Sid walked briskly down the streets of Kadara.
They could hardly be called streets because they were only wide enough for people and luggage carts. Roads big enough for vehicles were only in the valley.
Sid was running late to the night out with her sister and the rest of the crew. They had come as soon as they could after Sid and Vetra last spoke. But it was the end of several days being spent running around half the galaxy.
So they were understandably in need of a break. Which meant Vetra and Sid were postponing their discussion.
Not that Sid was in any rush to have it.
She eyed the sky and did not like what she saw.
Thick, dark storm clouds hanging ominously overhead.
Sid didn't mind the rain, she actually enjoyed it. But it was one thing to enjoy being in the rain, and another matter entirely to be caught in the rain and spending a night at the bar, completely soaked.
But she didn't run because she knew if she ran it would be at that very moment that it would start raining. So she continued quickly walking on.
The only issue with walking was that it did not help distract her from the storm in her mind.
Her mind was free to replay the silver figure executing the Salarian. Over and over again.
But the part that troubled her wasn't their actual death.
It wasn't the horror of their broken figure, not the execution, not any of those gruesome images plagued her.
Not like the air that the silver figure carried and the reactions of the other raiders.
All of them treated it like it was nothing. Not like the nothing that you feel when something doesn't mean much. But the nothing feeling as if it were something so mundane you just wouldn't muster a feeling for it. Like deleting a junk file. She thought.
Even when the silver figure had spoken to them, it wasn't in anger. It wasn't a rebuke.
It was just a statement of the error.
Sid couldn't even say it had been a judgement or a verdict.
A cold raindrop shocked Sid out of her thoughts.
She looked up and raised her hand to the sky.
She saw humans do this all the time, but she didn't quite understand why they would raise their hands so high. Its not like the extra quarter of a second one would get from a raised hand versus a hand simply held out would make much difference.
Yet, here she stood.
Hand held high like the branch of a tree.
Another few rain drops hit her hand and face.
Sid picked up her pace, lightly jogging now.
Speeding up now doesn't matter, that rain is coming anyways, She thought to herself.
She could now see the droplets, as she ran down the streets toward the bar.
She yelped as an especially loud thunderclap rang out, and the rain truly began to fall. It felt as if someone was pouring out a lake on her head.
Luckily, she wasn't far. She'd dry off quickly enough, assuming nothing slowed her down.
She rounded the corner and couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as the bar came into view.
She ran to get in, but the sounds of a fight were coming from inside. She couldn't imagine that the crew would be out looking for a fight.
Well, maybe except for Drack. She thought.
She was close to the door, but before she could begin to wonder who was causing the fight, it spilled out of the door and into the street in front of her.
She was shocked to see a group of men, in full combat load come barreling outside. However, their fight was not with someone inside and they were not looking around for someone.
Instead they seemed to be swarming around someone in the midst of them.
Sid only got a glimpse. But thankfully, she had a penchant for details
A human figure, decked in black armor with red markings that she had never seen before and wearing an N7 helmet.
She did a double take and realized it wasn't exactly N7, but was some kind of custom variant of it. If the regular N7 could be described as having a hard stare then this one had what she saw as a hateful glare.
But the split second she was allowed was over, and the group closed around him. Pummeling him and shoving him away.
Sid's mind instinctually switched to analysis mode.
She began looking for any and all details that might help her, and hopefully the individual being dragged away.
They were loaded for bear: weapons, extra coolant, combat armor.
What had they come for? Sid thought.
They were rounding a corner, out of Sids line of sight. Following them would be too dangerous.
Come on, Sid! Focus on the details, She scolded herself.
No identifying marks or colors. Armor was patchwork, not all of it was the same model or mark. All of them seemed to be human.
The rounded the corner and the details stopped.
Oblivious to the pouring rain, Sid stood there and tried to piece it all together.
No uniforms meant it was a non-affiliated group, that eliminates security forces and The Charlatan's forces. She thought, ignoring the water soaking through her clothes.
Possibly raiders, gangsters, or mercenaries. But raiders are forbidden to come into the city, exiled from the exiles. Sid pondered as she walked into the bar. That leaves the gangsters and mercenaries as the best bets.
She was so lost in thought that she almost missed the scene that was unfolding in the bar.
Max, the bartender, and Vetra were currently trying to calm a livid Liam and Peebee.
They seemed intent on leaving, but were clearly in no shape to do so.
Liam as the loudest of the two, " Move out of the way Vetra! There were way too many of them, we have to go help."
"Out of the question! None of you could help, even if you somehow managed to go after them." Vetra barked.
"I have incredibly high tolerance, Vetra. I could totally make it." Peebee interjected, struggling valiantly to stand up straight and not slur her words.
Max responded this time, "You and I both know that isn't true."
"Besides, even if you did, there is no way I would give you a gun and send you off after them." Vetra added.
"Oh leave him be. He picked that fight so let him have it." Drack rumbled.
They all looked at him at this and then Vetra spoke.
"Geez old timer, I knew you were callous but I didn't think you'd want to just leave someone in that situation."
"I don't. Thing is, I don't think that guy was gonna be on the receiving end of the beating." Drack explained, crossing his arms and shaking his head. "The way he carried himself makes me think he is gonna be just fine."
"An how are you so sure?" Peebee slurred.
"When you've been alive as long as I have while fighting as long as I have, you learn how to spot someone of a different caliber." Drack said, sagely. "That one knew what he was doing. If I were you all, I would be more concerned with why, and if you should expect someone to come knocking for a favor."
It was at this moment Ryder called out to the room, "Everyone will stay put. I have alerted Kadara Security to begin searching for signs of possible gang related violence. No one is in any shape to leave, so you won't be."
He fixed every individual with a look that said he understood the want to do something but his number one priority was his team's safety.
Ryder's official word, alongside Drack's appraisal of the individual seemed to quell any dissent.
Drack was resident combat expert, even amongst these heroes of Heleus.
Almost everyone deferred to Drack in situations where combat was involved, even Cora with all her Asari training respected his advice.
Sid was especially impressed with the planning that went in before missions. Ryder would always consult Drack, and though there were times Ryder would opt for another plan, there were no ill feelings.
This feeling of mutual respect was shared by all the members of the Tempest crew, as far as Sid could tell. It was truly inspiring to see what they had built together, and how far they had come from the ragtag group of volunteers they had begun as.
So in that moment Liam and Peebee went back to their seats, and everyone carried on with what they had been doing. However, Sid thought the room had a noticeably subdued attitude about it.
It was also at this moment that Ryder took notice of Sid and called out to her, nothing but kindness in his voice.
"Sid, so glad you were able to make it tonight! I know we talk all the time, but it feels like forever since I've seen you." He called out.
Vetra turned as well, and a smile spread across her face as she saw her younger sister. As Sid descended the stairs, Vetra held her arms open for her sister.
Sid felt an ache she hadn't even realized was there as she embraced her sister.
An ache that was soothed as soon as she felt those arms wrap around her. The same arms that had held her when she had been a child, comforting her when the universe had become a little too big for the day.
Sid's arms tensed ever so slightly as she heard Vetra whisper, "You doing alright?"
Sid nodded into her shoulder before replying, "Yup, hanging in there."
They stayed that way for a moment, before pulling away.
"Why not sit with Ryder? I'll make sure these two don't run off and do something brash, then I will be right over." Vetra offered.
"Sure thing, mom." Sid jeered, grinning over her shoulder.
"Watch it." Vetra warned, a smile betraying her tone.
Sid greeted everyone in turn on her way to Ryder.
Hugs were exchanged, hands clasped, greetings exchanged. All of them happy to see Sid.
Though she was treated, rightfully so, as the youngest. None of them did it in a patronizing way. They would joke and poke fun, but that was how they showed they cared.
They scarcely knew how to express their love, unless it went hand in hand with some gentle ribbing.
Eventually, she made her way to Ryder.
Somewhere on her way, a drink had materialized in her hand. She wasn't sure who had been the one to put it there.
Maybe Gil? She thought.
She gave it a tentative sip. Thankfully, whoever had given it to her remembered to give her a dextro-amino friendly drink.
Ryder looked up at Sid, a closed smile. Then he opened his arms, expecting a hug, his grin sweeping ear to ear.
Sid smiled as she squatted down to hug him. But as soon as she wrapped her arms underneath his, she stood.
Hoisting the Pathfinder off his feet.
"Ah! Sid we must be careful, how would your sister feel if she knew you had….." Ryder said loudly and dramatically, as they both turned to grin at Vetra.
Who had just finished dealing with two other troublemakers, and was now scowling at Sid and Ryder.
"….swept me off my feet." Ryde finished, glancing sideways at Sid.
Sid held back a laugh at the exasperated look on Vetra's face before setting Ryder back down.
"But seriously Sid, glad to see you, and even more glad to know you haven't withered away in that tech room of yours. Lord knows we've practically kept you chained there recently." Ryder said with an apologetic look
"Don't worry about it, Ryder. I could stand to get more fresh air, but i get my workouts in." She reassured him.
"I can tell! You picked me up like it was nothing. I may not be big, but I'm nothing to sneeze at." He complimented, unaware of Vetra's arm wrapping around his waist.
"What are you talking about Ryder? Sure you're strong, but you are pretty tiny compared to me." Sid laughed, measuring a hand at her chest to illustrate.
Before he could protest, Vetra hushed him by pulling him into her lap.
"Don't worry, cutie. You're big to me." She said, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Ryder returned it, before turning to face Sid with a smirk on his face.
"She is referring to my massiv- ow!" Ryder yelped.
He stared accusatorially at Vetra, who continued to look innocently at Sid as the offending talon went back up to Ryder's waist.
"I was going to say 'ego' before I was so heinously interrupted." Ryder finished.
"Sure you were." Vetra said, as she and Sid chuckled.
Sid pulled up a seat and so the night continued.
Everyone had stories and jokes to tell, some would chip in with remarks that were both humbling to the speaker and hilarious to the audience. Sid's favorite had to be the one in which Drack recounted a tale in which he had charged an enemy encampment while being completely naked, much to the surprise and abject terror of its defenders.
At first it was pointed out he had already told the tale about him being naked in combat, he simply chuckled and smiled before responding with, 'When did I say that it had only happened once?'
It made Sid wonder just how many poor souls had to suffer the fate of having been defeated by a naked Krogan, and how many more would actually admit to it, had they survived.
As the night began to draw to a close, Vetra invited Sid to come back to the Tempest with them so that she wouldn't have to walk home alone.
At first there were concerns about where she would actually sleep.
Thankfully, someone pointed out that Vetra's bunk in the supply room was often left vacant. A fact that left the Pathfinder and the Tempest requisitions officer blushing and smiling sheepishly.
Together, they made their way back to the Tempest. Where Kallo happily greeted them and began assisting with getting everyone to their respective bunks.
Sid saw Vetra reach out for Ryder's hand and took hold of it, "I'm gonna help Sid set up the bed real quick."
Ryder nodded understandingly, "Of course, you know where to find me." Then with a wink he turned and began walking towards his room at the front of the ship.
Sid was about to turn, but caught her sister's gaze lingering on the Pathfinder as he walked away.
She laughed and said, "Vetra, have you ever heard of the human saying, 'hate to watch them leave, love to see them go?'"
Still lost somewhere between his shoulder blades and thighs, she responded with a, "Hmm?"
"Haha, never mind. Just come help me." Sid laughed, gently elbowing her sister.
The two worked wordlessly together to clear the bunk, however Vetra wasn't inclined towards leaving her things a mess anyways, so it was a short task.
It was a minimalist setup, something you would fall into at the end of the day. But that was alright with Sid.
She enjoyed her comfier bed, but she had her share of uncomfortable living conditions.
Sid sat on the bed as Vetra leaned on the frame doorway.
Vetra looked at Sid with concern, but remained silent.
Sid could tell she was waiting, for a conversation or a dismissal. In that moment, Sid wasn't sure which one she wanted to give.
But procrastination was a surefire way to never resolve an issue.
"Vetra, you always tried to protect me from the world. For a while, it was like you were trying to keep me away from it." Sid began.
Vetra winced a little at the words.
Sid spoke again reassuringly, "But I know that was just because neither of us knew how to prepare for it. You were thrown into it and had to learn, and thanks to you I wasn't put into such a harsh position."
The hurt left Vetra's eyes, but a concerned attentiveness remained.
"We both struggled when it came time for me to branch out and learn. But we have both come so far from then. But the other night…" Sid hesitated.
A silence hung between them.
Sid found herself unable to look up at her sister.
Her sister who had always remained strong. Who had looked at the nasty and difficult things and life and had fought through it.
A strength Sid envied.
"You saw what I saw. You know I'm not prone to superstition, but there was something unnatural about that thing we saw. How? How do you deal with something like that?" Sid asked, a tinge of fear seeping into her words.
Vetra remained silent for a moment, a look of consternation on her face.
After a few moments, Vetra began speaking as she slowly approached Sid. "Sid, you have every right to be worried about what you saw. Even be a little afraid because fear is what keeps you from careless mistakes. But the key is to not let it completely take over you."
Vetra sat on the bed next to Sid as she continued.
"There was a time, not so long ago, where I would have recommended you to get distance from people. Listen closely to what is said around you. Expect the worst. Don't open yourself up to unnecessary risks." Vetra said, a stern look on her face.
But then it softened, and a small smile spread across her face.
"But I have learned a few lessons since then, just like you said. I think you should be reaching out, and trying to be comfortable doing that. We have others that we can trust and depend on. When the time comes and we call for help, we have people who care enough to answer the call. It isn't like when it was just you and I, we aren't alone anymore." Vetra said, opening her arms.
Sid leaned into the hug.
"Thank you Vetra." Sid said.
But the sound was muffled against Vetra's shoulder.
"I love you too, Sid." Vetra chuckled.
Close enough. Sid thought, smiling.
They held the embrace for a minute. Her sister's words, the hug, a night of being around people she called friends all helped improve her feeling regarding the silver figure. For a moment, she felt was filled with confidence
But still…..
Vetra pulled away, smiling. "Well, it is late and my pathfinder awaits. Unless he has already passed out."
"Be careful with him sis, humans are squishy." Sid joked.
Vetra stopped and shook her head, "Oh, I remember how clueless I used to be. But that reminds me."
She turned back around, "Talk to Ryder tomorrow, he might have a favor he wants to ask of you. Needs your expertise on some matters in the port."
"My expertise? Why not ask the expert herself?" Gesturing to Vetra.
"Being the most famous smuggler in all of Heleus isn't always as useful as one would expect, and I will leave it at that." Vetra replied. "Whatever he asks, I trust you. Just be careful."
Sid spread out on the bed and closed her eyes, jokingly replying with, "Never!"
Between her squinted eyes, Sid saw her shake her head and walk out. Calling out an exasperated, good night, as she left.
Sid nuzzled into the pillow as fatigue quickly began dragging her into oblivion.
What kind of favor does Ryder need from me?
She tried to think of things he would need from her that Vetra, of all people, couldn't accomplish. But it was impossible for her to organize her thoughts.
It all became a jumble of words and grey spaces.
Gradually, the mumbles and murmurs of her whispered theories slowed.
Then finally, stopped.
Their absence was filled by smooth, rhythmic breathing. Sid's breathing joined the symphony of sleep that filled the ship, like a whisper in a cathedral. Throughout the whole of the Tempest, the crew slept peacefully.
All except one.
Ryder remained awake.
He lay on his side, arms wrapped around Vetra.
He listened as her breathing grew slower and more even, slowing his own breathing so he could feel her chest expand to meet his own. Reveled in the feeling of her arms wrapped around him, occasionally holding on a little tighter.
He loved her.
But tonight, who knows what would have happened tonight? That group had come in with intentions that went beyond a bar brawl.
He had been in no position to keep her, or his crew, safe.
But they must have a guardian angel because that mercenary dressed in black stepped in without saying a word.
He pulled Vetra closer, gently pressing his forehead to her's.
He needed to know who had the gall to call a hit on him and his friends in such a blatant and public way.
They hadn't come back to the bar, which was a shame because he had contacted the port security and asked them to be waiting in case they did. But he couldn't afford to think this was an isolated incident.
But the mystery of their masked savior also needed solving.
Who they were and why?
But there was another part.
Ryder finally let his eyes close, letting the sound of Vetra's breathing lull him to sleep.
He owed them his gratitude for making sure everyone had come home.
A/N:
Hey everybody! Sorry that this one is coming out a little late.
I wanted to do some exploring of my skills as a writer. So this one was written differently than the other chapters. If you didn't notice, thats good! Means it is still MY style.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the story and any suggestions you may have to improve my writing.
I hope you all like it and have a great day!