Chapter 1

"Suvi, could you go down to the cargo bay and check the aft camera?" Kallo's fingers flew across the command console initiating another diagnostic query of the ship's internal vid array. "There appears to be something obstructing its view."

The redhead's lips pursed together as she studied the astrometric data populating the science station's monitor. "It's probably just Liam and Jaal again. I swear their 'experiments in diplomacy' are harder on the Tempest than the Scourge."

"They left for Kadara port twenty minutes ago to pick up some epithelial safe ink."

"Why do they need that?"

"I believe they are getting matching tattoos."

Suvi turned toward the salarian. "You're kidding."

"Ryder suggested it."

"She did not…" Suvi said, unable to hold back a soft giggle.

Kallo met the science officer's amused expression with one of detached analysis. "Her exact words were 'a tat will be a great way to celebrate your bromance'."

"Oh my... Let's just hope they keep their celebration contained to themselves this time."

"Too much nakedness on open display?"

"It's not that," Suvi replied, looking reflective as though she had deliberated on this subject before. "Their enthusiasm is contagious and seems to excite the crew which leads to some potentially dangerous situations. Like Drack head-butting the Nomad."

"Or Peebee ogling everyone."

"Yes, that, too."

Kallo focused his attention back on the command console. "So, does that mean you'll go check the cargo bay?"

"Explain to me why you can't go check it?"

"I have to stay here and monitor the signal in case it comes back online."

"You're fighting with Gil again, aren't you?"

"That has no bearing on this situation."

"Uh-huh." Suvi chuckled as she stood, then headed towards the door leading out of the bridge. "I'll let you know what I find."

_/\_

Suvi's trek through the Tempest was uneventful, but also somewhat eerie. The ship hadn't been this quiet since it was docked on the Nexus, before leaving on their first mission to Eos, which made her wonder if the whole crew had decided to venture to Kadara port. With the Charlatan in charge, she knew port security had improved – the sixty percent drop in violent activity was proof of that - but not enough for her to want to take a chance with her personal safety. She was excited about the possibility of exploring the planet's surface, but made a compromise with her inner scientist to wait until the Pathfinder finished surveying sites and the Initiative colony was established. If all went well, she would have the opportunity to gather Kadaran soil samples to her heart's content within a month.

As the anticipation of new discoveries teased her imagination, the doors of the cargo bay door opened, and abruptly, Suvi stopped, her breath catching at the sight in front of her. Down below on the main deck of the cargo bay, eight mechanic hand tools were floating in the air, lined up in a circular pattern ten feet off the ground, while a metal coffee mug spun noisily on the ship's floor beneath them. At the center of it all, completely immersed in a dark violet biotic field, was Sara Ryder, the human Pathfinder. Dressed in a black biosuit with her white-blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, she stood in the middle of the cargo bay, her knees slightly bent, her left arm stretched towards the floating tools and her right arm angled toward the floor as though reaching for the spinning metal. The Pathfinder's gaze was honed on the mug with only the tight expression and faint sheen of wetness on her face revealing the sharp focus and energy needed to maintain all of the moving pieces. At first Suvi thought the woman was completely frozen, but then she noticed a hint of movement from the subtle rotation of the index finger on her right hand.

The scientist inched forward, attempting to make as little sound as possible, halting once her hands touched the railing of the upper level of the cargo bay. She watched in rapt fascination as the tools floating in the air, woven within the tendrils of biotic energy, began a slow revolution, gradually changing their rotation until they reached a diagonal orbit around the Pathfinder. Then, just as their orbit began to expand, the violet biotic energy flickered out and the tools fell to the floor, each one making a loud clanging noise that echoed throughout the cargo bay.

"Shit," Sara snapped irritably, her arms dropping to her sides as she surveyed the mess on the floor.

Although reluctant to interrupt, Suvi was unable to hold back her astonishment. "That was amazing."

Sara spun around, her eyes quickly spotting the scientist on the upper deck of the cargo bay. "Ah…thanks?!" The surprised expression on her face made it perfectly clear that she had no idea she had an audience.

"I've seen the use of biotic energy before… to move heavy objects, create stasis fields," Suvi said, "but I've never seen anyone manipulate more than one biotic field at a time. I didn't know it could be done."

Sara shrugged her shoulders. "Neither did I, until I tried it."

"Is that my mug?" Suvi asked, leaning over the railing to get a better look at the metal object that, moments ago, had been spinning on the floor.

"I don't know." The Pathfinder knelt down, grabbed the mug, and held it up for the scientist to see. "Is it?"

"It is!" Suvi exclaimed. "I've been wondering where it had gone to."

"It was attached to the back of the Nomad. I grabbed it before Drack and Vetra drove off."

"The Nomad? But I lost it days ago."

"Then your mug has had quite the adventure." Admiring the metal drinkware in her hand, Sara chuckled. "And with the way I drive, that is one impressive magnetic base."

"Great," Suvi grumbled. "My mug got to see Kadara before I did."

"Want me to throw it to you?"

The scientist's eyes widened in panic. "That's probably not a good idea," she blurted. "I'll come down and get it."

Suvi stepped away from the railing and walked to the ladder that connected the cargo bay's upper deck to the main level. As she climbed down using the rungs, she was grateful that her uniform, a white jumpsuit with scarlet red highlights, was both durable and flexible. She had unintentionally tested its durability after tripping and sliding down a rocky incline on Eos. As for the flexibility, she was reminded of that whenever she climbed a ladder which occurred more often than she ever anticipated since joining the crew of the Tempest. Silently, she made a promise to herself to learn how to slide down the rails. Not only did it look like fun, it seemed more efficient.

Once both feet were on the ground, she headed over to the Pathfinder who handed her the mug.

"You should wash that," Sara advised. "Probably a few times. We drove through the Sulfur Springs more than once."

Studying her mug, the scientist frowned. "I wonder if my tea will taste like rotten eggs now."

"Not if you use a different mug."

"What?!" Slightly aghast, Suvi clutched the metal object tightly against her chest. "I couldn't."

The younger woman tilted her head, a quizzical expression on her face. "What's so special about this mug?"

"My father gave it to me when I joined the Initiative."

"Ah," Sara said noncommittally as she walked over to workbench, grabbed a bottle of water out of a built-in cooler and downed it as though she hadn't had a drink in days.

While the Pathfinder drank, the scientist snuck an appreciative look, marveling at the other woman's svelte frame and well-toned, supple muscles barely hidden beneath the fabric of the black biosuit. They didn't know each other well, just a few conversations and innocent flirtatious exchanges, but Suvi had no problem admiring another individual's body, especially one that seemed to flaunt strength and flexibility within every movement.

Sara placed the empty bottle on the workbench. "Not to be rude, but is there a reason you came down to the cargo bay?"

"A reason?" Suvi repeated, her mind quickly racing to the purpose for leaving the bridge. "Oh… yes. I've come to check on the aft camera. Kallo's having trouble running a diagnostic."

The Pathfinder grabbed another full water bottle out of the cooler. "Yeah… about that," she said hesitantly. "It's probably my fault. And by 'probably' I mean, it is my fault."

Suvi's gaze panned to the spot where the aft camera should have been located. "Oh my."

Rubbing the back of her neck with her right hand, Sara confessed, "I may have – completely accidentally and in no way intentionally – crushed the camera."

"I can see that."

In the upper corner of the cargo bay, where the camera was once bolted, swayed a jumble of metal fragments loosely secured by electrical wiring.

"Happened while I was practicing."

Suvi glanced back up at the smashed camera pieces dangling from exposed wiring. "Is it unusual to feel sorry for an inanimate object?"

"That's why I'm practicing alone."

Curiosity getting the best of her, Suvi asked, "So your ability to control multiple biotic fields is new?"

"Yeah. Or at least, I think so." Sara opened the new bottle of water and took a long drink. "It's not something I've tried before, but with SAM I have a sharper control of my biotics. A more nuanced control."

"How nuanced?" The scientist held up the metal mug. "Could you fill this with the water from the bottle without using your hands?"

Sara shook her head. "Right now, my control is pretty much isolated to spinning small objects. A fun party trick, but not that useful for combat or pouring drinks." Running her fingers through her hair, she mused, "I'm sure my father would have plenty of disapproving remarks about that."

"From what I've heard, your father was a brilliant man. I'm sure he would be proud of you."

"Goddammit!" Sara growled, her tone shockingly harsh. "What is it with everyone on this ship trying to convince me how great my father was?"

Taken aback by the unexpected outburst, Suvi just watched as the Pathfinder immediately began to pace between a metal crate and the workbench, agitation rolling off her in waves.

"Was there some sort of group memo?! Because Vetra's all like, 'at least your father was there for you.' Lexi can barely say two words without drawing some sort of blatant comparison between me and him. And Cora," she snarled, stopping mid-stride, "her sanctimonious hero worship is almost too much to bear."

"I'm sure they only want to help," Suvi said, wondering if she was trying to explain her own words more than the others'.

"How?" Sara snapped. "By projecting their own life experience onto mine? By invalidating my feelings and experiences with theirs'?"

"I doubt they were trying to upset you."

With her jaw tightly clenched, Sara closed her eyes and exhaled slowly as though trying to center herself. "Yeah, well," she said, her tone low and menacing. "None of them had to grow up with him as a father."

She opened her eyes and began to pace again, a potent fury woven into every step. "None of them had to deal with all of his broken promises."

"Ryder," Suvi said, hesitating momentarily, unsure of what exactly she wanted to say until the truth reared up, undeniable, and became clear to her. "You're right. None of us know you well enough to understand the complexities of your relationship with your father."

The Pathfinder's pace slowed as she glanced at the scientist, her intense, pale blue eyes locking with turquoise for the first time since entering the cargo bay.

Suvi met the scrutiny without flinching. "For my part, I am sorry. I never meant to–"

"Don't worry about it," Sara interrupted, making a dismissive gesture with her hand before coming to a standstill at the crate and placing the half-full bottle on top. She took in another deep breath, then looked directly at the scientist, her expression softening. "I've already dealt with the feelings of abandonment and marginalization from my childhood. Three years of therapy and a lot of fist fights saw to that."

Although flippant, a sadness lingered in the undertones of the Pathfinder's statement. Suvi's first instinct was to reach out and soothe that sadness, but she remained stationary knowing that her friendship with the woman in front of her was tentative, at best. So instead, she watched the icy blue eyes bore into her, as though scanning her for anomalies. Somewhat unsettled by the intensity, Suvi shifted her stance, pressing her lower back into the workbench for both physical and emotional support.

Sara dropped her gaze to the ground and walked over to the workbench, stopping when she was next to the scientist. "I'm sorry, too," she said, before copying the redhead by leaning back against the bench. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. You didn't deserve it. I've just got a lot of my mind and the one person I would normally talk to, well, he's decided that being in a coma is the new cool thing to try."

"If you'd like to talk," Suvi said, an earnest expression shining within her eyes, "I am a good listener." She held up both hands up in an act mimicking surrender. "I promise not to say anything offensive. Or at least, anything else offensive."

The Pathfinder's brow furrowed as though debating the merits of the offer.

"You just…" The scientist stopped mid-sentence, her mind racing to figure out the best way to diplomatically explain why the offer was genuine. "Well, lately," she began again, hoping her father's advice that honesty was better than illusion, "you just seem so raw… all of the time. It might help if you get some of that internal debate out of your head."

Biting her lower lip, Sara's focus shifted to scientist and then back to the floor, but she remained silent.

Suvi was about to breathe out another apology when the younger woman sighed, her shoulders slumping as though she had dropped a heavy weight. "I've been having these flashbacks…"

"Flashbacks?" the scientist whispered, barely believing the woman next to her had spoken aloud.

"Of my father's life." Seeing Suvi's questioning expression, Sara added, "The transference of SAM brought my father's memories, as well. At least, some of them. "

"How is that possible?"

"I assume it's some sort of technological epigenetics. You know, how changes are inherited, but aren't inherent to our DNA. Like the idea that life experiences, which aren't directly coded in human DNA, can actually be passed onto children through RNA. SAM has all of my father's memories encoded – memorized, in a way. And when SAM was transferred to me, SAM passed some of my father's memories along, as well."

Suvi nodded her head. "And since SAM is the one who encoded the memory, SAM is also the key to decoding the memories."

"Yes," Sara sighed. "Apparently, that was what my father intended, but the memories come to me sporadically. Unexpectedly. My running theory is that there is some sort environmental factor that provides the interaction to decode a memory. Again, similar to epigenetic transference."

"What do you know about epigenetics?" As a molecular biologist, Suvi had a vast knowledge about epigenetic theory and research, but she was curious what depth of knowledge the woman next to her had.

"I'm sure you already know there are specific genes, dubbed Modified Transgenerational Epigenetic Kinetics – or MOTEK – that are involved in turning epigenetic transmission on and off."

The scientist nodded her head in affirmation.

"Well," Sara stated, "the act of switching on/off is based on the feedback interaction between RNAs, which are inherited, and the MOTEK genes, and is necessary to producing and transmitting the RNA through each generation. Simply put, a change in phenotype without a change in genotype, which in turn affects how cells read the genes."

Since the redhead was still nodding, Sara continued. "The running theory is that epigenetic change is a regular and natural occurrence, but can also be influenced by several factors including age, the environment, lifestyle, and disease state. So, my father's memories are the RNA, and the environmental factors are the MOTEK which unlock them. I just have no idea what environmental factors are needed to unlock or decode those memories."

Suvi stopped nodding and stared openly at the Pathfinder as though she had grown another head.

"Why, Dr. Anwar," Sara said, an amused smile curling at the corner of her lips, "you seem surprised."

"I just didn't expect when I came to check on the camera that we'd end up talking about genetic transference."

"Did you think I was just another pretty face with a gun?"

Feeling an instant flare of heat on her neck and face, Suvi blurted, "What? No, I–"

"You wouldn't be the first."

"It's just," Suvi began, silently praying the other woman hadn't noticed the blush of embarrassment on her cheeks, "you've never talked about having any interest in a scientific field before."

"Offspring of two geniuses, remember?"

Wondering what that comment implied, Suvi asked, "Does that mean you studied a particular discipline?"

"Going down the road of academia just didn't seem like the best way to rebel." Grinning roguishly, Sara added, "I've picked up a few things up though."

Even though she was curious about what those "things" might be, Suvi opted to file that line of inquiry away for a later time and instead brought the conversation back to the subject currently troubling the Pathfinder. "So… what kind of memories are you seeing?"

"I saw how my father's interest in AI got him blacklisted in the Alliance."

"Oh…"

"That was a little further down the 'mad genius' rabbit hole than I would have liked to go." Sara's eyes were unfocused, lost to the thoughts running through her head. "But I also saw the birth of SAM and how SAM became central to the Andromeda Initiative's mission."

"Really?" Suvi said, barely able to contain her inquisitive nature and ask all the questions thundering through her mind.

"I've always known that my father used SAM to help manage my mother's illness, but never knew that was truly his sole motivation." The Pathfinder turned her head toward the scientist, an unreadable emotion dancing within her eyes "All he ever wanted was to find a way to save her. Joining the Initiative was just a means to an end."

"I have to admit, as a scientist, being able to see another person's memories sounds fascinating. The insight alone surrounding SAM's creation could have enormous potential."

Sara's brow furrowed slightly. "The most unsettling memories are the ones that I'm in, because it's not like watching a movie where you interpret what you see through your own senses. These memories feel so real, like they are mine, but I know they're not. I know they are wrapped up in my father's feelings and point of view, but on some level they do feel like mine."

Knowing a little more about the Pathfinder's complex relationship with her father, Suvi weighed her thoughts before commenting. "I imagine that has to be difficult especially considering the unresolved issues between you both."

"It is at times. With some, I have two very different memories of the same moment and they fight for narrative dominance. But after time, the moment sort of blurs the two together and I can no longer see the distinction of what was his and what was originally mine." Sara shook her head as though to clear her thoughts. "Except the ones with my mother… those are the clearest, but also hardest to relive."

"Your mother?" Suvi whispered, digesting the new revelation. "Oh, Sara. I didn't even consider that."

The Pathfinder turned her head toward the redhead, wetness brimmed in her pale blue eyes. "He loved her so much. The memories are painful to experience."

Without hesitation, Suvi reached out with her right hand, capturing the younger woman's left, and then gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

Sara's gaze dropped the entwined hands. "You want to know the most messed up thing about all of this?" she said, her lips curving into a hollow half-smile, a cheerless expression revealing the true sorrow beneath the surface. "I miss him."

"That doesn't seem so messed up to me." Suvi's tone was soft and soothing as though trying to offer comfort with the sound of her voice.

"It does to me. I've been so angry with him for so long, and now that he's not here…" Sara sighed heavily. "Well, the anger is still there, but now there is also this sense of his absence."

Tilting her head contemplatively, Suvi asked, "Have you talked to anyone else about these memories?"

"I tried talking to Lexi." Sara lifted her head up and met the scientist's inquisitive gaze. "She doesn't have any insight on 'the how' but she is very 'pro-Alec' in her interpretation."

Suvi nodded in understanding. The fresh insights into the Pathfinder's complicated relationship with her father gave the scientist greater empathy for the comments and assumptions made by the rest of the crew. "Well, what meaning have you taken from the memories?"

"Honestly, I don't know." As her gaze drifted back down to their linked hands, Sara revised her statement. "Actually, that's not quite true, I do know."

Releasing the scientist's hand, Sara turned her body so she was facing redhead. "These memories remind me of the importance of being present in the moment, and telling people how you feel. Don't wait because the moment will pass and you may never get another."

Sensing a shift in energy, Suvi kept her reply neutral, waiting to see what the younger woman intended to say. "That is a good takeaway."

"With that in mind," Sara began, sounding somewhat apprehensive, "even though it was a completely inappropriate thing to say while on duty, what I said on the bridge that day – my drug-addled state aside – was true."

"Which part?" the scientist asked, unable to pass up the opportunity to playfully tease the Pathfinder for that unexpected, but not unappreciated, charmingly awkward attempt at flirting. "That you find my accent sexy or that you find me cute?"

"Um… both." Sara flashed a sheepish grin. "But more than that, I think you're a unique and fascinating woman and I would like to have the opportunity to get to know you better. Beyond the bridge."

"Like now?"

The hint of a shy smile curled on the younger woman's lips. "Yes, like now."

Turquoise eyes sought out and found the deep pools of pale blue. "Well, since we are being candid, what I said on the bridge that day was true, and it also applies now. The feeling is mutual." Suvi glanced down at the metal mug she was still holding in her left hand. "I don't suppose you'd like to continue this conversation over a cup of tea?"

"I don't have to drink out of that mug, right?"

"Absolutely not! It's for my lips only."

"Lucky mug." Making a motion with her hands to indicate her current wardrobe, Sara said, "I just need a minute to change into–"

[Ryder, you there?]

"Vetra?" Sara replied, instantly unmuting her comm link and shifting into work mode. "Is everything okay?"

[Depends on your definition of okay. Drack and I could really use your help. The trader won't do business unless it is directly with the Pathfinder.]

"There's no other way?"

[I wish. Apparently we found the President of Kadara's Pathfinder fan club.]

"You're kidding."

[Yes. It's not so much a club as a single fan-girl.]

Sara rolled her eyes in disbelief. "And how bad do we need these supply routes?"

[We don't need them at all, but if the Nexus wants to establish a successful colony here…]

"Say no more, I'll suit up and…" Sara stopped mid-sentence and stared at Suvi, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. Then, grinning mischievously, she said, "Vetra, how dangerous is this fan girl?"

[Poor judgement aside, she's harmless. Honestly, I think she just wants to meet you so she can bolster her reputation and expand her trade routes.]

"Stand by for a minute." Sara muted her comm link. "Instead of tea, how would you like to have dinner with me in Kadara Port?"

Clearly surprised by the invitation, the scientist questioned, "Dinner? Now?"

"Yes!" Sara exclaimed excitedly. Then, as if realizing her response may have been overly boisterous, she straightened her posture and purposely tried to temper her tone. "I mean, the meet-and-greet should only take a few minutes, then, if you're willing, we can go somewhere to grab a bite."

Suvi smiled at the adorability of the younger woman's failed attempt to contain her obvious excitement as she continued to sell the idea of going out for dinner.

"There's a salarian who runs a food cart. He makes the most amazing Kadaran version of fish and chips." As she continued, the Pathfinder's words were spoken quicker and her hands punctuated each statement, reflecting her increasing enthusiasm. "It's right next to Kralla's Song, a bar owned by an asari named Umi, who has a bit of an attitude problem, but makes the best drinks on Kadara. Which isn't saying much, but it is something. Not that we have to go there, we can totally go somewhere else… it is the cleanest bar in the port, though. And I promise that it will be completely safe. The new port management makes sure to take care of the Tempest crew."

Taking a deep breath, Sara flashed a hopeful smile. "So, what do you say?"

Suvi's head tilted slightly as she watched the younger woman expression rapidly shift between confidence and nervousness. Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, she said, "Are you asking me on a date?"

"If I say yes, will you agree to join me?"

"You're chances are good."

"Then yes, Dr. Anwar, I am asking you on a date."

Smiling softly, Suvi said, "Then, I agree."

Eyes alight with joy, the Pathfinder unmuted her comm link. "Vetra, I'll meet up with you and the trader in Kadara Port in an hour."

[Copy that. Vetra out.]

After disconnecting the link, Sara turned toward the scientist. "I have to clean up. Meet you back here in 30 minutes?"

"Sounds good."

"Oh… I'll ask Gil to replace the camera when I see him."

"I'll tell Kallo."

The Pathfinder, still grinning, quickly headed out of the cargo bay, but just as she reached the door, Suvi called out. "And Sara?"

"Yeah?"

"Just so you know," Suvi's eyes unabashedly roamed over the younger woman's athletic figure, "you don't have to change clothes on my account."

This time it was the Pathfinder's turn to blush as she brushed aside a stray strand of hair from her face. Then, with a shy smile curling on her lips, she turned and headed through the doorway.