Ryder had just got of the comms with Kandros, and she had a new mission to attend to.

She had been given a report of a Kett camp on another part of Voeld that was said to hold Angaran prisoners. "SAM, can you tell Kallo to head to Voeld. I wanna see what's going on in that camp."

To: de Tershaav, Evfra

From: Ryder, Henrietta

We've had some reports about a Kett camp holding Angaran slave labour. We are on our way there now to see what is going on.

If we manage to free any slaves, we'll need extra support.

To: Ryder, Henrietta

From: de Tershaav, Evfra

I will offer whatever I can. You don't have to do this, Etta.

To: de Tershaav, Evfra

From: Ryder, Henrietta

I know, but your soldiers are tied up elsewhere. Once we've cleared out the base, I'll send for any transports needed.

Ryder, Jaal and Liam were hiding behind a rock, observing the entrance to the Kett labour camp.

"Can we take them out quietly? I don't want to risk any prisoners."

"We could snipe them." Liam suggested.

"Do it. Just don't give them time to react."

As soon as the two guards were down, they made it through the main door. "Let's do this without alerting the entire base."

"Ryder, it would be better if we split up."

"Good idea, Jaal." Ryder agreed. "Liam you go right. Jaal take left. I'll take the middle road."

They had split up and Ryder had moved through the base, silently taking out any guard without raising her gun. She came across what looked like holding cells. They were full of Angaran women and a small number of children.

They looked at her with a mix of fear and curiosity.

"SAM, is the translator working?"

"Switching to broadcast mode. They will be able to understand you now."

She holstered her gun and approached the cells. "I'm Ryder, a Human from another galaxy. I'm here to free you."

"Free us?" An older woman scoffed. "Most of us have been here for decades."

"I promised a friend, Evfra that I would."

Another woman rushed forward, gripping onto the bars. "How do you know my son?"

"Your son?" Ryder felt a painful jolt in her heart. "We have nurtured a good working relationship."

"Is he ok?"

"He has a lot of burdens, but so far he is."

The woman smiled. "You are fond of him? Romantically?"

Ryder felt the blush on her cheeks. She wasn't ready to admit to herself how she felt about him, never mind anyone else. "I am fond of him. Not sure how he feels about me."

"Will you get me out so I can see my son again?"

"I will come back for you once it's safe."

"Three of my daughters are in the mine. Save them please."

Ryder asked SAM to make sure the location of the room was sent to the Resistance. She couldn't get Evfra's mother off her mind. She wondered how so many had lasted so long in the Kett camp. Akksul had suffered badly after only a year, some of them had been there for decades.

"Ryder, come in?"

"Go ahead, Jaal."

"I've met back up with Liam. He has led a few healthy soldiers to one of the mines and we have taken control of it. I have contacted the Resistance and they are inbound."

"I found some older women and children in a cell block. Don't let the soldiers take any risks. I want every Angara who is still alive to walk out free."

"You need to get to the control room. If we can get to the Armory, we can arm the soldiers."

"Sit tight, Jaal. I'll get to the control room and really ruin the Kett's day."

Ryder managed to get to the control without much resistance. She checked the feeds and gathered that there were a few guards still controlling the second mine. They seemed oblivious to the fact that the camp had been raided. Not that Ryder would complain, it made it easier for them to gain control.

"SAM, can you work some magic?"

"Yes. I have disabled all of the security protocols but kept the cells closed. It is advisable to leave the prisoners in the cells until the camp is cleared."

"I agree. What's the ETA of the Resistance troops?"

"They are currently landing now."

"Direct them to the first set of prisoners. I don't want those children to be here any longer than they need to be."

"Pathfinder, it is now safe to release the prisoners."

Ryder checked the video feeds coming and laughed to herself. "I guess those soldiers really wanted some payback."

Once the Resistance had cleared out the prisoners in the camp, Ryder headed back to the ship to give her report to Evfra. She had been readying herself for that conversation ever since she had met his mother.

When Evfra's form appeared in the conference room, she let out a small gasp. "Errr, Evfra." She muttered as she composed herself. "So the camp has been cleared out and one of your lieutenants thinks it might be worth establishing a camp there."

"Are you ok, Etta?" Something about Ryder's demeanour had him worried.

"I'm fine." She tried to hide the fact that she wanted to cry. "Your mother and 3 of your sisters are alive."

For the first time in a long time, Evfra was speechless. "Are they….are they ok?"

"Medics have given them all clear. If you need a safe place for the prisoners, the outposts on Eos are more than happy to have them."

"I will discuss it with the Governors on our worlds. Will you come to Aya?"

"My schedule is looking light, so I can spare a day or two."

"I will wait for you to arrive."

Evfra had thrown himself into his work this his family came back to Aya. He was happy to have them back, but it was a massive struggle for him. He had been alone for so long and the noise of family was hard to take.

His mother had questioned him about Ryder, but he managed to dodge her interrogations. He was still figuring out how he felt about her, and he wasn't ready to confess it yet. He had an affection for her, one that was growing day by day.

He had taken to hiding himself on his private balcony when he need some peace and quiet. Fortunately, everyone knew not to disturb him when he was out there. He was able to cry in peace there.

One day it got him harder than before, so when an intruder entered his sanctuary, he snapped. "Leave me."

"Sorry, I'll come back later."

Evfra moved quickly when he realised who it was. "Etta, wait."

"Are you ok?" Ryder wrapped an arm around him. "You've been crying?"

"I have a family again and I'm having trouble getting used to it."

"It'll get better." Ryder wondered how often people saw this side of him. Actually saw him as a person with real emotions. "This the big, bad Evfra up for a Human hug?"

He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her. She knew what he needed without even asking. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. He really wanted to kiss her.

He pressed his lips against hers in a gentle, almost chaste kiss. Worry had set in when Ryder pulled away. "I'm sorry. I had no right to do that." He turned away in shame, releasing the hold he had on her body.

"Evfra, it's not that." She melted back into his arms. "You're emotional and coping with a lot. I don't want you to get into something you might regret. Take some time to adjust and if you decide you still want to kiss me, then let me know."

"And if I want to kiss you."

"Then you can kiss me any time you want."

"Good." Evfra wasted barely a minute before his lips were back on hers. "I've been wanting to kiss you for quite some time now."

Ryder chuckled, warmed by the strong arms around her. "Can we go somewhere a bit more comfortable to continue this?"

"I know a place."