Early the next morning, Ryder was eating breakfast in the conference room with a few of the crew. She was telling Suvi about her rash and advising her not to try the "lick test" again on anything on the planets.

"Sounds hideous." Suvi said, eyes wide. "No, I've learned my lesson. I'll be more careful next time."

"So, Ryder," Vetra sat down next to them, "Are we all going on Aya today?"

Ryder nodded, "Yes. I'm meeting with the Moshae. She's taking me to the vault. It's shore leave for everyone else. Every time we can. I think it's good for the crew to have a break. Don't want to get burnt out. Besides, we can continue to be ambassadors for the Milky way species."

"You sure?" Suvi asked, "Not everybody is ideally suited for that."

"But that's what's real. I mean, every Angaran I've met on Aya isn't ideal either."

"Everyone can't be like Jaal," Vetra added.

"Definitely." Ryder said, and looked up to see the both of them grinning at her. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. Just a lot of enthusiasm." Suvi smiled.

Ryder blushed, "He's great, that's all I'm saying."

"Uh-huh. Well, I've got to get back to the bridge. We'll be ready to go whenever you make the call, Pathfinder." Suvi got up and left.

Vetra turned back to Ryder, "So, how are things going between you and Jaal? I did pick up on some romantic vibes there. I mean, he was warming you up after the mission to Voeld, not me."

Ryder lowered her voice, "It's so bad, Vetra."

She widened her eyes and got closer, "Oh my gosh, what?"

Ryder nodded, "I am so crazy in love with him."

Vetra tilted her head to the side, "Oh, really!"

Ryder shushed her, "Yes, between us, I am gone on him. I can't explain it, I felt it from the moment I met him, and as I got to know him, it's just intensified. I mean, I didn't go looking for anything like that. Lord knows I've got my hands full trying to learn to be the Pathfinder and adjust the mission with every passing day with something new and terrifying happening. But –" she ran her fingers through her hair nervously and glanced around the room, "I think about him all the time. He's so funny, sensitive and nice. He's smart and brave. He's not boastful, either. He actually feels like he doesn't measure up because his family is so accomplished. I just- he's so sexy and yummy."

Vetra laughed, "You are totally gone. Wow. Does he feel the same way about you? He was very chummy with you on the shuttle the other day."

Ryder scrunched up her face, "I don't know. I think so. He's said some things that make me think he does, but then again, I don't know that much about his species and how they react to things, how they are in relationships."

"I don't see him spending as much time with anyone else on the crew. When you're around, he only has eyes for you." Vetra smiled.

"Really?" Ryder said excitedly. "I hope so. I just don't want to be disappointed, you know."

Vetra shrugged, "That's a fear in any relationship, right? But no risk, no reward."

"True." Ryder thought for a second, "Do you think I'm letting my feelings for him bias me in missions, I mean, have you seen that?"

Vetra looked confused, "No, not at all. Why would you think that?"

Ryder sighed and told her about Cora's accusations the day before and the actual circumstances of Jaal being in her room. "You know, I don't mind so much that she had concerns, but she was so quick to judge and accuse me of putting the Angara first over our species, because of Jaal."

Vetra shook her head, "She's wrong. You are doing a phenomenal job. And I would be the first to tell you if I felt you weren't being fair. What's fair anyway? It's hard to choose what to do next when so much is happening. We threw out the handbook to Andromeda months ago. I don't know where she's coming from. She has issues, that's for sure. Do you think she's jealous, wishing she'd been the Pathfinder?"

"Maybe. With the way she's acting and her interactions with the crew, I doubt she would have been successful at it. It's easy for her to criticize me when she's not the one responsible for my decisions."

"True. Oh, here comes Jaal."

Ryder snapped her head around to see him walking up the stairs to the conference room. He approached them, "How are you feeling this morning, Ryder?"

"Oh, great," she smiled.

He pointed, "I mean your back."

"Oh, that. Much better. I definitely need your help, though."

He nodded, "I'll meet you in your quarters in 20 minutes?"

She beamed, "Sure."

He nodded at Vetra, "Morning."

She nodded back.

Ryder turned back to Vetra as Jaal walked back down towards the kitchen. Vetra shook her head at Ryder. "What's going on with your back?"

Ryder brought her up to date.

"So, another reason he can stay in your quarters?" Vetra teased.

"And if I can find more, I'll use them." Ryder quipped. They laughed. "Thanks for the talk, Vetra. I appreciate it."

Vetra sighed, "I'm sorry Cora's acting like that. To be honest, I'm surprised. She seemed so by the book, and took her job as second so seriously."

"I'm hoping she'll calm down. It was pretty bad, though. I thought we had worked our differences out. She just can't seem to get over my dad not being here to be in charge. It's like – you know, it's like she just can't adjust well to changes in plan. Major changes. Like, she has things set in her mind, and when it goes differently, she falls apart."

Vetra nodded slowly, "Yes, that might be what's going on. If that's the case, I hope for your sake she falls into line soon. She may have been the wrong choice for your second."

Ryder made a face, "Geez, I hope not. But I tell you what, if she equates inexperience with weakness, she'll find out she's wrong pretty damn quick." She stood up, "I'll see you later, Vetra."

She walked briskly to her quarters, and shortly afterwards, Jaal came in. He attended to her back, putting the cream on it.

"Looks much better, Ryder. It's working."

"The itching is finally gone. It was driving me crazy. Any plants on Aya I should be afraid of?"

He shook his head, "None that I know of. It's just Havarl, because of the change to the wildlife on the planet. That should be improving now that you have the vault working." He pulled her shirt down over her back.

She turned to face him, "I can't wait to see what's in there."

"Very few people have been in there, and with your AI, who knows what you two will find." He put his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her. "A momentous day for all of us, Ryder."

She put her hand up on his forearm and smiled at him.

"Well," he let go, "I'll be ready to go when you are."

Down on Aya, she met with the Moshae and discovered the connections of the planets to Meridian and the need to find the Archon's ship.

"You'll have to get that relic off the ship to find Meridian." Moshae Sjefa looked at her, "The Resistance might be able to help us with the location. When we get back, I'll meet with Evfra. We can all meet together to discuss our options."

They stayed for a while longer, studying the vault and display, then took the shuttle back to Aya. After meeting with the Moshae and Evfra, Ryder walked around Aya, pondering their conversation. She found Jaal at the same overlook he'd been at before.

"This must be your favorite view on Aya." Ryder smiled, walking up next to him.

He looked around quickly, then said quietly, "It is now that you're here." He laughed, "I made you blush."

She shook her head, "I seem to do that a lot when you're around, Jaal."

"I noticed." He leaned on the railing, "So, how did the meeting go?"

She briefed him on what they discovered at the vault, and Vehn Terev's actions, betraying the Moshae to the Kett. "We need to go to Kardara Port and find him. He's our link to the location of the Kett command ship."

Jaal slammed his fist on the railing, "A traitor! To give our beloved Moshae to the Kett, for what reason! He must be brought to justice!"

"I agree," Ryder said, "The Moshae wants me to bring him back alive, but we'll see." She looked out over the falls. "From what they told me, Kadara port is a pretty lawless place. I don't know what we'll encounter." She turned and leaned her back on the rail, "I'm prepared to do what it takes. Meridian has to be kept out of the Archon's hands."

Jaal nodded, "Yes, at all costs."

Ryder sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, "Kadara will be on the list for tomorrow. I need to go to Eos after we leave here today."

"Oh?"

She nodded, "There's been a lead on the Asari ark. Cora looked into it. I need to follow up."

"I understand," He looked at her, "To find another of your Milky Way comrades would be a huge benefit."

She smiled, it was nice to be understood about trying to balance the missions.

"You seem concerned about it."

She waived her hand, "It's just – I've had some issues with Cora, I'm trying to work it out."

"Yes, I've noticed that. Tension between you two. She seems to go on her own, with her own way of thinking."

"You've noticed that too?"

He nodded, "Yes, and in someone in her position, it is not an asset. However, I have full confidence in your ability to manage her." He smiled at her broadly.

"Your vote of confidence means a lot."

They talked and walked around Aya, getting some supplies at the markets, then made their way back on board.

She took Drack and Cora on Eos, not wanting any drama from Cora towards Jaal. She knew Drack wouldn't take any of her crap either, if she tried anything. It went pretty smoothly, if awkwardly, they met with Hydaria, and went to Voeld to follow the Periphona's signal. Cora got the data to follow the flight plan back to the Leusinia. "I'll work on it, let you know."

On the Tempest, Jaal was eating a snack in the kitchen, when Vetra came in. They exchanged pleasantries, and Vetra pulled the top off a large pot on the stove. Sniffing, she pulled back, "Whew, that's strong. Looks like it'll be pretty good, though. Want some?" she turned to Jaal, who shook his head no.

"I don't want to risk an allergic reaction."

Vetra poured some into a bowl for herself, "Yeah, like the one Ryder's been dealing with. Glad I didn't touch that plant on Havarl."

Jaal cleared his throat, "You two seem to be close friends."

Vetra thought for a moment, "Yeah, you could say so. We talk," she gave Jaal a knowing smile.

"She is troubled about the issues with Cora. What is your opinion on the matter?"

Vetra stirred a spoon in her bowl, blowing on it, "I think Cora is way out of line, honestly. It's no business of hers if you're sleeping in Ryder's quarters."

Jaal started coughing, "What?"

"You know – oh, wait – she didn't tell you about that?"

Jaal shook his head, "She was pretty vague to be honest."

Vetra was irritated, Jaal had been fishing for information and she'd fallen for it. "Well, apparently, Cora came in her quarters and found you naked in Ryder's bed. You were asleep, Ryder wasn't there, so she left. But she assumed you two had an intimate relationship going on. Accused Ryder of being biased in how she decided which missions had priority because of your relationship."

Jaal was shocked, "I did not know any of this. I had no intention of compromising her position as Pathfinder. Did she tell her it wasn't true?"

"What?"

"We did not have sex. We aren't in an intimate relationship."

Vetra nodded, "I know, she told me what really happened. No, she didn't correct her, she told her that her personal life was none of her business, and she was balancing the needs of the Angara and the Milky way species as equally as she could."

He was perplexed, "But that creates more problems, the tension between the two of them is palpable. What – why would she not just tell her the truth?"

Vetra tilted her head to the side, "Well, maybe she didn't want to make a big point about that if it was something she wants to happen eventually." She watched for his reaction.

Jaal looked down and thought for a moment. "You really think so?"

Vetra took another bite and nodded, "I know so."

"Hm. That is – intriguing. I am sorry, however, that I am the source of her difficulties."

"Cora is the source of her difficulties, and she better straighten up. We have enough challenges here without making enemies of each other."

He sighed, "Is there anything you think I can do to improve the situation?"

Vetra pursed her lips slightly, "I suppose you could go to Cora yourself and tell her there was nothing going on between you guys. I don't know if she'll believe you or not-" she stopped, seeing Jaal shake his head no vigorously. "Or if you don't think that would be a good idea."

He finished the last bite of nutrient paste and threw the empty container in the chute, "Like you said, why deny something you want to happen eventually?" he patted her on the shoulder and walked past her out the door. Vetra smiled to herself as she turned her attention back to her stew.

Back on board the Tempest, Ryder decided not to go through a debrief with Cora, knowing she would be frantically poring over the data they'd found that day. "I'm sure she'll let me know what she finds as soon as she can."

She went to her quarters and was surprised to see Jaal stand up from her couch. "Jaal! What a nice surprise!"

"I brought you something to eat. Something hot – a stew Drack made, and a drink Suvi recommended – hot chocolate?"

She beamed, "Wow, yes, that's awesome."

"I know it's cold down on Voeld. Did you find the Periphona?"

She went to her closet and started taking off her boots, "What was left of it. The Kett totally destroyed it. Looks like they were trying to decoy them away from the Ark Leusinia. They're being attacked by the Kett."

"Then it looks like you should go there tomorrow."

She raised her eyebrows, "Yes, I agree, but we don't have the nav point yet. Cora's working on it. So, Kadara tomorrow. You game?"

He nodded, "Yes, it was strange not being with you out on the mission today."

She laughed, "I know, I think that's the first time I went out without you, and I didn't like it. I don't plan on doing it again, just so you know."

He smiled, "I'm glad to hear it. I feel like your protector. I hope you're not offended by that."

"No, not at all. I rely on you, Jaal. Your counsel, your advice. We make a formidable team."

He stood up and gestured towards the table, "Please come over and eat."

She nodded wearily, "I have to get changed first."

"I'll leave-" he started for the door.

"No, it's okay, just turn around, and it will only take me a moment. I don't want you to leave." She made short work of it, and changed into her tshirt and shorts. Adjusting the waistband, she turned back around, "Okay, done." As he turned back around, she walked towards him, "Are you eating too?"

"Mmm, yes. Some fruit I bought on Aya. There's enough for both of us. I cleared it with Dr. T'Perro."

"Looks delicious," she sat down and picked up a piece, "I remember this from the Tavetaan."

"That's right, I forgot about that." He took a piece and ate it, watching her.

She sat back with the plate he'd prepared her and relaxed, eating heartily. They talked for a bit, discussing the day's events. Jaal noticed her starting to get sleepy. "I've overstayed my welcome."

"No," she suddenly sat straight up, "I – I enjoy having you here."

He smiled, thinking about the conversation he'd had with Vetra earlier. "It's late, Kadara Port waits us tomorrow. I have very little intel, so we'll have to go in with no plan."

"I'm good at having no plan."

He laughed, "Yes, you are. Before I leave, let's get that cream on your back."

"Oh, I forgot about it," she complied as he rubbed it on her back. "How's it looking?"

"Almost gone. A few red patches, but not much." He used the pads on his fingers to rub it in, a little more vigorously now that it was healing.

"Mmm, that feels fantastic." She moaned.

He took in a sharp breath. It was a good thing humans were so reserved. If she was freer with her feelings, more bold, he'd be sure to follow through. It was not the right time though, he felt. Humans must take longer to decide if they want to be more personal. He wanted to respect her, her culture. She wouldn't even disrobe in front of him. He found that strange. He continued to rub the cream on her skin, enjoying the feel of it. He wondered how humans had sex, how were they with their partners? He feared Angaran enthusiasm might be intimidating or offensive to her.

A sudden ping at her door brought him quickly out of his thoughts.

"Sam, who's at the door?" Ryder pulled up her omni-tool.

"It is Cora, Pathfinder."

"Damn." Ryder pulled the back of her shirt down.

Jaal stood up immediately, "She is not coming in?"

Ryder walked to her door, "No, everyone is locked out." she looked up, "Well, everyone but you." She pushed a button next to her door.

Cora stood in the doorway, "Pathfinder –" she looked over and saw Jaal, "I, uh, I'll come back later." She turned to go.

Ryder reached out and grabbed her sleeve, "No, we're just going over tomorrow's mission to Kadara Port. What's going on?"

Cora stayed in the doorway, "I just wanted you to know I'm narrowing it down, I think I'll have a navpoint by tomorrow."

"That's great news. We can use all the help here we can get." Ryder leaned her arm in the door frame.

"Well, yes. I'll keep you posted. Goodnight." She turned and left.

Jaal walked up next to Ryder, "I must go as well."

Ryder's expression changed from irritation with Cora to pleading, "No, not yet."

Jaal smiled sweetly, "I'll see you in the morning. I'll be by to apply more cream."

She pouted, "Okay."

He hesitated, tempted to ask her if he could stay the night, but he saw the tension between her and Cora and didn't want to add to it. He took her hands in his, "Have a good night."

She frowned, and he wanted to kiss it off her forehead, but instead brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it lightly. "See you in the morning."

Entranced, she nodded and watched as he left and disappeared around the side to go up the ladder. Her door closed and she looked over the table he'd set up for her. "I think that might have been something close to a date," she mused. "Wow."