Meridian: Awakening

Chapter 1

Home.

It was something that eluded Sara Ryder for over 600 years as she slept. Her brother, Scott, was the human Pathfinder. The one who brought the human ark to Meridian.

More out of chance, and pissing off the now dead Archon, rallying the entire cluster together to defeat him and his fleet of Kett.

His crew was loyal and dedicated; and now, were exploring the galaxy for new worlds, and new finds for the scientific benefits of the entire galaxy…Angara included.

Sara was comfortable in her new duty, as a liason of sorts to the Moshae and the Human race. At Scott's suggestion, especially since Sara was a student and lover of all things scientific and archeology, Moshae Sjefa offered the position to her. And she gladly accepted.

It was perhaps the best thing that could have happened. A perfect opportunity to study a new species first hand, and learn what it would take to live peacefully among them.

It had been a year since the death of the Archon. Sara learned so much from the Moshae; she reminded Sara so much of her own mother. Her mother that was still in cryostasis, with perhaps a chance to live, if they could find a cure to the eezo exposure that was killing her mother.

SAM had exposed her to the final memory of her father's life. That her mother still had a chance. And Sara was going to dedicate so much of herself to finding that cure.

But now, the Moshae needed her.

Sara, I have a message for you, from Moshae Sjefa.

She was still trying to get used to SAM in her head, with random surprise messages at random times. "I wonder when I'll ever get used to this," Sara muttered, as she switched on her OMNI tool. "Go ahead."

A holographic screen appeared, of the Moshae with a warm smile. Good morning, Sara. I hope all is well. I have asked to conduct a meeting with the NEXUS leadership. It's quite important, and I would appreciate your input. Please, meet me at my office for further details. See you soon, my dear.

Sara switched off the message with a small smile. Perhaps it was the shared love of knowledge she had with the Moshae. Or, perhaps it was her need for her mother; and the Moshae reminded Sara so much of Ellen, that she could almost swear, that her mother's soul had taken form of Moshae Sjefa. Sara had grown close to her over her time of working for her. The angara were growing on Sara; they were all a very emotional species. Extremely honest, and knowledgeable. It was a refreshing change, compared to the other species, that had no quarrel in lying to rise to the top. Sara always appreciated their honesty. They were beautifully created, for whatever reason, they were still trying to figure out.

Gathering her things in her back pack, and strapping a pistol to her side (just in case), Sara left her room that she lived within on Aya, not far from the marketplace. The Angara were still somewhat mistrustful of strangers…Sara understood after hearing what was done to them for nearly a century.

She was greeted with friendly faces, of both the Angara, and some of the NEXUS species that were granted spaces to serve in the small embassy on Aya. Most were thankful for her brother's actions. Defeating the Kett, saving the Moshae, saving their important Remnant science team on Havarl, helping them find their past….

The name Ryder was no longer a blacklisted name. Even a few Angara females were interested in her brother!

But, apparently, he'd shown some interest in the museum curator, Avela Kjar. Sara had heard whispers of messages that were exchanged back and forth between the two, and his flirtatious attitude towards her while gathering artifacts for her to place in the museum.

Sara shook her head with a smile at the thought, as she greeted a market vendor, to buy a delicious piece of fruit for her breakfast to eat on her way to the Moshae's office in Resistance headquarters. "Good day, Sara!" The female angara market vendor greeted her with a smile.

"Hi there! I'll take two pieces; one for the road." Sara smiled warmly, as she paid for her request.

Moving along, she placed the piece of fruit in her mouth. Heaven. Aya really had some wonders that Sara couldn't wait to discover. She kept the other piece in a container, as she weaved through the morning crowd of citizens, and to the more solemn and serious environment of the Resistance headquarters.

Both familiar and unfamiliar faces greeted her, with suspicion or trust. But it was one face that never showed any kind of emotion, except business—and business only.

Evfra de Tershaav was not only the Resistance leader, but he was preparing for his newest role of General of the Angaran Forces. Throughout her year of working closely with him and Moshae Sjefa, Sara could see just why the Angara revered him so much. He was a brilliant leader. He was able to keep the civility for now between the Roekaar and the NEXUS. He allowed his second in command to be a part of her brother's crew of explorers.

And it took almost six months to get him to refer to her as Ryder instead of human.

He barely spoke to her, and directed anything for her towards Moshae Sjefa.

Luckily, he was not at his desk when she entered. When the door to the Moshae's office opened, however, there he was.

Sara resisted rolling her eyes and dropping her shoulders—one day without the scrutiny of Evfra would be nice. But, it was as though he didn't trust her to be around Sjefa alone. The two Angara turned to face her, and as always, Sjefa greeted Sara with a warm smile; while Evfra had his usual scowl at the sight of her. As if she were disgusting.

I'm reading a temperature change within Evfra de Tershaav, Sara.

Figures. His blood probably boiled with—

"I see you had to be present for this?" Evfra didn't even bother so much as with a greeting.

Sara gave a smug smile, before turning her attention to the Moshae. "I brought you some fruit for the morning, Moshae Sjefa. I figured you probably hadn't eaten, knowing you." Sara smiled, offering the container.

The Angara ambassador took the container with a smile. It had taken some time for the two to trust each other enough to share things amongst each other. Sara tried to give Sjefa a sandwich after a few days, but after the first rejection, it was instead Sjefa who had offered a piece of fruit to her first. It had become a thing between the two; one always knowing that the other had been so wrapped up in work, that eating had been placed on the back burner. "Thank you, Sara." Sjefa smiled, "I am awaiting a call from Director Tann to start our meeting."

Sara ignored the empty seat next to Evfra, and decided to occupy one over. "I don't like this, Sjefa. You have almost worked yourself to exhaustion. Allow someone else to travel in your place."

That got Sara's attention from Evfra. Her green eyes shot up from her bag in her lap, and she exchanged a glance between the two. "Wait, what? Traveling where?"

"The Pathfinders have sent data to both the NEXUS and I, in regards to a possible home colony for the Turians. However, the planet has been plagued with the Kett since the defeat of the Archon. Teams have been dispatched, and I would like to visit to see for myself, and attempt to reassure the small angaran colony that is currently present that it would be a shared voice for the planet. That the Turians can help and settle on the planet."

"For once, I agree with Evfra," Sara ignored the huff from her side at the blue Angaran she always disagreed with. Sjefa had fainted a few days ago, and worried the entire city. "You're exhausted, Sjefa. Please, delegate someone else."

Sara tried to keep the worry out of her tone of voice. But, she refused to allow Sjefa to scare everyone again. The Ambassador worked too hard. Sara would at times, catch her asleep at her desk late at night. Now, she was to recover from her collapse. "Shh, both of you," Sjefa's voice was almost motherly to the both of them. "You both worry too much over my well being."

"Because you need rest." Sara spoke up. "What happened scared us all. I'm sure someone else would be fitting to go in your place."

"That was my plan." Sjefa picked up the fruit and took a bite. "Thank you for this," she said again.

The vid com beeped, signaling an incoming call. Sjefa answered. "Director, good day." She was always so civil. Even when she always disagreed with Tann's methods of wanting NEXUS to be above the Angara. She was talented in keeping the peace.

"Moshae," Tann's voice was almost a grate on Sara's nerves. "I trust you will be traveling to the Turian colony?"

"The Angaran colony," Evfra spoke up, correcting him. "Remember you are in Heleus now, Tann."

The corners of Sara's lips lifted up slightly at Evfra's obvious distaste for Tann. It could be so entertaining to see just how honest the Angara could be. "Director, I had received the information on the colony. At the insistence of my assistant," Sjefa shot Sara a coy smile, "I will not be able to travel to the colony. However," Sjefa stood, and walked to stand in front of the holographic figure of the Salarian director, "My assistant and our General will go in my place. I ask that your colleagues be present to help establish relations and an allied force for their protection from both the Angara and those of the APEX teams."

"While I do not disagree with Evfra going, I would have to raise some questions regarding your assistant speaking in your stead. We have a Ryder already in an important position to help establish this. I would rather it be one of my people. We can provide scientific resources and it would not send a good message to have another Ryder performing such important duties."

While Sjefa's suggestion brought an obvious protest from Evfra, Tann's protest irked Sara even more. She was competent in her abilities, and in her own duties. While she could somewhat understand Tann's position of the Ryders being elevated due to her brother's actions, Sara held her own in rightfully earning the confidence of the Angaran people.

"With all due respect, aside from my brother, the Angarans trust me more so than the others within the NEXUS leadership. I—", Sara was interrupted by Sjefa, who lifted a hand to calm her.

"Tann, my orders stand firm. I have Sara as an assistant for good reason. She is more than capable of handling this with Evfra's guidance. She will be working with one of the most trusted amongst our people. Her work on the Remnant and on the Kett has been invaluable. She and Evfra will be departing shortly."

There was a long silence from both, and Sara glanced at the Angaran male who was to join her on this assignment. He was already clenching his jaw, his brow narrowing as he spared her a glare.

This would not be fun. Usually, Sjefa was able to keep a peace between the two. But, Sara was hard headed when it came to any research; something that Evfra didn't find valuable unless it was done by his own. And he was never afraid to let her know.

"Understood, Ambassador. I will deploy Kandros and Kesh to the colony with a permanent group. They will meet you there. Good day."

That was the first time in a while that Sara heard such a disagreeable tone within Tann's voice when it came to any decision the Moshae had made. When the call ended, Evfra was the first to speak up. "Moshae please," He stood and made his way towards her. "I would much rather deploy with one of your other researchers."

Sara's feathers were now clearly ruffled, as she clenched her fists in her lap. "What's the matter, Evfra? Afraid of an alien showing you up?"

The challenge was out of her mouth before she could stop herself. If there was one thing the Moshae didn't appreciate, it was arguing. The tall Angaran turned to face her, his blue on black eyes narrowing to slits as he stalked towards her. "Shown up by an alien who behaves like a child? That would rather see her own lifted above to be the conquerer?" His voice raised as he challenged her in return.

"Now, stop! Both of you!" Sjefa chimed in to calm the situation before it escalated to Sara punching Evfra in his face. "I am sending the two of you because you prove more than capable of working for the future. You both have proven time and again that you accomplish goals for the safety of everyone. I want you two to use this assignment to learn to work together. Because like it or not, you both will be working together for some time. Please."

Sara took a few deep breaths, before running her hand through her dark hair. She turned her attention away from Evfra, and softened her expression as it fell upon the warm and compassionate face of her mentor. "For you, I will, Moshae." Sara finally said.

"And I as well. For you." Evfra's voice was grated more so than usual; a sign of his reluctance to give into the one being that stood between them both as a peacemaker.

Sjefa's lips turned upwards into a warm smile, as she walked back towards her desk. "Good. The deployment will begin as soon as possible. I will arrange for a shuttle to take you both and some guards to the colony. I expect updated statuses regularly."

Sara took that as her queue to leave; and it looked as though Evfra attempted to race her to the door. "And also," her voice stopped them both, "Stars guide your travels. Work well together, and we can continue to grow as one galaxy."

"Yes, Moshae." Both Evfra and Sara left, parting ways without a word to each other.

"SAM, connect me to Scott. I need some advice on how to handle Evfra without punching him." Sara said, as she made her way towards her quarters.