Scott was currently on the bridge with, Cora, Liam and Captain Dunn as they exited FTL. They were now in the system where the Nexus was located, the Nexus was designed to be the hub of the Andromeda Initiative.
Its design was similar to that of the Citadel back home, though it was smaller and wasn't able to transform into a cylinder for protection. Hopefully the Nexus would serve as the new government for the Andromeda Initiative once they were settled.
"Ryder, good to see you on your feet," said Dunn as they entered the bridge. "We're at the Nexus. It's the forward hub for the entire Andromeda Initiative. The asari, salarian and turian arks should be there, too."
They could see Nexus coming into view, it was currently orbiting around a gas giant. Fortunately before setting off, they had agreed upon the rendezvous point for the Nexus for the arks.
"Let's hope they've had better luck," said Scott.
"Starting our approach now," said Lani.
Liam just stared at the Nexus. "It's almost as big as the Citadel back home."
"Nexus control, this is Ark Hyperion, requesting docking clearance," said Lani as she approached the Nexus. However, something appeared to be wrong as she looked back at Dunn looking confused. "Captain, I'm only getting the automated approach channel, not a live person."
Dunn wasn't going to let that stop them. "Well like it or not, we're here. Take us in."
They began moving in closer towards the Nexus, toward the docking port for the arks. However, when they got closer they found that the Nexus was still under construction, the circle surrounding the two ward arms was still under construction and the ward arm at the bottom was still being constructed.
"Construction should've been finished by now," Cora frowned.
"Could be worse…" said Liam trying to remain positive.
Scott, however, was still coming to terms with what happened on Habitat 7. "How? Habitat 7 is bust, we've might have started a war with the first aliens we met, and our Pathfinder's dead," he said counting everything off his fingers. "This better be rock bottom."
"Green across the board," said Lani as she positioned the Hyperion into the docking port. "Docking initiated."
About a minute later, they were docked at the Nexus, these dots were specially designed for the arks so they could share power with the Nexus.
"All right. I got us here," said Dunn looking at Scott. "Good luck, Pathfinder."
Scott, Cora and Liam were making their way to the tram in order to access the Nexus and Scott was still feeling uneasy with his new position.
"The captain just called me 'Pathfinder,'" he said shaking his head. "This is really happening."
"Just take a deep breath," said Liam.
Scott closed his eyes. "This should've been my father's moment."
"But now it's yours. You just need to decide what you're going to do with it," said Cora.
Scott shook his head. "Where do I start? I'm just not sure I'm ready."
"We weren't ready to fall out of the sky on Habitat 7. But we survived that," Liam pointed out.
Scott raised an eyebrow. "Right. So, always keep a jump-jet handy."
Eventually they reached the tram and started to make their way to the Nexus and they weren't really sure what to be expecting.
"It will be nice to see some friendly faces this time," said Scott looking at the others.
"The Nexus runs a support crew," Cora informed them. "Just enough to finish building the station and provide safe harbour for the arks."
"Means we can start waking our people up."
"They built a bar, right?" Liam asked looking at the two of them. "Gotta had champagne for the welcome party."
"You're expecting one?" Scott asked.
"After what we've been through, I could use a buzz."
"We all could."
"Yeah. Rough ride so far."
"We'll bounce back," Cora assured the two of them. "Real food and a shower are just ahead."
The tram then came to a stop in the three of them exited it.
"Here we are," Cora smiled.
However, when they went through the door they found the place was completely deserted. It was pitch dark and there was certainly no signs of a welcome party, or anyone for that matter.
"Uh… I don't see any champagne," said Liam looking a bit disappointed.
"Where is everybody?" Scott frowned. He then looked at the others as they entered the empty floor. "Well, this can't be right."
"It's like everything is on standby," Cora frowned.
"If it's a surprise party, they're doing an awfully good job of it," said Liam.
They consulted with the Nexus VI, Avina, which was a carbon copy of the one on the Citadel. However, she appeared to be really out of date, she had no knowledge that Habitat 7 was a wasteland and she talked about queues of people which seem to be non-existent, in fact the only thing that accurate was the year.
Continued searching around hoping to find someone and that's when they found a construction worker fiddling with a junction box.
"There's a guy. Maybe he's got champagne," said Liam hopefully.
"Hi, there!" Scott waved as they approached him.
Construction worker rose to his feet and looked at them.
"We're from Ark Hyperion," said Scott. "And wondering where everyone went…?"
The construction worker just looked at them as if he was seen a bunch of ghosts.
"Did he hear you?" Liam frowned.
"Did you say an 'ark'?" he asked.
"This is the Nexus, right? Pretty sure we parked in the right place," Scott joked.
"And for what it's worth, your VI over there could use an update," Cora added.
"Of course, I'm sorry," said the construction worker apologetically. "It's just… we thought you were all dead!"
"What?"
"Or captured. Or lost in dark space, or…" The construction engineer realise that he was rambling, but he continued to look at them with a new found sense of hope. "But you're here. You have no idea how much this means."
Before Scott could get any clarification they heard a new voice.
"I don't believe it…" They turned and saw a turian in armour approaching them, he immediately shook hands with Scott. "I'm Tiran Kandros. I lead our militia on the Nexus."
"I'm Scott Ryder," Scott introducing himself and then gestured to Cora and Liam. "This is Cora Harper and Liam Kosta, part of the Pathfinder team."
"I'm sorry for the confusion. Our senses told us an ark had arrived, but Heleus is notorious for scrambling equipment. We thought you will never malfunction."
Scott frowned at that. "But aren't you expecting us?"
"You're the first ark we've seen," Kandros explained. "After a year of waiting and no sign of the others, we shuttered this area and stopped looking."
"You've been stranded for whole year?" Liam stared.
"Longer. I'll fill you in on the way to Ops Centre."
Kandros guided them towards the trams as he began to explain the situation on the Nexus. "Everything that could have gone wrong with our plan, has. We arrived fourteen months ago. Right away we hit band of dark energy that knocked us off course."
"We're familiar with it," said Scott.
"Then you'll know why we call it the 'Scourge.' We lost whole sections of the station. A lot of people died. No power, no food, they chaos went on for months. It finally led to armed rebellion. When order was restored, the insurgents were banished. 'Exiles' we call them."
And they thought they had things bad, it was nothing compared to what those Nexus experienced. It also explain why construction the Nexus wasn't completed, in some way Scott was quite pleased that they missed all that.
"Are think back to normal?" Cora asked shocked.
Kandros shook his head as they enter the tram. "Not even close." He activated the tram and they began to move, he then looked at them. "But you're here now, so maybe the worst is over."
"No word from the other Pathfinders?" Cora asked.
"No one from any one period."
"Any threats from the locals?" Liam asked.
"So far, we've stayed hidden. We're in no shape to deal with an attack."
Of course, of the situation on Habitat 7 chances were that would soon change. "We had a first contact situation on Habitat 7. Whole thing went south. They tried to kill us."
Kandros obviously knew about the aliens, because he didn't ask for details. "That wasn't first contact—we know about them. Those aliens are going to be a real problem."
"This day just getting better," Cora sighed.
The doors then opened. "We're here."
"You guys go ahead," said Liam as he walked away from them. "I'll check out the security situation."
Kandros then let them to Ops Centre. "You should know that our command structure has been fractured. Some of us are filling in for leaders who died."
Suddenly they saw two human crewmen, one male and one female, running past as if the entire station was on fire.
"Is it true?"
"They said dropped everything and report to duty."
"…and no one was expecting an ark to finally show up," Kandros finished.
They soon reached the centre of operations and saw good number of people already on the consoles, no doubt they were reacting to the arrival of Ark Hyperion.
"Docking procedures are green across the board," said an operations officer.
"Stand by to merge Hyperion power into the grid," said a human female officer.
They all start when they saw Kandros standing there with the three of them.
"The crew of the Hyperion…" said a salarian approaching them rubbing his hands together.
"Good luck," said Kandros patting Scott on the shoulder before walking off.
"I'm Jarun Tann, Director of the Initiative," said the salarian. "You have no idea how much your arrival means to us."
"We've heard about what happened, and we're already to help," Scott offered.
"We could use any supplies you have—food, water—we're short on everything," said a human woman with thick brown hair.
"This is Foster Addison," Tann introduced. "She oversees Colonial Affairs." He then looked over their shoulders as if expecting a third person to appear behind them. "Where's the Pathfinder?"
Scott braced himself, having some idea what the reaction was going to be. "You're looking at him."
Tann and Addison just stared at him.
"You're not Alec Ryder," Tann frowned.
"My father's dead. He named me his successor."
Addison just stood there in shock. "Alec… is dead?" Scott nodded reluctantly. "Please understand: the entire Initiative is at risk." She then guided them to a console which depicted readings, no doubt on nearby planetary systems. "None of the golden worlds panned out. They're a bust. And there's no word from the other arks."
"What happened to them?" Cora asked.
"Unknown," said Tann regretfully. "Our supplies are nearly depleted. Rationing bought us some time, but even that's running out."
"We need to find more resources," said Addison as she turned to Scott. "But that takes people, and we can't wake them up—
"—until they have somewhere to live. A golden world," Scott finished.
"Now more than ever we need a Pathfinder."
Tann looked at Scott. "It now falls to you Ryder. Are you up to the task?"
Scott really didn't see how he had much of an option, the situation was far more desperate than anticipated. The lives of thousands now rest on his shoulders and he didn't have the necessary training, but he had to trust that his father knew what he was doing making him Pathfinder.
"My father believed I am," he said finally looking at all them. "If you trusted him with the job, you'll have to trust his judgement."
Addison didn't look particularly convinced. "Your father won't be around to fix things if you fail."
"That's no way to treat a guest," said a female krogan as she approached them. She then turned and looked at Scott. "I'm Nakmor Kesh, superintendent of this station. I hope they haven't scared you off already."
"It's nothing personal," said Addison. "But now isn't the time for on-the-job training."
"At least the Pathfinder here seems willing to try. We could use a fresh perspective."
Addison looked at her. "You've heard my concerns. I'll leave you to it."
They then watched as she walked off looking absolutely frustrated.
"We're all feeling the pressure," Tann sighed, he then turned and faced them. "Let's have a private word in my office, Ryder. We'll discuss giving you a scout ship." He then gestured towards Cora. "I'm happy to work out the details with your associate?"
He then walked off and Cora gave him the look indicating that she was trying to hold back the urge to punch Tann across the face. He then watched as she followed him leaving Scott alone with Kesh.
"Welcome to the Nexus," said Kesh.
"Thank you for standing up for me there," said Scott gratefully.
"Hope's in short supply here. What little we can find should have a chance to bloom."
A human female operations officer then looked at her. "Ma'am, the Hyperion's core is now online."
"Let me show you something," said Kesh gesturing to the view screen. She then inputted a few commands into the console and the view screen began was lowered and the lights came on. "An hour ago, that was all dark. But with the power from your ship—you're keeping the lights on. You have my vote."
Scott knew that the power from the call was not going to last forever. "And when the power runs out?"
"You best talk to Director Tann. Make sure that doesn't happen," Kesh advised as she walked off. "And don't be shy—come see me when you have a chance."
A human male roughly about 25 years old then approached Scott. "So you're the Pathfinder that everyone's been making a fuss about."
"And you are?" Scott asked curiously.
"Adam Kingsman, and you and I are going to be working close with one another," he said with a small smile.
"Come again?"
"I suppose you could say that I'm your handler," Adam explained. "My role is basically to supply you for your mission and to send any reports you forward to the Nexus to Tann and the others. I'm also in charge of allocating resources so you could say basically the quartermaster of the Nexus."
"Nice to meet you Adam, I have to say I wasn't expecting all this when we came aboard," said Scott gesturing to the construction still going on outside.
Adam nodded. "Quite the mess isn't it? I don't envy your position, and I have to agree with Addison that I'm not sure what to make of you. However, were not exactly in the position to deny any kind of help."
"You think I'm not up to it?" Scott asked folding his arms.
"I hope you are, we're just going at the trust that your father made the right choice making you Pathfinder. In the meantime I suggest that you try and get as much of the Nexus leaders on your side as possible."
Scott looked at him. "And how do I do that?"
"Kesh, has already given you her support and Kandros cares more about results than anything else. Addison is going to be a little trickier as you have noted, but her position in the leadership is reflecting on the number of outposts we have and since we have none her influences quite low. Tann, he's an opportunist, to put a bland hill use you in order to elevate his position amongst the Nexus leaders."
"But isn't he the Director?" Scott asked.
"Doesn't mean that everyone has faith in him and he hasn't exactly inspired confidence. Anyway, I shouldn't keep you, if you have any more questions come to me."
Scott decided now was the best time to talk to Tann and made his way into Pathfinder HQ, but apparently it was mostly used as a storage area judging from all the crates. Tann and Cora was standing over a small desk viewing the data on the planet in the database.
"…This is the planet where we landed, Habitat 7," Cora explained. "It wasn't even close to livable."
Tann nodded not looking surprised in the slightest. "That's true with every single world we've found." He then noticed Scott entering the room. "Ryder—we were discussing your next expedition."
Scott raised an eyebrow. "I thought I didn't measure up as Pathfinder."
"Director Addison keeps her own counsel, I keep mine." It seemed as if Adam's description of Tann wasn't wrong.
"And when you disagree?"
"I oversee the entire Initiative, and I've decided to give you a chance to prove yourself. To that end, the Scourge dealt us a serious blow. Whatever it is, our scientists theorise it's not natural."
"An artificial energy cloud?" Cora frowned.
"It wasn't here when we left the Milky Way," Tann reminded. "Yet it rendered all the golden worlds unlivable. Then there's the aliens you ran into—the 'kett.' They're obsessed with alien structures we've found scattered around the cluster. They'll do anything to prevent others from accessing them. It seems murder isn't exclusive to the Milky Way." He then poured out a holographic image of a planet, no doubt one of the golden worlds. "And now the challenge is to settle a world inspired all that. This one here—'Eos.'"
"How?" Scott asked.
"You need increase the viability of the planet so we can establish an outpost. Then we can bring more columnists out of stasis. The more columnists we have, the more resources we can gather to support the Nexus. Everything depends upon it. There are six world we hope to settle."
Scott certainly had his work cut out. "Okay…but use it every planet you found is unlivable. So, how do I…"
"A good Pathfinder would relish the challenge of solving it," said Tann simply.
Cora looked slightly annoyed. "Right. I think I should… go check on things."
Scott wasn't going to become a tool for Tann that he could simply discard. "And if I fail, I guess it's no sweat of your back, right? You'll just look for another Pathfinder?"
"Placing bets on people is part of my job. Some of them pay off. Others…"
Scott wasn't buying it. "The way I see it, you need me. If I pull off, maybe you'll look like the leader you pretend to be."
"But first you have to succeed at being the Pathfinder you pretend to be…"
Scott just stood then placed his hands on his hips. "Where's my ship?"
"They're prepping it now, in the docking bay. The coordinates for Eos will be in the computer. And when you have a moment, we should discuss the missing arks."
"I was wondering about tha—" Scott then suddenly felt a massive pain in his head.
Tann looked at him concerned. "Something wrong?"
"Ryder, please see me in SAM Node on the Hyperion," said SAM's voice in his head. "Your implant needs attention, and we need to discuss a confidential matter."
Scott looked up at Tann. "No… I'm fine."
Scott decided to make his way to the Hyperion before asking any more questions from Tann, he also needed a follow Adam's advice about talking to the other Nexus leaders, it would be good to know where he stood with them.
When he made his way onto the Hyperion he was surprised to find that Captain Dunn was in on the bridge, but she explained that now that they would talk they had to conserve power and as such the bridge was powered down. According heard the only pass the ship they needed a large amount of power were crying bay and SAM Node, she also informed him that his father's quarters were now open to him. She also expressed her condolences for the loss of his father and admitted that he was right to go to planet side.
With the Hyperion now docked Dunn's role was now to monitor the colonists revival, though due to the unusual circumstances that had been put on hold. She informed him that the main reason why she joined the Initiative was because she couldn't look away, it was just basically extension of what she originally did only further away from home.
Scott soon entered SAM Node, not entirely sure why SAM had summoned him.
"Hello, Scott," said SAM. "Welcome back to SAM Node. I've adjusted my connection to your implant. The headache you experienced before shouldn't reoccur."
"Yeah, what was that about?" Scott frowned. "You said we discuss something confidential?"
"You should know certain facts before you leave for your exploration. It seemed best we should speak alone."
Last thing Scott needed was for his AI partner to hide secrets. "SAM, if we're going to work together, you can't keep hiding things from me."
"Apologies. I'm simply following your father's wishes."
Somehow Scott wasn't too surprised to discover that his father was keeping secrets. "What was he keeping secret?"
"My true capabilities. Alec overrode the implant's safety protocols. It allows me unrestricted access to the Pathfinder's physiology."
Scott stared at him. "And that's… me now."
"And only you. I can act as a force multiplier, dramatically enhancing your motor neural skills when required. Alec called them 'profiles.' They provide unique technical argumentation during combat. Your father prefer to keep this factor himself."
It's only explained well those profiles came from during a little scuff on Habitat 7 and he could understand why his father wanted to keep the secret. "I can understand. People might get the wrong idea. Super soldiers… a computer having control over human…"
"Providing enhancement to the human," SAM corrected. "It is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both."
"What you get out of it?" Scott asked curiously.
"Though I'm artificial in design. I am fully sentient. Far beyond what you mean Initiative understands."
Scott frowned. "I don't follow. You're an AI, so what's the difference?"
"I'm a new form of AI, drawing directly from the human experience. Your implant is my window into the world."
Scott was completely overwhelmed. "That's… pretty amazing."
"But beyond what many people will accept. Your father knew some would fear it."
Scott nodded. "Yeah, he's got a point. So what does this mean for the two of us?"
"I find myself in an unusual position. Though I have access to your father's experiences, there is a gap in my understanding."
"How so?"
"He placed a block on portions of my memory array."
"Why?" Scott frowned.
"Perhaps so when you asked me what his plan was, I wouldn't know."
Scott sighed in disbelief. "And Dad strikes again."
"But not without recourse: The further you explore as a Pathfinder, the more blocks will be removed. Perhaps you should begin your father's quarters. In the meantime, unless you have more questions, your new ships awaits."
"Thanks, but I take it that you're based here in SAM Node?" Scott assumed.
"Correct. This is where my core processing unit resides. However, using quantum entanglement communication, I remain in constant touch with you and the Pathfinder mission team, even over great distances."
"What more can you tell me about my implant?" Scott asked.
"The implant itself provides me with direct access to your senses. I can see, hear, and experience the same stimuli you do while in the field. This raw data enables me to provide real-time feedback and analysis of the situation."
"Then Dad added the secret sauce," Scott assumed.
"He removed the restrictions on my access to Pathfinder physiology."
Scott felt a little reprehensible. "Uh-huh. Just promise me you won't fry migraine or anything."
"Trust is an important concept in any relationship. Alec taught me that. I will not 'fry' your brain: it would end badly for both of us."
"Me more than you."
Scott then asked more about his capabilities, he informed him that each art had its own SAM Node that was designed by his father for the Pathfinders and mission teams. He also admitted that he was the most advanced SAM out of all of them, due to the fact that his father tinkering with his programming even before they left.
Scott was a bit confused on how his father was able to design an AI, considering AI intelligence was illegal in the Milky Way, after what happened with the geth. SAM explained that the Initiative deemed his research vital for the mission and as such their construction was made secret.
Scott then went to the med-bay on the Hyperion as he was concerned about his sister. He could see that she was now out of the stasis pod, but you still appear to be in some sort of coma.
Upon seen him Harry approached him. "Ryder, good to see you. Damn shame about your dad, though. I'm sorry we can save him."
"I'm sure you did everything you could."
"Yeah, but still, we lost a Pathfinder on my watch. Doesn't sit right."
"My dad knew the dangers. Part of the job."
Harry then turned and looked at Sara. "Now I just need to make sure your sister here pulls through."
"How's Sara doing?" Scott asked.
"Her condition's stable," he assured him. "I see signs of REM activity in the brain, so she's dreaming. Means all the wiring still works."
"How'd this happen?" Scott asked.
"It was dumb luck, really," Harry muttered furiously. "We hit the Scourge at the worst possible moment, just as stasis revival was kicking in. It's a vulnerable moment—coming out of a 600-year nap, then wham. The circuits fried and overload the network pathways." He then noticed the concerned look on Scott's face. "Don't worry, I'm on it. We're not losing another Ryder."
Scott decided it was time to get a feel for the other Nexus leaders and he wanted know what the situation was on the Nexus.
"There you are," said Kesh as he ended her office. "Hope the others haven't been giving you a hard time. There's a lot that needs doing. At least with the Hyperion hooked up and feeding us power my team and I can get more work done."
Scott had noticed that she was the only Krogan on the station so far. "I noticed that there aren't a lot of Krogan around?"
"Tann," she said spitefully. "Ask him why most of my people left. He'll have opinions. I can tell you this much. When the mutiny happened, a deal was made. My clan were supposed to settle matters and, in return, get more say in the Initiative."
"Did the deal go through?" Scott asked, though he had a feeling he knew what the answer was.
"The clan held up their part, but Tann had a meltdown when he found out we wanted more say around here. Then Addison's assistant, Spender, pretended he never made the deal in the first place. It was a mess, but I don't blame my people were walking out. We're done being used."
"With your clan gone… why did you stay?"
"It's… complicated," she said looking a bit uneasy. "The station my clan both need me here."
"What sort of problems have you seen him on the Nexus?" Scott asked.
"'Situation has gone to shit' pretty much sums it up," she summarised. "There's arks missing. Some idiots try to mutiny and takeover, then more idiots offended my clan, so they left. And to top it all off, the founder of the Initiative, Jien Garson, was killed."
Scott's eyes widened in horror. "What happened to Jien Garson?"
"Killed in the Scourge disaster. Her and a bunch of the other leaders. Tann might know more."
Scott shook his head in disbelief. "And I thought the Hyperion had it bad when we arrived. Anything else?"
"The outpost aren't happening because we don't have resources or people, so Addison's more uptight than ever. And let's not forget how badly the station was damaged on arrival. But that's detail, according to some. My team and I are repairing what we can. If we don't get material soon, things will go downhill. Fast."
Scott then asked more about the genophage, it was a stability plague induced into the krogan population at the end of the Krogan Rebellions. The salarians designed it, but the turians used it and as such the krogan had problems reproducing ever since. Kesh told him that a few gene therapies were introduced to her clan, who had shown some kind of mutation against the virus, and the use the 600 years to put a dent in the virus, giving their chances of producing children far higher than when they left.
"What kind of work do you do hear superintendent?" Scott asked curiously.
"I was part of the team that originally designed and built this place," she said with an ounce of pride. "I keep the station functional, or as functional as possible, considering."
"Nothing more for now."
"Try not to die out there."
Scott then decided to confront Addison, who immediately folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at him.
"All right. What happened?" she said.
"To who?" Scott frowned a little surprised by this response.
"'To whom,' and your goddamn father," she snapped. Scott blinked, not sure all this aggression was coming from and clearly Addison had no idea either. She rubbed her forehead as if she was annoyed with herself. "Sorry, my face is tired from dealing with… everything. And right now I just want to know what happened with Alec."
"In the moment, it said my life," Scott explained. "But it seems my father meant for me to get the role eventually."
This apparently made Addison even more annoyed. "It isn't hereditary. If we wanted an inbred monarchy, we would've left half our gene stock back home." She then sighed. "Not 'home.' The Milky Way. This is home. This… mess. We don't have a lot of options, Ryder. Maybe you'll prove your father right. After fourteen months of failed colonisation, forgive me if I don't hold my breath."
"How do you fit into the Nexus leadership?" Scott asked curiously.
"I oversee to the actual settlement effort," she explained though with an ounce of annoyance. "As the number of outposts is currently less than ideal, my influence is limited. As Tann is quick to remind me. Left it perfectly adequate career as a chief officer. Provincial capital, too. Only a new galaxy could pull me away. And here we are. Idling."
Scott was a little concerned by the lack of detail when they encountered hostile aliens. "There must be some kind of plan for encountering hostile aliens. We can't have been that naïve."
"We expected life, not an enemy that refuses to talk," she said looking a bit frustrated. "They don't attack—they disinfect. We're nothing until we're bacteria." She then looked at Scott apologetically. "Sorry. Fourteen months and you stoop to poetry. That's how bad it is. Talk to Kandros if you haven't. He's unfortunately become the head of our 'military.' And as soon as he realises it, we're in the shit."
Scott could obviously sends a bit of distain from Kandros from her. "You don't trust him?"
"I trust him to defend us. I do not trust arising militarily influence in a supposedly civilian Initiative. We came here to make history, Ryder. Not repeat it." She then groaned once again. "Ugh. Goddamn poetry."
There's also this strange technology? Has anyone studied that?" Scott asked curiously.
"We've tried. Not me—the brains in research," said Addison. "They're supposed to know their business. The current excuse? The tech we dug up on Mars was more advanced, but it was plug-and-go. The tech here… thinks different? I don't know. We've mostly avoided it. And from what the Hyperion logs say about Alec, maybe that's good."
Scott was curious why she called his father Alec, her answer was very simple that calling him by his title premature considering he had discovered anything yet, meaning that she extend that view to him. He was also curious about how they had been able to establish any colonies over the last year, but apparently was all but impossible with the combination of the Scourge, ravaged world and the kett. The truth of the matter was before they could establish a colony they needed an outpost need to be surveyed by Pathfinder and a SAM and without one on hand their options were very limited.
"Excuse me Director Addison," said Scott as he was about to head out.
Addison nodded. "Ryder…"
"It's 'Pathfinder'," he corrected.
Addison then marched up to him narrowing her eyes. "Ryder, we're starving here. If we don't get a foundation of outposts to feed the Initiative, we might as well be 600-years dead. Alec promised a lot. None of it panned out. That's what you're up against. Why people won't trust you. Why I don't trust you. Prove me wrong."
Meeting Addison was certainly an experience he wouldn't soon forget and he decided to talk to Kandros about the security situation and more about the kett.
"I know that look," said Kandros as he approached him. "The others bent your ear, did they?"
"Something like that."
"You get used to it. Just focus on being a Pathfinder. Can't argue with results, though they'll try. Anyway, welcome to militia HQ," he said gesturing to the equipment lying around. "Excuse the mess. This office fields militia work; Nexus Security and looking for the turian ark."
"What's the word on the turian ark?" Scott asked.
"Scattered readings. Some indicate the Natanus was destroyed, others that people are alive—who knows? If you need anything come see me. Even if it's just to vent."
Scott asked him what brought him to Andromeda, apparently he wanted to come here for the adventure. Apparently his family was very big in the military, but he was the only one to stay in service as his sister became a sculptor and apparently his cousin turned pirate. Eventually got tired and decided to jump to Andromeda to make his own path.
"You talk that you weren't part of the leadership," Scott noted. "How did you end up commanding the militia?"
"I was escorting a prospecting team on some moon when those kett found us," Kandros explained. "They penned us like cattle for experiments. I managed to get loose, snatched a gun, and freed the others. By the time we killed the bastards and headed back toward the Nexus, everyone looked me like I was in charge."
Scott nodded, having a somewhat similar experience. "That sounds familiar."
"The militia grew from there. Funny once the heat is on, all kinds of people rise to the top."
"What you know about the enemies we've encountered—the kett?" Scott asked.
"We usually see them on world with those aliens structures. The kett don't take kindly to anyone studying them. Not sure why. They don't talk to us. Every time we cross paths, there's a fight or they take prisoners."
"Why?" Scott frowned. "What do they want?"
Kandros shrugged. "No one knows. But I've seen their weaponry, and what they do with those prisoners. I want them along long way from the Nexus."
Scott then asked how he could use the militia during his missions. Kandros told him that he had strike teams are specialising in assault and extraction. If he wanted to use some extra firepower just had to contact his APEX teams to provide cover.
"Bye, Kandros. Duty calls, said Scott.
"You and me both, Pathfinder."
Scott then went to Tann's office, needed to know more about the situation on the Nexus Uprising as well what happened to Jien Garson.
Tann looked at him sympathetically entered. "Ryder. You have my condolences for your father."
"I appreciate it."
"I didn't know him very well, although I understand you played a key role in planning the Initiative. I'm sure he would be concerned that we still have several arks missing."
"Any idea where they went?"
Tann shook his head. "Nothing certain. But tens of thousands of columnists are unaccounted for. It pains the Initiative in an unflattering light." He then looked at Scott businesslike. "Do you have some other business?"
"It sounds like the Nexus has had a rough time of it," Scott noted.
"Publicly I would say we're more than up for the challenge. Privately, I can tell you it's been a disaster. The Scourge killed hundreds—many of them are senior leadership. Even the ground of the Initiative Jien Garson, is dead."
Kesh had warned him about that, but now was his chance to get the full picture. "How did Jien Garson die?"
"With the rest of the leadership," said Tann sadly. "When the Nexus hit the Scourge, a large wing of stasis pod was destroyed. They were killed instantly. Those people travelled for 600 years and died before they even woke up. Jen Garza never glimpsed Heleus. She never saw her vision realised."
"Kandros mentioned something about hitting the Scourge," Scott remembered. "How did it play out?"
"Criminal elements took advantage of the emergency and trade on people's fears," said Tann bitterly. "An uprising followed. We had no choice but to turn to the krogan to deal with them. They crushed the mutiny and the criminals were banished. 'Exiles,' we call them. I doubt we've heard the last of them. They're led by an outlaw, Sloan Kelly. She used to be one of ours."
"Who is this Sloan Kelly?" Scott asked curiously.
"She was head of security for the Nexus. She opposed the uprising at first, but eventually turned traitor and joined them. Misguided sympathy for the plight of the common citizen." Tann scoffed at the very notion. "Nonsense. They pose a direct threat to our existence."
Scott got the feeling that it was only half true so either Tann was being dishonest or he allowed his own views to fill in the blanks.
"There don't seem to be many kroagn around," Scott noted.
"Good riddance," said Tann with a small smile on his face. "The krogan demanded a greater say in political matters—the last place you want them involved. They're muscle, nothing more. Good for fighting and lifting heavy objects. When they don't get what they wanted, they left."
Scott got the instinct impression that he poor views on the Krogan very much. "Why don't you like the krogan?"
"It's common knowledge they're a violent, ignorant species," said Tann with a noted distain. "Long ago, they waged nuclear war on one another. Their planet was decimated. My people try to uplift them, but the krogan could never tame their worst instincts. What if they bring their tempers to Andromeda? We'll all be dead."
Scott shook his head, Tann's views on the krogan when the minority and he seemed to fail to forget that it was a krogan that built the station and a member of his staff. He wasn't going to deny that the krogan were aggressive, that was common knowledge, but you can just condemn an entire species like that.
"What more can you tell me about the Initiative?" Scott asked wanting to change the subject.
"It represents the greatest migration ever attempted. No one had ventured beyond the Milky Way before. We all left home in search of freedom, fortune, perhaps a new beginning. We're the braver souls each species has to offer. I hope the Nexus will serve as the seat of government for us all."
Scott asked a few more details like the early days of the Initiative, according to Tann, Jien Garson was extremely wealthy and had a big dream. He mentioned that Garson planned the Initiative since the early 2170s and through persevering more and more people signed up increasing the chances of her dream.
"It looks like a melting pot around here," Scott noted.
"The Nexus is home to several Initiative species," Tann explained. "Many came ahead of the arks. The hope is that someday this station will one day serve as the governing body in Andromeda. Though I'm not sure what they were thinking, lumping krogan into the mix. As a salarian my kind tend to have low opinions of them. Nothing I've seen here has changed that."
Scott shook his head. "As Director of the Initiative, are you in charge around here or what?"
"If the others would allow me. They don't see me as the rightful successor."
"So how does anything get done?"
"In theory, Kesh handles the Nexus' physical operations, Kandros runs the militia, and Addison manages Colonial Affairs. I oversee all of it. In practice, we argue, debate, and yell at each other until a decision is made… if we're lucky. It is maddening."
"What's the problem with you?" Scott asked.
"I'm not Jien Garson," he said simply. "Our founder was charismatic. Eccentric. Larger than life. Trait I cannot hope to mimic. She and her inner circle perished in the Scourge. Some of the hands of the exiles. Some never made it out of stasis. I was Deputy Assistant for Revenue Management. Then all seven leaders above me died. I was next in line for the role."
Scott can believe this, he was an accountant, no wonder no one trusted him. "So… you're an accountant?"
"Don't let that fool you," said Tann quickly. "We're all capable of more than we know. When I was young. I was fascinated by the idea of exploring space. Life had its detours and I wanted different direction. Then I heard about the Initiative—and saw my chance to try the path not taken. While I may not be settling foot on new worlds, my authority can ensure that you do."
Scott wasn't entirely convinced that. "Right. Sorry."
"Any more information you can give me on the missing arks?" Scott asked.
"No, and that's the distressing part," he said sadly. "The asari, turian, and salarian arks are completely unaccounted for. If they had the same problem with the Scourge that we did. I fear the worst." He then looked at Scott seriously. "Should you find any clues please investigate. Without the other arks, the promise of the Initiative can never be fulfilled."
Scott was wondering if they should be expecting any more, given the other number of species back in the Milky Way. "Are there any other arks we should expect?"
"We'd hoped quarians would be part of the first wave," said Tann regretfully. "But before departure in 2185, we got word they had technical problems with their ship. It seems they're also bringing drell, hanar, and other species as well. Managing all their biological needs caused complications. We won't see them for some time to come."
Scott was also wondering what about viability and how he was opposed to accomplish that. Tann explained that the first step was to establish an outpost and to eliminate any hostile threats. He also mentioned that there was threats could either be kett or any more horrors in Heleus. He also advised that he should try and scout and map terrains along with establishing forward stations.
Scott asked a bit more about the forward stations you mentioned earlier. Sadly the engineering was far too complicated for Tann to explain, but he gave the brief summary. Apparently they were cistern mining, equipment repairs, and re-supplying mission teams.
"That's all. Thanks for your time."
"Of course," said Tann. "As you pointed out, we need each other. Our future depends on each other's success."
Scott then decided to speak to Adam, his office was even more cramped than Tann's.
"Ah, Ryder, I thought you might pop by," said Adam as he approached him. "I hear that you been talking to the Nexus leadership. I would be interested to hear your point of view."
"They all seem to have problems trusting one another," Scott noted.
"After what we've been through having a little understandable," said Adam. "Tann hasn't exactly inspired confidence in running things, Kesh is annoyed that her clan was forced to leave, Addison is constantly frustrated with the lack of colonial efforts and Kandros is concerned about the kett."
"What can you tell me about the kett?"
"Very little, we only know of them because of Kandros and his daring rescue," Adam sighed. "To be honest it was quite a blow, the first aliens we meet in Andromeda and we're already shooting at one another. I should warn you that you that you might encounter them on Eos."
"What is it that you do here?" Scott asked curiously.
"I support your mission, I also hand reports over to Tann and the other Nexus leader. I can also authorise where the materials go when needed. Though that has been extremely difficult."
"Why?"
"Mostly because we with in finding problems trying to get supplies, but mostly it's because of Spender."
"Kesh mentioned him."
"And I bet she didn't have any nice words to say about him. To put it bluntly man is a leech, he interferes with everything going on in the Nexus and he rubs people the wrong way. Every time I try to coordinate supplies he redirects them, which is also causing trouble for Kesh's department."
"How can one man cause so much trouble?"
"Because his Chief of Staff, but before that he was Addison's assistant," said Adam bitterly. "He was given this promotion for his contribution in the uprising, despite the fact that I should have been Chief of Staff."
"What's your opinion of Tann?"
"I believe he means well, but he doesn't always do well. He was put in charge when everything went to shit and he made it worse. He is also a typical salarian, with very low opinion on the krogan, things we should let them back in the Milky Way."
"You don't share them?"
"I actually served with a krogan back when I was in the Alliance, he was aggressive, but he was nowhere near the savage brat that Tann believes."
"So why did you join Andromeda?" Scott asked curiously.
"Truth of the matter is I lost faith in the Alliance," Adam sighed. "I had the honour and privilege to serve with Commander Shepard on board the Normandy."
Scott's eyes widened. "You knew with the first human Spectre?"
Adam nodded. "Finest human commander I ever had the privilege of serving. However, it was brief, the Normandy got destroyed by an unknown vessel, not all of us survived, even the Commander was considered MIA for time. After that the surviving crew were transferred to other vessels, but then they started to discredit the Commander and that's when I left."
"Why would they want to discredit the first human Spectre?"
Adam looked slightly uneasy. "That is a long story and I don't want to open old wounds."
Scott could tell in an instant that Adam wasn't going to say anything and so decided to change the subject. "So how did you get yourself into this position?"
"Actually it was your cousin that accomplished that," said Adam.
"Rick?"
"Your cousin could see that I wasn't happy with been in the Alliance, I served with him for a time after the destruction of the Normandy. I don't know if you know this, but your father did try to get your cousin on board with the Initiative, but he said that he was needed back in the Milky Way and recommended me for the position."
"So what can you tell got the uprising?" Scott asked.
"It was at a mess," said Adam shaking his head. "Tensions were beginning to rise as hopelessness began to settle in, we made the mistake of not issuing rations when the trouble began. As a result everyone grew complacent and when the food was cut that created a lot of angry people. Even before the mutiny happened there were some individuals trying to escape, they were captured and Tann made the decision put them back in cryo in order to have a proper trial later.
"Tensions increased after that, and fear began to settle in when Tann asked the volunteers for people to return back to stasis and his speech didn't exactly help matters. We then tried to create two outposts on Eos, but they were both destroyed one by storms the other by kett that if that wasn't bad enough, the Nexus leaders decided to hold back with the going this to the public until they had something positive to talk about. Unfortunately word got out somehow and that's when the mutiny started."
"I was told that Sloan Kelly was the leader of the mutineers."
Adam shook his head. "No at the beginning was it Calix Corvannis, he was the chief life support engineer. He rallied a good number of people to his side and that's when all the shooting started, I still don't understand how we managed to get the weapon so quickly. Sloan decided to go behind Tann's back and to try and reason with Calix, but Tann couldn't wait any longer and with the agreement with the rest of the leadership we awoke the krogan.
"Unfortunately someone did not give out the correct instructions, we were hoping to use them as a form of intimidation, instead they charge right in and the entire thing ended in a bloodbath. Calix was killed and that's when Sloan took over. Once all the shooting stopped we were left with a tough decision, we gave them a choice either to return back to stasis or to be exiled from the Nexus, they chose the latter."
"I take it this is not how you would have done things," Scott assumed.
"And not in a position to question these kinds of decisions, but I do think the situation could have been handled better."
"Thanks for the help," said Scott shaking hands with Adam.
"You're welcome and come by anytime if you wish to discuss more."
