Short note: Thank you for the positive reviews, favorites and follows! I appreciate the feedback! To answer a few things, I did decide to keep the Ryder names canon, to avoid confusion, and I think the game using their first names made it more personal and enjoyable =) Second, I am not going to necessarily focus on a love relationship (it may or may not come who knows?) for Sara's story here, but more so on her own bonds she builds with Moshae, Evfra, Kesh, SAM (yes plenty!) and somewhat with her brother's crew as well. Focusing on the renewal of life for everyone. Scott ain't no Captain Kirk (lol), but, he will be a little flirtatious with others. Just remember, that the Angara are very open with their emotions, as we move forward. Sara focused on Protheans in the Milky Way; now, she focuses on the Angara, and what their creation, biology, and culture means for the future. Especially since she and her brother are still the only ones able to interface with Remnant technology.
Again, thank you, and please leave a review, like, or follow!
Meridian: Awakening
Chapter 2
Since the defeat in the Battle for Meridian, it seemed as though life within Andromeda was beginning to flourish. A Golden Age, but, Evfra knew better than to allow his wall to begin crumbling for the aliens. Yes, it was quite a battle, the entire cluster seemed to come together under the banner of the Pathfinders; more so of that insolent human, Scott Ryder.
Evfra grew to respect him; but he kept his distance. Jaal would provide him with any important information. Now, stars be damned, he was stuck with the other Ryder. The human female hadn't done anything to wrong him-she was a trusted advisor to the Moshae. However, it was the same attitude she had that matched her brother. Perhaps he could have acted grateful, however, Evfra was no fool. They shared a common enemy. What would happen to his people; the very beings created for this galaxy, if resources were to dwindle?
The NEXUS species could barely get along with each other, let alone with the Angara. Their government and laws were barely established. The Angara had no reason to fight until the Kett began exaultation. Even with the Roekaar, and some who had chosen to hide instead of fight, the Angara had no need to fight amongst themselves.
Now, the Moshae wanted to help build a peaceful galaxy; with peace amongst the species. It would take perhaps more than a lifetime, but it remained to be seen as to whether or not the aliens understood just who's home this was. The habitable planets were slowly settling, and Evfra wanted to ensure the safety of his people. That was his first and foremost concern. NEXUS be damned.
He glared at Sara Ryder, as she spoke to the NEXUS Krogan called Nakmor Kesh; he was going to ensure he kept a close eye on her. This human would ensure that the Angara come first. The two females were discussing buildings and sites; and surprisingly, discussing repairs to the homes of the Angara that resided on the planet. The overall problem that needed to be addressed first and foremost, was the Kett; and since their arrival to the planet, some outlaws that left Kadara after Reyes had taken power. "My forces have bolstered, and I can provide assistance to the borders." Evfra spoke up.
Kandros; a Turian in charge of the NEXUS militia, a smart and cunning leader that had Evfra's respect, agreed with him. "I've provided some APEX squads to help with the rotations. I won't leave the entire responsibility up to you. Air patrols will run around the clock."
Evfra gave a curt nod; that should have been it for him. But, he was stuck here on this forsaken outpost site; with this human that watched him, before turning her attention to the Krogan. "I understand there are a few small remnant sites here," Sara said. "Hopefully, they can remain dormant. However, the outlaws will end up trying to dismantle them to sell. We will need some guards close to those sites. To be quite honest, I would suggest this outpost turn into the city center point for the colony. Perhaps bring the main merchants, station a military headquarters, and perhaps, a local government." She was going too far ahead. "Eventually."
"Slow down there, Sara. One step at a time. We will handle the security situation and the building repairs first." Kesh told her.
Smart. The Krogan continued to surprise Evfra with her logic and reason. "Sorry, I get a little ahead of myself," Sara's apology wasn't needed. "I will inform the Moshae of the plans, and exactly where we'll place everything for now. With luck, this shouldn't be a long deployment. Once we can get a foothold and help the existing residents first, things should move along smoothly."
The door behind them opened, and a human male walked into the room. "Superintendent Kesh, you have an important vid call from New Tuchanka."
When the Krogan excused herself, it was a sign of their meeting come to an end. Good riddance. Evfra needed some space and fresh air. The four designated leaders were set up to live in a small building; that was seemingly big enough just for the four of them.
He was not planning on sleeping around them.
Sara followed them out when their short planning meeting ended. Her brother had laughed when she told him of this assignment, but also reminded her that Evfra would not be anything but business. Yet, Sara had worked alongside Evfra for almost a year. Yes, the Moshae acted as a debuffer between the two, but she knew how much he hated her existence. Researching any technology here would be difficult if he refused to work with her. Sara, like her brother, wanted to know who she was working with. It was a little easier to work with Kesh and Kandros, considering the circumstances, but it was going to be difficult if Evfra kept things from her. Something she would suspect of him on this assignment. Damn it to hell if she was ever blindsighted because of him.
When she neared the building they were all to stay in together, she noticed Evfra standing outside of the door. Sara cleared her throat nervously, unable to keep eye contact with him, as his condescending stare weighed upon her. She slowed to a stop near him, "Is there a problem?" She asked.
"Yes."
Ugh, him and his stupid one worded answers. This was not going to be easy. "Well? Are you going to tell me what it is?"
"No."
Sara let her arms drop, and was going to put her foot down now. "Listen, Evfra. I know you hate me. But, we're going to have to make this colony work-"
"I don't hate you," He interrupted her . "I don't trust you. I am here to fulfill my duties. That is all."
Sara stared up at him. Well, at least she didn't have to really worry about him trying to kill her. Before the Angaran could escape, Sara spoke up, "Okay, understood. Just know that you're not the only one looking out for the best interests of your people. Like it or not, we all live here now."
Evfra said nothing; he didn't even bother looking at her. His expression remained hard, as he gazed at the horizon ahead of them. She wasn't going to push it. He'll need his space. Sara couldn't stand awkward silences; her father did those too often when he was alive.
The sudden memory recollection of her father pinged in her heart. She took too much after her mother-Sara wanted her family to be close. Alec loved her mother so much; that he poured his entire life into saving her-and the family. Up until the very end. Her father's suffering played yet again, his last moments to save her brother. All to ensure the family could continue. Sara could feel the painful lump in her throat. She could remember being a little girl, all those years ago. Her father did his best at the time; Sara understood that; and it took years for Scott to understand. Scott was treated a little harder than Sara. When she was actually able to do so, Sara would sit in her father's lap, until she fell asleep. Memories he cherished enough of family times when they were children flashed yet again. God dammit.
She must have been staring into space for a long while-Evfra was watching her, curiously. It looked as though he actually wondered what had taken over her to zone out so deeply. "Human."
Wow. He resorted back to that? She blinked, and looked up at him. "My name is Sara," She replied, "At least show me that courtesy, as I've shown you, Evfra. Or would you rather I call you Angaran?"
He grunted and his eyes narrowed. Evfra let his arms drop as he took a step towards her. Sara couldn't really help but notice his eyes. That was the most admirable part of the Angara. It truly was the window to their souls; their gazes could be mystifying at times.
Almost distracting.
But his eyes had shown his pain; his anguish and even...regret. She remembered how Jaal had told her that he'd lost his entire family to the Kett. Evfra had nothing left to lose. The most dangerous of enemies. Pain emboldens your resolve, her father used to say. It was true with him. So true. Sara felt a surge of pity for Evfra. Family was everything to the Angara. Nothing else mattered. But, she stood her ground, trying to mask her own pain she felt at the thought of the man who should be here, guiding humanity to their new home. Guiding her. Telling her that he was proud of her. Giving her a feeling of some familiarity when she would see him doting over her mother. Struggling to find words to continue some kind of conversation. He would have gained Evfra's respect in a heartbeat. Sara reminded herself that she could do this. Evfra and his distrust of her be damned. "I don't care what you call me," his hard tone hit her harder than she expected. "I'm here because the Moshae ordered me to help. I am here to do my part, and leave. Do not expect me to care what you think of me, Sara."
"Well, how hard was that?" She quipped with a roll of her eyes. Sara huffed, as she turned to make her way past him, and towards the doorway. "Try grabbing a beer or getting laid, Evfra. You're an uptight asshole."
Sara wished she could have slammed the door behind her. When it closed she clenched her fists. This was not going to be easy. She wanted the entire project to succeed. Okay, she could do it; even if Evfra refused to even acknowledge her. But, a sudden pain clenched at her chest; damn the sympathy she felt for him. No one can be forced to get along; but Sara knew some kind of truce could be laid between two people. What was she going to tell the Moshae? That she called Evfra an asshole after he said he didn't care what she called him? That Evfra's attitude towards anyone not Angara made her incredibly uneasy? That Sara couldn't see this peacefully working if one was not on board?
Sara stopped herself, her hands idly loosening her hair free from its band that held it up. Inhaling deeply, she recalled another archeologist on a dig she'd been on; how she refused to be a team player; and how their director was able to slowly get her to open up, and work with the team. The dig went by more successfully, and they watched each other's backs on the site. Sara couldn't trust Evfra to do that if he were to even send a small team with her while studying the remnant sites here. He would probably care less if she'd dropped dead. Perhaps she could...
Could what? Have tea? Become BFFs!? Go shopping together?
She groaned as she laid her head back onto the pillow. The cot was uncomfortable, but, it would do. Sara lifted her hand, and spread her fingers. "SAM, can we do a display for a moment?"
Of course.
Sara smiled as she saw the tendrils weave from her fingertips, mapping the Milky Way galaxy above her. Where she came from. Her beginning. It was relaxing for her.
Sara, may I suggest speaking with civility to Evfra de Tershaav? Though my data files on him may be limited, I could sense an adrenaline spike within him when you raised your voice.
Sara stared up at the holographic map above her, as she let her hand fall to her stomach. SAM was right; who in their right mind would respond to hostility? Even if they were hostile towards you. Sara had to be the better person. "He's a hard person," she said aloud. "I want to be able to trust that he'll watch my back. If not as a friend, at least as an ally. I'm planning to head to the sites tomorrow, and I don't want to constantly look over my shoulder. He refuses to even give me a hint that he'll do so. I can't work with that, SAM. How am I supposed to tell the Moshae this? She would never throw us together by ourselves, because we would be at each other's throats so much. I can't and won't let let down. I suppose I'll have to rely on myself."
I will warn you of any offensive actions, of course. My experiences with your brother and the Pathfinder crew gave me insight on building trust. It takes time, and persistence. If one will not respond, your brother never gave up.
"He's a little more charismatic than I am. I know I can be a little...temperamental and awkward at times. I'm in a new galaxy, with so much to learn and I want to learn as much as I can. Evfra's experience with the Kett and their operations is invaluable with their obsession of this cluster," Sara frowned at that, "They're still a threat out there. If I could somehow.."
A light bulb went off in her head. She and her brother were the only ones capable of manipulating the Remnant. Hell, her own biotics had amplified after her forced integration with the Archon and Architect with some kind of electrical surge. She could literally talk to the Remnant; with the aid of SAM, she could perhaps use the technology to guard this colony. That way, the militias would be able to focus on ridding this galaxy of the Kett once and for all.
I recall your wish of not publicizing the actual strength of your abilities, Sara.
"Trust me, SAM. I won't let this be exploited. I'm not going to allow anyone to dabble into you, Scott, or me for that matter. I still don't want to tell Scott of the extent of my abilities. The interfacing between the Architect and the Archon just did a number on us, according to everyone else. And we'll keep it that way. There was a reason my dad modified our implants. To truly work and be able to make a home for everyone. Whatever the cost. Tomorrow, SAM," Sara let out a sigh, as she planned out her day in her head. She was going to dig into that technology tomorrow at the site. "We'll see what all we can do to help this colony get up on their feet. If the site could tell us more, and if it could give me some kind of access to the control center, we'd be in business."
Understood. I advise caution-straining yourself too soon would be ill advised.
"Trust me, SAM. Hopefully we can lighten the load on Evfra and Kandros tomorrow." If Sara could command Remnant to assist the colony, and only the colony, it would help.
