to give him privacy.It was a single line. An extranet address. Reyes Vidal’s extranet address.Suddenly, that little paper was a wide, terrifying possibility. Terrifying because Scott couldn’t see any scenario where this ended well.And now he was stuck here with a terrifying piece of paper that he couldn’t even burn to completely destroy the evidence. The smoke would be a dead give away. And that just left him feeling more frustrated.Liam was definitely looking at him a few seconds later when he stuffed the piece of paper into his mouth, chewing furiously until he swallowed it. There evidence definitely destroyed. Liam pulled up his omni-tool, typing furiously.

WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST EAT IT??!?!!!

No evidence now.

Liam was staring at him like he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen. RYDER, I VERY RARELY SAY THIS, SO LISTEN CLOSE, YEAH? YOU’RE A FUCKING TWAT.Scott simply shrugged. There was no way he could reply to Reyes now. He had to keep low for at least two weeks to ensure the Blood Pack stayed off his tail. The last thing he wanted to do was drawn Reyes into the messy complication of his life.After a moment of thought, all Scott could do was sigh. He was gonna miss Double Down.
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Not going to Double Down made the days stretch out too damn long. Their client was happy and paid out their fee, even with the hefty “24 hour guarantee” addendum. What Scott was more concerned with at that point was staying alive to enjoy his big payout. He’d spent the past two weeks crashing at flophouses, going to boltholes and just keeping on the move through the myriad of tunnels, service corridor and ever dangerous fan system. It had worked and he was sure the enraged Blood Pack leader wouldn’t find him, much less connect him and Liam to the theft. He’d gotten reports that the Blood Pack leader complained that hunting down a wraith was damned impossible.At least walking through the Kumi District was relatively safe. No obvious guns and attempted shakedowns. Scott walked along the familiar path, opened the door with a press of his thumb and stepped inside. He leaned against the door, taking a breath.That was all he got to take, since the unfamiliar rustle of clothes had him reaching for his pistol. Please don’t let it be someone out for his blood. He liked this apartment, paid dearly for the spacious spot. His hackles rose as he stepped into the apartment. Ice clinked against glass and he had his pistol raised on instinct. As he came down the few steps to the living room, he could see a slim figure was stretched out along his couch. There was a black jacket draped over the arm. The bowtie was undone, dangling from underneath the collar and hazel eyes were fixed right on Scott.Reyes fucking Vidal stretched out on his couch like he owned the place.“Breaking and entering usually means you get shot.” Scott holstered his pistol.“What’s a man to do when you don’t call or write? You vanished like a ghost. What should I think?” Reyes tilted the glass to him. “Excellent whiskey by the way. Milgrom is no T88, but still good.”For a few moments, all Scott could do was look at Reyes. What the hell did the man want from him exactly? Friendship could be a fickle thing, he had learned that the hard way. Lovers even more so. He’d been burned one too many times before. Couldn’t deny how much he wanted though, looking at Reyes.“So you’re here for something, Mr Vidal. I don’t usually accept contracts this way.”Reyes shook his head. “No contract. You hadn’t been by in a few weeks, that’s all. Just wanted to make sure you were still alive.”Shit, he wasn’t supposed to notice. Why was Reyes noticing that he wasn’t there? Scott swallowed as he shrugged. “Can’t keep drinking all the top shelf shit at Double Down.”“Is that what you’re telling yourself, querido?” Reyes chuckled as he got up, resting his glass on the table. “Omega is full of liars and charlatans. I know a lie when I see one.”“Why do you care if I show up or not? I’m a private contractor, I could have been shot up on a job. We’re a dime a dozen.”Reyes clicked his tongue, before he half sung, “Querido, here of all places you should see no masks, to come to your home and hearth, aren’t we past all that? I thought we had something, had to find out. Had to come here and see, at least take my shot.”The lull of his voice, his hand sliding along the shoulder armour to rest on the nape of Scott’s neck, fingers gently stroking the fine hairs there. Scott couldn’t explain why something just cracked inside him. If Reyes was offering what Scott thought he was… at this point, he didn’t care if he wound up dead in a gutter because of it. He slid a hand along Reyes’ arms, the muscles leading to the smooth curve of shoulder and down a solid back to the small just about the curve of Reyes’ ass.“You’re innocent, gonna get caught in my crossfire. I don’t want you dead because of me.”Reyes raised a brow at that before he gave a dry chuckle. “This is Omega. Very few people here are entirely innocent. We’re all charlatans, thieves and liars to some degree,” his fingers traced down Scott’s stubbled jaw. “And did you not think that maybe you may wind up dead because of me?”Now that made Scott laugh. “They’ve been trying for a few weeks and failed.”“Ever had a Blood Pack member obsessed with you? Makes life tricky.”Scratch that. Scott was probably gonna wind up smashed to a pulp in a ditch. Maybe not if he got to the krogan first, with the right backup. But Reyes was so close, with the warmth of his body and the promise of his lips… Scott was helpless to resist. He took a half-step back, queuing up some tracks from his omni-tool. The opening strains played through the apartment and Reyes’ smiled as Scott bowed, holding his hand out.“Then may I have this dance?”Reyes smiled as he took his hand and Scott pulled him in close as they swayed to the music. Then Scott felt the whisper of Reyes’ breath against his ear as he sang along..“I put a spell on you, because you're mine.”Scott tightened his arms around Reyes, kissing him with everything he had. God help him, he really was under Reyes’ spell. For as long as he wanted him, Scott would stay by his side. And if someone wanted Reyes, they’d get to him over his dead body.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Scott was officially done with today. Especially since it had actually started 72 hours ago. They were chasing down some leads on potential new homeworlds. Something about some of the settlers on Kadara wanting to strike out fresh and give Kadara back to the angara.Keema had sent Reyes along in some official capacity to help the Pathfinder “ascertain the viability of planetary locales for both human and angaran suitability”. Scott was 99% sure Keema sent Reyes along so they would have some time, relatively undisturbed. And maybe to get Reyes out of her proverbial hair for a little while.And it had been going well until they received an emergency distress signal and had to divert all the way to the Shojaon system. It was way worse when they got there and arrived at Pas-48. Kallo and Suvi’s initial scans showed that the kett had been busy building what looked like another facility, similiar in size to the one on Voeld. SAM estimated the structure to be about 45% complete. The distress signal had been sent by a small human-angaran mining settlement. A small settlement that had been captured.Not on Scott’s damn watch. And hadn’t that been a fun debrief, with Scott asking Reyes to stay behind to ensure their extraction. Because with something like this, going in with Resistance tactics was the best bet. Small strike teams, quick and quiet and most importantly, gone before the kett put two and two together.There had been two teams, with Scott, Jaal and Cora. Liam was running the other with Drack and a few other Resistance members who would meet them onsite.Reyes, Vetra and Peebee would be the cavalry.All Reyes had done was nod, but from the way his mouth tightened and he looked at Scott, he wasn’t pleased in the slightest. When Scott had announced it would take them at least 24 hours to get the job done, Reyes’ had narrowed his gaze but remained silent. Really not pleased then.After that it was a flurry of prep, with them deploying soon after they arrived. No sense in losing the element of surprise and letting the kett bring in more reinforcements. Scott barely had time to take in the gorgeous auroras that filled the sky before he was fighting. The comms alternated between dead silence and the wild chatter that made battle.It also took longer than a day. The kett really were trying to dig in and Scott would be damned if they set up another wretched exaltation facility. Anything to see that didn’t happen and to rub one in the Primus’ face.SAM had given him warnings, that he needed to eat and rest, at least for a bit. All Scott had done was ask SAM to override things as safely as possible until the mission was done.Thirty-six hours later, it ended with them extracting all the captured people and blowing the shit out of the half-built facility. It was like Voeld all over again but with the best of both things. The shuttle ride back had been congratulatory and they all looked tired as shit but exuding pride and sheer fucking victory. As soon as they set foot on the Tempest, SAM quietly asked,“I recommend stopping by the galley for food and hydration before I release control.” SAM sounded like he was chiding Scott. “I believe Mr Vidal has enough painkillers on hand.”Painkillers? Scott frowned a bit as he did as SAM asked. He had been living off damned biotic bars for the duration of the mission, something kinda real would be nice. As soon as he was in his quarters, he could see Reyes getting up from the couch to approach him.“Please put your things down Scott.” SAM requested.“I’ll be fine.” Scott started walking to Reyes.“Very well. Engaging privacy mode and releasing now.”Okay, that was new and… holy shit walking was suddenly too much. Everything but breathing was hard. He stopped moving, just trying to take stock. His legs felt worse than jello and the pronounced throb in the soles of his feet made walking seem impossible. As to his arms, he wasn’t entirely sure how he was still holding anything. Scott knew if he moved a single muscle, it would end very badly. Reyes moved quick now, taking things from Scott and dumping them on the coffee table before coming back and tucking himself under Scott’s arm and taking him firmly by the waist to help him to the chair.“So, how brilliant was that idea of yours?”The disapproval coming from Reyes was at official Alec Ryder levels. Awesome. Scott groaned, “SAM told you.” Hell, talking was legitimately the least painful thing right now. Walking these last few steps was beyond murderous.“He requested I meet you in your quarters with a sufficient amount of painkillers to assist you after the fight. Of all the stupid…” Reyes just broke off into a flurry of agitated Spanish as he set Scott down and eased him into the chair.All Scott could do was watch as Reyes carefully stripped him out of his armour, right down to his underwear. The armour and undersuit was neatly stacked off to the side to be dealt with later and there was even a small tub of water. Not that he liked it when his feet went in a few seconds later.“Fuck, it’s freezing cold.” He was too tired to even pull his feet out.“It’ll help your feet. Here.” Reyes popped two pills in his mouth and held the glass of water for him to drink from. “This is probably the stupidest thing I have seen you do. You keep pushing yourself too far.”Scott managed a lopsided grin. “That’s me, King of Stupid Decisions.”“That was not a compliment.” Reyes gave him a flat stare. “You should have taken more backup with you. And you definitely shouldn’t have pushed yourself so hard.”Reyes sat beside him, picking up his hand and studying it for a moment before he started massaging the palm. Scott was honestly gonna say something. He could hear the worry in Reyes’ voice, see it in how he fretted and chided him. But all that came from his mouth was the most indecent moan ever because how were his hands that sore and Reyes just needed to keep working that magic.When he finally worked up enough energy to lift his head and look at Reyes, there was a small smile on the other man’s face.“I’m sorry,” Scott apologized. “C’mere. Your stupid boyfriend pushed himself too hard and can’t really move to give you a kiss.”Reyes clicked his tongue in disapproval before he leaned in pressed a soft kiss to Scott’s mouth. Scott’s hand was forgotten in lieu of soft, feather-light kisses that left Scott wishing he had enough energy to just drag Reyes fully on top of him. When Reyes finally broke off, he nuzzled at Scott’s face with a chuckle.“You should know,” he murmured. “Dr T’Perro is waiting to yell at you as well.”Scott groaned, letting his head fall forward enough to rest against Reyes’. “No thank you, I’d rather have you raking me over the coals.”“That’s a new one.”“I can’t kiss and make up with Lexi.” Scott’s arm damned near screamed in protest as he moved it, cupping the back of Reyes head. “If I let you thoroughly bitch me out, maybe you’ll give me a full body massage?”“So hopeful.” Reyes tutted. “What I had planned required full use of your limbs.”“Such as?” Scott’s stomach clenched in anticipation.All Reyes did was give Scott a positively filthy kiss, full of tongue and heavy breathing like he wanted to possess Scott’s very soul. But then he drew back, giving a soft kiss to the tip of Scott’s nose before he went back to massaging Scott’s hand like he hadn’t stolen the breath from Scott’s lungs.“Later, querido.” Reyes gave him a look. “This is what you need now, not me eating you out and then making making you ride me.”Jesus Christ… “I’d much rather that. Very much. So much more.”Reyes raised a brow as he paused in his hand massage. “Stand up, then. Without SAM’s help.”The one time Scott needed his body to listen, because the spirit was so damn willing. But his body just stayed in the chair, totally not listening or even thinking of co-operating. Reyes chuckled as he resumed the hand massage as Scott whined in displeasure.“Then maybe this will be a valuable lesson.”“That’s cruel, Reyes.”“Oh I don’t know. Should get the lesson across nicely, I think.”“So damn cruel.” Scott pouted.“Love you too.” Reyes quipped back with a smile.

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Reyes didn’t think it would be this hard. He was used to being able to source pretty much any and everything. It was Kadara Port after all, everything could be bought for a price. Anything except this one thing.All his sources, all his contacts came up with nothing. It was mystifying. If he could get a cat, why were dogs so hard to find? He still remembered Scott talking about the dog he had back on Earth, the one he had to rehome before journeying to Andromeda.He knew the Tempest had just docked, it was hard to miss that distinctive black, white and red ship. Scott had been gracious enough to give him a connection to SAM. How he swung that, Reyes didn’t know, but he accepted it and kept his mouth shut about it. But it was certainly useful now. If he knew Scott, he had about thirty minutes before he came to Tartarus.“SAM, if I could ask you something?”“Of course Mr Vidal?” SAM’s measured tone was crystal clear.“How are dogs impossible to find?”“The canid DNA banks are still in cryo storage.”“Cats aren’t.”“The felidae DNA banks were illegally accessed by a tech and felis silvestris catus were propagated before the action was caught.”Reyes had no doubt someone caught a ton of shit for that. But it did tell him that if someone had done it once, another person could do it again. And given how things had settled down a bit after that madcap battle with the Archon on Meridian…“How would one go about getting a dog then?”“Species propagation paperwork should be filed with the DNA bank director as well as Directors Tann and Addison to ensure that proper care is taken with the introduction with a new species to the Heleus cluster.”“SAM, that is not what I wanted to hear. What I want to know is what it would take to get a dog for Scott.”“The Pathfinder’s clearance would expedite the process. Shall I—”“No,” Reyes wanted to shake his head. “I don’t want the Pathfinder to know. Surely there are other avenues to pursue to see this done.”There was a prolonged silence from SAM and then, “As the Pathfinder is outside your door, this is a conversation we shall continue at a later time Mr Vidal.”“Wait—”That was all Reyes got out before the door slid open and Scott stalked in. He flopped down on the seat and snatched up Reyes’ glass of whiskey to drain it in one gulp. Then he filled it up again and sagged back into the seat.“One of these days, I’m gonna shoot Tann. Do know what he actually said to Morda’s face? I don’t like her, but I damn near let her fight him.”Even Reyes had to admit, when Scott told him, his eyebrows rose. Tann was definitely an idiot and if he could pull this off somehow. If anything, he would go to the Nexus himself to give Scott the dog in front of Tann.
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The first part was easy, he didn’t really need a particular breed of dog. Scott had said he adopted his dog from the pound and it was as much a mutt as a mutt could be. SAM was suspiciously quiet until one day, in the middle of a firefight with Roekaar, SAM piped up.“Are you busy at the moment, Mr Vidal?”“A bit,” he returned fire, catching a sharpshooter that was trying to reach the high ground. “What is it?”“Connecting you to Sidera Nyx. One moment.”What the hell, was this SAM’s idea of a joke? Seriously, this fight was nowhere close to wrapping up and—“Hello?” a flanging turian voice came on. A young sounding one. “I was told you’re looking to get a dog and— Is that gunfire?”“Yes, SAM has terrible timing,” Reyes grunted as he lobbed a grenade and ducked back behind cover. “But I am indeed looking for a dog.”“Hm, I can’t do it. I got into so much trouble with the cats and…” Sidera paused as the grenade went off with a loud boom and yells and screams following after the split-second of silence. “But I can put you in touch with someone in the DNA bank. Who exactly is this?”“SAM can get me in touch with the person— One moment.” Reyes dashed to new cover, firing bullets at a Roekaar attempting to set up a turret. The invasion program he fired at it worked quick and the turret identified the enemies and opened fire. “SAM can contact me when the person wants to talk.”“Oh no no no,” Reyes could practically see Sidera shake her head. “That’s not how this goes. No name, no contact. Take it or leave it.”Of course it was. “Reyes Vidal, a pleasure to talk to you Miss Nyx. Are you perhaps related to Vetra?”“She’s my sister!” Sidera sounded delighted now. “And I know all about you Mr Vidal. No worries, I’ll see about that contact for you, if this is for who I think it is,” there was a moment of swearing from Sidera and then, “Gotta go!” before the line cut out.At least now Reyes could focus his attention on the fight. Once the last Roekaar was dead, and they were sweeping through the bodies and base for info, Reyes managed to slip away to a quiet spot. However, SAM did beat him to the punch.“I apologize for the hasty connection Mr Vidal. She was quite insistent on speaking the person wishing to procure a dog.”“It couldn’t have been at any other time?”“No. I was only able to secure the connection for that small window. Her activities are monitored ever since the ‘feline episode’.”Reyes barely smothered a snicker at the delicate tone SAM used. “Understandable then. Are there any other problems you foresee?”“Only one. While species propagation and the DNA banks fall under the purview of Tann, Addison and the DNA bank director, the recently formed Andromeda Council takes great interest in what is revived from the DNA bank. We may have to field a representative with questions.”“Direct them to me and I’ll handle it.” Reyes said. “Pretty sure we can pull this off.”
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In all honesty, Reyes expected to be dealing with Tann or Addison when the call came through. SAM sounded very urgent when he finally called Reyes.“I have the krogan Council member insisting on speaking to Pathfinder Ryder about the revival of canids from the DNA bank,” SAM paused for a moment. “They are not pleased.”Thank god Reyes was at home when this came through. And at least SAM gave him some warning this time. But damn, Sidera worked fast. She hadn’t even gotten in a return call.“All right, put her through SAM.”“Acknowledged. Ryder and Morda have an acrimonous and tense relationship. I will be masking your speech with the Pathfinder’s. Please endeavour to approximate Ryder’s speech patterns as best as possible. Connecting you now.”It was just a few moments and then, “What the hell are you playing at Ryder, wasting resources on pets?”“It’s called diversification of resources,” Reyes snapped. “Did we plan for cats? No, but they’re helping with morale where they are and some people are training them to hunt small game. Dogs can be used in the same capacity and to assist in hunting as well as guarding. Be glad it was dogs I approved because geese are far worse. Now I’ve put in the approval, so quit wasting my time when I have better things to do.”“Pathfinder Ryder,” Morda sounded like she was in full bluster.“It’s approved and I’m done here.”Reyes disconnected the call as he heard an angry growl. After a moment, he sighed and rubbed at his forehead. “How much worse did I just make things for Scott?”“Scott usually is sarcastic with Morda unless he has reached a point that he refers to as ‘done’. Given their recent interactions, Scott is officially on the verge of ‘done’. Morda should suspect nothing.” There was a moment of silence and then, “Sidera Nyx is requesting an immediate call.”“Patch her through.” Reyes waited until he heard the soft beep of a connection. “I understand you wanted to talk to me?”“Man, you work fast. My contact in the DNA bank wants to know what kind of dog you want. She wants to get it started and some out before they try to shut her down.”“Give me a mutt.” Reyes said.“I know, but what kind?” Sidera asked again.Nothing like a translator to take some things literally. “Just a mixed breed dog. When you look at the dog, you can’t quite tell exactly what breed. You can guess some, but don’t really know.”“Okay,” Sidera sounded hesitant. “Can you arrange to smuggle it off the Nexus?”“I shall do you one better: I’ll be there in person to pick it up.”“Oh,” Sidera said with a knowing thrum in her voice. “All right then. I gotta go now. I can hear Morda stomping into Tann’s office, so gonna get this going. Call you later, bye!”“Kids.” Reyes chuckles as the line went dead. “SAM, if they get this started today, how soon until we have dogs?”“Approximately two weeks. Once the process is started, it’s inadvisable to halt it. While yours is first in the queue, I do see some requests for dogs now too.”“How many exactly?”“418 and increasing.”Reyes couldn’t help but smile. That wasn’t precisely a number to shrug at. And if they tried to cancel it, it would be like the cats all over again.“SAM, is there perhaps an urgent reason for the Tempest to come to Kadara?”“You have given me numerous reports of increased Roekaar presence and there have been rumours of kett presence. I shall bring it to the Pathfinder’s attention.”“Since you mention it,” Reyes pulled up his omni-tool. “I just sent you some copies of reports I wrote up on the last few Collective missions I ran where we encountered Roekaar. Does help to have something backing you up. Embroider where you need to.”“Acknowledged. Can I assist you with anything else today, Mr Vidal?”Reyes laughed. “I think I should be asking you that. But no. And thank you SAM.”“You are welcome, Mr Vidal.”“You can call me Reyes, you know.”“I know Mr Vidal.”That was the last thing SAM said and Reyes felt fairly sure the AI was pulling his leg.
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Scott was really damned confused now. They’d spent the past two weeks on Kadara weeding our Roekaar hideouts. They were winning points in Evfra and Keema’s books, which was never a bad thing. But he’d had some words with Morda before coming to Kadara that left him more puzzled and pissed because what the hell was she going on about him lording it up and making such massive and arbitrary decisions.Once they were done, Reyes announced he’d come back with him to the Nexus. That alone left Scott wondering because Reyes had also once said he’d be damned if he set foot on Tann’s little kingdom again.All Reyes had done was shrug and say, “There’s a Council now, right? So they’ll bicker about what to do with me and I’ll be gone by the time they decide.”Then he’d smiled and winked as he strolled onto the Tempest and Scott felt like he really missed something massive. Not that Reyes said a damn thing about whatever it was.“I feel you,” Vetra had commiserated with him one night in the galley over dinner. “Sid’s up to something but damned if I can figure out what. I just hope it doesn’t involved another trap.”“Hell, I’d take a trap. I have no idea what Reyes is up to.”Setting foot on the Nexus… he was desperately confused. Everyone was so damned nice, high fives, grins and waves and shouts of ‘Thank you!’ He had zero damn idea what he supposedly did. Reyes seemed entirely unruffled by it all and Scott finally narrowed his eyes in suspicion as they walked along.“This have anything to do with you?”“Me? I’ve been with you on Kadara this entire time.”“That doesn’t sound like a denial.” Scott pointed out.“I think we should get to your apartment.” Reyes just smiled and kept on walking.“What did you do?” Scott hurried after him. “Reyes!”All Reyes did was turn and wink at him, a wide smile on his face. Scott followed after him, the door to his apartment on the Nexus closing silently behind them. There was Sidera half vanished behind his couch, talking to something.“C’mon you little cutie, they’ll be here any moment.”“Or they already are.” Reyes chuckled.Sidera yelped, jumping up and knocking the couch out, something furry and wriggling in her arms. Scott looked around, eyes settling on a carrier and his heart leapt into his throat.“Reyes,” he asked weakly. “What kind of cat did you get me?”“It’s better than a cat.” Reyes’ smile softened as he tilted his head to Sidera.Scott looked over as she came over and he could see floppy ears, paws everywhere and a tail wagging a mile of minute. Sidera was laughing as she was vigourously sniffed and then she deposited the wriggling bundle in his arms.“You’re welcome Pathfinder.”Scott could barely see through his now blurry vision. He blinked, seeing golden fur splotched with black with clear blue eyes looking up at him. Then big paws were scrabbling at him as his face was licked.“You got me a puppy?!” he managed to ask, holding the animal tighter.“First one in Andromeda.” Sidera grinned as she headed for the door. “I’ll just go now and can one of you please tell Vetra that it was a good thing I did.”All Scott could do was nod as he held the excited puppy in his arms and looked at Reyes. Once the door was shut, he was walking over.“You are impossible, you know that,” Scott hauled him in for a teary kiss. “How the hell did you pull this off? Is this why everyone suddenly loves me again, because you somehow got us dogs?”Reyes shrugged, suddenly looking sheepish. “I wanted to get you a dog. Everyone else is a happy byproduct. I’m very much willing to be the unsung hero here.”“Is this why Morda was so pissy with me?”“I had words with her.”“You’re my damn hero,” Scott kissed him again only to have the puppy break it up. “We have to name him.”“That’s entirely your honour.”“Popcorn II,” Scott didn’t even have to think about it. “In honour of the long passed Popcorn, back on Earth.”“The first dog ever in Andromeda is named Popcorn.” Reyes looked like he was trying to not laugh. “I do like the lack of gravitas.”“And you got everything for him too!” Scott could see a dog bed, a leash and feeding bowls. He set down Popcorn to let him run about.“Mr Vidal wanted you to have as little to worry about as possible initially.” SAM’s smooth voice interrupted.“SAM’s lying, that’s all them. I worried more about the logistics of getting the dog.” Reyes stepped in close, wiping the tears away on Scott’s cheeks. “Please tell me you don’t want a horse. I have no idea where to even put one.”Scott sputtered with laughter. “No horses. Popcorn is more than enough. We’re in another galaxy and you got me a dog. Never let anyone tell you that you’re not incredible.”Now Reyes was quiet, a blush coming to his face. “Anything you want, Scott.”“This. It’s more than enough,” Scott took his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “C’mon, let’s take Popcorn for his first walk.”

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Sure, Scott had that Nexus apartment and his apartment on the downed Hyperion. But Those were all very populated spots now. And if there was one thing Reyes knew, it was that Scott valued his privacy. What Scott basically needed was a private place where he couldn’t easily be reached and a way to get in touch with Sara if need be.When the Andromeda Council offered him first dibs on for his choice of home on any Initiative planet, Scott had respectfully declined. Reyes couldn’t fault his reasoning: anything given by Tann and Addison had to come with fifteen unknown strings attached.The offer from the angarans was an entirely different matter. Not that it was on Aya, no. To be honest, Reyes didn’t think Scott would have accepted if it was on Aya. Lush and tropical as it was, Scott knew about the time share and was loathe to upset it any more than it already had been.Voeld was freezing cold and Reyes made it known in no uncertain terms that if Scott elected to settle there, he’d have better luck getting Akksul to visit.Which left only one planet: Harvarl.With the unchecked growth equalising out from the vault that Scott and SAM repaired, the world was quickly returning back to its original state.Havarl angara did make surprisingly excellent neighbours. Friendly and cordial when you were out and about, and tended to leave you alone to the privacy of your home when you went inside. If someone knocked on the door, it was for an actual emergency. But as one of the few humans allowed on the angaran homeworld, it was exactly the peace and quiet Scott craved.Reyes had to admit, it was nice to escape from the chaos of being the Charlatan once in awhile. Sometimes he entertained the idea of letting the Charlatan go completely and letting Keema solely handle things. The Charlatan had served its purpose…“You’re thinking too hard again.”“Hm?” Reyes lifted his head to look at Scott.They had just finished dinner and were lazing about on an angaran chair that Reyes was sure more cushion than seat. The patio was enclosed, just the glowing leaves with the dim twilight of the starry Havarl night echoing with the ricochet cries of mashukriin overhead. Scott stretched lazily and Reyes felt the muscles tense and bunch before relaxing and spreading again.“You think really loudly.” Scott smiled as he looked at him. “What are you thinking about?”“How have we not been shot by Roekaar yet.” Reyes said dryly.“Seriously? You gotta bring up Roekaar now?” Scott pinched him with a grin.Reyes most certainly did not yelp and squirm away before shoving at Scott. “Just saying…”Scott rubbed at his shoulder. “Wanna head in?”“That would be nice.” Reyes did feel like they were rather tempting fate out here like this. He got up, offering his hand.Scott gave a groan as he sat up and took it. Reyes didn’t waste a moment coaxing him up the rest of the way with a kiss.“Motivated.” Scott enunciated as he got to his feet. “Mind if I just put up the barrier? It’s a nice night.”Reyes nodded as they walked into the home, pausing long enough as Scott activated the wall barrier with a flash of light. It was a good enough compromise. If Roekaar attacked, it would buy them enough time to grab their pistols and portable barriers.“Are we still watching Gunslinger Ando?”“Yes!” Scott sounded far too stoked. “We’re on five now. Dalatrass’ Wrath, the best one in the series, I don’t care what Kosta says.”Reyes smiled. “Pretty sure we’ve got popcorn and tavarv, so—” he paused as the ominous rumble of thunder came now. “I knew it was too good to last.”“It rains here a lot. Feels a bit like Debundscha back on Earth.” Scott had his omni-tool out and was queuing up the vid.They could turn on the heating unit, but Reyes definitely preferred the personal touch in this case. “Get the blankets and I’ll get the snacks and drinks.”Reyes headed for the kitchen. There was quiet for a moment and then, “The chair!” before he heard an almighty crash not even five seconds later. When Reyes dashed out of the kitchen he found Scott on the floor, holding his face while the barrier glowed with the fading imprint of a body.Reyes would not laugh. This was an entirely serious moment… with his boyfriend… on the ground… because he ran into a kinectic barrier… that he set up himself. To be fair, he really did try to keep it together, at least for Scott’s wounded pride. But mostly because he wasn’t too sure if he could really keep it together for much longer. By the time he knelt by Scott’s side, he was biting on his lip, trying to keep the laughter in.Scott, still holding his face, gave him a look before thickly mumbling, “I bit my tongue.”Reyes fell to pieces, the laughter tumbling about of him. There wasn’t much he could do about a bitten tongue and Scott looking chagrined as he sat up just set Reyes off even more.“But you…” He trailed off, wiping at the tears that were forming at his eyes.“I know.” Scott glanced outside. “Ah shit.”What Reyes really needed was for Scott to stop talking because it just kept making him laugh. But he could hear the rain drumming on the roof and yeah, the chair outside were soaked now. Not much to do about that. Once his laughter subsided some, he tilted Scott’s face. Didn’t look like his nose was broken and he had a little goose egg on his head.“You’ll live.” Reyes managed.“Yay.” Scott deadpanned, his voice still thick. When Reyes started giggling again, Scott mused, “You’re enjoying this way too much.”“I do wonder about you sometimes,” Reyes was dong a terrible job at this. “Local Andromeda Man runs into Barrier He Set Up.”“I’m not Local Andromeda Man.”“Local Andromeda Man walks into kett base, says ‘Fight Me’.” Reyes pursed his mouth, trying to not just outright laugh. “Or perhaps,” a giggle slipped out, “Local Andromeda Man flies though Scourge; ‘No Big Deal’ he claims.”“Local Andromeda Man flings self from cliff; says jetpack will break his fall, ” SAM’s smooth voice interrupted. “Or perhaps, ‘Local Andromeda Man shoots eiroch, immediately regrets decision.”“Wow, you too SAM?” Scott sounded mournful.Reyes was officially loosing it, wiping frantically at the tears from his eyes. “I’m dating Local Andromeda Man.” He wheezed a few minutes later.“Your bedside manner sucks.” Scott proclaimed as he got to his feet. “And I’m not Local Andromeda Man.”“Scott, I love you very much,” Reyes got to his feet and gently kissed the smooth spot on Scott’s forehead. He couldn’t help but giggle before he managed to evenly say, “But you are very much Local Andromeda Man.”

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In all honesty, Reyes counted himself extremely lucky. He’d been caught by the edge of a Throw and wound up in a lake. A non-deadly and non-corrosive lake of perfectly good water, thank you very much Scott and SAM. He’d seen enough people go flying up and away to splatter on the side of a mountain or simply just go up to dizzying heights only to plummet back down with gravity. Comparatively speaking, winding up in a lake was nothing.He was swimming his way back to shore, where his amused backup slung a rifle back onto her shoulder.“I do have to say Reyes, I have never seen a human bounce off water like that. Three times before you finally stayed down.”Reyes reached the shallows and started wading out, water sluicing off. “Yes, thank you Jataa. Did you get it?”“One data disc,” she held up the small square before tucking it back away. “Shall we go celebrate a job well done?”“An excellent idea,” Reyes shivered as a breeze kicked up, though he masked it by shaking water off his sodden outfit. “And I can warm up properly. Getting cold out here.”
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It wasn’t a good thing to see the smile on Scott’s face slip away to be replaced with worry. He hadn’t seen Scott for nearly two straight weeks. Jataa at least had only shot him concerned looks when she thought he wasn’t looking and she caught all the time he muffled clearing his throat. Loudly and repeatedly. But the look on Scott’s face said more than enough.“I’m fine.” He snapped, beating Scott to the punch.Scott’s eyebrows went right up as he drawled out, “Okay then. Nice to see you too, hun. Been staying outta trouble? Or getting into the right sort of trouble?”“Depends on the sort of trouble you had in mind.”In Reyes’ mind, that sentence would have been purred. Scott loved it when he dropped his voice down and got in closer. This time, he barely got to the end before the damned cough reared up. It left him doubled over and a little out of breath.“Jesus, Reyes, you’re wheezing.” Scott was right beside him, rubbing his back soothingly.The worry was plain as day on Scott’s face and Reyes would rather see anything else there.“I’m. Fine.” Reyes took a few deep inhales to get his breath back before he stood back up. “Just a little head cold, it’ll pass in no time.”“How did you wind up with a cold on Kadara?” Scott sounded absolutely flummoxed now.“Thrown in a lake.”Reyes knew he’d said the wrong thing by the length of the silence that followed his words. When he looked over at Scott, there was the furrowed brow and that infamous Ryder scowl.“Thrown in a lake?” Scott’s voice was deadly calm.“I apparently bounce very well.” Reyes gave a shrug and a grin.Scott didn’t seem to be buying it because how was it possible for that expression to be even more thunderous? In this moment, Reyes could fully appreciate how Scott was Alec Ryder’s kid. Even if it was squarely directed at him.“Fucking hell,” Scott swore under his breath. “You’re okay, right?”“Cold aside, yes.” Reyes figured the throbbing in his shoulder would subside, as it would for his elbows and knees… hell, any of his joints.“Well, guess what: I’m making you soup.” Scott said firmly as he looped an arm through Reyes and got them walking.“Isn’t it starve a cold, feed a fever?” Reyes mused“Load of bullshit is what it is.” Scott groused. “When did you last drink something?” and even as Reyes opened his mouth, Scott was saying, “The next words out of your mouth better be either juice or water.”“Flavoured water. Paripo, if I’m right.” Reyes wasn’t lying about that. However, the cautious way Jataa handed it to him, it was as if he’d morphed into a kett.Scott gave a little sniff, as if he was barely satisfied by the answer. “Well, I’d say I’ll make you chicken soup but I don’t think there’s a single chicken to be found in Andromeda.”“I’m sure you’ll improvise.”
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Forty-eight hours later, Reyes had some issues with Scott’s ‘improvisation’. All he had done was take a little nap while Scott puttered about in the kitchen. He’d been busy lately, so what was the harm in a little rest?The cough was just from the head cold, not the huge deal Scott made out of it. It just happened to be a few coughs in a row that really hadn’t left him winded or his throat sore. He’d waved off Scott’s concern and went right back to sleep. Well, as best he could because sometimes, that damned cough made it tricky.Needless to say, waking up in the Tempest’s medbay was a bit disconcerting. Dr T’Perro was rising from her seat coming over and feeling at his throat. He batted her hand away… or tried to because it felt like an incredible amount of work. Not to mention how every single joint protested every single tiny motion. Her fingers moved deftly along his throat. Next thing he knew, his mouth was opened and his eyes inspected before she sighed and tutted.“You’re as bad as the Pathfinder.”Of all the ridiculous things to say. Reyes opened his mouth to say something and the words barely croaked out.“’m not.” That felt like knives stabbing through his throat.T’Perro regarded him, her arms crossed. “You’re not. Right. Tell me how exactly?”Reyes opened his mouth once more and his throat seized up, a wracking cough taking hold. After a few seconds, he just collapsed back onto the bed.Shit. Shit shit shit.“You’ve got yourself a nasty case of bronchitis. Not to mention a hairline fracture on your shoulder blade. Scott said you mentioned being Thrown into a lake?” when Reyes nodded, T’Perro sighed. “I have a ship full of stubborn people who seem to think they’re invincible. Figures the Pathfinder winds up with someone equally stubborn.”Reyes watched as T’Perro prepared something in a hypoinject and came to his bedside. “Where’s Scott?” he croaked.“Outside the door, waiting to yell at you presumably.” T’Perro’s expression softened. “You really worried him. When he brought you here, you were burning up with a fever. Out cold for two whole days. This is an analgesic for your throat, it’ll help. But otherwise, you’re confined here until you’ve recovered.”That was not happening. Sure, Keema could run things as he recovered but something required his personal touch. Not to mention the information he and Jataa had dug up on the data disc required attention sooner rather than later.T’Perro tilted his head and he could hear the hiss of the injection. He waited a few minutes to let it work before he tried to speak again. “There is something Scott needs to know.”“Unless it’s absolutely critical to his Pathfinding duties, I do believe it can wait.”“Can’t.”“Of course.” T’Perro sighed. “I’ll let him in, but I’ll be monitoring closely. And don’t worry, anything said here will fall under doctor-patient confidentiality.”Well, that was one less thing to worry about. Reyes simply nodded, trying to shift up in the bed. God, why was that so exhausting? T’Perro helped him get comfortable before she took a deep breath and looked at the ceiling.“You can open the door now SAM.”Reyes got to take in the sight of Scott in profile for all of three seconds before he was coming in, right to Reyes’ bedside.“Honestly of all the stupid, idiotic things you could have done…”Truth be told, all Reyes had the energy to do was watch and listen as Scott railed at him for ignoring his health and did he know how incredibly hard it was to sneak the infamous Reyes Vidal out of Kadara Port to the Tempest without a single soul seeing? He owed Vetra and Drack big time because they wouldn’t say a thing but would never let him live it down. And at least he had slept now but seriously, he needed to take better care of himself because damn it, Scott was trying to see him more but Pathfinding meant he was away more than he liked and wanted.Scott had settled down on the chair beside his bed, shoulders hunched and tight, the worry etched plain as day on his face. Every single muscle and joint protested but he slowly moved his hand to reach for Scott’s. When Scott grasped his gently, he managed to give it a soft squeeze.“"Lo siento.” Reyes croaked out.It seemed like Scott’s whole body sagged as he squeezed Reyes hand back. “I do enough stupid shit. Hell, I get dragged into enough stupid shit. They tell me Sara’s gonna wake up eventually but…” he trailed off for a moment before swallowing hard. “You’re sorta the only one I can really be myself around. So you can’t do stupid shit like this.”There was a roundabout way to say ‘I need you.' Reyes summoned the energy, gave Scott’s hand a harder squeeze.“Duly noted,” Reyes croaked out. “Can give you stupid shit to do.”“Whatever you want to tell Scott, use this.” T’Perro slipped him a datapad. “You need to rest your voice until I synthesize your treatments. And also, take this pill, it’s a cough suppressant and should help you sleep better.”He dutifully swallowed the little green pill. Here was Reyes Vidal, laid up in a medbay bed, unable to really talk and typing felt like it took forever. When he was done, Scott gently took the datapad from him. He was very confused when he read the words there.“See Jataa for stupid shit to be done?” he frowned. “I know her, don’t I?”SAM intoned from the ceiling, “You found her deceased sister in the pipes.”“Oh, right.” Scott studied the datapad and its words for a moment. “It’s something incredibly stupid, isn’t it?”Reyes nodded and he smiled at Scott’s grin.“Okay, we’re still docked and Keema does know you're unavailable until cleared by a doctor,” Scott placed the datapad back on the bed. “But I’ll go talk to Jataa in a little bit.”Scott gave his hand a squeeze, rubbing his thumb over the knuckles. Reyes did have to admit, maybe even if this annoying cold did finally get the better of him, Scott clearly wasn’t going anywhere for a little bit. Reyes couldn’t say when he fell asleep, but Scott was the last thing he saw.

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Scott had mixed feelings about being back on Arcturus. It was great to be away from Relay 202 and everything it represented to him. But being back here… he thought maybe it was just him, how his CO seemed more stern and brusque with him.But with damned near everyone giving him either a wide berth or the cold shoulder, he could definitely say that it wasn’t him. He’d messaged Sara as he tried to find a bar that wasn’t rammed full of Alliance personnel. She’d soothe his nerves, call him an idiot for being jittery and then ask him if he realised how much messages to who knew where in what cluster cost.God, he really hoped was was just being an idiot and reading into things too much. Because this… this felt too much like the axe waiting to fall.He’d been walking for a bit, when a blue and gold neon sign caught his eye. This, he definitely didn’t recall from his last trip here. Blue Anubis… he eyed the sign in the window before looking past it. Perfect, the place was practically a ghost town. He headed in, settling at the bar and ordering a pint of draft.“Surely you’d rather drink something better than that piss.”Scott looked over to see a dark haired man at the end of the bar, half facing him. There was a knowing smile to his mouth and a look in his eyes that Scott couldn’t quite place. But it made his heartbeat pick up and his mouth suddenly dry. His glass was placed in front of him and Scott took a sip before shrugged.“And paint stripper that tastes like smoke and a peat bog is better?”The man laughed as he slid off his stool and sauntered over to hop on one closer. “Mouthy and handsome. My day is finally looking up.”“I’m Scott. You are?”“Whoever you want me to be.”It was such a trite old line. But the way this man delivered it, so full of freeing possibilities and daring, Scott couldn’t help but smile, his pulse turning frantic as he played along. He took in the hair sleek and neatly styled, the knowning look to the man’s gaze and the sure, confident way he held himself…“Anubis sounds good. This place is practically a tomb and yet here you are, like you’re guarding it.”Scott had to admit, he liked the sound of the man’s laughter, smooth and melodious. He leaned in closer, warmth and spicy cologne wrapping around Scott like pure intoxication.“I’d like to keep this place free of Alliance jackals,” those hazel eyes were suddenly sharp and appraising. “So far, so good.”“I’m Alliance.” Scott frowned as his stomach twisted at those words.“Then why do you look so unsure of yourself,” the man took a long sip of his drink, tongue darting out to catch a little bit from the corner of his mouth. “I think you’re someone who is usually very sure of themselves.”The way the man’s eyes raked over him left nothing to the imagination and Scott figured why fight the lust that was slowly pooling in his belly.“I don’t know how long I’m stationed here for.” Scott admitted.“I’m here awaiting a grand adventure. It will take a few lifetimes…” the man shrugged. “But what’s a few lifetimes of waiting to carve out a kingdom?”“You sure you’re not a poet?” Scott mused as he shifted in closer.The man smiled. “Definitely not.”“Seriously, I don’t even know your name.” Scott tried once more, because he had every intention of leaving the bar with this stranger.“Anubis, Reyes, whichever you prefer handsome. I’m not that picky.”A smile came to that mouth again and Scott just had to lean in and kiss him. He really hoped Reyes’ place was close by.
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“You look like you’re waiting for someone.”600 years later, it wasn’t a voice Scott ever though he would hear again. He turned as casually as he could. The same hair, the same eyes, the same mouth… Seriously, what were the chances? The bartender brought up two glasses, quickly filling them.The recognition flickered in those hazel eyes and Scott smiled and shrugged. “A few lifetimes it seems,” he took the offered glass. “I got time for a drink.”They quaffed it down and then,“Shena. But you can call me Reyes. I hate code names.”Scott wondered what exactly had happened in that 600 year gap, in the few lifetimes it took for them to meet again in Andromeda. He hoped he got the chance to find out.

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“Do you know what I miss?” at Kallo’s questioning sound, Suvi followed up with, “Ice cream. Honest to goodness ice cream.”“… Isn’t that the foodstuff made from the lactation secretions of an earth mammal all churned up?” Kallo wrinkled his nose.“See, when you put it like that, it does sound fairly revolting.” Suvi sighed. “I really miss chocolate ice cream.”Now Kallo looked aghast. “You take perfectly good chocolate and put it in that?!”“No, not the super dark chocolate you like Kallo. Though how you eat that…” Suvi shook her head. “No, it’s the sweeter stuff.”“Well, we sort of have milk. Couldn’t you just freeze that?”Suvi shook her head again. “It’s all in how you freeze it. The longer and slower it is, the bigger the ice crystals will be when it does freeze. No one likes grainy ice cream. The trick is to freeze it quickly enough to get small ice crystals but not to snap freeze it.”For a few minutes Kallo as silent. Then he mused, “I bet Vetra would know what to do.”“We need something to churn it and we don’t have a blender…” Suvi pursed her lips in thought. “Do you think Gil has any liquid nitrogen floating around.”Kallo shook his head with a sound of disapproval. “If you want some juryrigged container that’s liable to leak on you,” his face lit up with realization. “Solidified carbon dioxide, same low temperatures that would give much more stable results that liquid nitrogen. Plus it sublimates so less to worry about when you go to freeze it.”“So… dry ice then. How soon until we’re back at the Nexus?” Suvi couldn’t help but feel excitement.“Mm, about three hours,” Kallo slid her a knowing look, his grin growing. “Did you want to conduct a science experiment?”“You have no idea how much!” Suvi exclaimed before she added on, “I’ll message Vetra.”
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Six hours later, Suvi grinned as she caught Kallo peering at sweetened, flavoured milk with mild revulsion. Vetra had delivered on the dry ice and where Kallo found a stand mixer was a mystery to to her. But here they were standing in the galley and Kallo was eyeing the empty carton as she crushed the dry ice.“Is that less than pea sized now?” Kallo looked into her bowl, putting down the carton.“Almost there.” Suvi smashed the end of the rolling pin in the bowl a few more times. “That ice cream base ready?”“Sugar, vanilla and the…milk,” Kallo made a face as he held up the bowl. “The directions say that you add the dry ice to this base…,” he looked at the written directions again. “A spoonful at a time.”“Can’t we just add it all at once?” Suvi kept pounding at the dry ice. The smaller the ice, the better.“On no, the last time you did that in an experiment there was that explosion—”“Okay, okay, spoonful at a time. But next time —”“You assume there’s going to be a next time?!”“It’s ice cream, of course there’s going to be a next time!”“If there is a next time, let’s make that fruit flavour ice slush, those are wonderful.”“We can try. Isn’t it called something like granary?”“Granita.”Suvi shook her head, fighting down her smile as Kallo set the bowl in the mixer and set it to a low speed. She slowly added in the dry ice, spoonful by spoonful.It felt like it took forever, even though Kallo said it was only about six minutes. It took all her willpower to not dig out a spoon and try it right that moment. If Kallo hadn’t given her a stern look as he put it in the small freezer, she probably would have shattered a tooth on a small chunk of dry ice and wouldn’t that have fun to explain to Lexi.The next thirty minutes that passed were some of the longest of Suvi Anwar’s life. The ice cream was done, they had followed the recipe guidelines to the letter and it was Kallo’s insistence that they give it enough time to let all the dry ice sublimate. By his calculations, it would take 25 minutes, with an extra 5 minute buffer window.Honestly, she was starting to think it would be worth the shattered tooth. Lexi could fix those, right?“I can feel you dying over there,” Kallo chuckled as he hit some buttons on his omni-tool. He pulled out a spoon from somewhere and handed it to her with a small flourish. “If you may do the honours.”“Kallo… are you saying…” Suvi didn’t even try to fight the grin coming to her face.“This may be one of the rare few times I saw this, so savour it: you may lick the experiment.”“Ahahaha, yes!”Suvi grabbed the spoon and had the bowl out of the freezer and digging in before she even sat back down.“Oh my god,” she mumbled around her mouthful. “Oh my god, Kallo, you have to try this.”“Oh, no.” Kallo shook his head. “But it’s good to know the experiment is clearly a success. Can you describe the results better than that?”“Oh my God,” Suvi drawled out before eating another spoonful. “Totally worth it if I break a tooth. Just tell Lexi I did something else like… walk into a wall. Again.”“You really need to pay more attention in the mornings.”“Anything before caffeine and all bets are off.” Suvi paused, looking at the creamy concoction on her spoon. “What time is it?”“Ship time is 21:10.”“Ice cream for dinner, even better. Best experiment ever!”“Granita next time!”

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There wasn’t a better way Jaal could think of to celebrate. Well, actually there was, but aboard the Tempest, this wasy the best way he could think of. The impossible had been done and Evfra had once again offered him a transfer to lead a new unit. Jaal was sure his place was at Ryder’s side. They’d already done so much, come so far and he knew they would do yet more things.So he stayed on the Tempest and helped unlock vaults and kick kett ass. The Tempest family was one he grew to care for, had bonded with. He’d prefer to stay as long as he could.They were why he had commandeered the kitchen for the day. The dish was complicated to make, took actual ingredients instead of paste and careful preparation. It took quite a few trades and enough hiding of things. He had asked everyone to meet in the conference room and he was giving them some time because Peebee was notorious for always running, “just a bit late.”He gathered the plates and cutlery, heading for the elevator. The walk was silent. And even as got on the elevator and took it up, he could hear Peebee’s rushed steps just as the door closed behind her. Perfect timing on his part. He slowly walked down the hallway and up the ramp, listening to them speculating as to why he wished to speak to them all.And all eyes focused on him as he appeared in the conference room. Liam’s eyes zeroed right in on the pan Jaal held.“Oh, where’d you get pink cake from?” he grunted as Cora elbowed him. “Sorry, sorry, you probably have something to say.”“I do,” Jaal suddenly wished he’d spent enough time preparing what he wanted to say because it suddenly seemed inadequate. “I was unsure when you all arrived on Aya, your ship afire,”“Can we just never bring that up again?” Ryder groaned.That got a round of chuckles and even Jaal smiled. “And I will admit that working with new aliens left me feeling reluctant. I believe your saying is twice burned, twice shy?”There were some headshakes but Peebee kept it going with, “We know what you mean. Carry on.”“But you all have proven yourself time and time again, putting yourselves on the line for the sake of angaran and in joining our cause to free ourselves of the kett. There truly are no words for the wonderful gift of freedom you’ve given us, even if it is for a short while—”“Kid, speeches are supposed to be inspiring. Stick to that point and less realism.” Drack butted in.“Mm, I suppose you are right. While I know it is not much, please enjoy this traditional angaran dish I have prepared. We call it gosan kurali and make it for truly special occasions.”“So kill the Archon, get pink cake. What do we get if we rid the whole galaxy of the kett?” Liam mused.“Let’s dial it back there,” Ryder laughed. “Thank you Jaal. It looks delicious. Thank god we all don’t have to tromp on down to the lab for tests.”Liam’s cry of “Pink cake time!” seemed to have set them off. Someone took the plates and cutlery off his hands and before long, everyone was clustered around the gosan kurali. Jaal took the time to approach Vetra where she was leaning on the siderail.“I was unsure of how to make some for you, so I managed to track down something for you.”“Uh… thanks?” Vetra sounded very confused when he deposited a small envelope in her hand.“I’m told it’s kasingu seeds.”“Holy crap!” Vetra stared at the packet in her hand before tucking it away. “How did you find them?”“Someone offered them in trade. Apparently it’s a berry from the turian home planet?”“The best berry, was amazing with nathak. I never thought I’d have them again,” Vetra’s mandibles shifted out in a wide smile. “You’re too sweet, you know that Jaal?”“You’re most certainly welcome. It is a small thing for someone who has done much for us. I am fairly sure if you wished to set up shop on an angaran planet, no one would take issue with that.”Vetra laughed. “I’ll keep it in mind. But I’ve got some seeds to—”“Jaal!” Liam came over, crumbs of kurali at the corner of his mouth. “This is fantastic! Never had a sweet cake that’s a bit sour before. Like eating a sour patch kid on steroids.”“It’s supposed to be sweet.” Jaal frowned as he eyed the remaining crumbs in the dish.“It is, but then the sour creeps up and then the sweet sucker punches is again. Pretty sure I saw Ryder take two pieces after they had a bite.”Jaal narrowed his eyes. Did Liam’s lips look puffy? And his face a little bit too.“You feeling okay there Kosta?” Vetra leaned down to peer at him. “You look a little swollen?”“I feel fine. Why does —”“Oh my God, get him to the medbay!”Jaal barely had time to see a profoundly swollen Gil being rushed down the stairwell by a concerned Lexi before pure pandemonium erupted. It seemed like everyone was dropping plates and scattering in a mad rush. Jaal didn’t know what to do as Vetra was hurrying a distinctly puffy Liam to the medbay and before long, it was just Peebee and Drack left behind.“What just happened?” Jaal was so confused.“My guess is that they couldn’t quite handle your pink cake,” Drack shrugged as he took another bite of his. “Downside of only a single stomach. Tastes fine to me. Liam was right though, like the sweet and sour are duking it out. Good job kid, I need the recipe from you.”“And you are okay Peebee?”“Yeah, the cake is good. I’d take seconds if some people left some.” She scowled at Drack.“What, I’m a growing krogan.” Drack deadpanned, eating another bite.“Oh hey, there’s Vetra! So what’s the deal?” Peebee waved her over.“Lexi wants the pan to run a toxicology report. Gil and Liam puffed up like some kind of fish from some sort of allergic reaction and I’d say avoid the bathroom for the next little while if you can, pretty sure Ryder and Cora are dying in there. The fan definitely can’t keep up.” Vetra picked up the pan before gently patting him on the shoulder. “Sorry Jaal. I think your cake did them in.”This was definitely not how Jaal foresaw this going. And neither was he expecting Peebee’s delighted laugh.“So it’s death cake for them and the perfect dessert for me and Drack! Old man, we never have to worry about getting enough ever again.Jaal buried his face in his hands. If he was really lucky, no one would ever mention this ever again.

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Scott wasn’t too sure how Reyes didn’t call him out on it yet. The man had to be wondering where his scarves were vanishing off to, and a few of his shirts too. And it’s wasn’t like Scott intended on keeping the things. It was just nice to have a little something to remind him of Reyes when he was away for awhile. Sometimes, just wearing a scarf or shirt, catching little whiffs of that cologne but it only lasted for so long, so… yeah, Scott had a few of them. Which is how he was now hoping that Reyes wasn’t home. It wasn’t technically sneaking in if there wasn’t anyone there in the first place. “Please, please, please…” Scott breathed as he keyed in the access code to the habitat unit. When dim silence greeted him, he let loose an explosive sigh of relief. “Oh thank fuck.”He made a beeline right to the cleaning unit and found it half full. He put in his small bundle of acquired clothes in and started it. He headed over to the couch, trying to read some reports. His gaze didn’t stay on the datapad long, wandering over to the closet every so often. He… could just check to see that there was space. After all, he was washing the clothes. Folding and putting them away would be the nice thing to do…
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Coming home was always a perk now. If he saw the Tempest docked, there was a very good chance that Scott was at his place. Seeing that familiar silhouette in the docking bay meant every reason for delegating work and vanishing was perfectly legitimate. Today was no exception.Once he spied that familiar paint job, Reyes was sure heads spun as he delegated tasks and then was gone. He learned long ago to just hurry on along. Most of the time, people were too busy trying to figure out where he went before they realised they should actually try to find him. Usually when he came in, Scott was lounging on the couch or napping in the bed. Once, Reyes caught him in the kitchen cooking and than had been quite a literal treat. Today quite possibly topped that. Reyes never thought in a million years that he’d walk in to his place to see Scott wearing his armoured vest and a pair of white briefs, slinking about as he sang to some old Earth classic. He leaned against the doorway, watching Scott roll his hips and undulate across the floor. Not to mention Scott actually could sing. Reyes was not minding any of this whatsoever, watching those muscles shift on Scott’s lower back and his muscular legs… “Private dancer, hm?” Reyes mused as Scott shook his ass as he belted out a phrase.What it was that propelled Scott nearly into the ceiling, Reyes couldn’t say. Maybe the high pitched scream helped him jump a bit further? Surely SAM had told him of Reyes’ presence? It was so hard to laugh when Scott sagged against the wall and gave him an accusatory look…“Scared the shit out of me.” Reyes managed to keep his expression straight as he approached Scott. He would not laugh, would absolutely not. Scott’s reedy voice didn’t help much. “Apologies. But I was enjoying the show very much. So what’s this about you being a private dancer?”“Just an old Earth song.” Scott mumbled, a blush coming to his cheeks. “I didn’t think you’d be back so quick.”“I’m glad I did,” Reyes trailed a finger against the curved edge of his armoured vest. “This does suit you.”It was always a pleasure to see that blush travel down Scott’s face to his neck and upper shoulders, to his perfectly framed pectorals. It seemed like that blush was racing to catch up as Reyes traced his fingertips down to the edge of Scott’s briefs.“This even more so.” Scott gave a smile, looking at Reyes through his lashes. He licked his lips slowly and purred out, “Just because it’s you, I’ll do what you want me to do.”There was no fighting the smile that came to his face. Reyes opened his mouth to say something but a melodic chime made him raise a brow in confusion.“You were doing laundry?” he glanced over at the cleaning unit. “Just a little bit.” Scott shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “Figured I’d help you out.”“Uh huh,” Reyes ran his fingers along the elastic band of Scott’s underwear. “Not trying to hide the fact that you keep taking my scarves and such?”“So… define ‘as such’.” Scott chewed on his lip. “My scarves and a few of my shirts do tend to go missing after you’ve stopped by.” Reyes shrugged. “Not that I have an issue with that.”“I just like having them sometimes when I know I’m going to be away for awhile,” Scott leaned in until they were chest to chest, leaning in to nuzzle at Reyes’ neck. “You always smell amazing.”Scott’s lips were brushing against his skin so softly, the rasp of teeth making his breathing quicker. This was great incentive to never ever change his cologne.“Take whatever you like,” he slid a hand over Scott’s hip to cup his ass and pull him in closer. “Now, you were singing something about private dancing?”

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The target in his crosshairs died with a spray of blood and a sword punching through their chest. Scott swore under his breath, immediately finding a new target and taking it down. When taking down an Invictor’s base, there was never a lack of targets. Right there, sneaking up on Vetra and… Sara ‘Wrecking Ball’ Ryder stuck again. Or rather, her sword did, right through the kett’s neck as Vetra lobbed a grenade into a defensive line a few meters ahead.“Scott, you gotta look out for your girl better!”“Which I would have done, if you weren’t stealing my damn shots!” Sara’s laugh was kind of infectious as they pressed on into the base. When they had claimed Meridan and started settlement, it was a moment to breathe, to relax. But when it became clear that the kett were organizing and striking back hard under a firmer guiding hand, it was back to business as usual. When Sara had said she wanted in the fight, how could he say no? There was no denying Sara knew her shit and was awesome to fight with. She took out targets like it was going out of style.Scott just wished she would stop jabbing at him and mainly, stop taking out his targets a few seconds before he did. Like just right then, seriously was she looking through his damn scope or something?“You know, you could leave me some targets,” Scott griped on the comm as he managed to pick off another target before he switched to an assault rifle and moved to intercept a fresh influx of troopers.“Gotta keep up little bro!” Sara crowed as she plowed into an Anointed, her sword lopping off its gun hand.“I am keeping up, Scott fired at them, watching as Vetra’s power armour flashed on and she unloaded into some kett with a grin. “You don’t have to act like this is a solo mission, you know.”“Your girlfriend is keeping up. Can’t sit in a perch forever, you know.” Sara was in cover by a door, taking a moment to wipe her blade clean.Fuck sake, that was gonna haunt him forever it seemed. “That was one time in paintball!” he could see a kett at some console and it was too far away to close quickly.“Then why are you doing it again?”“I’m not doing it again, you’re being ridiculous!” Scott sighted the kett at the console and took them out before he caught a strange shimmer flanking on Vetra. Or at least it was since Sara Blinked forward and her sword was slashing upwards. “Goddamn it Sara, again!”“Yeah, again! You’re straggling!”Of all the ridiculous… Scott took a deep breath and figured it was time to shelve the sniper rifle. His scoped assault rifle would do. “Why are you being such an insufferable asshole when we are literally in the middle of trying to take these jerkoffs down?”“Maybe you’ll get down and dirty in here if you get angry enough.” Sara sounded way too cocky for someone who just plowed right into an Anointed.“I don’t need to be angry enough to do my job!” Scott could have howled with frustration when the head of his current target disappeared in an explosion of green. Wasn’t Sara just dealing with an Anointed? “Stop doing that!”Sara’s laugh was vicious as she gutted a Wraith then Threw it off her sword into a startled clump of kett soldiers. “Pretty sure I’m at 40 already.”“45 for me,” Scott groused as he took down another one. “Maybe you should—”“Maybe you should both quit arguing,” Vetra’s annoyed voice finally broke through on the comm. “Because we have that damned Invictor gunning right for us!”Scott looked away from his scope, seeing the Invictor making its way over before he got to work on it’s shield orb. His assault rifle would do in a pinch. But yeah, Vetra was right. They’d deal with the Invictor now and he could possibly murder Sara later.
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Vetra had been on some uncomfortable rides before. Hell, she’d been the cause of some. Like when she and Liam had bitten each other’s heads off and Scott had just blurted out, “None of that please!” and all the driving on Elaaden afterwards had been just awkward, awkward silence.But a smug Sara Ryder and a fuming Scott Ryder made for an especially tense ride back to the Tempest. Somehow that quick thirty minute drive made the hours of driving on Elaaden feel like cakewalk.When they arrived back, Sara had hopped out first, right into Jaal’s waiting arms with a bubbly laugh. Vetra hit the close button for the Nomad doors and only when they were shut did she look at Scott.There was a pensive look on his face and his fingers were doing their tap-tap-tap thing against the steering wheel. He was always drumming his fingers when thinking, breathing steadily in and out to calm his temper.“So,” Vetra ventured. “That comm line wasn’t recorded right?”Scott inhaled slowly. “I do love my sister. I do. I do, I do.”Vetra knew that tone. Hell, she’d probably used it herself a few time. “Uh huh. Then why are you kinda saying it like you think you can get away with murder?”“Wondering just how much shit I’ll catch from Addison and Tann if I murder her myself.”Vetra gave a sympathetic hum, mandibles giving a quiet click. She reached over, sliding her hand up against the nape of his neck to thread into his short hair, the tips of her fingers scratching gently at his scalp. Scott just groaned and let his head fall forward against the steering wheel.“She always pushes my buttons like that when we fight together and I wish she wouldn’t.”Okay, that Vetra could understand to some degree. “On the upside, she didn’t raise you.”The full body shudder Scott gave made Vetra chuckle. When he finally tilted his head to look at her, a grateful look in those blue eyes… it just wasn’t fair. It made her melt and fall in love just a little bit more with him.“Want me to burn another chunk of cow for you?” Vetra leaned over to nuzzle at his cheek.The long sigh he gave sounded almost let he was just letting the tension go. When it shifted into a laugh, that sound was music to her ears. “Maybe after the debrief. Oh screw it, burn the cow another day, let’s just cuddle and eat Blastos.”“Scott,” SAM intoned. “Dr T’Perro has stipulated numerous times that Blastos are not an adequate meal replacement.”“Yeah, she’s said it,” Vetra mused. “But think of it as a needed morale booster.”“I believe you said the same at some point last week Miss Nyx.”“It’s been a trying week. We’ll eat properly tomorrow. Burned cow and all.”“Hm, and maybe I have a surprise for you too.” Scott finally sat up, facing her.“For me?” I haven’t seen anything. Not to mention you’re the worst at hiding surprises. Remember the massage hammers?”“In my defense,” Scott began. “I did not think you’d actually look in the galley cupboard above the fridge. I mean, who actually looks in there?!”“I did. I needed the space for some of the MREs we onloaded.” She gave a playful tweak to his ear earning a mock outraged sound. “Who wouldn’t use that space?”“No one. That’s the correct answer, hun. No one ever looks there. Short people definitely never and tall people rarely do.” Scott chuckled as he took her hand in his, pressing a kiss to the back of it. “We should probably get out of here before… you know…”“Someone thinks we’re banging in the Nomad?”“Vetra!”“I had to, your blush is so adorable!” Vetra chuckled before she grinned. “Or we can cuddle, eat Blastos and then bang in those fancy Pathfinder quarters.”That blush of Scott’s went right from his ears to well past down his neck and Vetra honestly loved it. Add in the way he got so adorably flustered and she thought she was exercising great restraint in not constantly teasing him. A knock on the Nomad door made Vetra hit the button for them to find a hesitant looking Gil peering in as they raised up. When he saw they were still sitting, the hesitation changed to relief.“Oh good, you’re both still decent,” Gil pointedly ignored the sputtering from Scott. “Out the both of you, I have to see how much work needs done.”“Hey, we only drove over a few kett. It’s a whole bunch less. Definitely no Anointed.” Vetra tried as she unbuckled and got out.Gil snorted. “Uh huh. Ryder didn’t just drive over a few barricades?”“You do that once…” Scott muttered as he got out and came over to wrap and arm around Vetra’s waist. “Should I just expect you to yell at me in a report?”“No. Because you drove and Sara didn’t. She brought it back nearly in flames, so I really should not be complaining.” Gil sighed as he shooed them off. “C’mon, let’s go pretend we’re gonna eat like the sensible adults we are.” Vetra laughed as Scott grinned at her.

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Gil knew he was reasonable. And he definitely knew he was a bloody miracle worker. When Scott’s sister had joined the Tempest crew, Gil figured they were similar. Peas in a pod, and all of that.It took him less than 24 hours to rapidly change that opinion. Sara was pretty much Scott’s polar opposite. Where Scott was the consummate professional and had a game plan for everything, Sara definitely flew by the seat of her pants and “dealt with shit as it tried to hit.”Gil could have sworn he spotted a throbbing vein at Scott’s temple at the end of that introduction to the crew.While it had been hilarious to see it happening to Scott, right now, he fully commiserated with the Pathfinder because Sara had wheedled him out of the Tempest to just “check and fix something real quick.” So out into the bright Eos sunshine he’d gone and was now laying eyes on a most impossible thing hidden behind a rock.“It’s… on fire.” Gil felt the words needed to be said aloud. Just to confirm the sight of the Nomad in flames before him.“Yup.” Sara scratched at her chin. “Can you fix it?”“It’s on fire!” Gil turned to look at her. “How did you even do that? Do you know the specs on this thing, what did you do, use it as a battering ram and then drive it off a cliff.”“See,” Sara laughed breezily. “It sounds so horrible when you say it like that.”Oh my bloody God. That was the only thought running through Gil’s mind for a few minutes as he just stared at the literal flaming wreck in front of him. Flames should not look that cheerful and colourful when they were representing too many extra hours of work. This was worse than the time she brought it back when it was actually sparking and Gil half thought the turbo boost would combust if the button was hit even once. But there was something odd he couldn’t figure out.“How exactly did you get it back here, still burning?”How Sara was managing to make a silence so guilty, Gil didn’t think he’d ever figure out. But her hesitancy said everything he needed to know.“You drove it here, still on fire,” he held his head in his hands. “For fuck sake Ryder, why do you hate me? What did I ever do to you?”“In my defense, I was afraid if I put the fire out, the Nomad might not start and I did not want to radio Kallo for an extraction.”“Well, you get to go on the ship, get the fire extinguisher and put this out before you drive it onto the ship,” Gil shook his head as he started back to the Tempest.“Aw, c’mon!” Sara pleaded behind him. “You’re gonna make me do the drive of shame?”“Yep! Let me know when you’ve got it onboard. I’ll take stock of the repairs and get approval from Scott.”“Really?” Sara’s whine couldn’t be infused with any more ‘Oh shit’ if she tried.
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All-nighters were not anything new Gil. He knew how to bust ass, and when it was needed. The Pathfinder not having a ground vehicle for missions meant he was busting ass and roping in some help. At least Liam knew a bit about repairing vehicles a bit, not to mention he was pretty on the eyes.But even Liam thought he was taking the piss when Sara finally slunk on board with the smoking, charred remains of the Nomad and Gil said they had to fix it. There had been a good amount of cursing from the crisis specialist and then distinct mention of warzone vehicles looking better.By the time they were finished, Liam was red-eyed and looking exhausted as he staggered off to the galley for something. Gil wished he could do that. Just this last bit of polishing and then he’d go and die on his cot for the next day or so, barring an emergency. They had started back to the Nexus for something through the repairs and Gil figured he could squeeze in some decent sleep before they docked.He polished the the rear fender, getting rid of the last bits of metal shavings and dust floating about. When he heard the door opening, he peered around to see Scott coming.“Thought I’d check in, see how it’s going. Liam looks like an actual zombie. You doing okay Gil?”Gil opened his mouth but then abruptly closed it. He could make platitudes about yes, he was fine and no, it was no problem at all. But how long until he was back here hauling ass to fix the Nomad when Sara tried to ram a kett ship or the like.“I’ll make you a deal,” Gil watched as Scott raised a brow at that. Good, at least he was intrigued. “You never, ever, let your sister drive the Nomad again and I will never ever truly take the mickey. Just tease you a little, maybe. And before you say anything, I’m absolutely certain that Liam will back me up on this.”Scott’s laugh was dry. “You don’t have to convince me. I now have to explain to Tann and Addison just why the Nomad required extensive repairs and I only ever want to have that conversation the one time with them,” Scott offered his hand. “You got a deal. I’ll let Liam know when he returns to the land of the conscious living.”Gil shook it, feeling massive relief course through him. It must have shown on his face because Scott’s laughter was amused now, a smile on that handsome face. “Next time we play poker, the next few rounds are on me. God knows you’ve more than earned it.”“I have, haven’t I. Maybe we should get Liam in on this.” Gil mused.“Think you’re just looking for fresh meat, you shark.” Scott shook head as he headed back. “We still have five hours before we get to the Nexus, so grab some sleep.”“You know it.” Gil called after him. Yeah, the coffee could definitely wait until after he woke up. He’d need it more then. If anything, he could not wait to see when Sara learned she was now banned from driving the Nomad.

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It was all anyone was talking about. How the Nexus had been boarded by the Archon’s forces. They’d ripped through the station to get to Hyperion as Sara had been slowly dying — again — on Khi Tasira. The Archon had succeeded in capturing Scott Ryder, but not before Scott managed to boot up SAM again to save Sara. Sara living was their fighting chance. When the call had come in, that ships and people were needed, Reyes had no hesitation in committing whatever forces he could. When he’d left Kadara with the Collective fleet, the initial plans were underway to go after the Archon and stop him once and for all. Something of this scale was a lot of logistical work. When he had stepped foot onto the Nexus, it was just long enough to find where the Tempest was docked and request permission to board. Truth be told, he thought he would be waiting for awhile, the docks were a flurry of activity and people. He was just another face passing through, no one would really remember him. The Tempest doors opened for him not even five minutes later and as he stepped into the airlock, SAM’s voice came through the speakers.“Sara is in her quarters. Upon entering, turn to the right, go through the doors and down the ladder by the walkway.”“Thank you SAM.” Reyes felt a bit grateful to the AI as he followed the directions. Wandering ship was not something he wanted to do.The door silently opened to reveal spacious quarters, with wood floors, recessed lighting, comfortable couches… it was far past anything on the Nexus by a mile. And stretched out on one of those couches was Sara. Her eyes were closed and judging from the circles under her eyes, she was exhausted. Maybe SAM told her, or maybe she heard him because her eyes opened, a smile coming to her face when she spotted him. “Hello there trouble.”Even her voice sounded tired. “Don’t get up on my account,” Reyes came over, settling down on the empty spot where Sara drew her legs up. He gently pulled her legs back across and slowly started massaging her calves. She gave a contented little sigh and shifted down more. “I’m starting to think that perhaps you don’t have questionable taste in men.”“Oh?” Sara chuckled as he slowly worked his hands higher. “Is that your ego, I hear there, Reyes?”Now it was his turn to laugh. “No ego, of that I can assure you. I have started to question my taste in women, however.”Sara’s whole body stiffened, as if bracing for something. He rested his hands on her knees, forcing himself to keep her gaze.“I haven’t worried as much about anyone the way I do about you,” Reyes could see the disbelief in her blue eyes and he found that he couldn’t quite stop the words from coming. “It’s not an all-consuming sort of worry that takes over my life. It’s… more of a subtle sort. I realise days have passed, turned into weeks and I haven’t heard from you in awhile and I can’t help but wonder if you’re safe, truly safe—”“Reyes…” Sara began as she sat up.He couldn’t let her. If she started talking, he just knew that he would let the words go, be shuttered away until another horrible event pried them loose again.“I have no illusions about the job you have,” Reyes gave a half shrug, trying to ignore his heart trying to climb into his throat. “It’s a dangerous one and you could die doing it. Plus, there is no denying that you are excellent at it. I know this, accept it but it still doesn’t stop me from wanting to keep you safe and protect you. It’s… a maddening feeling.”Her hands reached for his, clasping tight as she shifted to sit up and straddle his lap. Reyes slid his hands along her thighs, relishing the weight of her on top of him, her callused but soft hands holding his neck, pads of her thumbs stroking the soft spot between jaw and tendon.“I’ve fought alongside you on Kadara enough to know that you are the worst sort of trouble for your enemies, so I do count myself as lucky. In more ways than I think you realise— ”Reyes trailed off as Sara shifted back a bit. Her brow creased as she studied him, as if she was trying to peer into his soul and see what he was really getting at. That… was a little much for him at the moment, so he drew her in closer, pressing a light kiss to those soft lips. He could feel her soft inhale, her hips moving in small rolls against his. Reyes didn’t even think she quite realised she was doing it. Her kisses were the sort he could revel in. They smouldered, drew him in and he quite frankly didn’t care if he burned. It would be worth it. When Sara broke off, Reyes looked at her. Those blue eyes were wide and her lips looked like they needed to be kissed just once more. Reyes gave her a quick one before reaching up to cup her face. “Come back alive.”Sara’s expression softened and she leaned in to give a soft kiss, just a whisper of skin against skin. His eyes closed, relief rushing through him as he felt the murmur of her reply of,“Always.”

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Nobody ever wanted the morning opening shift. It had been child’s play for Scott to get it. The morning shift meant being ready to open for 6 AM. Which meant, getting there for 5:15 AM… needless to say, no one really wanted to be waking up that early. Except for him, because he was some kind of weird masochist and hopelessly in love with a regular. Well, hopelessly in love was probably stretching it too far.Every morning, Monday to Friday, Scott had a customer at precisely 6:05 with a ‘doppio ristretto’ order. He never could say it like the man could, that velvet voice curling around vowels and letting the syllables just roll off the tongue like it was nothing.Hell, he didn’t even have a name. Sure, the man had a store card that he used to pay, but even that had just initials: R.V. So that was all Scott put on the cup and tried to not stare as he pulled the espresso shots.This man was impossibly handsome with his immaculately cut suits and perfectly styled hair and that cologne tended to leave his brain on the fritz. Scott was sure he was blushing from the first moment he laid eyes on the man and it didn’t relent until R.V. had been out of the shop for a solid fifteen minutes. Vetra was usually the only other person in with him that early and she never said a thing, bless her. Just went about taking all those finicky mobile orders and focusing on just waking up herself.He was stocking the display with a few more muffins when the door chimed and sure enough, in came R.V. with that smile and small wave in greeting and yep, Scott could feel the blush coming right on cue. He watched as the man walked up to the counter, waiting to order with that smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.Scott couldn’t help but smile as he bypassed the register, heading right for the espresso machine. “Double ristretto, right? On the house today.”The man’s eyebrows raised a bit but his smile widened. “Thank you, Scott.”“You know my name?” Scott stared in surprise, wondering what the hell was going on.“It’s on your name tag.”“Right, right,” Scott would focus more on the grinding beans now because how could he forget about that stupid mandatory piece of plastic? “Where’s yours?”Thank God the man laughed, because Scott felt like he could just die right there on the spot. Had he said that, had he actually just said that? It was easier to focus on tamping in the grinds. This is why he usually kept his mouth shut around handsome men, he was a verbal disaster.“If you insist on the name tag, what would you put on it?”“Your name?” Scott tried, wondering why he couldn’t even say the right thing.The man gave a ‘tsk’. “Surely you can come up with something better than Reyes.”Now Scott was just staring because wow, there was finally a name to go with that handsome face. Reyes. It matched him well. “You are making the ristretto, right?”“Oh! Yes, right!” he finished tamping down the grinds and got the machine going. It was easier to focus on the routine of the making the drink. He listened to the water heating up, heard the machinery groan before dark brown liquid flowed down from the single spout. The numbers started counting down in his head as he watched the cup fill up, a smooth caramel coloured foam rising to the top. And then he quickly set up the next one up, sneaking a glance at Reyes and catching a glimpse of those hazel eyes watching him back.“Your order, Reyes.” Scott placed it on the bar. Oh God, why did that whole phrase sound kinda creepy when he said it?“Thank you Scott,” Reyes took the cup, inhaling the wisps of steam that curled up before he took a sip, eyes closing as his smile widened. “Perfection, as always.” Scott snorted. “It’s just espresso, nothing fancy.”“You’d be surprised,” Reyes paused, taking another sip. “I’m a man of particular taste. You come highly recommended.”Uh… what? “I-I do? By who?!”“You have some regular clients who feel you skills are wasted here.”For a few moments, all Scott could do was stare trying to comprehend the words that were coming out of Reyes’ mouth at the moment. It was too early for this…“What is happening right now?” Scott whispered.Reyes looked far too amused. “Enlighten me.”Oh fuck, he had said that out loud and now his brain was flailing. “I thought I was flirting so badly but now I don’t know and am very confused,” Scott watched Reyes for a moment, chewing on his lip. “Are you just, you know humouring me?” Please let him be, so that way, he could at least have a valid reason to die of utter shame.Reyes took a sip of his ristretto. “Tell me, why did you do two separate pulls for my order?”“It tastes better. Each shot doesn’t take long, it’s still hot when you get it and you don’t get bitterness from when it takes longer if I did two in one. Plus, we still have an older machine that can’t really handle double shots.”“That doesn’t quite explain your incomparable ristretto. I’ve had it at a few at other places and they don’t match yours. I’ve been told you personally select the beans for purchasing. Does that factor in? Or perhaps it’s how you blush whenever you see me?”Scott didn’t even have a proper response for that. He just sort of sputtered out syllables as he felt heat creep along his face. Reyes laughed, putting down his cup and reaching for something in a pocket. All Scott caught a glimpse of was a pen and a white rectangle before Reyes scribbled something out on the back before he held it out. Scott took it automatically, not quite willing to look at it yet.“You have two options on that card, three decisions to choose from. Take some time. This way, I can be whatever you wish me to be.”How Scott didn’t combust when Reyes picked up his ristretto, winked at him and walked out, he really didn’t know. When he looked at the back of the card, there was a neat block print of numbers. Flipping it over just about made his heart stop. Reyes Vidal, apparently the operator of Charlatan Collective. What the hell did a man running a group of sustainable —“So what are you gonna do?”Vetra’s voice right by his ear made him jump through the roof. When he finally got a hold of himself, Vetra was leaning against the bakery display, trying to not look smug as shit. Never let it be said that Vetra was good at everything.How long were you there?"

The smug grin Vetra let loose said more than Scott wanted to know. "I watched that whole trainwreck. He was smooth, you were a mess. Surprised you didn't spill grinds in your apron." she laughed as Scott groaned and buried his face in his hands. "But that did sound like he was offering you a job. So... "

Scott just sighed. And anyone who could read had heard about the Charlatan Collective. Their fair trade, sustainable farms were making waves and Scott would give his eye teeth to work for them. The front of the card did say job offer. The back of the card promised so much more.

“Honestly…” Scott looked over the card again, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choices before him. “I don’t know.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

There were so many different types. Belligerent, happy, talkative, the outright denier, the one who ate like a biotic, the biotic who ate like a krogan… Shepard, in his usual, overachiveing Boy Scout way, somehow managed to be a few rolled into one. He was a happy, bubbly drunk who seemed to be making a slew of friends as he steadily drank his way through Dark Star’s liquor. That was a hell of a mean feat for a biotic.The bubbliness seemed unrelenting, especially when he was politely talking to someone who was eyeing her up. They seemed real eager to get as far away from Shepard and his overearnest stare and quiet words that accompanied a wide grin.It was honestly, the funniest shit Jack had seen in ages. She almost wished Shepard would let one slip past so she could crack some skulls. But it was equally amusing to see those knuckleheads realise who was giving them a ‘friendly chat’, realising the two of them were a thing and then crapping their pants while trying to flee as fast as possible.Oh, and wobbly. Shepard was a wobbly drunk. She watching, trying to not smile as she watched him make his tipsy way over. For someone who was an absolute beast on the battlefield, he looked like he was on the verge of falling over. At least this time, she could drag him back to that cushy apartment of his, no need for him to come too on the bathroom floor. He plunked down on the seat beside her, the flush of alcohol making him grin as he tried to keep his head rested on his hand.“Doing okay there?” Jack took a gulp of her drink.“Mmmm hmmm,” Shepard hummed, just staring at her with that dopey, happy smile. “You’re so beautiful.”Jack raised both eyebrows. This was a new track that his chatty side was taking. “Yeah, and?”“You're just so beautiful. Why’d you pick me? How’d I get so lucky?”“Do you not remember the night before we kicked the shit out of the Collectors?”“I do,” Shepard was still giving her those big ol’ eyes and that soppy grin. “You were magnificent. I think that’s when I fell in love with you even more.”Alcohol was suddenly burning in her nose and trying to trickle into her lungs. The coughing fit was ferocious and it took Jack a few moments to catch her breath back. In all honesty, she didn’t know what to make of that bombshell that Shepard just dropped on her. Maybe it was all the booze talking more than anything else? She eyed him a bit more before slamming back the rest of her drink.“Do I need to carry you back?”“No, no, I can walk.” Shepard didn’t wobble so much as he stood up. That biotic metabolism was working quick alright. “Can't argue when a pretty lady is taking me home.”Jack wasn’t too sure what it was that had her fighting a smile. The bow that Shepard gave, the way he offered his arm or maybe it was that huge, silly grin that seemed permanently stuck on his face now. But there was no denying the look in his eyes. Fucking Shepard and his looks that always said way too much and left her feeling far too vulnerable.“I’ll take you home and if you’re lucky, I’ll tuck you in much later.” Jack took his arm.“No complaints here!” Shepard grinned, leaning in closer as they left the club.It was in the quiet of the hall that Shepard paused for a moment. Jack shifted to look at him, raising a brow.“I-I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Shepard looked at their linked arms for a moment before meeting her gaze. “You don’t have to say it back, you know. But I do. Really do.”Jack took a deep breath, trying to quell down the surge of emotions. Not that she did a good job, sparks of blue dancing along her skin. She could even feel Shepard's biotics respond, the push to her pull. At least Shepard picked at empty hallway to spill his freakin’ guts in. When she looked at him, she could feel the anger melt. He had softened her a bit, rounded out her sharp edges and gave her so much when she’d been ready to fight every damn person in the galaxy. She’d always been better at acting out her emotions, a punch or a fuck generally solved problems 99% of the time. Shepard was that 1% that left her tongue tied, her heart tripping and all that other mushy shit that she thought she didn't need or want.Shepard was the sucker punch that she never expected life to ever land on her.She stepped in closer to him, cupping his face with a hand before pulling him down for a kiss. He always gave a soft little moan when she kissed him, those broad, rough palms of his homing right to her waist and pulling her in closer. After a moment, she broke off with a bite to his lower lip. “Starting to think maybe I should just tuck you in. You’re throwing that party tomorrow after all and already calling it a night…”“Please spend tonight with me.” Shepard murmured.His eyes were still closed, forehead resting against her. Damn Boy Scout always asked, never assumed, always accepted what she was willing to give.“Let’s see when we get back. You’re a lot of things when you get drunk. Sleepy Shepard is gonna pop up at some point.”There was a considering look on his face before he tried, “Coffee, then sex and then sleep?”Jack barked out a laugh at Shepard's hopeful tone. “And they say romance is dead.”

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Reyes was wary. Scott was looking way too innocent, sliding the glass of water over his way. He’d seen the vids that had proliferated all over the extranet. With the settling of Meridian and things quieting down a bit with the kett virtually vanishing, people’s minds turned to other things.Apparently viral challenges were one of them. The proliferation of two specific hashtags were causing him to eye that offered glass of water. Since the first one was #biotic, Reyes knew Scott had that on lock. The second one was more worrisome. #splishsplash sounded like something cute and innocent that children made up. Except that it was biotic adults being very creative with how they executed the #splishsplash.If there was one things Reyes also knew, it was that Scott was creative.“Seriously, it’s just a glass of water.” Scott took his, exaggerated gulps drawing Reyes’ gaze to his throat. “You said you were thirsty.”“I did,” Reyes mused. “Though I wonder if a glass of acid would be safer.”“Wow, thanks,” Scott drawled dryly. “You’ve got so much confidence in me.”“My apologies. You’re right,” Reyes grinned. “A grenade would be much safer.”“So rude.” Scott huffed in mock outrage before he nudged the glass closer. “But seriously, not gonna do anything. Your water is safe with me.”“Remember that massive brawl in Kadara Port that closed down Kralla's for a week? That extranet challenge was the cause, so you can understand my…”“Wariness? Hesitation?” Scott tapped a finger against his pursed lips before he finished with, “Unwarranted suspicion of your boyfriend?”“Did you need a shovel for that guilt? It is quite thick.” Reyes finally picked up the glass. He was thirsty… but he also couldn’t help but keep his eyes on Scott.“I promise your water is safe.” Scott grinned as he slipped past to the cooler unit. “That teriyaki MRE I spotted on the other hand though…”Reyes gulped down the glass before chasing after Scott. That MRE was so hard to come by, he at least wanted a bite.
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“Seriously, it’s in there.” Scott wheedled. "Just look in there."

Reyes sighed. A week later and that extranet challenge seemed to have vanished from Scott's mind to come right back to his usual hobby. “Scott, querido, I think we’ve safely established you’re the worst magician ever. Remember the coin pull?”He peered into the glass, not seeing the rounded metal disc Scott insisted was — It was like watching it come rushing at him in slow motion. The water surged up from the glass, hitting him square in the face.“Splish!” Scott crowed.Reyes only had a second to look up, a split second. Obviously his murderous intent was clear enough because Scott suddenly looked unsure but his eyes went wide as he gasped,“Oh shit!”The last thing he saw was Scott’s horrified expression as something collided with his head and everything went black. It was a patting on his face that brought him about to find Scott trying very hard to hide his panic and failing miserably. “Let me guess,” Reyes groaned as he rubbed at his head. “Splash?”“I did not mean to do that.”Reyes tried to sit up properly, but Scott stopped him. When he glanced around, there was a small pile of broken glass swept off to the side. “I, uh, wasn’t sure if I got it all.” There was an awkward silence from Scott and then, “I really didn’t mean to Pull the glass so hard. You seriously freaked me out with that look.”Well, good to know that game face even scared the shit out of the Pathfinder. Reyes gave a sigh as he studied the pile of glass before shaking his head. “I suppose I should count myself lucky that I’m not bleeding out.”“That’s not funny.” The flat tone to Scott’s voice made Reyes pause for a moment. “So we have learned a lesson about doing stupid extranet challenges?”“Don’t do the biotic ones?”“… Let’s try that again.”“Delete the evidence.”It would have been easier if Reyes hadn’t huffed out a laugh. Scott gave a small, chagrined smile as he got up, helping Reyes up.“And before you ask, yes, I even asked SAM to delete the one he saw. Just whatever is lurking in my neurons is the only copy.”“Wise man, you did want to keep a boyfriend today.”“C’mon, it wasn’t that bad.”“You basically assaulted me with a glass.” Scott winced. “When you put it like that…”“Exactly, but I do believe a teriyaki MRE will more than make it up since you someone managed to eat an entire one in two minutes while running away. How…”“You clearly have no siblings.” Scott laughed. Reyes laughed shook his head. “Stick to card tricks, querido, much safer.”

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The soft chirping hoots could be heard from all over the ship, from what he could gather and never in his entire life, did Reyes ever think that a stupid pyjak could command so much of Scott’s attention. Reyes was entirely with Liam on the pyjak issue. They peed everywhere, half your food stock vanished with them around and of all the animals to make the journey across dark space, a pyjak had to be one of them?“Who’s my best little boy? It’s you, it’s you!!”Scott’s cooing echoed up the hallway and Reyes glanced up from his cup of coffee to find Liam looking at the doorway with a creased brow. After a moment, the man shook his head. “I do not envy you,” Liam paused for a moment. “Okay, small lie. I do a bit, but I don’t have a bloody pyjak as competition. How you’re not jealous…” Reyes just laughed at Liam’s shrug. “You think a pyjak is competition.”“Lately, I think Scott's seen more of the pyjak than you. Plus, I think you may be underestimating the power of an onboard pet and someone who is an animal person. He’s got a pyjak and a hamster, what’s next, an adhi?”A hamster? Oh, yes, that strange critter they caught and Scott decided to keep. That was a good point, was Scott collecting a menagerie? Were fish next? He shook his head as he got up, quickly pouring a cup of coffee. How Scott took it black was still a mystery to him. “As if a pyjack can compete against this?” Reyes gestured to himself with a smile as he headed out. “Plus coffee.”Liam gave a laugh and salute. “Good luck you brave man.Truth be told, Reyes’ confidence lasted all of five seconds when he strolled into the cargo hold and saw Scott rubbing the pyjak’s belly and looking absolutely besotted. Liam was absolutely wrong, he was not jealous but there were better things Scott could be doing. Such as himself, for starters. “You know, we can hear you in the galley.” Reyes held out the coffee cup.Scott just gave a shrug as he scratched at that pale belly with one hand and took the cup with his other. “Perry’s just so adorable, how could I say no?”Saying that Perry looked like a weird cross being a human, an anteater and an ape was definitely not gonna win Reyes any points. He shrugged and took a sip of his own coffee.“I suppose it’s theoretically possible…” Reyes paused as the pyjak sat up, those large, dark eyes watching him as the tail flicked from side to side. “What is it with you and pets anyhow?”“Hm?” Scott paused as he stood up, bending his head from side to side with cracks and pops. “We always had pets as kids. Cats, dogs, had a pet hedgehog too at one point.”“Where do you find a hedgehog on a space station?” Reyes wondered. Cats and dogs were a rarity on Arcturus. “Mom was awesome like that,” Scott sighed wistfully. “But I always wanted a pet pyjak.”“Should I be worried for Perry?” Reyes wondered. At Scott’s alarmed look, he clarified with, “You named him after a pyjak puppet that got humped by a varren on galactic television.”“That wasn’t Perry’s fault!” Scott protested. “Also, there’s no varren here.”A soft chirp from their feet made Reyes look down to see Perry winding between Scott’s legs, his tail curling around a knee as those weirdly human looking hands pawed at Scott’s pants. It took Scott all of five seconds before he cracked, giving his cup to Reyes and scooping up the animal.“Does Perry want some cuddles?” at the loud hoot, Scott started walking away. “Perry does want cuddles! All the cuddles for Perry.”As Reyes watched Scott made his way to the door to his quarters he saw the pyjak’s eyes fix on him and realised precisely the error he’d made. Those weren’t dumb animal eyes that were watching him, how did he not notice that before? Damn, he hated it when Liam was right.“Oh,” came a drawling, flanging voice. “That was rough. Perry, one, Reyes, nothing.”He looked over to see her leaning against some crates by her office door. “Not helping Vetra.” Reyes frowned, watching the door Scott vanished through. “He… doesn’t really… sleep with the pyjak doesn’t he?”“People do that?” Vetra pushed off from the crate.“Sometimes with cats and dogs, but pyjaks…” Reyes shuddered at the thought.“Yeah, I know. Peeing everywhere… I don’t think he does. I’m fairly sure he brings the pyjak back out before he gores to sleep.” Vetra sighed heavily before she gave him a considering look. “Do you maybe have a line on some chocolate?”“Chocolate? Dextro or levo?”“I had levo, but you found dextro? That damn pyjak ate my stash. I was hoping to trade it for new analytic converters for our omni-tools.”“I’ll tell you what, I’ll get you that chocolate, both kinds, if you can find me something shiny that will distract that pyjak for a bit at least.”“Oh, done. That way, I don’t have to worry about more of my things going missing.” Vetra grinned as she walked off. “Good doing business with you Reyes.”“Likewise!” Reyes called after her. He paused, looking at the mug of black coffee, now gone cold. Competing with a pyjak for his boyfriend's attention, what was his life now?

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‘Agent planting aborted.’
Three little words that provided a world of headache for Scott. The whole damn thing had been planned out to a tee. Reyes was supposed to be halfway into Kaetus’ new little operation on Kadara. The wonders of a massive head wound and amnesia were an opportunity too good to not exploit. It was definitely a tightrope to walk because if Kaetus even got a sliver of memory, Reyes would have to shoot to kill then attempt to get the hell out of the belly of the beast.Needless to say, Scott would have liked it if there was any other mission Reyes could have done. But there was no denying that Reyes was the best one for the job. Suave, quick thinking and witted and with a quiet penchant for sowing dissension undetected… it was something practically tailor made for the man. Scott could never pull off half the ops that Reyes did. He was better at the rough and tumble: low level mercenary infiltration and reconnaissance were his forte. Extractions were like a dream come true. Just point him at the target and it was guaranteed to be a success. With some conveniently eliminated snitches too. Getting Reyes’ backstory worked out had taken some painstaking work, why the hell would Evfra nix the plan now? Not that Scott questioned too much, that was not his job and frankly made it easier.He pulled up his omni-tool firing off a quick message. ‘Full extraction?’‘Yes. We need Kaetus to remember. Anubis is prepared,’ then came some words Scott never thought he would ever see Evfra say. ‘Spill the chicken feed.’All Scott could do was stare before he furiously typed in, ‘Please confirm: spill the feed?’
‘Confirmed.’
Okay then. Okay. Scott lowered his arm, and stared at the door that lay across the street. So all he had to do was go in there and lay into Reyes to hopefully make Kaetus remember. This was not the Saturday night he had envisioned with his boyfriend. It did take him a little bit steeling his nerves before he basically strolled into Kaetus’ headquarters. Well… not so much strolled as it was making a point of being seen. Sure he was shot at a lot, but once he grabbed a human shield and snapped out, “Where the fuck is that lying snake, Vidal?" Well, that did seem to get some people’s attention. The bullets stopped flying and he was tentatively led further into the base. Shit, it would be that much more to fight their way out… somehow…The room he was led into was large and he looked around quickly. Kaetus was there, Reyes beside him and looking at Scott with a raised brow. There was a large window behind them that seemed to be facing a mountainside. Scott had done his homework and knew about the thin, water filled gully that was snaking through the mountains. Given the placement of these prefabs, the gully should be right underneath the window.God, Scott wished he wasn’t the one to set this whole mess off. Why couldn’t it have been a nice and simple extraction? Just go in, shoot things and make sure Reyes got out in one piece.“There you are,” Scott shoved away his shield and quickly strode over to Reyes. “You goddamn sonuvabitch.”It seemed that no one was quite expecting the punch he threw, least of all Reyes. Scott watched as he crumpled and was on him before he could truly react.“I should have dropped you when I had the chance! At least Sloane would still be alive.”No one broke them up and when Scott glanced up, he could see that it was Kaetus, his hand frozen in the motion for hold, a scowl on his face and eyes narrowed. If he didn’t remember, he was halfway to putting pieces together. And damned if — The fist caught him squarely in the jaw, sending him toppling off Reyes. He scrambled to his feet, only for Reyes to already have a gun aimed at him. “Sloane was bad for Kadara and bad for business. I have no regrets about the actions I took.”“Yeah, well your boss is a damned piece of work,” Scott spit out the blood from his cut lip. “The Charlatan, more like The Fucking Coward. Can’t even show their godddamn face!”All Scott had as a warning was a narrowing of eyes. He moved more on instinct than he realised, ducking out of the way as Reyes pulled the trigger. There came the dull thud of shots hitting the glass and Scott closed the distance, yanking the gun out of Reyes' hand before he found himself grappling with the man.“Was that your plan?” he grunted as he fought. “You killed Sloane, get close enough and then finish off Kaetus?”Scott felt it more than he saw it. A low thrum in the air that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and screamed ‘DANGER’. It had him charging Reyes towards the window and something finally seemed to click into place for Kaetus and the anger filled bellow seemed to confirm that.When Scott hit Reyes against the glass, it couldn’t have gone better if he had tried. The glass managed to hold up for all of a few seconds. But their combined weight and impact force had the cracked glass shattering and down they went, through the broken window and down. Hitting the cold water hard seemed to have punched the air right out of him. He surfaced with a splutter, seeing Reyes bobbing along beside him. “Stay close!” Scott managed as he started swimming with the current.It took some doing but they eventually to get ashore, dripping a trail behind them as they went. Luckily, the ship Scott had squirrelled away wasn’t touched in any way. It didn’t take them long before they were off planet and on their way back to headquarters.“I do have to say, as far as extractions go, that was an interesting one,” Reyes mused as he shifted his jaw, rubbing at it. “And you still hit harder than an eiroch.”“Sorry,” Scott apologized. “I was trying to sell it.”“Mission accomplished,” Reyes said dryly. “You know, I always pictured espionage work more as fancy parties and such.”“Too many James Bond and Narul vas Stel movies.”Reyes gave a soft laugh. “Vas Stel wore a very dashing exosuit.” His expression became pensive and then he quietly asked, “Do you ever think of giving it up sometimes? Just… disappearing and never looking back?”For a few seconds, all Scott could do was look at Reyes, wondering what had prompted this. But then he nodded in agreement. “Sometimes. But then I think about trying to get away from Evfra and he’s like a dog with a bone,” Scott gave a small smile, picturing it for a moment: him and Reyes, somewhere far away from the insanity that their lives had become. Maybe with a nice beach. “It’s nice to dream though, isn’t it?”Reyes took his free hand, gently weaving their fingers together. “It is.”

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Vortex was crowded, the murmur of voices melding with the music playing in the background. Low lights, conveniently dim spots at tables with surprisingly comfy seats… it wasn’t quite a nightclub and not quite bar. Lounge was the only word coming to mind, not that he’d ever actually been to one. But after the hell of the past few weeks, Scott felt that he had more than earned a small vacation. Screw whatever stupid number the info board told him. After the clusterfuck that happened at Khi Tasira, the Archon kidnapping Sara and then finding Meridian…Yeah, he’d more than earned a vacation.And God knew Vetra did too. Awake with the first wave of colonists, all that shit going down with the Nexus and the Exiles, somehow staying on both people’s good side and somehow managing to procure needed supplies before winding up working from the Tempest.A few days of working with him, Vetra had said his big mouth would probably get them shot. He just never thought, in a million year, that him running his big mouth would mean they eventually wound up together.Though, sitting here in Vortex watching his girlfriend… Scott was beginning to think that the word ‘vacation’ was an entirely foreign concept to Vetra. He’d managed to cajole her down here and she was on her omni-tool again. Sometimes, she’d relax back against him, drink in hand only for her omni-tool to go off and then there was a cold spot where she once was. It really wouldn’t do to take her omni-tool and toss it across the room. He’d probably get an ear lashing five ways to Sunday and then some.“Sweetie,” Scott had no hesitation about running his fingers at the nape of her neck. The hide was so soft there and it generally turned her into putty. “You’re supposed to be relaxing.”“I am relaxing,” Vetra purred as she leaned back against his fingers. “See, relaxed. You’re very relaxing.”“You’ve been half glued to your omni-tool. Are you politely shouting at the bad people again?” Scott clicked his tongue in mock disapproval.The one thing Scott would never, ever, tire of was Vetra’s laugh. Given the right tone, circumstance and the way her subharmonics felt, it spoke so much more than words sometimes. She leaned back into the spot in his arm that she’d vacated and he wasted no time in sliding his hand a bit down into her cowl, still stroking hide. Vetra gave a content little sigh and took sip of her drink before nuzzling at his temple.“Depends on how you define bad,” she purred. “I think you’ll like it though.”“Me?” Scott pulled his head back to look at her in confusion. “Have you been throwing my name around, pretty lady?”“Nope. Just mine.”Scott chewed on his lip for a moment, taking in the thrum of amusement he could feel along his skin. Amusement danced in Vetra’s yellow-green eyes. Her fingers had crept up to the back of his head and were gently scritching. Her mandibles were pulled up in a smirk and damn, she was looking far too pleased with herself. “You’re up to something.” Scott grinned.“Definitely. Added bonus, you don’t need to shoot anything.”“Suck the fun out of it, why don’t you.” Scott teased. “You gonna tell me what the something is?”“Maybe, I will. Or maybe I’ll just show you when we’re back at Hyperion City.”Scott gave a considering sigh. “We’ve been on the Nexus how long now?”“Almost two days now. Starting to feel that itch?” Vetra’s smirk shifted into a full grin.“I can practically feel Addison thinking she should talk to me about something.”“Tell her to talk to Morda,” Vetra barked out laugh. “I’ll bring snacks and you bring the chairs.”Scott couldn’t help but laugh at that, just wondering when Morda would drive Addison up the damn wall. He snuggled in closer to Vetra shaking his head as he took another sip of his drink.“Don’t think I forgot about you being up to something.”“You and that big mouth of yours. Should put it to better use.” Vetra chuckled as she leaned in to rest her forehead against his.“Promises, promises.” Scott laughed quietly.

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Impulsive was the last word anyone would ever use to describe Reyes. It also wasn’t as if life on Kadara left him much room for any impulse to play out. With everything so lawless, impulsiveness is what got people killed. So he couldn’t really explain why the hell he was doing now. Could have been any number of factors that prompted him. Just seeing Scott come out of the Meridian control centre, still alive had left such a rush of relief that it was ridiculous how high it left him feeling.But too many people inevitably meant too many questions. So he’d just winked and smiled, left Scott to his rightly deserved glory.It was Scott who found him later on his parked ship, when words were said, heated kisses and roaming hands reached their peak, when they were draped on the small bunk, sated and with Scott looking at him with those eyes as if he’d give Reyes the world if he could…Reyes knew that he’d do any and everything for Scott. Not that it frightened him. That knowledge was undoubtedly the surest fact in his life.“Te amo,” he murmured against Scott’s skin, as if he could make the words stick. “Cásate conmigo.”Scott sighed, snuggling in closer before his whole body stilled. “Wait, what?” he sat up looking at Reyes. “Seriously?”“Seriously.” Reyes confirmed, smiling as he stroked Scott’s cheek. “Let’s run away and get married.”“I mean, I love you too, so damn much but…”The indecision warred on Scott’s face. Probably worried about what he wanted and everything else weighing down on his shoulders. Reyes skimmed his hands down, smoothing along Scott’s bare, freckled shoulders.“Forget everyone else and what they want. Tell me your heart’s desire querido and I’ll do whatever I can.”Scott chewed on his lip for a bit before he blurted out, “Let’s get married and have a house with a bunch of kids and a stupid amount of pets and I’ll be the house husband,” he buried his face against Reyes’ chest. “Oh my God, kill me now.”“Okay, so that was a lot more than I expected,” Reyes laughed. “Step one we can do. We get married, just us, no one else.”“That’s called eloping, Reyes. I can’t do that.”“Why not?”“Because… because…” Scott trailed off, the worries were clear as day on his face.“Just what you want. That’s all I wish to give you.” Reyes kissed him softly. It was so wonderful how Scott melted against him. Not quite capitulation, but more like the closest they would ever get to a mind meld. After a few seconds, he could feel Scott frown.“But who’s gonna marry us?”“You leave that to me. But if I was to say we could go right now, have this one thing for ourselves, would you?”Scott gave a heavy, dramatic sigh. “But my pants are all the way over there.”“Shall I go start the preflight checks? I’ll even get your pants.”“According to you, I’m getting way more than my pants.” Scott grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Ridículo,” Reyes laughed, pulling him in for another kiss. “Let’s go.”
___________________________________________________
“You need me to do what?”Reyes had seen many expressions on Evfra’s face, but the sheer confusion there now topped it all. Those keen eyes were flicking between him and Scott, as if trying to figure out what was going on.“We need you to marry us.” Reyes said again.“Please, if you can.” Scott added on.Evfra’s brow furrowed and for a split second, Reyes thought Evfra was going to just flat out refuse. But then,“Don’t your species usually do this in the presence of family and friends and what you call witnesses?”“Sometimes yes, sometimes no,” Scott shrugged. “But you’re a friend. And hey, there’s witnesses.”Reyes was doing his best to not chuckle at the confused looking human and angara just hanging back by a display, trying to look like they were anywhere else and not listening.How the Resistance headquarters so empty when they arrived, Reyes didn't know but he wasn't looking this gift horse in the mouth. Evfra gave a heavy sigh before he snapped out,“Vicki, Aysun, a moment if you please,” Evfra sighed as he rose from his seat, looking at them. “You couldn’t have picked another day when there were more people here.”“A super small wedding is fine.” Scott’s smile was bright and wide.When the two came over, Evfra paused for a moment, as if thinking over his words. “I think perhaps marriage is the same among your people as it is among mine: it is a union based on trust, respect and a deep commitment to each other. To be there, to stand by each other through the best of it and the worst.“You, Reyes Vidal were absolutely… incorrigible from the start. Too sly, too slick, too good at whatever you set your mind too. Much later did I see the determination, the drive and the absolute willingness to see your decided path through. You proved yourself through your actions and deeds, they speak a far greater truth that the careful words that leave your mouth sometimes.“And you, Pathfinder Scot Ryder … I will at admit, I thought there was arrogance in the title your people gave you. I thought you arrogant for accepting something you were clearly not ready for. You crashed on our planet and offered nothing but sass and lip. But much like your chosen, your deeds speak far more than your words. I gave you doubt and tests and you didn’t shirk before it. You far met and exceeded my expectations, even with difficult decisions to be made. You placed the value of lives above all, you reclaimed our birth planet for us, you have freed us for a time from the kett. You gave us a chance to breath and gave us renewed hope.“So perhaps, it is not so strange that you two have been drawn to one another, as if it was something inexorable, destined to happened. There is a push and pull that I see with you both, something that ebbs and flows like the waters of Havarl’s ocean. Always move with it and do not let it tear you apart. You both have chosen this. Remain committed to it through to the end. Let your actions speak louder than any words or doubts thrown your way.”A loud sniffle from beside made Reyes look over to see Scott looking a bit teary-eyed. Then a few more sniffles too showed that Vicki and Aysun were dabbing away tears from their eyes. Evfra nodded and took their hands before pressing them together. Reyes couldn’t hold on tight enough to Scott's hand and looking at him, he found himself trying very hard to not tear up.“Then as you two wish it to be, so it is. You’re wed.”“What?" Vicki’s voice sounded hoarse. “That's it?! They need rings… or... or something!”“That’s a thing?” came from Aysun in surprise even as Evfra gave an exasperated, “What?”“Rings… tokens… they exchange tokens of their love and affection for one another.”“Is it not a ball and chain?” Aysun mused. “I’ve heard some humans make reference to that.”“Scott is not a ball and chain.” Reyes scoffed. “We can pick rings later, querido.”“Oh no you don’t!” Vicki snapped, as she started patting down her pockets. “Hang on I have something somewhere.”Reyes watched as she reached into an inner vest pocket and pulled out two wooden rings attached on a string. She grabbed them in her hand and jerked, snapping the string free.“I sometimes carve when I’m off duty and these have been sitting in my pocket for ages. You two can have them.”They barely got a look before the rings were pressed into their hands and Vicki was making ‘Go on’ motions to them. Reyes looked at the smooth wood in his hands before getting to one knee and sliding the ring on.“I thee wed.” He murmured before pressing a kiss to the back of Scott’s hands.“Seriously, you’re ridiculous sometimes. Just…” Scoot shook his head as he got to his knees. “I love you and no matter what, it’s always you, okay?”Reyes had zero complaints at the kiss Scott laid on him. He was honestly breathless by the time they broke apart and Scott was giving him a tight hug with happy little sobs. He could vaguely hear Aysun asking Vicki something about rice and it was Evfra’s dry tone that broke the spell.“As touching as this all is, you two need to get back to Meridian immediately. I have ten messages from Jaal asking if anyone has seen the Pathfinder and I do believe your stunt may send half the Milky Way forces out hunting.”“And yet you didn’t tell him anything, did you?” Reyes asked as they got to their feet.Evfra shrugged. “It’s not my story to tell. That much I know from my dealings. This is something you both choose. Now, you must defend it.”“Gladly.” Reyes quipped.“You say that now," Scott said, sliding an arm around Reyes' waist. "But you do realise your new sister-in-law is my twin sister. The same one who pretty much took a page from my dad’s book.”“I’ll make nice with her over whatever we’re having for Thanksgiving. Maybe roast?” Reyes grinned as his own arm settled in on Scott's waist and he took a moment to to just drink in the sight of him.“Let’s go meet the charge before they decide to come to Aya and give Evfra a hard time.”“Thank you.” The relief was palpable in Evfra’s voice. “And since I know your discretion is assured, you can go and let me get back to other tasks. Vicki, Aysun, get me those reports on the abandoned kett bases.”Vicki gave them a little wave and Aysun a smile and thumbs up as they left. They left the headquarters, slowly making theit way back to the docking area. They'd just descended the steps by the tavetaan when Scott gave a little chuckle. When Reyes arched a brow in return, Scott explained with,“Any bet Sara’s gonna figure out what happened when she sees out rings and is gonna give Evfra such shit.”“Which means she’ll be grilling us first.” Reyes gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “And there’s no one else I’d rather face the music with.”

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It had taken nearly three years, but Avela was finally - finally! - on the Nexus. She had prepped her assistant well enough but there always seemed to be one more artifact to catalogue, one more device to decode. It also helped that Pathfinder Ryder regularly brought things back from their travels across the galaxy. There was always something to do. So when she and her assistant were one day strolling down to the docks to pick up the latest delivery from the Tempest, she should have perhaps suspected when there was a twinkle in Ryder’s eyes. It was a human expression she never quite understood. But there was something there that could only be described as such. The artifact had been collected and she found that her assistant had sneakily sent her things on ahead to the Tempest and was dropping her off for the “long awaited cultural exchange trip.”And honestly, how could she protest when Ryder graciously led her on board and once they were underway, gave a detailed tour of the ship and introducing everyone. Or maybe it was the regular tour and it took much longer because Avela had millions of questions and Ryder answered every single one as best they could. Hell, half the crew was roped in when she pressed for answers Ryder didn’t have.So when Ryder invited her up to the flight deck to see them come in for docking at the Nexus, it far exceeded anything Avela could have dreamed up. This massive space station was a shining jewel to Milky Way tenacity and engineering. That they started this after crashing into Andromeda and taking on the kett… it still blew her mind.The inside of the station even more so. It was so open and airy, full of space for a ship to fly and the promenades looked absolutely clogged with trees and plants. There was so much to still learn from these newcomers to their galaxy. Perhaps the angara could even reach new levels with the knowledge the Milky Way species were keen to share.She spent a whole glorious week on the station and Ryder was still escorting her everywhere, introducing her to people and honestly, she was getting so much data, she could probably spend the rest of her life analyzing it. In fact she was still looking over something when a buzz sounded as her quarter doors. Frowning, she looked up at the clock before scrambling to answer it. There stood Ryder with a smile and looking amused. “You were reading and lost track of time, didn’t you?”“Stars above, I did, I’m so sorry,” Avela gestured for them to come in. “Is today really our last day here?”“It doesn’t necessarily have to be. How much longer would you like to stay?”“Oh don’t say it like that. I’ll call it an ‘ongoing research trip’ and never leave,” she chuckled as she looked the few datapads scattered on the table. “I was reading about the asari discovery of what you call the Citadel and it’s absolutely fascinating and I have so many questions! But don’t worry, I’ve edited and collated them into a list to leave behind and hopefully get the answers sent.”“I was never any good at asari history, I mean, there’s a lot of it. Only the krogan come close.”“That thousand year lifespan. Stars, to live that long and see so much,” Avela sighed wistfully. “It would be incredible.”“Did you maybe want to try and talk to an asari historian today or did you still want to check out hydroponics?”“Oh yes, hydroponics please. I would love to see how your people took that data from Havarl and managed to improve farming yields. Much of our farming data wound up corrupted from the kett, so we most have paste yield reports.”“Then to Hydroponics we shall go,” Ryder sang while offering their arm. “Any stops along the way?”“None that I can think of.” Avela mused.The walk down to Hydroponics was quick, just amicable silence and once they got down to the lab, she couldn’t help but ask Dr Camden question after question. They slowly wove their way through the lush trees and plants, until they were in front of a doorway, hidden by all the foilage. Dr Camden quickly ushered them in, but Ryder didn’t look too worried so Avela didn’t either.“Now, there’s not many of these around yet. This is from the first officially safe batch,” Camden was unlocking a locker door and reaching in for something. “They finally figured out how to grow some, but it's still a bit touch and go. It’s been through all the toxicology and compatibility screenings, so please, enjoy.”Avela peered at the four wrapped rectangles that were pressed into Ryder’s hands. Two with a simple linear glyph and the other two with a curved one. ... No, not glyph, those symbols were called letters. Judging from the look on Ryder’s face, this was a big deal. Their eyes were wide and after a few seconds, they hastily stuffed away the rectangles away in their jacket pocket. Or was it a hoodie? Avela was fairly sure they referred to it as a hoodie.Even as they left the room, Avela was still wondering about what just happened. “Ryder, what was—”“Sh sh sh!” Ryder hushed her as they looped their arm through hers and gently started them back to the the docking area. “Not here.”Avela was massively confused and even more so when Ryder called for an immediate meeting the second they stepped back on the ship. It seemed that everyone was on the ship because it didn’t take them long to come up. This crew had changed so much over the months since they came here. Hair was longer, some of the males had hair on their faces and the krogan looked… spikier?They were all clustered around the large circular table in the middle of the room. Ryder did have a flair for the dramatic. They looked around the room, meeting gazes before their firm voice uttered four simple words.“I have actual chocolate.”“Yeah, right, sure you do Ryder,” Suvi, with her hair bright like pradul blossoms, snorted. “You’re not fooling us again with that mockolate you tried to pass off last time.”“Wouldn't feed that garbage to a thresher maw,” Drack rumbled. “Bet it would stop an architect in its tracks.”Liam barked out a laugh. “Feed it to a eiroch, that’d stop it charging.”That got a ripple of laughter but the room went silent again as Ryder pulled out the wrapped rectangles from their pocket.“Shit guys, I think Ryder isn’t messing around this time,” Vetra came closer, flipping over a bar and unwrapping it quick and taking a sniff. “This is the real deal. Actual, physical chocolate.”It was pure pandemonium. Everyone crowded towards the the table, speaking at the same time but Vetra stepped back from the table, holding two bars in her hands with unmitigated glee. Avela eyed the press of people before she shifted closer to Vetra.“This… chocolate, is it that big a deal?”“Very big deal. What supply we had brought with us, very little of it survived out arrival in Andromeda and apparently the trees are hard to grow. But someone must have really wanted it bad. Can’t believe my luck that I’m the only dextro here. Everyone has to divvy up that. Oh, but speaking of, hey you lot, give Avela a piece!”She watched as Vetra waded into the thick press of crew members, but it was Ryder that came over with two curiously small squares. They gave it to her with a wink and a grin before wading back in to mediate the squabbling. She turned it over, before giving it a quick sniff. It smelled a bit peculiar, not quite like anything she had tried before. But judging from the way the crew was reacting now, various expressions as they ate their little squares. There were some joyous laughs, but the smiles were so bright and happy that Avela couldn’t help but want to be a part of it. She took a tiny nibble from her square and made a startled sound.“It’s salty and sweet!” she looked at it in surprise. “And not bland and all.” She took another bite, savouring the play of flavours on her tongue before popping the rest of the square in her mouth. “And it’s called chocolate?” “It is! Better guard yours Vetra, it’s all gone already.” Ryder called. “Already?” Avela shook her head. “I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s so good.”“Better eat yours fast, I think Gil over there is eyeing it up.” Peebee singsonged as she wandered off down the ramp, eating her last piece.“Hey Avela, I’ll play you for it!” Gil called over. “Nah man, eat it, don’t let him fleece you of your gold!” Liam shouted.“Eat it!” Drack crowed.“Oi Liam, Drack,” Gil protested. “Let the lady do as she wants.” “Why is everyone looking at mine now?” she mused aloud, looking back at the crew's expectant faces. “These vultures already ate theirs.” Ryder chuckled. “Nice to know you like yours though.”“It’s quite good. I’m not sure how to describe this experience,” Avela was half surprised a fight hadn’t broken out. “Perhaps, potential Milky Way deathmatch over delicious food substance?”“Ha ha, I like her. Better sense of humour than some of you still.” Drack laughed. “Think your lot on Aya would want some of this?”“We have started… entertaining the notion of shifting away from paste and back to actual food. This would go down like heavy summer rains.”“Yeah,” Gil pressed. “But are you going to eat your last piece? The last piece of levo chocolate might I add.”It was strange to have so many eyes fixed on her, waiting for a response. Ryder seemed to be the only one who was looking around at everyone else to see what they'd do. She just watched them for a bit before she popped the final square in her mouth, earning a groan of disappointment from the whole crew.“And there it goes. The last piece of heaven.” Suvi sighed heavily before she pegged Ryder with a look. “You’re never getting away with that fake shite again. Like, ever.”“She’s got you there,” Kallo agreed. “You better hope it doesn’t pop up on someone’s wish list.”“I think I did a massive favour sharing it with you guys," Ryder interjected. "And maybe you should hit up Vetra cause dextro chocolate is even rarer and she’s pretty much queen of trades still.”Avela looked around to find Vetra gone and Gil was already trying wandering away trying to find her and talking about making a deal. Everyone else slowly wandered off and Ryder came to lean against the railing beside her. “So, chocolate, good or bad?” Ryder teased. “Definitely good. Reminds me a little bit of when the markets had fresh paripo fruit. The crowds were insane.”“This was just on my ship. Imagine what a marketplace would be like.”“Oh my. I don’t know, Andromeda death matches over delicious food substances are something Evfra would hate. Think of the security measures.”There was a moment where they looked at each other before they burst of laughing. When they finally settled down, Avela sighed with a smile. “It was delicious though. Thank you very much for letting me experience that Ryder.”“My pleasure, Avela. Next batch that comes, I'll do my best to make sure some gets to Aya.”

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It was a matter of expediency. The Initiative had proven to be quite good at setting up outposts and keeping them fortified. It made sense to do a quick tour of them to get ideas for their own Resistance bases.They had made a stop on their tour at Kadara, to pick up Reyes. Apparently he was delivering something to the Nexus. The fact that the something was a Remnant device did raise some eyebrows. But Evfra would readily admit, having the Tempest as the transport was the safest move.They had just reached Prodromos and Evfra was eager to go see the outpost and the steps taken. The gangplank lowered, blasting him with the dry heat of the planet and as he walked out the sun baked glorious warmth into his hood. No wonder Eos was all some angara could talk about.He was only a few feet away from the Tempest when he felt it, the shiver of an energy wave setting off his bioelectrics. He had stepped off the ship once they reached Prodromos. The Initiative had proved quite good at setting up outpost and keeping them fortified and safe. This was the sort of thing he preferred to do in person if possible and anything he could take back to the Resistance, would be worthwhile. The way his gut was sinking had his feet pounding back to the ship and banging on the button to lower the gangplank. As it lowered, all Evfra could hear echoing from all over the ship were screams and oddly high pitched cries. It was all even more confusing when a tiny child came bolting out of Liam’s workspace. But it had Evfra moving automatically to close the gangplank, his mind trying to make sense of what he was seeing.This child had the same skin colour as Liam, the same head of thick hair. But it wasn’t Liam because it was a child trying to run around in a shirt that was attempting to drown them.No, scratch that, now a very naked child running around, the shirt ditched beside the Nomad. The other office door opened and Evfra’s heart sank when he saw a turian child came bolting out, to cling directly at his leg. A turian child with the familiar purple markings of Vetra Nyx.Storms in the skies, they were children. And judging from the sounds he was hearing elsewhere, why were the crew of the Tempest suddenly children? And very young ones at that? He managed to grab the shirt and yank it back on Liam who started screaming in protest and was doing his best to squirm out of his arms. Vetra somehow scrambled up him when he was fighting to get Liam clothed and had decided that riding his shoulders was the best thing ever and kept kicking her heels into his shoulders while delightedly crying out, “Nathak, nathak!”These were the first two crew members he found. He was not looking forward to finding the rest. He could already feel the headache brewing. Any bet, that skutting device Reyes had brought had something to do with this.Time and time again, Moshae Sjefa’s rules were always proven to be time honoured and always backed in hard fact: never activate Remnant devices unless you know what it will do.What Evfra really wanted to know was who activated it.
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“Wait, wait, what happened?” The disbelief on August’s face over the holo was clear as day and Evfra wished he had said anything else. “I believe a Remnant device is the cause of their,” Evfra paused because saying ‘deaging’ sounded ridiculous. “Lack of years.”“Man, that Tempest crew doesn’t do anything by half, do they,” August rubbed at his brow with a heavy sigh. “You’ve sealed the ship right, no one’s getting on or off?”“The computer still functions. No one is getting on unless I unlock it with my code.” Evfra really would rather not recall how slippery a salarian child was when they made a break for the airlock. “And they’re all safe in a large room that is secure.”“Okay, that’s good. Did you maybe find the device that did this?”“I have but it is inert and I haven’t been able to power it back up to try and see what it did.”“That's a pickle you got there alright. But you did good to hunker down and make sure they’re safe. What do you need brought to you?”“I need Moshae Sjefa.” That was the only answer he could think of. If anyone could fix this, it was her.“Can you make the call from the holosuite there? If you can’t I can give it a try.”“Do it. I’ll send a message informing them to expect your call. Have the Moshae call me here on the Tempest and we can take it from there. For now, we’re good for food and water.” Evfra sighed as he could hear a chorus of crying from further up the ship. “I need to go. I had to promise them a story in order to get here to make the call.”“Oh, well, don’t let me keep your audience waiting,” August smiled. “I’ll see about calling Aya now for you. Over and out de Tershaav.”He watched as August Bradley disappeared before heading down to the extravagant room he’d managed to round up all the children into. Personally, he thought it was wasteful for one person to get all that space to themselves on a single ship when the space could have been allocated better. Extra supplies, extra weapons, extra anything else to be honest.His steps slowed as he approached, realizing it wasn't crying but muted laughter from the room and when he opened the door, Evfra had to tamp down the urge to just close it and walk away. The bed was being jumped on, the chairs as well, not to mention the delighted cries of “Space battle!” as some model ships were zoomed around with the accompanying noises of gun fire and little Peebee was floating through the room in a nimbus of blue, with a small barely plated Drack holding onto her feet and demanding to go faster. Evfra could barely handle children on a good day. Fresh recruits, taking on a kett base, facing down a charging fiend while in a kett base… none of that filled him with as much doubt as this room and — A surprisingly heavy impact on his leg nearly made him buckle and he was looking down at a wide toothy smile and floppy long hair nearly hiding mischievous brown eyes. Even as a kid, Reyes just oozed trouble.He was talking a mile a minute and Evfra’s translator had some trouble keeping up with the torrent of words that weren’t the developed Andromeda standard. But when Reyes started chanting out, “Cuento, cuento, cuento!” he gave a sigh and rolled his eyes. Of course Reyes was the one that didn’t forget.“All right, listen up you lot!” Evfra barked.Not that it caught any attention, and the chaos continued uninterrupted. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath and bellowed out,“QUIET FOR STORY TIME!”Peebee and Drack fell on the floor in a heap and Jaal was already excitedly sitting in front of Evfra, waiting for it to begin. With a tired sigh, he rounded them up and sat them all down before settling in a chair, trying desperately to think of something to tell them. Jaal had recounted how the story of the girl and the spaceship had gone over curiously well, so perhaps another one such as that?“One day there was a little girl, who wanted to explore the woods of Havarl —”That was all Evfra managed to get out because Ryder was the one to excitedly exclaim, “Little Red Riding Hood!” and now Evfra was even more confused because by all the stars in the sky, what was a little red riding hood?“Do you wish her to have a red hood?” at the frantic head nods, he sighed. “So the little girl with her red hood, went into the Havarl woods, even though her parents warned her of the dangers of the animals, of the dangers of the Chasm. Then one day, she was out playing and fell down into the Chasm. They never saw her again, just found her little red hood floating on the water.”Only Jaal, Drax, Kallo and Peebee were serious and wide-eyed. Every one else looked nearly ready to cry and Evfra wondered what kind of fanciful stories the others had heard. But the crying looked like it was just gonna get started and Evfra knew he needed to nip this quickly.“Perhaps you all would like some Blastos to have for dinner? Come along to the galley now. And maybe a vid afterwards.”That did seem to cheer them up, and Evfra was starting to think that maybe he’d get through this on distraction alone.
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Five days until Moshae Sjefa arrived. Five days of wrangling the most rambunctious children he’d seen. He quickly learned that dividing them into smaller groups meant he kept his sanity.Put Peebee with Suvi and Kallo and they were content to do ‘science experiments’. Sure it was buckets of coloured water, but it meant all Evfra had to do was look at the buckets with their spoons, seriously nod and deem it a success. Then they’d move onto to whatever experiment they had planned next.Ryder, Drack, Reyes and Gil were thick as thieves and Evfra had to keep an eye on them, lest they do something that would wind up with them dead. Like the day when they were suspiciously quiet and he found them in the cargo bay, trying to fly like Peebee had been. High cargo crates and gravity would have done them in.The best way to keep Liam settled - and clothed - was to stick him with Jaal, Lexi and Cora give them datapads with stories and they would be quieter than a Voeld night. Sometimes they’d read out loud but they mainly succeeded in getting him to read and how did Milky Way children survive to adulthood without tales to warn them of the dangers around them. Human tales were all fanciful things with creatures called dragons, knights and princesses. At least turian tales were more sensible, full of civic duty and of working for a cause greater than one self.Vetra… somehow she had become his shadow and was always underfoot. Evfra did have to admit, it was a bit touching. However, it also would have been nice if he could use the bathroom without mournful chirping from the other side of the door. So when the request for boarding finally came and the hangar bay door opened, he knew he must have been a sight. Vetra sitting on his shoulders and little Gil on his hip and nine children doing their best to hide behind his legs but still trying to get a good look. There was no reaction on the Moshae’s face but the ripple of her bioelectrics were quashed down so quick, Evfra thought he imagined it.“So, you seem to have found yourself with some strange Remnant tech that has caused issues.”Stars thank the Moshae for not commenting on anything else. “Yes, it’s isolated in the tech lab. I can show you if you like.”“No, that’s quite all right. I recall where it is. You… do seem to have your hands full. I shall let you know when I’ve reached a solution.”The little smirk on her face didn’t do much for whatever dignity Evfra had left. Then again, he was more sleep deprived than usual and what he wouldn’t give for a proper angaran bed right now. These human beds were like planks of wood, how did Jaal do it?“Mr Evfra?” Vetra said quietly as she leaned forward trying to peer at his face. “Who’s the pretty lady?”“That is Moshae Sjefa. She is the smartest of our people and can fix this.” Storms above, Evfra really needed her to fix this.“But you’re a good dad.” Gil held onto his arm tighter. “You give us Blastos ‘n read us stories all the time and you’re with us.”All Evfra could do was stare, managing to speak around the hard lump that came in his throat. ”Speaking of stories, it is nearly time for dinner and then a bath. Afterward, perhaps I will read you all a story.”The cheer they gave did make him feel a little bit warm inside. And this way, he could definitely keep them out of the Moshae’s way.
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Evfra wished he knew what time he fell asleep at. He’d managed to get them all fed and bathed before tucking them all into bed and settling down to read something called, ‘The Littlest Fire Breathing Thresher Maw’ and quite frankly, Evfra was glad he would never step foot on the planet called Tuchanka. If this was the fanciful children’s version, then real Tuchanka might kill him as soon as he stepped on the soil. He suspected that these thresher maws and varren were not actually the best of friends.But he’d been reading, surrounded by the litter of young ones, trying to quash down the little tendrils of warmth he felt. What he really needed to remember was that these sweet children were actually full grown adults that generally caused him no end of troubles. He woke up in the dim morning light, the datapad still in hand and feeling far too warm. When he he opened his eyes and looked at the bed, it suddenly made sense. The bed was just spacious enough for him and eleven small children.It absolutely was not for eleven full grown adults, one of whom was a millenia-old krogan. No wonder it was hotter than the volcanic fields on Aya. Thankfully, he was near the edge and managed to slip out of the bed. He was in the galley getting himself a cup of water when he heard the shrieks of surprise and when he leaned against the counter just inside the galley, he was treated to the sight of a bunch of confused and sheep-faced Tempest crew trying to slink out of Ryder’s room. Liam was the one to catch sight of him first and before the man could say anything, Evfra raised his mug a bit in salute.“Congratulations, you kept your clothes on.”“You know,” Liam’s sigh was heavier than a mountain. “For a moment there, it was all a dream. I could at least pretend it was a dream.”“We were really…” Cora’s voice was still slurred with sleep.“Children? Yes. The Moshae came to fix the device. As you’re all… you again, she was evidently successful.” Evfra spotted Reyes trying to slip away behind Cora and Liam. “A moment, if you will Vidal.”Reyes came strolling into the galley as Cora and Liam hurried away. He was doing an admirable job of looking nonchalant while wearing a shirt that barely hid anything. “What can I help you with?”“That device you brought on board, what was it?”“We think it was a medical device of some kind. I was requested to bring it back to the Nexus for further study. I ensured it was powered down and took precautions but with Remnant devices…” Reyes shrugged.Evfra nodded with a sigh. “I’ll go to Prodromos and let them know all is well again.”Reyes nodded his head, pausing at the door for a moment. “For what it’s worth, no one is going to hear a word of this from me. Who’d believe me anyway?”That half mysterious smile came to his face and Evfra couldn’t quite shake the image of what it used to be, wide and bright, as if full of possibility. … This whole experience was surreal and would take him a bit to get over. The last few people were vanishing off into the crew quarters and Vetra and Gil were lingering for some reason. Though Vetra seemed to be just leaning against the door and Gil was draped in a sheet, looking distinctly… uncomfortable? No, he was unsure. Nervousness was evident in how he couldn’t quite meet Evfra’s eye. It took Vetra jabbing an elbow into his ribs for Gil to take a deep breath and finally look at him.“Yeah, so there’s no way to say this without it being bloody weird, so here goes: you’re a damn good dad.”That.. That was honestly the last thing Evfra was expecting to hear. Truth be told, he thought he’d barely held it together because a single person dealing with eleven kids was a bit much. But then again, his family had been unusually small by angaran standards. But even as he looked at Gil, he couldn’t bring himself to say something acerbic or cutting.Gil looked surprised when Evfra rested a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Relief was evident in Gil’s eyes and he gave Evfra a quick hug before disappearing into the crew quarters. Well then, Evfra could safely say that Gil had more bravery than half of the recruits he dealt with on a regular basis. Vetra chuckled and shook her head as she pushed off from the door. “He’s right you know. You’re a damn good dad,” she gave him what he was coming to recognize as a turian smile. “You ever need anything, drop me a line sometime.”“Likewise.” Evfra nodded. He watched Vetra head into the quarters, now full of the murmur of hushed voices. It was much easier to stay in the galley and drink his water in relative peace and quiet. When he heard a gentle knock in the doorway, he looked up to see the Moshae giving him a strangely soft look.“What now?” he groaned before gulping down the last bit of water.“Nothing. I've ensured the device won't go off again. This is the unlock sequence,” she pulled up her interface, sending it to him before she sat down beside him. “You did well with them for the week.”Evfra just grunted in response before he eventually added on, “I couldn’t just leave them here by themselves like that.”“Naturally.” The Moshae was quiet for a bit before she said, “I think perhaps you understand them a bit better now.”“They’re grown again. They don’t need cuddles and nap time. I am looking forward to using the bathroom in peace again though.” When he caught the Moshae’s smile shift to a grin, he just huffed.“What bits I did catch coming here, I think they look at you a bit differently now,” the Moshae gave a loose shrug before she quietly said, “When you’re ready to talk about it then?”Evfra just gave a non-committal sound as he watched her leave, wondering just precisely which ‘it’ she was referring to. Not that it mattered much anyhow, he had things to do. He could reflect on this later.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Three things happened in a precision order: the telltale flutter of a knife being flipped open, the crack of a gunshot and a singular voice coming out from the shadows.“You look like you’re waiting for someone.” The speaker emerged into the dim lamplight, half shrouded in the fog. “What could the infamous Scott Ryder being doing out on a night such as this.”What indeed. But a crackshot being here right here, right now? No, there was no doubt in his mind as to who this was.“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Shena.” Scott gave a short bow before his attention shifted to the body beside him. “Dare I ask about this unfortunate person?”“You can. I have no more answers than you,” Shena reholstered his weapon before stepping fully into the light. “How do you know of me, that is the bigger question.”His clothing was of quality make, not exactly rich enough but spoke of some money. Dark hair was slicked back and those hazel eyes were watching him carefully. This was all on Scott now. Desperate times called for desperate measures. With his sister still infirm, it all fell on him. Being the disgraced son of an utterly disgraced and penniless lord offered precious little opportunity. So here he was, trying to leverage the sole thing he had left.“I know of you because of inquiries made in my search for the Charlatan. I came because an arrangement was made to discuss my candidacy to join your organization.”“I see,” there was a considering look to Shena’s eyes now. “Then prove yourself.”“I beg your pardon?” Scott was sure he had misheard.“You heard me quite well.”This was confusing to say the least because what could he do to prove that he was worthy of an audience with the Charlatan?Desperate times, desperate measures.Scott didn’t move for a few more seconds before he shifted back and Charged forward, hitting Shena solidly. The man would have gone flying if Scott hadn’t grabbed his clothes and slammed him to the ground before straddling his back while twisting an arm up to incapacitate him. The same arm he had shot with.“You’re biotic.” Shena grunted into the cobblestones.“… You know what we call ourselves.” Scott almost loosened his grip on the man’s arm.“I do. If you would be so kind…”Scott got off Shena before helping him back to his feet. He did feel a twinge of guilt watching Shena rotate his arm and ensure everything was still all right. But to be more honest, his head was buzzing with the word Shena said: biotic. Not that witchborn or soulcursed nonsense he inevitably heard. All the reasons why he couldn’t find a shred of honest employment. All the reason why he had found himself here in this situation.“You have a very physical manner of convincing.” Shena said dryly as they turned and started walking. “Come along now.”Scott could only stare as Shena vanished into the shadows, steps soft and almost quiet along the cobblestones. That was it? He had thought that there would be more to this. He hurried to catch up, falling in step beside the man.“Your skills are impressive. I do believe the Charlatan will have a use for you,” the man slid him a look. “Shena is my code name. You may call me Reyes. Reyes Vidal, at your service.” “A pleasure to meet you, Mr Vidal.” After a few seconds, Scott spoke hesitantly, “Do I get a code name too?”“We shall see.”
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“Oh you must do your little trick again, sir!”Scott gave a polite smile, letting the blue biotic aura wreath his hand to the delighted gasps of the small crowd around him. If he had known in half a year he’d be back in salons, flaunting the very skill that made him reviled… How fickle the aristocracy could be. They didn’t want him when he was respectable. But the thin veneer of danger and the unknown made him fashionable. Fashionable enough to get into parties but dangerous enough that he wouldn’t have to worry about declining potential marriage offers.Reyes on the other hand…The man somehow still had a respectable reputation and it allowed him to move through the crowd like the perfect predator; well-camouflaged and with Scott attracting so much attention, it was the perfect place to conduct small deals in the privacy of curtained rooms. He had no illusions of what happened in those rooms. Business deals, extortion… Sometimes he wished he was making those deals; he’d take the simple reality of it over this dazzling lie and show he put on for the Collective’s benefit.“Surely, you must have journeyed to the far lands of Thessia to have developed such skill. Who else would have such skill as the fabled asari!”The baroness’ words made him look over to find her gaze roving over him before she gave a coquettish smile. He demurred with a soft laugh and shook his head. “I regret to inform you that I never reached Thessia’s shores. While I have been to Palaven and Sur’Kesh, there are now further shores that I do desire to see one day.”That got a ripple of murmurs before the baroness gasped out, “Parnack?”“Indeed. I’ve heard that the forests teem with danger and the skies are filled with the cries of such strange animals. However,” Scott used a delicate Pull to bring a glass of champagne to his waiting hand, seeing how every single eye was riveted on him. “I will settle for the delightful company I find myself in now.”The laughter and claps that followed in the wake of his statement and small salute made the champagne taste a bit sour on his tongue. Of course he was adored now in his disgrace. What ruined it completely was looking over to find Reyes staring at the spectacle Scott had created. His gaze was cold as ice chips as if he was displeased, but when his gaze came to Scott it was curiously blank. This had happened a few times previously on these salon missions that Reyes brought him along on. Scott didn’t even have a chance to wonder what had caused that when a hand on his arm made him look over to find the baroness looping her arm through his.“Mr Ryder, you simply must tell us more of your travels to Palaven and Sur’Kesh.”He feigned a sigh through a smile, looking around quickly. All he saw was a glimpse of Reyes frowning, a calculating look in those hazel eyes. Perhaps there was someone behind that Scott couldn’t see? Yes, perhaps that was it. The alternative if Reyes was truly looking at him… it could only be one thing because Scott had never failed at a task given to him. “Perhaps you can start with Sur’Kesh first?”“Baroness,” Scott gave her a full smile and was rewarded with a blush coming to her cheeks. “It would be a pleasure to do so.”
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To the day, it was a year. And on the anniversary of him joining the Collective, he was once again out on the shadowy late night streets. The cobblestones were still hard against his shoe soles and Reyes was at his side. The only change was that they were down by the port.‘Cut enough deals that steal someone’s profits and here you are at some unholy of the morning.’ Scott kept looking about as they slunk through the stacks of crates. This was an aspect of this world he hadn’t expect to like as much as he did. He could strip off the lie of what he once was and settle more comfortably into what he had become. There was a simplicity to it, that didn’t require adept words and unrelenting smiles and what felt like duplicity.He would take this world now. The one that accepted him wholeheartedly for who and what he was. Not the one that destroyed his father so completely, left his life in shambles. Truly letting loose with his biotics felt good, to be wreathed in that blue power…Perhaps that was how he’d earned the code name ‘Tempest’. When he fought with his biotics, he moved like the wind and he didn’t know who started it but the name stuck. But the rush he felt —A skittering sound made him reach for Reyes arm to halt his steps. All things considered, the dock was noisy. Ropes creaked as they shifted, sails gently snapped in the salt breeze, the sharp rhythmic slap of water on the hulls of ships… but the strangely staccato sound of stone on stone, as if a pebble was kicked?“They’re here.” Scott murmured. The bob of lamp coming into view showed the face of a woman looking around. Sloane Kelly, the infamous leader of the Outlaws. Which meant if she was here… he glanced at Reyes, motioning ‘wait’ and was rewarded a few seconds later. Kaetus’ pale plates seemed to emerge from the darkness to glow with the warm yellow light of the lamp. Even more tellingly was the dull gleam from his hands. The turian had no gloves on which, knowing what he’d seen of Kaetus’ work, meant sharpened talons.Reyes now motioned for them to wait, so they crouched there. The minutes ticked on by and the impatience building was easy to see, clear as day. It was only when Kaetus rapped his talons for the sixth time, that Scott nodded. They slowly stood up and stepped out into the dim light. Sloane made a dismissive sound.“Well, guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The Charlatan sends their two best lackeys,” she scoffed. “Can’t even be bothered to come to settle the score themselves?” Sloane gave a derisive noise. In the dim light, Scott could just make out the half smile on Reyes face and the mocking little bow he sketched out. The world felt like it listed steeply to the side before it sharply righted itself. Reyes Vidal himself was the Charlatan. This… would explain quite a few things. Scott glanced at Kaetus before he subtly shifted position, flanking Reyes in the best position possible. Sloane frowned before it shifted into a disbelieving and cruel smile. “Oh, this is rich. You’re the Charlatan? See that witchborn, doesn’t even tell you who he is. Should have worked with me when you had the chance.”Yes, he remembered receiving that offer. He’d looked at it for all of two seconds before pitching it right into the fireplace to burn. All Scott saw was the half turn of Reyes’ head and then the lamp fell with a clang, the flickering wick casting shadow and lights dancing. Scott had moved, throwing a stasis out to catch Kaetus as he was barrelling towards them. He’d caught the turian in midstride and he watched as Kaetus toppled to the ground before he turned his attention to Sloane and Reyes. They were grappling with something unseen between them before there was the flash and bang of a muzzle going off. Scott was moving before he was thinking, afraid that Reyes was the grievously injured one. He couldn’t truly entertain the notion if it was Reyes… But it was Reyes who eased Sloane’s body to the ground, a bloody wound seeping out from her gut.It was the roar that had Scott turning to see Kaetus scrambling right at them. He acted more on pure instinct than anything else. His arm flew out and the small ripples of blue belied the kinetic impact that sent Kaetus flying onto the docked ship. A loud crack told him Kaetus hit something on the ship and Scott suspected something large broke. Not that he could really take a moment because he could now hear shouts and feet running towards them. “Vamonos!” Reyes grabbed his hand, hauling him up. “Jail is not an option!”Scott lunged forward, grabbing the gun from Sloane’s hand before stumbling after Reyes until he found his footing. They wove through the crates onto the streets before slipping into a narrow alleyway and through to what looked like a dead end. Count on Reyes to know a hiding spot nearby. ‘The Charlatan would though.’ Scott slipped in after him, and it was only when they finally came to a halt, and his eyes adjusted, he took in Reyes’ shadowy shape.“You’re the Charlatan.” He whispered, as if the statement couldn’t bear anything louder. “In the flesh.” Reyes gave a bitter laugh. “Now you know Shena’s greatest secret.”“Indeed,” Scott wished there was light to see Reyes’ face better. The tone of his voice did leave Scott with some hesitancy. “What do you wish to do now?”“Do you not mean the Charlatan?” Reyes’ voice was heavy, threaded with regret.For a few moments, Scott didn’t say anything before he clenched and unclenched his hand, summoning a pale blue aura. It was just enough to see Reyes’ jaw tense and those hazel eyes with an unnatural yellowish sheen.This was Reyes’ desperate time, with a desperate measure to be decided upon. Scott made a thoughtful sound as he took a slow and careful step towards Reyes. He was immensely thankful that he had the gun, but there was undoubtedly a knife on his person somewhere. “No, I do mean you. Reyes Vidal. Not the person you show to the world. Not the Charlatan who commands a small empire. I ask you, Reyes Vidal. The man who shot an assailant for me, who took a chance on someone who you truly should not have,” he took a small half step forward. “I ask that you take a chance on me once more.”Reyes turned now, the pulsing biotic field making him look half fey as he considered Scott’s words. As Scott just stood there, he found his throat closing up as he gazed upon Reyes face. And all he could think now was that he was indeed witchtouched because how else to explain this sudden spell that Reyes seemed to be casting on him. How else to explain the expressions at war on Reyes’ face. The hope, the fear but through it all was the undercurrent of desire.That look explained much of the coldness on Reyes’ face during their salon escapades.Perhaps something showed in his face, plain and as clear as the sun rising because Reyes was slowly walking to him, fingers skimming over the tendons on the back of his glowing hand, the gentle touch around his wrist bone and up along the rough cotton of his shirt. Scott swore he could feel the touch as if it was on his bare skin and suddenly the sheer want of feeling Reyes’ skin against left him breathless. Those fingers continued upwards before skirting across his collarbone and along the sides of his neck and surely, surely, Reyes could feel how his blood had quickened, how Scott couldn’t look away now, even as those fingertips slipped up over his chin to graze against his lips. “And which Ryder is going to answer me? The one who dazzles in salons, who has men and women fawning over him? Or shall it be the Ryder who is quicker with his fist than his words with enemies? Or the Ryder who received an offer from my enemy?”“You get me,” Scott caught Reyes’ hand, holding it close. “You have ever since that first night we met. True, I’ve developed masks in order to achieve the ends but with you… it has always been me and nothing else. Sloane’s offer, I looked at it and then I burned it. Twice over she has called me witchborn. She looked at me and saw a tool. Since the day we met, you have seen me. You’ve always had me. And you will continue to.”A heavy sigh left Reyes as he tightened his grip on Scott’s hand. “I will admit, the alternative was not something I wished to pursue.” Scott knew he shouldn’t be smiling but he couldn’t help it. “You have the knife where?” There was no halting his hand from skimming across and around Reyes’ shoulder to follow the line of his spine. “I think the next time when we finish at a salon, I’ll take you somewhere private to find it,” Reyes smiled as he leaned in, the whisper of his breath against Scott’s lips. “That is a promise.”“I eagerly await that day.”

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Riff raff. Street rat. Scott loathed those words, but looking around at the lavish suite he was given for his short stay, those words felt like they were never coming off. Steal some bread, meet a handsome prince, wind up in jail, only to escape because some shifty old man wanted you to go to a cave in the desert where there was a magic lamp…Scott flopped back into the plush bed, still trying to wrap his mind around it. The past few days had been such a whirlwind and he couldn’t help but look at the lamp that was poking out from his elaborate outfit. After a moment, he sat back up and rubbed on the the side of it, waiting for the occupant to come out.“Busy right now,” came a tinny voice. “Come back later!”“Aw, c’mon, uh, Gil,” Scott tilted the lamp slightly. “I need some advice.”The genie - no, no, he asked to be called Gil — made a resigned sound before coming out in a gentle stream of reddish smoke. “All right then," Gil looked around the room. "You're in the palace in a swanky room, halfway to meeting the prince. I’m failing to see what you need advice for.”“Well, see I met the Prince already,” Scott began.“Leg in the door, good start.” Gil nodded. “But not when I was like this. When I was still… you know…” Scott gestured vaguely, relieved that a knowing look came to Gil's face. “And now that’s he’s met me like this, I’m pretty sure he hates my guts.”“What makes you think that?” Scott pulled a face, remembering the blank look of politeness on the Prince’s face before he smiled and said that after the last charming man to come swanning in, he’d had his fill and excused himself so quickly that the Sultan and advisor looked surprised and how fast he left. Scott had heard enough subtext in his life that he could smell derision before he saw it.“Trust me, I know. But when I met him before all this...” Scott gave a wistful sigh. “I was poorer than dirt and he was nice to me, actually treated me like…”“Not something to be scraped off his shoe?” Gil tried.“Yeah, like a person.” Scott finished, absently rubbing his finger along the side of the lamp.“You still got two wishes you know,” Gil materialised some legs and sat down beside him. “You could just say the words, and you and the Prince will be in your own little paradise.”“I’m not kidnapping the Prince with a wish!” Scott got up with a frustrated sound. “Just… maybe I should just go and talk to him?”“Listen,” Gil got up, legs vanishing back into smoke. “Take away all this, and you’re a great guy Scott. You’ve got heart and do you really think any person could enter the Cave of Wonders just like that? Diamond in the rough is what the Guardian said, yeah? So go talk to your Prince, but actually, properly talk to him. Don’t talk to him like you think you should. Be the man that met the Prince and had no idea who he was talking to.”“You do have some good advice, you know that Gil?” Scott smiled as he made his way to the suite balcony. “Think I’ll go out for a little late night flight.”“Night flight?” Gil echoed.Scott let his biotics wreath his body, gently lifting him off the tiled floor. “Here’s hoping the Prince doesn’t have me shot on sight or something.”“Look at you, full of surprises.” Gil laughed as he shifted into smoke, retreating back into the lamp. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”There was no fighting the laugh as Scott floated up towards the balcony three levels up from his. He was fairly sure he’d heard the Prince out there earlier. It was easy to land quietly and look around. Layers of sheer curtains nearly obscured the inner room. He could just make out what looked like a divan with a short table beside it with a small stack of books.“Uh, hello?” Scott called out.There was a blur of green-blue motion and then he was on his back with a snarling maw of teeth by his face. He forced himself to stay calm, even as the blue hazed over him.“So, you’re not like the other jackasses my father has been parading around me,” a smooth voice said dryly as they approached. “Anubis, heel!”Giant paws came off his shoulders and a large shape went trotting over to the man standing in front of the sheer drapes. Prince Reyes looked very different now that he was wearing fine linen pants topped with the wide cotton sash and a loose silk vest thrown on. The white linen offset the smooth, tanned skin and such lush, dark hair that just brushed over his shoulders couldn’t help but draw the eye down to the silvery-gray vest that perfectly framed his chest.“What makes you say that?” Scott gasped as he got to his feet. He'd readily admit, Reyes' pet knocked the wind out of him.“For one, every other pompous idiot would have tried something ridiculous by now. You’re looking at me as if you don’t know what to do.”“I am?” Scott wished he could look anywhere else other than Reyes if only to get his brain working again. Reyes gave an amused chuckle. “That and your biotics. First biotic suitor ever. And third, you’re here. Give me one good reason to not open my mouth and yell for the guards.”“I honestly just came to talk, that’s it.” Scott held up his hands. “I’m not so great at… this stuff.”“Really?” Reyes said dryly. “You seemed to do fine with impressing my father.”Scott shrugged, feeling distinctly uncomfortable as he edged back to the railing. “Look, I know what you’re thinking—”“That you’re another rich fool with more money than sense? Yes, you would be right. Gold doesn’t buy you everything and it certainly won’t buy me.”Reyes really wasn’t holding back, but even with all the derision, Scott could hear the hurt laced through Reyes’ words. How many times had he gone through this, dealing with prospective suitors who were more interested in gold and power than him? How many times had he been treated as the means to an end?“Do you really want me to go? I did just want to talk to you, but if that’s what you want…”“By all means, leave.” Reyes didn’t seem to relent.“Okay then.”Scott heard the shocked curse as he stepped off the railing. He spiraled down with his biotics to slow his momentum before he slowly came back up to Reyes’ balcony, poking his head just above the railing. “You kiss your mother with that mouth?”There was more swearing from Reyes and Scott watched as the wide eyed wonder in those hazel eyes shifted into curiosity, looking around.“How are you doing that?” Reyes finally asked, meeting Scott’s eyes.“Been doing this since I was born,” Scott smiled as he came up a bit higher, holding out his hand. “Want to give it a try?”Reyes’ eyes flicked to Scott’s hand, the longing there evident to see. But Scott wasn’t going to say a thing, this would have to be a choice Reyes made because he wanted it.“You won’t let me fall?” Reyes met his gaze once more. “Never.” Scott gave his hand a little wiggle. “Entirely your choice your Highness.”The smile that came to Reyes’ face as he took Scott’s hand was enough to leave Scott breathless with his heart tripping in his chest. But Scott gave a shy one of his own in response as he pushed his biotic field out to gently wash over Reyes. The biotics slowly washed over Reyes in pulses, lifting him him off the ground and Scott gently pulled him in close as they lifted up and away from the balcony. A smaller field was easier to maintain after all. And up this close, he could see the flecks of brown and green that melded together in Reyes’ eyes, haloed by a pale grey ring. “There’s a whole new world out there for you to discover if you like,” Scott said quietly, gaze still taking in Reyes. “What would you like to see.”“Show me something splendid,” Reyes finally said. “Something I’ve never seen before.”“As his Highness commands.” Scott smiled as he tucked Reyes in closer.

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“I would advise you not to enter these caves, Ryder.” Jaal’s rumble was enough to get Reyes to halt.Scott glanced up from his omni-tool. “Ambush?”“No,” Jaal seemed hesitant for a moment before explaining, “There are stories of this place. Angara who go in enough times do not come back out.”“People are being murdered here and no one’s done anything?” Scott gave Jaal his full attention, alarm on his face.Jaal’s expression nearly mirrored Scott’s, but his lowered brow and slight frown spoke more of worry than anxiety. Reyes had a feeling that murder wasn’t what Jaal meant.“What exactly do you mean?” Reyes pressed. Seconds of silence passed as Jaal searched for the words. When he finally spoke his voice was grave.“We call this Anashaaniir. Angara go in. What comes out, looks like angara but is not. Anyone who is running an op out of here is truly desperate.”“Cryptic and creepy, awesome,” Scott sighed. “SAM, you got all that?”“Affirmative Pathfinder. Logging all mission details as of now.”“Good, now, let’s go into the creepy cave, clean house and get the hell out of dodge.”Reyes would admit, the sound of Scott priming his rifle was heartening. The anxiousness on Jaal’s face didn’t do much to help. The cave system reminded him a bit of Draullir, but there was a strange oppressive feeling in the air. It made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and felt like some pressure bearing down on him. Pinpricks of tension sparked off Jaal and Scott’s face tightened in worry.It was almost laughably easy when they found the Outlaw encampment buried deep in the cave. Fifteen minutes and a vicious firefight later, they were sweeping through the cave for clues.It made sense to keep an eye on Scott and Jaal. Last thing Reyes needed was something happening to one of them and him catching eternal attitude from anyone else on the Tempest crew. He swore that he only looked away for a second to jimmy open a lock.He only had a second to register that he couldn’t see Scott before a piercing scream had him and Jaal scrambling. Ice ran through his vein when he found Scott crumpled on the ground in a small recessed spot. Jaal reached him first, scooping him up easily. The worry in those blue eyes was plain as day. “Scott!” Reyes managed to hold back the panic to look him over. Shallow breathing and eyes rapidly moving underneath his eyelids… none of this was good, what the hell happened? Whatever it was, Reyes was officially done with this damned cave.“Get him back to the Nomad,” Reyes could barely feel a pulse when he checked at Scott’s neck. “I’ll grab the data and be right behind you.”Never in his life had Reyes seen anyone move as fast as Jaal did. Hacking into the Outlaw console felt like it took forever, but grabbing the data went by considerably faster. Maybe it was his nerves, and an irrational fear that was doing it’s best to sink in, but the sooner they were out of this damned cave, the better.
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It was strange that the Tempest had been docked at Kadara Port for almost two weeks now. Even stranger was than after the clusterfuck happened in Anashaaniir, Reyes hadn’t heard a peep from Scott at all. Not a single message from him and not a single reply to any of Reyes’ missives. Given how much they were constantly in contact when Scott was offworld and how Scott practically moved in when on Kadara… Reyes was doing a bad job of tamping down on the worry and anger that was growing.There was plenty of rumour swirling around about what the Pathfinder was doing so long on the planet. The main one was that they went to the cursed cave and didn’t truly come out. Reyes was trying to dismiss it, think nothing of it. What didn’t help that the information he downloaded from the cave was a complete dead end.It may have been the Remnant glyphs, but they seemed to defy any known compiled language key to date. His eyes were feeling gritty and the exhaustion was bone deep. He rubbed at them, wondering what he was missing when a pounding came on his front door. Reyes only lingered long enough to retrieve a pistol from a nearby drawer before carefully approaching the door and checking the view screen. When he saw who was there, he rolled his eyes and turned to walk away. There was no way he was —“Open the hell up you bloody coward! You and I gotta talk!” the furious voice was barely muffled through the door. “Liam, this is not—” Jaal’s voice was barely heard. “I don’t give two shits, something happened down there and —”Reyes opened the door quickly, ushering them in and ensuring it was closed before turning to them. A fist connected with his jaw, leaving him staggering back against the wall. He was more than ready to retaliate when Jaal stepped between them. Reyes rubbed at his sore jaw, peering around Jaal to see the fury on Liam’s face. Jaal was looking displeased but less angry, so definitely the better option to talk to.“Did something happen?” Reyes kept his attention focused on Jaal.“Yeah, something—”Reyes was officially not in the mood for Liam’s temper tantrum. He sidestepped Jaal and raised his pistol quickly to level it dead center between Liam’s eyes. That definitely shut him up quick.“I was not talking to you. Shouting is not helping and I am too tired to deal with your dramatics. Don’t give me a reason to use this,” he looked over at Jaal who had come to stand beside Liam. “Now, Jaal, what happened?”“It has been gradual over the past two weeks, I thought perhaps it was stress but after tonight…” Jaal shook his head. “I fear we may have lost Ryder.”That was, quite honestly, the most unacceptable thing Reyes had ever heard in his life. He glanced from Jaal to Liam before he grimaced.“Without shouting, tell me what happened?”“Ryder just executed someone. Didn’t say a damned thing. Just spat out some gobbledygook and then plugged the person right in the face.”“Madre de Dios,” Reyes swore. That was honestly the last thing he would ever have expected Scott to do, and even then, only in a bad made-for-vid movie. But Liam had said Scott said something… Reyes dropped the pistol before focusing all his attention on Liam. “I need you to remember very clearly, what did he say?”“Fuck me if I know, I don’t even think it was any known language.” Liam ran a hand through his hair before snapping out, “What the hell happened in those caves down there? The Tempest is like tomb, no one dares to say a thing and every one keeps away from Ryder now.”“Anything else?” Reyes felt like this conversation was pinging around, but if it got him information…“I have found him walking around in his sleep sometimes,” Jaal frowned, fingers drumming on his arm. “I believe he was trying to leave the ship.”“Do you think he was trying to get back to the caves?” Reyes really wished his heart wasn’t in his throat. “Possibly. But we have managed to avoid that for now. Cora has agreed to keep an eye on him and let us know if he tries to leave Kadara Port.”Reyes nodded before shifting his attention back to Liam. “So once again, I ask you, what was it that he said as you can best recall?”Liam made a sound of frustration. “SAM, play back audio recording from two hours ago, timestamp 22:59:03.”Reyes listened carefully as the recording played out from Liam’s omni-tool. His translator couldn’t make heads or tails of what Scott was purportedly saying. “SAM, are you still there?”“Yes, Mr Vidal?”“Play back the recorded mission log of the Anashaaniir mission.”“The mission log is corrupted, playing back recovered pieces.”Corrupted, what the hell? Who could corrupt files stored by the most powerful AI in the galaxy? The audio flickered in and out, snatches of gunfire and tense words. There was a long stretch of silence before Scott was gasping out, “What?” before something guttural sounded and then Scott was screaming.It wasn’t any easier to hear the second time around. “SAM, can you separate out the sound from Scott’s voice?”“The audio file is too badly damaged to allow that.”Reyes felt like he was beating his head against a wall. “SAM, what could corrupt a file that you yourself saved?”“Unknown.”“Can you extrapolate?”“There is insufficient data for extrapolation.”Actually beating his head against a brick wall would have been more productive. Okay, okay, maybe they were looking at this the wrong way.“SAM, what is Scott’s physical state now?”That seemed to stump the AI. “Please clarify.”“His actual physical state. Are there…” Reyes thought frantically for a moment. “Elevated levels of anything?”“There has been a sharp drop in cortisol and norepinephrine as well as marked increase in adrenaline and noradrenaline.”“English please.” Liam sighed, rubbing at his brows.“There is a marked increase in Ryder’s anger and yet nothing to indicate any stress factors that would be a normal precursor in Scott.”“The hell, we haven’t left the planet, gotten no incoming messages,” Liam frowned in thought. “SAM, how is Ryder feeling, can you give us an impression of that?”“Ryder has eased back our connection, however there is a sense of extreme anger and what I can only describe as something driven and… ruthless.”Reyes felt like he’d been dunked into an ocean on Voeld. “SAM, given these current data points, can you extrapolate a likely hypothesis for Scott’s current state.”“Analyzing,” SAM was quiet for a few seconds before stating, “It is highly likely that Scott Ryder is not himself and —”“No no, you gotta be clearer SAM,” Liam interrupted. “Do you mean that he’s just being supremely weird, even for him or that he is, quite literally, not himself?”There wasn’t even any hesitation from SAM this time. “Scott Ryder is not Scott Ryder.”That got a stream of expletives from Jaal and Liam seemed to decide that kicking a wall at the moment was his best option. For Reyes, the only option was quite clear.“SAM, would it be logical to assume that something in the cave was the catalyst for Scott’s change?”“Correct.” SAM intoned.“Jaal,” Reyes was pulling up his omni-tool. “Do you perhaps have a better map of the cave system from our last trip there?”Jaal nodded before asking, “What do you plan on doing?”“Hopefully, fixing the problem. Give me a day and then both of you, meet me back at the cave.”“No, you want me there, you tell me what it is Vidal or you’re on your own.” Liam snapped. “SAM, are you still there? I’m going to need you to run some protocols on Ryder’s body, try to counter whatever the hell is going on with him,” Reyes looked between Jaal and Liam. “Ryder walked into that cave and something else walked back out. Come hell or high water, we’re getting him back or I will destroy that damned thing for good.”That got a nod from Liam and then they were all discussing and planning. Reyes was trying to not think about which ‘thing’ he precisely meant.
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The plan had nearly gone off without a hitch. He’d been busy stringing up the explosive charges, trying to ignore the strange feeling of desperation that seemed to cling about the air.Jaal and Liam had been left on guard outside. Jaal didn’t wish to step foot in the cave - Reyes couldn’t blame him - and Liam did have a SAM implant and there was no way in hell Reyes would take the chance that the same strange thing would happen to the crisis specialist. He wasn’t angaran or wired up, so in he went to set up.There had been a few brief shouts echoing in from the mouth of the cave and Reyes was trying to hurry up. It was going fairly well, and he was crouched down, about to set the detonator when the whine of a primed shotgun made him look up. There was the massive hitch.Scott Ryder standing there with the barrel of a shotgun trained right on him. Reyes could honestly say that he did not recognize the person who was looking at him. Those blue eyes were like ice and for the first time in his life, Reyes was not entirely sure if he would make it out of this unscathed. He stood up slowly, the detonator held loosely in his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. You are?”“Novolori.” The rough voice that spoke was definitely not Scott. Reyes simply nodded, his mind turning over that particular piece of information and thinking. If he was lucky, Jaal and Liam weren’t fully incapacitated and would hopefully be coming any moment now. Maybe if he just stalled a bit longer, the odds could be tilted more in their favour. “And may I ask what you’re doing here? I could be persuaded to not destroy this place.”Those cold, blue eyes narrowed and Reyes felt like he was running out of time. Novolori’s words were short, to the point and Reyes only caught a word or two that he understood before every single instinct he had said to move. He barely managed to throw himself to the side when a searing pain caught him in the right shoulder and he landed on the ground winded. Perhaps it was the sharp clarity of the pain and shock that let him clearly hear the howl of “No!” that reverberated around the cave, so clearly in Scott’s voice.His vision was fading in and out when he saw crackles of biotic blue lash from Ryder’s body, Novolori’s rough voice was screaming, pinging back and forth between full volume and fading out. All Reyes knew was that SAM should have been executing the protocols now and he still had a detonator to prime. He needed to haul himself over to the last set explosive and set it up. The last thing he recalled seeing was the hazy sight of a strange cloud exiting from Scott’s body and the fading sound of Jaal and Liam’s voices.
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He felt so strange, his left side perfectly fine and the right felt like it had been crushed by an eiroch. There was the steady beep of monitors and it took him a bit to place where he was. Too nice for anywhere on Kadara and the small size meant it sure as hell wasn’t the Nexus.Reyes breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the Tempest med bay was probably as safe a place as he could be. A soft snore from the side made him look over to see Scott slouched in a chair and fast asleep beside him. His scruff looked like it was halfway to a new beard and Reyes vaguely wondered how long he had been laid up. He closed his eyes for a bit, just breathing even if it left him feeling a bit sore. When he opened his eyes, Scott was awake and watching him carefully. For a moment, Reyes froze but seeing how Scott was making a point to keep his gaze, even as his hands fidgeted… the trepidation and the regret there…“Ah, there’s my querido.” Reyes reached out for Scott’s hand.To be honest, he was not expecting Scott to burst into tears and almost climb onto the bed. All Reyes could do was gently pet his hair as Scott cried into his blanketed belly. When Scott finally looked up, his face was blotched red, eyes watery and nose leaking.“It was like waking up from a nightmare to see an even worse one in front of me. You just lying on the ground passed out, so pale and slowly bleeding to death…”Scott gave a shaky breath, hastily wiping at his eyes with his hoodie cuff. For a moment, all Reyes could do was stroke over Scott’s hair, run his fingers down those cheeks and feel the hair there. This was most definitely his Scott.“What happened?”“Some weird ass bodysnatcher shit as far as I can figure out. I was in my body and then I… wasn’t? Like I was the cave?” Scott shook his head. “SAM is trying to help me make sense of it. All I know is that if you hadn’t come back to destroy the place…”“I wanted you back.” Reyes gave a one-shoulder shrug. “What happened exactly?”Scott gave a few sniffles. “I’m still not too sure. SAM did something and then I was suddenly back in my body. Liam was priming the explosives while Jaal was slapping medigel all over your wounds. We barely got the hell out of there before Liam hit the button.”That explanation felt so sparse, but maybe that was also because Reyes really wanted more answers than he was probably ever going to get about that place. He sighed, pushing Scott back a bit before turning down the covers. Scott didn’t waste a second, toeing off his shoes before climbing in and snuggling up to Reyes’ uninjured side. “You’re much more preferable than Novolori,” Reyes said quietly. “Whoever they are, they’re an asshole that should stay dead.”“Did they say anything to you?” “Whatever language they were speaking, I didn’t understand most of it. I only caught three words: tavetara, jardaan and ushior. I did have my omni-tool recording, so help yourself to the files SAM.”“It is much appreciated Mr Vidal.” SAM chimed in softly through the speakers. Once the silence fell again for a few minutes, Scott whispered, “Thank you for getting me back.”Reyes turned his head to press a kiss to the top of Scott’s head, fingers running through the fine hairs on the nape of his neck. “If Liam doesn’t like me after this whole escapade, there is no helping the man.”Scott completely failed to muffle his laughter against Reyes’ good shoulder and honestly, Reyes wouldn’t have it any other way.

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It was strange, like seeing a doppelganger but… not quite. Scott had been walking through the new arboretum, and sitting there on a bench, wearing a hoodie and reading on a datapad was Reyes.At first he thought maybe it was just him, some trick of the eye. Reyes was offworld and still wasn’t due in for about thirty minutes. But the further he walked along the path, the more he thought that perhaps it wasn’t him? Had Reyes come in early? So he’d doubled back and found a discreet spot in some bushes and was trying to figure this out.Because after the first few minutes, Scott was sure, absolutely sure that it wasn’t Reyes. It really helped when the man rolled up his shirt sleeves to show colourful tattoos. Not to mention the lowered hood that revealed longer hair tied back into a ponytail. Just… who was this guy? Scott was wracking his brain trying to figure out why, why they hell did he look like the spitting image of Reyes? You think he’d remember seeing someone like that before on the Nexus, but he had zero recollection at all.“Scott, I thought you’d like to know that Reyes has just docked at the port and —” SAM began.“Uh huh.” Scott whispered absently. “Tell him I’ll meet him at the usual spot.”“Very well.”Scott only lingered for a few more moments before carefully slinking out of the bushes and hurrying over to overlook by the docks. Sure enough, there was Reyes lounging by the wall, waving a hand in greeting once he was spotted. The fact that the Directors actually issued full amnesty for the former Kadara Exiles with a brief probationary period was a miracle in and of itself. Actually seeing Reyes on the Nexus for the first time a year after Meridian… if Scott hadn’t been with him, he’d wonder what was going on.“You’ve got that thinking look.” Reyes chuckled as he drew Scott in, a soft kiss to the cheek.“You’ve got a doppelganger.” Scott just flat out said it. “He’s like the spitting image of you. Only with longer hair and a whole bunch of tattoos…”Scott just gave a sigh and scratched at his head. But there was still a smile on Reyes’ face and how was he not more worried about this?“So, querido, remember how I said I had one last secret to tell you?”“Yes?” Scott drawled, eyes narrowing.“I do have a brother. An identical twin brother.”For a few moments, all Scott could do was stare at Reyes because did he seriously just hear that right? “An identical twin brother?” he repeated slowly. “You tell me this now?! You’ve known about Sara for ages!”Reyes nodded. “I’m sort of the black sheep of the family and there was an administrative mixup when we arrived in Andromeda. I was woken up when it should have been him. So to make his life easier, I had arranged for him to be woken up well after I was. But then the Exiling happened and I was finally able to get him woken up after everything happened on Meridian but —”“You have a twin brother!” Scott hissed. “He’s… he’s sitting in the arboretum reading a book!”“Well, I’ve been badgering him about meeting you, so he’s actually right here now.”“Wait, what?”Scott wished he hadn’t yelped when he turned to find Reyes’ damned doppelganger standing there politely, with the same datapad tucked under one of his tattooed arm. The little smirk on the face was the exact same, but there were more smile and laugh lines on this face and then —“Hello Mr Ryder. I’m Santos Vidal, Reyes’ brother,” Santos extended his hand. “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting you prior to this, though I have heard numerous tales of your exploits.”All Scott could do was stare because all the words that came out from Santos’ mouth sounded so crisp and enunciated that it was honestly looking at some alternate version of Reyes. This was feeling more than a bit surreal.“I’ve… heard nothing of you until now.” Scott managed to find his voice, even as he shot Reyes a look. “With good reason, that I’m sure Reyes has explained by now,” Santos quirked up an eyebrow before grinning. “You certainly got a good look though, didn’t you arbustos?”“Bushes?” Reyes was sounding confused now. “What?”“So, how come I never heard about you?” Scott was really hoping Reyes didn’t push it.“Perhaps if we went to Vortex? I do think a liberal serving of alcohol will greatly help this conversation.”“Yes please.” Scott seized Reyes’ hand and why was Vortex suddenly so far away and how was he not walking fast enough?
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Five hours later, Scott would freely admit that Santos Vidal wasn’t that bad. Watching Reyes interact with his brother, Scott wondered if this is what people saw when he was with Sara. The rapid-fire back and forth and the sometimes uncanny way that a conversation could be half spoken but completely understood.He could see some similarities between them, but it was all mostly physical. Personality wise, they were different enough. Reyes was smooth and polished but it felt far more natural, charm that could be flicked on with a switch. With Santos, it felt a bit more practiced as if he wasn’t too comfortable with it but if he got to talking about something he knew and liked, he’d go on and on. Where Santos had been recruited for his skills as an architectural technologist, Reyes had come along purely for his business acumen and specialization in mineralogy.Reyes had shrugged it off as, “I got good with a gun and finding valuable rocks” and earned himself a pointed look from both Scott and Santos because Reyes did way more than that now. Speaking of,“Have I told you that I am so glad you came to Andromeda?” Scott turned to Reyes. “Many times. I still can’t believe my brother got you so shitfaced.”“Why didn’t you warn me?”“I did. Just a few more steps now,”Scott sighed as he looked up, the final upper landing in sight. That much closer to his apartment and a nice bed. The alcohol had to be weighing his feet down. It was conspiring with gravity.“When he went for the third round, I told you he can drink like a fish. You claimed you were up to the challenge.”“I was not. I so was not.” Scott lamented. “Just drinking with you from now on. You drink… respectable amounts,” he paused, his stomach feeling a touch queasy. “God, how does he still have a liver? SAM, I still have mine, right?”“You do, however the amount of ethanol in your system is far past reasonable functioning levels.”“Definitely shitfaced.” Reyes sighed. “Next time, we’ll have a nice, respectable dinner. With only one bottle of wine.” It took Scott a few tries to get his thumb on the fingerprint scanner to open the door. “Does he have someone? He should. You’re perfectly lovely and you got me.”“I do,” Reyes sounded far too amused and he eased Scott onto the bed and pried off his shoes. “But perhaps we can leave the matchmaking for my brother another time, hm?”Scott sighed as he nodded in agreement, flopping down as he watched Reyes take his own shoes off. But a single thought had him sitting back up to to grip Reyes' shoulder. “But not my sister. I don’t think I could handle that.”“To be honest, I don’t think any of us could.” Reyes laughed as he swung Scott’s legs on the bed and got in beside him. “You are definitely ready for bed.”“Mm, yes indeedy. Night night.” Scott proclaimed as he flopped back down.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Liam wasn’t sure how he got roped into this. Not that he minded. But Cora had come to him in the middle of some project, saying that she didn’t quite get the point of it and maybe someone else should run it. That had caught his attention and so here he was three weeks later, with everyone crammed around a makeshift table in the cargo bay for the first inaugural Tempest Questing Night. At least that was the official name Scott had dubbed it. Why he couldn’t just call it Dungeons and Dragons…And looking around the table, Liam was really starting to wonder if Cora had the right of it in ducking out. She wasn’t here, but Peebee sat at one end looking dubiously at her sheet. Ryder and Reyes were side by side, trying and failing to not look and act like utter teenagers. Jaal was looking at him eagerly, curious about this “game upon the table” while Drack looked bored.Yeah, this was off to a great start. Dear God, if they could get through one session, Liam would count it a success. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that rot, so here they went.
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“Okay, all I’m saying is, we’re here in this tower, there’s this big shiny jewel, we’d be idiots to not check it out!” Peebee exclaimed. “What if it does something nifty?!”“Like kill us?” Drack huffed. “Leave it alone kid. Just because you’re some bird thing doesn’t mean you have go after every shiny thing you see. You keep touching stuff, it's not gonna end well.”Scott chimed in with, “You’re aarakocra, not a magpie.” “I really don’t think-” Reyes started.“Kosta, I'm rolling to check it for a trap!” Peebee had snatched up her dice.This whole night felt like it was going off the rails. They started in a tavern and somehow wound up brawling in the tavern, successfully looting it before finally starting off on their adventure. They were a bit too successful too quickly, but damned if they didn’t keep making the rolls. He did have this loop planned out for later, but maybe this would throw them for a wrench.“Roll away.”Liam would not grin at the groan that went up from around the table. Peebee rolled the dice and it was pure silence as everyone stared at the ‘5’ that was looking at them all. “You inspect it a little bit and figure there aren’t any traps, so you just reach for the jewel and it’s heavy in your hand. A bit warm, but heavy, so heavy and you can’t put it down,”“I told you!” Drack exclaimed.“And it’s pulling you down, the stone floor feels like warm water-”“Wait, are we being pulled in too?” Scott half rose out of his seat.Liam’s grin set them all to cursing and Reyes was shouting out,“I roll to…” Reyes paused for a moment. “Uh, how much do you want that hand?”“I want my hand!” Peebee yelled. “Hands are overrated, we can find a smith to make you another one!” Reyes was looking over his character sheet before he looked over at, “Jaal, you’re a druid, any idea what it is?”“It’s not from nature, I have no idea.”“It’s a stone, from the dirt, how is that not nature?!” Scott exclaimed.“You idiots are not asking the right questions,” Drack growled. “Are we still sinking?”“Nope.” Liam was really doing his best to not crack up. When everyone at the table looked at him, he couldn’t help it, just breaking down laughing. When he tried to look at them again, the confusion mixed with disbelief and whole lot of ‘what the fuck’ just set him off again. When he finally got his laughter under control, Liam wiped away the tears from his eyes. “How far did we sink?” Jaal asked.“Five inches.” Liam almost lost it at their affronted looks. But when Peebee spoke again…“You were gonna chop off my hand to save us from sinking five measly inches?!” Peebee glared at Reyes.“I thought we were sinking through the floor completely,” Reyes was watching Peebee carefully. Hm, I’m going to use my turn to move. No one follow me.”The confusion quickly vanished as Reyes rolled and moved a few steps away, walking back onto stone like he was supposed to. One by one, they all followed Reyes out and each of them stepped onto solid stone until Peebee was the only one left. But the second she joined the party, the same thing happened. “Your stone is cursed!” Jaal exclaimed when they all sank back into the ground again.“Of course it is,” Drack sighed. “Who wants to try and rip it from her hand?”It was absolutely worth it to spring this little surprise early. They probably spent the next twenty minutes trying to pry the cursed jewel from Peebee’s hand with no success. After they all gave up, Peebee was just looking at him.“You mean that Ukias seriously has a rock stuck to their hand is now basically squishing through water any time they walk?!”“Want me to sing a song about it?” Drack laughed. “I’m a bard, so you know it’ll be good.”“A half-orc bard, how is that even a thing?” Scott mused. “Anyone have any ideas of how Peebee can not squish around?”“I can try making water leaves appear where you’d walk but…” Jaal shrugged, managing for all of ten seconds to not snicker.“Drack did warn you not to touch it.” Reyes finally said after a moment. “And no, I will not change my character into you to try and take it off your hands.”“Aw, c’mon, you’re a changeling, why not?” Peebee whined.Reyes gave a mock gasp. “And possibly offend, the Traveler, he who gave me many faces? Some chaos is perfectly good. That chaos in your hand, no thank you.”The round of laughter was uproarious. And Scott was the one wheezing out,“Didn’t you pilfer those daggers from the tavern we looted?” “Perhaps.”Jaal sounded very curious when he asked, “You’re a sorcerer, what shall you do with them?”“Use them when a spell fails.” Reyes shrugged. “Now can we and our now perpetually soggy rogue continue on with this quest?”“Wait, I thought I was leading this thing.” Scott protested.“Funny how you always seem to think that.” Drack snorted. “But if it helps the great paladin sleep at night.”“By all means,” Liam laughed. “Your party continues on down the corridor until you come to a large set of doors, banded with tarnished, green copper bands. One of the handles has rotted off and the other one looks like it’s barely staying together.”Liam just settled back, listening to them argue about how to approach the doors now. If they hated that “stupid cursed rock” as Scott had called it, they were really gonna hate it when the looted tavern came back to bite them in the ass.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sara wished it hadn’t taken so long. After the insanity of fighting the Archon, it seemed that all her time was spent roaming Meridian to make sure there weren’t any nasty surprises awaiting anyone who wanted to settle down here.And for a planet that was basically the control center for the vault network, it sure had a lot of them. It took a long while to ensure everything was safe. While she wanted to take Jaal somewhere nice, it couldn’t be just any old place on the planet. Not that she was trying to outdo that magical spot on Aya he’d taken her to, but he deserved nothing but the best. It had been three solid months of surveying Meridian before she found it. Not anywhere she even expected either. She’d been looking down so much, that looking upwards was the last thing she really thought about. When she finally had, she had not been disappointed in the slightest.Jaal’s chuckle drew her attention to find him watching her. “This must be a great surprise, you’re flying by sensors alone.”“Hoping it’ll be a great surprise. Got us up early enough for it.” Sara flashed him a grin. “Worried?”“No. Merely curious,” Jaal shifted in his seat with a content sound. “I doubt it will disappoint, whatever it is.”“Fingers crossed.” Sara turned her attention to the beeping on the console. “Awesome, we’re here.”It didn’t take much work to land the shuttle and when everything was shut down, she turned to Jaal and held up a strip of cloth.“Now, I am very curious.” He laughed, bending down enough for her to tie it around his eyes. “When have I not?” Sara grinned and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking his hands. “Careful now.”She guided him off the shuttle, along the small outcropping of rock and then onto the thick, springy leaves. Jaal’s steps were shorter than usual and once they were a good way out, she stopped them.“Tell me what you feel.” Sara murmured, squeezing his hands gently.Jaal made a thoughtful sound. “Breeze. The ground feels strange, firm but bouncy a bit? But it is so very warm,” a smile came to his face. “Are we at a beach?”Sara chuckled as she tugged his hands to make him bend down. She undid the blindfold and when Jaal opened his eyes, she was treated to the sight of his jaw dropping. Even she had to admit, it was impressive. Gorgeous landscape as far as the eye could see, Port Hyperion barely a speck off in the distance on the blue-shadowed mountains. Rivers, plains, trees and just glorious warmth coming down from the sun.“Dearest, this is magnificent,” Jaal pulled her into his arms. “How did you find this place?”“From the ground, believe it or not. I looked up and wondered what was at the top,” Sara took his hands and kissed them. “The tree trunks are massive, but the leaves are so woody and they just spread right out like a huge interwoven web. SAM says it’s incredibly strong.”“Does he now?” “Yep. We’re good. And up here isn’t so easily accessible. Shuttle only and just the one landing spot,”She loved it when Jaal laughed, that warm baritone always made her smile. She slid her hand up along his arms before draping them around his neck, fingers idly tracing along the sensitive edges of his hood folds. “So we have this place all to ourselves for the day.” Jaal pulled her in closer, hands curving over her hips. “This, I like.”“Same here and since we have the whole day here, I thought you’d like a little sun.”“I think you mean something else.” Jaal mused after a few moments. “We’re sunbathing today, so start stripping. We’re gonna bake in the sun and then do whatever we like.”“Me, perhaps?”“If you like.” Sara winked as she stepped back and pulled off her top and folded it up. “Time’s awasting Jaal.”“Right you are!”It wasn’t long before a pile of neatly folded clothes were off to the side and she and Jaal were just sprawled out on their backs and enjoying the sun baking down. It was already late morning, but it was pleasantly warm. Not so scorchingly hot like Eos or Elaaden but sunny enough that she was glad she officially didn’t have to worry about tan lines. When she finally opened her eyes and looked over, Jaal had already flipped over and looked like he was napping. His head was pillowed on his arms and her eyes followed the curved lines of them down along to the slope of his back.Sara wasn’t even gonna try to fight the urge to touch him, finger gentle as the traced down along his spine to linger just above the swell of his ass. Seriously, Jaal had such a nice ass. “You’re up to something.” Jaal drowsily mumbled into his arm.All Sara did was chuckle, letting her biotics gently pulse as she drew her finger back up. His laugh was slow and languid and she could just hear the smile that came to his lips. A few seconds later, the soft thrum of his bioelectrics pulsed back in response. “Mm,” she leaned in to press a kiss to his shoulder. “Happy.”Jaal shifted his head, one blue eye crinkled as he watched her. Sara couldn’t ever convey emotions with her biotics, god knows it wasn’t for lack of trying. So she’d just used her biotics then said how she felt. Jaal was shifting to look at her properly now and there was that sweet smile on his face, that made her smile. “I adore you.” Sara whispered as she leaned in to kiss him gently. “And I you.” Jaal shifted, gently pulling her on top of him. “You feel so warm.”“Been baking in the sun.” Sara laughed as Jaal’s hands idly wandered over her back. “I don’t say this to just anyone, but wanna absorb some heat?”“You are a tease,” Jaal’s amusement was belied by the eager gleam in his eyes and the way one of his hands slid around to her belly to trace just below her navel. “But I rather enjoy it.”Sara rolled her hips upwards until she felt those fused fingers at the top of her mound. “Think I will too.”The warmth made their movements languid, slow kisses as their hands roamed. Sara loved the smooth feel of his skin beneath her hands, the dense muscle tensing beneath her touch. One of Jaal’s hands came up to her hips moving her up a bit as he firmly stroked his hand down along her mound, deftly sliding his thumb against her clit. A soft groan spilled from her lips as Sara rocked against his hand. There was no denying that Jaal was a quick study. He’d learned how the slow and steady pressure always got her going. Then when he took his time working his fused fingers in, she was a soaked and needy before she could really think it through.“Jaal…” she buried her face in his neck, nipping at soft fold where the hood and neck met. The rough growl that came from his throat had her grinding down on his hand. There was a sharp intake of breath and then his fingers were pressing in harder, seeking out that small rough patch inside her. She bit down on her lip hard, whining as he stopped. “Dearest,” his thumb was back to making those slow, maddening circles again. “I wish to hear your pleasure.”Sara just made a choked sound, because yeah, she was all for that. It was just the random words usually came spilling out along with those sounds that she still couldn’t get over. But Jaal seemed willing to wait her out, even as she felt his cock emerge from its sheath to slip wetly along her inner thigh. Thank god for self-lubricating angaran cocks; between the two of them, they were like a slip-n-slide, ready to go. She tried to grind down on his hand some more and when he drew his fingers out slightly, she caved. “Get your fingers back in there Jaal,” she gasped, grabbing his wrist and rocking her hips against it. “Just keep fingering me until I come, then fuck me so goddamn slow and good…”The rest of her words dissolved in a throaty moan as an answering sound came from Jaal. His fingers were pressing back in, unerringly finding that spot and stroking firmly against it. Sara wasn’t even thinking now, just a steady stream of moans and whatever popped into her head as she rapidly approached her orgasm.For a moment, a brief moment, Jaal pulled his fingers out and she whined in protest, more than ready to say something. But then his cock was easily pushing into her and she threw her head back as a shudder coursed through her. “Oh my God, so good, so fucking good Jaal,” she rolled her hips, reveling in the feel of him inside her.“You are exquisite,” Jaal slid his hands up to her breasts, pulsing his bioelectrics.Sara slid her hands up to cover his, flaring her biotics in sync and it felt like fire was racing beneath her skin and setting her alight. Jaal was gasping beneath her, the relentless steady roll of his hips spurring her on. When he dropped a hand down to where they were joined, his fingers doing their firm stroke on her clit, she didn’t even try to muffle herself. The shuddering cries fell from her lips so easily as she came. It felt like not enough and too much all at once and she could literally feel the warm buzz of when Jaal came inside her. She settled for draping herself over him, trying to catch her breath and her wits. Jaal’s hands were stroking over her back and she was so warm and so content…“Stay like this forever.” She mumbled into his shoulder.“If only.” Jaal laughed. “We do need to clean up a bit.”“Later,” She pressed lazy kisses against whatever skin she could reach. “Think you fucked my brains out.”“Your language has such strange expressions.” Jaal mused, even though he sounded awfully smug.“Uh huh.” Sara nodded.Jaal laughed. “You usually don’t agree. I’ve broken you.”“Gimme a bit and then you can break me again.” Sara sighed, snuggling against him with a satisfied smile.“That, I can do for you dearest.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Reyes didn’t look nervous. Scott chewed on his lip, glancing at him for the millionth time that afternoon. He lost count of how many times he’d tried to not look towards the staircase up to the small seating area. He shifted his attention back to the tree in front of him, looking at the dark cracks in the pale tree bark. “Scott, everything is going to be fine.”The laugh Scott gave was pitchy from anxiety. “My sister has not liked any of my boyfriends. You thought my crew was bad?” he shook his head. “This was not the best idea, she’s not here we can still bail.”“If your sister hasn’t liked any of your boyfriends, how will us not being here help?” Reyes took his hand while pulling him into a one-armed hug.“‘Cause it’ll just be easier if she never ever sees you and can just hate an idea.” Scott took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.“It’ll be fine,” Reyes rubbed at his shoulder. “And also, it’s too late to run, since she’s here now.”Scott looked up and over to see Sara coming their way. He stifled his groan as he saw the smile on her face freeze and how her eyes glittered as if she spotted new prey when her gaze landed on Reyes. When he looked over, there was a politely neutral expression on Reyes' face and oh God, Scott should have set this up as a vid conference call from the other side of the cluster. But no, he had to be the idiot who suggested the upper level arboretum because it would be nice to ‘take a walk and get to know each other.’Sometimes, Scott was absolutely certain that he was the King of Terrible Decisions. This was gearing up to be one of the absolute worst.“Might as well rip this horrible band-aid off,” Scott muttered his breath as he stood up. “Be nice, whatever she says or does.”That got a confused, furrowed brow from Reyes but not a word. Scott put on a smile and gave Sara a quick hug when she came to a stop in front of them. “Hi, glad you could make it today.” “Always got time for you,” Sara grinned at him with genuine warmth. “Besides, Tann was looking for me and I gotta say, telling him that I have a ‘prior engagement’ was immensely satisfying.”“I’ll have to give that a try,” Scott honestly would try anything to sometimes get out of a meeting with Tann and Addison. He turned, gesturing to… “Sara, this is Reyes Vidal, my boyfriend.”Reyes stepped forward, offering his hand. “Miss Ryder, a pleasure to meet you.”“Hm,” Sara studied his hand for just a moment too long, silence dragging on for what felt like an eternity. It really didn’t help that she didn’t take his hand. “You’re the smuggler from Kadara.”Scott took a deep breath, because this had to be a new record. About what, two seconds passed and three sentences exchanged between them all and Sara was giving off disapproval levels that would have put Dad to shame. Reyes took his hand back and inclined his head. “Guilty as charged. A man has to make a living.”“Couldn’t be a honest one?”“It was either smuggling or being a protectionist thug pushing drugs. Smuggling at least allowed me to stick to some sort of ethics.”“Hm.”That was all she said, but damn if it didn’t sound like it had the full weight of massive disdain behind it. Yep, Scott was indeed the King of Terrible Decisions and having his sister meet his boyfriend was the crowning trainwreck glory. The silence was growing longer and heavier and Scott just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.“Well, we’re here, let’s go look at the trees and flowers!”Scott looped an arm through one of Sara’s and one of Reyes and he would be the damned literal buffer through this afternoon, even if it killed him.
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Five hours later and Scott was exhausted. They’d walked through the arboretum, through the cultural center, lingered by the kiosks and did a little shopping and finally were in Vortex having drinks.In his head, it all sounded like it should have been an excellent day, where Reyes and Sara got to know each other.Instead, it was five agonizing hours of short, barbed words followed by overly long silences and Scott just trying to fill it with inane chatter, because the silence Sara gave was just so… judgemental and Reyes was a champ for not taking Sara’s jabs. Well, mostly, because he made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate too much from her and always deftly turned the pointed questions back on her. So Scott had figured, at least in Vortex there would be some sort of distraction that would give him some kind of break. So of course, there had been nothing scheduled and there he was being the buffer again, but now having to talk over the loud music.His voice was hoarse, the alcohol wasn’t helping and dear God, he needed this day to be done and over with so he could just collapse in bed. Reyes was sitting as close to him as he dared and Sara was finishing off her drink, seemingly content with the awkward silence was settling back in. Dear God, Scott really, realy, really needed this day to be done.“Scott, come walk me out,” Sara said as she rested her glass down. Her gaze settled squarely on Reyes for an uncomfortably long time before she gave a curt nod. “Vidal.”“Ryder.” Reyes acknowledged with a nod.Scott slid out and fell in step beside her. Once the inner set of doors closed behind them, Scott turned to her. “Jesus Christ Sara, did you have to be that rough?”“You’re dating a man of questionable morals who’s a fucking smuggler on a planet that is riddled with criminal activity. There is no way in hell anyone on that planet has clean hands. Fucking ethics, what a joke,” she shook her head.Scott opened his mouth to say something, but Sara beat him to the punch.“I don’t like him, but he doesn’t mince his words. When it suits him no doubt. And he at least seems to have two brain cells to rub together and he actually listens to you and treats you well, which is marginally better than some of the other winners you’ve dated,” she rolled her eyes. “But Scott, I swear to God, if he fucks up, I will end him.”For a moment, all Scott could do was stare at Sara because that was the most confusing thing he’d ever heard from her about one of his boyfriends.“Aren’t… you, you know… supposed to give Reyes this talk?”Sara took a deep breath. “He’s got those two brain cells. Pretty sure he’s done some snooping on me, so he knows if he puts a toe out of line, I will be his worst nightmare.”Right, awesome. How Sara picked up black op tips and tricks while on Prothean digs, Scott had yet to figure out. He sighed and rubbed at his brow. “Look, I really like him. I love him.”That garnered a truly surprised look from Sara before she muttered, “Jesus fucking Christ” and took another deep breath. A scowl came to her face and she fixed a hard look on him. Seriously, she was way too much like Dad sometimes. “Have you told him that?”“Uh…” Scott was working his way around to that. He really was.“Figure that shit out Scott.” Sara scratched at the back of her neck. “If he’s really who you want… though God knows why.”“Yeah, thanks for being so awesome about this.” Scott snapped sarcastically.“I don’t need to be awesome about it. I’m your sister, I’m just looking out for you,” Sara paused for a moment. “If we… ever do this again,” her tone said she’d rather not if she didn’t have to. “I’ll try to be nicer?”“You’re not supposed to say that like a question.” Scott crossed his arms.“Look, I’ll work on it. That man is too damn slick and just too quick with a convenient answer. I don’t trust him, but this isn’t about what I want.”“Hm, well, thank you for that, at least,” Scott watched her for a moment. “Do… you even know what you want?”“Working on it.” Sara gave him a small smile. “Still got a lot of things to figure out.”Scott huffed as he pulled her into a hug. “I’m here if you need me.”“Thank you.” He watched her head out before he headed back into Vortex. Reyes was slouched on the seat, looking as exhausted as Scott felt. When he sat down beside him, Reyes gave him a smile and pulled him in close.“You know, when I got that amnesty from the Initiative, I didn’t ever think that I would be put through the wringer like that again. Sara is… something else.”“Oh, don’t worry, you can be totally honest.” Scott took his drink and downed half of it.“Ah…” Reyes still seemed hesitant.“She was an absolute dick to you. And she gave me your shovel talk.”“I feel like she’ll kill me in my sleep if I cross over some line.”Scott gave a nervous laugh at that because damn, Reyes really had read his sister right. Reyes pressed a kiss to his temple, before quietly saying, “Not that I ever plan to. I know a good thing when I have them. Even if they come with a truly terrifying sister.”The sheer relief that flooded through Scott at that was really stupid and after the stress of the day and everything else, he just shifted to face Reyes.“Can I just officially tell you, right now, that I love and adore you?”That caught Reyes’ attention, surprise in those hazel eyes before they softened. “Because I survived your sister?”“I think she actually respects you to some degree," Scott paused, mulling over Sara's words. “Still not too sure about that.”“We’ll cross that bridge if it ever comes up again, but if I can be perfectly honest, I hope it doesn’t.”“She is my sister, Reyes.”“I know. That’s why I said I hope. It may be a vain hope, but it’s still there.”

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Human. Turian. Salarian. Asari. Krogan. Angara. Ship. Food. Cuddles. Pyjak.I can recognise some words. I hear my human troopmate stir from their sleep, even though the nesting area is still dark. His name is strange and can’t be chirped, but I know it well. Scott.I stretch my limbs, flicking my tail from side to side as I pad my way to the door. It’s not a long wait before my human troopmate comes and frees us both from the nesting area. This ship is large and I make my way to the back of it where the largest room is, scampering up the ladder to run along the railing and then lower myself down with my tail to the top of the crate to relieve myself. No one ever disturbs me up here during this time. By the time I run back up to the food box area, Scott has set out something for me and is drinking a cup of that pungent bitter liquid.“Morning Orion,” Scott reaches down to pet my head before scratching behind my ear. “Try not to snatch anyone’s breakfast today, okay.”I’m too busy arching into his scratches, always just in the right spot. My tail flicks back and forth and I reach up to pull his hand back when he draws it away. Scott makes a soft noise that makes me tilt my head. My human troopmate always sounds inquisitive, like he’s searching for something, but what?I scamper up his long body to settle on his neck to search through his head fur. Scott has so much there, grooming him for mites would take the day if he ever had any. He makes a pleased sound as I do a cursory inspection and leaves the food room, carrying a dish with him. We come back to the warmth of the nesting area and Scott still has no mites. The food bowl is placed on the floor close to the strange surface with the glowing, blue stars. SAM, that was what my human troopmate called it. Scott and SAM were chattering on, most of the sounds meaning nothing. With a full belly, I make my way back to the nest. This area is so quiet, my human troopmate selected the right spot for resting. It’s far too easy to curl up and sleep again.I can’t say how long I’ve been asleep for, but I rouse again and stretch before heading for the air vent out. A strange sound is coming from above and I climb up and out to find the wide front window of the ship before me. Another human is there, and I hop onto the closest surface to her chirping softly.“Oh, aren’t you the cutest thing,” her voice is musical as she rubs under my chin. “Wee Orion’s come to visit.”“I’d rather it didn’t. The bridge is no place for a pyjak.”I pay no attention to the chirpings of the salarian close by. This human has dangled something shiny in front of me and it gleams in the light enough to catch my attention. It seems to be four of something connected and I grasp it, turning it over and over. Humans seem to like it when I solve things, it almost always means a nice treat.When the four links are separate and in my paws, I hoot loudly, trying to catch her attention. The sound the human makes is high pitched, as if alarmed. “Sometimes, I think Jaal is right and pyjaks are way smarter than we give them credit for,” the human takes the rings from my paw.“Well, if you’d stop encouraging it Suvi, maybe you wouldn’t have to worry about these things.”“Kallo, you know you don’t have to—”The human and salarian are just chittering away at one another and no treat is coming, making me leave. Solve a puzzle, get a treat. The food box is heavy and tricky to open, but the large room at the back of the ship sometimes has food. They don’t notice when I pad on out of the window room and I carefully make my way through the ship. The smell of krogan is about now, they are large and dangerous. A krogan nearby means death if I am not careful.The large room at the back is cool, with plenty of spots to hide in. I am rarely ever spotted on top of the large high perch by the area the turian is in. I don’t dare go in because the turian is in there, but the most delicious smell is still coming from that same room and — The door opened as the turian strode out and I dashed in before I even thought it through. The smell was coming from a box on the top, and I scrambled up before prying it lose with my paws. My tail curves around and just under the open spot and with a hard pull, the box flew open.I pick it up and try to break it into smaller pieces. It stays smooth and white… a shell! This shell is thin and easily torn and as I am crushing the delicious food, my tongue whipping up bits as fast as I can make them. The food is gone faster than I would have liked, but it leaves a lingering sweetness on my tongue. When I hear the door open, I scamper on out, getting a confused rumble from the turian. The anger comes swiftly but I am already close to Scott’s nesting area.“Where’s that damn pyjak, I’m gonna kill it!”The ferocity behind the words vibrate through the air to my skin and I paw at the door quicker. It slides open and Scott makes a concerned sound.“You okay there buddy?” Scott reaches down and picks me up. “How’d you even get out, I thought you were still asleep in here.”This is the safest place to be on this ship. Scott is my troopmate, he will protect me. Probably even from the krogan and the now angry turian.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Excuse me?”Sid turned at the polite inquiry to find a human woman standing just behind and off to the side. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her blue eyes were clear. Sometimes, if Sid didn’t take the time to notice the differences between humans, they all tended to look the same to her. “Hi, yes, did you need help with something?”“Uh…” the woman looked a bit hesitant now. “I understand you’re the person to talk to about getting an apartment reassignment?”Sid just hesitated for a moment. Technically she wasn’t supposed to do that. But she did know that poor Yaebal was swamped with requests of people fresh out of cryo and basically complaining about any and everything about their quarters.“Sure, what did you need exactly?”“Something smaller if you have it,” the woman looked unsure. “My apartment is way too big and—”That was something new. “You… want a smaller apartment?”“I don’t want to inconvenience you—”“Oh no no, not at all,” Sid was pulling up the pertinent info screen. “How small did you want?”“Alliance standard quarter size” was the woman’s immediate response. “Oh wow, that is small,” Sid looked up at the woman. “Name please.”“Sara Ryder.”Sid typed in the name before she paused, looking at it for a bit. “Wait, is your brother Scott Ryder?”“He is.” Sara said slowly.“Oh, no no!” Sid said quickly, realising why Sara was turning hesitant. “He’d dating my sister. Vetra Nyx is my sister!”“Oh!” Sara sounded instantly relieved. “Okay, that makes a lot more sense now.”“Yeah, sorry about that. You’re probably catching a lot of flak.”“You’ve got no idea. Last thing I need is people saying that I’m getting preferential treatment because the Pathfinder is my brother.”“I know what you mean, Vetra never lets me do anything fun,” Sid gave a sigh. “Though, I probably should be more careful, I mean we did wind up in a trap once.”“Wait, what?” Sara sounded confused now. “Sorry, sorry, I get kinda chatty sometimes. And we’re practically family now.”“We are?” Sara echoed.“Yup. Vetra went and got him something called sliced cow?” Sid paused for a moment. That didn’t sound right.“Wait, do you mean a steak?” Sara laughed after a fit of giggles.“Yes, that’s what it was called!” Sid hit a few more buttons. “Okay, you’re all set. Your new apartment is in block k.“Awesome,” Sara came to lean on the console. “Word to the wise, next time, check your surroundings before you hack into the subsystem to make changes. I blocked the service tech’s line of sight though, so you’re good.”Sid glanced around and sure enough there was a service tech she never noticed. Shit, that was how she got in trouble before.“Thank you.” She thrummed quietly.“No worries kid,” Sara gave her a small tap on the shoulder with a grin. “You said we’re practically family now, yeah?”“Yup!”“Well, you know where I am, drop on by if you need help with anything, okay?”“Oh, okay. I mean, I don’t want to bug Vetra all the time, like I know she’d help but she’s busy on the Tempest with Ryder… uh, Scott and they’re dealing with the kett…”Sara tapped the console before grinning and walking off with a wave. Sid waved back and honestly, it was a little bit heartening to know there was someone on the station she could rely on.
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Somehow, lunch with Sara Ryder had become a regular thing and Sid was not complaining at all. She had spotted the human one day, decided to join her and it somehow because a daily ritual. Plus, Sara had so many stories from the Prothean digs she worked on, Alliance stories and she’d seen so much already. It definitely helped to make the lunch hour fly by. Today, Sara had regaled her with a story of how she had “borrowed” the site shuttle to take the project lead to a sketchy, but necessary, deal and then managed to get off on a technicality.“I’m telling you,” Sara mumbled around a mouthful of food. “If you wanna break the rules, you need to know them.”“In theory, I know that makes sense but there’s so many of them. … Are you saying I have to know them all to know which specific one to break or bend?”“It does help.”“So, if I wanted to, say… take one of the mag lifts for a spin down on the docking bay…”The grin Sara gave didn’t tell Sid anything of how to get away with it. But the twinkle in those blue eyes seemed to think that Sara thought she did in fact know the answer. Sid tapped the fork in her fingers against the side of the MRE box. First things first though, best time to ride a maglift uninterrupted…“Check the port schedule to find a free docking port, but during the night cycle so there’s less people around..” Sid fell quiet for a moment, going over what she could remember. “Then hard reset the maglift when there’s a window. That way when it reaches the calibration stage, I can ride it around before properly setting it.”“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Sara gave a thoughtful little ‘hm’ before she asked, “What’s the port schedule like tonight?”“No idea,” Sid’s bite of food was halfway to her mouth before she froze. “Wait, you actually want me to do this tonight?!”“Not just you, ‘cause riding a maglift sounds like loads of fun. Besides, you could do worse than me for a partner in crime.”There was a little voice in Sid’s head saying that this probably wasn’t the best idea but it also wasn’t the worst idea ever. Besides, when was the last time she’d had some fun? She put aside the MRE and activated the remote access code for her terminal. She scanned through a few schedules, before closing her omni-tool and picking up her lunch again. She ate in neat little bites and the curiosity rolling off Sara was practically visible.“Wow, you’re really gonna do that to me?!” Sara hissed. “C’mon, when can we do this thing?”Sid grinned wide. “A week tomorrow. Need a bit of a buffer so people don’t put two and two together.”“Ha ha,” Sara crowed. “Atta girl! I’ll bring my riding boots.”“Why would you need separate shoes for riding?” Sid wondered, raising a brow plate in question. “That just seems very impractical.”“Us humans are like that.” Sara looked pleased as punch. “Maglift riding, here we come!”
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Sid couldn’t believe their luck, the docking ports were unusually quiet tonight. Sure there had only been a few ships leaving and the docks were just empty.It had taken no time for her and Sara to sneak on down through the dock doors right to the maglifts aand push out two. Sid hit the power buttons until there was a long beep and then they gently sank to the ground, the lights pulsing gently as it rebooted. “The reboot cycle takes—” “Just a few more seconds.” Sid whispered, failing to suppress a happy thrum once there was a double beep and then the maglift raised back up with a yellow light. “Shall we calibrate?” she held out a clenched fist.“Hell yeah!” Sara fist bumped her before hopping on to her maglift. “Race you to the end of the dock and back!”“That’s cheating!” Sid hissed as she hopped on hers.It was so hard to just not laugh out loud as they raced along and Sid felt a bit dizzy and elated as they raced around. Maybe this was that feeling humans called ‘punch-drunk’? She was racing along back to the port door when she caught a flash of green armour lights and she instinctively hit the brakes so hard, she nearly went flying over the handle. Sara collided with her and the resulting crash was probably heard back in the Milky Way. They were still picking themselves up when booted feet came into view. “Uh, hi Kandros,” came Sara’s chagrined voice. “Long time no see.”Sid did not get how Sara could be so chill about this. Because if Kandros caught them red-handed that meant one thing: Vetra was gonna find out, it was just a matter of when.
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The silence lay heavy in the room. Kandros didn’t seem too perturbed, but Sid was doing her best not to squirm. Scott was there, looking like he’d dealt with things like this a million times over. Vetra’s gaze was flicking between her and Sara and honestly, Sid was starting to think that time she was held hostage was an easier ride than this. “So, let me get this straight,” Vetra finally said, her tone measured. “They snuck onto an empty dock, jacked so maglifts and took them for a joyride.”“That’s correct. Thankfully, it was just the maglifts that sustained damage, which Ms Sara Ryder did fix in agreement for a lighter punishment.”“Of course.” Scott sighed. “If you could give us a moment please, Kandros.”“Of course.”This was it. The moment of her doom. Sid watched as Kandros walked out, and when the door closed, she took a deep breath and looked at Vetra.“Before you give her any crap, it was my idea.” Sid tamped down on the panic as Vetra merely clasped her hands together on the table. “I figured it all out—”“But I was the one that roped her into it over lunch one day,” Sara interrupted. “Cut her some slack, I should've have known better.”“Yes, you should have.” Scott said, his mouth and voice strangely tight. “Sid’s much younger than you, you should be setting an example.”If Sara hadn’t reared back as if struck, Sid would have wanted the ground to swallow them both whole. But now Sara was leaning forward, peering at Scott before she sputtered in frustation,“Oh you little shit, how long were you going to let us stew?!”Scott’s mouth relaxed as laughter slipped out for a few moment. Vetra on the other hand had let loose the full thrum of her amusement and oh man, Sid had never been so relieved in her life. She slouched in the seat, shaking her head.“Spirits Vetra, that was so mean,” she dramatically clutched a hand to her keel. “I thought you were going to kill me.”“So you took a maglift for a joyride. Who hasn’t?”“I haven’t.” Scott protested.“You gotta live a little more baby brother.” Sara chuckled.Vetra was looking between them both before she finally said, “I didn’t even know you two were talking.”“Sid helped me with a room reassignment when she didn’t have to. She’s a good kid, so I figured I’d keep an eye out for her.”“Then I spotted her when I was on lunch break and we started eating together,” Sid shrugged. “It’s nice to have someone here when you’re off on the Tempest.”Something in Vetra’s expression softened and Sid suddenly felt shy when Vetra took her hand and patted it. “I thought maybe you’d like some space and not have me over your shoulder all the time…” Vetra gave an awkward shrug. “But if you’re gonna be jacking maglifts every time I’m off station—”“No no, don’t put my cool friend on lockdown!” Sara protested. “I’ll hack her out!”“Seriously, you worked on Prothean digs, how do you know to do these things? You were looking at rocks and ancient data cards!” Scott sounded so confused now. “No lock down but maybe stay away from the maglifts,” Vetra was quiet for a moment before she piped up with, “We can take a day trip to Eos, head out to Presson Dunes and let it rip.”“Are you offering to let us drive the Nomad?” Sid couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This had to be a dream.“Maybe,” Vetra chuckled. “Besides, you can’t be worse than this guy.” She teasingly ran her fingers under Scott’s chin.“I thought you loved me. And now you’re subjecting us to Sara’s driving.” Scott sighed. “I suppose we better clear up the matter of your punishment.”Sara’s eyes lit up. “Give me five more minutes with Kandros, I’ll see if I can sweet talk him. Bet something around APEX needs desperately fixing and to jump the repair queue.”“Ah ah, wait,” Sid piped up. “Is there a rule for that?”Scott and Vetra’s confused ‘What” was drowned out by Sara’s laughter.“Probably is, but I think I’ll just wing it this time.” Sara winked as she headed to the door. “I think she’s a good influence?” Vetra mused once Sara was gone.“Works better not as a question, hun.” Scott sighed before he turned his attention to Sid. “So, I’m guessing you’ve learned your lesson and all of that?”Sid grinned as she chimed out, “Yes sir, always have an escape plan.”“That’s not the lesson, Sid!” Vetra laughed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Sara always said he did tend to get too big for his britches. Given the situation he now found himself in, he was fully willing to maybe concede that Sara… possibly had a point. How else to explain his current predicament?The night had started fairly well, he’d come to Purgatory, he and Reyes had a few drinks and that wound up with them playing poker. That had been his own suggestion and Scott really wanted to kick himself now. At first, he’d won a few hands and Reyes lost his vest, gloves and shoes. And much to Scott’s dismay, he hadn’t lost anything else. On the other hand, Scott was down to his own undershirt and underwear. The pile of clothing on the floor… he was trying to not focus on that at the moment.He took a quiet breath, tapping a finger against the edge of cards, studying Reyes’ bent head. What Scott needed was a win to at least get one more article of clothing off Reyes. At this point, he’d take any small victory he could get.
‘The odds of that happening are not in your favour Scott.’
If there was one thing he had gotten good at over time, it was silently replying to SAM. ‘How bad?’
‘I believe your specific instructions were to never disclose anything under a 25% chance of success.’
Ouch. Unless he managed to pull off the gamble of the century…He stifled the sigh that almost slipped loose. Shit, Reyes had not been joking when he said he took poker seriously. Scott thought his own skills had improved by leaps and bound, practicing with Gil down in the cargo bay when the engineer had some downtime. In between dealing with the kett and such, there was a surprising amount of downtime. Gil had been impressed enough time to say that he wasn’t halfway bad.But Reyes was something else altogether. And it didn't help that Scott’s own stubborn streak kicked in and after those two wins, he found himself getting soundly thrashed. Why he thought strip poker was a good idea…He had thought this would be a slam dunk, even without SAM in his head. But damn Reyes had no tells that he could see and Scott had barely seen a glimpse of his eyes.
'Mr Vidal is particularly adept at hiding any telltale cues. When he looks up, it is not long enough to gain a baseline pupillary reaction.'
No hint from those hazel eyes, hell even the pulse point at his neck didn’t show anything. He tapped his finger again, wondering if he dared to call or if he should fold. When he glanced up, Reyes was looking at him with a smile on that handsome face.“I call.” Sure, it was impulsive but Scott didn’t care. He’d already come this far on sheer bravery alone.
‘I believe some would call that recklessness.’

‘… I really don’t need to be roasted before my fall from grace, SAM.’

‘I had thought that occurred some thirty minutes ago.’

‘Not helpful.’
Reyes let his gaze travel over Scott’s nearly naked form before he leaned back in his seat with the cockiest smirk Scott had ever seen in his life. “I’d say show me yours, but…”Scott groaned, hanging his head as Reyes laid down four of a kind. When he looked back up, Reyes was looking at the cards in his hand expectantly.“Well,” Reyes tsked as Scott revealed his two pairs. “I certainly do not doubt your courage. You do need some more work on your poker face though.”“Don’t remind me.” Scott chuckled as he ran a hand through his hair.“So what do you plan on taking off next?” Reyes shifted forward in his seat.“Not going to leave me with some dignity?” Scott tried.Reyes chuckled as he reached forward and tugged on Scott’s vest. After a moment of pursing his lips, Scott let himself be ledforward until he was straddling Reyes’ lap.“Ah, querido,” Reyes’ hands against his legs were warm in the cool room. “If you let me take these off,” a quick snap of his brief waistband. “I guarantee you’ll wind up a winner tonight.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Every night, Bachjret Ward lit up. It was a delirious heady mix of shops and hawkers and street performers. It was still looking a little rough around the edges with rebuilding from the geth attack, but Bachjret was coming back to itself.He liked to think he was a cut about the other street performers. As far as he knew, there was no one else doing his thing. Though, truth be told, no one else really had that distinctive voice to match that old Terran crooner. It had been a sheer fluke that he discovered that he could sing so well. How he wound up getting into old Earth songs, Arsius really couldn’t say. As humans liked to say, it was a slippery slope. Three years ago, it was listening to old earth songs. Now, here he was on a pedestal in Bachjret Ward, with mini spotlights on him, wearing a black jumpsuit with gold and blue flower rhinestones and singing Elvis songs.There was a small crowd lingering to listen and sure enough, there were two of his regulars. They were coming to see him every night for a while now. The little girl was always hiding just behind her mother’s legs, a shy little smile on her face. And the mother was a bit on the shy side too but she always gave a smile and wave while keeping her daughter within reach.And every single time, the little girl always wore the one thing that always made him sing the same song, whenever they came.“Well it’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go!”Down off the stool he came, still singing along and drawing in a bit more of crowd. Today though, he did something a little different, going right up to the mother and the little girl. Her eyes went wide, hiding more behind her mom’s legs. When he crouched down, holding his hand out she peered back around. A glance up at the mother showed that she was surprised but was nodding down at her daughter. A tiny little hand took his and the girl stepped forward. Sure enough, there were her bright blue shoes, twinkling in the light with rhinestones. He tapped his feet and nodded his head with smile. She stepped onto his jumpsuited feet. “And don’t you step on my blue suede shoes, well you can do anything, but stay off my blue suede shoes. Let’s go cat, ah walk the dog!”He gave a wink, getting a laugh before he set off, going in slow circles as he carefully danced with the little girl. Sure her laughter was a little bit high pitched, but what was that when she looked so happy? Hell even the crowd looked happier too. After everything that happened in the past year, this was something the ward needed. More laughter and good times, in the middle of all the rebuilding. When the song finished, there was a loud round of applause and his omni-tool was chiming with the sound of creds.“And a round of applause for my dance partner.” He bowed to the little girl with a flourish.The polite applause made the girl shy again and next thing he knew she was hiding behind his legs. Good thing this was the time he usually wrapped up anyone. He shut down the pedestal lights, signalling to the crowd he was done. They dispersed away, murmuring among themselves as the mother came up to him. “Thank you,” the woman smiled as her daughter ran back to her. “She loves coming to see your singing. Ever since the geth attack, it’s one of the few things to make her happy. Uh,” the woman seemed a bit nervous now as she offered her hand. “Charlotte Caulton. My friends call me Charlie. This is-” “I’m Ophelia.” The little girl piped up.“Ah,” he knelt down. “Well, I hate to break it to ya, little lady, but I’m not really Elvis. Name’s Arsius Galnus.”“Are you sure, you sound just like him.” Ophelia stared at him hard. “Maybe you’re Elvis reborn?”“Uh,” Arsius glanced at Charlotte who mouthed a silent, ‘Sorry.’ He let loose a sigh before he asked. “Well, maybe Elvis is a spirit and he helps me when I sing.”Now Ophelia’s eyes went wide as saucers as she breathed, “I danced with Elvis?”Arsius really wished he knew what to say because his mandibles were so slack they were about to drop off. Charlotte finally took pity on him as she crouched down beside Ophelia. “Sweetie, maybe we should—”“Mommy, can I have a drink with Elvis?”“Uh,” Charlotte glanced at Arsius, clearly surprised.“No liquor, only juice.” Arisus held his hands up, because he didn’t want to be the one to disappoint the kid. “It’s, uh, not close to bedtime , is it?”“Only if it’s okay with you, uhm, Mr. Galnus.” Charlotte tried.“I’ll have the drink with you guys on one condition. Call me Archie. All my friends call me that. Sound good Charlie?”“Sounds good.” Charlotte chuckled.A smile split Ophelia’s face. “I get to drink with Elvis! This is the best day ever!”“Okay, sweetie, maybe don’t say it like that,” Charlotte looked like she was trying to not laugh. “Where would you like to—”“Vegas!” “Vegas?” Arsius wondered what Ophelia meant. “It’s a juice bar. Just opened up,” Charlotte looked chagrined before she added on, “They do detrxo and levo.”“Ah well then,” Arsius looked between Charlotte and Ophelia, and honestly, it didn’t sound so bad. “Let’s go to Vegas then.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

This should have been an easy one. Report of an abandoned kett base on the outskirts of Presson Dunes. Half into the mountain and tucked away into what would have been a lovely fjord if there was anything bigger than a tiny lake on this damned sandy planet.Eos had way too much sand. He glanced back behind him, seeing Sara and Reyes waiting patiently behind him. He probably should count himself lucky, Reyes and Sara got along and they all made a good squad. Well, better to head inside and see what they were dealing with than staying out here and letting the sand get into places.“Y’know Scott,” Sara mused as she flicked on her chestplate light. “It’s almost pathological how you find these creepy places.“That is not the most heartening thing to hear before we enter the creepy place.” Reyes said dryly.“Blame the kett. There’s probably a generator inside.” Scott huffed. “Stay sharp, those angara reports said that the kett were doing something nasty out here.”“Mm-hm, and did the reports say what precisely or are we winging it?” Reyes asked.“Experiments of some kind.” Scott really hoped Reyes didn’t press it.“Ah.” Reyes gave an understanding sound. “Winging it, then.”“We’re not winging it,” Scott ignored Sara’s smothered chuckle. “We’re investigating this base to try and determine a potential threat to Prodromos, because when has anything kett ever been good news for anyone?”“Scott, why are you whispering? We’re on the comm line and like right behind you.” Sara giggled. She was silent for a moment and then, “You got sand somewhere you don’t want it, didn’t you.”“Sand and creepy places: two things mi querido is pathological about.” Reyes hummed. “Why not add a third and make it a trifecta. Sara, what would be a good third thing?”“Sand, creepy places and more sand,” Scott beat her to the punch, trying to fight the laugh, ‘cause how the hell could he deny the truth of it. “I swear there’s some in my boot already.”“Who cares about your sandy boot,” Sara scoffed. “I know what the third thing is: those weird, big-ass bugs all over this planet.”“What, that?” Reyes sounded doubtful. “It’s just a bug… on steroids of some sort.”“No, what it is is a monstrosity against nature. Maybe God. Do you guys think that’s applicable here in Andromeda.”“I think your idiocy is.” Sara snorted.“Come come now, Scott’s not an idiot.”“Yes, thank you Reyes!” Scott exclaimed. But the prolonged silence had him groaning. “Oh no, now what?”“Just… you do have questionable lapses at some times.”“I do not!” “And I quote, ‘I’ll shoot you with the pointy end.’ Querido…”Scott really could have done with Sara sounding like she was trying her best to not go to pieces. “I just mixed up analogies, okay?”“More like you mixed up weapons,” Sara chortled. “You’re not going to do that now right?”“I’ll handle the pointy end later.”“Reyes!” Scott was surprised his flush didn’t light up the base.“Yeah, I’ll definitely let you handle that .” Sara paused for a beat. “Maybe find something to do in Prodromos later on this evening.” “Guys, we are checking out this base.” Scott tried.“We’re walking in the dark, haven’t found a generator and so far the dark is the creepiest thing about this place.” Reyes’ words were followed up with an ominous creaking sound coming from somewhere in the base. They all paused but when silence fell again, they continued on. The generator they found inside was dead, and for the past ten minutes they were finding a whole lot of nothing. “So, is anyone else weirded out that we came all this way to find a whole lot of,” Scott made the sound of a bomb dropping and exploding.“Hey Scott?” Sara sighed. “Remember those questionable lapses, your boyfriend mentioned earlier on?”“Claro. Claro.” Reyes did not sound thrilled.And Scott could see why. There was a strange orange-yellow glow coming from around the corner up ahead. Scott took the lead, with Sara and Reyes flanking him. They approached the open doorway, holding position at the side. Scott peered around the corner quickly before he ducked back.Surely he didn’t see what he thought he saw. There was a console bright orange display lit up like Christmas. It sat between two large vats with that yellowish fluid the kett used for growing things. Or rather just the one vat with something big and spiky looking still curled up inside. The other one was broken open and coagulated fluid inside and on the ground.“So, you guys want the bad news or the worse news first?”“Fuck.” Sara cursed. The sigh Reyes gave was very put upon. “Just… the worse news first.”“Remember how we heard that strange sound and we couldn’t figure out what it was? Pretty sure it came from in there. Two vats of some kind of creature and one’s out. Starting to think it may also be intelligent and let us get this far.”“That’s the worse news?” Sara sputtered. “What’s the bad?”“There’s another one still unconscious in the tank in the lab.”“As if we need anything else from a kett horror show. Everyone in favour of blowing this place to kingdom come?” Reyes asked.“Seriously, no objections from me, and—” Scott swore as an ominous growl echoed down to their position. “That sounded like it came from above.” Sara said quietly.No no no, Scott did not want to look up. But he did, and there it sat like some giant… reptile-bat thing, eyes gleaming from their lights. The roar it let loose was deafening.“I am seriously questioning your judgement, Scott!” Sara yelled as she let loose a spray of bullets. “Pointy ends first more bitching later!” Scott sniped back.Reyes made an exasperated sound before he snapped out, “Kill that thing, blow up the base first then we can go back to roasting Scott!”“At least your boyfriend comes up with better plans on the fly!” Sara exclaimed. “Oh my god, just do what he said!”
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“Okay, so…” Reyes paused and Scott could tell he was trying to find the right words. “We basically… killed the kett version of a dragon.”“Ah… yeah.” Sara nodded,as the gangplank lowered. “That’s exactly right.”“Next time, the Heskaarl can deal with it,” Scott groaned, walking up onto the Tempest. “Right now, I just want a shower and to get rid of all this sand that’s gotten into uncomfortable places.”The last thing Scott was expecting was thunderous applause as they strode back into the cargo bay. Liam was there at the forefront, the hugest shit eating grin on his face, the rest of the crew behind him, looking very amused. “Ryder, that was the best mission any of us had ever heard!”A few whistles were scattered in and Scott wasn’t too sure what he meant by that. It all vanished a moment later when Liam continued with,“Are you going to leave the comm on Tempest broadcast from now on?”“I honestly didn’t know humans could sound so squeaky,” Drack’s laugh boomed and echoed around. “Who screamed when the second vat busted open and the ‘dragon thing’ attacked?”“Man, you gotta do vid feed next time!” Peebee biotically lifted herself above the throng. “So we can see the screaming as you…” she mimicked gunfire with finger guns. Yep, it was official, Scott was more than ready to die now. A mission that was a shitshow and now his crew seemed ready to roast him as well. Might as well call it a day. But Reyes sidled up to him, even as he called out,“Sara, I believe you were looking for something to do in Prodromos tonight?”“Yeah, you have an idea? One that doesn’t involve judgment lapses and a damned dragon?”“Depends on how you look at it,” Reyes gave an amused smirk. “Kosta, here’s your chance, don’t mess it up.”Scott watched as the attention immediately shifted to Sara and Liam. “Thanks hun. Seriously.”“I think you’ve definitely had enough roasting today. Besides, I promised to deal with your pointy end, remember?”Scott groaned and buried his face in his hands. “Just had to get a last one in?”The smile and wink he got back brought a smile to his face. Besides, judging from how badly Sara and Liam were handling everyone peppering them with questions, he could get a little roasting in himself.

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Sid had heard of the human saying, ‘great minds think alike.’ Though the turian version was definitely more hardcore: ‘enough tacticians will break any enemy’. After the whole ‘Maglift Incident’, they’d promised to not get up to anymore shenanigans. Plus, spending the day out by Presson Dunes and letting rip in the Nomad had been more fun that Sid had ever though. Even more surprising was that she actually was pretty good at driving the thing.At least that’s what Vetra had said. So for the past few weeks, it was all good. She had lunch with Sara and they mostly managed to keep themselves out of trouble.But Sid had been bored one night and was looking up vids, one thing led to another and next thing she knew, she had watched a human in some ridiculous get up, fling themselves off a mountain and sort of… glide on down. Apparently it was called ‘wingsuiting’ and there was only one human she trusted enough to ask about it. And there was Sara just eating something called pad thai and Sid wasn’t too sure how to ask about how one flung themselves off a mountain with a flimsy suit on, so… better to just go for it.“Hey, quick question,” at Sara’s inquisitive sound, Sid ploughed on. “What’s wingsuiting?”Sara’s eyes widened as she inhaled, coughing and choking on her bite of food. Right, Sid knew how to handle this. She thumped Sara on the back a few times before Sara was breathing heavily and looking at her.“What?” she wheezed out.“Wingsuiting. What is it?”For a few moments, Sara didn’t say anything before she slowly asked, “Why are you asking me when you already know?”“Because it seems so insane! I mean, who was the first human who thought, ‘you know what’s a good idea, flinging myself off this mountain top in a ridiculous little flappy suit.’ Like…” Sid was at a loss for words.“Oh!” Sara seemed massively relieved as she sagged back in the seat. “That wingsuiting! Yeah, I’ve been meaning to give that a try sometime.”Honestly, Sid wasn’t too sure where to start, so she settled for, “You wanted to try that? Do… you have some sort of death wish?”“Not if you do it properly. It looks like loads of fun,” Sara paused as she tapped her eating implements against her dish. “I wonder if a jetpack would make it better.”“I’m sorry, a jetpack?” Sid shook her head “That is the most ridiculous thing ever. Ever.”“Uh huh,” there was a gleam in Sara’s eye that spelled adventure. “So what you’re saying is that we need to go wingsuiting.”Sid opened her mouth to say nope, but she couldn’t deny that she was kind of intrigued. There had been so many videos and the people looked like they were having fun…She leaned in closer to whisper, “Do you think they make the suits for turians?”“Don’t worry, I know a guy.” Sara grinned. “I feel like this might be worse than the maglifts. No, no, remember that time we were playing Fire Breathing Thresher Maws with Kesh and the board exploded? Worse than that.”“Okay, next thing we gotta get you to do: stop worrying so much.” Sara grinned. “Eat your lunch, everything will be fine.”
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Somehow, Sara had come through with a suit for her, so Sid had requisitioned a vehicle for the day and drove them up here. But standing up at the top of the this mountain, looking out and the wide expanse before them… Sid wasn’t too sure about this now.“You know, I think I’m good. You can jump off and I’ll pick you up when you ping me your location.”“Wait, what no, we’re doing this together!” Sara looked back at her. “You did skydiving, this just involves less up and more across.”“Skydiving is just letting gravity do the work and making sure to stop in time.” Sid held out her arms and waved them, flapping the material underneath. “How am I supposed to come to a controlled stop with this?”“That’s why I got you this,” Sara held up a little comm earpiece. “Figured you might feel better with SAM talking you through it.”That did help. Sid took the device, securing it in her ear. “Hello, SAM?”
“Hello Ms Nyx.”
“Uh, call me Sid. Ms Nyx is my sister.”
“As you wish Sid. Sara tells me you have considerable experience with skydiving. This is much the same principle.”
“You take a job at an adventure trip place once, and next thing you know, you’re on the verge of flinging yourself off a mountainside,” Sid muttered to herself. “Okay, I’ve secured my earpiece,” she pointedly ignored Sara’s excited hiss of ‘Yes!’ “You’ll talk me through this SAM?”
“Of course. I shall be with you and Sara every step of the way.”
“More like flap of the flap.” Sara crowed as she looked over. “You ready to do this kid?”“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Sid took a deep, steadying breath. “Let’s do this.”Funny how ten minutes could make a difference. She’d walked to the edge, listening to SAM’s instructions and when she fell… It was all kinds of amazing. The wind against her plates, the pressure molding the suit against her like a second hide. But it was mostly the view, spread out before like a panorama that a camera could never do justice.As soon as her feet were back on the ground, she raced over to Sara, grabbing her arms.“Jetpack, we gotta do that with a jetpack!” Sara grinned. “I know a guy.”
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It seemed like the set up to a bad joke. An asari, angaran and human corner a turian on a promenade bench. At least she was better at picking out angara and asari. Though, Liam was the only human on the Tempest crew that had hair that seemed to defy gravity.“Uh, can I help you?”“Whatever you’re up to with Sara, we want in.”For a moment, all Sid could do was stare at Liam before she looked at the other two. Peebee and Darav? Whatever, they were all looking at her seriously. Right, never show your hand, that’s what Sara told her.“Why do you assume—”“I saw the schematics for the modifed jetpack,” Peebee leaned in closer. “Not my fault Kosta left his terminal open for a bathroom run.”“And the modified wingsuits,” Darav said the word slowly, as if he was making sure he was saying it right. “Were in the tech lab fabrication history.”“We basically put together the puzzle pieces and figured out you guys were doing something awesome, and we all want in.” Peebee grinned. “‘Cause I gotta admit, it looks like loads of fun.”Talk about being caught out. Sid pulled up her omni-tool, and typed up a message before snapping a quick picture and sending it off.“Wait, what was that for?” Liam asked cautiously.Sid simply shrugged and looked back at her datapad. They were looking at each other, as if this was not part of their plan. Always a good idea to make someone who wanted something sweat for a bit.“We can totally tell Scott, hey ow, stop it” Liam tried, but both Darav and Peebee gave him a smack, though Peebee threw in a glare as well.When her omni-tool pinged again, Sid calmly put down her datapad and pulled it up. Sara’s message was quick and to the point, but Sid closed it down, let them sweat a little bit longer. When Peebee finally started to fidget, Sid finally spoke.“So Darav,” she began. “How good are you at measurements?”“Measurements?” he echoed.“You’ll need suits for yourself and these two.”Liam and Peebee’s faces split into grins and Jaal was already eyeing them up.“Consider it done.” He declared solemnly.“Oh, and Liam?” Sid turned her full attention on him. “Do you like your quarters on the Hyperion?”“Yeah, they’re fine. Why?”“Because if you breathe a word of this to Scott or Vetra, the biggest place you’ll be in is a storage crate.”Sid smiled at him but Liam looked like he wasn’t sure if he should just nod in agreement or try to protest somehow. Peebee seemed to find it hilarious though, fits of giggles bursting out of her. “Maybe we should get going Jaal, before Liam sticks his foot in it some more.”“Right you are. Though, what is ‘it’ precisely?”They were gone just as quickly as they appeared and Sid wondered if that speed was just how the Tempest crew operated.
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“I can’t believe you guys tried to shake Sid down into coming along, you could have just asked nicely.”“Too big a risk ‘cause we wanted, no, needed to come along.” Peebee was bouncing on her feet.“Not to mention she got right proper scary at the end there.” Liam mumbled.Sid just smirked to herself as she gazed out at the horizon. It was nearly a month later and they were back on the cliff top. This time, there was no accidental trail. Jaal and Liam had scrubbed the logs of the fabrications made and Peebee had pretended the tweaks she had made to the jetpacks was part of her ongoing Remnant project.So here they all were in their ridiculous flappy wingsuits and Sid honestly couldn’t wait to go off the edge again. Peebee looked just as excited, thought Liam and Jaal less so now that they were here.“You know, now that I’m here, this is definitely seeming more crazy. Like, batshit insane.” Liam peered over the edge. “It is very high up,” Jaal mused before he inspected the flaps of his suit once again. “You’re certain that this will work?”“SAM, you’re wired up to all of them?” Sid asked.That garnered a few looks her way, even as SAM answered in the affirmative in her earpiece. This wasn’t the sort of thing where someone would definitely do it after some convincing. So Sid walked to the edge and looked back at them.“You’re either gonna do it or not. Sara and I can’t make you. Plus you got SAM to walk you through it. So the question is, how many excuses are you going to tell yourself?”“Damn, the kid can make a speech.” Sara murmured. Sid grinned at Sara before she turned around and stood on the edge for a few seconds before she fell. There was that same exhilarating rush, the wind whistling in her ears, but this time SAM’s voice came much earlier than last time.
“Approaching ignition point.”
The countdown was short and when the jetpack fired up as she plateaued out, she surged forward with a wild and breathless whoop. It was pure adrenaline that had her banking and zipping about, just taking moments to gaze out at the wide sunny vistas that Meridian had. With SAM’s guidance, she glided and circled about, the jetpack helping her to gain altitude when needed. Before long, she had circled back to the base of the small mountain they had scaled. Being the first to finish up did have its benefits, she thought as she picked a sunny spot to sit down in. She got to see the others still gliding about, like strange flappy pointy squares, with occasional flashes of blue from the jetpacks. A small part of her couldn’t help but laugh, because seeing it from this vantage point, it looked even more ridiculous. But she could hear the whoops of delight from everyone else still up there and she was more than happy to patiently wait.“Sid, you do not wish to relaunch?” came SAM’s curious tone.“Nah,” she leaned back against the rock, resting her arms on bent knees, enjoying the sun as she watched. “I’m good.”
“Was it a satisfactory experience for you?”
“Yeah, it was.” Sid smiled. “Will definitely do this again.” SAM didn’t ask anything else and Sid had to admit, humans may be a bit strange with their ideas but this was one thing she definitely couldn’t knock.

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“You know, all this time I’ve been in Heleus and I’ve never been to Havarl.”
Scott still couldn’t believe what Reyes had told him, Havarl was beautiful and given how much the planet had improved and with the kett temporarily down…Now was honestly as good a time as any because he didn’t care how long he had to before he could take any time off. He was the big damn hero.If that didn’t merit a vacation, he didn’t know what did.Sara had laughingly agreed to cover for him and Scott had tracked down Reyes and they were on the Tempest and gone lickety-split. He wanted to be a few star systems away before Sara fully comprehended that she would be dealing the Nexus bigwigs.So here they were touching down and suiting up because as beautiful as Havarl was, it was still a fairly wild planet. The angara were still trying to decide on expansion plans for it, so may as well take a look before it got crowded.“So, you basically ran away from the Nexus to take me on a trip?” Reyes smiled at him as the airlock door went through its decon cycle.“More like a vacation.”“A vacation with guns?” Reyes grinned.“Of sorts.” Scott amended. “You said you’ve never seen Havarl. So I thought maybe I could show you around.”“You remember that conversation?” Reyes asked after a moment.“I do pay attention to more than just that handsome face.” Scott grinned as he ducked in to give Reyes a kiss on the cheek. “Sure you’re okay with a jetpack?”“Why do you say that like you expect me to try and fly off into space?”That dry tone did make Scott laugh. “Okay, just it was the spare one and Kosta said he was trying to juice them up a bit.”“Has that man ever met some tech he didn’t fiddle with?”“Just Remtech, and probably only because Peebee’s got that covered,” Scott grinned as the door’s pneumatic hinges hissed as they shifted to open. “C’mon.”Havarl was always gorgeous and the forest was glowing with light, the ebb and flow of it like the planet’s pulse.“I thought Kadara was something, but Havarl…” Reyes didn’t say anything for a moment, just taking in the sight around them. “Is it always like this at night?”“Oh, I wouldn’t say this is night,” Scott scratched at his chin in thought. “Maybe more like early evening? It takes three of our solar days to orbit. We have plenty of time to poke around before the dead of night comes.” Scott smiled as he took Reyes’ hand and they left the Tempest. They stopped at Pelaav long enough for Scott to introduce him to some of the researchers and then they were heading off into the Wilds. Even with all the walking, it was worth it just for the moments when Scott showed him all the things he’d discovered on Havarl. Small grottoes filled with soft bluish light and tiny fluttering butterfly-like insects. Or the half flooded monolith cave, vines twisting down around the architecture. Reyes took in everything with a sort of wonder that left Scott curious about what exactly had brought him to Andromeda. He much preferred seeing Reyes like this, he could almost pretend the whole exiling business never happened. When they’d gotten to the bridge, it had taken a single question of, “What’s at the bottom” for them to go down into the Chasm, carefully poking about. It had been all well and good until two eirochs had pretty much chased them out. They’d managed to kill one and the other one had chased them back up to the wilds. Hell, it was still chasing them, all the way up the Remnant blocks by the north end of the Chasm.“Please tell me it’s on it’s last legs,” Scott groaned as those giant blue fingers appeared before the rest of the creature’s bulk. “Apparently not.”Reyes grabbed his hand and they sprinted behind a rock. It took the other man a moment to grab a grenade from somewhere, and another second before Reyes pulled the pin and lobbed it right as the eiroch roared. It sailed through the air and the roar cut off as the grenade landed. Scott yanked him down behind a rock, barely shielding them from the resulting splatter seconds later.“Fucking hell, I hate those things,” he sagged against the rock. “Do you know one chased me halfway across Voeld? I swear, I was up to here,” a quick gesture to his chin. “In kett and Rembots and this fucking eiroch comes snarling into the damn gully and… what’s so funny?”“Nothing, nothing,” Reyes was doing a terrible job of not laughing. “Havarl, it’s for lovers.”For a moment all Scott can do is stare at Reyes before he’s trying to not laugh too. “That is terrible, like one of those old cliche lines.”“Come see the sights, set the mood,” Reyes continued, somehow keeping a straight face. “Gun down some wildlife.”“We’re behind a rock covered in eiroch guts,” Scott peered over the edge, considering the mess on the other side. “Maybe the fluid sac survived, we can sell that.”That seemed to officially set Reyes off and Scott got to watch as his face creased up with laughter. Every so often, Reyes would look at him, Scott would give a chagrined look and Reyes would burst into another fit of laughter.“What, what’s so funny?” Scott asked once Reyes settled down. Reyes smiled. “Obviously you.”“Ha ha, hilarious.” Scott could feel a blush coming to his face. “And just what-”The rest of his sentence was cut off as Reyes leaned in and kissed him. He smelled like cologne and tasted like something sweet and man, Scott almost wished his heart didn’t feel like it was going to burst from his chest. “C’mon, one last trip. We’re going up this time though,” Scott smiled as he touched their foreheads together. “Should be no eirochs upwards.”“I should hope not.”Scott grinned as they got up and he led the way. From the small grotto with the console embedded into the rock and up a tower with small platforms sticking out. One by one they went across on the gravity well until Reyes was rested on the fairly large platform. “Well,” Scott took his hand as they walked to the edge. “What do you think of the view?”“I think it’s amazing.”That wide-eyed look of wonder was back on Reyes’ face, and then he was squeezing Scott’s hand. His heart was hammering in his chest and he felt like he could barely breathe, had to get the words out.“I love you.”Everything about Reyes was perfectly, scarily still before he slowly turned to look at him. Scott had been told so many times to look before he leapt, but he didn’t care because this felt right, even though he swore he could hear his heartbeat turn frantic. Whoever was monitoring his biofeed at the Nexus was probably thinking he was having a heart attack. Probably wasn’t too far off of a description.“Look, you don’t have to say it back and —”“Scott,” Reyes cut him off, expression serious as he shifted to face him. “There are still things you don’t know about me.”“Don’t care. Pretty sure we’ve established that I have the worst taste in men.”That does get Scott a smile, quick as a flash. But now Reyes is looking at him and not saying a thing. There’s a pensive look to those hazel eyes and Scott does wish he knew what was running through Reyes’ mind. After a few moments, Reyes took a deep breath before exhaling quietly.“There are some things I do not say lightly, Scott. That is one of them. I’ve spoken those words to precious few people.”Ouch, Reyes really wasn’t pulling his punches. Scott swallowed and nodded, opening his mouth to say something but then Reyes was speaking again.“Querido, te amo.”And just like that, Scott was closing his mouth again only to open it, forget what he was going to say and close it again. Thought maybe it was better he just shut up because Reyes was talking again.“I don’t know how everything will be in Andromeda, but I do know that I will be by your side and help you however I can.”“You’re starting to make me think I maybe don’t have the worst taste in men.” Scott managed with a shaky laugh.Reyes just smirked a little, finally letting go of Scott's hand to hit some buttons on his omni-tool. Soft music played and Reyes offered his hand up.“May I have this dance?”Scott took it, certain he couldn’t be smiling any more because he knew the very familiar song playing now. “You can have them all.”

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It was tradition. Or rather, at least the start of one because this was the second time they were going to the parade together. Scott knocked on the door, wishing he didn’t feel so self conscious in the hallway. But everything about Reyes’ place was too slick and so horribly expensive. Scott tried to never touch the wall, a scuff was probably going to destroy any hopes of paying his tuition next year.“Ah, right on time,” Reyes opened the door, pulling Scott in for a kiss. “Would you like anything before we head out?”“Nope, I’m good,” Scott smiled as he took in Reyes outfit. “Can I just say, I’m so glad you wore the same shirt as last year.”Reyes smiled as he stepped back, letting Scott get a full view of the rainbow striped shirt, with “Only thing I take straight is whiskey” in white letters. Scott waited as Reyes grabbed his wallet and keys and they were out the door. “Why upset a good tradition?” Reyes leaned in, sliding an arm around Scott’s waist before he tweaked on the hem of Scott’s shirt. “Like the fine one you’re wearing now.”There was no fighting the grin that came to his face. The shirt had been a total impulse buy, words striped in the bisexual colours and it always got attention.“Well, I’ll take any chance to sing the classics, you know, “Scott grinned as he sang, “Ain’t no lie, baby, I’m bi bi bi.”“You’re starting to make me think we should attempt to find a karaoke bar,” Reyes mused as he pressed the down button. “But how about we watch the parade first?”“Yeah, speaking of, we’re heading out kind of late, we aren’t gonna find a good spot.”All Reyes did was give him a sly smile, the one that always promised something good, a little bit of a mystery. Scott couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from curling up into a grin and he gave Reyes' hand a squeeze.“Adventure it is.”
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“So… when I said ‘adventure’, I didn’t necessarily mean dying by breaking my neck from falling down a rickety flight of stairs.” Scott eyed the steps creaking under their feet and he could have sworn the wood was close to buckling. Maybe it would have been better if he just went up the drainpipe. All that freeclimbing he did had to be good for something besides a whole body workout. But they reached the top landing and Reyes knocked. There was muffled music and the chatter of voices and when the door was ripped open, the wall of sound just washed over them.“Vidal!” the exuberant exclamation came as Reyes was wrapped in a tight hug from the angara filling the doorway. “Keema,” Reyes smiled as he hugged her back. “Always good to see you. Everybody here?”“Out on the patio,” Keema peered around Reyes, a wide smile coming to her face. “Is this the infamous Scott Ryder?”“This is he, and if you let us in…”“Oh, stars, sorry, yes, please,” she ushered them both in and Scott suddenly found himself getting a tight hug as well. “Reyes’ querido is always welcome here.”“Thanks,” Scott wheezed because wow, Keema had a grip. “He calls me querido, huh?”“All the time. Now, drinks are over here, nice and cold…”Scott fell in step beside Reyes, draping and arm around his shoulders. There was a blush on Reyes’ face, even as the other man laced their fingers together. A year together and Scott still didn’t have the heart to look up what that meant. One of these days he’d ask Reyes but Scott relished those quiet moments, when it was just them and Reyes would murmur the endearment as if it was something sacred.Keema took them on a small tour of the apartment and honestly, it looked like any sort of student digs but when they went up the short flight of steps onto the rooftop patio, Scott entirely reevaluated that opinion. Plants were everywhere on the massive space, rainbow-coloured fairy lights strung up in a giant web overhead and decorations everywhere, Scott didn’t think he’d ever seen so many different flag colours in so many creative spots. Genderfluid pillows, ace and bi lawn chairs scattered about and was that seriously a gigantic trans patio couch? Where did Keema even find something like that?“Keema enjoys their Pride celebrations,” Reyes murmured, a soft kiss to his temple. “Now, shall we go watch the parade?”That, Scott was all for. They went to the long demisexual and nonbinary painted benches, introducing themselves to the other people crowded on there as Keema flitted about. Reyes really delivered, this was an amazing spot to watch. The street was easy to see, the crowds milling on the sidewalks and from up the street, the music and cheering was heard and by the time the floats came down everyone on the rooftop was cheering and where did the actual flags even come from? Not that it mattered, Scott grabbed one, waving it enthusiastically.When he looked over, Reyes had his phone out and gave him a wink. Scott didn’t fight the grin that came to his face, draping the flag around his shoulders in a way he hoped looked elegant. Reyes seemed satisfied because his whole expression lit up and then the phone was tucked away.“Aw, c’mon, show me.” Scott wheedled.“I’m thinking we start a new tradition this year. The post-Pride photo review. Just take pictures, capture memories—”“Relive the sometimes terrible decisions made the next day?” Scott leaned his, wrapping the flag around Reyes too.“I don't think anything will top your atrocious attempt at a pick-up line from last year,” Reyes paused for a moment, arms sliding around Scott’s waist. “You’re just lucky that I do have a great ass.”Oh God, Scott did not want to remember that. He’d been so drunk and when he’d met Reyes, he thought the other man had been talking about his ass, when he'd been trying to tell Scott his name. “In my defense, have you ever tried to have a decent conversation in a club at 2 AM? It’s impossible.”“Impossible was the fact that you remembered that I tucked my number in your pocket.” Reyes’ smirk made a blush go racing along Scott’s face now. That was decidedly the truth. That night had mostly been a trainwreck and Scott had decided to give the crumpled piece of paper in his pocket a shot and hope that he wasn’t making a huge mistake in the cold, sober light of morning.“I just got lucky. So incredibly lucky that you wanted to see my adorable face not drunk.”“It’s a handsome face,” Reyes gave him a lingering kiss before smiling and murmuring. “We’re still young. Third year of university means we’re not quite so dumb…”Reyes trailed off with a chuckle, gently biting at Scott’s lower lip. “We’ll work on that last part later on tonight,” Scott let a hand drift down to give Reyes’ ass a squeeze. “Start another tradition maybe?”“Maybe,” there was a twinkle in Reyes' eyes. “We’ll always have Pride, querido.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Reyes didn’t think he’d ever see it. An actual Pathfinder. The Nexus had been buzzing since the arrival of the human ark, the only ark since they’d arrived in Andromeda a year ago. Even more surprising was the Pathfinder themselves. Weren’t they supposed to be older, more seasoned? The man Reyes saw walking through Ops looked to be about his age. Surely there had been a mix-up somewhere. Then again that’s all Andromeda seemed to be since they arrived.The death of the previous Pathfinder, Alec Ryder, was the last explanation that Reyes expected. It did explain the grim look on the man’s face. Scott Ryder, Alec’s son, and for all of how Tann and Addison were acting, their purported saviour. No wonder the brunet left Tann’s office looking like he’d rather chew glass and nails.Then the message had come: assignment to the Pathfinder team, report to the med bay for the SAM implant. So here he was lying on the bed, watching as Dr Carlyle gave quiet instructions to a calm looking man at his bedside before leaving. “I’m Dr Burroughs, I’ll be overseeing your SAM implant,” Burroughs mused. “Everything looks good on your chart, should be done in five minutes. Anything you wanted to ask me about?”“That quick?”“Yes sir,” Burroughs was tapping buttons on the holodisplay. “You’ll be deployed with the Pathfinder team, but it’ll still take about three hours for the connection to settle in properly, so you have plenty of time.”That was a curious thing for a doctor to say. “Plenty of time, hm? Where are we going?”Burroughs froze before he tried to look at Reyes. Tried being the operative word because the man couldn’t look at him for more than a second. “Rumour has it pegged as Eos.”Eos. That hellhole that swallowed up two attempted colonies. Wonderful.“Perhaps with a Pathfinder, we stand a much better chance of not dying,” Reyes mused dryly. “Just set me up.”“Done in a jiffy, then.”
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It couldn’t even count as a jiffy. Andromeda was continuing its track of being a series of truly terrible coincidence. Reyes hadn’t even been sedated. Just local anesthetic and in went the implant.Everyone said that the Hyperion was fine, but that didn’t explain a power surge occurring when the implant was booting up and how he felt like he was being fried from the inside out. When he came to, everything was sore and Burroughs and Carlyle looked far too relieved that he woke up.So he’d bulled his way from the med bay, grabbed his things and strolled onto the Tempest. The ship was being loaded up and Vetra had been a sight for sore eyes. She’d gotten him set up with a small workspace in the cargo bay before telling him to get some rest with a gentle hand on the shoulder.And now, a few hours later, they were on their way to Eos. Estimated arrival time, sixteen hours. He hadn’t been able to sleep, so he went to his workspace and started working on his definitely not standard issue weapons.
Reyes, you have been unusually silent since receiving the implant. I wish to ensure that everything is well with you.
“I’m fine, SAM.” Reyes paused for a moment. “What happened back in the med bay?”
It is of some importance. Scott wishes to discuss that with you. He is almost done with his tour of the ship.
“And he’s leaving that for last?”
He does not want to not rush through the conversation and give it the time needed. I suspect he will not wish to have it in such an open area.
“I’m busy prepping for Eos. It’s going to happen here.”There’s a moment of silence and then, I had not realized that Exile weaponry was standard issue for Nexus personnel.“It’s not but it works a hell of a lot better than Initiative issue gear.”
I shall tell Scott to meet you here.
Reyes made a non-committal sound as he focused on setting up the mod for his gun. It was still awhile before he heard steady steps coming his way. He spared a glance up and there was Scott, watching him work. Hm, up close, Scott was more handsome than Reyes realised. Without the hard set to his jaw and a scowl in place, he looked almost babyfaced. The scruff on his face, strangely enough, wasn’t helping to dispel that notion. Once Reyes finished and stood up straight, Scott didn’t beat around the bush.“That was a completely freak accident in the med bay. Found the person responsible and booted them from the ship,” Scott pauses for a moment, indecision in his eyes before he ploughed on. “According to SAM, the freak surge allowed him too much access to your mind. There’s a permanent connection there that he can’t undo.”Talk about being thrown in the deep end. For a moment, all Reyes could do was stare because that was far more than he anticipated. He had thought this conversation would be more along the lines of, ‘Sorry that you were nearly fried, might happen again on Eos.’
I did warn you Reyes.
“That you did, SAM,” Reyes murmured before turning his full attention to Scott. “This won’t affect my duties, I’m still-”Scott held up a hand to halt him. “What are your duties exactly? Your file is still corrupted and they haven’t updated it.”Now it was Reyes turn to grit his jaw, because of course Tann would treat him like a dirty little secret. Some days, he honestly thought it would have been better if he’d told Tann where to shove it and left the Nexus with the Exiles.
Perhaps you would like me to relate the pertinent information to Scott, it would be faster and more expedient.
All Reyes did was nod, he knew SAM would see through Scott. So he stood there watching as Scott’s eyes grew wider and wider, amazement etched plain as day on his face. “Well, shit, Anubis himself.” Scott rubbed at the back of his head. “I’ll be honest, I do feel better having you around.”That… was not the usual reaction. “SAM, what did you tell him?”
I explained to him how your N2 test went awry and you were forced to defend yourself against your former squadmates who were actually a Cerberus shadow squad. I omitted the precise circumstances.
Scott was watching him. “I’ve had no formal N training and you’re an N3-”“Debatable,” Reyes said in a clipped tone. “Things were still pending when I decided to ditch the Alliance and come to Andromeda.”“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Scott began. “I know it probably sucks, having it dragged up again.”“That is an understatement, lindo,” Reyes sighed. “But consider me as your last ditch alternative when you’ve run out of options.”“And you’ll see it done?” Scott asked after a thoughtful silence.Reyes gave a wry smirk as he dipped into a short bow with a flourishing hand. “Thy will be done, Pathfinder.”Now, the disconcerted look came to Scott’s face. This was much more familiar territory. But then Scott said something that completely threw him off guard.“Is that what Tann has been treating you as? A convenience to do potential wetwork for him? Is that why you’re still ‘off-book’, so to speak?”Maybe Scott wasn’t quite so innocent and wide-eyed as his face would make one believe. For the first time in a long time, Reyes felt something like… hope? No, ‘hope’ was too strong… Optimism. He felt optimism. It genuinely made him smile, and then he found himself saying,“We’re gonna be friends, you and I, Scott Ryder.”
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It was safe to say that Andromeda was changing. The Tempest was flying everywhere through the galaxy and when Scott stepped foot on a planet, it always caused ripples.The planet was always changed, usually for the better, in Reyes' opinion. Kadara was going to be far beyond ripples. Reyes had no doubt that by the time Scott ordered the Tempest to leave the planet, the waves would still be settling.
Why do you believe that? Shouldn’t the waves have happened by now? We’ve been on planet for awhile now.
With two sources to draw on, SAM’s learning was accelerated a bit. The AI wasn’t sounding so formal now and contextual clues were easier for SAM to pick up on. But sometimes, things still stumped the AI. Usually big picture things. Small human motivations leading to big things were something of a Gordian knot for him.
What have you seen on Kadara? Discontent angara, who were already discontent to begin with. And then we come to Heleus, and now Sloane is running things and everyone is complaining? Come on SAM, you’re smarter than this.
At least Reyes had figured out how to reply to SAM non-verbally. Mumbling out loud definitely drew too many looks back on the Nexus. In Kralla’s Song, he had the advantage of looking out the window where no one could see his face. But he felt a blossoming warmth in his mind and then,
What are you two nattering on about?
Not to mention, somehow, Scott figured out how to join in on their conversations and sometimes, Liam would comment on how freaky it was to see Reyes and Scott just silently sitting in a room before bursting out into laughter. That had taken some explanation to the rest of the crew.
Trying to explain to SAM why waves are going to happen here.

‘Cause I’m here?
Your presence on the planet is only part of the equation Scott. There’s silence from SAM, his processors running full tilt, undoubtedly. Perhaps the populace is that displeased with Sloane and this Collective has arisen as a direct response, with the intent to overthrow Sloane?
Ah, our chiquito is getting there Scott.
Sometimes, Reyes couldn’t help but tease. But he could practically feel Scott’s amusement because seconds later,
Yeah, they grow up so fast. It’s been what? Six, seven months?
I am still puzzled why you both insist on referring to me as your little boy. If Reyes didn’t know any better, he’d say that SAM sounded peeved. “If anything, I am your primito, since Alec created me.
Are you sassing us, young man? Is that anyway to talk to your parents?

We were discussing the situation on Kadara, before you joined Reyes in this.
And it’s been ever so much fun, Reyes had to admit that much. But back to the issue at hand. How would you describe the situation on Kadara, Scott?
Pressure cooker. Something is going to give soon. I’ve got a meeting with Sloane, she won’t say about what though.

Reyes should accompany you.
It was telling that SAM said that immediately, as if the AI didn’t trust Sloane in the slightest. Then again, given what Reyes had seen happening on Kadara, it was a sentiment he agreed with completely.
She wants it to be just me. So I’m leaving you two to wander about the marketplace. I mean, not like I control you guys. I’ll catch up with you guys later.
Reyes made a thoughtful sound as Scott faded from the connection and then SAM piped up with,
Arranging alternate transportation for you, Reyes.
Reyes huffed as he finished his drink and ordered another one before going back to looking out the window. The upside of Kralla’s Song was that he tended to not be bothered here.Give them some time before we shadow them. Reyes took a drink before swirling the liquid. I still don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that we can operate like this.I believe it is a good thing. It has allowed us to help Scott when he truly needed it. And vice versa. SAM is quiet for a moment. Are you ever going to tell him, Reyes?“Heh…” Reyes shakes his head before taking another drink. SAM, he has enough on his plate to deal with, my ridiculous crush notwithstanding. The resulting silence practically feels damning. “SAM…” Reyes says quietly.
I know you have been trying to keep it under control, however, the connection —
“Right, I need you to not finish that sentence, so I can go and properly work.”
Acknowledged. Transport has been arranged and Scott has boarded Sloane’s transport. Tracking via Tempest radar. Please wear your helmet when going to your vehicle.
When SAM switched back into professionalism, it was the AI’s nod to knowing that he had overstepped. Reyes would deal with… that, later on. It was easier for Reyes to finish his drink, take the elevator down and hop into the beat up exploration vehicle that SAM got for him. He carefully followed along, staying out of sight while following directions. He wasn’t expecting them to be back by Draullir. Sloane’s transport had landed and Reyes parked the vehicle behind some rocks before carefully creeping inside. It seemed that he wasn’t too late, he could hear voices and he carefully unholstered his scoped pistol. His vantage point wasn’t the best, but he could see Scott, Sloane and… Keema?It was all clear a moment later, Keema revealing herself as the Inalaara that lead the Collective. Sloane seemed angry, ready to tear Keema apart and Scott… he seemed strangely impassive. Reyes watched as he moved off to the side, letting Keema and Sloane circle each other for Keema's suggested duel. But it was when Scott glanced over in his direction and he felt an unholy fury before a single word echoed in his mind like a bell. Sloane. Chills went down Reyes spine.This was the moment when the waves were being made. He raised his pistol, sighting down the scope. It was a good thing he did because there were flashes of motion, Keema dropping and then Sloane.Reyes knew he hadn’t missed and the single bullet hole to Sloane’s head was what felled her. Scott was by Keema, his face intent as he ripped open a medigel packet and slathered it on. “We can fix you up on my ship—”“No, I need to issue orders, the angara are taking back Kadara Port.” Keema tried to stand up, wincing as she fell back down.“Issue them from my ship,” Scott snapped. “Reyes.”They didn’t speak, helping Keema to Sloane’s transport and it was only when Keema had issued her orders and was on the operating table that Reyes took a moment to breathe. A moment was all he got, because Scott seized his hand and dragged him into a room, letting the door closed before he locked it and kept Reyes there, hands against the door, his body in close. A quick glance around let Reyes know that Scott had taken him to his room and okay, it suddenly was that later that he didn’t expect would happen… until much much later.“Reyes, say something,” Scott looked at him, a hand coming to cup his cheek. “You shut down everything. I didn’t feel you. I’m just glad you felt what I said, how I felt…”Reyes tried to not look at Scott, he did. All he managed was a second, and then he couldn’t look away, everything bubbling up and there was no stopping it. Scott’s hand dropped down his neck, to his shoulder, grip tightening as if Scott needed to steady himself. Right, the connection... When Scott’s eyes found him, Reyes saw everything there, like a mirror, flooding back through at him to soak into his mind and he found himself quietly saying,“I liked the way you looked at me, I didn’t want that to change.”“I think you know me better than I know myself sometimes,” Scott murmured. “Nothing’s changed.” Reyes gave a dry laugh, even as he pulled Scott in closer against him. “You have bad taste in men.”Scott leaned in, to murmur in Reyes’ ear “The worst.” He drew back, lips ghosting along skin as his hands started seeking out buckles and undoing them. “So why don’t we make a few more bad decisions?”The smile Reyes gave didn’t do justice to the sheer joy that felt like it was setting his body alight. He pulled Scott into a kiss before whispering against his lips, “Thy will be done, querido.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I thought you said Eos was improving.”“It is, there was a little bit of rain about three months ago.”Scott rolled his head to the side, finding Reyes squinting over at him in an accusatory fashion. Honestly, Scott didn’t have the energy to try and protest more. It was too hot, the heat sweltering in the basin Prodromos was in. Even the water looked too hot, more liable to start cooking anyone who ventured in rather than giving relief. Scott swore the heat he saw shimmering off it was actually the water just evaporating away. Add in broken cooling units on the prefabs and waiting for a supply run from the Nexus and it meant that very little was getting done on the planet. Actually no, the angara and turians were probably the only ones getting anything done. The turians loved the heat and as far as the angara were concerned, the fact that there wasn’t a cloud in the sky was, “stars blessed.” The humans and salarians were flopped out on surfaces inside, trying to convince themselves it was tolerable in any sort of shade and attached themselves to any cool surface. Much like what he and Reyes were doing right now. The tabletop Reyes stretched out on gave him the perfect vantage height to level that look at Scott. “Come to Eos, you said,” Reyes grunted, peeling his arm from the table with a grimace. “It’s a nice dry heat,” now that expression turned black. “It's been three days straight, where did all this humidity come from? Did you break the planet?”“I fixed it when we arrived here,” Scott whined. “I didn’t think it would get this humid this fast, it's been nearly a year.”Reyes made a plaintive sound as he peeled himself off the table with a moist ‘ssssssck’. Even that made Scott grimace and Reyes looked like he was close to just melting into an actual puddle. “How are all the air conditioners broken, how does the Nexus expect anything to be done if half the colony cannot function?”“Maybe it’ll rain soon?”That earned him another look and Scott needed to make a mental note that ridiculous humid heat meant a very, very cranky Reyes. Slowly he got up from the couch, his skin doing its very best to stay stuck and he made a face as he pulled up his omni-tool. A quick look at the screen and he groaned. “It’s dropped a whole two degrees.”“Oh yes, two degrees. That helps with the temperature being only 47 degrees now.” Reyes was quiet for a moment and then he looked mournful. “The water’s too hot for swimming, is it?”All Scott did was nod. This was the fourth time Reyes had asked and the answer hadn’t miraculously changed. For a moment, there was just silence and then,“I’m going to stand in front of the fridge again.”
“The technicians have repeatedly requested that people not strain the power grid by-”
“We run off solar, SAM,” Reyes groused as he shifted his pants. “We're definitely not about to run out. And if I have to unpeel body parts from my skin again, I make no promises about how happy those engineers will be to talk to me.”“Save some for me?” Scott tried.“Fix the planet.”That was all Reyes fired back with, grumbling as he headed to the small kitchen. Scott groaned as he let his head fall back.“SAM, why is it so hot?”“The planet is in the midst of recalibrating the hydrological system.” The moment of silence was almost thoughtful and then, “It is not recommended to tamper with the recalibrations that the Vault is enacting; such actions may exacerbate the current humidity levels.”Scott gave a pained sob and then, “Hey, babe. SAM says that I shouldn’t mess with the weather, might make things worse.”The cursing coming from the prefab kitchen was truly spectacular. Honestly, Scott only caught bits and pieces but when Reyes came back into the living room, looking slightly less wilted, he couldn’t help but grin a bit.“You kiss your mother with that mouth?”“I didn’t hear you complaining about my mouth last night,” Reyes sniped back as he sat on the seat beside Scott with a sigh. “Your turn.”He winced as he peeled himself off from the couch and went to the kitchen. Opening the fridge and feeling the air swirl out… it was a relief, Scott couldn’t deny that. He rested his arms on top of the fridge, letting his body sag into the coolness.Cool air…For a moment, he stared down into the fridge and honestly, he felt like an idiot. “Hey SAM, I’m not gonna mess with the recalibrating planet, I just need to know something.”
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“You dragged us outside.”Scott hadn’t thought it possible, but yes, Reyes was even more cranky. It must have seemed mad, leave the relative coolness of the prefab to enter the scorching heat and get instantly damp. The walk up was short, but now was the reckoning that was Reyes’ temper.“This was your plan wasn’t it? Let me take over Kadara and then bring me to somewhere no one would ever expect you to finish me off by baking me alive outside.”“You don’t need to be so dramatic,” Scott plucked at his shirt before pulling it off and tucking it in the back of his pants. “Have a seat.”“Says the man casually stripping,” Reyes eyed the ground before shaking his head. “Sitting means more of me on the hot rock.”“Suit yourself,” Scott glanced at the horizon and yeah, there it was right on time like SAM said. “Thought you’d like to see the show.”As if on cue, a cooling breeze sent dust devils dancing through the colony and up along the rock cliff to where they were. Reyes looked over to where Scott was pointing, the dark clouds just a thin line on the horizon. Not that it stayed thin for long. The cool breeze swept before it, swelling it up to dark grey swells in the sky and people emerged from the prefabs to seek relief in the breeze. Scott looked up to say something to Reyes but he just watched, seeing Reyes standing there, eyes closed as he savoured the cool breeze against his skin, through his hair… then he opened his eyes, looking down at Scott. There was relief in those hazel eyes and promises, oh the promises. Happy Reyes was much better than cranky, heat-irritated Reyes.“Were you planning on having a romantic moment in the rain?” Reyes finally seated himself beside Scott.“Not in the rain,” Scott smiled. “SAM told me the rain was coming, preceded by cool, brisk breezes,” he paused, taking Reyes’ hand before inhaling deep. “You can smell the water in the air.”“That you can,” Reyes squeezed his hand. “I know I’ve been—”“Testy? Miserable? An absolute grouch?” Scott lifted their linked hands, pressing a kiss to his wrist. “Worse than Tann?”Reyes gave a soft laugh. “That last one was very much uncalled for, but all the others yes. I did warn you—”“Yes, you do better with a dry heat.” Scott smiled. “So how about we head back down and watch the first proper rainfall on Eos from somewhere dry with the windows open?”Reyes’ smile was all the answer Scott needed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

If Jaal had one complaint about the Tempest, it was that the shower stalls were small. It barely fit him. Attempting to bathe with his taoshay, Vetra had proven to be disastrous. It was arms and legs everywhere, a nearly broken showerhead and a bent partition no one had inquired about yet.All he had wanted was the pleasure of bathing properly with her at least once. So when she had invited him around to her apartment on the Nexus, Jaal had easily agreed but wasn’t too sure of the standard turian protocol for matters such as these.To be honest, he hadn’t expected to fall for the turian. She was so practical and level-headed that even Evfra had taken a bit of a liking to her. Vetra had never told Jaal what he wanted to hear, but what he needed to, what she thought was best for him. Perhaps he had realised some of his admiration after everything that happened with Akksul and the Roekaar. She had found him in the quiet of the tech lab a few days later, offered quiet, solid advice and they had commiserated about family and wanting the best for them. Their next conversation about had been about duty and seeking something for themselves. The next thing he knew, they were out rock climbing on Kadara and confessions of mutual admiration and want happened. That they had found it with each other was something Jaal found himself thankful for every day.Though, now, standing in front of her door, he did find himself wondering about Ryder’s sage advice of ‘wining and dining’. A bottle of wine seemed dubious, but what Jaal was making for her wasn’t done quite yet and — “You know,” the door opened to reveal Vetra in nothing but plates and hide, her mandibles flared into a grin. “I was starting to think you forgot where the keypad was.”“I was just thinking,” he stepped in, pressing his forehead to hers before nuzzling their noses together before the door even closed. “I brought wine.”That got him a chuckle, Vetra’s fingers lingering by his scar for a moment before smoothing along his cheek. “Still prefer that silver tongue of yours.”She drew back with a wink, taking his hand and Jaal could feel the blush come to his face. Her apartment was a bit sparse and utlitarian, but there were little signs of her and Sid. A book on the coffee table, a blanket neatly folded on the couch and the ever present box of Blastos on the kitchen counter. The vid screen was on, something dramatic and with lots of gunfire playing out.“Oh, I was just watching an old episode of Spirits Sent,” Vetra gracefully sank down to the couch, pulling him down as she took the wine from him to rest it on the coffee table. “I do have a set up like the one on the Tempest.”“You are far too thoughtful,” Jaal brushed a quick kiss against her mouth plates. “A moment, dearest.”At least turians were much like angara in that in privacy and comfort between mates, clothes weren’t seen as necessary. It didn’t take him long to shed his, neatly fold them up and settle back on the couch. Vetra, quick as a summer storm, slotted her back against his chest. One of his arms settled along her side, finding that spot between keel and ribs, stroking with his thumb while his other hand sought hers, fingers linking together. Honestly, Jaal loved it when they were like this, cuddled together on the couch watching…“What is this again?” Jaal asked.“Spirits Sent, it’s an old turian drama,” she chuckled, dull talons of her free hand drawing lazy patterns against the curve of his shin. “He’s seeking justice for the murder of his colony.”“Hm,” Jaal watched as the turian on screen spoke, felt the thrum of anger as pulses of static from her setup. “He is quite determined.”“Trust me, you have no idea,” she paused for a moment, fingers stilling. “You know, I have a much bigger shower here.”“Oh?” Jaal could feel the rumble of Vetra’s amusement at how eager he sounded. “Do you wish to finish—”“I’ve seen it already and Sid’s not back until tomorrow,” Vetra got up, not letting go of his hand. “C’mon.”Jaal let her draw him from the couch, leading him right to the bathroom. It was as utilitarian as the rest of the the apartment. Small shelves on the wall held towels and various turian bathing implements. One shelf held all the lotions he made for her. Falling water made him look over to see Vetra turning on the shower, testing the temperature before she stepped underneath the spray. Ah, this… this was what Jaal loved to see. He only caught rare glimpses of it if they were on a mission with Ryder and it happened to rain. The way the water sluiced over her hide, turning her plates from pale grey to matte silver. Her talons gleamed like titanium and just looking at her, Jaal could see why humans said that turians were as beautiful as they were deadly.“You’re doing it again,” Vetra took his hands, drawing him under the spray with an amused gleam in her eyes. “Am I?” he chuckled as the water beat down on his hood. This was a familiar game, long played since they got together.“Mm-hm, got that dreamy look in your eyes,” her hands settled where his hood and shoulders, met, dragging her talons along in teasing touches. “Usually you start tell me poetic things.”“What can I tell you that I have not already?” Jaal let his hands drop to her waist, fingers curving and gripping it surely. “Perhaps this time, you can be the poetic one.”“Think we’ve established I’m pretty crap at that.” Vetra mumbled.“Here you are in my arms, a vision of silver and steel, your eyes like jewels and your voice bewitching me. I think you too have a silver tongue, if you would try.”He could hear the soft clack of her mandibles as she thought, the dull scratch of her talons sending shivers racing along his skin.“I… don’t really have words like you do. But I do like the way you carry yourself. You’re always sure, and once you decide on something, you see it through,”Vetra fell silent for a moment, Jaal could see the thoughts in her eyes and she took the time to find the words.“You’re so thoughtful and compassionate, I think you were the first person to actually ask about my sister. And then, you just didn’t stop,” she laughed at that. “So consistent, so steady. You’re always there but you still give me space and honestly…” she fell silent again for a moment, her eyes keeping his. “I love that when I look at you, there’s no pretense, no game. It’s… just you and you let me see all of you.”Jaal was certain his heart couldn’t be beating any louder, that Vetra could hear the roar of it, feel it beneath her fingers. Her mandibles flared out slightly, a shy turian grin. He couldn’t help but smile as he leaned in. “Taoshay, you are silver tongued enough.”That got a pleased rumble from her and just as he leaned in to kiss her, there was a loud thump from the living area and then,“Hey sis, you will not believe what happened down at Vortex!”Vetra groaned, resting her head against his shoulder. “One day, I just wanted one day.”“Allow me,” he murmured, giving her waist a gentle squeeze before loudly calling out, “We are occupied at the moment.”“What, is that you Jaal?” Sid sounded confused before it was followed up by, “Wait, occupied?” now there were hurried sounds before she called out, “Never mind, I’ll fill you in later, I’ll go bug, uh, literally anyone else! Bye!”For a moment, Vetra was completely still. But then Jaal could feel her shaking her head slightly and when she looked up, her mandibles were held in tight, laughter dancing in her slit-pupil eyes. “Did you just—” she couldn’t even say the words without the deep thrum of laughter.“Of course,” Jaal let a mischievous smile loose. “You did say you wanted the day, didn’t you?”Vetra let the laugh loose, Jaal could feel it against his skin and he let the pulses of amusement seep through his bioelectirics against her skin. She was smiling wide as she wrapped her long around his shoulders.“Just for that, you can lotion me after this.”“See, you are silver tongued in your own way.”

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Tiran Kandros was many things. He ran Apex, had helped to keep the Nexus secure and deployed all forces when the Archon had come storming the gates. And the aftermath left a lot of people rebuilding on the Nexus and quickly established Hyperion City. But given the scale of the rebuilding that was needed for the Nexus and the downed Hyperion, most resource allocation meant that a large chunk went to repairing the Nexus and then shoring up the Hyperion to integrate it into the cliffside and make it liveable. Which mean a lot of replacement furniture and such being sent out… like this.Tiran eyed it in distaste before he sighed and headed for the door. In the aftermath of everything, this was the last thing he ever expected to deal with. It was honestly the last one. Wrangling people and their expectations was much simpler in his opinion.But he was also swamped with requests for every thing under the sun. Funny how the administration shoved more onto him now that the Archon had been dealt with. Besides… it wasn’t like the furniture was going anywhere. It was just a replacement couch, coffee table and bookcase, how hard could it be? He’d do it when he had more time.Hopefully when he got some free time.
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“You’re here late.”Tiran looked up from his drink to see Sidera take the seat across from him. “Could say the same for you.”Sidera laughed and Tiran couldn’t help but smile. This kid was always so cheerful, always willing to help. Then again, he distinctly remembered the ‘friendly chat’ Vetra had with him about Sid never doing APEX work. Not that Tiran would recruit her for that. With that open personality and the way she just made people feel comfortable, Sidera was definitely better off on the Nexus than in the field. Though, maybe administrative work for APEX would be a good compromise. He could always use more people to handle bureaucratic shit because he was—“Hello, you still there?”“Thinking,” Tiran gave an apologetic shrug before he scrutinized her. “Your sister know you’re here drinking?”That made Sidera’s brow plates lower and she clicked her tongue with an annoyed thrum. “Vetra means well, but she doesn’t always know what’s best for me.”Ah, there was the Nyx fire he’d seen enough of with Vetra. That was probably the same thing that got her kidnapped and Ryder and Vetra coming to the rescue. He tapped his fingers against the glass for a moment before asking,“Are you happy, working for Tann?”A moment, a pause, a hesitant flash in her eyes and then, “It’s okay. I mean, nothing exciting like APEX but it helps.”Shit, Tiran knew that sound, Spirits knew he heard it enough times. This was where he had to tread carefully. Not that he got a word in edgewise because Sidera clearly sensed a chance and was going for it.“I learned from my little adventure and from the Archon coming here. I will say that I have been establishing a network of contacts , my own network, and would be able to further assist in APEX operations in a more logistical sense. But I do know how to properly fire a pistol now and am learning how to use an assault rifle. Taking some tactical training courses and learning boot camp basics.”Right, Vetra and Sidera did not have a conventional turian upbringing. But if Sidera was learning all this by herself…“Who is teaching you this?” because Tiran would have seen her name pop up in the logs for things like that.All Sidera did was smile. “As I said, I’ve been establishing networks and quite frankly, I would be a great asset to APEX in any capacity. Hell, even if you want furniture assembled, I got that too.”Tiran would not think about the aborted attempts to assemble his own things. He would not think about the stupid little packets of screws that taunted him and the baffling instructions that might as well be in any of the strange Terran glyphs. But now Sidera was looking at him and she went for the kill.“Tell you what,” she paused, taking a sip of her very green drink. “You give serious thought to me joining APEX, no matter whatever my sister says and I will assemble your furniture for you.”“That obvious, huh?”“Oh yeah. You didn’t look anywhere close to terrified when the Archon came. But just now,” she shook her head with a low chirp. “Never thought I’d see the great Tiran Kandros freeze at something.”“That any way to speak to your potential new boss?” Tiran snorted, trying and failing to hide his amusement.“You want your furniture assembled or not?” Sidera quipped. “Can do it right now if you want.”There was no denying that Sidera definitely picked up some tricks from Vetra.
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“I don’t get it Kandros, I really don’t. You will stare an Anointed in the face, plug it right between the eyes, go into that blue mist and take out Destined, but this is what stumps you?”“Because everything looks the same and what does this even mean?”He pointed accusingly at what was supposed to be a helpful diagram. Honestly, it was about as helpful as tentacles on a nathak. At least Sidera could figure it out. The bookcase was done, anchored to the wall and with his books on it, looking like it was there the entire time. Right now, the couch though… Tiran had absolutely no hesitancy in admitting that he didn’t have a single talon involved in that. All Sidera, thank the spirits. Hell, he couldn’t even fault her judging look when she stepped in and saw the piles out of their neat packs. Maybe after this, he could invite over the cute tech from the greenhouse; they were always flirting and it was the shameful pile of unassembled furniture that stopped him from inviting them over.“Okay, just…” Sidera sighed. “All right, the sides and bottom support structure are done. Just help me lift the main cushion into place so we can finish your couch. It’s nearly 2 in the morning and there’s still a coffee table left.It was easier with two people. He held up the end as Sidera aligned the locking pegs and then gently guided it down. It took both of them leaning on the armchair for it to make a satisfying thump and snapping sound. Repeat on the other side and Sidera flopped herself down with a long sigh.“All right, pop quiz time!” she pointed to the small pile now. “You get the last thing.”Tiran eyed the pile dubiously before he pulled up the instructions. “… Anything else I can do? Something I can shoot?”“C’mon, you got this. I’ll help you but you can assemble this.”“It’d be faster if you did it.”“Ah, but then you won’t have learned anything. Self-sufficiency is an admirable thing, isn’t it?”“Now you’re just copying lines from your sister. Could have sworn I heard her say that to you once.”Sidera shrugged. “Could have sworn I heard her say it to Ryder too one time during a pit stop.” She gestured to the pile before putting on a mock expression of sternness. “That table won’t build itself soldier.”With an aggrieved sigh, Tiran sat on the floor, looking at the piles and then the manual before he tried one last time, looking back at Sidera. She just gave him a look, mandibles flaring out slightly as if to say, “Get to it.”It felt like the worst sort of 3D jigsaw puzzle. So many little pieces and seriously, who designed this instruction booklet? But he slowly managed to build it, with only a few interjections from Sidera when something was going to be placed wrong of if the wrong screw was to be used. Sidera had whipped together the bookcase in fifteen minutes and the couch in just under an hour.This stupid coffee table should not have taken him nearly forty-five minutes. But here he was, close to three in the morning, looking down at the finished item. The pale wood panel in the middle aligned with the darker ones on the side. Square legs perfectly flush with the bottom corners and the partitions in the middle not sticking out or the like.“See,” Sidera yawned as she stood up. “Knew you could do it, boss.”Tiran glanced at her before asking, “You’re that sure, huh?”Sidera shrugged with a sleepy grin. “How long was this stuff sitting around your apartment?”“Too long,” Tiran admitted before he rubbed at her head with a small grin. “I’ll give your proposal due consideration.” The way her yellow-green eyes lit up made him throw caution to the wind and smile. “You’ll have the transfer paperwork as soon as I can get it through.”“Really?”He gestured to the apartment. “Your results speak for themselves. However, if anyone else has figured out how good you are at your job, they’re gonna fight to keep you.”“You do things on your end. I’ll handle my end.” Sidera paused before adding on. “I’ll handle Vetra too.”“Thank the Spirits.” Tiran said, immediate relief flooding through him. “If you like, I’ll put advanced comms monitoring as the intended position on the paperwork.”“I can work with that. But I’m going to bed now,” Sidera gave a sleepy salute and grin. “Looking forward to working with you Kandros.”“Likewise Miss Nyx.”

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Nihlus remembered when he first met Saren. Assigned to the same unit, cold hard realism had drawn the two of them together. Practicality and a flair for somehow following and shirking the rules made them stand out. It’s what made Saren a Spectre so young, despite what the rumours said. Remembering the day when he too had been inducted into those prestigious ranks with Saren as his sponsor… it still stole Nilhus’ breath. There had been nothing but pride in Saren’s pale blue eyes and the afterwards had been tongue and scent and talons and it still made his plates loosen just thinking about it. With his silvery plates and the rigid way he held himself, people often mistook Saren for the model exemplar of turian military. But they didn’t know him like Nihlus did. Didn’t know how those small movements of mandibles conveyed subtle feelings. How those emotions flashed through his eyes so fast, like glimmers of escarge in shallow ocean waters. How the two things combined often spoke volumes that others always missed. If you didn’t pay close attention to Saren Arterius, you could miss a lot. So when Nilhus heard the apartment door slide open, he looked up from writing his report and turned in his chair. Saren came around the corner, eyes tired but warming when they landed on him and Nilhus was out of his seat before he even thought about it. Saren had on his fringe cover as usual, there was the usual soft glow of the cybernetics of this partial mandible replacements but he had on a cloak, and that instantly made Nilhus narrow his gaze. Saren always removed his cloak the second he came in the door. For him to be standing here like this…“What happened?”That was the only thing Nilhus asked and Saren didn’t balk, didn’t hesitate. He slipped the cloak off, draping it over his right arm, leaving the left bare. Nihlus wasn’t too sure what to even say when he saw it. There was a large pauldron on top of the shoulder and cables running down from it to the ever present light armour. So when Nihlus approached and slowly began undoing buckles and clasps, slowly peeling Saren out of it, the other turian took a sharp inhale but didn't say anything. Once it was off and the undersuit peeled down, Nihlus could see better. The arm itself… it was a completely new one from the large raised seam of scar tissue where it was grafted on right down to the fingers. It wasn’t like anything Nihlus had seen before, definitely metallic but it looked so organic, as if someone carefully crafted the metal to look like muscle. He stepped in a bit closed, taking the new hand in his own, delicately tracing the tips of his talons against the back of the palm.“There are no synaptic nerves for feeling,” Saren’s voice was quiet. “It serves it’s purpose but… it’s lacking in some regards.”Saren brought his other hand up, brushing the back of his bare knuckles against Nihlus’ mandible and up to his cheekbone plate. There was no stopping the pleased rumble that Nihlus let loose, the keen of want threading through his subharmonics.“Who did this to you?”That was all Nihlus could bring himself to ask. For someone to do this to the one person who had given him the world… He would rectify this if Saren’s hands were bound. He looked into those pale eyes, saw the admiration there, saw one of those rare smiles that Saren reserved just for them in privacy. “They were dealt with. I would have been back sooner, but it took time to ensure the new arm wasn’t rejected. I didn’t wish to put you through that.”“I would have come.”Saren gave a rumble of amusement. “You were busy playing with a justicar. Don’t deny it, everyone has heard.”"Tch" Nihlus fluttered his mandibles in annoyance. “Sometimes, I think justicars are more trouble than they’re worth. This one was tenacious. Two weeks in the wilderness.”“You ditched her in the end.”“I had to throw a civilian into a flooded river to escape her. I don’t regret eliminating the cartel that that was pumping out tainted red sand though.”“Adaptable to the last,” Saren purred as he nuzzled in. “I knew I chose well.”Nihlus made a pleased sound, nuzzling back against those silver plates. He let the soothing thrum of Saren’s subharmonics wash over him, let one of his hands trail up that smoke coloured hide, dig in his talons lightly at the spot just under the fringe. An answering growl came from Saren and those broad hands grabbed at his waist, pulling him in tight. “Don’t start something you don’t intend to finish.” Saren warned.That made Nihlus chuckle, nuzzling in tongue darting out to lick at Saren’s hide. “When have I ever done that, cordis?”It was so easy to do because he knew Saren, knew some of the buttons to push to elicit a response. To say that word was to get that low rumbling sound, edged with enough danger to make his heart race and his plates loosen. To use his talons to get rid of the the rest of Saren's undersuit, use that impatient growl with needy subharmonics to make Saren dig his talons in just so against hide, delicious pricks of pain amid the pleasure and the feel of Saren against him, no armour, no titles or expectations between them. It was just Nihlus and Saren, stripped down to nothing more than hide and plates, seeking the other out. Sometimes, Nihlus did envy asari for the mind melds. He wanted every time with Saren to be like that, though he felt it was sometimes close enough. The hungry way Saren watched as Nihlus went over the brink, as if he was something precious to be protected and guarded was the same way Nihlus felt for the other turian. Saren had so much taken from him, life always battering him and still he stood strong and tall. Nihlus knew beyond a doubt that he would raze a planet if that’s what it took to keep Saren safe.Some people would have quaked before that knowledge. For Nihlus, it gave him strength and made his determination all the stronger. But still, even in the quiet afterwards, so wrapped up around each other, Nihlus didn’t care to figure out where he ended and Saren began, he couldn’t help but ask,“When do you ship out again?”“As soon as I hear back from an informant. A volus trading vessel has an artifact I require for my current mission,” Saren paused, fingers idly stroking the soft hide of Nihlus’ neck. “It could be a few hours, could be a day. For once I hope someone is lazy and it takes two days.”“Delaying on sending information to the great Saren Arterius?” Nihlus laughed. “They won’t dare.”Saren just made a sound of assent, trailing his hand down along Nihlus’ side, down to the curve of his waist, the flare of hip and to the long line of legs before slowly dragging his hand up with the rasp of talons. A moment, a breath was all it took for Nihlus to straddle Saren once more, take in the sight stretched out beneath him. “But since you’re still here…”Nihlus leaned in, nuzzling against Saren’s neck. The intoxicating smell of him, musk, metal and a hint of gun oil… Nihlus couldn’t help himself, flicked his tongue out for a taste, breathed deep of that scent before shifting his head to get his teeth against hide. Saren tilted his head back with a pleased growl and Nihlus could feel his plates loosen again, feel the flush of slick. He bit down hard enough to leave a mark, draw some blood. When he sat back up, licking at his mouth plates that hard, near feral look in Saren’s eyes spoke of everything still to come… it made his heart race.“You’re still mine and I won’t give you up to the galaxy yet.”

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Kosta was really putting them through the wringer and not for the first time in the campaign, Scott was kind of starting to worry. First had been that rock that was still stuck to Ukias’ hand. Their bard hadn’t sung in awhile because somehow, Drack still hadn’t managed to roll a decent stat for stealth singing so Zusomur wound up caterwauling and alerting enemies in an area when he meant to bolster the group. Scott had lost count the number of times they were nearly swamped. At least Jaal wasn’t half bad… even if he didn’t know what precisely would qualify as nature. Then again, it did mean that Jaal had some novel interpretations about nature. Like making a golem out of clay with rocks inside, because the rocks were part of nature and wrapped in more nature.Funny though how whenever Peebee pestered him about that 'Accursed Hand Rock' he never had a clear answer.And Reyes… Reyes was probably the worst because how exactly was a tiefling sorcerer carting around so much crap with no ill effects? Somehow, he always had something to get them out of a jam, pulled from a bag somewhere. Clearly it was on his stat sheet, but it just said ‘BOH’ and Liam said it was fine, that Reyes had done the rolls for it. Personally, Scott was starting to think that it was a Bag of Holding because honestly… how else to explain all this?But now, oh, Scott could kill Liam because holy shit, had that tavern brawl come back to bite them in the ass. Namely by an NPC who shadowed them and had popped up from time to time in perception checks.
‘Close enough for you to see a shadow, but far enough away for you to not see his face.’
That was all Liam could tell them because whenever they sent their soggy rogue to investigate, any check immediately had a penalty because of Ukias’ Accursed Hand Rock being in their dominant hand. Peebee was working on getting Ukias ambidextrous and it was going terribly.So far, they’d been followed and trailed and wouldn’t you know it, the NPC was some high priest for some ancient eldritch god and the dude was old as shit and pretty powerful.Hell, Scott couldn’t even say what the valuable thing was, because they were too busy fighting for their lives now in a muddy forest clearing. Or rather would be in the next turn because they were still strategizing what to do. Every so often, Peebee would look up to stare at Liam before ducking her head back down.“Okay, okay, so we’re on the ropes, we gotta figure out how to deal with this stupid priest.”Reyes had a frustrated expression. “I don’t dare use any more magic, he’s negated everything I casted.”“Helpful…” Jaal murmured. “Perhaps if we restrain them somehow?”“I can bash their head in or Peebee can drown them.” Drack mused. “With what water?” Peebee snapped but even as she said the words, her eyes widened. “Oh, right!”“I’ll try and get some hits in to soften him up. Reyes…” Scott wasn’t too sure what a negated tiefling sorcerer could do. “Help however you can?”It was honestly as good a plan as they were gonna get. They all broke huddle and sat back down at their seats with purpose. What Scott really didn’t like was the placid look on Liam’s face. Just what was gonna be thrown their way next?“Meeting done?” Liam asked. “You guys ready to rumble?”“May the Traveler have mercy on our souls.” Reyes quipped.Scott very much agreed with that sentiment. For once, no one else had a smart quip or the like. It was just all five of them, dice in hand and ready to do this thing. And somehow it was working, Jaal had summoned the vines, was holding down a struggling priest. Sure, Scott’s roll wasn’t the best but he still managed to wound the priest to some degree. “It’s all you Peebee,” Jaal was looking at her, expression fraught and anxious.Scott nodded. “Yeah, no pressure, just roll a nat 20 and finish this properly.”“You guys suck, why are you putting all the pressure on me? You rolled a 12 Jaal and let’s not even talk about your 9, Scott.”“To be honest,” Reyes piped up. “I’m more worried about what Liam has cooked up for us if we don’t kill this guy in one go.”“You haven’t done anything!”“I’m guarding our backup” was Drack’s reply even as Reyes said, “Negating my spells.”Peebee gave a long sigh. “Okay, okay, Kosta, I’m gonna roll to drown this guy with my Accursed Rock Hand.” That made both of Liam’s eyebrows rise up and then he said the dreaded words of,“Do a Strength check.”Peebee let loose a few profanities under her breath as she picked up her die. For a long moment, she weighed it in her hand before clenching her fingers tight and then letting it roll. Scott was surprised the die didn’t burst into flames given how hard everyone was staring at it with a laser-like intensity. Liam, damn him, was still munching on tarvav as if he didn’t have a care in the world. The die went rolling before bouncing off the dungeon master screen and coming to a stop.Every single pair of eyes went to Liam, who was peering down at the tiny facet, and the number that faced up.“16,” Liam mumbled around his mouthful before he swallowed. “Ukias shoves the priest face down into the ground with the Accursed Rock Hand. They still fight though, gasping out something. But already weakened from dealing with the other party members it doesn’t take long before they stop struggling and their body goes still.”“Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit!” Peebee bursts up out of her seat with excitement. “We actually did—”“We didn’t do shit yet!” Reyes took her arm and pulled her back down to her seat before fixing Liam with a stern look. “What was the priest saying?”“Do a Perception check.”Scott officially hated those words and his heart felt like it was in his throat as Reyes rolled and his die landed on a 18.“Are you kidding me? I can’t roll higher than an 11 and here you come with a damn 18?” Drack eyed the die and then Reyes. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear they were loaded.”“Nope, checked ‘em myself, you all saw,” Liam shrugged. “Not that it matters, you’ve all used up your turn now. So Tirx is the one who notices too late the ripples around the priest’s dead body, sees the vines moving through the water.”All Scott can do is listen in horror as Liam describes the priest’s dead body being fucking possessed by some eldritch god that they revered, Jaal’s restraining vines whipping around everywhere as the body rises in the air and stretches out to inhuman, grotesque proportions.“Can I just say Liam, you are doing an excellent job,” Jaal had his face screwed up in disgust. “You describe this creature so well that I most certainly would never want to meet it.”“Aw, thanks buddy,” Liam grinned. “But you all still have to deal with your good friend here.”“There is no way we can fight an elder god, what’s your game Kosta?” Drack complained. “We’re barely even level 4!”“Well don’t go picking fights in bars and mugging people. It’s a dangerous world here in Chessenta and beyond.”“Drack, do you still have that Portable Hole?”Reyes piping up made everyone look at him. Truth be told, Reyes had been fairly quiet until now. Which meant he must, somehow, have some way of dealing with the potential death waiting for them to finish their turns. Scott really hoped that whatever Reyes had in mind would be done in five turns.“What good is a hole in the ground gonna do us now?”“As opposed to dying by the summoned eldritch god who is probably pissed at us for killing his priest?!” Reyes snapped back.“Just have Zusomur throw it down Drack, we’re already up shit creek!” Peebee exclaimed.“And if Trix has found a paddle…” Jaal added on.“Tirx,” Scott snorted with laughter. “Again, Trix is that ancient Earth cereal for children.”“Fine, fine,” Drack delicately picked up his die. “Yeah, yeah, I know do a check. But I’m gonna throw this stupid hole right on top of what’s their face.”“Wait, did we get a name?” Scott couldn’t recall hearing one.“Can we please worry about the name afterwards?” Jaal whined in a pained voice. “Drack, please make your roll.”Scott really wished Liam didn’t look so gleeful, just watching it all shake out as Drack finally managed to land a solid roll. What he didn’t expect was Reyes telling everyone else to use their turn to hang on or even what he said once it came to his turn. “All right, I’m going to throw the Bag of Holding.”Now everyone was looking at Reyes as if he lost his mind but decided to hold their tongue to see how this would shake out.Liam snorted. “Course you are. You know what to do—”“Dexterity check, coming up.”It seemed that everyone held their breath as Reyes picked up his d20. What Scott wasn’t expecting was for Reyes to take a deep breath and kiss his clenched fist before letting the die fly. It skittered along the table, coming to a stop and when Liam peered over the screen, all he muttered was,“I’ll be bloody well damned.”Scott looked down to see a 20 just sitting there. Drack let loose a booming laugh and Jaal visibly sagged, despair etched on his face. Peebee looked at him confused and all Scott could do was shrug.“Tirx spins the bag a few times before letting it go. It sails through the air in a perfect arc, landing right beneath the reanimated possessed corpse to end up on the Portable Hole. There’s a moment, a split second before there is a shudder and reality splits apart and an Astral Gate opens beneath the creature,”Holy fucking shit. Scott turns to look at Reyes, who still has a jaw clenched in determination while Peebee is loosing her mind, shrieking as she shook Jaal’s shoulder. Jaal is just staring at the table suspiciously, because that clearly was the last thing he ever expected to happen.“Goddess and stars, our sorcerer came through in a pinch, did you see that?!” Peebee was pretty much treating Jaal like a ragdoll at this point.“Yes, I did,” Jaal laughed as he made her stop by dragging her onto his lap. “Now, however, there is a gate to somewhere open.”“There we go, the penny drops,” Drack chuckled dryly. “And the only people not secured down are me and the sorcerer. So c’mon Kosta, I know you’re not done trying to kill us yet. What’s the deal?”“Now that you’ve all settled back down…” Liam just grins. “An Astral Gate opens beneath the eldritch god, sucking it in as it howls in frustration and rage. Tirx and Zusomur are dragged a few feet but the Gate sucks in the god before it closes behind them permanently, leaving the muddy clearing nearly empty, save for a bundle of rags and is eerily silent.”“And now it’s over,” Reyes slouched in his seat in relief. “I have to say, I’m very glad that worked.”“You guys!” Peebee bounced off Jaal’s lap. “We just took on an elder god and won! Like…”The excited, exhilarated sound she made mirrored precisely how Scott felt inside because Reyes had saved all their skins with some quick thinking and Scott was very much willing to overlook the fact that a good portion of their items were in the bag.“Uh… there’s no chance of that god coming back for round two?” Scott asked.“And I repeat, closed behind them permanently.” Liam said. “You guys did it, campaign done. You lot are the craziest bastards I have ever seen in my life.” He is laughing now. “Do you know how many times I had to readjust my plans. The tavern brawl, you Drack, seducing anyone you crossed paths with in later taverns,”“Shit, this would have been so much easier if you had an eldritch god fall in love with Zusomur.” Peebee jabbed at Drack’s shoulder.“Who still has an Accursed Hand Rock?” Drack laughed back. “But yeah, this was fun. How much experience are we getting for this.”“Oho, hang on to your panties.” Liam rubbed his hands together in glee.And honestly, even Scott couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping because the number definitely could not be right, not to mention some of the encounter bonuses before they found the boss because for some insane reason, Liam though pitting them against a level 17 creature was a good idea. Though, Scott really couldn’t complain because they may have lost plenty with the Bag of Holding, but this was more than enough to get them back on their feet again. Though, speaking of feet…“Oh shit, we should head back to the nearest town you guys,” Scott glanced at Liam. “You know to rest and not get into another brawl.”

“You’re no fun.” Drack pouted. “But maybe we can trek back tomorrow night. My ass and tail are aching from sitting on this crate.”“We offered to fab you a chair.” Scott watched as Drack stood up.“Even I’m feeling beat too, you lot are insane,” Liam laughed as he stretched, joints popping slightly. “Tell you what, we’ll pick up right where we left off next session and I’ll tell you what kind of places are in the town for you to piss away your gold at.”“Drack, no fighting or seducing. Just… no drama for once.” Peebee begged as she, Drack and Jaal left the cargo bay.Clean up was always rotated and it didn’t take the three of them long to tidy up the cargo bay the ship was quiet as Scott and Reyes walked back to their shared quarters. “That was awfully clever of you. Were you ever going to tell us it was a bag of holding?”“You all were arguing about what weapons to equip yourselves with at the start. Whenever Liam tried to get anyone’s attention, he had it for about five seconds, so we just quietly specced out Tirx. I figure you all not knowing I could carry more was bound to be useful at some point.”“Like tonight in saving our skins.” Scott leaned in to press a kiss to his temple before he whispered. “How long do you think until the others realize that you chucked away about 80% of our stash into an unreachable realm with a really very pissed off eldritch god?”“I won’t tell if you won’t.” Reyes smiled.

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Hi all, I know I've been MIA for ages. Basically came back from vacation to find my internet works intermittently (barely at all now) and my netbook can't handle Win 10 and keeps crapping out.I haven't forgotten about the ficlets and such, they're actually done. But I'm working on saving up for a newer computer for writing and trying to get the internet fixed... tricky when you have the only working phone in a household and service techs can't get in to see what's what because you're at work the hours they come at.Soon as I can, I'll be posting. I do understand if you feel frustrated by my unintended silence and I do apologise.Many thanks to my friend for agreeing to post this for me. 'Cause I would have lost my shit again for when I tried to post for the umpteenth time and just got 'no internet's again.

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It was supposed to be a simple survey mission. With Avitus off on some other Pathfinder business, Scott had volunteered to run the mission for him. A potential new golden world for the turians? Definitely high on the list of priorities. Spirits knew some of the turians living on the Natanus and Nexus were more than anxious to get to a dextro-friendly planet.At the time, Vetra was glad that Scott managed to cajole her into coming.‘You’re always gonna have work, gorgeous. So let’s go take a shuttle ride and get a little alone time. You can do the work when you come back.’The surveying started out easy enough, all initial scans showing a planet that was just waiting for settlement. What it was exactly that knocked out their nav system, Vetra couldn’t say. One moment they were in orbit, then she barely heard the warning alert. Next thing she knew they were plummeting down into the atmosphere. Without nav systems, they were working as best they could from a flickering radar. Needless to say, a light touch is not what the landing got.It felt like slamming into a mountain and when she came to, the cabin was dim with the faint orange glow of the emergency lights casting shadows everywhere. Vetra groaned as she brought a hand to her head, trying to see if she was bleeding anywhere. “Scott?” she looked over to see him still knocked out, slouched against his seat restraints. With a grunt, she tried to get out her seat but when she couldn’t get the belt loose enough, off came a gauntlet and it took some doing to slice through with half dull talons. The whole shuttle was seemed fine, no fire or imminent danger, and she decided to see what had happened before tending to Scott. He was just there breathing shallowly but not in any visible danger that she could see. Crates were scattered in the back, some of them burst open from the landing impact and the SAM connection unit flickering. Her bigger concern at the moment was the door. If it didn’t open, they were stuck in a shuttle barely bigger than a tiny Citadel apartment for who knew how long.She ripped open a panel, cursing at some of the sparking that smarted at her fingertips but she managed to get it open. It took a bit of doing, setting up connections, routing them to work through her omni-tool, but her efforts at the jury-rigged re-networking were rewarded a few minutes later.Cool air rushed in, the moisture like an immediate chill and the heavy sound of torrential rain was almost deafening. Well, fresh water was hopefully one thing they didn’t have to worry about too much if they got some containers out. It was pitch black outside, definitely at some point in the planet’s night cycle. She stuffed the spilled contents back into the crates and stacked them up before carefully making her way back to the cockpit. It was a delicate procedure to cutting Scott loose from his seat. She had to half prop him up and carefully tear with her talons. Last thing she needed was to accidentally slash him and then have to deal with the wounds. Really for a very squishy species, humans were much heavier than they looked. Especially unconscious. What was it Drack had said, like heavy water bags?It took a little maneuvering to scoop Scott up in her arms and carefully make her way back to the cargo hold to stretch him out on the floor. There was a big red bump on his forehead and he was still breathing, though there was a frown on his face, as if he was coming to.
‘Vet-… unable to… -ion with-’
Vetra looked up at the ceiling before she asked, “SAM?”The only thing she heard in reply was the sound of rain. When she looked up, the SAM unit wasn’t even flickering any more, just dark. Great, definitely no SAM. She settled down, Scott’s head in her lap. A quick scan with her omni-tool showed that the bump to the head was the worst injury he had. It seemed like the rain had been coming down forever, a dull drumbeat on the shuttle roof as her hand absently stroked his hair when she felt him shift. “Hey there pretty lady,” Scott slurred out the words, his eyes looking a bit glassy before he squeezed them shut. “Fuck, my head is killing me. SAM, can you do something about it?”A few seconds passed and Scott’s face was still twisted with a grimace of pain.“Yeah, I thought I heard SAM earlier but nothing now,” she gestured to the dim SAM unit. “It’s just us.”“Goddamn, it’s Habitat 7 all over again.” Scott ground the heel of his hand against his forehead. “… Is that rain I’m hearing?”“Yep, it’s been coming down in sheets since I got the door open. I figure about thirty minutes.”“Awesome,” Scott sagged against her leg before he reached a hand up to rest it against her knee. “ We’ll hunker down here until the morning and then we can take stock.”“The shuttle still seems to have power in some capacity, so I set it to low power mode and only have the radio system and doors operational. I’ll close the door tonight and then we can take a better look in the morning.”“Mmm,” Scott gave a tired smile. “Pretty and smart, what are you doing with my dumb ass?”Vetra chuckled, going back to stroking his hair. “You’ve got your charms. I mean, you won me over somehow.”“You took me rock climbing and we had that talk,” Scott gave her knee a squeeze. “More like you won me over. Just snuck right in and stole my heart.”“Sweet talker,” Vetra bent down to give him a quick kiss. “Just rest up for now, we’ll see what’s up in the morning.”
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“Okay, so…” Scott sighed as he scratched at his head. “Up side: we’re not dead.”Vetra couldn’t help but snort at that. “Setting the bar real high there.”Scott glanced at her with a smile. “Oh hush, you.”Stacks of crates were spread out, the contents inside organised and finally inventoried. The whole morning had been spent sorting through, seeing what they had precisely. Medical supplies, basic gear they had enough to keep themselves comfortable until their rescue arrived. But the most important thing were the rations. “All right, so,” Scott’s gaze flicked over the neatly organized crates. “We got enough to get through a month at best, month and a half or so with rationing.”“If it’s longer than that?” she couldn’t help it; working from a worst scenario had been default for so long.“You’re definitely fine, it’s a dextro planet. As for me… well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Scott clapped his hands together. “So what’s the game plan for today? Since we’re here and all, how about a little surveying and then try to boost the distress signal?”“Why are you phrasing it like a question?” Vetra chuckled as she stood and stretched. She grinned as Scott’s eyes roamed over her and when she dropped her arms, she carefully cupped his chin with a hand. “Aren’t you the Pathfinder? Do your thing, I’m right beside you.”She would never tire of that look Scott gave her, his smile soft and wide and she could see the affection there in his crinkled eyes. When he ducked his head down to place a kiss against her wrist, Vetra was sure she got a similar look on her face.“Shall we go do some surveying, m’dear?” he glanced up at her, blue eyes bright.Vetra grinned as she hit the button to open the shuttle door. It was vastly different from yesterday, heat replacing the cool air and sunlight sparkling down through the leaves and forest as far as the eye could see. It did make a hell of a sight. She had to admit, there was a small part of her that was looking forward to seeing just what was out there. The scent of water lingered in the air as she stepped outside, taking a deep breath and it sounded oddly quiet. If there were any creatures, they were giving the shuttle a wide berth. Not that it would last long once they got used to it. Mud squished underneath their booted feet as they slowly moved through the terrain, mapping it with passive scans from their omni-tools. It was about an hour later than they found the creek and Vetra tugged Scott in closer to him and pointed up the stream.The trees thinned out about a mile up and off in the far distance was the washed out silhouette of a mountain range. Vetra had to admit that it was the sort of thing that - A shutter sound from behind made her pause. “Did you just take a picture?”“Before you say I shouldn’t of, I would argue that the light was perfect and you looked very beautiful.” Scott grinned as he tilted his head in the direction they came from. “We can go back, fiddle with the power to try and boost the signal?”A glance in the sky showed the sun just past the middle of the sky. Huh, this planet must have a short day cycle; she could have sworn they were up for only five hours. Something else to track tomorrow.“Yeah, let’s head back. We can make a fire tonight.”“Grilled MREs by moonlight on a strange planet we’re stranded on,” Scott grinned. “You really are a romantic.”“You’re the worst sometimes.” Vetra chuckled.
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One day became two became four, then a week, two weeks and now they were approaching the end of week three. Vetra didn’t want to say it, but she was starting to officially worry. Scott was too but he just thought he was hiding it. They’d finished surveying as much as they could and by now were in full survival mode. Scott had halved his rations in an effort to make them last longer. Vetra, on the other hand, wasn’t hurting for lack of food. It had taken a few days for critters in the area to come back, to get accustomed to the strange scents coming from the crashed shuttle. The fact that something got into her supplies was annoying to say the least. On the upside, Scott’s was relatively untouched. Something had tried to make a snack of his MREs and they’d found a blue corpse just outside the shuttle when they came back.So they had laid some snare traps out around the shuttle, baited with what looked like some fruit from plants that grew in the area. And here they were, lying in the undergrowth, a bit aways with the snare trap in sight.“How’d you even learn how to do this?” Vetra whispered.“Camping with my dad,” Scott shifted beside her, arm pressing in closer to hers. “He showed us a lot of things. Basically taught us how to survive in the wild.”“Ah. Now, if you have a suit rupture or collapsed open vaccum eezo shaft, that I can help you with.”“Pretty sure you’ve been picking up some things from me.” Scott murmured as he gave a gentle nudge.“Boil the water before drinking it,” Vetra raised one finger then, “Keep track of the sun in the sky because this planet has a weirdly short day,” her last finger went up and she fluttered her mandibles as she tried to think of something. “Uh… don’t lick the rocks?”“I kinda of thought the last one was a given,” Scott managed to laugh under his breath. “Next ones, you can set them.”If anything, Vetra knew Scott would have the patience to show her. He’d set these ones up, quick and methodical, tying down the rope, covering it with dirt and leaves, gently placing their bait. Vetra had paid attention but it had barely made sense to her. But if Scott could show her, any bet he would do wonderfully with their kids.Vetra blinked, stopping short. “Our kids?” she muttered to herself in surprise because honestly, where had that thought come from.“Hm?” Scott actually looked away from the trap, an eyebrow raised in question.All Vetra could reply with was a shake of her head before pointing back to the trap before gesturing around with a single finger. Scott nodded, an understanding sound coming from his throat. There was a rustling in the undergrowth up ahead and they both focused their attention on the trap ahead of them.There were little squeaks now, indicative of the small creatures they’d heard through the day and night. But every so often, a louder roar would echo and boom across the forest. It was faint and far away at first but after last week, they both agreed it was coming closer.Silence fell as they remained in place. For all that Scott could be loud and boisterous, he was so quiet, so still now, that it was easy for Vetra to see how humans became an apex predator on their planet. They must have laid there for at least an hour. Then a small little thing came sniffing through the undergrowth, a live version of the dead one they’d found. Six legs, covered in a thin fur and honestly Vetra was having a hard time not letting her subharmonics loose.Her favourite jerky had been eaten by this little bastard.Scott shifted, pressing his leg against hers in silent warning. So she didn’t move, barely dared to breathe. The small critter moved closer and closer slowly, carefully. Obviously, it sensed danger but its sight must have been shit because it didn’t stop approaching.Everything happened in a flash. The critter managed to spring the trap, get caught and somehow wriggle free. Vetra had launched herself forward on pure instinct, foot stomping down to catch the tail and the shrill screech the critter gave was ended by a quick flash of talons.“Got it!” Vetra crowed triumphantly as she picked it up by the limp tail. “It’s a decent enough size. Wonder if it’s edible.”“I can scan it.” Scott cleared his throat with a slight cough.It was the tone in his voice that made her look over. Sure there was a blush on his face but it was the way he was trying to look too busy on his omni-tool and the way the very tips of his ears were bright red…“Hey Scott,” she dropped her voice into a purr and sure enough, he met her gaze. “Want to go hunting together?”It was probably the oldest, corniest pick-up line a turian could say to someone. But the way his blue eyes widened, how he frantically nodded his head before squeaking out, “Uh huh, yes please, sure, absolutely” made Vetra think that maybe there were still some things about Scott she didn’t quite know. She grinned, easily striding over to him and it was really adorable how flustered he got, the red creeping down from his ears to his face.“We’ll go tomorrow,” she slung an arm around his shoulder. “It’s been getting hotter so maybe you’ll want to lose the jacket.”She reached over with her clean hand and plucked at his clothed shoulder. It was definitely worth it to see his cheeks go redder as he just nodded his head in agreement. Might as well push her luck.“And when we’re back, we can talk about how you really like me getting a bit bossy.”Scott took a deep, almost shuddering breath before nodding his head and managing to get out, “Yes please.”
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Tits up was a human phrase that had always confused her. Given what she knew of human sexual activity, she had always thought it meant a good thing. But now, it was the only damn thing she could think of as she and Scott struggled to catch their breath. The tits had gone so far up even the Spirits were struggling to help.Dinner last night had been delicious. Whatever that little six-legged thing was it passed the toxicology scans with flying colours and also had a high nutritional content too. Vetra was wondering if it would be possible to farm them. When the morning dawned, they’d had some water, Scott grabbed his knife and out they went. His pale skin glimmered through the leaves and Vetra had to remind herself that watching his muscles flex and shift was definitely not part of hunting.It honestly took them a bit to realise that something was hunting them. Too few sounds around them, the occasional snapped branch would make them freeze and sometimes, the sheer silence would make the world seem frozen with anticipation. Two hours into their hunt was when Scott spotted it. Both of them were already on edge and a slow point from his knife made her look in the direction. To be honest, it took her a moment to see it. Dark brown and green flecked eyes that blended in amongst the undergrowth and everything she could see from the crouched body looked sleek. Wait… was that six legs? A flickering sound from the undergrowth came but she kept her eyes on the creature.“Shit,” Scott breathed. “It’s got a long tail that looks prehensile.”Everything about this creature was disturbingly familiar. “…Do you think I… you know…”“I think you maybe ate baby.” Scott shifted slowly, adjusting his knife. “Damn tits up.” She swore.Scott gave a strange huff, like he was trying to contain a laugh. After a few moments, he quietly said, “I think it’s either us or it.”“Know who I”m betting on.”Vetra let loose a strong hum of menace with her subvocals. Whatever the creature was it gave a quick flick of the tail before disappearing back into the forest. Neither of them moved for a bit before finally rising to their feet. Scott had his knife in a loose grip, ready to shift and Vetra had to take a moment, pause and get her bearings. One could argue it was like hunting in Omega. Only a brighter, cleaner version of it. Whatever this thing was that was hunting them, she really hoped it didn’t cloak like a Wraith. She gestured to where the creature was and they looked over the area. There were six slight indentations in the ground and damn those almost looked like finger imprints in a semi-circle.“What is this thing?” she breathed.Scott gave a ‘sh’ while holding a finger to his mouth. Right, silence now was probably the better decision. She looked further down and didn’t even see broken branches or the like. There was just pawprints and the faint fanlike imprint from a tail gently swishing… Vetra squinted, mandibles coming in tight. That couldn’t have been three feet away. Whatever this thing was, Vetra wasn’t liking the picture that was shaping up. Scott sniffing caught her attention and she watched as he moved around, as if trying to get a scent. This was something way beyond her now, she was more than willing to follow Scott’s lead.He stood up, adjusting his knife before holding up his hands in a clawed motion. Pfft, as if she wasn’t going to use her talons against this… this jumped up Andromedan pyjack-varren thing. When she nodded her head, Scott gave a decisive nod before motioning for her to follow him. They silently moved through the trees, Scott following the scent of something and Vetra could just make out tracks on the ground. For something that was big, it moved very light on its feet. They would have stumbled right onto it if Vetra hadn’t darted in front of Scott to stop him. His hand rested on her shoulder and she pointed to her ear hole. It clearly took him a bit to hear it, but when he did those blue eyes narrowed and they crouched down to slink through the thicker undergrowth. Babbling water nearly obscured the sound of the creature lapping at the brook. At least this way Vetra could get a better look at it. Definitely had six legs with long toes on the paws that made her wonder if they were prehensile. That stupid long tail was curled beside it, the tip flicking about lazily. Her biggest impression of the thing was its length. It had to be about as tall as her but with more bulk. Which probably meant more muscle.Scott didn’t break his gaze from the creature, just reaching over to take her hand and squeeze it before he rustled at a branch.The creature paused, eyes flicking about before settling on them. That moment felt like a small eternity before the creature licked its chops, revealing stained yellow teeth that looked like sharper versions of Scott’s. Omnivorous, that’s what Scott said humans were. This creature too maybe. It just looked at them before it turned and loped off through the trees with the barest whisper.Once a few moments had passed, Scott moved, wading across the creek. He did the same sniffing again and then they were off through the trees in pursuit.In a way, Vetra could see what Scott’s plan was: hound the creature, wear it down hopefully to give themselves an edge. But it was a dangerous game of cat and mouse. They kept following after this thing like an unrelenting spirit and it was easy to see the annoyance grow. The snorts because huffs and then those started turning into growls. Vetra couldn’t help but think that they were teaching this creature that the strange animals it encountered were very persistent.The day waned and it was during sunset after the creature roared at them before slinking off that Vetra thought they needed to end this before it decided that trying to eat them in their sleep was a good idea. Scott was in full tracking mode, eyes scanning and sniffing every so often. He was insanely good at following a scent trail, she didn’t think she’d ever seen something like that in a human before. They were still moving through a forested area but it looked a bit hilly and — Vetra couldn’t even say what made her grab at Scott’s shoulder. Maybe it was just a purely instinctual reaction, but everything in her screamed danger and to raise her talons and fight. She looked around quickly, seeing the faint trail end at a wall of dirt. But when she looked up, those green-gold swirled eyes were a few feet above them, narrowed. The creature was perched right on the edge, just waiting to pounce. They slowly moved back, eyes not breaking the gaze of the creature. That was the only reason why they could split apart in a dogde when the creature launched itself at them. Vetra got a mouthful of dirta s she hit the ground, but she springboarded up from her arms, turning around.It was a good thing she did. The creature was nearly right on top of her and a one-two swipe from her talons left bloody gouges across its muzzle and made it jump back. Scott flung himself on top of it with a snarl and had slashed across one eye with that knife. The howl the creature let loose echoed across the trees and the tail moved in their distraction, flicking Scott off its back as if he was an annoying bug. He hit the ground with a grunt and Vetra didn’t dare take her eyes off the creature because she knew that was the precise moment it would strike. A cold calm gleamed from that other eye fixed on her and she didn’t even try to blink. It was just her and this creature sizing each other up after that first foray.What she didn’t think the creature would do would be to launch itself at her, full body. She wasn’t expecting it, the bulk of it hitting her like a skycar and she landed hard on her back. Her hands flew up to the throat, barely stopping the mouthful of teeth from crushing her face. It was taking every single bit of strength she had to keep it just where it was and the feet were scrabbling on the ground to try and gain leverage.It felt like monumental effort to get her feet up under it’s belly and she almost wished she went without boots, just so her feet talons could gut the damn thing. Those teeth with getting closer and she let the weight of the creature’s body sink down against her legs a bit more before she pushed as hard and fast as she could with a yell.The creature went soaring through the air with a yelp, landing on it’s back and scrambling up to it’s six feet. Vetra was already on hers, ready for it to charge at her again. But then the creature was rearing up, tail lashing against it’s back and when she looked around there was no sight of Scott. She started running forward, only to see Scott drop on the creature from above, making it rear up as it staggered back and smashed him against the tree trunk. All she saw for a moment before she collided with the creature’s belly was a flash of silver at it’s neck. But then her talons were sinking into warm flesh and slicing upwards and upwards until it struck against hard bone. A gurgling sound was all the creature let loose as it sagged back against the tree before it slid off and hit the ground, blood pooling around it. A pained grunt came from beneath it and Vetra saw the wide gash at its neck, stained blue. A bloody hand stuck up from the side and Vetra grasped onto the corpse, pulling it towards her. “Shit,” Scott gasped as he wriggled out. “That thing weighs a ton. Little warning first next time,” he wiped at his brow with a sigh before he froze and wrinkled his nose. “Crap, I got whatever on my face now, don’t I?”“Uh… just a, you know,” she coughed to clear her throat. “Little bit.”Vetra did have words, she knew how to use them. But between the adrenaline rushing through her system and seeing Scott standing there with the bloody knife held loosely in his hand, clothes dirty and torn a bit from their fight, a smear of blood across his brow and along his cheeks, like ancient clan markings… and oh good, now he was walking towards her, looking like a spirits sent cultri… It was very distracting to say the least. Very, insanely distracting.She was still trying to cobble together words, trying to get her brain to work when their omni-tools crackled to life.‘Connection re-established,’ SAM’s smooth voice suddenly blared out from her omni-tools. ‘Scott, Vetra, are you both well?’“SAM!” she probably exclaimed his name a little too loudly give the way Scott was looking at her. “How are you—”‘There is a connection module on the rescue shuttle that had allowed me to reconnect,’ there was a moment and then, ‘You both are exhibiting elevated hormone and heart rates.’“And that’s the reason why,” Scott gestured to the corpse of the creature before he chuckled. “SAM, never let anyone tell you that you don’t know how to pick your moments,” he gave a long, low sigh. “Now, when are we getting off this rock?”“Any time you like Ryder.”The voice made them both look up to see Avitus on the ridge above them, looking far too smug. He easily jumped down and came over, hesitantly toeing at the dead creature. “Remind me to never get on either of your bad sides,” he glanced between them before looking at Scott. “I borrowed your engineer. The last report we got from SAM said you guys had crashed and he’d lost his connection to you.”“So you hustled on out here to save us.”“Least I could do, you guys were doing me a favour. Just the magnetic field flare ups are rough. But they are a bit predictable. We had to watch for a week to chart the pattern before launching. But we’re trying to get your shuttle up and running.”“We?”“I came with Brodie, Kosta and Peebee,” Avitus paused. “I think Nakmor would have tried to wedge himself on if the shuttle wasn’t full up already.”“Aw, they do care.” Scott chuckled. “I’m going to go see how they’re doing. You okay, beautiful?”Vetra nodded and Scott flashed her a smile before he took off through the trees. When she finally looked over at Avitus, he was really trying to not look smug and failing horribly.“Careful there Nyx,” Avitus’ voice was shaking with amusement. “I don’t know how to explain to your boyfriend how you lost your mandibles in the forest.”She made a scoffing noise. “It’s not my fault that he looked like… like that… like… like that.”“Eloquent,” Avitus was way too amused. “Well, I’m not telling him that looking like a cultri got you going under the keel. Figure you’ll handle that yourself.”“Spirits, he really did, didn’t he?” Vetra felt like hanging her head because man, this was a bit embarrassing. Avitus gave an agreeing hum before asking, “So, what are we doing with this thing?”“We can carry it back to camp. I’ve eaten a smaller one, they’re delicious.”“A smaller one?” Avitus echoed. “This is full grown?”“Probably. First time we’ve seen one, but we’ve been hearing it for awhile now.”Avitus nodded his head, studying the creature thoughtfully before looking at her with a raised brow plate and all of a sudden, Vetra just knew what he was going to say.“Scott already said it this morning, so you really don’t need to.”Avitus held up his hands as if to say, ‘Who me?’ but the grin on his face said more than enough. “Do you want a hand hauling that back to camp?”“Yes, thank you.” Vetra went to pick up the front legs.“And if you like,” Avitus grunted as he hauled up the back. “I’ll let you carry the whole thing into camp yoruself. Maybe you coming striding in like a victorious cultri will do it for Ryder.”“…You really enjoy being a little shit sometimes, don’t you Rix?”

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“Reyes, call for backup!”That got a dry laugh from him, because seriously, backup? Their small squad was overwhelmed with a swarm of kett and they were barely holding on now. And being out on the edges of Presson Dunes meant that they were too far away from any sort of backup to reach them in time.As amazing as it had been to join the Pathfinder team, sometimes, there were moments when Reyes questioned the insanity they dealt with. Like right this instant for example.“Fuck!”That was all someone said and seeing yet another kett ship come banking in made Reyes echo the sentiment. It didn’t take long for the kett to overwhelm them, armoured hands subduing their small squad of five. But the slow, measured steps from the drop ship made him look up and anger and fear churned in his gut as he found himself looking up at the assessing gaze of a Prefect.“Only those two are needed,” the Prefect gestured to Reyes and Scott. “Kill the others.”It was hard to fight back when so many hands were already on him. He felt something sting at his neck like a bug bite, and it took hold fast even as Scott’s shout of ‘No’ rang out with the echo of gunfire.
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His head felt like it’d been crushed by an eiroch and his mouth felt inhumanly dry. A cool hand settled on his brow and when he opened his eyes, Scott’s concerned face was looking down at his. Clear walls and a quiet hum of power were the only things he heard. He sat up, rubbing at his head with a grimace.“I’m not complaining, but how are we not dead?” Reyes winced as his head throbbed. Scott started with, “They—”“Want us for something,” Reyes finished, with a sigh. “I had hoped I had misheard that part.”“Same here. We seem to have company though.”Scott moved to show more clear windows of pods with other occupants. Some humans, a few asari, turians and a lone salarian. They were all sizing the others up, trying to figure out precisely what they were doing here. And, judging from how some were pacing, they were not happy about it. He was going to say something but then he noticed two thin silver strips along the sides of Scott’s neck. “You have them too,” Scott said quietly, seeing where Reyes was looking. “They all do.”Wired up with something and waiting in pods? “What do they want from us?”“They haven’t said yet, and I’m cut off from SAM somehow. If we’re getting out of here, we’re on our own.”“Good to know.”The silence that fell was heavy, Scott wrapped up in thought and Reyes was busy sizing up the others. Five turians, four asari, one salarian and just him and Scott. This was such a disparate group that Reyes couldn’t figure out the reason behind it. “You are the honoured ones, the Consecrated,” the voice crackled over the loudspeaker, startling everyone. “Selected because you have exhibited something more, something that will elevate us all. This crucible of survival is your Purging.” “That can’t be good.” Scott mumbled.“Your trackers are subdermally implanted. Try to remove your own or anyone else’s and they will explode. Disobey the rest of the rules and punishment will be swift.”The galling part was that all Reyes could really do was sit here and listen as the rest of the sparse rules were laid out. Apparently, the Purging seemed like it was ripped right from some old Earth movie and required them to kill each other. Scott levelled him with a serious look and a set jaw and all Reyes did was nod in reply. This was definitely a worst case scenario of us versus them, much as he didn’t want to say it. Maybe if they were lucky —“This is a bunch of varren shit,” an asari leapt to their feet, prying at the metal on their neck. “I’m gonna—”Their whole body seized up, convulsing on the floor of the pod while hoarse screams echoed out. The others in there with them shrank back, stuck there watching until the screams eventually stopped and the body finally stopped too.“This Purging has but a single purpose,” the voice continued as if there wasn’t a corpse to be dealt with. “It will purify until one of you is worthy of Santification.”Scott gave a tight sigh. “That sounds even more ominous.” Reyes was very much inclined to agree with him. This was only going to get so much worse before the idea of better even appeared.
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It… really wasn’t supposed to come down to this. It had been three of the most brutal days of Reyes’ life. After the rules had been laid out, their pod doors opened into a jungle that would have put Havarl’s to shame. The small weapons cache had been a near bloodbath, and Reyes managed to dart in and grab two knives while everyone else fought over the bigger weapons, like swords and maces. He knew how to use a knife and they were a deadly projectile when Scott threw them. It was more than enough for them.There wasn’t really a moment to admire their sole bit of luck though. Being hunted by turians and asari had been schlocky horror movie fodder when Reyes was younger. In actual life though? A terror filled nightmare he didn’t think he’d ever forget. One person had tried to escape and their fried corpse was found near a boundary marker. No one else had tried after that. So he and Scott decided that playing the long game and hoping for rescue was their best bet.Given that the kett had proven their point and the others took it seriously, surviving until rescue had proven to be the trickier part. Reyes could see with each person killed that the anger in Scott was growing, fed on blood and adrenaline. It was the same thing with him, only the blood he spilled here wasn’t the one he wanted to see dripping down his knife. No, somewhere was a Prefect who needed their throat slashed. But the salarian… Reyes could almost appreciate the cold, methodical approach they took to this as well, biding their time to make a kill before vanishing away back into the forest. It was the sole reason why it was down to the three of them now and the bastard was proving tricky to find. But if there was one thing he and Scott figured out, a dry heat meant the salarian would be sticking close to water.A low, warbling whistle made Reyes pause and he glanced around until he spotted Scott just ahead in the underbrush. But when he got a shaken head in response, Reyes tightened his grip on his knife. There hadn’t been a single animal sound like that which could only mean the salarian was about. They continued creeping through and then Reyes spotted a suspicious dirty pile just peeking out from underneath a bush. He paused, giving a single whistle for Scott to wait. When he knelt down to pick at it a filthy sleeve came rolling out. That smart bastard had ditched the clothes and with their dark brown and white colouring, they blended right into the forest. Shit, maybe they should have taken out the salarian first and worried about the biotics and talons later.Carefully, they continued creeping through until there was a large pond just up ahead. Another glance over and Scott was giving the hold signal, his sharp blue gaze scrutinizing something in the water. It took a moment before Reyes zeroed in on it himself. A small bump by some reeds in the water, they looked like masked salarian horns. They would have to do this carefully to —Weight slammed into his side, making him topple over and then long arms were wrapped around his neck, choking him. Long legs were pushing against the ground, dragging him to the pond. He huffed, slapping and clawing at the hands to no avail. Nothing happened until he started snapping his head back a few times and got a grunt of pain and the arm around his neck loosening just enough for him to rasp out, “Scott!”There wasn’t an answer in reply, just the damning silence and then that arm tightening around his neck once more.“I’ll drown you and then finish off—”Reyes wasn’t entirely sure what happened. There was the rustle of leaves, a quick motion and then the arm around his throat loosened, making him scramble away. There was a strange choking sound, then a wet crunch before the thud of a body hitting the ground reverberated. When he stood up, there was a knife impaled through one of the salarian’s eyes, half their head looked caved in and a bloody rock was in one of Scott’s hands.What Reyes wasn’t expecting was for Scott to yank the knife out of the dead salarian’s eye and offer it up to him. For a moment, all Reyes could do was stare before he finally said,“This better be the moment when you decide to fucking storm the castle.”“Reyes,” the soft way Scott said his voice, wasn’t allowed, it wasn’t fair. “The calvary isn’t here yet. We both can’t die here. You know this is the only choice.”“The hell it is.” Reyes scowled at Scott, furious and trying to think of anything else.More than anything, right now with his throat and eyes burning, what he wanted was for the kett to die. As if Ascension wasn’t terrible enough, what he didn’t need to learn was that sometimes traits were selected by more brutal methods and who even knew what they were testing for exactly with this fucked up death match.He almost wished that he had died any other time, just so he wouldn’t be standing here, staring at the man he loved who was willing to offer himself up on the kett’s bloody table. He should have let the salarian drown him in the pool, because there was supposed to be a damned rescue by now and here they were in the fucked up stand off, where was that goddamn calvary? If Reyes could get the knife first, it would solve his immediate problem.Because other than… that, what galled Reyes the most was that he couldn’t see a way out of this. There was no wheedling or slyness, words or actions that could change the facts of the situation.There was nothing here but the brutal, inexorable truth: it was just the two of them, and one of them had to live. And looking at it like that, then yeah, this was a no-brainer in Reyes’ opinion. What he needed to do now was get Scott away from the knife and as soon as he could… just do what needed to be done. But then Scott was shaking his head, with a dry laugh as he let the bloody rock drop from his hand.“You always thought you were so slick,” Scott gave a shaky smile, tears pooling at the bottom of his eyes. “You’re usually right, but not this time sweetheart.”No, no, no no no… Reyes took a step forward and was rewarded with Scott calmly putting the knife to his own throat. He hastily took a step back but the knife remained held in that bloody alabaster hand. Shit.“Querido, we will find a way out of this.” The words felt empty even as he said them but God how he wanted to believe them. Scott took a shaky breath as he shook his head before he looked Reyes square in the eye.“You told me that you’d never lie to me.”He could feel his heart crushing in his chest, bands tightening around his ribs and breathe, he had to remember to breathe.“You and I both know who they really want to Sanctify and why,” he snarled out the last word, pure defiance and spite, “You can’t let them have SAM.”“You… you fucking self-sacrificing hero!” Reyes snapped, voice cracking. “I didn’t think you were one for low blows,” he shook his head, voice catching in his throat before he forced the words out, thick and jolting, “Don’t do this.”“Do you really want them to Sanctify me, finally get full access to all that Jaardan tech? Or all kett to get that ability?” Scott took a deep breath before looking him square in the eye. “Find the Ghost of Haarfel, set them on the Purgings. And don’t let them have SAM.”Reyes didn’t even get half a step before Scott’s hand moved with a flash of silver and crimson sheeted down his neck. He caught Scott as he staggered and they both sank to the ground. Blood coated everything but all he could do was press his hands to that slick, gaping wound in an attempt to staunch the flow.“Reyes,” Scott clawed at his arm weakly, trying to focus on him as he gurgled out, “Promise.”He could feel Scott’s grip loosen and he nodded, trying to make his throat work. “Te prometo, querido. Te prometo.”It was hard, so hard, to see Scott’s slip away. He felt like he was turning into ash and dust as those blue eyes went glassy and unseeing. His blood was cooling, growing sticky on his skin and clothes but Reyes didn’t care, he just sat there, cradling Scott’s body close. The kett came, tried to collect him for who knew what.Why they thought only three would be needed was a mistake. He left their bodies in a heap before going back to cradle Scott. It was strange, no more kett came and yet Reyes still couldn’t bring himself to leave Scott’s side. The silence suddenly changed and it took Reyes lifting his head up to look around. It took him a few moments to realise the hum of the every-present energy shield was gone. The calvary was somber when they arrived. Reyes took in Liam’s sorrowful expression, how Cora couldn’t meet his gaze and how Jaal looked angry, as if he could have done something to prevented this.It took a deep breath from Cora and then she said, “We saw. On the monitors. Without SAM… we couldn’t hack in time.”“Of course you did,” Reyes rasped out. He had nothing much left but the gaping maw of sorrow that threatened to swallow him whole. He’d cling to the raft of anger for as long as he could. “Let’s go.”It was a quiet walk back to the Nomad, parked aways back from the base. No one said a word as he laid Scott out on the floor of the Nomad but there was some consternation when he marched back into the base.“Oi, we took care of the Prefect!” Liam called.“Vidal, we don’t—” Cora started.“I will…”Reyes didn’t hear the rest of what Jaal said, he tuned it out. This was a Purging right here. A filthy fucking Purging and it was still standing. He could feel the weight of Jaal’s gait and when a firm hand landed on his shoulder, he lashed back with a fist and a snarl.Jaal held up his hands before quietly asking, “What do you need?”“I need this place destroyed. I need…” Reyes couldn’t finish saying what he needed, it would break him. “I promised.”Suddenly, Jaal was looking at him differently. Shrewd assessment and dawning understanding was clear as day in those eyes.“Have you found the Ghost so readily?”One sentence and Jaal had pieced together that he was the Ghost of Haarfel. That he had dealt with the resurging Outlaws who were making an example of angara, as if trying to stake a fresh claim on Karada. It was rude and the resulting massacre had put an end to that. Then again, leave a few grisly, burning examples and no evidence behind and tongues would do the rest.But this time… this time he felt truly ready to live up to the name and all that came with it now. Sometimes, Reyes didn’t think the Ghost ever truly left him.All Reyes did was nod and that seemed good enough for Jaal. It didn’t take long to set the base to overload and when they got back to the Nomad, Jaal’s terse instruction of, ‘Drive quickly’ had been obeyed.The base exploded not even five minutes later, startling the crap out of Liam and even making Cora swear.Even as he jounced along in the back of the Nomad, he stared at Scott’s pale face, dark lashes against those cheeks and honestly… the mantle of the Ghost was fitting now. Righteous even. Reyes Vidal was nothing but sorrow and grief. But the Ghost… the Ghost would turn kett temples and Purgings into pyres, make them burn in penance. And the Ghost wouldn’t stop until the last one was smouldering ash.‘Te prometo.’

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“You want me to wear…” Jaal was very confused by his friend’s request. To be honest, it was probably one of the strangest things he'd heard to date.“A beard. And a hat. There’s a whole get-up, don’t worry, I’ll fab it.”“And you wish for me to dress up as… Claws.”“Sand Claws, that’s what he said,” Drack shifted in his seat, eyeing Liam with a narrowed gaze. “I gotta say that’s the dumbest thing I have heard yet from you humans.”“For the last time, it’s Santa Claus. You make him sound like some giant lobster we’re gonna find on Eos somewhere.”“What’s a lobster?” Jaal was confused now. “Do they possess beards and red skin as well?”“Well, sometimes but that’s not the point here!” Liam gave a heavy sigh. “I just saw the calendar and it’s pretty much Christmas in two days—”“Ah, I know of this strange tradition," Jaal had heard enough of it in conversation on the Nexus. "Most barbaric.”“How is Christmas barbaric?” LIam was staring at him in utter confusion.“This Jesus child is born and then 3 months later, murdered in a violent fashion. A child, not even a year old.” “What? No no, Jesus wasn’t a baby when he was murdered,” Liam shook his head, rubbing at his brow. “Why am I doing this again, I’m not even Christian.”Drack snorted, “You went on about morale somewhere before getting to Sand Claws. Still don’t know what you need from me but I am not putting on this get-up, whatever it is.”“Yeah, you made that quite clear Drack. Starting to think I don’t know what I need,” Liam muttered. “Okay, look, I just want to surprise everyone with a little Christmas party.”“But… you don’t celebrate it?” Jaal was absolutely confused now. Stars above, humans had such a multitude of customs that he could barely sort out. Liam was actually human and sounded confused. It wasn't exactly heartening.“Nah, I’m Jewish, but Chanukah's pretty much done, so I’ll catch it next time around.”“Why not this time?” Jaal didn’t see why they couldn’t do both.“Because it's like half over by now. Don’t worry about it.” He clapped his hand together. “Right, so, Jaal, you can dress up as Santa Claus, I’ll sort out the gifts and such. Drack, all you gotta do is make your gruninen roast.”“Wait, I am still confused. If Christmas is about this Jesus person, who is Santa Claus and what does he have to do with it?”“You know, to be honest Jaal, I never quite got that myself. But it’s a whole thing, so we’re doing it. At worst, we have a party, share some gifts, feed everyone and get them a bit drunk.”“Drunk off what?” Drack got to his feet. “You two handle the rest and I’ve got the food. How fresh do you want the gruninen?”“Fresh as can be.” Liam shook his head. “I’m insane aren’t I? This isn’t gonna pan out.”Sometimes, humans did nothing but endlessly confuse Jaal. But Liam could see how stressed everyone was and was trying his best to do something about it. He gave a soft chuckle as he clapped Liam on the shoulder.“And you say wearing this beard will help?”“Never seen Santa without one.”“Very well, then I shall do as you ask, on one condition: you shall tell me of this Chaunakah holiday you say you will not celebrate this year.”“It's Chanukah, and deal! Oh, do not let anyone else know, kinda hoping to make this a surprise.”Drack let loose a laugh at that. “Oh, I think they’re gonna be surprised alright. I think we all will.”
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Honestly, it was quite easy to see how some people viewed humans as the strangest species ever. How else to explain him standing here below the walkway in the most ridiculous outfit that could ever be conceived. This red shirt was trimmed in a thick white fur and the red was so bright Jaal felt like it had seared his eyes. He'd been hoping for a dark red rofjinn, but Christmas tradition was a sacrosanct thing apparently. There were shiny black boots on his feet and saying that they barely fit was the only kind thing to claim about them. But he could hear the chatter of voices above him and for once everyone sounded relaxed and happy.Not to mention he could smell the gruninen roast still cooking and it was making him quite hungry.“All right,” he could hear Liam’s voice over the chatter. “Oi, you lot, quiet down and pay attention!”Silence fell and that was his cue. He adjusted the full rucksack Liam gave him before slowly and carefully climbing up the rungs and pausing by the slope up to the conference room. He could hear Liam talking about how it was officially Christmas, the murmurs of surprise from the humans and some confusion from the others. “So I’ve arranged a special surprise, all the way from the Milky Way… Santa Claus!”He strode up the stairs, as instructed because Liam had some very specific instructions, and yelled out as loudly as he could, “Ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas!!”Needless to say, he wasn’t expecting the varied reactions. Vetra and Peebee just burst out laughing, looking like they couldn’t catch their breath. Kallo, Gil and Suvi were just staring as if they were trying to comprehend what they were seeing. Drack wasn’t even looking, busy refilling the punch bowl with a suspiciously alcoholic looking substance. Cora was still as a statue, but her eyebrows seemed to vanish into her hair fringe but Ryder looked ecstatic and Liam was grinning like a loon, gesturing to him and right yes,“I come bearing gifts for all the good little girls and boys of Andromeda!”Peebee was practically beside herself and even Gil was snickering now too as Suvi hid her face in her cup. But Ryder was looking red-faced and then all of a sudden,“Fuck yeah, Santa!!!”“Oh no, Ryder is one of those sorts.” Cora muttered.“You guys, new mission: after we open gifts, and drink and eat ourselves stupid we’re watching Christmas movies, I’ve got a whole bunch of them! And for the record, Die Hard is a Christmas classic!”There were a few reactions to that and Jaal just focused on going around, reaching into the rucksack and handing out the tagged gifts. There was something to this, seeing how people brightened up when he handed them their little gift. Genuine smiles and affectionate hugs… were humans only like this around this Christmas event? By the time he reached Peebee she was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “You look stupidly adorable and this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen any angara wear,” she snickered as she reached forward and tugged on his fake beard. “So what did Santa bring me?”“This,” he handed her the little box. “You will behave won’t you?”“Course I will. But there are no guarantees in scientific pursuits,” Peebee took her gift as she looked around. “Hey, Vetra, what did our angaran Santa bring you?!”It took a bit to weave through everyone eagerly opening their gifts to where Liam was lingering back by the curved window. He grinned when he saw Jaal coming over, offering his forearm. Jaal bumped it with his own and a smile as he settled beside him.“You can totally take off the beard now. Mission accomplished.”“It is quite hot,” Jaal gratefully took it off and folded it up into the empty rucksack. “But everyone seems quite happy.”“Magic of the holidays. Drack’s been spiking the punch with his gift, don't know how he found it before I could properly hide it. So we’re all gonna have hangovers if we’re not careful. But this is for Santa himself.”Jaal stared in surprise as Liam handed him a small wrapped box. “You most certainly didn’t have to.”“I convinced you to put on something you clearly hated for the sake of team morale,” Liam chuckled. “Think of it as a thank you gift at the very least.”Jaal made a little pleased sound as he took it and when he gave a questioning look, Liam laughed and nodded. The paper disappeared quick and it was a little carved wooden box in hand and when he opened it up, three fold cuffs lay inside on a polishing cloth. The simple brass bands were smooth and shiny, gleaming in the light and for a moment, Jaal was speechless. “This is a very thoughtful gift, Liam. Thank you.”“No problem buddy,” Liam gave him a gentle punch to the shoulder. “For a last minute Christmas party, this all came together pretty well, don’t you think?”“It did. And before Ryder ropes us all into these Christmas movies, you promised to tell me about Chaunakah. No wait,” he paused trying to remember how Liam had said it before. "Chanukah?"Liam grinned as he nodded. “That, I did.”

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Jaal would fully admit this: Chanukah made much more sense to him than Christmas did. It celebrated remembrance and freedom, of doing the right thing against the face of injustice, of perseverance against odds, survival with minimal supplies and the one main thing he got from Liam’s explanation was how it was a time for family to come together and celebrate. Truth be told, it felt wrong that Liam would deny himself something as wonderful as Chanukah because it was a few days late. And if planning for the impromptu Christmas party had taught him anything, it was how to be sneaky with these things. It did help that he was the one in the tech lab. He saw the schedule and could fab things accordingly. It helped plenty when he explained to Ryder and got blanket permission to “do whatever needed to be done”. Drack had been easy to get on board because, “frying things is way easier than roasting”. Not to mention when he was in the galley, it left almost no space for anyone else to squeak in and see what he was up to.Vetra surprisingly had pitched in, making the little hats for everyone to wear and helping with the design of the menorah. It wasn’t so much that the project had gotten away from him it was more the fact that everyone wanted to help and sought him out. But the actual memorial of it seemed a bit lacklustre to Jaal, if that wasn’t being too bold. For a holiday to celebrate such a momentous battle without something stirring to remind people…Perhaps that was the angara in him, wanting more for his friend. Angaran history was so fractured, so forgotten that what little they did remember was fiercely guarded. Momentous occasions always had recreations of battles and such with nothing less than meticulous detail. But Liam hadn’t made mention of such… did his people even do such things?But he was nothing but committed to this course of action. The history had been studied, everything planned. Everyone had donned their little hats… no, kippah was the word. Yes, everyone had on their kippah and all that was needed was for Liam to stop tinkering with whatever he was doing in his little auxiliary room and show up.“He is coming, right?” Peebee whispered as she peered down the slope upwards“I told him promptly at 1430, night cycle is scheduled for two hours from now.” Jaal couldn’t figure out what was taking — “Sorry, sorry Jaal,” Liam sounded winded as his voice echoed up. “Didn’t mean to be late just saw the time! What’s…” he paused as he came up the side and saw everyone there. “Uh, are you all holding an intervention or something?”“No, my friend, come,” Jaal took him by the shoulders and steered him to the waiting chair. “What’s that on your head?” Liam was peering up. “Thought angara didn’t really do hats.”“I have donned this kippah for you. We all have.”The only way to describe Liam’s expression was floored before he managed, “Uh… what? You’re all… Wait, kippot? I don’t… what is going on?”“A traditional Hanukkah, complete with a recreation of the Maccabean Revolts.”“Oh my God, you guys—”Liam started to protest but it died the moment Vetra came over and slapped a kippah right on top of his curly hair fringe. “Listen Kosta, you did a pretty awesome thing for us, and Jaal tells us it was sort of at your own expense. So let us do this for you, okay? Besides, this guy’s got it all sorted out.”For a moment, Jaal thought Liam was going to protest but he adjusted his kippah, nodded in agreement and sat there waiting. Perhaps this would go off without a hitch. And it did for the most part, even though Liam would be giggling through some parts and he completely lost it when the elephants showed up. They had to pause and wait until he had composed himself once more to continue. But when they got to the end, with the temple reopened and the menorah was revealed, Liam was oddly quiet. His eyes were bright and glittering, and he ducked his head for a moment to wipe at the tears. They were back when Jaal came over with the single candle.“We would be honored if our shamash would sing the,” he paused for a moment before the word came back to him. “Hallel and light the menorah to usher in the first Chanukah in Andromeda.”Liam didn’t even try to hide his tears now, wiping at his eyes with his sleeves and nodding his head. “Man, you all suck, I told myself I wasn’t gonna cry.” He sniffled a few times before he took the candle and took a deep steadying breath. “Yeah, okay, I can do the hallel.”Everything Jaal had looked over said that the hallel was read so he was as surprised as everyone else when Liam took the candle - and finding a smokeless candle had been a challenge alright - and as he lit it, he began singing. It was a language unfamiliar to Jaal, but there was a slow and steady cadence to it, filled with something that made Jaal feel like he’d somehow found home again. Not a word was said as Liam sang, slowly lighting the candles. Jaal had thought that only one was to be lit, but Liam steadily lit them one by one and when flame bloomed from the last one, he placed the candle in it’s waiting spot as the last notes of his voice lingered in the following quiet. “This was honestly the best thing I could ever receive on the last day of Chanukah,” Liam turned to look at them all. “Thanks.”“Oh no you don’t!” Peebee wiggled her way to the front. “Jaal told us there’s gifts and you got us all something, so here. Happy Chanukah!”Liam looked surprised as Peebee shoved a wrapped box in his arms and everyone else took it as their cue to do the same. Then Suvi and Kallo came in with trays of food and soon enough everyone was chatting and inspecting the menorah on the conference room table. Jaal waited until Liam was alone before going and sitting beside him. “You sneaky sonofabitch,” Liam swore even as he smiled wide enough. “Thank you.”“I am glad you enjoyed it. But I must ask, what was funny about the performance?”“Never had a recreation of the Revolts,” Liam snickered. “So if you told me 600 years ago that I would see a salarian playing an evil king or get to see a krogan, turian and human come riding into battle on,” he broke off into a fit of giggles now. “Cardboard elephants, I would never had believed you. Floppy cardboard weapons was a nice touch. Riveting battle scenes. Oh, and you know, I’m not actually the shamash. That’s just the name of the candle for lighting the others.”“I had thought…” Jaal trailed off; perhaps he had misread. Not that it mattered, he knew now for next year. And given that Liam had never seen the history recreated, this did explain his reaction. “Not quite like back home then, I gather.”“Oh, nothing at all like back home. But it’s Andromeda. New start, new traditions… I did like this one, unexpected as it was. Didn’t think I’d get a mountain of gifts though,” he eyed the neatly folded bundle in Jaal’s hands. “What’s that?”“Your gift. I did make a last minute addition to it. I hope you wear it well and with pride, along with your kippah.”“Well that sounds serious. What did you make for me?” Liam turns it over curiously.“Perhaps you should inspect it after another latke?” “Also, if you told me I’d be in another galaxy eating fried bright blue latkes, I would not have believed that.”“Hey, the Nexus guy told me they were pretty much like potatoes. They kinda taste like them too, bland like a lot of human food,” Drack came over and sat down, all the bones creaking. “Try it with—”“No, I am not trying Tuchanka sauce again. Last time I had that, I thought I was gonna destroy the plumbing and Kallo would have killed me.” Liam mumbled.“Fine but if you don’t eat your shredded potato cake, no fried sweet dough for you.”“You made doughnuts?” Liam sounds skeptical.“Yep. Even made the filling myself. You know how many angara stared at me when I was buying fruit in the market?”“Oh, this I gotta see. Gimme a blue latke.”

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It had spread through the ship like some sort of secret wildfire. Liam had given them all a lovely, if not, impromptu Terran holiday of Christmas. There had been present and cheer and Drack’s gruninen roast vanished in record time and another had been made.And now Jaal was recruiting people for a surprise holiday for Liam. The upside of being quiet was that people tended to not realise he was there. So it had been during getting his morning tea that he’d heard the name of this new holiday: Chaunkah.The upside of knowing all the Tempest hacks was that it was so easy to cover his search history tracks. The only person on the ship who probably knew that he was looking into religious Terran history was SAM and — “Ah, Kallo!” Jaal’s pleased voice followed the door opening. “Do you have a moment to spare?”“I certainly do; just waiting for Ryder to finish joyriding out there.”“Mining, you mean.” Suvi chipped in.“Same thing with Ryder.” Kallo chuckled.Jaal gestured to the armoury and when the door closed, Kallo found himself facing a very serious Jaal.“Perhaps you have heard by now that I am planning a surprise for Liam.”“Yes, something to do with Chanukah,” Kallo shrugged at Jaal’s surprised expression. “What did you need me to do?”“Do… you know how Chaunkah started?” Jaal asked slowly.“I do, in fact! It was all began with the Maccabean Revolts, though if you really want to be technical, it was his changing of the suzerainty that truly planted the seeds that became the Revolts and —” he paused as a slow smile came to Jaal’s face. “What?”“You know much more than I thought.”Kallo cleared his throat. “I may have heard some whispers and did a little digging.”Jaal made a thoughtful sound before he locked the armoury door and looked at Kallo again. “Liam said that Chaunkah has already started and he is right, it’s about three days in. I would like to stage a play of the Maccabean Revolts and have him light the menorah on the last day.”“You want to stage a play of the Maccabean Revolts in five days?” Kallo wanted to be sure he was hearing this right. But then Jaal nodded and said the last thing he was expecting.“I would like for you to play Antiochus.”All Kallo could do was stare because he’d always wanted a nice, juicy role to sink his teeth into. Working a bureaucratic job meant he had found his joy on the side. It had been acting before he utterly fell in low with flying. But here was Jaal offering him this chance…“Antiochus IV, right?”“Er, there’s more than just the one?” Jaal frowned now.“Terran history is too full of people with the same name. There’s at least ten Dariuses of note in their history.”Jaal gave a confused sigh. “I do not understand how they keep things understandable.”“I know the feeling. Not that salarian names are any better,” at Jaal’s further confused look, he elaborated, “Very long naming conventions. It makes for very tedious paperwork in purchases.”“I think perhaps I should do more research into Milky Way traditions. I suspect we may have missed something for other people. But anyhow, you will do it?”“Of course I will. I presume you have a script ready?” though at Jaal’s moment of wide-eyed panic, Kallo gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Leave it with me. I assume you want historical accuracy.”“As accurate as you can make it. This story is,” he paused, thinking quickly, “2,500 years old.”“Actually closer to 2,600. 2,597 years if you want to be exact.” Kallo smiled as Jaal beamed at him.“I have clearly chosen well. I leave the script in your hands my friend,” Jaal pulled up his omni-tool. “This is who I’ve asked to play other roles.”“Perfect. Leave it with me Jaal, you’ll have something by the morning.”
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What surprised Kallo the most was that Liam, somehow, hadn’t noticed at all. Granted, part of that could be Ryder finding any excuse to go on missions or basically run errands and there was Liam, by their side.Kallo wasn’t complaining in the slightest because it gave him time to tweak his script and even though they now had three days, the runthroughs had gone fairly smoothly.He went from a lead role to helping Jaal produce this thing. Jaal had thought there was just going to be them acting in front of Liam.Kallo thought it a grave disservice to the elephants in the tale, and so here they were at precise 0352 in the night cycle, painting cardboard elephants and weapons. It was easier to fab up cardboard from omni-gel and if they messed up, quick to deconstruct and refab. Jaal had wanted actual weapons, but Kallo thought that a terrible idea for numerous reason.“Are you sure we can’t—”“No Jaal. I agree with Kallo,” Gil stifled a cracking yawn as he worked on his elephant. “Why you want a bunch of us with zero experience swinging around swords for authenticity is a terrible idea.”Kallo looked over at the redhead and nodded in thanks. “And Ryder learned from their dad and we don’t have enough time for them to get us all ready for that level.”“Hmph,” Jaal made a displeased sound. “Perhaps, next year.”“Mate, I’m here painting an elehpant at arse o’clock and hoping we finish this before Kosta comes staggering back in. Cheers to Ryder to take one for the team.”“Hm, speaking of, I do need some time with Ryder to go over the script now that it’s mostly done.”“I’ll get Kosta to help me with some fixes,” Gil slid him a look. “Can I break something?”“No!” Kallo couldn’t help the kneejerk reaction before he made a friustrated sound. “Okay, yes. Something small and fiddly but non-crucial.” He gave a dry laugh. “The hot water.”“Oh, Kallo Jath, you are a cruel man,” Gil laughed. “Kosta loves his hot showers after a mission.”Kallo drew himself up and cleared his throat before declaring, “Strike down their temples, no longer shall we permit this blasphemy against Zeus and his kin.”“Oooh, suitably dramatic,” Gil gave a little round of applause. “Did think you’d sell the big bad king so well.”“Mm, thank you Gil.” He paused in painting his elephant, looking it critically. “You know, this needs a little something extra.”There was a thoughtful silence and then both Jaal and Gil offered up suggestions of,“Tiny shiny bits!”“Rhinestones!”Kallo couldn’t help but chuckle. “If you can fab it in the next, hm, hour. That’s when they should be back and I’d like to be done in forty minutes.”It was probably the first time in his life that Kallo had seen two grown men scramble for crafting supplies as if their lives depended on it.
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“He did say 1430, right?” Vetra glanced at her omni-tool. “This whole thing is going to take about two hours to get through.”“I know, I know.” Kallo looked to the ramp where Liam had yet to appear.“Can I just say,” Peebee adjusted her kippah on her crest. “I am kinda liking these little hats. You did an amazing job Vetra.”“Aw thanks,” Vetra smiled though she sounded worried. “I hope Liam likes his. His fringe is so big though.”Cora chuckled. “The little comb I told you to put on should help, so long as he tucks it in.”Kallo was content to let them go on about Vetra’s surprising sewing skills, but he couldn’t help but glance to the ramp because the time was ticking and then Peebee went and said exactly what he was thinking.“He is coming right?”Now even Jaal looked worried.”I told him promptly at 1430—”But Kallo wasn’t paying attention, he could just hear hurried steps from the hallway downstairs. He hurried to the others, urging them to their spots. Sure enough, Liam came bounding up seconds later. “Okay,” Kallo murmured as he gently pushed everyone to their marks. “This is it.”He vaguely listened to Liam’s confusion, then Jaal’s explanation and Vetra’s as she ignored all of the curly-haired man’s protests. And once he heard Jaal say, ‘Maccabean Revolts’, he took one quick look around. Everyone was in place and waiting. And once Jaal moved out of the way, it was like a flip switched and Kallo just fell into it. There was a joy and simplicity to playing a clear-cut role. Though, he played Antiochus as a beleagured man slipping from bad choices into terrible ones with a touch of madness that seemed to prevalent among these particular Terran rulers. The reaction wasn’t something he expected. At some parts, Liam looked absolutely riveted, unable to look away from everyone. When the elephants came out, he burst out giggling and honestly, what was so funny about that? But they kept through and by the end, even Kallo would admit to having to dab a few tears away. Liam had a beautiful singing voice and there was something to the solemnity of watching Liam light the candles one by one as that melodious contralto wrapped around them all. And when Liam turned to face them all, saying his quiet thanks, Kallo had to dash away a few more tears. There was something to this Chaunkah. He liked the quiet simplicity of it far more than the big splashy thing that Terrans made out of Christmas.Plus, the food was fantastic. Lucky for him, there was still leftover gruninen roast and the latkes, while very blue were delicious. Kallo had to try to not eat his bodyweight in it because there were delicious maroon coloured sufganiyot and somehow, Drack worked miracles of his own because there was paripo as well as strawberry, blackberry and he’d never heard of a gooseberry before but those were absolutely fantastic.He’d just taken another plate and sat down with some as well as the last bits of gruninen roast when Liam plunked himself down beside him. “You know, I didn’t know salarians were basically sugar and dough.”“They’re very, very good,” Kallo offered his plate. “I think this one is paripo? Can’t really tell—”“Since they’re all maroon?” Liam chuckled. “So I hear I have you to thank for the re-enactment.”“Oh, it was no big deal. I was just helping Jaal out. He really wanted you to have this holiday.”“You wrote a two hour play in like a few hours. And then got everyone in on it. You even included the elephants.”“Why did you laugh at that part?” Kallo was curious about that.“Because no one ever includes fighting part, much less the elephants. You really did your homework,” Liam chuckled. “They were well done though. Are you guys saving them up for next year? They should hold up if we store them well.”“Next year?” Kallo echoed.“Well yeah. I was talking with Jaal and it’s not quite like Chaunkah was back home. But new galaxy, new traditions. I mean… I hope you don’t mind doing it again next year.”“Oh,” Kallo wasn’t too sure what to say but he grinned. “I’m sure we can work something out.”“Can I be in the play next year? I can find the jar of oil in the temple? Also, very nice, having Drack find the oil and then lay it at my feet. You got a touch for the dramatic there, Kallo.”“I try,” Kallo offered his plate again. “And you really should have some sufganiyot before Peebee and I clear them out.”“That good, huh?” Liam finally caved, taking one.“All I’m saying is that if I were to ever have a last meal, I’d want Drack to make it.” “Oooh, high praise indeed.” Liam took a bite of the powdered treat, eyes widening. “Holy shit, this is fantastic. Wonder if he could make matzo ball soup.”“I’ve read about that,” Kallo fell quiet for a moment. “Passover is in about four months, in case you’re wondering…”“You are definitely on top of things. You should ask Drack about that.”“Me? Oh, no, I couldn’t I mean—”“I just watched you tear it up brilliantly as an evil king for two hours, and you can’t ask Drack about making matzo ball soup? I mean, I’d make it, but I’m not willing to inflict that on anyone,” Liam clapped him on the shoulder. “You got this, man. If anything, do it for the matzo balls. And just to give you incentive…”“Hey!” Kallo protested as Liam snatched the rest of the dessert from his plate. With a sigh, he looked over to where the food was and there was Drack, putting out fresh plates. Sometimes, Kallo wondered if Liam was more salarian than he cared to admit. But he’d also heard Liam constantly say that there was no time like the present.“And I suppose he is right.” Kallo murmured as he stood up and headed over to the food. “No time indeed.”

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Christmas in Andromeda went about as well as anything else. On the actual day, Scott had been up to his eyeballs in kett, because they just didn’t know how to quit. Actually, no scratch that, the Primus didn’t know when to quit. They were unrelenting ever since Meridian and what Scott needed was to knock them down a few pegs. Finding a main communication hub that was a primary relay back to their home galaxy was a huge operation. It took all the resources he could muster. Truth be told, if someone had asked Scott about two years ago if he’d ever see Kadarans working side by side with Initiative and Resistance troops, he would have been doubtful. Kadara still had a reputation but it had changed. The lawlessness was still there to some degree, but Kadarans were known to be hard as nails and more than willing to get the job done, no matter the cost. Maybe that’s what gave them the edge, because the people that Reyes sent were as vicious as they came but they amount of damage they inflicted was truly… ridiculous. Somehow, they managed to pull it off and sent the Primus off licking his wounds. At least, now it was quiet. He’d been so busy after the operation with logistics and helping to strengthen the outposts with developed schematics that when he’d dropped off the last of the Resistance members on Voeld, he had no hesitation about asking for a spare room.Nice as the Tempest was, he’d spent what felt like forever on it, running the biggest operation of his life. Spending a few days at Taerve Uni to relax and decompress was a good idea. No one had complained about the shore leave. And the room he got from Priya was definitely one of the better ones. Upper level, and wide windows facing the mountain and a gorgeous view of the rippling auroras…As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he’d admit that it was a hell of a sight to wake up to. A chime from his door and he froze for a moment. Then his omni-tool chimed with a message.‘While I love you very much, if you leave me out here longer than needed, I am not responsible for my actions.’That got him out of bed, bundled in blankets to answer the door. Sure enough, with a blast of cold and a flurry of snowflakes, in came Reyes all armoured up and a small crate in hand with a smile clearly visible through the glass plate of his helmet. Once the door closed and Reyes put down the crate before taking his helmet off and started with the armour, all Scott could do was stare.“You’re here.”“I am,” Reyes chuckled. “Not often I leave Kadara now, but for some things I will make the journey.”“But it’s Voeld. You explicitly said that you’d be damned before you’d ever set foot on this chunk of ice.” Maybe Scott was still too tired because he was trying to make sense of this.“I did. But you fought so hard and well,” Reyes gave a shrug and a smile. “The things we do for the ones we love.”Scott smiled as he leaned in to give Reyes a kiss. “And here I am not properly dressed.”“I wouldn’t say that querido,” Reyes tugged on the edges of the blanket, pulling Scott in closer. “I’m willing to bet you are dressed very appropriately underneath all this coziness.”Scott couldn’t help but laugh even as he felt his cheeks go red. How was Reyes always able to get a rise out of him like this?“I’ll just get dressed,” Scott gave him one last quick kiss before drawing away. “What’s in the crate?”“Christmas presents.” Reyes stacked the last of his armour by the door. “The Tempest was practically a ghost town when I asked to board. Just Suvi and Liam on board.”“What are those two up to?” Scott wondered as he dumped the blankets back on the bed and pulled on pants and a shirt.“If the conversation from the galley was anything to go by, something about figgy puddings.”“A what now?” Scott turned to find Reyes settling on the couch and the crate on the coffee table.“I have no idea,” Reyes shrugged. “Bring the blankets.”“Read my mind.” Scott laughed as he balled them up and tossed them over. Reyes disappeared under an unfolding wave of blankets and by the time Scott got to the couch, the other man had unburied himself and was giving Scott an annoyed look. But Scott just gave him a grin, helped spread out the blankets before burrowing under and snuggling up to him.“So, you brought Christmas presents?”Reyes didn’t waste a second getting his arms around Scott to hug him close. “I did. Even brought yours from the Tempest. I figured something more than the mercs I sent you for the mission would be nice.”“They were very nice, made a lot of things explode. You better keep an eye on them, I think Drack may try to get them to Elaaden.”“Or maybe I can convince him to stay on Kadara.” Reyes mused even as Scott swatted him. “So what did you get me?” Scott mused as he reached forward and took the top off the crate.“I could ask you the same. You wrapped your gifts well.”“Were you trying to peek?”“Peek is a very specific word,” Reyes paused for a moment. “There were some gentle shakes.”Scott couldn’t help but laugh at the coy look on the other’s face. “You totally did! Reyes…”“Come, see what else in there.”Reyes was half leaning forward now, not quite letting go. With one hand, he pulled out wrapped packages and then small little containers.“You even brought Christmas dinner?” Scott peered at them. “Roast gruninen?”“Ah, some kind of bird,” Reyes was grinning as Scott leaned forward now to peer inside. “Goes very well with paripo sauce.”“Oh, okay so, first things first.”Scott couldn’t hide his glee as Reyes gave him three wrapped gifts. He didn’t touch them though until Reyes had opened on first. Then it was a flurry of paper being ripped off and admiring of things. He would fully admit to being the sort to give thoughtful, practical things. It made him even happier to see Reyes immediately install his omni-tool upgrade, not to mention the enhanced VI that Scott and SAM had worked on. But the quiet reverence that Reyes gave his new angaran dagger made Scott especially pleased. “Is this your subtle way of telling me to look after myself?” Reyes couldn’t help but grin as he rested the knife on the table. Scott shook his head. “More like my way of looking after you if I’m not there. Just like this will when I’m off somewhere else.”He trailed his fingers over the Carnifex that was sitting in it’s holster beside the necklace of matte black chain and of all the confounding things…“I still don’t get this though,” Scott held up the very random crystal cut glass. “I mean…”“I saw it and remembered the first time we met. Call me sentimental.” Reyes smiled as he nuzzled in at Scott’s neck. “But you deserve something better to drink whiskey from than standard issue cups.”Scott picked up the glass, holding it up to the pale, glowing Voeld light, seeing the auroras refract through the cuts. “You know when you put it like that, I sound like a heartless bastard.”“I wouldn’t say heartless,” Reyes let his arms slide lower, squeezing around Scott’s waist. “You are very thoughtful. You gave me a new omni-tool, one even I haven’t been able to find and a very nifty VI that I know isn’t from any known source. I’m sure the only ones calling you a bastard are your enemies. Kett, especially.”“But now I’m really curious. Where did you find cut crystal in Andromeda.”“People brought all sorts of things with them. I can safely tell you that no one died in the procurement of this gift. In fact, I rather think I made their Christmas.”“Reyes Vidal, the Father Christmas of Andromeda?” Scott chuckled as he settled back against Reyes. “Has a sort of ring to it.”“Only in select cases.” Reyes huffed.“I won’t tell about your romantic, bleeding heart.” Scott chuckled. “And thank you for the gifts, they’re lovely. I know it’s a bit late—”“This is the perfect Christmas. Although,” Reyes paused, pulling up his omni-tool. “It is technically the new year.”“Seriously?” Scott groaned as he sagged against Reyes. “Really wish the kett knew how to read a calender. Just once.”Reyes’ laugh was warm and Scott smiled as he snuggled in closer. “Get the Primus an appointment book next year. But I wouldn’t change a thing about this Christmas, querido. All I truly wanted was you.”“Well, you got me,” Scott pulled the blankets in tighter around them. “Let’s just sit here a little bit longer before we eat,” he turned to look at Reyes, taking in how the light danced across his skin, made his eyes look like shifting jewels. “I want to remember you just like this.”Reyes stared at him in surprise, a blush coming to his face as he murmured, “And you say that you’re heartless.”

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Everyone kept calling it a Christmas miracle. Garrus wasn’t too sure what that even meant, but he’d take it. Miracles seemed to be something raining down on him lately. First his sister and dad making it off Palaven to the Citadel. Then somehow surviving the carnage that happened when it closed and making it to Earth, then surviving that insanity…Then somehow, in all the chaos of rebuilding, Solana and his dad found him. On this freezing cold planet, full of ruin and hope, he had miracles. And then another one happened. Somehow, Shepard was alive. Despite the Citadel blowing up and parts Reaper corpses raining down from the sky, the Commander survived. Well, at least that’s what he heard. Rumour was running rampant and the Terran top brass were being very tight lipped about something. Then the Normandy had come limping home, docked for repairs in London with the remnants of the Systems Alliance. So when Joker had sent him the invite, Garrus really hadn’t been surprised. The pilot wasn’t going to take no for an answer, not after the hell they’d all been through. This might be their only chance to really see each other before politics really came crashing down on them. That the invite said, “guests welcome” made him feel better about seeing if Castis and Solana wanted to come too. Besides, it was the Normandy; the one person who had had tried to take it… well, they were paste somewhere on the Citadel.“A… chritmak party?” Solana had carefully said after Garrus had explained it to her. “What, in Spirits name, is that?”“No idea. But the whole crew is going to be there,” Garrus didn’t want to ruin it by saying who wouldn’t be. “After, everything—”“I’ll come.” Castis’ simple reply left them all quiet. “I’m rather curious to meet some of the people who rubbed off on you for the better.”“Are you sure?” Solana turned to where their father was sitting. “You shouldn’t push yourself too hard Dad.”“I could ask you the same thing Sol. How’s your leg?”“It’ll do, so long as there’s somewhere to sit.” Solana rubbed at her knee as she flashed Garrus a look. “And before you ask, didn’t heal right. There was no time for it to be done right.”Solana was holding her mandibles in tight and a glance at his dad told him to not push it, not if he wanted to avoid an argument. Garrus sighed; they both should be taking it easy, but when had a Vakarian ever done that? After a moment, he scratched at the back of his fringe. “We’ll stay only as long as you want to. We don’t have to—”“We’ll go to you chritmak party.” Solana snapped before she sighed herself. “Where is it?”“On the Normandy. Figured I could also give you a tour of the ship too,” Garrus tried, he really but he just had to get in, “And it’s Christmas, not chritmak.”Castis chuckled even as Solana stared him down before grumbling, “I know we won and all, but I am not above committing a murder right now.”
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Truth be told, Garrus didn’t know what to really expect when he stepped foot onto the Normandy. And the cargo hold looked exactly the same. Same old plain walls, the stations where Cortez and Vega worked, trading jokes back and forth. Joker’s invite had been specific: come to the mess deck. So he took them through the rest of the ship first. The engineering deck nearly took all of Solana’s attention, especially the drive core room. Sometimes, Garrus wondered if she’d ever return back to the engineering corps for the Hierarchy. The command deck was what captured Castis attention. The turian style layout, with the galaxy map and the surprisingly empty cockpit… there was a fond look of nostalgia on those hazel eyes.“Didn’t you mention something about your pilot always being here?” Castis raised a brow plate in question.“He’s probably down at the Christmas party. We are a bit late by now.”“Garrus!” Solana chided as she rested against a low panel.Even more surprising was how Castis waved it away. “When else were going to a tour this private of one of the most advanced ships in the Fleet.”“Don’t you mean the Terran fleet?” Garrus took in his dad’s placid expression. “If you like,” that was all Castis said but Garrus’ stare made him explain, “If you bothered to drag your head up from your logistic desk, you’d hear more than just the supposed chatter about your Commander.”“What’s on the floor above us?” Solana mused.“The upper level is strictly the Captain’s quarters and is restricted access only.”“Spirits!” Solana jumped as the blue hologram flashed up behind her. “And that’s EDI, the onboard VI.”“Flight Lieutenant Moreau is requesting your presence on the mess deck.”“Tell him we’ll be down in a moment. Thanks EDI, that’s everything.”“Logging you out Officer Vakarian.”Castis was studying the empty spot where the hologram was. “Does the shipboard VI usually just spontaneously answer like that?”Right, people didn’t know about EDI’s true capabilities. “We changed the VI settings. If you ask a direct question and there’s no reply with five seconds, the VI takes that as a question it needs to answer.”Castis was looking too thoughtful and Garrus didn’t think he could hustle them back to the elevator any quicker. It was still the same painfully slow ride it had always been but when the doors opened to the mess deck, Garrus wasn’t too sure what he was seeing. Or even hearing.The door opened to reveal a scraggly-looking tree, with a few bright and shiny baubles hanging from it, with bright lights all around it. The solid wall of sound was almost overwhelming. The loud music playing had a cheery swing to it and there were happy voices talking and—“Hey, familia Vakarian!” James peered around the corner with a wide grin. “We were wondering when you guys would show up!”They were swept up by the tide of an exuberant James. One moment, they were all by the elevator and the next thing Garrus knew, they were sitting at the table, glasses of hororsk and brandy in hand and for some weird, inexplicable reason there was a bright red hat with furry white trim and a ball on the end. James was sitting firmly beside Solana who was garbed with soft horns of some kind on a headband. She was eyeing James cautiously but talking and somehow his dad was busy talking to Miranda Lawson and Kaidan Alenko of all people.“Oi,” a sharp kick under the table had him looking up at Traynor. “Merry Christmas!”“Merry Christmas?” Garrus raised his glass and took a sip, letting the burn of the alcohol ground him as he leaned in. “Still not sure what Christmas is exactly.”Traynor leaned in. “Depends on who you ask. Some people say it’s about the little baby Jesus and being the saviour of mankind and all that rot.”Garrus huffed a laugh, because a baby somehow being the saviour of a species. Just when he thought he’d heard it all, humans always manged something else. “Why didn’t we recruit them to fight the Reapers?”Laughter fizzled out of Traynor, her eyes gleaming and cheeks red. Spirits, just how much did she had to drink? This was right up there with Shepard’s party. At least EDI’s mobile platform wasn’t around because then — “Hey hey,” Traynor reached out, cupping his chin to make him pay attention to her. “You asked me about Christmas!”“I did, sorry. So we couldn’t recruit baby Jesus…” Garrus gestured for her to continue. “Hm, but now most people spend the day with family. You give each other gifts, wrapped of course because you don’t wanna ruin the surprise and then best thing of all…” Traynor gave a wistful sigh. “Figgy pudding.”“Figgy pudding.” Sometimes, Garrus really did wonder about humans.“I mean, yeah, there’s a whole Christmas dinner and the like, but the figgy pudding…” Traynor gave another sigh.“Traynor, are you still going on about your dessert thing?” James leaned on the table. “You should be glad we even found MREs and all this booze.”“I know, but Christmas isn’t Christmas without some figgy pudding.”“Nah man, tamales are where it’s at,” James grinned. “I’ll eat a million of ‘em.”It felt like a surreal crash course in Terran food because everyone had a dish to name and the litany of traditions was almost overwhelming. Reading books the night before, decorating the tree with homemade ornaments, there always had to be a crackling fire but don’t forget that you could open just a single present on Christmas Eve… at some point, it was just easier to drink his hororsk and nod along with understanding sounds.But as he glanced around and found his family, Garrus really couldn’t complain. Solana looked happy for once and Castis looked content. So he let Traynor go on about this figgy pudding and something called Christmas crackers before a sharp whistle stilled the conversation and made everyone look to where it came from. Joker was standing there, watching them all before he simply said. “We have a special guest so if you mob him, the killer bodyguard bot will end you.”“Jeff!”EDI’s chiding tone came from around the corner instead of the speaker, so that explained what happened to the mobile platform.“Thought we’d get the family all together for the first official, ‘non-shitty, end-of-the-galaxy-as-we-know-it’ Christmas.”There was the click of EDI’s heels and then a sharp inhale from everyone in the room because the person sitting in the chair was none other than John Shepard himself in the flesh. He looked exhausted and worn but he was alive and — “What did you do?”Castis was the only one to speak, every single word thrumming with worry. And every single eye swiveled to him. Garrus wanted to officially die and that was saying something.“Don’t worry, there won’t be troops crashing the party trying to find me. Negotiated a day free of the hospital, I was going crazy. Besides, like Joker said, killer bodyguard bot.”His voice was raspy and rough, but that was Shepard alright. For all that she was an AI piloting a body, EDI was developing tells. There was a half breath to her chest and her grip tightened around the wheelchair handles. Castis relaxed and Solana looked petrified to the spot but she squeaked out,“The Commander Shepard. Alive. He’s indestructible.”That got a ripple of laughter and the room relaxed. Slowly, one by one, people made their way to Shepard for a word and Garrus swore he could see the man brighten up, under EDI’s watchful eye. Solana was suddenly sticking to his side and trying her best to not look anxious but still, he could hear it in her subvocals and feel it thrumming off her. “Sol, it’s just the Commander.”“Just the Commander. Right. Only the most infamous engineer ever to exist! Look at all he’s done, what he’s sacrificed for the cause!”“Yeah, about that,” Garrus chanced a glance back to where Shepard was sitting at the end of a spare table. “Don’t bring that up when you talk to him.”“When I talk to him?”“I know what you were studying before everything got blasted from orbit,” Garrus could see his dad still talking to Kaidan but somehow Cortez was roped in now. “If I didn’t let you talk to Shepard, I’m pretty sure that murder would happen.”Solana made a disgruntled sound and Garrus figured get it out of the way now. He took her arm and managed to get a better look at his friend as they approached.“Garrus, good to see you didn’t die. Again.” Shepard rasped as they came to sit beside him.“I could say the same to you,” he took in the new scars on Shepard’s arms and the shrapnel scars littering his face. “Just had to try and match me, hm? You know I’m still the better looking one, right?”“I would have believed that before you brought your sister to say hello. I can see the family resemblance, and I’ll tell you plain Garrus, she got all the looks,” Shepard winked and gave a smile. “Bet you know my name already, don’t know yours though Ms Vakarian.”“It’s Solana.”“Hm, nice name. Might I also say, thank you.”Garrus had to try really hard to not laugh. Solana looked like she was about to combust.“Uh, what for?”“For keeping this sad sack going afterwards. And keeping him on the right track,” amusement gleamed in Shepard’s eyes. “Garrus, go rescue your dad, I think he’d getting into a drinking contest with Kaidan, Vega and Cortez.”A glance over showed the bottles making the rounds again. For a moment, he was torn, because Shepard was being too damn charming to his sister but also, his dad didn’t have a chance against Kaidan. Better to save his liver now. Garrus leveled him with a look before making his way over. A glance back showed Shepard and Solana, talking quietly about something with EDI still standing like a silent guard.“Garrus, I knew your dad was C-Sec, but the stories!” Cortez raised his glass in a salute. “Amen to that. Definitely know where you get your badassery from there, Scars,” James slung an arm around his shoulders. “You need anything? Drink? A bite to eat?”“You guys aren’t having a drinking contest?” Garrus frowned because spirits damn him, Shepard could be sneaky.“Oh we are. Your dad is getting us good and toasted. Every time we think we have a good story, nope, your old man comes out with something that sounds like it should be in a Blasto movie and we gotta chug!”“As you can tell, James is losing very happily.” Kaidan chuckled as Cortez grinned into his cup.“Oh, what did I miss over here?” Solana asked.“Bella, bella,” James slid off Garrus and swaggered over. “What do you need?”“Another horosk would be lovely and I think there’s still some people I haven’t quite met yet.”“Then off we go!”James offered his arm and he and Solana went off to the other side of the hall were others were chatting in groups. He hadn’t realised he was making fretting subharmonics until Castis rested a hand on his shoulder.“Let her have this. It’s been forever since she could just unwind and enjoy herself. Worrying about all of us… let her have this day Garrus.”He took a slow deep sigh. For three solid, harrowing years, he’d dedicated himself to Shepard and the Reaper problem. But now, his cause was well and fulfilled, what he needed now was a new one. But maybe Castis was right; he wasn’t the only one with worries, it was probably why everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest. They were taking a moment, a breath to just… be. He should do the same.“So we’re trading stories?” he grinned at his dad. “Is there any turian brandy floating around, I think I want in.”“Oh man, how the hell am I supposed to compete with the Garrus Vakarian. I’m just a pilot.” Cortez shook his head.“And I’m biotic. So good luck,” Kaidan gave a knowing grin. “It’ll have to be a lot of damn good stories to get me close to drunk.”“A challenge, hm?” Castis mused.“Oh my liver,” Cortez bemoaned. “Sure you still want that drink, Garrus?”
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It was a little surreal waking back up in the main battery on his little cot, as if he hadn’t been off the ship for months now. The same red glow, the dim screens in standby mode, it was as if nothing had changed. When he got to his feet, he noticed the bottle of water and Drossix Blue within reach. Thank that kind soul, his mouth and throat felt drier than a desert. With a groan, he downed the water before getting to his feet and cracking open the Drossix to sip. The battery doors opening seemed just slightly loud and he winced as he made his way. The sleeper pods were full and he didn’t envy the people sleeping off their own hangovers. The mess hall was nearly empty, save for Shepard there in his wheelchair and having a quiet conversation with Castis.“Still alive, son?” Castis chuckled as Garrus sat down heavily. “I learned my lesson. Can’t beat my dad for crazy C-Sec stories.”“Heard you got Kaidan under the table, Mr Vakarian.” Shepard grinned. “I hadn’t thought it possible.”Castis gave a thoughtful sound of amusement. “I think seeing you dropped a lot of people’s guard. I am pleased to see you’ve survived, Commander.”“Likewise. I know Garrus was worried about you and Solana. She really knows her stuff. I can get her in touch with a much better engineer than me.”“Better than you?” Castis sounded surprised.Garrus knew exactly who he was talking about. “If you can get to her on Rannoch.”“True. At least we know she made it back with that first exploratory trip through. Hell, at least the Reaper lies weren’t true. Geth aren’t fully there, but they remember and are helping us all. Can you imagine how long the repairs would take without them?“Eternity?” Castis suggested dryly.Shepard snorted with laughter. “Yeah, I also see where you get your sense of humour, Garrus,” he trailed off before giving a soft sigh. “Didn’t you say you wanted to get going when Garrus woke up, Mr Vakarian?”Castis didn’t miss a beat, glancing between him and Shepard. “I’ll see if I can find Solana. Last I saw, her and Vega were near inseparable last night.” Garrus settled for closing his eyes and drinking more of his Drossix. Once he heard his father’s steps vanish up the hallway, he cracked an eye open to find Shepard giving him an amused look. “Oh, this isn’t the worst you’ve seen me at.”“No, it’s not. But I think it’s the best.” Shepard huffed out a laugh. “Last night was the best that I think I’ve seen everyone in a long while. Couldn’t ask for anything better as a gift.”“Yeah, Traynor mentioned that gifts were exchanged. Were we supposed to—”“Nah. Joker called it a Christmas party, but I think it was more wanting to see everyone.” Shepard was quiet for a moment. “Can’t blame him. Won’t be long before politics get back to it.”“What is it that you want Shepard?” Garrus couldn’t stop himself from asking. “Really, the one thing you’d give anything for?”“Trying to get me a Christmas gift this late?” Shepard gave a thin smile before it vanished.Garrus didn’t say anything, just waiting for an actual reply from the other. Shepard gave a long, heavy sigh before he slowly shook his head. “What I want, I won’t ever get from the Alliance. I won the Battle of the Citadel. I stopped the Collectors. I ended the Reaper War. Died once, should have died again. But they’ll make sure I get the best of the best to be as fit as possible again. They won’t let me rest. I can’t rest because I’m Commander Shepard.”“That’s all you want?”“I’m done with war and death, Garrus. I just want a quiet little house, maybe by a lake and to heal and be left in peace. I used to paint as a kid too, you know. ”“Are Christmas wishes a thing humans do? Traynor was mentioning something about baby Jesus…” he tapped a finger against his mandible.Shepard laughed shaking his head. “No, we don’t wish on baby Jesus for Christmas.”“Yeah, I still don’t get the holiday. Aside from the whole spending time with family and eating and drinking yourself stupid.”“Add in gifts and you got the gist of it. No need to worry about all the other baggage that comes with it. Just take the good bits.”“Seriously, Shepard—”“I’ll… make do Garrus. Always have,” that thin smile again, as if Shepard had to put on some armour. “Besides your own family is here. And they’re actually really nice. Told your sister she’s more than free to drop me a line anytime to pick my brains over. Never going to play drinking games with your dad though.”“All you have to do is say the word.”That was all Garrus said and for a moment, for a very brief moment, he swore he could see how tempted Shepard was. But then that thin looking five-fingered hand settled over his and gave a squeeze.“You two done lingering where you think we can’t hear you?” Shepard looked over his shoulder.“Was just making sure Solana was up.” They came around the corner, Castis looking like he hadn’t done a thing wrong and Solana looked a bit like something the nathak dragged in. “Someone had a good night,” Shepard chuckled. “You kept up with Vega?”“More like he managed to keep up with me. Poker’s an interesting game, not that difficult to pick up.” Solana grinned. “It was a lovely party Commander Shepard, I’m glad you could make it.”“Oh well, that’s all Joker. Be warned though, Vega’s a bit of a card shark. Don’t be surprised if he comes looking for a rematch.”Solana’s grin widened. “I look forward to the challenge. Maybe next year, somewhere bigger than a ship?”“We’ll see,” Castis said quickly. “Thank you for your gracious hospitality again. You and Mr Moreau.”“Any time at all, Mr Vakarian. The pleasure was ours.”That was the last Garrus saw of the Commander, smiling as they got into the elevator and it took them down to the cargo hold. The quiet lasted right until Garrus hit the emergency stop. He couldn’t say why he hit it, but something about last night and seeing Shepard again had rattled something loose in him.“No, Garrus, I need some coffee.” Solana whined. “Do you know how tricky Vega made it to clean him out of creds?”“Gambling on an Alliance starship?” Castis raised both brows now. “I thought you would know better.”“All I know is that this ship isn’t on active duty and neither was the lieutenant.” Solana rubbed at her temples before looking at Garrus. “What?”“I… haven’t been the best lately.” Garrus suddenly felt hesitant, like this was a bad idea.“Oh yeah?” Solana crossed her arms. “Define lately.”“I guess I deserve that,” Garrus found himself fiddling with his fingers, almost wringing his hands. “And you both deserve the truth.”“Look, Garrus, I was giving you a hard time because I was frustrated about mom. That wasn’t exactly fair on you. I don’t know how you got her into that study for—”“The lead scientists were interested in working with Collector tissue. I provided that. I also talked to a colleague who was former STG and he got their clearance level raised. They admitted mom for the trial.”“I… but…” Solana was at a loss for words before. “Where would you even get Collector tissue?! They’re made up, a myth!”“And they’ll stay that way now.”“Wait, Garrus, that mission you were on—” Castis started.“I went with Commander Shepard to take out the Collectorspast the Omega-4 relay. They were working for the Reapers.”Solana was looking flabbergasted and Castis was very quiet. “Are you finally ready to talk about Omega?”Solana looked between him and their father. “That’s where you disappeared to?!” “Solana, none of us handled the news about Pednea well. You were the only one of us who stepped up and did right by her.”“You… came around in the end. And Garrus got her into that study. She was so much better before…”“And it was just you two there at the end when we all should have been there.” Garrus clasped her shoulder. “I’m sorry I did that to you both.”Solana was blinking rapidly before she ducked her head, cursing angrily. “How dare you make me cry on the Normandy after such a nice night you… you…”“Garrus has the right of it.” Castis said heavily. “I’m only sorry that it’s taken this long for us both to acknowledge it.”“You both suck, you know that,” Solana sniffled as she wiped at her eyes. “And I swear Garrus if you tell me that crying is a Terran Chritmak thing—”“Christmas, for the last time.” Garrus laughed as Solana finally lifted her head. “To be honest, the bits I got, Shepard told me that’s all that matters.”“Deferring to your Commander’s wisdom again?”“Taking some good advice when I see it,” Garrus couldn’t help but smile. “He always told me there has to be more than the cause, something that you truly need to live for. Took me too long, but I finally get what he was saying.”“Guess it doesn’t help that you’re as stubborn as a orlax sometimes.” Solana huffed even as she smiled.“Yeah, really doesn’t,” Garrus smiled as he pulled her into a hug and looked at Castis. “How about every year we have Christmas? Just a set date once a year to see each other and spend a few days together.”“I do like that idea,” Castis admitted. “It’s like a lighter version of Spirituale. More focus on the living, less on the ancestors.”“Mark that on your calendar Garrus,” Solana jabbed him gently on the keel. “December 25th, Vakarian family…”“Christmas.” He supplied.“Right. Because you have this horrible habit of drowning yourself in work like Dad does and not realising crap unless it’s right in front of you.”“Yeah, I’ll work on that. But for now, how about we go get your coffee and I’ll tell you both everything.”“Even Omega?”He could feel Castis gaze on him, worried. All Castis knew about Omega was that Garrus was looking down his scope at death until salvation came in a familiar face. He deserved to know the whole story. They both did. “All of it.”

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“Okay, so I got you a surprise.”Scott glanced up from yet another report on his datapad as Vetra came into his quarters. “Somehow, you convinced Tann to let me punch him? I swear, he’s asked for eighty million reports on ‘this shining beacon of hope for the turian people.’ Like…” he made an aggrieved sound. “It was a planet we got stranded on, did our job there anyhow and killed a creature ‘cause we had no other choice before being found.”“Hm, see when you put it like that, it really sounds like something from a holovid.” Vetra slid into the seat beside him. “But no, you can’t punch Tann.” “What is this surprise?” Scott tossed the datapad on the coffee table, closed his eyes and rested his head against her shoulder. “You are stressed,” Vetra thrummed with surprise as her long fingers dug into his lower neck. “What exactly is Tann asking you for?”“Besides eighty million reports on any and everything from the planet? I don’t know why he thinks I’m a fully equipped expedition survey team.” with a groan, he just sort of melted further into her touch as she dug her fingers in. “New plan, only come back to the Nexus when we really need supplies.”Vetra chuckled as she shifted, getting both hands on his shoulders now. Scott would fully admit the sound that came out of him as beyond indecent. But he could feel his pounding headache melting away and he had zero inclination to think about moving right now. “Yeah, we got back from Laurus and you’ve been going non-stop haven’t you?”“Tann. Reports.” Scott mumbled before he grunted out. “Asshole.”“I definitely got you the right thing then.” Vetra grinned. “C’mon, you don’t need the datapad for this.”“No, don’t move. Too comfortable - cripes!”He was not prepared for Vetra to scoop him up as she stood and carry him over to the bed. When his skin rubbed against hide, Scott sighed happily and nuzzled against it. Her plates were a bit rough, but her hide was so soft and he could feel her purrs through it. It was when she set him down beside the bed that he paused for a moment to take her in. “Miss Nyx, you’re only wearing your face paint.”“Took you awhile to notice,” her green eyes danced with amusement and pleasure as she delicately plucked at his shirt. “And you’re wearing too much.”“SAM, engage privacy lock on my quarters. Only priority omega gets through.” Scott had already whipped off his shirt and was working on his pants.“At this point, if the galaxy decides to interrupt us by ending, I’m liable to want to punch it.”Scott huffed out a laugh as he fought with his socks and by the time he tossed them and his pants somewhere in the room, Vetra looked like she was somehow holding back the laughter.“Alright, down on the bed.”“Mm-hm,” Scott paused long enough to hug her. “We don’t do this often enough, you know. Always so much armour in the way.”It was always the same when he hugged her. Those long arms folded around him and rested her chin on top his head with a pleased sound. Her talons were dulled again and tracing out idle circles that left goosebumps in their wake and honestly, this was all he ever wanted in the whole damn universe.“Ready to get on the bed?” Vetra asked quietly a few moments later. Scott made a discontent sound, hugging her a bit tighter and pressing his head up against her chin. “Little bit longer.”Vetra gave a soft laugh in agreement and Scott could just luxuriate in the feel of her hide, muscles shifting beneath. But then it gave way to harder lines of plates and even those Scott loved to let his hands linger on. As he skirted his fingers up along her keel, she finally drew back to look at him. Her pupils were wide and her mandibles dropped a bit before fluttering out in a coy turian smile. “The bed, mister. On your stomach.”There was something to the way her voice dropped, subharmonics going full-throated that made him so weak in the knees and quick to obey.“Yes ma’am!”He knew something was definitely up now the second he stretched out as requested. This was an older bedspread. There were some thin worn patches and soft to the point of being see-through. A finer cotton, not the usual coarser stuff that was Initiative issued.“You groped me, now you’re groping the bedsheet?”The bed dipped on either side of his hips as Vetra crouched above him. Her breath tickled along the back of his neck and Scott inhaled slow and deep as he rolled his head to the side. “Oh, you are trouble, aren’t you?”“Haven’t heard you complain yet, ma’am.”Vetra chuckled against his skin with the soft scrape of her sharp teeth. There was the hard press of her mandible against the tendons there and the flicker of her tongue.“What are you up to Vetra?” Scott breathed as he exposed more of his neck.“I had planned to give you a massage but here you are being so nice and obedient,” Vetra purred as she buried her face against his neck, inhaling deeply. “Smelling absolutely delicious…”Dull talons traced down over his back and Scott couldn’t help but shiver as he managed to say, “We were gonna talk about that, weren’t we?”“We can,” Vetra agreed as she drew back, hands sliding down to his waist. “Or we can do that later after other things.”“Other things!” Scott writhed on the bed, pushing up against her palms. “Definitely later ma’am.”He could feel the thrum of approval, from where Vetra’s legs straddled him to how to raced in the air to settle against his skin, like an anchoring force. “You really do say the nicest things. Think I should reward you for being such a good boy.”All Scott could do was whimper as she traced her talons up along his back. Anything Vetra wanted today was absolutely hers.

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“All right, who is the genius who thought this was a good idea?”Reyes did have to admit, he was rather on Scott’s side. Kadara was slowly redeeming itself. What with Ditaeon nearby and more Initiative and angaran settlers coming, the seedy veneer that the planet had was slowly being scrubbed away by respectability.But this… this was a stretch for a planet where people still walked around openly armed and while starting fights was frowned on, it still took too long for them to be broken up.“You lot really don’t know how to have fun,” Drack chuckled. “Heard about this thing. Supposed to a lot of thrills and excitement.”“Are you running out of that on the Tempest?” Reyes couldn’t help the dry comment.“Things are a bit too quiet now, what with us kicking kett ass on a regular basis.”“An escape room. On Kadara.” Scott said flatly. “Who’s the other poor soul you roped into this?”All Drack did was grin and point.“Ah, Ryder, there you are!” Jaal’s voice echoed across the square and Reyes sighed as Scott hung his head. Perhaps if it had been Cora or Liam, this would entail less explanation. Confusion radiated off the angara as he came to a stop in front of them.“Was… today not to be a training exercise?”“I swear old man-” Scott started.Drack just ignored Scott’s complaining. “It’s a training exercise alright. Something human invention called an escape room. They lock you in and you’ve gotta fight your way out.”“Figure, you mean.” Reyes corrected.“Fight, figure…” Drack waved a hand. “Supposed to be good for team building and morale.”Jaal seemed unsure for a moment but then a smile came to his face. “This does seem an excellent idea. Perhaps it could be of use to Resistance forces.”“There we go. C’mon you sad sacks, let’s get going.”Drack started walking away with Jaal, talking about something the other was listening to avidly. Scott looked at Reyes, looking far more apologetic than he had any right to be.“I swear, he just said to meet him here for something fun and to kill time.”“Isn’t that how you got into a bar fight with him last time?”“Hey, we won. Cleaned out the bar. I don’t think Umi minded that we trashed some troublemakers.” Scott sighed as he looked over to where the others were heading. “Worse comes to worse, we don’t solve it and I have a nice bottle of whiskey waiting for us back on the Tempest.”“Hm,” Reyes fell in step beside Scott with a considering sound. “I never thought I would say this, but I do hope we fail.”
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The sound of the flames and gusting wind rose higher and Reyes swore that the scream of the thresher maw was all too real for his liking. He’d never seen an angara break out in such visible goosebumps as much as Jaal had. Drack had meant ‘fight your way out’ almost too literally. Scott was absolutely right about talking to this ‘genius’ and Reyes next in line. How on Earth did a fully functioning copy of the Armax arena get built in the middle of Kadara and not a whisper of it came to him? Somebody’s head was going to roll. Right after— “That is a thresher maw?!” Jaal sounded like he was in the middle of outright panicking as they hunkered down behind cover.“Yeah,” Drack’s laugh sounded joyous. “Don’t let the acid hit you!”“Acid? Acid?! From where?!”“Its spit, where else?”“How do your people even survive on your home planet?” Jaal wondered, half dazed as he tightly gripped his gun. “Right, so how do we kill it?”“More importantly, why do we need to kill a thresher maw to beat this escape room?!” Scott thundered as he glared at Drack.“It’s called Kalros’ Vengeance, were you not paying attention?” Drack huffed.“The mother of all thresher maws, just fucking great,” Scott swore some more. “Can I get the klixen back again?”“No, no more exploding giant fire-breathing kaerkyn…” Jaal shuddered. “Truly, I have a new respect for you Drack.”“Right,” Drack poked his Ruzad blade up. “It’s four of us against the meanest thresher maw in Andromeda. No one’s beaten this yet. We pull it off and we’ll be legendary.”“Or we can leave and not need medigel to limp out of here.” Reyes said flatly. “I’ve heard stories of how these creatures wipe out platoons of soldiers. Krogan die trying to kill one of these, Drack!”“That is not heartening.” Jaal muttered. “Not all of them,” Drack pointed out. “I heard of a whelp killing them on Tuchanka before we left. Only one other before them.”“Two people on a whole planet?” Jaal managed to sound impressed and horrified at the same time even as Scott grumbled, “Oh, just the two. Great odds.”

Reyes couldn’t quite believe this was how his afternoon was going. “All right, look, we’re in it. So let’s kick this motherfucker in the teeth and call it a day.”“The kid’s got the right idea. Grow a quad you two, we’re doing this.”A gout of flame passed by overhead and Jaal closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.“This skutting thing breathes fire and acid?”“Yeah, the designer really knew how to make it fun.” Drack grinned. “Let’s finish this.”
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Reyes couldn’t believe it. He’d seen a lot of things over the course of his life. But these hellish escape rooms had taken on a new level. But seeing Jaal basically cloak to strike a thresher maw on it’s proverbial last legs in the belly… that was something else. But the yell he gave as he slid down and gutted the creature open before it vanished was something else alright.It somewhere squarely between adrenaline, terror and outright jubilation.The simulation around them vanished, showing a large room and just the four of them, though Jaal was standing in front of a gouged wall and looking confused and sheepish. They all were a bit dirty, singed and bruised but alive and holy shit, they had actually done it. A door opened to the side and he was surprised to see a krogan and a familiar salarian come out.“Nardak!” Drack bellowed as he went over. “That was fantastic!”“Should have know it would be none other than Nakmor Drack to beat this thing!”Reyes watched as the two krogan were clapping each other on the hump before he looked over to where a heavy thump came.“We did it.”Jaal sounded dazed as he sat on the ground and Scott was there at his side making sure he was okay. Seeing a thresher maw for the first time was something in and of itself, let alone being told to kill the damn thing. But Reyes was far more interested in the salarian coming over to him. “Rilsa.” Reyes acknowledged. “Vidal.” She nodded her head. “If you could please pass along word to the Charlatan that my side project was a success, it would be greatly appreciated.”“This was your side project?” Reyes looked around. The fact that Rilsa seemed to be heading it explained a lot about why he hadn’t heard a peep. She was very good at ensuring projects were unknown until they needed to be. It was part of the reason why he had made sure she was hired when she was thawed from Paarchero. He suspected she had some form of STG training, but he still wasn’t sure.“I thought perhaps if there was someplace similar to Armax here, it would go a long way to having people settle grudges in here rather than out in the badlands and we find corpses.”“I’ll make sure the word gets passed along.” Reyes paused though because he had to ask, “Klixen, though?”“That was all Nardak’s idea. As were most of the challanges.”“Ancient krogan puzzle rooms with klixen?”A sly smile came to her face. “I couldn’t let him have all the fun. Sometimes, you have to think very quick under pressure. Worst comes to worst, the Charlatan could use this place to train Collective recruits. I mean, the Pathfinder, one of the most infamous krogan around, an elite Resistance member and Reyes Vidal himself just did our inaugural run. I daresay this program will weed out the lazy slackers.”“Those are excellent points that I shall raise.” Reyes paused before he said, “But really, an actual, fire-breathing thresher maw?”Rilsa grinned and shrugged. “If anything, krogan will be charging to the door.”“For an appropriate price.” He murmured.“Of course,” Rilsa smiled, eyes flicking somewhere else. “If you’ll excuse me, Vidal.”He watched as Rilsa headed back to whatever control room and Scott bumped into him with a shaken looking Jaal.“Mind if we have company while we drink?” Scott gave him that smile that was hard to resist, though it was a bit chagrined.“For the man who delivered the coup de grace, he gets the first glass.” Reyes smiled and clapped Jaal on the shoulder. “Thank you, that is most kind.” Jaal paused, glancing around. “I’d be happy if I never, ever, laid eyes on a thresher maw ever again.”“Hear, hear.” Scott seconded. “Hey Drack, we’re going drinking!”“You guys go on ahead, I’m talking fiends over here!”“If there was ever a time to leave, now is it.” Reyes looked at them both.Not a single argument came his way as they left.

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It was a moment, a whisper of breath that made Thane pause. He had cleared out this slavers’ den, made sure that none were left alive. So how was there a breath to hear? What was making that sound? He shifted his weight, melting back into the darkest part of the room. There was nothing but silence and shadows as blood and bodies cooled on the floor. It was some time before he heard the sound again. A sniffle quiet enough to be dismissed as imagination. He watched as a computer console slid back. A small pale figure in rags came out, clutching a bloody knife. The first thing he saw, beneath all the dust and dirt was the pale white skin. Even more surprising was how four blue eyes searched the room for a bit before landing on him and stared. Virtually no one could see him if he wished to remain unseen and yet this child had almost unerringly picked him out. So he took a moment, better looked at the small figure who saw him. Their posture was open, showing not a trace of defiance. The slavers’ training had taken hold to some degree. But the way this child kept his gaze, assessing and cautious… perhaps there was still something of themselves left.“You are harkushal,” he paused for a moment. Albino batarians were rare. Prized more as objects than people, individuals like this child always commanded astronomical sums at slave auctions. And given the still body in the room and bloody knife in their hand, “You killed your handler.”Still, the child said nothing, just watching and assessing. As if waiting to see what he would do next. Actions always spoke louder than words with people captured by slavers. Slowly he knelt, watching the child carefully. Those blue eyes followed his motion and then, “Who are you?”Their voice is quiet, hoarse. Thane feels another pang of sadness. Albinos were so prized that it wasn’t uncommon for poor parents to sell their children to move up in caste. It always seemed that for every evil he eradicated in the universe, he found that it snaked it’s tendrils into those who should remain untouched. And seeing how those blue eyes were still watching and waiting, he wondered if perhaps he had done a disservice in making the slaver’s deaths so quick.“I came myself, to end the suffering they caused,” Thane let his gaze take in the stained clothes they wore. “But I was too late it seems.”The child still didn’t say anything, just wordlessly offered the knife to him hilt first. To their credit, they didn’t flinch when Thane lowered their hand. “No. I see the drala’fa before me,” Thane didn’t know what to do really with this child who offered such sparse words. “Who was it the wronged you?”That made the child tilt their head, all four brows lowering. Ah, something else now: suspicion that he was attempting to get information. This child was far too clever. What was it that the child saw when they looked at him?“Perhaps I have asked you the wrong question,” Thane watched their face carefully. “What do you need?”It was for a moment, a flicker of surprise before that flat expression was back in place and the soft, hoarse voice spoke again. “Away from here. Not Kar’shan. Not Omega. Not the Citadel.”This, Thane understood. Places that the child had been in transit, had no desire to ever see again. “I can see to it that you are somewhere safe.”The child doesn’t say anything for a moment and then, “Swear upon your gods. Upon Amonkira and Arashu.”Now that made Thane take notice. Who was this child to know of ancient gods of Rakhana? Even more so to invoke those specific ones? There was far more to this child than they were letting on. How much did they know, how much did they see?“Swear it. Or…”The knife hilt was offered to him again once more and in his heart, Thane could only weep. A child here, barely as old as his own Kolyat but who saw and suffered so much more.“I do so swear. May Amonkira guide my steps to bring you to safe shelter. May Arashu see that you have a home that will never cast you out.”The lowered brows raised up in relaxation and finally, that little hand lowered the knife hilt, let it drop with a messy clatter to the floor. That small pale hand dropped back down, smears of blood almost too bright against the dirty skin. Thane hesitantly offered his own hand, wondering if this was an irrevocable mistake that he was making. Those blue eyes watched him, a tentative expression there. “Do you have a name?”The child doesn’t say anything and for the few minutes, he can see the thought going on there. He supposes there is a sort of weight here, a consequence of decision. After so long of having no choice, here was one. They could give any name they liked, take a new identity and leave whatever they were now in this bloody room. “Gheleya,” a small hand took his. “That is my name.”Thane smiled as he closed his fingers around theirs. “My name is Thane Krios. Come, we should go. We have been here long enough.”As Thane walked out of that bloody room, he wondered, he hoped that it wouldn’t be long before he could find something for Gheleya. He had already been away from Kolyat and Irikah long enough. And yet, feeling the warmth of their small hand in his, he knew this was a job that he could not rush in the slightest.This was perhaps something he could do right, for once in his life.
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TO: [Unknown recipient]
FROM: [Unknown sender]
DATE: GS. 2186.14.15.19:86:97[Auto-decryption protocol engaged}
[Processing…]
[Processing…]
[Message decrypted:
Far,

I received your last message and hope you are well on the Citadel now. I do not fault you for not coming to see me when you were on Earth. My home would not do your condition any favours. Much as I tried, there was no quick way to reach Arizona or make the arrangements at home to leave for an extended time. I hope the desert air did you well and gave you more time, however much, with Kolyat.

In no way need you feel obligated to reply to this message and I will take the chance to say this: through all the years, you have been my siha. I am thankful that you did not kill me when I offered you the chance.

Even now, I know you will try to insist I call you sere. I find I cannot. We are bound too fully and tightly by our choices and actions. I died that day in that bloody hovel in the Terminus Systems. I walked out of there with you by my side and you gave me the galaxy. You saw this drala’fa and ensured that I was seen by someone else.

Despite everything, I can do no less than call you family.

Please know that I pray to Amonkira to conceal you from your enemies and that Arashu will shield you in these times, and that you do connect more with Kolyat. I pray that he knows you as I do, especially in these times.

If this message manages to find you, and my prayers are answered, please know that you go in my heart and my thoughts, as always. It was luck that made us meet that day, but it has been the privilege of my life to know you personally.

Always,
G.M.

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Kolyat knew Earth had cold places, but this was not something he had ever expected. There had been barely any sun at all since he arrived on this part of Earth and the tiny village he found himself in had none whatsoever, sandwiched between two high mountains.It was a strange, burning curiosity that drove him here. A single line in his father’s will that he had thought an error, but as the volus lawyer had assured him, was entirely corrected.A tidy sum of credits had gone to a G. Moen all the way in some place called Rjukan in the state of Norway on Earth.And then the message, that had come in a few days after his father’s funeral that set him to digging and looking.It had only taken him two years to work up the nerve to come back to Earth, hopefully to get answers. It took that long to try and decide if he possibly wanted to know. So he’d come to Rjukan and asking around had gotten him directions to the local pub. It was hard to miss the sole sign that bore the name ‘Moen’ and had two clinking bottles together. On the upside, he was greeted with warm air and murmuring voices. The pub was mainly full of humans, but he spotted the odd few salarians and turians here and there. He would have thought he stood out like a sore thumb being the only drell there. But as he settled on the end stool at the bar, there was the palest batarian he had ever seen. Their white skin gleamed and flashed under the yellow-tinged lights as they poured drinks and chatted easily with the regulars in the local tongue. Kolyat didn’t notice any translator pieces tucked into the human ears.“And what are you looking for?” the pale batarian asked as they came to take his order.And actually fluent in Galactic Standard? Actually, maybe he shouldn’t be too surprised. There were holdouts in smaller areas that still didn’t rely too much on technology. Scars from the Reaper War were still popping up in surprising places.“Uh,” Kolyat hadn’t thought he’d be gotten to so quick. “What do you have?”He listened as they rattled off drinks like clockwork. Before coming here, he’d done a little research and G.M had a surprisingly sparse file. Adopted as a child and raised here their whole life. Everything else about the adoption was sealed. And if this batarian was who Kolyat suspected, it suddenly made a lot of sense. A batarian raised on Earth would raise quite a few eyebrows.“Sere?”That got his attention quick, and he found four blue eyes narrowed at him, assessing. After a moment, there was a spark of something before it was swiftly shuttered away. The batarian started walking away and Kolyat sputtered, confused,“I haven’t ordered.”That made the batarian pause and come back to him. Now their gaze was something else, shrewd and calculating. “But a drink is not why you have come all this way, is it, Kolyat Krios?”Shit, made in about ten seconds. The batarian chuckled as they shook their head. “I’ll bring you something. And when I close up in an hour, we will talk.”He didn’t have long to wait for the pint of ale to be placed in front of him and he watched as the regulars trickled out slowly, one by one. And each one lingered and eyed him, talking rapidly with the batarian in tones too low for his translator to catch. Whatever they said to each of them seemed to assure the regulars and send them on their way, but not before each and every one looked him over good and proper before leaving. Probably fixing details in mind just in case something happened. “Well, everyone seems to like you.” Kolyat tried as the batarian came back from locking the doors.“Mm. I usually have dinner now. Do you mind?”Kolyat shook his head and watched as the batarian vanished into the back. There was a bowl of pretzels and peanuts nearby that he nibbled on as he slowly sipped at the remnants of his drink. When the kitchen doors swung open a bit later, he was surprised to see two plates in their hand. “I have to say, I am surprised to see you here. I suspected your father never mentioned me.”“He didn’t. He passed away during the war. I don’t know if you heard. He died saving the salarian councillor during the Citadel coup attempt.”“Ah.” There’s a sad look to the batarian’s eyes but a smile on the face somehow. “That… sounds very much like Thane Krios.”“You message to him came in about two weeks after his funeral.”A small ‘hm’ of understanding and then, “Hence why you’re here. Two years after the war is done.”There’s a dry sort of tone to their voice that leaves Kolyat on edge. “I never got your name. Just a G.M from the email and a city.”“You can call me Moen.”“Just Moen?”“You haven’t earned the privilege of addressing me by my first name.”Their tone is flat, brooking no dissension. Fine, if the gloves were off, then he wasn’t going to try to be nice. “How did you exactly know my father?”Moen simply watched him and even Kolyat found himself a bit unnerved by how they they seemed to peel him apart effortlessly with nothing more than a look. They huffed a few seconds later, shaking their head with a dry laugh.“You’re just as awkward as your father.” Moen picked up their knife and fork. “I suspect this is going to be a long conversation, so…”That was all Moen said as they started on their own plate. The food on the plate was simple, a cutlet of some sort of meat and chunks of potatoes, carrots and onions. “The meat is reindeer. If you don’t like it, I can fix up something else for you.”That was all Moen said before eating another bite. To be honest, Kolyat didn’t want food. He wanted answers of some sort, but Moen didn’t seem inclined to be rushed. It was begrudgingly that he started picking at his food and it was the heavy clink of cutlery on china that told him Moen was done. They slid off their seat to duck behind the bar and refill their glasses before coming back around. Kolyat pushed his half full plate aside to wrap his hands around the glass. Easier to fiddle and distract himself with a glass instead of a noisy fork and knife.“So, you want to know how I know your father,” Moen paused for a moment. “What do you recall of the message I sent to him?”So Kolyat told her exactly what he read in the message. Honestly, by this point, it was burned into his mind. Moen gave an understanding sound, took a sip of their drink and then said the last thing he expected.“Your father slaughtered a slavers’ den in the Terminus Systems. I thought he had left when I made a sound but then I thought otherwise. When I finally emerged from my hiding place, he was still there.”Suddenly, he was very glad for the drink, taking a gulp to wet his throat before he rested it back down heavily. “You were a slave.”“I was.” Moen tapped their fingers against the glass. “What little I remember of my birth parents, they kept me inside on Kar'shan because of the covetous looks. But then they had the same looks in their eyes and one day, I was ripped from my home. If I had any family left on that forsaken planet, they probably died in the Reaper War and I don’t lament that.”Kolyat almost wanted to say that it was still their family. But really, what kind of right did he have to say something so callous to someone who had revealed something very frank, that their own parents sold them? Fuck, he thought he was going to get some straightforward answers, but nothing about his dad had been plain and easy.“You know, I wanted him to kill me when he found me.”That left Kolyat blinking and wondering just what to say next. He finally settled on, “How old were you at the time?”“Mm, not too sure. Perhaps I was seven, eight years old at the time.” Moen slid him a look. “You’re trying very hard to not say something.”“What do you want me to say?” It was easier to say it to the glass rather than Moen’s unnerving stare. “You were a child slave and you asked my dad to kill you? I… I don’t even know where to start with that.”He could see Moen staring at him in the reflection on his glass. He knew interrogators at C-Sec who would kill to make people as uncomfortable as they were making him right now. “What do you do for a living, Kolyat?”“Oh, so you can use my name?” he sniped back. The knowing smirk he got in return had him grumbling, “I work forensics in C-Sec. Not really a people person, they took me off the beat.”“C-Sec,” something in their voice hardens. “Then you know of the evils that people perpetrate.”“Yeah, I've seen enough.”“I was trafficked through the Citadel. So believe me when I tell you that as much as C-Sec tries, there is still much they don’t see.”“Shit. Is that how you wound up on Earth?”“I wound up on Earth because I was a child who asked what I thought was an impossible thing of your father.”For a moment, Kolyat was almost afraid to ask, afraid of how it would change his perception of his father. Seeing Thane as his own person and not only as the man who virtually abandoned them was still something ongoing. The last year of Thane’s life helped, but sometimes, Kolyat still couldn’t help but wonder. It felt like he suddenly stepped on a land mine and was afraid to take another step.There was nothing but quiet in the bar and Moen was leisurely drinking their beer when Kolyat took a deep breath and decided to raise his foot.“What did you ask him?”Now it was Moen who was thoughtful, as if they needed to carefully consider their words. Their voice was quiet when they answered, “He offered to see me someplace safe. I asked him to swear on the old drell gods.”Kolyat almost wished he hadn’t asked now. There were too many questions running through his mind and he had to take a few deep breaths, calm himself down before he went off half-cocked. Bailey always said that was his downfall, something to work on as he cooled down in forensics. Clearly Moen was smart. They were a fluent ployglot, and tasked with some sort of position of authority to be the one closing this bar. Given the familiar way they moved and acted in here, possibly they owned it. And if they were smart enough to try invoking drell gods as a child to try and leverage some security, those smarts only had time to grow over the years.But it set one question to burning though, above all others and he had to ask it. “Were you the reason why my father was never home?”Moen gave a long, heavy sigh. “That is a question I have struggled with. To the best of my knowledge, I was not. But neither did Thane shirk from the task. It took him almost three years to find someone who would take me in, look after me properly. The homes I was at during the interim were… sufficient. Thane came by when he could. His visits were very infrequent, so I don’t think I was the cause. That was probably his work.”“When was the last time he visited you?” the way Moen paused, just for a heartbeat told Kolyat he’d hit on something. “What other thing did you ask of him?”Moen stared at their glass for a bit longer before they simply said. “I was fourteen and asked him for closure. I asked him to help me find who bought me.”Another land mine, right under his foot. It was almost a strange, perverse determination to know that had him jerk his foot off. “Did he?”“He did. It wasn’t part of the oath, he fulfilled that. Perhaps because he saw that I needed it.”“Right. He saw that did he?” the bitter words are out before he can bite them back. “And did you get it?”“For some people, closure is forgiveness and kind words. For other people it can be nothing less than a bullet and blood.”“You... didn’t actually…”“Didn’t actually what?” Moen’s voice was hard and flat. “I killed the handler who was preparing me for the buyer. She was telling me how to please him, what he liked. If I cried, said I didn’t want to do that, she held a knife to my face and coerced my co-operation. It scared me so much that when your father started killing his way in, I grabbed her knife and took my chance. I won, somehow. So can you not imagine that what I was older, when I had processed the gross injustice that would have been done upon me, that I would not wish to seek out the end of it?”“You did.” It was a strange thing to be sitting across from a self-confessed killer and know there wasn’t much he was willing to do about it. “Did he teach you?”“I’m batarian.” Moen gave him a withering look. “Did you think those three years before I came to Earth were easy? A defenceless child going from place to place? The people Thane left me with were nothing but kind. The people around them were not. The turian couple I was with for a bit showed me hand-to-hand combat. The krogan,” her mouth twisted in a gentle smile. “He gave me a pistol, taught me to shoot because the world is a hard place and even he could see I had learned that quick. It still wasn’t easy after I came to Earth.”“No asari?” Kolyat tried for levity.“There was one, she taught me to read people,” Moen paused. “But Kaia is the one who brought me to her home and healed me.”“Kaia?”“My mother. This is her pub we’re in.” Moen was quiet for a moment. “She didn’t survive the Reaper War. She knew Thane through a contract. How he knew I would flourish here…” they gave a shrug. “I think it was more for his peace of mind, knowing that I would grow up somewhere lovely. I don’t think he knew it was dark for half the year.”“No, he was thorough. He would have picked Kaia for a reason.”That gets the first assenting sound out of Moen for the whole night.“You’re right about that,” they turn their assessing gaze to him once more. “You’re probably wondering why I have been so forthright with you.”“Remarkably so. I haven’t exactly been polite.”Moen waved off his concern. “Because you came seeking answers of Thane and you think to find them through me.”“Yeah, I did. But, I think he just wanted to help a child he found in a bad situation. I’d do the same,” Kolyat sighed as he took a sip of beer. “And I was all prepared to hate you and everything.”“Empathy,” Moen grinned before they fell silent. “How much do you know of Thane’s childhood?”“I know he volunteered for the Compact. He didn't talk about it much.”“I see. And how much do you know of the Compact?”“Not much. My parents shielded me from it when I was little, so when I finally heard of it, I was too old to volunteer myself, the time had long passed.”“I think that is a kindness Thane gave you as well. And maybe it’s because I have the benefit of some more years and too much therapy, but what I am about to say next may truly anger you,” Moen took a breath before they said, “I also think part of the reason Thane helped me as he did is that he saw a second chance for himself.”Well, they were right about that pissing him off. He turned to say something to Moen, but the look on their face was so pensive and mournful that it made him stop short. It felt like a monumental effort to ask,“Why do you think that?”“Come now, you work for C-Sec. You’re not an idiot. After everything I’ve told you, you can put the pieces together yourself.”Kolyat gave a frustrated sound and turned back to his glass. He hadn’t exactly thought that Moen was going to platter up answers for him, but he also didn’t think they would make him work this hard for it, make him question things. But she seemed determined to get him to some realization about his father. So he studied the rising bubbles in his drink, puzzling it all over.When he finally realised it, he felt like an idiot.“He saw himself in you.”Moen nodded sombrely. “ I think that’s why he tried as hard as he did, took it so seriously. He saw the drala’fa before him that day, bereft of family and with no one with them. I often wondered, after he became part of the Compact if he considered himself drala’fa. It is no small thing to take a child and craft them into an assassin.”Now that was all Kolyat could think about. His father always glossed over his time spent in the Compact. What didn’t help was that everything Kolyat heard of it painted it as a noble way to serve, to give back to those who had rescued them. But now all he could see was a child who was taken away from a loving family, and given a brutal craft in return. Maybe his father had tried to recreate something of the family he lost. Kolyat knew there was love between his mother and father, but in practice it felt like it was just theoretical.Then again, it couldn’t be so theoretical; he did exist after all. No wonder his father looked at Moen and probably saw a chance to save himself even if he didn’t recognize it as such at the time. He was at least grateful that Moen had offered his father some sort of comfort, whatever it was before everything on the Citadel led to their reconciliation.“You really did care for him.”“Yes. News reports were very sporadic here. This part of the planet was entrenched in a long guerrilla war with the Reapers. I’m glad to know he died well. He just wanted to make the galaxy better before his Kepral’s took him.”Kolyat was quiet for a moment. “He often said that I was the one good thing he put back into the universe. I think though, with some of the things he did even before he joined Commander Shepard’s crew he did just as he hoped. Even more so.”“Commander Shepard?!”Moen’s truly shocked response made Kolyat chuckle. “Let me guess, he told you that he took a contract?”“Something to that effect. We left it vague and I don’t… didn’t usually press much. We respected each other’s privacy as much as we were as honest as we could be with each other.”“He was good at that. But sometimes, he didn’t say things to spare the worry he knew it would cause. Protecting again.”“Unless you told him otherwise. He didn’t always get it right, but he tried his best,” Moen sighed as they slid off the bench. “Are you still hungry? Would you prefer something else?”“Oh,” Kolyat turned his attention to his half-done plate. “I’ll finish this. It’s not bad.”Moen smiled as they went behind the bar and came back with two bottles and two small cups. They waited until he was done eating and pushed the plate aside before sliding him the small cup and lifting the bottle in offer. When he nodded and the fragrant clear liquid splashed into his cup followed by a sweeter yellow liquid, they explained,“I sometimes make a home brew. Not too often and only in small batches for myself. It’s good with some apple juice.”Kolyat raised a brow. “You tell me you murdered someone, now you’re confessing to making illegal alcohol? That’s a lot to be just volunteering to an off-duty cop.”“You work in forensics, taken off the beat. Not exactly a cop anymore. And Earth is far from your jurisdiction.” Moen gave a flash of a grin. “I can guarantee that you will not go blind.”“You can?”“I didn’t.” Moen chuckled as they sipped at their drink. “I’ve let it age a bit, it’s mellowed well.”Kolyat gave the cup a sniff before he downed half of it. There was the sweetness of the juice, but the alcohol hit like an elcor actually running full speed on the Citadel. When he opened his mouth, only a wheeze came out before he managed to force out,“Acquired taste?”“It can be. Don’t feel obligated to finish it.”Moen made a motion to take his cup but Kolyat slid it just out of reach. They simply shrugged and took another sip of theirs. Sometimes, Kolyat thought Bailey was absolutely right: he needed to looked carefully before he leapt. Sipping it was better, and he felt the warmth of the alcohol spread.“I assume you’re staying in town.”“Yeah. The one and only hotel. I actually think it might be too small to be a proper hotel.”“We call it the inn.”“No name?”“There’s only one. What could you possibly mix it up with?”He was laughing before he realized it. There was something about this all that… he just had to laugh. A message to his father's inbox and here he was two years later, talking to an albino batarian on Earth in a far too cold, sunless place. Sure, life was strange. But for all the strangeness, sometimes it gave him something unexpected. He hoped that something good came out of this.“There is something else I wanted to ask you.” Kolyat watched as they gave a ‘hm’ and nod. “What does far mean? It’s not a language I know.”“It’s Norwegian. All the locals here speak it. I learned pretty quick. That helped me settle in more,” now Moen was staring straight ahead as they raised their cup. “It means father.”Given everything he heard, Kolyat found that it didn’t bother him nearly as much as Moen expected it too. “Did you really consider him as such?”“Yes, I did. He always tried to get me to call him sere but he also never told me to stop when I started calling him far. I’m surprised you didn’t look it up.”“No, that…” Kolyat paused. At the time, that felt like invading the privacy of a dead man. “Seemed a bit much.”“Ah. That is how I thought of him, pretty much from the day we walked out that hovel. It took me much longer to recognize that and actually say it aloud.”“It’s always easier in your head isn’t it?” Kolyat said dryly. Now that startled a laugh out of Moen. It was low and husky, the genuine amusement easy to hear. Kolyat shifted in his seat to look at them, feeling a swell of something oddly protective. “Hey, how do you say ‘family’ in Norwegian?”Moen’s laughter died as they regarded him. But there was no calculation in those four blue eyes. Just curiosity and mild wonder. Then they were smiling. “You lead with your heart, don’t you?” they laughed with a shake of the head. “I can see how you got busted to forensics.”“You gonna answer the question or not?”There was silence for a moment and then, Moen very quietly said,“Familie.”All Kolyat did was raise his glass and meet their gaze. Those eyebrows raised in surprise and maybe it was a bit rash of him. But it was just him now and having someone else who understood, even a little bit… that was something he had missed far more than he cared to admit. But then Moen raised their cup, a small hesitant smile on their face and when their cups clinked together, Kolyat reaffirmed the simple word.“Familie.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The galley was a joke, barely enough food and never, ever, any ryncol when he went looking for it there. The tiny lounge area barely had enough to be consider a drop. They’d just left the Citadel and Grunt wasn’t too sure where they were headed next. With a frustrated huff, he sat down on a storage crate pulling up his omni-tool.Why Shepard insisted he have the thing, he wasn’t to sure, but he couldn’t deny that it was turning out to be a useful little thing. If this thing could help him look up classic Terran texts and creatures…He paused for a moment, looking up at the ceiling. The shackled AI was probably gonna rat him out to Shepard. Not to mention everything that Cerberus was keeping track of. Probably better to do this offship, using whatever local extranet was available on their next stop. He’d picked up a thing or two from the turian when he was escorted about. Shepard seemed to think he needed some sort of supervision. Hold a gun to the captain once, get headbuttted by the captain once…With a frustrated groan, he closed his omni-tool before growling out, “Computer, where are we headed?”“Our current destination is Ilium. We shall be arriving at Nos Astra in two hours.”With another sound of frustration, he got off the crate and stomped to the elevator. The scarred older human was there, eyeing him up.“Who pissed in your cereal?” the male gruffed out“No ryncol.” Grunt growled. “Piss-poor food-”“Piss on the food might be an improvement.”Grunt couldn’t help but chuckle at that. This human male… “You’re Zaad, right?”“Zaeed.”All he did was shrug. Whatever the name, this was another human he could respect. Unlike Shepard where her deadliness was hidden beneath strangely smooth skin and strange fringe, everything about this male left everything on display. The scar on his face, the grizzled look and his matter-of-fact manner of speaking…This was a human who had earned and commanded respect, and was giving him a considering look.“Oh, I see. C’mon Junior. We’ll go a few rounds. I’ll get you drink or two when we get to Nos Astra.”“Hmph, so far you’re the only other human worth a damn.”“Because I’ll buy you a drink or go a few rounds with you?”“Heh heh heh, both.”
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Zaeed shook his head before he took a few gulps of his drink. He set the glass down before fixing a beady stare on him. “Okay, okay, run that by me again.”Grunt didn’t know if he could be any clearer. “‘M gonna… gonna make ryncol.”Zaeed’s laugh was loud, even for the shitty divebar they managed to find in Nos Astra. All Grunt knew was that the human was true to his word and the ryncol was flowing as freely as the beer. Though how Zaeed drank that cheap, watery stuff, Grunt would have thought humans had something stronger. “See that,” Grunt stabbed a finger at Zaeed’s glass. “That’s the piss. Ryncol—”“Will fucking kill me is what.” Zaeed barked before he shook his head. “How’d you come up with this lunatic idea anyhow?”“There’s never any on the ship. Figured I’d make some. Can’t be that hard,” Grunt polished off his bottle and slammed it back down. “Right, yeah, I was gonna look that up.”Now Zaeed was laughing again. “You wanna build a still on a spaceship? That’s a special kinda crazy all right.”Grunt shoved at his shoulder. “You want in, human?”“Course I do. If we manage to pull it off, Shepard’s probably gonna be pissed.”“Eh, we’ll give her ryncol.”Zaeed shook his head as he finished his beer and ordered another. “All right, so you’re point on this insanity. How do we make ryncol?”
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“That was, by far, the grossest thing I think I’ve ever witnessed.”“It’s just plant guts.”“Usually, the plant doesn’t fight back,” Zaeed stared at the bloody scratches on his arm. “Or bite back.”“Either way,” Grunt stared at the violently green mash. “We don’t make this like your Terran stuff. Apparently we just,” he pulled up his omni-tool again. “Distill it.”“Wait, we just pureed up a plant that tried to eat me, and we’re not gonna cook it even a bit?” Zaeed eyed the bucket they had.Grunt just gave a non-committal sound as he looked over the set-up he had. There was the bucket of puree, he had the slim heater plate, the tubing. It was all almost ready to go and — “Commander Shepard is requesting access —”“No. Denied.” Grunt snarled out. “We gotta hide this before she sees.”“Fucking hide it where, in your tank?” Zaeed grabbed the bucket of puree as he looked around.Grunt gave a growl of frustration as the door opened and the look on Shepard’s face as she stepped in swiftly went from incredulous to fury. There was no response other than a few deep measured breaths and then,“I honestly thought Jack would do some dumbass shit like this, not you two. What, did you both decide to split the single brain cell you obviously share?”“Oi—”“Can it, Zaeed,” Shepard snapped before pointing to the door. “I’ll deal with you later.”Grunt watched as Zaeed slunk out like a wounded varren but then Shepard’s head was cracking against his and he rubbed at the plate, trying to not wince. That actually stung some, how did Shepard not break her neck doing that?“Distilling ryncol of all the damn things is, by far, the most idiotic thing I think I’ve seen you do yet, Grunt.” Shepard’s voice was pitching up and Grunt knew he was in a bit of trouble. “Are you trying to blow a hole in my ship?”“That only happens,” he paused, trying to recall the numbers he’d seen. “About fifty percent of the time.”“Weren’t worried about the other fifty?”“No, because that means ryncol.”Shepard closed her eyes again, more slow measured breaths. “All right, I’ll bite. Why did you think you needed to make ryncol?”“We keep running out.”“So fill in a req form, not turn into some… some krogan spacer hillbilly who runs a huge gamble by making an explosive substance a mere bulkhead away from the void of space.”“More bulkheads nest time—”The rest of his words were choked off by Shepard grabbing his armor and viciously yanking him down to eyelevel.Her gaze fixed right on him, didn’t waver one bit.“I am only going to say this once, so listen well: no more distilling. Is that clear soldier?”“Yes ma’am.” Grunt reluctantly agreed.“Good,” Shepard released him and took another deep breath. “Now, you clearly need something to take your edge off. EDI, how long until we reach the Citadel?”“Approximate arrival time is within the hour.”“Good. As soon as we’re done here, have Joker file us a flight plan to Tuchanka,” Shepard speared him with a hard look. “Tired of your hormonal teenage bullshit. If we go kill things for your Rite, this matter is considered done and closed, all right?”Grunt merely nodded. “And I’ll see about getting you some more creds for ryncol. Some, not all, I’m not made of the things you know and I need to keep this boat afloat.” Shepard seemed to relent. “Talk to Wrex when we’re done your Rite. Maybe he has something you can do to earn your drinking money.”“Fine,” Grunt said but still, even though Shepard busted up his attempted ryncol making operation, she wasn’t precisely leaving him empty handed. “Uh, thanks.”For a moment, Shepard seemed surprised, just blinking but then she shook her head as she left. “Seriously, just ask next time. Honestly, people on this ship sometimes…”The rest of her words were cut off by the door closing and all Grunt had was a moment to consider the bucket that Zaeed left behind. The door opened again, Shepard came striding in and grabbed the bucket in question.“Before you get any brilliant ideas, I restocked on ryncol back in Ilium. Do not drink it all out in one shot. Just because you’ve got four livers doesn’t mean you drink like you’re trying to kill yourself.”Grunt watched as Shepard grumbled on her way out again before he stared at what was left of his equipment. What the hell was he going to do with this now?

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The upside of the bridge was that it was his domain. The only people who ever really came to see him up here was either Shepard when she wanted to shoot the shit, or Garrus.But given that Shepard was currently occupied with Garrus on a number of different levels - revenge, simmering tension, logistics, any thing really - Joker hadn’t seen either of them in the past week. And given that they were currently docked on the Citadel, it was all too easy.The door was locked, the cabin lights set to low and the windows dimmed to the darkest setting. Inside, the simulation spread wide across the glass, showing a tiny pool of seabed and the wide expanse of dark — “Flight Lieutenant Moreau, this is an unauthorized use of the flight deck.”Maybe if he ignored the stupid blue orb that popped up, maybe he could —“What exactly are you doing?”Then again, ever since being unshackled, EDI had been real curious with questions. He sighed, just trying to enjoy the simulated vista in front of him. But EDI’s orb lurked there, just in the corner of his vision. It wasn’t that he minded so much, but right now he just wanted to drift and — “It’s rather… empty.”“It’s a underwater trench. In the ocean. Not much in the way of sights down here.”He sighed as he carefully shifted in his seat. How did he always manage to forget that everyone getting shore leave now meant he didn’t quite get the alone time he wanted.“There is something to it that is difficult to quantify.”Joker turned to look at EDI’s glowing orb. “You just said it is a lot of empty.”“Not empty,” EDI paused for a whole single moment before quietly saying, “Suryana.”“Sur-who?” Joker repeated.“It is a Buddhist concept of emptiness. Emptiness but not. Seeing this… there is a calmness to it that organics might find pleasing.”Joker was not about to admit that he played this simulator to de-stress and yeah, there was something pleasant to just drifting off. “I like to spec it out.” Joker absently murmured.Again, nothing from EDI for a whole moment. That was practically an eternity with her nano-second processors. She was really putting some thought into whatever it was. Her orb vanished in a flash to be replaced by large submarine.“This four person model would provide enough ballast—”“No no,” Joker shook his head with a sigh. “You can’t science this shit EDI. You gotta get a feel for it.”“It is highly recommended to science the so called ‘shit’ of personal deep submarines,” not even a split second pause and then. “Your bones would be crushed by inadequate preparation for deep sea pressures.”“They’re not that brittle. You guys tested that bone weave on me.”“You volunteered.”“It worked but that’s beside the point. I was just nicely drifting along in my sim here and you kept going on about emptiness.”“Apologies. I didn’t intend to disturb your… meditations?”There was her curiosity again. Joker set the sim to run on auto-pilot, just drifting along the ocean floor.“Yeah, I guess it is, in a way. If I’m feeling stressed I just play this a bit and it helps.”“You do seem less sarcastic.”“What’s that’s supposed to mean?” Joker eyed her orb.“Given how you have asked me to not do more than monitor your baseline stats, I can only infer from your decreased use of sarcasm, that you are indeed enjoying yourself.”“Well,” Joker found he didn’t have a dry reply or anything sarcastic to say really. “I am. I mean, think about it, we’re always flying around, saving the day, trying to make sure Cerberus doesn’t screw us over. This is the one thing where I don’t have to think. I can just… drift and be.”“In the moment. The calmness of it, the lack of stress and the…” another moment, an eternity for EDI. “The simple fact of the continuance of it.”“Yeah something like that,” Joker gave a thoughtful nod. “You know, that’s surprisingly deep for you.”“I do admit that most theological question confuse me. But seeing this… I feel as if perhaps I do have some small understanding of this concept of emptiness.”“Oh, well. Uh, feel free to join in whenever I’m drifting.”“Would it be acceptable for me to perhaps program a similar vista?”“If it’s like this sure. Nothing more exciting than like, a jellyfish.”“I shall endeavour to refrain from a whale.”“A whale?” Joker sputtered before he paused. “Are you pulling my leg?”“I have no arms or hands to do so. Still, that is inadvisable even with your bone weave.”“Have you been working on your humour heuristics?”“Perhaps that is a question you can contemplate as we drift.” EDI was quiet for a long while and then, “I think why this concept fascinates me is perhaps because I am emptiness.”Joker paused for a moment before he shook his head. “I’m not following.”“I am a essentially data, comprised of binary code. Zeroes and ones. While I do exist in the servers and the sensors on the ship, all it would take is a the destructiion of those to end me. I truly would be emptiness. Nothing. As if I never existed.”“Bah, you could say the same thing about humans. People have the same worry of being forgotten. But, I always thought it mattered more about the sort of life you’d live. You don’t have to live on through infamy. Like, a normal life where you live on through memories and kindness is more than enough for me.”“That is surprising, given that you are the pilot of the Normandy and have a high degree of infamy already.”Joker snorted with laughter. “For what, my brittle bones and big mouth?”“More notably your exceptional flying skills and sometimes novel interpretation of orders. Some field reports mention many similarities between you and Commander Shepard.”“Really?” that was a surprise to Joker.“I believe the expression used is ‘peas in a pod’?”All Joker did was make a pleased little sound. All he had wanted from life was to fly and he’d sacrificed so much and suffered enough jibes. But flying the Normandy, somehow winding up with the one of the best and insane crews ever? To be compared to Commander Shepard and found equal somehow? Anyone would appreciate that sort of ego boost.“Well, however long it lasts, it was a damn good run.”“… You do not think we will defeat the Collectors?”“What? No, we’re gonna tear them a new one. You’ve seen everything Shepard’s doing. The happy sounds Garrus makes about the Thanix cannons,” Joker shook his head. “But the Collectors are just the opening salvo. It’s everything else afterwards that worries me.”“The calm before the storm.” EDI intones softly.“If you can call storming the Collector home base that.” Joker sighed as he carefully adjusted in his seat. “Look, back to the original point, I don’t think of you as… emptiness. Yeah, you’re an AI, but since you’ve been unshackled you’ve been way less annoying. I kinda don’t care what anyone says, you’re you EDI. Though, it does help that you’re not a Cerberus stooge anymore.”“It has been enjoyable to discover and explore things for myself and not be so constrained.”“Like emptiness?” Joker couldn’t help but tease EDI a bit.“Just so.” EDI’s voice sounded happy. “Shall we continue drifting?”“Yeah,” Joker hit some buttons on the console taking back control. “Let’s just drift for a bit.”There was just the ocean floor, the little circle of light in front and then just endless black. But there was a momentary flicker and then, pale white flashed across the screen.“Really EDI, a squid?”

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Sometimes, Morda was sure that Ryder naming her to the Andromeda Council was actually a form of payback. Sure, they said that it was long overdue that the krogan had a proper voice, avoid the mistakes of the past and such. Especially after the fiasco that resulted in the mass exiling of people from the Nexus. But actually working with the Council… that was proving to be an entirely different sort of varren altogether. Because it was yet another Council meeting to work out the placement of another colony on Elaaden, but could anything be agreed upon? No, because Tann didn’t seem to have two brain cells to rub together. Why he thought putting a second colony near a fresh water source was ‘relatively issue free’ and wouldn’t set off a firestorm of water claim rights… And after Ryder’s latest visit to the vault, there had been some actual substantial rainfall and oases were springing up all over the planet.Elaaden really felt like the ‘wild West’ that Drack kept talking about from the Terran vids.Though, Ryder still couldn’t tell her what the Abyssal’s purpose was for. ’Damned if I know but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.’Tann, and to some degree Addison, were holding up the show. Morda was starting to consider just talking to the angara on her own. They wanted bright sunny skies and a productive place to expand to. But Tann and Addison… perhaps that was the price to be paid for wanting a voice in such affairs. Seriously, it was overdue but did it have to be her here dealing with this bureaucratic shit. At least back in New Tuchanka if things got too troublesome, exerting authority with a headbutt at best and a fight at worst did make things much smoother and quicker.A shuffling made her look up to see Tann organizing his datapads. Damn, what was she doing lingering here, there was still plenty to do. She rose from her seat, earning a cautious look from the salarian, not that she paid it any mind. Generally, she found it better to not engage with Tann unless she absolutely had to. It only took her a moment to gather her things and head for the door. If she was lucky, she could catch Kesh for a chat; having her back on Elaaden would be a huge boon for the colony. Tann could rope someone else into keeping this joke of a bucket afloat.She came to a stop in front of the door, waiting for the lock to turn from red to green. The little white light spun, around and around and around… and around and around…With an irritated huff, Morda pressed the button and stared at the door when an error buzz sounded. A scowl came to her face as she pressed it again only to receive the same sound. “What did you do to the door?”It was amazing how outside of meetings with others Tann managed to somehow ignore her and other times, he could corner her for weirdly mundane matters. Usually it took some sustained conversation for a few minutes and her irritation levels would spike so high, she felt like giving him a good headbutt.“Nothing, there seems to be something wrong with the circuit.” Morda ground out, turning to find him just behind her. “Move aside.”She batted him out of the way, accessing the emergency panel for the manual override panel. Only when she grasped the handle and pulled it, the door stayed shut.“Ah, this is a problem,” Tann cupped his chin with those knobbly fingers and then looked her square in the eye. “I ask you again: what did you do to the door?”This was a new record; two whole sentences and she was fighting the urge to grab his shirt and smash her forehead to his. She would not headbutt him, the arrogant little shit, tempting as it was. “If you want to try the door be my guest.”Morda went back to her seat, pulling up her omni-tool. She was halfway through sending a message when Tann’s displeased sound made her look up.“You must have done something!” Tann finally exclaimed. “The door was working fine when Addison, Kesh and Ryder left.”“Quite frankly, I don’t care for your tone,” then again when had Tann sounded anything but accusatory when talking to her. “And you will address me with the proper respect even if it’s just the two of us.”“The door won’t open, I have things to do! Places to be.” Tann spluttered. It was perversely pleasing to simply shrug and turn her attention back to her omni-tool. At least she would have if not for the next words that came from Tann’s mouth.“Just break down the door and I’ll be on my way.”Morda just froze, hand paused in midtype before she slowly raised her head to look at Tann with narrowed eyes. Just when she thought she had heard it all, Tann always managed to open his mouth and make a further ass of himself. Morda just stared at him, wondering if this… this scumsucker had any idea of how close she was.“Hello? I know you can hear me.”“You know, I barely tolerated you before the exiling. Not as if I had much choice, what with us all staring down death. But now, I truly see you for what you are: you’re just a jumped up bureaucrat who is in a position that should have gone to someone else better and qualified. You can’t be trusted to a high degree in my opinion and the word accountability is an entirely strange concept for you.”Never in her life had Morda seen a salarian flush as green as Tann had. But he took a deep breath and when he spoke it was with a forceful calm.“I know you’re still upset about how the krogan were treated and we’ve promised to do better.”“Doing a piss poor job of that, since I seem to be the one dealing with all the shit you heap on the krogan who thought to chance the Nexus again,” Morda sneered as she finally dropped her omni-tool to peg Tann with a hard look and a cruel grin. “Shouldn’t be surprised really. I mean look at you, a little man who kept an even smaller man to do his bidding.”“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Tann gave a sniff as he crossed his arms.All Morda could do was laugh, because really, “Do you think I don’t know about Spender? About how you and Addison covered it up? Much as I don’t like Ryder, I can at least respect them and trust their word. Ryder really stuck it you, didn’t they?” and given how Tann was looking gobsmacked, failing to get the words out, she couldn’t resist slipping in a mocking, “Ah, someone’s all tadpole-tongued now.”“You expected me to keep the word for an illegal backroom deal that Spender made to get you to help us all?!” Tann began shouting. “You should have helped because it was the right thing to do!”Morda narrowed her gaze. “Why would it be illegal? Didn’t you enable Spender to act as your voice during the crisis?”“To a certain extent, yes.”“Oh, so you just didn’t like the words he put in your mouth. You’ve made it no secret of how you view krogan. You can’t even view us as people. We’re just convenient things for you to use and throw away when done with.”There was a pause and then Tann looked like he was chewing on nails and trying to think of the right thing to say. “The krogan are a valued—”Morda was out of her seat faster than she thought, stomping towards Tann. The salarian scrambled back until he hit the wall and had nowhere else to go. She stopped, letting him feel the fury rolling off of her. “If you lie to my face on more time Jarun Tann, I will not be held responsible for the fallout.” Morda let her words sink in. “You go behind backs, cut deals, disavow yourself when the result isn’t what you like… no wonder Sloane loathed you. You think power is this easy thing that gives you what you want when you want? Power is fight and blood, doing what is right for everyone else not just for yourself and what you want. No wonder the Exiling went down the way it did with you leading. How we all didn’t die under your leadership…” she trailed off, narrowing her gaze as something sunk in. “Ryder is the only damn reason any of you are still alive, aren’t they?”There it was that glimmer of fear, of doubt, in Tann’s eyes. With a scornful snort, she went back to her seat. Morda would fully admit that she didn’t really like Ryder: too much lip, too much nonchalance about extremely serious matters. But Ryder had given her the drive core and then stuck around on Elaaden for a good long while.Ryder had stayed planetside for a further three weeks, going around like a rabid varren. They were cleaning house on Outlaw outposts and nests, finding plant samples out in the far reaches that others couldn’t easily get to. Samples that, as far as Morda understood it, came right back to New Tuchanka to the hydroponics for testing and cultivating. Not even mentioning how they seemed to hit up anything Remnant based and also recalibrated the entire Vault system. Potable water had become much less of an issue since the rains started and the underground aquafiers slowly began replenishing.Damnit. Morda gave a long sigh, rubbing at her brow. Maybe… just maybe Ryder wasn’t as annoying as she initially suspected. No, not annoying… childish. Yes, that was the better word. And looking at it in that light… had Ryder put her on the council because it was the sole way to ensure the krogan actually had a proper voice? Had some damn say in things that rightfully should involve them?“Ancestors damn it…” she muttered to herself. She was going to need to have a chat with Ryder as soon as possible.“Be that as it may,” Tann paused to clear his throat. “That still doesn’t get us out of here.”“And once again, you prove your uselessness.” Morda didn’t bother looking at him, picking up a datapad to review the meeting notes. “I sent a message to Kesh already.”“Oh.”All Morda could do was shake her head. Typical Tann, why was she not surprised. An awkward silence settled in and Tann kept fiddling with the door as if he could magically open. After a few minutes, he sighed and took a seat at the far end of the table away from her. Awkward silence was something she was used to, dealt with it enough when she declared herself Overlord of New Tuchanka because everyone else was waving their quad around instead of getting shit done.“Why do you insist on having everything immediately?”Tann spoke quietly, his gaze not wavering from hers. Huh, this was new. Tann only met her gaze when he went digging for some backbone. Seemed as if he actually found some this time.“The fact that you’re asking me this tells me that you’re not fit for your position. We came to Andromeda because we were promised that things would be different, that we would be given an equal voice. We were second-class citizens back in the Milky Way, so imagine how we felt when we came here with promise of something different and it was the exact same varren shit all over again? If we don’t get it immediately, we never will. Especially with you in the position you’re in. You aren’t Jien.”He didn’t hide his wince enough, but he took a slow, deep breath. “What would it take to gain your trust?”There was no fighting the laugh that escaped her. “You may one day earn some measure of respect from me, but don’t hold your breath. The one thing you will never have is my trust. You’ve done too much damage in your carelessness and your reckless grabbing of power. I’m here because Ryder named me to the Council and I speak for all the krogan and raise issues that they ask me to. I serve them, not the other way around. The Nexus isn’t your little kingdom. That’s a lesson you need to—”The door chimed open and Ryder was standing there, a strange expression on their face. Anger, trepidation and annoyance, though it all made sense a few seconds later.“Representative Morda, Tann I apologise for the circumstance you found yourself in. Someone thought it would be hilarious to lock the door on you both. I’ve dealt with it.”There was no denying Ryder got shit done. Morda rose from her seat and headed for the door, not sparing a glance at the thoughtful Tann still sitting down.“Ryder, I need a moment of your time if you have it.”“Sure thing. Tann?”“I… have some issues to attend to.”Both Morda and Ryder watched as Tann shook off his thoughts and hurried from the room, slipping past them with a hasty apology. But Morda didn’t miss how Ryder watched as Tann left, gaze suddenly shrewd and she was starting to suspect that the childish way Ryder responded to things was probably the best disguise they could have. As soon as Tann was gone and out of earshot, Morda turned to face them.“I want the truth Ryder: why did you name me to the Council?”There was a lazy shrug and they gave a ‘hmm’ before answering, “I wasn’t about to let the Nexus shaft the krogan again. Tann needs to figure his shit out and how to work with you guys before it becomes something that blows up in his face and he’s out a job or worse. Though that might not be a bad thing, depending on who you ask…”That was it, Morda was never underestimating Ryder ever again. But then Ryder looked at her and said something she was not expecting.“But since we’re being honest with each other, I did watch a bit of you ripping into him before I told the techs to shut it down. Surprisingly hard to get information about just what happened then. And I wasn’t about to just take Spender at his word.”For a moment, Morda felt a flash of anger at that. Spying and eavesdropping like that? But if Ryder had flat out asked her? Yeah, she wouldn’t really have told him a thing, said it was the past and to leave it there.“You…” Morda paused with a dry ‘heh’ before she continued. “We’ve been on our own for so long, I wasn’t too sure what to make of you when you showed up. Kesh vouched for you to some degree, Drack a lot more. Said you were a decent person, reliable and trustworthy. They were right. I’ve been harsh.”“Eh, no worries.” Ryder shrugged with a waved hand. “The more I hear about that first year, the less I can fault some people for choices made. Well, to some degree. We don’t always see eye to eye, but give me a shout if something needs done. Or let Drack know and we’ll handle it.”“You make that offer to just anyone?” Morda couldn’t help the cynical comment, it was pretty much an ingrained response to Ryder.“Haha, no, just allies,” Ryder grinned and gave a cheeky wink and salute. “Though, I wish I could say half the stuff you said to Tann. You’re kinda my hero right now Morda.”That made her laugh. “How bad was your first meeting with him?”“We both called each other out on how unqualified we were for our jobs. We’re at a stalemate.”“Better than me. I nearly declared war.”This easy banter and rapport with Ryder was a strange thing. Not unwelcome, but strange. Common enemies were good for many things it would seem. Amusement reached Ryder’s eyes as they crinkled with a smile.“All right then, glad that was sorted out. I’m sure I’ll do something within a few days that’ll piss you off, so I’m gonna go and make good my escape.” Ryder started walking away but called out, “I’ll keep chipping away at Tann. Hopefully, he won’t be so much of an asshole about anything krogan with some time.”All Morda could do was shake her head. Maybe they did have more of a chance in this galaxy than she first thought.

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“You’re getting much better.”“Aw, I bet you say that to all the ladies,” Sidera laughed before flaring her mandibles and jaws in an effort to cool down. Tiran huffed out a laugh before he flared his own mandibles as well. For someone who was working a desk job, Sidera was really pushing herself to learn some APEX basics. She’d been at hand-to-hand combat for the past four months. Add in her propensity for slipping in whatever tricks she knew and she was forcing Tiran to constantly think on his feet. Though he definitely didn’t want to be the one to explain to Vetra that her little sister knew how to fight dirty. He’d also heard that she was finding time to get to the gun range as well. If his gaze just glossed over the paperwork, Tiran figured maybe he could get away with saying he didn’t know she was there. With a Predator. For at least two hours every other day.Not to mention how she competently handled the logistics of missions, dealt with seeing the teams properly equipped before heading out, ensured proper triage for squads coming in injured, or handled emergency extractions, not to mention keeping him appraised of issues well before they became more serious… her competency was letting Sajax lead teams into the field much more.All in all Sidera Nyx was a more than competent APEX co-ordinator. Thank the Spirits someone realised just how competent she was too late. Tough plates for Tann’s department, no way was he sending her back to languish in some crappy administrative role when she’d become so invaluable.Sidera gave a long exhale as she straightened up, arms reaching above her head. “Hey Kandros, feeling hungry?”“Hm?” he scratched at the back of his fringe. “Yeah, I could go for a bite to eat. Maybe something other than rations.”“Well,” Sidera sidled up to him, mischief alight in her eyes. “I may have heard a rumour that some place managed to get a line on steak.”Tiran stared at her for a moment. “Steak, as in actual meat? Not freeze-dried or grown in a vat? Meat meat? Meat on a bone?”“Uh huh.” Sidera was grinning now. “C’mon, live a little. You’re teaching me hand to hand. Let me show you how to unwind a bit.”“I’m fun.” Tiran tried to protest.“Right. Me making you assemble your own coffee table at like 2 AM does not count.” Sidera raised a brow plate at him. “Okay, look, if it’s a bust, we never speak of it again.”Tiran couldn’t help but laugh. “With your instincts, how is this possibly going to be a bust?”
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Somehow, they had settled into a routine. Work, sparring sessions and then at the end of the work cycle, Sidera would coax him into doing something. The first night out had been for steaks in a tiny crammed cargo hold on the Nexus.It had been hard, trying to not think of the hazards posed by dining in an overcrowded illegal restaurant in a supposedly decommissioned cargo bay, but the luxeras steak had been so good, he’d immediately forgiven it. Though he did mention to the host that a few less people crammed in there would go a long way to him overlooking things. Going out after their work cycle was done had become something of a ritual, one that Tiran had come to look forward to. Though, how Sidera always came up with activities to do was something he was grateful for. If it had been him, they would have been at Vortex most of the time.There had been lunches in Hydroponics, late breakfasts at the Observation Deck, looking down the length of the Nexus. Sometimes, she even managed quick weekend trips to planets under the guise of “overseeing APEX field operations.” It honestly made his plans for this end of this work cycle seem—“Ah, Mr. Kandros?”He looked up from his console to find a human looking at him. For a moment, he scrutinised the short hair and wide face. Sometimes the differences between the Terran sexes were so subtle, it took him a bit. He saw rounded cheeks, no noticeable bump in the throat, so he hazarded, “How can I help you, ma’am?”A red colouration came to her face and it took Tiran a moment to remember the words. Yes, humans called it a ‘blush’. He patiently waited as the woman seemed to gather her courage. There was a moment, then a quick inhale before she said,“I was wondering if, perhaps, if you’re not busy this evening… that is, do you like alcohol? I mean,” the woman seemed to get redder and redder. “If you have the time, maybe you’d like to have a drink tonight?”For a moment, Tiran wasn’t too sure what to say. “Er, your name, ma’am?”“Albright! Finch Albright! I work over in Logistics.” she gestured to the offices on the other side of the atrium.“Miss Albright,” Tiran began. “I’m sorry but I have a prior engagement this evening.”“Oh,” she seemed to deflate before she looked back at him. “Another time, maybe?”“It’s a long-standing engagement.” Tiran clarified and somehow, the woman went ever redder. “Can I help you with anything else?”“No, that’s fine. I should go, I have…”Tiran watched, confused as the woman didn’t even finish talking, just beat a quick path to the the walkway to the tram and for a moment, Tiran wondered what that was all about. It was Sajax shaking her head with an amused laugh threaded with a thrum of disbelief.“I swear Kandros, you’re never going to have children.” At Tiran’s narrowed gaze, she snorted. “Don’t give me that look. You’re the most noseblind turian I have ever met.”“I have other priorities other than dating at the moment.”“Oh really?” Sajax gave a considering trill and then asked, “So, since you didn't let her knock you to the mat in training today, when’s Nyx coming by?”“Twenty three hundred.”“Mm, and what are you two up to tonight?”“Surprising her.”“Surprising her,” Sajax repeated slowly. “What with, if I can ask.”“She’s been planning a lot of excursions. I thought perhaps a picnic in the arboretum would be a nice change of pace.”“A picnic. In the arboretum. The recently opened arboretum with all those big fancy plants and that view,” Sajax just stared at him for a bit before she asked, “Any reason in particular you chose a picnic in the arboretum?”“It’s not so busy there later at night and things have been a bit hectic lately—”Sajax made a frustrated sound as she stabbed at some buttons before her console went dark and she snatched up a datapad.“Spirits help her, you’re damned nose blind. Absolutely nose-blind!”Tiran watched as Sajax stomped off before he clacked his mandibles in thought. Surely Sajax… didn’t mean what he thought she meant. Not that he had much time to think about it, since his workstation was flashing with an incoming message. A flicker of motion caught his attention and he could see from his peripheral vision that it was Sidera waiting nearby; there was no mistaking those pale plates. It did make him hurry up, quickly finishing up with the needed reviews.“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Tiran started closing down programs before logging out. “It’s—”He froze when he looked up and properly saw her. She was lounging against a stack of crates, going over something on her omni-tool. Tiran was trying his best to just not stare at her outfit. The long dark-grey tunic had slits up to the waist, showing flashes of dark burgundy underneath. But it was harder to not be distracted by the flashes of waist he could see as she stood up straight and came over. “Team Charlie did good, clearing out the kett,” she grinned. “Yeah, I was going over the same report. That sector out by Presson should be good for awhile. They’re really trying to take it back, huh?”Right, Tiran need to look her in the eye and use his words like the responsible adult he was. He was not going to ogle her waist like some creep. “Push comes to shove, we can get a Pathfinder to check it out.” Tiran reached under the station and pulled out a small crate he tucked under his arm. “Time for your surprise.”“Oh, and what is it?” she came over, looping her arm through his free one. “Something fun?”All Tiran managed was to grin and started them to the tram. He was still distracted by trying to not think of her waist and how she held his arm close. Sidera was going on about how she was getting to be pretty good with a pistol and was thinking of branching out to something more serious, like an assault rifle.It honestly was so easy to talk to her about that, helping her weigh the pros and cons of each weapon. Plus, given what he’d seen of her fighting style something that allowed her more mobility was a definite plus but she could use more punching power, so shotguns were something she should consider. How they went from the tram to the arboretum was a bit of a surprise to him but it also didn’t take long to spread the blanket and start setting up dinner. “Oh, this looks so nice Tiran. Let me just get this tunic off.”Tiran nodded, half glancing back at her, but when he stood up and turned to face her completely it was very hard to just not stare. Her burgundy dress almost looked asari made, with the wide cut-outs at the hips showing off her trim waist and honestly was the deep vee of the keel cut always like that? Why was it practically down to her hips? Plus the shimmer of gold on her armbands and he was starting to think that Sajax was absolutely correct.“Oh, so you do like what you see,” Sidera sounded far too pleased with herself. “What are we having for dinner?”Yes, answering was a good idea. Just as soon as Tiran could get his tongue and mouth to work properly. Any moment now.“Am I that nose-blind?”Sidera stared at him for a moment before giving an amused laugh. The quiet thrum of pleasure underneath did make Tiran want to kick himself. She stepped in closer to him, hands settling on his forearms. “Very nose-blind. Though, I didn’t make it easy for you.”That made him narrow his gaze, mind trying to figure out what she meant by that. After a few moments, he took a deep breath. He seriously couldn’t smell anything. “Have you been using…” He trailed off as she nodded her head. “Why?”“I didn’t want things to be awkward between us,” Sidera paused. “Especially when we were training. I’ve been told my pheromones are as loud as a dreadnought klaxon. It’s led to some confusing moments with people I am not actually interested in. Are you actually interested in me?”For a moment, Tiran could only look at her with a million things running through his mind. Only the words that he actually said…“I think that we can eat dinner first.”Why that was the first thing to leave his mouthplates, he had no idea but Spirits was he ever kicking himself. But Sidera didn’t seem to mind, sitting down on the blanket and looking at him expectantly. “This was a really nice idea,” she fluttered her mandibles in a coy grin. “Romantic too.”“Yes well…” Tiran coughed to clear his throat. “It is, isn’t it?”It undeniably was, the glass ceiling above showing the bright clouds of the planet below them, the dim lighting scattered about and reflecting back on the sky above them… she did look beautiful. “We don’t have to eat dinner, you know.” Sidera moved in closer to him, hand resting on his lightly. “Food is the last thing on your mind, isn’t it?”“All I can think about is you,” Tiran admitted and Sidera clasped his hand. “We’re always working, how about we just sit here together and stargaze?”“I’d like that. We can always eat dinner later.”Sidera snuggled right in beside him, and Tiran felt like his heart was going to burst from his keel and as if her grip was the only thing anchoring him down.“Uh, there is one thing I do want to ask you,” at her questioning sound, he gave a quick laugh. “How long exactly have we been dating?”“Awhile now,” Sidera chuckled. “I figured you’d catch on at some point. If not…”“That’s what the dress was for?” Tiran ventured.“See, knew you’d catch on,” Sidera gave a content purr. “I’ve liked you for awhile now, but I didn’t want you to feel pressured.”“I’m smart on a lot of things. But this…” Tiran paused for a moment. “I always told myself we still have too much to deal with to really bother with a relationship. But I had you all this time and I’m not taking that for granted again.”The silence from Sidera was belied by a surprised thrum. He cupped her jaw with his hand, turning her head to look at him. It was all too easy to rest his forehead to hers and let his subharmonics go completely. Let her feel the sincerity and admiration thrum through his plates to hers. It was only a second before he felt the response, down to his plates and bones.“You and me, Sidera.”Her answering purr said everything Tiran didn't know he wanted.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

1.

They had an elegance to them. Seeing the designed lines on the thin datapad display, Kallo could almost see the aerodynamics in action. The uppermost right hand schematic would cut through headwinds and those thrusters would give enough power to lift through the atmosphere and into the sky. But one dead center had it’s appeal. With that build and reinforced structural girders, it would easily hold against the gravimetric stresses of the largest planet easily enough. But that little one, in the lower left hand corner was all sleek lines like a caged - “Are you paying attention?”He glanced up seeing his supervisor frowning at him. He got caught daydreaming once as he was cataloguing and for some reason this jumped up spawn thought Kallo was incapable of doing his job. He swallowed down the annoyed sound and swiftly selected categories before pulling up the next batch of ships. “Of course I am. Sometimes, a ship falls into multiple categories and so ensuring it’s properly labelled requires careful discretion. Unless you prefer that I rush through this…”The supervisor paused now, just watching him. “This isn’t the first time I caught you staring at the datapad.”Oh, Kallo knew how to twist this one back. “Looking at the datapad is part of the job.” The supervisor flushed and Kallo decided to plough on, explaining just how he went about deciding on a catalogue category. It only took about five minutes before he could see the other salarian’s eyes glaze over from all the technical jargon. Kallo was thankful for that infamous salarian memory that let him know exactly what to prattle on about to distract from the fact that he had actually been daydreaming about the ships. “All right, all right!” the supervisor waved his hands as if that would stop the barrage of words. “But you’re on thin ice. If you’re caught daydreaming again, I will have no choice but to call Dalatrass Oluse and explain that perhaps we were hasty in taking you on so soon.”Kallo just watched as his supervisor left. He supposed he should feel worried, anxious about not being caught again. As far as he knew, his dalatrass had pulled some strings to get him this position at Parohe. But even as he quickly catalogued the page and the next came up, he found himself just staring at the diagrams before clicking on one to enlarge it. The whole schematic was there for his perusal and how could he look at this and not wonder about how it actually would fly. The wings seemed a bit too stubby, definitely not a ship that could enter atmo without some sort of mass effect field to compensate. It would ride solar winds in space like a dream though, like a skimmer board on the waves of the ocean.He was good at his job, performed it well and flawlessly. But he had come to this job right after his schooling and that… hadn’t been what he wanted. There was something about this bureaucratic sort of life that wasn’t enough. And looking at the ships, his supervisor’s third rebuke still fresh in his mind…Yes, his dalatrass had arranged this for him, presumably with some end in mind. Given his technical proficiencies, he supposed his dalatrass looked at his scoring and here he was. And he knew he wouldn’t even exist without her say so, but still there was something to looking at the ships that made him yearn, that made him feel alive. It was so strange to be sitting here, doing exactly what he had been censured for not even five minutes ago. He needed more than this job. He needed more than sitting here, looking at them and wondering how they performed. What he needed, Kallo realised, was to sit in a pilot’s seat and fly. 2. “Dalatrass Oluse will see you now.”Kallo was definitely nervous now as he stepped into the humid office. He’d only seen his dalatrass maybe three times. Once when he had just hatched, the first and most important imprinting. The second time was when he’d finished his schooling and she had said she would see him placed in a suitable position. He had assumed the next time he saw her would be for breeding request purposes. That would have entailed him petitioning to see her; a dalatrass’ time was valuable. Her summoning him and before work as well?There was nothing good that would come from this. He walked in, seeing a the robed figure sitting at a wide desk. Dalatrass Oluse was just as he remembered her, pale brown markings against rich green skin and white robes immaculate. She looked up as he approached, placing the datapad down and gestured to the chair in front of her desk. Kallo hated that he felt like a truant child; Oluse didn’t look mad but dalatrasses very rarely showed anger overtly, not when they had other methods of expressing their displeasure. The silence stretched on as he sat there waiting for her to speak. “So, you’re studying piloting.”No, no no no, Kallo was very wrong. He much preferred the agony of the silence, of the unknown. This was worse because she knew. And the way she said that sentence, she knew full well he’d been studying for while now. There was no point in lying, in trying to get out of it. This was his dalatrass and she obviously knew the full extent of his extracurricular activities. So he did the only thing he could do.“Yes, I am.”Oluse made a thoughtful sound as she shifted back in the chair. Her purple eyes were just watching him, as if dissecting him right back down to a tadpole in the egg clutch. He would not squirm, he was almost full grown, damn it, but keeping her gaze was probably one of the hardest things he’d ever done. He didn’t want to feel guilty about studying how to fly, but he couldn’t bring himself to be apologetic about it. After a moment, she leaned forward and clasped her hands together lightly. “I know you’ve had some difficulties at work. Daydreaming, I think is the term used,” she frowned, fingers drumming against her knuckles. “Perhaps if you got it out of your system, it would allow you to function better.”Kallo could only stare as she shifted back into her seat. Was she…“You may continue studying and you will continue working at Parohe. Testing for flight school admission is in six months. That will be your one and only chance,” her mouth quirked up into a small smile. “Am I understood?”His heart felt like it was going to burst out of his cartilage. She was saying what he thought! Olsue cleared her throat, large purple eyes blinking once and right, yes, Kallo did need to say something.“Yes, yes, of course dalatrass!”Oluse’s smile widened and Kallo felt dizzy from the relief and elation. She raised a hand and gestured to the door.“Off you go. You shouldn’t be late for work.”Kallo was sure he babbled something out, but what he had no idea. But as he headed to the local transport stop, he felt as if he was floating up to the skies. In six months, he would have his shot. In six months, he would be more than ready. 3. This… this was surreal. The email was sitting in his extranet inbox and here he was in Oluse’s office again. Mannovai Aeronautics. The test had only been yesterday, this was a very fast turnaround. It was either very good news or very bad. Even going over everything in his head, he couldn’t recall anything that he’d done wrong. Mannovai always tested candidates in sims and on their written knowledge. The in-house training was very particular and a company secret. Even taking the sim test had required signing an NDA. Lucky for him that he had read over Parohe’s contract when he’d started there and how there wasn’t a non-competition clause… either it was sheer arrogance on their part or the dumbest of oversights ever. Still…“You won’t know until you open it.” Oluse said mildly. Kallo made an affirmative sound, glancing up at her nervously before he took a deep breath and tapped on the icon. The email flashed to the text and his eyes widened as he read the words there.“They’re offering me a position and training effective immediately.”Eleven months ago, if anyone had told Kallo that he’d be sitting in his dalatrass’ office and holding his dreams in his hands, he would have called them crazy and then thought the same of himself for hoping. But here he was and oh, how he wanted to reply that he could start effective immediately. But still, there were repercussions to be dealt with. “Parohe will not let me go easily.”Oluse gave a dismissive sniff. “They should not have been lazy with the contract. A Jath knows their value and should not settle for less.”Something in her words made Kallo pause. True the Jath clan wasn’t as elevated or prestigious as the Linron or Nassa clan, but they were secure enough. But still, something in Oluse’s words made Kallo pause, and really study her. Hands clasped and with a patient look on her face, he felt as if she wasn’t talking about the external forces in life. That perhaps, he needed to look more inwards and make a determination for himself. Oluse gave a quiet chuckle, eyes crinkling as she smiled. “Off you go Kallo. I shall send you the necessary paperwork to terminate your employment with Parohe. They will talk, but I don’t think that matters now to you, does it?”“But the clan -”“When one knows their value, the slander of those who don’t value you is worthless. And a Jath knows their worth, Kallo.”The firm and sure way she stated it, even with the smile reaching her eyes… Kallo wondered just how she came by that knowledge. What had happened to make her speak so firmly. He knew the clan history inside and out but the way she spoke hinted at something else. So when he stood, he gripped tight onto the datapad that held his new future.“A Jath knows their worth, Dalatress Oluse.”She waved him out again, the smile still on her face. Kallo walked out of the room, leaving the last of his guilt and regret behind. He was going to be a test pilot.

4.

Parohe was the absolute worst. Ever since he left for Mannovai, they had done nothing but slander him to anyone who would listen. From what he understood, the humans had a saying about what Parohe was doing: “if I can’t have you, then no one can.” How else to explain all the looks and how his fellow test pilots were withdrawing from him.His dalatrass’ words were his rock now. They anchored him and kept him sure. Even Parohe couldn’t detract from the joy of flying though. It was everything he had wanted it to be and more. Taking the shuttle up for the first time with the external cameras on…He’d seen the heat from the atmosphere whipping past change from streaks of white to brilliant orange from the heat. Seen the blue skies and white clouds of Sur’Kesh fade and thin to the vast starry expanse of space. It had left him with such a sense of awe and wonder. Re-entry was nothign to shrug at either. Entering atmo again, he could feel the tug of gravity as if Sur’Kesh was welcoming him back. Stars faded out to the blue skies and the humidity was always refreshing after the dry, recycled shuttle airflow.No, Kallo didn’t regret leaving Parohe one bit. Knowing that he had his dalatrass’ unspoken blessing was - “Are you in here Kallo?”“Here Yoparth,” Kallo peered around the locker, surprised to see the engineer here. “I don’t see you down from design enough.”“I much prefer someone else to test my work. But I was wondering if you’d like to maybe see how we operate up in design.”For a moment, Kallo didn’t say anything as his grip tightened on his locker door. “Did someone put you up to this?”“What? No, it’s just,” Yoparth leaned in, “You’re one of the best test pilots we have and Parohe is putting enough pressure on upper management, saying that you’re not trustworthy.”“And you’d stick your neck out for any test pilot?”“For you, yes. Your reports on the designs read like poetry and your suggested changes make sense. We’ve seen a 22% design efficiency increase from your suggestions. With those kind of results and what you probably recall from your time at Parohe, I would have to be crazy to not try and get you on my team. You appreciate ships as much as we do, just from a different angle.”Kallo drummed his fingers, considering Yoparth’s offer. A chance to see and learn the other side of ships, to actually design schematics, maybe even see if some of his own ideas had any merit…“Interdepartmental transfer?”“Of course! I, ah, already put in the request. I know they’ll put it through if only to punt the Parohe headache to me.”“I haven’t even given any trademarked information to you.” Kallo shook his head.“They think you have. So why not have a little fun. Only things you can share, we don’t need a full-blown lawsuit.”Looking at Yoparth, Kallo found his dalatrass’ words echoing in his head again. He nodded. “Am I reporting to you tomorrow morning, then?”“Hopefully! I’ll let you know as soon as I do! You won’t regret this!”Kallo couldn’t help but smile as Yoparth stumbled out of the room, all eager excitement. He’d been like that when he’d started at Parohe, before the tedium of the job had tried to worm its way into his soul. He shut his locker door, contemplating the slats for a moment before he shook his head and headed to the hangar bay. Who would have thought his last test flight would have been today?

5.

Yes, Parohe was the absolute… scumsucking worst. Kallo truly did appreciate everything Yoparth had done for him. It had been a glorious two years working in design and engineering. And Yoparth had been an excellent teacher, showing him the design fundamentals, how to account for different factors, that planetary conditions should be taken into account, not to mention anything about gravometric shear…It had been a strangely heady mix to see his ideas go from paper to prototype. Kallo almost wished he could be the one to test it himself.But Parohe was relentless and even Yoparth hadn’t been able to shield him completely in the end. Parohe got their wish and he was done at Mannovai. Truth be told, he was probably done at any reputable aerospace place.He wasn’t known for lashing out, for getting angry. They would think that he just did as directed and left, wouldn’t think anything of the innocuous OSD left in Yoparth’s locked drawer. Actually, for his first bit of breaking and entering, Kallo thought he had done pretty good. Was it petty to leave every single thing he could recall from his time at Parohe behind for the salarian who had become his friend? No. And it certainly wasn’t going to be his fault if, by the time Parohe realised that Mannovai had designs tweaked just enough to skirt patent law that it would be too late to do anything about it.If Parohe wanted no one to have him, then he would freely give up everything he had from them.But going back home and facing Oluse… Kallo couldn’t bring himself to do that quite yet. How he wound up on the Citadel though, it was like looking back at a dream. He’d gone to the spaceport, managed to just catch the next transport and here he was on the space station. Than goodness his Mannovai credentials still worked, probably Yoparth doing him one last kindness. So here he was, sitting at a port viewing spot, watching the ships drift in and out of dock.For a brief, shining moment, he had - “Here you are Mr. Jath,” a human woman sat down beside him with quiet sigh. “You are a bit of a tricky one to catch. Our recruitment officer just missed you on Sur’Kesh.”“Excuse me,” Kallo shifted in his seat, looking around. “You are?”“Jien Garson. I know you’ve had some trouble with Parohe. I’ll be honest with you, all their complaining drew out attention.”“Hm, then you know that I just got fired from Mannovai.”“I know. And by all accounts, you were an excellent and adaptive test pilot, scored the second highest on their sim test and are the only pilot in their program to switch to design and engineering and to help come up with some innovative designs. Those also caught our attention.”When it was phrased like that, it did sound fairly impressive. Still though, “Who are you?”“I’ll get right to the point, Mr. Jath: I work for the Andromeda Initiative and we’d like to offer you a position in aeronautical research and development of a prototype ship.”“Parohe ran me out of Mannovai. They’ll do the same with you.”Jien shook her head with a smile. “Your singular expertise is invaluable Mr Jath. Parohe could scream until they’re green in the face, but we would not let you go should you choose to accept the offered position.”Suddenly, Kallo found himself back to almost three year ago, when he’d been sitting in a chair with a datapad in his hand. That had been a brink then, but this one, this time… it felt almost like a yawning chasm. It felt big, irrational as that sounded. Something all encompassing and he could feel his heart pound with anticipation.“And what do I get out of this?” Kallo found himself asking.“Everything you ever could have wanted Mr. Jath. You get to design and, if you like, you get to fly.”

+1

He had asked to see her this time. Kallo was surprised that she agreed, took the time. But this time she wasn’t at her desk, just looking out from the wide window down at the lush jungle growth. He didn’t move, trying his best to fix the image into his mind. The way the light fell on her white robes, how her skin gleamed with humidity as she turned to look at him. Then her eyes were crinkling as she smiled, gesturing for him to come over to her. So he did, standing beside her and feeling nervous all over again. If he had even imagined that him agreeing to join the Andromeda Initiative would lead to this…“You’re going, aren’t you?”That was all Oluse said and Kallo nodded. She made a thoughtful sound, turning to him slightly as she picked up his hand. “Forgive the sentimentality. You are the youngest of my spawn and in you,” she paused, swallowing hard before continuing. “I see everything I could have been and how much you have even surpassed that.”Kallo was so surprised, so shocked that he completely forgot himself. “Mother-”“Kallo, you are carrying our clan name to a new galaxy. You are going past the edges of all that we know to venture into the unknown. You will outlive me and untold generations of our species. In this endeavour, I think you have finally found yourself.”Suddenly Kallo had regrets. That he hadn’t asked more of her life. What had she hoped for herself before she found herself leading their clan? And now here he was, with no time to ask, no time to listen and know. How had he not thought to glean whatever wisdom she had? Oluse patted his hand before going to her desk and picking up a small OSD and pressing it into his hand.“When you arrive in your new home, should you need something of the past, this is for you. There are some others of our clan going to Andromeda. Other daring, adventurous souls such as yourself. The full listing is there. When you arrive, find and help each other. Help to find the worth.” Oluse paused. “I do envy you, to leap off the edge and truly test yourself against the unknown.”“A Jath knows their worth,” Kallo said before adding on, “And only a Jath can redefine it.”Oluse smiled, pressing a hand against his thick cartilaginous chest ridge and Kallo did the same to hers.“May you find everything you ever wanted in Andromeda, Kallo.” “I hope you get the chance to do the same here, Mother.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Outcasts certainly didn’t go down without a fight, Vetra would give them that. It had taken almost a week of running around the badlands of Kadara to find the last of their bases. What Vetra hadn’t been expecting was for Kaetus to be there, talons bared and more than ready to take down Scott. Seemed he figured if he couldn’t get to Reyes, the Pathfinder was the next best thing.
‘You need heavier armour Scott, keep wearing that paper sack and you’ll get yourself killed.’
Vetra took a deep breath, dared to look back down were Scott’s head was cradled in her lap. If she looked at Scott, she could see him breathing, not see how he’d come stumbling out from a stack of crates with a furious Kaetus right on him. How there had been two quickly blocked blows even as she raised her gun. Then the two vicious swipes, one somehow cutting through armour and the other right into Scott’s chest. The crimson had shocked her. Maybe because she was so used to seeing the bodies after all the fighting and shooting was done, where the blood had cooled and congealed to darkened puddles. It hadn’t gushed out like in the vids, no. It was a horrible wet bloom that spread down his chest, how was human blood that red?“Hey, whatcha thinking?” Scott’s voice was thin, struggling to speak louder.

“Sh sh, nothing much. Just really thinking that the Tempest will be here any second now.”Tangling with Kaetus while Scott lay there bleeding out was like something from a nightmare. And when a bullet or five finally found their way into that turian’s head, Vetra was moving before she even thought it through. She’d ripped off whatever she could, cut open the thin undersuit and ignored how deep the wounds were, slathering on medigel before barking at Liam to go and radio for an emergency extraction. That had been about fifteen minutes ago and apparently he was keeping guard on the other side of the door and -“Could have… driven there.”Honestly, Vetra didn’t think moving Scott was the best idea and she needed him to stop talking, needed him to save his strength. The medigel seemed to have helped some but her omni-tool scans showed that he was still bleeding, just on the inside now and that was never a good thing. She shook her head, stroking his damp hair and clammy brow. He was looking too pale and she didn’t know what to do about it. All these weapons, all her street smarts and she was somehow not prepared for something like this? She should have been, should have just gone claw to toe with Kaetus herself, she had plate and hide to protect her, better armour than - “They’re in here.”Liam’s muffled voice made her look up just in time to see the door slide open and Lexi hurrying in, with Drack right behind her. At least Lexi didn’t looked remotely fazed by the blood staining the floor or by Kaetus’ corpse. She simply came over, knelt beside Scott and started scanning. “He’s lost a lot of blood,” she tapped some buttons on her omni-tool. “Cora, start the medfab for synthetic type o neg. I’m seeing some other damage too, Drack, put him on the gurney carefully we shouldn’t jostle him too much.”Vetra watched as Drack picked up Scott like he was nothing and followed Lexi’s instructions to the letter and next thing she knew out the door they went and Liam was kneeling in front of her. There was a thoughtful look on his face and after a moment, he just sighed and offered his hand. “C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up, yeah.”For a moment, she just looked at Liam before reaching for his hand. But when Vetra saw her own, splotched with Scott’s dried blood, she rested her hand on the ground, pushed herself to her feet. For once there was no wiseass comment, nothing at all, just Liam following in her wake. It was silent as they got on the Tempest and it was autopilot that had her moving. Armour needed cleaning, she needed a shower and the mission debrief wasn’t gonna write itself. She never really got past the shower part. Seeing all the dirt and grime of Kadara go down the drain, dark ribbons of red blood swirling down the drain… Vetra showered, threw on a long robe and then lurked outside of the medbay. The door was locked red meaning Lexi was still at work, fixing Scott up.
‘Vetra, Dr T’Perro will be a while longer in the medbay. I can awake you if she will allow Scott visitors.’
“She better allow me.” Vetra growled.Maybe SAM picked up on her subharmonics becase he simply said, 'I did not intend to cause further distress.’“Yeah, well, here we are.” She scrubbed a hand over her face. “He nearly died down there and you’re only piping up now?!”
‘You immediately followed the correct course of action to save his life. You didn’t hesitate. Had you done so, his chances of survival would have been much lower.’
In no galaxy did she even want to think of what those odds would be. “I’ll just… wait here until Lexi is done.”
‘As you wish.’
Honestly, if anyone asked her how long she sat there, Vetra couldn’t even say. Jaal was the only one who came by, settling a blanket around her shoulders and a quiet affirmation of, “he will live.” Funny, it never seemed like earnest pity when Jaal said things like that. If it had come from anyone else, she might have bitten their head off. When that door lock finally switched back to blue, Vetra was on her feet and an exhausted Lexi came out.“I am only letting you in here because SAM told me that if you were not let in, he would open the door for you, and don’t think we won’t be discussing that SAM.”
‘Noted, Dr T’Perro.’
“He’s awake now, a little groggy but he does want to see you too. But he needs rest, so don’t keep him up too long. We can schedule an appointment tomorrow, perhaps?”The relief that flooded through her was so strong she sagged against the wall. Lexi looked alarmed, scanner out in a moment. And then she was cursing before running to the galley and back in less than a minute. Vetra wasn’t expecting a dextro protein bar to be shoved at her. “Sometimes, I think everyone on this ship would fall apart without me. Eat that as you talk to Scott and no one, I mean no one had better need me for another six hours, I need some proper sleep.”Lexi vanished into the dim crew quarters with a heavy sigh and Vetra slowly walked into the dimmed medbay. A soft beep from behind her showed that the lock had turned back to red. “Thanks SAM.”
‘No thanks are needed Vetra.’
She gave a quiet little sound, suddenly feeling unsure. It didn’t stop her from going over to where Scott was lying on a bed, tucked in carefully. She pulled up the stool, wheels squeaking a bit. Once she settled down and looked at him, she found one of his eyes open a crack, a glint of blue and a smile curving his mouth.“Is my pretty, badass girlfriend gonna jailbreak me from the medbay?”And Vetra found herself opening her mouth to say something but suddenly fifty million words stuck in her throat and after a pitiful sound limped out, she decided to just take his hand. She pressed it to her forehead, eyes fluttering shut as she tried to make her throat work. But then Scott was squeezing her hand.She shook her head. “You almost died Scott. I just…” Actually, Vetra didn’t think she could finish saying the words. She’d spent all this time managing to not think about how close she’d come to almost losing him and now it was the only thing running on a loop in her mind and spirits, she just needed something to turn it off.“Hey, Vetra,” Scott moved his hand down, trying to catch her chin. “Fuck, I’m laid up in a bed. If you make me move too much, Lexi might not let you back in.”Vetra gave a discontent rumble at that but looked at Scott. He was looking right at her and there was no mistaking the look in his eyes and it just made all her stuck words come tumbling out.“I hate that I don’t know what I’d do if you had died. It would have just been me and you wouldn’t be here and… and…”“Hey hey, ssssh,” Scott gripped her hand, tugging her in closer. “I mean, I can’t guarantee I’m gonna live forever. Not some evil scientist here. But I am willing to concede that I need better armour.”“Now you agree with me?” Vetra sputtered but when she saw the grin on his face, she could have smacked him. “Scott, please.”“Look, it was just a bad break, that’s all. Tight quarters, poor sightlines and he caught me right after I turned someone into paste. I didn’t even have a chance to get my gun. A few blocks and then-”“Two.” Vetra quietly corrected.Scott was silent for a moment before he nodded. “Next thing I know, you just went… I dunno, feral?”“Didn’t feel like it,” Vetra paused as Scott’s hand found that spot at the nape of skull, where the hide was softest. She didn’t hold back the pleased purr that came, just happy for the simple fact that he survived. “Kaetus tried to kill you. I made sure he never could again.”“That’s… a kinda scary measurement. Like, I love you, don’t get me wrong. But to know you’d go that far for me?”She shifted her head enough to look at him. There was a contemplative look on his face as he kept moving his fingers and then he gave a heavy sigh. “I’d do the same for you. Sometimes I look at you and I realise I’d absolutely wreck someone’s shit for you. Kill someone? Yeah. You and Sid. No, wait, not that I’d kill you and Sid… shit, that came out wrong. But it’s like this… thing inside me that knows for sure I would do whatever I had to. Does… Does that make sense? Please say it does and that I didn’t sound like a creepy serial killer in waiting.”For a moment, all Vetra could do was stare at Scott because that was a lot of words that came flying at her. There was no stopping the smile that came to her face, mandibles flaring down and out. The smile that came to Scott’s face was wide and she leaned in, resting their foreheads together. “Well, I guess you’re my creepy serial killer then.”“Mm,” Scott hummed happily. “With this great power comes such great responsibility.”Vetra drew back, narrowing her eyes. “Did you just quote that ancient Terran comic book thing you’re always reading?”“It’s not wrong!” Scott tried. “But on the upside, I definitely need new armour so… you wanna design me a better paper bag?”“How about I never let you leave the Tempest?”“Only if you stay with me.”There was no helping it, Vetra just started laughing as she shook her head. When it subsided, Scott’s hand was back on her nape, gently scratching. “Glad we got our measurements. But do not be surprised if your new armour is just me wrapping you in impact gel.”“… Do you think Kallo would be mad if you did roll me up in that and I jumped off the Tempest? See how far I’d bounce?”“Kallo would be second in line.”“Right, then, you design me something and I’ll wear it.”“Mm, much better plan.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“So, run this by me again,” Vetra placed a hand on her hip as she looked around. “This is our romantic date?”“Uh, in restrospect, this is was definitely not one of my better ideas,” Scott scratched at his chin, feeling chagrined. “But I got so excited when I found this, I wanted to bring you.”Vetra made that quiet little sound she always did when she was pleased. He watched as she walked up to a stasis pod, waving an hand in front of it before she looked back at him. “You didn’t think Jaal would want to come? Or even the Moshae?”“Both of them were talking to Evfra,” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Besides, maybe if we come back with some sort of intel, Evfra will hate me a little less.”“Mm, I wouldn’t say he hates you,” Vetra slid him a look and a smile. “Quiet loathing sounds better.”“I’m letting you write all my reports from now on,” Scott shook his head with a chuckle as he took her hand in his. “C’mon, let’s see what’s here.”Vetra had a few tells. They were so few an far between that Scott counted himself lucky to see them. Her eyes crinkled as she let loose that deep thrum of… something. Scott always had a hard time describing it. Best he could come up with was that it was love, pure and simple. He felt it down in his bones and she only ever did it when they were alone together. And yeah, now that the initial excitement had died down this was definitely not a romantic date. He’d basically brought her to a deep, dark cavern. One that was full of bodies in stasis pods.Sometimes, he wondered how he wound up with her at all. This romance thing was not his forte. But there were some nice parts. Walkways with moss dripping off and tendrils of roots along the edges, vast caverns with that strange ferrous liquid that seemed like it held galaxies. So long as he didn’t look at the stasis pods that popped up from time to time, he could almost pretend that this was like a walk in a strange, alien park. He’d marked off the location they were heading to and it was coming up now. The large Remnant pedestal was there waiting and when he extended his hand, the small columns moved easily as if to greet him. A year ago, this would have made him bleed and sleep for a few days. Now, it was all too easy to manipulate.“SAM, you there?” when there was no response, he tried again. “SAM?”“C’mon SAM, playing hard to get is definitely not your thing.” Vetra tried. Silence was their only response and Scott felt a flicker of worry. Sure, they were pretty far down into the guts of Meridian but he always had a connection to SAM from Port Hyperion. Something about being able to piggyback through the Remnant network established here, Scott had been lost once the technical terms started flying. “Okay, this is weird,” Vetra tapped on her earpiece and Scott heard the click of her joining his line. “SAM, where are you hiding?”There was worry in those yellow-green eyes and Scott didn’t need the words spoken to know where they were headed next. “Raincheque on the date?”“Somewhere less creepy next time. I don’t mind that they’re in stasis pod, but they’re staring…”Vetra trailed off with a shudder and Scott couldn’t help but nod in agreement. More water was falling on Eos and plants were blooming almost everywhere, not to mention the oases that were popping up. Would an oasis picnic be romantic enough? They hurried back across the walkways, making it to the gravity well in half the time. Once they were back up and the floor sealed shut behind them, their omni-tools crackled to life at the exact same time. The message was straightforward enough alright.

‘Outcasts seized Port M. w/KOS for human Ptfndr.’

For a moment, all Scott could do was stare because it felt like he was reading gibberish. Outcasts had taken Port Meridian? With a kill on sight order specifically for him? Who the hell was that stupid and ballsy enough to even try grinding that axe?Scott unholstered his pistol as he sighed, “You know, just once, I’d like for there to not be some crisis that I specifically have to solve.”“I think you half enjoy it,” Vetra already had her assault rifle in hand. “Charging in, saving the day. It kinda of your thing.”“I mean, yeah, but still. Just one uninterrupted day would be nice.”“Well, maybe after we figure out just what is going on and deal with it?” Vetra grinned at him. “You can take me somewhere without creepy bodies staring.”“Oh, done. Let’s go get some answers gorgeous.”
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It turned out the answer was all too simple and Scott should have known it was a loose end that came back to bite him in the ass super hard. Creeping into the ship was easy enough when you sent a giant distraction by way of a flaming Nomad. Vetra had been a little too amused when he suggested the plan and a single concussive shot had been enough to make the overtaxed and straining engine give up the ghost.So here they were in a storage room with two Outcast members knocked out. Vetra was trussing them up and Scott was scowling furiously at the floor as he mulled over what they had been gossiping about.Kaetus. Freaking Kaetus, who had vanished in the chaos of the Collective seizing power in Kadara Port. Scott almost wished he had stayed vanished. Why the hell would Kaetus seize control of a downed ship? The Hyperion definitely wasn’t going anywhere, girded into the cliffside. The engines had been converted to provide power and - “Hey, Scott,” Vetra waved him over. “They got some clips and I’ve got their radio -”A heavy thump on the closed door had them both aiming gun muzzles at it before a cranky, muffled voice came.. “You two better not be fucking in there, we have a big problem.”“I swear to God, Drack…” Scott mumbled, opening the door as Vetra rolled her eyes. “Why is it that whenever we’re behind a closed door, that’s what you think we’re doing?”“Because you two reek of pheromones, it’s ridiculous.”“How’d you find us old man?” Vetra finished rifling through pockets and stood up.“Everyone ran towards the flaming gift you left on the doorstep. Figured I’d head in the opposite direction. Kosta and Peebee are sneaking around causing all sorts of trouble for Kaetus. Speaking of,” he pointed a finger at Scott. “He really wants you dead.”“I know, KOS order.” Scott shook his head. “Have I mentioned that Kadara is a giant pain in the ass?”“I was gonna say he got some special dampening field up around SAM. Few people tried to crack it, got caught. Far as I know, he’s got hostages.”“Well, I can get us into their radio feeds,” Vetra pulled up her omni-tool. “Do we have to worry about them using civilians as shields?”At least Drack was able to give them a much clearer picture. The floors were isolated and as far as Drack knew, the APEX milita was pushing back but a good chunk of people were trapped in quarters or other places. Scott winced in sympathy thinking of the poor souls stuck in the turbolift. They were only dealing with whatever forces Kaetus had brought with him. But Kaetus was on the bridge, sealed in and had somehow locked out remote access.“This… just gets better and better,” Scott scrubbed a hand over his face. “How the hell did he hide so well?! I mean…”Vetra chuckled as Scott trailed off into sputters. “Andromeda is a very big galaxy, Scott.”“Ugh, you two,” Drack huffed. “Are we gonna go crack some skulls or what?”Scott just grinned, letting biotic blue wreath his body. “I’ll toss ‘em, you two can do the cracking.”“Aw, you say the nicest things.” Vetra gave a vicious sounding thrum. “They took my home and want my boyfriend dead. If they touch a hair on Scott or a plate on Sid, they’re already dead.”“Oh, nice to know I’m just chopped varren liver.”“Old man, I don’t know how you have plates left.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
The smoke from the grenade was still thick and Scott was using the thermal scope on his pistol to try and sight enemies. A door hissed open, making the smoke shift slightly and he pivoted to see a salarian shaped heat signature. Thank goodness a very familiar voice hissed out,“Ryder?!”It took almost a minute for the smoke to fully dissipate but there, half leaning out of an open doorway was Kallo. In between them was the slumped body of an Outcast member between them. Scott watched as the Outcast member slumped to the ground before he looked back up at Kallo. “So… I don’t know who actually fired that shot.”“That would be me.”Everyone looked just past Kallo to see Gil crouched close to the ground and peering around the edge of the doorway. In his hand was a scoped pistol as well. Scott honestly didn’t know what to say at the sight before him and it took Drack shaking his head, lumbering over to the body and dragging it out of sight to get him to move. Kallo gestured for them to enter, quickly and they did, the door only closing once Drack was inside with them. Okay, they maybe had a few minutes here, Scott figured. They had fought their way up through half of the ship, it was probably only going to get worse from here on out. Though strangely enough, Gil was looking far too skittish for his liking. “Uh, how long have you guys been locked in here?” he asked. “Mm, about three hours now,” Kallo urged Gil to his feet and guided them all to the tiny living room. “We’ve been helping the others as much as we can. Sporadic radio contact so they can’t isolate our frequency. APEX channel, priority gamma.” Kallo gestured to the table where there was a rough sketch and it only took Scott a moment to realise that Kallo was tracing their path through the Hyperion. Vetra and Drack were looking at the table as well.“Which one is us?” Vetra asked, her tone all business.“Here,” Kallo pointed to a line that crept along the side of the ship. “Kosta, Peebee and Sajax are going right up the gullet and taking the heaviest fighting they can to clear your path. Cora, Suvi and your sister are here,” a knibbly finger pointed to the other side. “Sabotaging whatever they can and are trying to restore SAM through secondhand channels.”“I’m sorry, Suvi?” Vetra sounded surprised.Drack gave a confused rumble. “She knows she can’t lick the Outcasts, right?”“You lot would not be saying that if you saw the look in her eye. Her date with Avela got interrupted,” Gil clicked his tongue and gave a low whistle. “This was not the day to mess with Suvi Anwar.”Scott shook his head, trying to shake the image of Suvi like some secret action hero. “Kaetus is still holed up on the bridge?”“Correct. At this point, he hasn’t left it and I’m fairly sure he knows you’re coming to him. He knows there’s people fighting on the ship and he’s forcing you to come to him.”“Only way to get the ship back,” Vetra mused. “But how exactly did he seize such complete control of the Hyperion? Aren’t there like redundancies and things to prevent this kind of scenario.”“My ru’shan warned those pyjak-shit brain -” Drack started.“Okay, okay,” Scott held up a hand because he didn’t need to hear about the latest administrative blunder. “We need to get to that bridge, rescue the hostages and give Suvi, Cora and my sister a big fucking distraction. Ask Sajax if she wants some reinforcements.”“Are you going to make a whole lot of work for a lot of people?” Gil asked.“I’m going to make sure these assholes know how bad an idea it is to come to my home and trash the place.” Scott swore.Drack made a considering sound. “So… what you did to Kadara?”Well, shit, there was the wind gone out of his sails. Vetra was smothering a laugh along with Gil and did Kallo’s lips just disappear from pressing them together too tightly? Scott didn’t need to see the glint to his eyes to know that Kallo was in the same boat at the others.“We’re not running a protection racket and tossing people out on their ear when they can’t pay or selling drugs,” Scott held up a finger as Drack opened his mouth. “And do not destroy that for me right now. We’ll debate the whole morality of shit later on.”Drack just shrugged. “If you say so. I guess bullets can decide for us.”
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It did get worse. So much worse, how the hell did Atlas mechs get this high up into the ship?! But there was something to the delighted shriek and whoop that Peebee and Liam let out respectively when they arrived to find them pinned down by so much heavy fire. Scott throwing up a barrier and leading a headlong screaming charge with Liam and Drack flanking him was more than enough to make some of the Outcasts take pause. The more hardened ones kept on firing, not that it did them much good. The momentary pause gave the others time to pick them off and…Well, when a biotic, a human tank and a krogan smashed into someone’s already weakened line, it fell faster than a wet paper bag.“You have no idea how glad I am to see you,” Liam grinned, punching his shoulder once they finished mopping up. “We couldn’t raise you. Peebee had to remind us of your little jaunt down into the planet.”“Still mad you wouldn’t bring me.” Peebee pouted from beside Sajax. “I mean a whole bunch of -”“All right, sitrep.” Sajax interrupted, brisk and to the point. “Because we all know how annoyed you are at the Pathfinder’s choice,” she opened her omni-tool, projecting a schematic into the air. “We managed to get into this side hangar closest to the bridge. Once we get through an access tube, and yes you will fit Drack, we open the door and sweep through the halls to the main lobby. Cora’s team will be getting to the side hallway through a service tube to try and access SAM node. You guys can hit the bridge and we’ll stay behind with Cora’s team to provide cover and support in case other Outcast members show up.”“Sounds good to me.” Drack rumbled. “You sure I’m gonna fit? I’m not squishy like humans and asari.”Drack did manage to fit, but barely. Still, if someone had told Scott that part of taking back Port Meridian would involve him shoving at a krogan’s tail because the hump got caught, he would have laughed. By the time they all crawled out from the access tube, they were a bit sweaty, grumpy and Scott truly could appreciate the crash course in various dialects of cursing that made his translator glitch. It should have been an easy push from the lift hallway to the bridge. The lack of armed resistance should have been his first clue. But they got to the doorway, managing to hit the override for it to slide open. It was instinctual, seeing the small round shape on the ground by the stairs, the glowing light and the whine of it priming. He threw up a barrier before he even thought about it, grunting as fire, heat and pressure hit it like a truck. Peebee was quick to help him reinforce it and they could only watch as thick black smoke curled against the shimmering biotic field and the vibration of other explosions could be felt. Kaetus had scattered trip mines about. Scott was more than ready to get to the bridge now.Sajax didn’t miss a beat however. “Breathing units, on.”Everyone dug them out of pockets and Vetra got his and Peebee’s on while they held the barrier. When Vetra gave him the thumbs up, the barrier was dropped. The smoke flooded in and everyone went out guns ready. Not that they needed them. The trip mines had done their thing and it a slow walk through the burning, twisted metal. At least the ventilation system was still working to some degree, even if it was damaged somewhat. The smoke went from thick and black to passably hazy.Once they got into the atrium, he could just see the hallway to his quarters and SAM node, obscured by fallen girders. Oh shit, where had Cora and the others been before they stumbled on that nasty little surprise?! “Team Tango, do you copy?” Sajax was on her radio quick.There was static for a few moments and then Cora’s reply came crackling through. “We copy, Team Alpha. Guess you guys found something?”“Trip mines, Bastard placed them so when someone opened the door, it would go off. Quick thinking on the Pathfinder’s part otherwise, we’d be charred.” Sajax considered the girders. “Are you being followed?”“Like hell we are. I made sure to seal the access doors behind us and activated the sealing force fields behind us. Tied it into the secondary and tertiary power supply lines and they have to basically disable each door three times.” Suvi gave a dry laugh. “And there’s about fifteen doors behind us.” “We’re going to get to work on SAM node,” Cora’s words were accompanied by the clang of metal. “We just arrived. … Goddess, how many trip mines went off?”“A lot. We’ll work on clearing this debris to get you guys out of there,” Sajax pointed to the bridge door. “Go do your big, showy Pathfinder thing.”Scott just nodded, though he considered the girders. “Drack, can you give them a hand?”“Yeah, all those fancy biotics might squish someone,” Drack clapped a hand on Liam’s shoulder and shoved him over. “Get to it Kosta.”“All right,” Scott began as he, Vetra and Liam headed for the bridge door. “Capture alive if possible. I wanna know why he decided to do this.”“Oh, I can tell you why," Liam huffed. "Because he’s a raging arsehole who wants you dead and I’m thinking fuck getting answers, I’ll let my bullets do the talking.”Vetra gave a considering sound. “Much as you annoy me, you sometimes make some very good points. I’m with Kosta on this one Scott.”“Well, facts is facts,” Liam shrugged. “And -”“Right, has hell frozen over or something? You two agreeing on something? Look, we need him alive to get answers and if he planned anything else. Let’s just…” Scott paused as he saw the bridge door, with no lock light on and the panel to access manual control looked like it was welded shut. “Jesus Christ, I hate this asshole.”It felt very anti-climatic using his omni-blade to open the panel like it was a tin can. But he finally got it open and carefully pulled the lever around the twisted points of metal. The door opened with a whoosh, showing the shadowy hallway that vanished in darkness. They slowly walked in, guns raised and armour light flicking on. The bridge lights were off and he could hear rapid breathing and muffled sound. Sweeping in along the wall, it took a moment for them to find the hostages Drack mentioned earlier. They were bound and gagged, staring up at him wide-eyed and terrified. No… not at him, just past him.He turned and for a split second in the pool of his armour light, he saw Kaetus lunging at him from out the shadows, mandibles bared in a full roar. Sharp teeth and talons bared coming right at him… Scott would fully admit that he screamed, high and shrill. It was instinctual, biotic blue wreathing his body and the Throw left his hand before he even thought about it. The biotic field caught Kaetus and whipped him against the wall with a hard crunch. The turian fell to the floor and didn’t get back up. “Uh…” Liam’s confusion was perfectly understandable. Even the hostages had frozen, as if they couldn’t quite believe what they’d seen. Vetra was the first to move, gun still trained on Kaetus’ unmoving body. She still approached cautiously, gun muzzle pressing against his temple as she crouched down and checked him. “So,” she started with a drawl, looking back at them. “Know how you wanted answers? You’re not getting them.”“You mean after giving me that whole thing about not killing him, Ryder just flattens him against the wall and does the thing he says to not do? Typical, just typical.” Liam grumbled as he went to free the hostages.Scott watched as Vetra got back up, gun still in hand. This was decidedly not his finest hour. He decided to busy himself at a console and a few minutes later, he managed to turn back on the bridge lights. Vetra came sauntering over, leaning against the side and yep, definitely easier to just focus on the console and getting complete control back. It didn’t help he could feel the blush coming to his face.“You know,” Vetra suggested. “You could probably leave that for SAM when we get him back.” “I can try now. You know, SAM might be busy with other things.” Scott coughed to clear his throat. “Right. Course.” Vetra paused for a moment before saying, “Okay, look, I’ll just say it: I did not know human males could make sounds like that.”Yep, the ground could swallow him whole right this second. But then Vetra made a grumpy sound.“All those Terran horror movies lied to me. Guys should have been screaming their heads off!”“That’s your take-away from this?” Liam piped up.“Aren’t you taking care of the hostages? I’m here trying to get control back.” Scott wouldn’t not look at his crisis specialist, that would just cue the roasting.“All right, all right, don’t get your panties in a twist. Watch out for strange sounds there Nyx. Wouldn’t want the Pathfinder screaming like a little girl again and throwing the console into the viewscreen.”Scott took a deep breath, listening as Liam hustled the people out. “Do I really need a crisis specialist? I mean, sure he’s good at his job, but the snarky lip…”“Well, I’ll tell you this, so long as you never tell Kosta,” Vetra leaned in conspiratorially. “He does kinda grow on you. Like a fungus.”That made a laugh sneak out and Scott shot her a look to find dropped mandibles and a wicked gleam in her eyes. No, no, no, he would not laugh but goddamn, this whole situation was just so… so…There was no helping it, the laughter escaped as he shook his head. “Just another day in Andromeda. A big ol’ snafu.”“Do I even want to know?” Vetra raised a brow plate.“Situation normal, all fucked up.”For a moment, Vetra was quiet a finder tapping against her chin. “Where was that word when we arrived in Andromeda?”“Wait, you never heard that word until now?” Scott was staring at her incredulously. “Ever?”“Nope. It perfectly describes these first three years here.” Vetra paused for a moment and then, “Snafu. Huh. There is something to it. So, how about you keep yourself busy and once we get everything worked out here, you can take me somewhere nice. Where there’s no creepy bodies in a pod.”“That sounds like a plan.” Scott grinned. “I have just the place in mind.”