Jaal stomped towards the dock, growling as his mind raced picturing what he might encounter. Governor Shie was there already with her security. He pushed past a few of the growing crowd making their way to see the alien ship that had invaded their planet.
As he approached, he looked up, gasping inwardly. Their ship was a wonder, bigger than anything in the Angaran arsenal. It was smoking too, definitely was in distress, or was that a ruse? He frowned and picked up his pace as he could hear Governor Shie talking. He knew she would take a more diplomatic approach. What was she inviting into their sanctuary? He pushed a few Angarans out of the way, and past the Governor who tried to stop him.
He told her sternly, "Evfra saw the ship come in and sent me to find out what's going on." Jaal held up his hand. He looked down at the alien representative, and ran down the stairs. He intentionally got very close in her face, "Aya is protected. What do you want!"
To his surprise, the female reacted in a way he was not expecting. She held her position, barely, and looked at him steadily in silence. Suddenly she stammered, "I apologize. Landing here, like we did without warning, on fire, was not the plan." He watched her wince slightly, in embarrassment over her own words. His eyes roved over her face, analyzing at lightning speed. He watched her swallow hard.
He was still very close and intimidating, "That's good to know. Because if it was," he paused and got closer, "That would be a very bad plan." His voice was stern, but he leaned in towards her, and gave her a quick smile. His face turned serious again, and he turned back to Governor Shie.
He left her with the Governor to report back to Evfra, and thought over the momentous encounter. It was strange, but not in the way he was expecting. He was disarmed by her, in that small moment, that tiny exchange. That's why he gave her the out with a smile to put her at ease. He felt some sincerity and intelligence in her face, her demeanor, but it made no sense to let her relax. He sighed, actually at this point there was little he could even report back to Evfra, with the exception of the bare minimum of facts. He shook his head, and entered Resistance headquarters to report.
A while later he found himself convincing Evfra to let him join her, this Pathfinder, on her ship. He could see the look on Evfra's incredulous face, but Jaal knew he had to go, had to be on this mission. Jaal knew appealing to his need to have an inside source on the alien's movements and motivations was the answer. It worked.
He shook her hand, "I'm Jaal Ama Darav, I'll be your envoy through Angaran space."
She looked immensely relieved, "Thank you for trusting me."
Not that easy, he thought. "I don't, but I can always kill you in your sleep."
"Good to know," she laughed.
He was intrigued, this female was not easily intimidated. She was their leader, a warrior. But she did so with grace, and yet a youthful clumsiness as well. She held her hand out straight, and he collected his thoughts, putting his arm outside hers and showing her an Angaran greeting.
He met with her briefly on her ship, exchanging information about their history with the kett, the Moshae, and the two planets they should pursue leads on. She was attentive and intelligent in her quick assessment of the situation and sensitive to his cultural recommendations. He found her nearness to him distracting, exciting. After a tense meeting with her crew, Jaal settled in the tech lab and sent out a message to Aya have some supplies sent while they worked on repairing the damage to the Tempest. He looked around and thought about what he might have gotten himself into. It was definitely a big risk, but he needed this, needed a change a – shake up. It couldn't be any more exciting and risky than this. As the ship took off, he made his way down to the Pathfinder's quarters, per her request. He readied himself as he stared at the metal doors and played with the buttons until he heard her respond via comm and the doors wooshed open. He entered in a few feet and stood at attention, until she jumped up from her desk and over to him with a wide smile.
"Jaal, I can't tell you enough how glad I am that you're here with us." She put her hands on her hips. "I'm sorry my crew wasn't more, well, polite."
Her casual demeanor made him relax, "I understand their trepidation. We feel the same."
"But you're giving us a chance, that means a lot. I don't take it lightly." She gestured towards the couch, "Have a seat?"
He walked around her cabin, almost pacing, "I think I prefer to stand for a bit."
She laughed again. "Sure, whatever you feel comfortable with."
He turned and looked at her closely, she was different, to be sure. He looked at the strands hanging from her head, her angled, pink face. Her softer body, visible through the casual clothing she was wearing.
She noticed him looking at her, "I changed into my civilian clothes, is that okay?"
"Yes, I am just intrigued by how you look."
"I feel the same," she cocked her head to the side, "I know we have some exiles from the Nexus that have encountered Angarans. Have you met any of them? Today's the first time I've seen your species. Fascinating."
"No, you are the first human I've ever seen."
"Ah, so we're each other's firsts," she grinned, then turned bright pink and looked down.
Again she surprised him with her shyness and enthusiasm.
"Well, let's get down to work then, shall we? If you could tell me more about Voeld, so I can prepare the rest of the crew." She picked up her datapad.
He nodded and sat down next to her, making a plan for tomorrow's mission. He stayed, a little too long, leaving reluctantly as it was getting late. He walked slowly down towards the kitchen, deep in thought, and lost in her energy and her presence. He tried to shake off the strange feeling. Maybe it was a human effect on Angara? He spent the next hour or so interacting with some of the rest of the crew in a more informal manner as he ate. Cora sat next to him, giving him a tentative smile as she stabbed a fork in her salad. They exchanged some basic information about their species, their histories.
"Sorry if I came across strong in the meeting earlier," Cora cleared her throat, "As the Pathfinder's second, I'm naturally a bit protective and suspicious."
"I understand. I feel that way for Evfra and my people." He looked sideways at her as she took a drink. "Tell me, how well do you know the Pathfinder?"
"Well," she used her tongue to move some food out of her teeth, "Um, I knew her father much better actually. He was the Pathfinder. I trained with him for years. I knew Sara a bit, but never worked for her. Her father, Alec, died on our first mission and he transferred the Pathfinder AI to her to save her life. Now I'm her second."
Jaal was surprised, "Indeed, I cannot imagine."
Cora nodded, "She's had to learn the job as she's doing it. It hasn't been much time at all, and nothing's going to plan, when does it ever? But we're all here to support her, though, especially me. I think she's actually doing very well. It's got to be hard for her to step into her father's shoes. He was a legend."
Jaal took a deep breath, "I can relate to that."
They talked some more, and Jaal studied Cora, as another female human. She was pleasant, polite, and friendly. He did not feel the same intense energy from her he had from the Pathfinder. Strange.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Peebee flopped down next to them at the small kitchen table.
"Oh, just getting to know each other." Cora gave a perfunctory smile.
"Ooo, sounds interesting." Peebee put her hand under her chin and smiled at Jaal. "As one of the Asari representatives on the Tempest, I'd be happy to tell you anything you want to know."
"Thank you, I will keep that in mind."
She giggled and cocked her head to the side, "Your species is very interesting. If you have time after you eat-"
"Peebee, give the guy a break. He's just met all of us, just came on the ship today, back off." Cora chastised her.
"Okay, okay. Fine. I'm available anytime Jaal." She gave him a warm smile and walked out seductively.
Jaal looked back at Cora who rolled her eyes and shook her head. She finished her meal and threw out her trash, "Welcome again, Jaal. Any help you need, let me know." She nodded and left.
He sat back, alone in the kitchen, and thought over their conversations. Peebee's less than subtle approach was not lost on him, but he was neither tempted nor intrigued by her. Cora was professional and helpful. So what was it about the Pathfinder that had her stuck in his mind?
The next day, it was a nagging thought in the background of the day's events as he joined the Pathfinder and Cora as the ground team on Voeld. He was inexplicably drawn to her, and to his bewilderment, protective over her. She seemed to talk to him differently too. She's manipulating me, using me. She needs me and what I can offer her people.
He had to admire her dedication and sincerity as the day went on. He even overheard her chastise Cora, her second in command, for cautioning her from trying to help the Angarans beyond the main mission.
"How can you say that?" he heard her hiss, "These people are in trouble, they are in dire straits and we are able to help. That's the plan."
"But the mission takes priority-" Cora protested.
"Not at the Angaran's expense. We'll do everything we can, because that's the right thing to do."
He could tell she did not know his hearing was sensitive to pick up their hushed conversation. He started to wonder, was this Pathfinder for real? As they continued to fight Kett on Voeld and work towards freeing the trapped Angara, Jaal started trusting his initial instincts about her more than the voice of Evfra in his head. The rescue was successful, and Jaal finished assessing the other prisoners as Ryder talked to Niilj about the data they had recovered. Jaal excitedly talked to her as she walked up to him, "Pathfinder, you've made a lot of headway today. Liberating key Resistance agents and recovering information they stole from the Kett. You've put many doubts about you to rest. Even Evfra must now be convinced of your intentions. We can contact Evfra from the Tempest. He'll be sure to aide you now."
She frowned and looked directly at him, "We have to get this data drive to Techiix first to Buxil. You heard Niilj. Evfra can wait." She saw the look of surprise on his face, and smiled, "It will be fine. There are more pressing priorities here."
Any trace of his doubt melted away. It made no sense, she could still be trying to fool him, but her actions confirmed his instincts. He couldn't explain it, such a strong connection with her, it was overwhelming.
They finished delivering the data to Techiix, and back on the Tempest had a terse video call with Evfra. They spoke briefly and went to the respective quarters. Jaal had trouble coming down after the day's events. He was frustrated with Evfra's attitude, though he understood it, and Evfra continued to trust Jaal's judgement, that wasn't in question. No, it's her, I have to make sure she understands.
He pinged her quarters, and he entered, but she wasn't there. "Pathfinder?" he looked around. He received a ping on his comm, "I'm meeting with Cora, I'll be there in a minute, if you don't mind waiting."
"No, no problem." He clicked it off and sat down for a minute, then was compelled to get up and start looking around her room. He glanced over her desk briefly, looked over the view of space, then walked to her bed, and picked up her jacket that was laid on her bed. He examined it, looking closely at the fabric. His gloves were off, and he rubbed the softness between his fingers. He brought it up to his face and smelled it, overcome with her sent. It was exotic, yet familiar. He put it down on her bed, as much as he could imitate its original position. He glanced towards the door – no movement. He walked farther up and picked up her pillow, holding it up and breathing in deeply. This time her scent was stronger, and he closed his eyes, lost in the sensation. He suddenly pulled it away from him and back on the bed, walking quickly back to the couch. He barely sat down when she breezed into her quarters and over to where he was sitting.
"What can I do for you, Jaal?"
"Pathfinder" he looked up at her and was overcome. He took a breath and swallowed hard. "I – I uh, came to see how you are."
"Oh," she put her hands on her knees, "I'm great. I think we made good progress today, don't you?"
"Definitely. I do want to apologize for Evfra's behavior."
She chuckled, "He's a general, he's successful because of his caution. I understand."
"He does not need to be rude to you to convey that message." Jaal grumbled.
She shrugged, "No big deal. I can handle it. But thanks for being concerned about me. I thought we made a great team out there today."
"I agree."
There was an almost imperceivable shift in the air between them. Her voice got softer, "You were pretty hard on me on Aya, but you've changed your opinion now?"
"How could I not, after seeing you for the person you are today."
She was a bit taken aback. "Wow, that's a compliment, thanks."
"Angara," he stood up and started pacing around her quarters, "Feel very deeply. It's actually harder for us not to show our emotions."
"Huh, interesting. Humans are kind of the opposite."
He turned, "I feel like I can read you very well."
"Oh, really? Like some sort of telepathy?"
He shook his head no, "No, a different sort of connection. But just you."
"I – " she started slightly rocking forward nervously, "I'm pretty obvious, am I?"
"I call it sincerity."
She smiled.
"There's something unique about you- uneasy, raw - but somehow profound." He cocked his head and looked at her closely.
"I – thanks. I think you're pretty great too." She looked down shyly. She cleared her throat, "Well, do you want to stay and have a drink or something?"
He shook his head no. He was becoming overwhelmed by being alone with her. It was crazy, what was it about her that drew him in so deeply? He spoke, "I think I'd better go."
Her disappointment was palpable. "Oh, ok." She stood and walked up to him straightening her shirt, "Thanks for coming by. It was nice of you." She looked up at him and ever so slightly bit her lip. It was his undoing.
"Well," he said a little too loudly, "I'll be going now, and I'll see you tomorrow."
She absently rubbed her arm, "Yup, see you in the morning."
He frowned and let out a loud sigh, "Yes, tomorrow." He stared at her for a second and turned and walked out of her quarters.
She stood, puzzled for a moment, thinking over the conversation they'd had. "Strange," she said, however, how would she know how these aliens act anyway?
She rubbed her eyes and walked towards her closet to change for bed.
Pathfinder, I must inform you of something.
"Hm? What is it Sam?"
While Jaal was waiting for you to return to your quarters he was looking through your things.
She snapped her head, looking around her room, "He what!"
He was looking through your personal items.
"Son of a bitch. Tell me exactly what he did," she felt her emotions start to rise.
He took your jacket off your bed and felt the material in his hand, then he smelled it.
She narrowed her eyes and smirked, "He did what?"
He smelled it. He then put it back on your bed.
"That's – unusual. Maybe it's an Angaran, alien thing?" She made an expression of puzzlement.
There's more.
She sat down on her bed. "Okaaay – what else?" She braced herself.
He picked up your pillow and smelled it. He hugged it, also.
She looked to her side at her pillow and noticed it had been dented and was askew. "Okay," she put her hands out to her side, palms out, "If you tell me he was trying on my clothes and prancing around my quarters, I'm going to be seriously freaked out."
No Pathfinder, he put the pillow down and sat down on the couch, just before you came back to your quarters.
She let out a long breath, eyes wide, "Well, don't know exactly how to take that. What's your interpretation, Sam?"
Unclear.
"You were here," she huffed, "What was his demeanor, was he angry, or scientific-"
It seemed to be a pleasurable experience for him.
"Oh, oh. Hm." She darted her eyes back and forth looking down at the edge of her bed. "That's very – interesting. Anything else, Sam?"
No Pathfinder.
She nodded, "Thanks, and – good night."
The next morning, Jaal was pacing around his quarters. Nerves about the mission, he told himself. He huffed, and purposefully left his quarters and down to the Pathfinder's. The doors opened with his ping, and he found her at her desk, going over datapads.
"Researching for the mission today. There's still lot of ground to cover on Voeld. I want to work on those monoliths. See if we can improve the planet's atmosphere."
"What about the Moshae?"
She pushed back her chair and stood up, "It's a priority for sure, but if we can improve the conditions there, we instantly tilt favor to the Angara."
"Agreed." He noticed she was wearing little clothing, a type of sleeveless top and loose pants.
She ran her fingers through her hair, "I'll get changed and then get something to eat, then we can head on out." She looked up at him, puzzled, "What?" she said with a smile, noticing him staring at her.
He pointed at her head, "What is that?"
She looked upwards, "Huh?"
He walked closer, "This," and picked up a long strand of hair.
"Oh that," she grinned, "It's called hair. It grows out of our head. It has no feeling, it's sort of protective, I suppose. We can let it grow or cut it. It's sort of a way of expressing personal style, too. You noticed Cora's is different, so is Suvi's."
He examined her dark brown lock between his fingers as she stood very still. "It's soft."
"Um-hm," she said.
"Interesting. Beautiful." He finally let go and looked down at her face that was now very close to his. He could see she was holding her breath.
She was near enough for him to reach out and touch her and before he could tell his hand to stop, he reached down for her face. She responded with a little gasp that shivered down his spine. His mind told him to pull his hand away and leave, but instead, he put his other hand on her shoulder and gently caressed it down her exposed arm. She opened her eyes slowly, and looked deeply into his with trepidation, but something more – or was he imagining it? He stopped. What the hell am I doing? He felt possessed. She answered his unspoken question by putting both her hands on his chest and pulling closer to him.
"I - um," she said softly, with a slight question. It hung in the air for only a second, then she put her hand up around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss, timid at first, then quickly intense. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her, walking her over against the wall, frantically tasting her, pushing his tongue into her willing mouth. She rubbed her exotic soft tongue against his, meeting his frenetic need. She writhed between the cold glass panel and him as he pulled her shirt out of her pants and pushed his hand down her front, the drawstring loose enough to allow him. He pulled his head back and watched her face as her eyes widened and she gasped, gripping onto his shoulders as he reached down. He was out of control, had to feel her, know her. He felt hair, what had she said, it was protective? She took shallow gasping breaths and moved her legs farther apart to allow him to explore. He reached an inquiring finger down and felt wetness.
"Yesss," she said faintly. Their anatomy was more similar than he'd thought, and he starting tipping his finger up and in, watching her reaction of pleasure as he felt the soft wet walls first stretch, then grip around him. He moved in and out, feeling her in this intimate way listening to her moans getting louder and louder. She pulled him into a hot kiss, hungrily pulling on him and bucking against his hand. The panel behind her beeped and alarmed repeatedly as she slammed her hand against it. He kept going, intensifying his movements, drowning in pleasure without coherent thought. Suddenly she pulled away and repeated something his translator wouldn't pick up. He could feel her walls closing tightly around his hand. "What?" he sputtered out. "Orgasm," she gasped loudly. That translated. He continued working her as she spasmed against him repeatedly. Wave after wave came, and he marveled at her emotional and physical release. These humans were so reserved, yet she was wild with him now. They both slowed in tandem, her breathing became slower and deeper, and she started to relax. He became aware of his own heavy breathing, and lifted her back down on the floor, pulling his hand gently out of her. He tried to adjust her pants, pull her shirt back down. He stood up and took deep breaths as his mind started to clear. She leaned over, saying, "Oh my god, oh my god," repeatedly. She looked up at him wild-eyed, taking in big breaths, pursing her lips as she breathed out slowly.
Kallo's voice came over her comm. "Report from Voeld ready for you Pathfinder."
She stood up straight and brought up her omni-tool, "Yeah, no problem, I'll be right there."
"What's that beeping?" Kallo asked.
She turned to the panel by her closet behind her and turned off the buttons she'd set off. "Nothing. Just my monitors. Everything's fine. I'll check on that message in a minute."
She turned her omni-tool off and looked intently at Jaal. "Wow."
"I –" was all Jaal could articulate.
"Is that an Angaran thing?"
"Absolutely not, I – cannot explain it, Pathfinder."
She rubbed her face, still trying to calm herself down, "Call me Ryder, at least Jaal."
He nodded.
"That was intense, fantastic, but it never happened, okay?" she looked at him with warning eyes.
Relieved, he nodded vigorously, "Yes, never happened."
"Good. There's just too much at stake."
"I agree."
"Okay, you go, and I'll get dressed and meet you in the kitchen to eat before we go out on Voeld with Vetra."
He collected himself. "Got it."
She couldn't help but shake her head and give him a huge grin. He rubbed his face and gave her a grin back. "Right. See you in a minute." And he left.
