Sorry for making you wait so long for an update. I've been on vacation and I don't have my notes or laptop with me (hooray for iPads!). I didn't want to wait until Sunday to post so I've found a crummy internet connection to post this even though I'm literally in the middle of the Gulf of Alaska :) Also, since I don't have my notes or the game with me, there may be a few minor details that I've gotten incorrect (i.e. NPC names, exactly what Vetra does outside the Initiative,et…)


Are you freaking kidding me? I thought furiously to myself as I stormed through the operations center of the Nexus, fists clenched at my sides. I was angry– no, I was livid! I'm pretty sure that my face promised serious injury to anyone who got in my way at that moment. That would explain why most of the people I came across took one look at me and skittered out of my path. I felt a tiny bit bad for that later –– a really tiny bit.

I didn't have a destination in mind, Cora was still working out the logistics of getting a ship with Director Tann. She is a godsend, I thought to myself. It was true. I was beyond grateful that someone who had a clue about what being the pathfinder really meant was going to be around to help me figure it out. I still was having trouble accepting that I was the one in charge and she was my second. My natural instinct was to follow Cora, she knew so much more and had that military discipline that seemed more leader-like than my impulsive, comedic relief approach to life.

I stopped and blinked at the sudden brightness around me. My feet had carried me to the security center of the Nexus, where Liam and Kandros were discussing the state of the station's security and the readiness of the militia. Kandros was the head of the militia for the Initiative. As a turian with military training, he was a good fit for the position. Thankfully, he was also level headed and not a bureaucrat by nature.

Liam and Kandros both looked up at my approach, eyes widening at the look on my face.

"I know that look," Kandros said, "You've just had your ass chewed by the bureaucrats, haven't you?"

Thankfully there was no one else actually in the room with us, because I think I actually growled in irritation and started pacing the room.

"Whoa, Ryder, what's up?" Liam asked with concern in his eyes. He was used to us joking together, I hadn't had occasion to show my temper until now. I think he may have been questioning my sanity at that moment.

"I get it! Everyone is desperate and upset that shit's hit the fan in Andromeda. But how is that supposed to be MY fault? After everything our team went through to get here –– both on the Hyperion and on Habitat 7 –– after everything I've been through, this is the welcome we get?!"

"Yeah, I still can't believe we didn't get a welcome party. There must be some champagne hiding around here somewhere," Liam said, he looked around as if he hoped to find a crate of champagne hiding in a corner of the operations center.

I snorted as I continued pacing. "And Addison, that –– ugh! I can't even say what I think about her out loud –– from colonial affairs, had the nerve –– the nerve! –– to correct my grammar while demanding answers about dad's death. Did it never occur to her that as his daughter, maybe, just MAYBE his death would affect me a bit more than it affected her –– who by the way said that she didn't even consider him a friend. He just died yesterday, for crying out loud! And what's this about it being no time for on the job training? It's not like I applied for this job! I woke up after being dead for 22 seconds to learn–

"Wait. You were DEAD for 22 seconds?" Kandros asked incredulously.

I waved my hand dismissively as I continued my pacing. "Yes, but that's not important. My dad was dead and, like it or not, I'm the new pathfinder! No take backs allowed. Too bad I can't get SAM out of my head– no offense, SAM–"

"None taken, Pathfinder."

"–because I'd LOVE to see her do any better. Inbred monarchy, my ass! Ugh!"

Cora had walked in at some point during my tirade. She calmly interjected, though I could sense a hint of irritation peeking through her mask, "I agree, it's ridiculous. You are the first pathfinder they've seen in over a year and all they can do is question your competency. But," she continued in a much gentler tone, "they don't know you. I do. And, truthfully, you are doing great."

Anger still threatened to overwhelm me, but I was starting to calm down –– I stopped pacing like an angry lion anyways. "Thanks Cora, that really does mean a lot to me," I said sincerely.

"Look on the bright side," Liam offered, "I heard that Director Tann is requisitioning a ship and crew for us so we can finally go do some pathfinding."

"Don't even get me started on Director Tann. Yes, he is helping but I feel like he is using us as a pawn in some sick power game he's playing. We can't trust him to have our backs. Also, he reminds me of one of those people from the old zombie vids who have just had their brains eaten by another zombie. Seriously, the monotone voice and expressionless face, it's really creepy."

Liam snorted a laugh and I could see Kandros' mandibles twitch with amusement at that comment. Even Cora cracked a tiny smile.

"Yeah, well, welcome to the Nexus. That's pretty par for the course around here. Those two can be a pain but Superintendent Kesh isn't bad."

"Yeah, she actually came over and told Addison off on my behalf. I like her. I was starting to think that no one was actually interested in doing anything but talk and blame others for this mess but she is actually surprisingly reasonable and optimistic. It was nice to meet at least one person today with a friendly face." I sighed, finally starting to feel calm. "Look, I'm sorry, Kandros. I didn't mean to barge into your office and subject you to a hot headed tirade."

"Hey, not a problem. I've had my fair share of angry tirades in this office so feel free to come vent anytime, my door is always open," he said with a friendly turian smile.

"I'll definitely take you up on that offer!" I motioned to my team and said, "See you later, Kandros!"

"Sorry you guys had to see that," I said repentantly as we made our way back to the tram. "I'm typically pretty level headed, but when certain buttons get pushed or I'm under pressure, I snap and the hot head I inherited from my dad comes charging out."

"Hey," Liam said, "It's understandable, it's a lot of pressure. Apparently, we're everyone's hope. Not just the Hyperion, but the success of the entire Initiative is on our shoulders. Don't get me wrong, I'm with you one hundred percent, but it's just…a lot."

"This definitely wasn't in the job description I signed up for six hundred years ago," I said with a hint of panic in my voice. "Well, you've seen how I've handled it so far. It's a lot of pressure."

"Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling it. But remember that you aren't alone in this. We're a team, right? We've got this!"

He offered up a fist bump, which I returned with a grin. "Thanks, Kosta."

During my time in the alliance, I had a battle buddy. Her name was Jen and we watched each other's backs in the field. The few times we had engaged with enemies, she covered my six and I covered hers. When we were off duty we would hang out together and joke or grumble about whatever irritated us that day over coffee or the occasional beer. I know it had only been a couple of days since we had arrived in Andromeda, but with the insanity we had already experienced together, I was starting to get the sense that Liam was going to be my battle buddy. We just seemed to click.

As we boarded the tram I turned to my team. "I need to go back to the Hyperion before we head out. I need to check on Scott before leaving, so that I can completely focus in the field."

SAM piped up, "Please stop by SAM node before you leave. Your implant requires attention."

"And apparently, SAM needs to poke around in my brain while I'm there."

"Should I go and finalize the details for the ship requisition with Vetra?" Cora asked.

"Umm...yeah. That sounds good. Who's Vetra?"

"She's the one I've been working with to ensure that the details for our departure are all taken care of. She's in charge of prepping the ship and acquiring the equipment we need for our mission."

"Oh, ok. Thanks, by the way for taking care of all of that. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. That's what seconds are for," she said with a smile as she turned on her heel and marched back towards the tram. I may have been imagining things, but I thought I detected a hint of bitterness in her tone on the word "seconds". Perhaps the unexpected change of pathfinder is affecting her more than she is letting on, I thought to myself. I filed that bit of information away to keep in mind if needed.

I kind of felt silly for not knowing what needed to be done before a mission like this, but was glad that at least someone did. I felt like I should be more assertive and commanding. I seriously hoped that I would have a clue about what was needed for our mission soon. It was sure to come with time, right?

Turning to Liam, I asked, "Is there anything you need to take care of before we leave?"

"I'll go and get a feel for the new ship and assess the security situation."

"That sounds good. Maybe check the coffee and beer supply levels while you're at it." I said lightly. I may not know what goes into requisitioning and stocking a space exploration vessel, but at least I know what goes into preparing for my personal survival. Priorities, right?

"But of course," he grinned at me, "I thought that was a given. A crew needs both of those things to function. Maybe I'll see if I can find that champagne while I'm at it and we'll throw our own welcome party."

Smiling, I said, "I like where your head's at, Kosta. I'll see you guys in a bit."

"I know it!" he said cheerfully as we boarded the tram together.

I took the tram back to the Hyperion cryo bay, and he continued on to the docking bay. As soon as I left the tram, I made a beeline for Scott's bed. He looked exactly the way he did when I left him. I had been hoping for some sort of change in his condition by now.

I knelt by his bed and took his hand. I could see he was breathing –– slowly and deeply –– and his face looked peaceful. His color was good and his hand felt warm. I'm not a medical professional, but I thought that those were all good signs. I just wished that he would wake up. We had so much to talk about. And I needed someone to grieve with, someone who would not only truly understand, but also be feeling the same thing I was. I wanted him to tease me about being the last hope for humanity and the entire Initiative. He would find the humor in it, especially the part about me following in Dad's footsteps.

I knew exactly what we would say.

So, my big sister, the big hero of Andromeda, the savior of all of us lowly creatures from the Milky Way.

Shut up, I'm not a hero. I haven't done anything yet.

Ooh, is that an order, 'Pathfinder'?

No, that's an order as your big sister.

Right, I forgot. Sorry ma'am."

You know, this could easily have been you.

What? Lead? Me? No, no, no, bad things happen when I lead. We get lost, people die, and the next thing you know I'm stranded –– without any pants!"

"Right, you're such a dork."

I smiled to myself, feeling his spirit there with me. I said quietly, tears burning my eyes, "Hey Scott, if you can hear me, this is your big sister. Just in case you haven't heard, I'm the new pathfinder. It's a long story, I promise to fill you in when you wake up. But I'm about to leave on a mission. I've apparently got to find some crappy, broken world and somehow save it, which by the way, I have no clue how I'm supposed to do that. I wish you were awake, I could really use you out there. If for no other reason than emotional support. I've got Cora and Liam, and they are awesome teammates but they could never replace my twin. Seriously, without you, I feel like I'm missing my arms or something. Anyways, get better, ok? I don't know what I'll do if you don't. Love you little bro."

I could have sworn I saw a ghost of a smile on his face and felt a twitch of his fingers, but that could have been wishful thinking.

Dr. Carlyle had been working with another patient, but when he saw me by Scott's bed, he excused himself and walked over to me.

"Hey Dr. Carlyle."

He wave a dismissive hand, "Please, Alec and I go way back. And I'm not exactly a stranger to you. Please call me Harry."

I smiled, "Sure, Harry."

His demeanor changed to one of regret and sadness, "You have my condolences on your fathers death. Of all the things I expected to happen on Habitat 7, that was the last thing thing."

"Thanks Harry, I appreciate that."

"I just wish I could have gotten there faster, done something to save him. Though, I'm glad we were able to save one of you." He offered a small smile.

"It's not your fault, Harry. So, is there any news on Scott's condition?"

"Not really. This stage of the coma could take anywhere between several days to several months. It's important that we let his body do what it needs to to to heal and revive itself naturally. His vitals are good and he shows signs of REM activity, so his brain is functioning enough to dream. That's a very good sign."

"That's good to hear. Sorry if I'm pestering you, I just wanted to make sure he was doing well before I head out on my mission."

"It's not a problem, I'd be doing the same thing if it was someone in my family. You'll be glad to know, however, that you can keep an eye on his condition through SAM while you're gone. I think we have got his SAM connection up and running again."

"That is correct, Dr. Carlyle," SAM said, helpfully.

Why didn't I think of that. "That's actually a relief. Thank you. Well, I'd better be going. Thanks again, Harry."

"Good luck, Pathfinder."

On that note I left cryo and headed over to SAM node where SAM zapped my implant somehow and relieved the minor headache I hadn't even realized I'd had. I just thought it was pressure from all of the crap I'd been dealing with since we had arrived at the Nexus. Once he was done, I headed down to the docking bay to meet back up with my team.

Stepping off the tram, I looked around in awe. If I thought the operations center was big, this place was huge. I supposed it needed to be if ships were able to fly in and dock. Truthfully, I don't know why I was surprised, I grew up on the Citadel afterall, and the docking area was similar. I guess everything that I once considered mundane felt new and different in this new galaxy.

I had no idea which ship was going to be mine, but then I figured it was probably a safe assumption that the ship was somewhere near the crowd of harried workers who looked to be moving supplies in and out of a loading dock, though I couldn't quite see the ship from where I stood. I assumed they were preparing the pathfinder's ship for departure –– my ship.

I was about half way across the docking area when Cora caught my eye and gestured for me to follow. "Hey, Pathfinder, come check out the new ship." She led me to a railing where I had an up close view of the sleekest, most beautiful ship I had ever laid eyes on.

"They call her the Tempest. From what I've seen, she's really something special."

Words failed me. I had only ever ridden on large passenger vessels or military transports, never anything this specialized. She was gorgeous and –– I realized with a mixture of excitement and panic –– she was going to be mine to command.

Command? What did that even mean? How does one go about commanding something? I thought about one of my heroes, Commander Jane Shepard. She had been an N7, just like dad –– though I think she was at least a decade younger. The hero of the Skyllian Blitz. I had read about how she single handedly saved Elysium from a band of Batarian slavers –– while on shore leave, of all things. And about a year before we left the Milky Way, she became the first human spectre and was the one who saved the Citadel from Saren and that crazy monster –– was its name Sovereign? I couldn't quite remember. Dad had moved our family off the Citadel and back to earth by then.

I had also heard that she'd died just before we left. Her ship had been shot down by geth during a routine mission, though most of her crew survived, she didn't make it. Though I had never met her, I was crushed when I heard the news. I had started following her career when I joined the alliance and had really looked up to her, and considered her a sort of role model. I remember wishing that I could be as tough and charismatic as she was. And now I wondered what it meant to be a commander. She commanded her crew and her ship. How did she do it? Had she been born knowing how to command or did she learn the hard way? Would I catch on soon or would I fall on my face? Only time would tell, I supposed.

I was pulled back to reality when Cora pulled on my elbow and said, "Come and get a closer look. You should get to know her before we leave."

I eagerly followed, wanting to see for myself what made this ship spectacular.

As we approached the loading ramp at the base of the Tempest, I could hear a distinctly female turian voice giving instructions for loading supplies and ensuring that the final checks were being made to prepare the ship for departure. I took another step closer to the ramp and looked up just in time to see the owner of that voice step confidently out of the ship's cargo hold. She was way taller than me and had that powerful turian build.

I had met a few turians around the Citadel, but they were all male. One in particular stood out in my mind. A few months before we left the Milky Way, I was on shore leave at the Citadel. The Citadel was still recovering from Sovereign's attack, but the Wards were still in tact. One evening, I'd decided I was in the mood for a little more lively scene than my favorite coffee shop and found myself at Flux. I found a seat at the bar next to a turian who, from the look of his armor, I guessed to be a c-sec officer. He introduced himself as Garrus Vakarian and it turned out that he was an ex-c-sec officer and currently a Spectre candidate. I remember thinking that the blue markings on his face were interesting, though I wasn't sure if it was polite to ask about them. I also remember thinking that he had a really nice voice. Anyways, we chatted a bit. I told him about my work as a peacekeeper with the prothean research team and he told me about his friend, Dr. T'Soni –– THE Dr. T'Soni –– who was a Prothean archeologist. Of course I'd heard of her, the researchers in my group had copies of her research articles that they referenced often in their own studies. I later learned that both he and Dr. T'Soni had been part of the team that had helped Commander Shepard win the battle of the Citadel.

But I digress, my original point was that I hadn't realized that turian females would look so different. I think it was the hairstyle– wait, what did they call it? Right, the fringe. Apparently only the males have that long fringe that extends from the top of their faceplates and over their heads but the females faceplates end a few inches above their eyes. I thought it was odd at first since human females typically had longer hair than men but as I watched this female, I could see why. The fringe gave the impression of sharp points and spikes. But the lack of fringe seemed softer somehow –– more feminine, I guess.

I shook my head a bit to bring my mind back to more pressing matters than my random musings and observations as she looked over and noticed Cora and I standing there. A look of recognition sparked in her clever eyes, and she walked over to us.

"Pathfinder? Vetra Nyx. Logistics specialist, gun slinger and your all around get stuff done kind of girl."

"Nice to meet you, Vetra. Cora mentioned she was working with you to get us out of here, which makes you one of my favorite people on the Nexus."

Vetra gave me a friendly turian smile, and said, "Thanks, as soon as we got word that a pathfinder had arrived, I knew that you'd need a ship ASAP. So I started the preparations before Tann had even sent word." She glanced over her shoulder into the cargo hold and looked back at me, her mandibles twitching up into what I was pretty sure was a mischievous grin. "Well, adventure awaits! Shall we get going?"

I stopped, surprised. "Wait? Are you coming with us?"

Laughing, she said, "Without me, this ship isn't going anywhere, trust me."

As if on cue, a voice called out behind me, "Hold up! This ship isn't going anywhere! Director Addison expressly forbid it pending receipt of a detailed listing of supplies and a plan for–"

Ugh, one of Addison's lackeys I swear, if I have to talk to her again today, I'm going to lose my shit...again. I cut in, "Director Tann overrode her."

Vetra held up a hand towards me and muttered, "I've got this." Turning to the man and putting a hand on his shoulder to direct him away from the ship, she said smoothly, "Brandon, isn't it? You brought family with you, right? I heard you have a son still in cryo."

That brought him up short, his shoulders slumped a little. "They said he wasn't essential. But I miss him."

Nodding sympathetically, Vetra said, "I could pull a few strings, get him bumped to the front of the line if you'd like."

"Really?"

"Sure, anything for a friend. We're friends, right?"

He looked a little hesitant but I could tell the wheels were spinning in his head. Finally, he let out a breath and said, "Ok, take the ship." Then, to himself, he muttered, "Director Addison is going to kill me!"

I was seriously impressed. I made friends pretty easily and could generally get my way with a bit of smooth talking, but she put me to shame. "Nice work! I see what you mean now. I hope you're as good with gun as you are at wheeling and dealing."

Smirking, she said, "First, it was an easy ask. The Initiative director had authorized the mission, it's not like we were personally trying to commandeer an Initiative ship. And second, I told you I was a gun slinger. In my line of work, you wouldn't get far without those skills."

Curiousity piqued, I asked, "And what was your line of work?"

"Not much different from logistics specialist, actually. I acquired supplies and other things for clients and ensured they received them."

Eyebrow raised knowingly, I said, "So, you were a smuggler in the Milky Way?"

"Smuggling is such an ugly word. I prefer 'the inconspicuous transportation of exotic goods'. What my clients did with those goods? I never asked."

Snorting, I said, "No judgement here. Welcome to the pathfinder team, Vetra. We should get out of here before Addison herself comes barreling after us. If I have to talk to her again, I just might lose it."

"Don't take it personally, I think she has that effect on everyone. I just figured that if we are going to survive Andromeda, you need people to tear down obstacles, not put more up." She paused and continued, "Would you like the grand tour?"

I smiled, "Yes, but you and Cora can go on ahead. I'll just be a minute."

As they boarded the ship, I remained a moment at the entrance to the Tempest.

It was time to go. It felt surreal somehow, almost as if I were in a dream –– though nightmare may be a more accurate description. I briefly considered running back to the Hyperion to find a place to hide. If I didn't get on that ship, I wouldn't have to be in charge, right? But I knew that there was nowhere I could hide that SAM wouldn't be able to find.

I also realized that I was being silly. I wanted humanity –– and the others races who had come to Andromeda too –– to find a home. SAM and I were the only ones who could make that happen. I am not a selfish person by nature and I am not a coward. I really wanted to help and I wasn't afraid of the danger –– the mysteries of this galaxy were calling to me. My problem was that I was afraid of failure. If I failed, I was failing over 20,000 people.

I made the decision then and there that I was going to put on the face of a leader, I was going to rely on my team to help me, and I was going do my damndest to make sure this mission was a success.

I took a deep breath. Ok Sara, you can do this. It's time to face the unknown. You've got this.

"Pathfinder, I detect increased an increase in your heart rate as well as increased adrenaline levels. Are you unwell?"

"No, thanks SAM. What you are detecting is the effect of being scared out of my mind."

"I do not understand. I do not detect any immediate danger."

I smiled at that. It was kind of endearing each time SAM needed an explanation about the way the world worked from a human perspective. "There isn't any immediate danger. I'm terrified of being the pathfinder. I don't know what I'm doing."

"Your father always spoke highly of you. He believed you could succeed at anything that you put your mind to. He always said that he was proud of you and that you would do great things."

That brought me up short. I knew Dad loved us, but I never realized that he had believed in me so deeply. I would have to deal with that later because now– now it was time to go.

It felt like everything that could go wrong in Andromeda had gone wrong. In the space of a breath, my life had changed –– I had been changed. My world as I knew it had burned to ashes around me. What happened next was my choice. I could stay where I was, the way that I was, and drown in sorrows and what-ifs. Or I could rise from the ashes and prove to everyone –– to myself –– that I could accomplish the impossible. Nodding to myself, I made my decision.

"Thanks SAM, that was actually really helpful. Let's do this."

I stood tall with my head up, walked with confidence up the loading ramp and on to the impossible path that stretched before me.


So, I couldn't resist trying to make some obscure but plausible connection between Sara and the Normandy crew, hence the Shepard and Vakarian references (I LOVE Garrus! If I could bring him to Andromeda, I totally would… but he's wherever Shepard is, at least in my head cannon, he is) Also, did anyone catch the Allistair Dragon Age reference? One of my favorite lines, lol!

Anyways, thanks for reading!