T w o - H i m

Cressida Ryder came to Andromeda because she wanted to follow her father and brother. She liked the thought of a new beginning with her family, maybe it was a chance for them to become closer after their moms passing. A chance for her to move forward in a new direction. Her life back in the Milky Way was pretty good, she was A Recon Specialist, studying and unearthing Prothean technology. She thought it was her calling after the Alliance. A way to escape her Fathers shadow.

She didn't expect that to change whatsoever. She didn't forsee Habitat 7 failing to be what they thought, her father dying to keep her alive. Her brother being in a coma because of cryo pod complications. She wished this was just another nightmare, but it was real. And definitely not what she signed up for. Especially being Pathfinder. She had no training, unlike Cora Harper who was her Fathers second in command and now hers as well. Cressida bet she was going to screw it up somehow.

Cressida looked around the Nexus in the Operations part of the place and knew she looked like a wreck no doubt. She felt like a wreck. She wanted to cry and just breakdown but she couldn't. Not in such a public area at least. It would show weakness. And she wasn't one to show weakness so easily. It would make her look vulnerable and she knew that also wouldn't make her look like a Good Pathfinder.

Hazel eyes traveled all around until they landed on a familiar person that she had landed and traveled most of Habitat 7 with. Liam Kosta. Cressida thought he was a nice guy, he was really supportive of her and gave her a bit of hope that she would be up for all this and do a well done job as Pathfinder. He reminded her of herself in a few ways. She took this time to truly look at him. He was well built and pretty tall, just about six foot. His eyes were a light brown, warm and kind. Smile charming and sweet. Hair black as well as the slight stubble he had going on. He looked like an amazing person.

She remembered how he first waved to her across the med bay back at the Hyperion after she was released from Cryo. The cute little smile and wave, the smoldering smirk after she gave a wave and smile back. Cressida could tell from first glance that there was something about him that intrigued her. That made her want to know him better. But she knew catching feelings for a man had a chance of leading to another heartbreak like back in the Milky Way with her first and last ex. She wouldn't be able to bare it again.

But, she wouldn't shy away if somehow he showed trust to her.

Cressida approached Liam who had finished his conversation with someone from security and she gave him a weak smile. Liam returned it with a stronger one filled with kindness and a dash of sympathy.

" Hey Ryder, how are you feeling? You haven't got the chance to really process it all…" He greeted, arms crossed over his chest.

The violet haired woman let out a sigh.

" I'll be fine. I'm still shocked but give me a few hours and I'll be good as new.' She assured," I hope I will anyway. Wouldn't be a good first impression as Pathfinder to just look all sad and gloomy all the time."

" I'm sure if you did people would understand." Liam's eyes wandered past the woman in front of him for a moment before they returned to her fully," We all have moments. Your human first, never forget that."

Cressida felt a sudden sting as he said that but held back the tears and took a deep breath before speaking,holding back her emotions like she had learned to after her break up.

" I won't. But if it seems I'm slipping please remind me. I'd appreciate it.''

Liam chuckled.

" Noted. " his smile widened," But I really do think your up for it. Being Pathfinder."

" You'd be the only one. Everyone else seems to give me some form of doubt. Myself included." Cressida tucked a strand of hair behind her ear," But I'll do my best. Its all I can do. For everyone."

" Don't overwork yourself, though. It'd be a shame if you died before we shared a few beers together.''

That made the woman giggle. And that giggle was the beginning of a friendship. The beginning of the slight warmth she brought to his heart.