The world around him was pitch black and icy cold, a chilling shiver ran down Evfra's scarred back as he knew with trepidation what was to come. It occurred most nights than not, the reminder of what was lost…

Evfra braced himself in the eternal black as the wave of cries from his people began, men, women, children...his family. It was the day Kett showed their true intentions, catching the Angaran off guard. Evfra's body shook as it remembered hunger, sickness, pain, and loss. He called out to them in the darkness, but no one answered back...no one ever did.

The darkness began to press in on Evfra, squeezing him as if to suffocate him in the void. To swallow him up by cold unyielding darkness...

"Evfra? Evfra!" A concerned feminine voice called to him from beyond the barren darkness. Then what seemed to be a faint blue pinpoint began to appear, like a blue star amongst the sea of black began to shine brightly. It grew larger, pulsing soothingly with warmth as the kind voice called out to him. "Evfra!"

...I know that voice...images of warm stew, spiced tea, the starry skies, smiles of joy, tender kisses that melted into passionate bliss. Soothing energy was now coursing through him, empowering the will to move onwards, the drive to continue the fight. Not all was lost, and he wasn't alone, he had her.

"Evfra!"

Blue galaxy eyes opened and wildly peered about as the view of a cabin came into focus and before him, Sara. Her eyes were alight with blue energy, that slowly faded from her brown eyes which were wide with alarm as she searched his face, her small warm hands delicately stroking his face. "Hey, hey come back to me Evfra, you're alright, I'm here," she murmured with reassurance.

Evfra did not realize that he had been panting and and sweating, his body now shivered slightly as it tried to regulate itself. And something new dawned on him, shame . Like an uncomfortable cold wet blanket had been laid upon him, Evfra felt embarrassed that Sara, of all people, had seen him in such a state. "I...will go get ready," Evfra's voice rumbled as he made to get up and off the bed. Quietly, he redressed and escaped the silent cabin.

Sara remained still, but watched the Resistance leader, her brown eyes lingered upon the long serrated scar along the length of his back. The question lingered upon her lips, How did you get all those scars? But Sara knew better than to ask at this time, she could sense that he still needed time and right now, space. PTSD, how many of her father's friends had Sara seen suffer from this condition. Too many...

Evfra had been moaning, whimpering, growling, and then thrashing as if he was fighting for his life. It scared Sara at first until she realized what was happening. She tried calling to him, rousing him out of the nightmare. But then Evfra whispered something that made Sara's heart pang with ache. 'Don't take her from me too!' Summoning her biotics, Sara tried to soothe the Angaran, call him back to her with waves of energy she could only hope could reach Evfra in this state.

How long has it been since Evfra allowed someone to get this close to him? Sara knew the Resistance leader was still not ready to tell her; there was too much there, locked away for far too long. Yet, Evfra was slowly opening up, becoming vulnerable…letting Sara into his life had been the first step..

The Tempest touched down on the frozen world, its legs dipping slightly into the depths of snow. The sense of urgency hung heavily in the air as the crew exchanged silent nods while Sara, Jaal, and Evfra left the cargo hull. As the trio approached the mouth of the base, a group of Angara were already awaiting them, lined upon on either side. The young woman then realized she had not returned since rescuing Moshae, and she recognized a few familiar faces in the crowd.

"Evfra has come, and he brings the Pathfinder! Stars above we are saved! They'll have Anjik back in no time!" The crowd cheered, causing Sara's cheeks to warm as she gave them a lopsided smile.

Evfra, who had found himself taciturn with deep thought, was roused by the cheering crowd. Not only could he hear his servicemen, but also feel their thrumming bioelectic fields pulse with renewed energy and hope. His chest puffed a bit at the cheering for Evfra felt quite proud of Sara as the Resistance on Voeld not only saluted their Resistance Leader, but recognized Pathfinder with equal if not even more reverence. Again in that moment, Evfra snuck a glance of warmth at Sara. She was earning her own in the eyes of the Angara. She took the attention in with humility and grace. Sara smiled and nodded at as many members as she could, her bright eyes sparkling with kindness.

As if feeling his gaze, Sara glanced over to him and Evfra gave her a nod. She must have felt embarrassed for Sara rubbed the back of her neck and Evfra found it endearing. Once they found Anjik, Evfra would finally sit down and talk to Sara about...everything.

They approached the brightly lit command center underneath the glowing orb of Voled when Sara began to veer off to the side, which Evfra found uncharacteristic of the Pathfinder, who liked to be in the thick of it all. "And where are you going?" Evfra remarked as he became aware of the growing space between them.

"Uh...I thought you didn't like aliens sitting in on sensitive Resistance information?" Sara replied with a slightly surprised look on her face.

Evfra halted in his steps, allowing the young woman to pause as she fully faced the Resistance Leader as he frowned at her. "In fact I think the exact phrase you used was, stop being nosy Pathfinder and let me work," Sara clarified as her eyebrows wiggled like dancing caterpillars as she reminded Evfra of his previous manners.

The Angaran looked like he had taken a sip of curdled milk. Evfra did say that at one point, didn't he; when he was still wary of her true intent, the intention of the Initiative altogether. "Well, things have changed since that time…" Evfra paused as he considered his next words, for his statement would not only be relayed to all of his Resistance members, but the Roekarr as well. "Pathfinder Ryder, you have proven yourself a steadfast ally to not only the Resistance, but to the Angara. You are welcome to join us for we need you and the Initiative if we are to defeat the Kett."

Sara intently listened to Evfra's every word. The young woman held her breath, barely believing that Evfra would make such a bold statement that would go down in history. The Angaran Resistance and First Contact have accepted the Initiative! She smiled broadly as she approached the command center and stood at Evfra's side. "Then let's get to work!" Sara proclaimed proudly.

The meeting was underway as Evfra barked orders and gleaned every snippet of information of Anjik's movement's up to her disappearance. At one point a fresh faced recruit made the mistake of handing Evfra the wrong datapad and the whole area fell silent causing Sara to peer about in confusion at the sudden chirps of crickets...well there would have been if Voeld had crickets. She didn't realize the Resistance members were holding their collective breaths, waiting for Evfra to explode in anger. However Evfra kept perfectly calm, surprising everyone. In fact he didn't yell, not even once!

'He's changed,' whispered one member. 'What do you think could have happened,' asked another. 'Do you...do you think it's the Pathfinder's doing?' a member wondered. 'Really? You think they are?' gasped an Angaran. 'Surly not! I mean Evfra and an alien?' Confidently replied another. Yet all continued to be baffled at what had thawed the great cantankerous Evfra de Terrav.

"What about reaching out to the Taerve Uni outpost?" Sara suggested as she passed a data pad over to Jaal for review. Evfra paused, he had nearly forgotten about the Initiative Outpost. Of course they should check with the outpost. At first he had been irked by the Initiative's presence of Voeld however once an agreement was made between Anjik and the outpost, the site began sending Voeld Resistance part of the tapped water they harvested.

"I will contact Priya Blake, she is the Outpost Captain," Sara stated as Evfra gave her the affirmative nod. The Resistance leader watched the young woman step aside as she opened comms to the outpost. A moment later Sara stepped back to the group, "Anjik and her team had actually stopped by the outpost a few days ago," she informed the group. "Priya said they headed past the outpost to investigate data on possible prisoner transportation."

Jaal frowned at this news, "Sara, wasn't that the area…"

"Yep, where we fought the Architect," the young woman replied with a grimace.

"I remember reviewing that battle from Jaal's review, quite the fight," Evfra added as he recalled the harrowing battle during a bitter snowstorm no less.

"Yeeaaah," Sara's grimace widened. Architects were not something Sara liked to make a habit of fighting. This one had nearly taken her out, making their return visit to the site would not be a pleasant one. She hoped to god that it had not somehow returned to the site from orbit. Sara was not looking for a rematch that's for sure.

Out of habit, Sara stopped by the Medical Sector to check on Dr. Harihn and if he needed anything from the outpost. The old Angaran physician wore his usual grufness, but seemed less stressed than when Sara first met him. Dr. Harihn paused to look from Sara to Evfra, then back to Sara with calculative eyes. "Pathfinder, a moment with our venerable Resistance Leader please?" He asked and Sara thought nothing much of the request as she nodded and sidled up to the counter where she checked with the Angaran merchant.

Dr. Harihn was one of the oldest physicians the Angara had, and knew Evfra very well, it was his healing skills that allowed Evfra's scars to mend so well. So the Resistance Leader was slightly hesitant when he noted the gleam in Dr. Harihn's galaxy eyes once Sara and others were out of earshot.

"Are you two paired?" The physician asked outright.

Evfra maintained his composure, but his eyes widened at the question. "In a sense...wait how did you catch on?"

Dr. Harihn snorted, "Evfra, I've known you since you were weaned. You barely let her out of your sights and your bioelectric field keeps edging towards her."

'Skutt,' Evfra grunted in thought, for he believed he had regained control of that since recovering from his flu, but apparently not.

"Have you knotted?" Dr. Harihn crudely asked without batting an eye.

Evfra nearly choked on his own spit. "What?! No, we've been...very careful," The Resistance leader stated awkwardly as he crossed his arms over his chest. The Resistance leader recalled that it was Dr. Harihn who had lectured him on Angaran puberty, it was very dry and straight to the point, leaving a hormonal adolescent Evfra nearly ready to die with embarrassment.

"Be sure to be careful. You don't want your mate heavy with child on the front line," Dr. Harihn warned with a knowing look before he walked off to tend to a nearby patient.

The doctor's words viscerally shook the Resistance leader. And he peered over at the Pathfinder as she haggled with the Angaran merchant. She must have secured the deal for she walked over to Evfra with a winning smile and an armful of supplies. But she must have noticed something different in the way he looked at her for she paused and tilted her head questioningly up at him.

"What's heavy on your mind dear Tershaav?" Sara practically purred.

'Dear Tershaav?' Evfra nearly groaned at the question and the suggestive sound of her purr...little minx she was, but the Resistance leader had something more pressing to discuss. He cleared his throat purposefully, which only made the young woman arch a brow up at him questioningly. "Sara," Evfra began. "I've been thinking."

"That is a dangerous thing to do, Evfra," Sara teased playfully as she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

Evfra sighed because he was beginning to believe Sara was correct, but he still had to try...to dissuade her from coming. "I think it would be best if you stayed behind for this mission."

Just as Evfra expected, Sara's smile slowly disappeared as she pursed her lips as she gave him a scrutinizing gaze. "I think not, you're stuck with me, " Sara responded with a note of finality on the subject and a gleam in her eyes that Evfra knew far too well. It both pleased and frustrated him for Evfra knew this was going to happen.

"So, you better bring your A game," Sara added as she shifted the supplies in her arms.

"My A game?" Evfra asked in confusion.

"Your best, General de Tershaav, I expect nothing less," Sara clarified as she raised her head up challengingly before sashaying away, leaving the Angaran to oggle after her.

My A game...hmmm... "Where is my Heskaarl armor!?" Evfra barked loudly at everyone in the vicinity.

Sara was sorting through the supplies with Jaal when she noted approaching Angara and looked up, nearly dropping whatever was in her hand. Evfra was walking towards them, speaking to a recruit, but it was what Evfra wore that made Sara nearly gape at him.

A tight obsidian suit that gleamed with ice blue lights hugged the Angaran in all the right places. Dual Firaans strapped to his hips, while a shotgun was holstered on his back. He was a tank and Sara felt her throat go dry.

Jaal let out a warm chuckle as he noted Sara's stare, then remarked, "Oh you are in for a treat."

Sara laughs weakly, "Oh really?"

"Why yes, it appears the Berserker is back in business," Jaal replied with a grin before adding, "He is one of the deadliest hand to hand combat specialists of the Heskaarl."

"You don't say," Sara breathed almost absent minded as she stared at Evfra.

"He is known to take his enemies down with ease," Jaal stated with another chuckle.

'I don't mind him taking me down,' Sara almost let slip as she gulped.

Evfra noticed hungry eyes upon him, and turned his gaze to look at Sara, catching her wide hungry eyes before she looked quickly away, but the Angaran glimpsed how her cheeks turned pink. Brimming with pride, Evfra puffed out his chest and drew himself taller. He should really wear this armor more often.

Once Evfra stood before Jaal and Sara, the Pathfinder cleared her throat and began on a more official note, "If you'll allow it, I would like to sync up SAM to your comm so we can all stay in touch on this endeavor."

As assumed, Evfra gave her a hardened look, and there was a pause between the two as they locked eyes. "Only for this mission," Evfra acquiesced with a slight nod. Sara knew he wasn't keen on the AI, but it would help them coordinate their efforts.

"Also, it looks like we'll have to take the Nomad," Sara informed the pair as she slipped on her helmet.

"Can we not have the Tempest drop us off directly at the outpost?" Evfra asked with a frown before he slipped on his helmet in turn.

"I checked with Kallo," Sara's radio voice transmitted through Evfra's helmet. "Turns out the weather is not suitable for flying so we will make our way there by Nomad."

The trio settled into the terrain vehicle and Evfra, who took the front passenger seat, was impressed as he surveyed the exterior and interior first hand. He had to give it to the Milky Way race, they knew how to build a comfortable yet functional vehicle. The path down the snowy mountain side was well lit even during a snowstorm, however Evfra pursed his lips as he noticed Sara veer off to the side. And not just any side, but the edge of the mountain. "Why the skkut are you not following the paths?!" Evfra exclaimed as he quickly jammed the belt over his chest and snapped it securely closed.

"Don't worry, we'll make it record time!" Stated confidently before she steered right off the mountain. Jaal chuckled, while Evfra clung to his seat.

"Sara, if I am to die I wish it to be in battle not in this contraption due to your driving!" Evfra growled through gritted teeth as they nose dived off the edge.

"Oh don't worry, I've done it plenty of times," Sara remarked confidently as the Nomad skidded down the sheer snowy cliff.

"And each time is a fresh nightmare," Jaal remarked merrily from the back side.

"Stars above," Evfra groaned, of course he would be in love with a madwoman. But Sara was right, the Nomad zoomed by the Initiative Outpost even sooner than expected.

Soon the derelict Kett Stronghold loomed before them as the snowstorm lightened. ["The ground is unstable from the Architect battle. Proceed with caution," warned SAM to the trio]

"Just dandy," Sara breathed as she gritted her teeth. No doubt the Architect had weakened the stability of the packed snow. Hopefully the team could make this a quick extraction before the ground gave way.

However, up ahead it appeared that the most direct pathway to the stronghold was peppered with roadblocks and armed guards. "Looks like the Kett are trying something new Sara," Jaal guffawed.

"Have I become that predictable?" Sara huffed. "Well, they didn't count on good 'ole Gil's upgrades!" The young woman cheered as the engine revved up causing everyone to be pushed back into their seats at the sudden acceleration. Sara's lips curled into a Cheshire Cat smile as she proclaimed, "Hold on boys!"

'Oh stars…' Evfra prayed as he gripped the provided 'oh shit' handle of the Nomad.

Like an old train from Earth, the Nomad steamrolled right through the barricades, sending any hiding Kett to scatter lest they be run over by reinforced Initiative tires.

The trio jumped up out of Nomad, temporarily shielded from incoming fire thanks to the vehicle's glowing barrier. "Flank them!" Sara and Evfra shouted into their comms at the same time, causing them pause as Jaal looked from one to the other. Who would lead who?

Evfra grunted before he stated, "Sara, take directive, you've been here before and, I trust your judgement."

Again Sara nearly gaped at the Angaran. Not only had Evfra essentially announced the alliance between the Resistance and Initiative but now he said, 'I trust your judgement.' Yeah, they can definitely make this work. Sara quickly nodded back before she commanded, "Jaal on my left, Evfra, on my right." Both Angaran reformed as the young woman breathed, "It's showtime."

Jaal snipped, Sara blasted, and Evfra electrocuted as they stormed the compound. Together they were a force to be reckoned with as they pushed through the camp in search of Anjik. Sara paused behind a crate, looking around just in time to see the alpha beast that was Evfra on the battlefield as the Resistance leader wielded dual electric Firaans like a tornado of electricity.

Sara had to tear her gaze away, otherwise she was going to have to dunk her head into the snow.

["Temperature at unsafe level and steadily falling," warned SAM]

"I think I'll be fine," Sara growled through gritted teeth.

"Wraiths are about!" Warned Evfra and Sara jerked back just in time to see one stalking the Resistance Leader before it disappeared with camouflage.

Sara leapt out of her cover and rushed at Evfra, just as the beast reappeared in mid-pounce. She barreled into it at full speed with her biotic smash, sending the Wraith practically flying. "Not today motherfucker!" Sara whooped.

"Mother...fucker?" Evfra repeated as he stared at her through his helmet.

"Ehhhh, don't repeat that," Sara remarked with a sly grin. "Especially not to Director Tann."

"I found her!" exclaimed Jaal's voice through the comms and the pair quickly followed after him into a side room. There strapped to one of the stiff examination tables was a still pink female Angaran. There was not an electromagnetic lamp in sight. Who knows how long she had been without sunlight.

"SAM, can you get a read on her?" Sara asked as she scanned Anjik while Evfra used one of his Firaans to cut through the bindings.

[This Angaran is still alive, however has gone on for multiple days without sunlight. Scans indicate low metabolic rate and core temperature, I also pick up multiple sites of psychical trauma," SAM informed the trio]

His statement made Sara's blood boil. Those damned Kett! Yet she gasped as Anjik moaned and stirred while Evfra made haste to free her from her bindings. Anjik's pale blue galaxy eyes opened wide as she began to pant. "Evfra!" She screamed and launched herself at the Resistance leader, sobbing into his armored chest as he closed his arms around her protectively.

"I know Anjik, I know. But, you are safe now," Evfra murmured comfortingly. He knew all too well the horrors that Anjik must have endured.

Something seized Sara in that moment as she saw the two Angara hug. A voice, that noxious green-eyed voice that instils uncertainty and envy, whispered from the depths of the young woman's mind, 'That is what Evfra wants, that is what he deserves, someone who can truly understand him, not some alien like you.' They looked so perfect and natural.

The ground groaned, shuddered, and hissed beneath their feet. ["Imminent collapse detected," SAM proclaimed]

All thoughts were quickly pushed aside as Sara yelled, "Move out now!" Jaal and Evfra supported Anjik as Sara got the doors and provided cover in case of lurking Kett. Finally they made it into the Nomad, with Evfra sitting in the back with Anjik, leaning heavily on his shoulder.

Sara's heart panged with volatile emotions as her brain weaved illogical fantastical stories of a romantic past trist between the two. Sara knew she was being utterly ridiculous, right?...Yes of course she was being ludacris, Anjik was in great need of comfort after her traumatic ordeal...but…

["Your emotions seem to be volatile. Might I suggest some deep breathing exercises and serene music," SAM reported, then added, "Would you like me to speak to Evfra on your behalf?"]

"Hell no SAM!" Sara practically hissed under her breath and she sped the Nomad out of danger.

Maybe it wasn't the best idea to have SAM plugged in. Please stop making goggly eyes at Anjik, you are making the Pathfinder jealous. Jesus …why was she being so petty and insecure all of a sudden?! Evfra had professed his love to her at the Festival of Festival of the Stars for crying out loud! Plus Anjik was clearly being tortured by the Kett, if anyone knew that pain it would be Evfra, so of course he would comfort her.

Sara glanced into the rear view mirror to observe Evfra preoccupied in conversation in the back seat with Anjik. "Sara! Mind that Eiroch!" Jaal yelped, redirecting Sara's attention back to the Nomad as she swerved last minute around the infuriated beast and stomped on the booster...a maybe a bit harder than usual...to speed off.

Evfra could sense something was amiss once they stopped at the Initiative Outpost. Sara had made the suggestion and Evfra thought it was a well reasoned one. Angara had now been visiting the outpost frequently enough that supplies were there to help tend to any injured Angara. Yet the tone in which Sara spoke sound strained, as if she was speaking through gritted teeth. It was most unlike the Sara he knew. And once they exited the Nomad, Sara seemed to take off right away. "Jaal, please tend to Anjik," Evfra ordered before he stomped after the Pathfinder. He called after her, but acting like a stubborn Galorn, Sara continued. She would not make eye contact, seemed to increase the speed of her stride when he caught up, and grumbled mutinously under breath giving her weak bioelectric field a slight bite to it when he closed in on her.

"You are upset," Evfra stated, for it was painfully obvious, but the question was, "What has upset you?" The Resistance leader couldn't fathom the cause, the mission was a success over all. And it proved how well he and Sara worked together side by side. So was she acting this way? "Sara, talk to me," Evfra growled.

"Oh, nothing," she remarked flippantly. Stars above she was being infuriating. "Maybe you should go check on Anjik," Sara added as she came to a pause just outside of one of the outpost modules.

Evfra was still confused. It didn't make sense...at first. Then it dawned on the Angaran as he reviewed Sara's behavior and tone of voice...she was jealous! Evfra was baffled at what could have made her jealous, hugging Anjik? Sara had nothing to fear, yet a part of Evfra was again pleased to know that Sara desired him so.

"Evfra! Wha-what are you doing?!" Sara squeaked as Evfra swooped down and picked her up bridal style in his armored arms. He nearly kicked open the outpost door in his haste to get in. Luckily no one was in the module, for it would have been quite the sight as Evfra quickly slammed the doors closed after him. "Apparently you need a reminder on whom I called my vaasa-nari," the Resistance leader's voice rumbled low as he carried to a table and placed her on top.

Sara, stunned still, gawked at the Angara as he took off his helmet and dropped it unceremoniously onto the floor. "Remove your helmet Sara," growled with growing need as his bright blue galaxy eyes were transfixed upon her.

Oh my, she knew that look all too well. Sara gulped and removed her helmet, freeing her hair to cascade down onto her shoulders.

Evfra let loose an appreciative murmur as he took a step closer to Sara, pressing himself between her armored legs and leaned against the desk before weaving one hand around her back while the other glided through her hair. before he pulled her flush into him and hungrily ensnared her plump lips with his own.

Evfra deepened the kiss, but paused as he felt something amiss, something weighing heavily upon his vaasa-nari. He could feel it in the mellowed thrum of her weak bioelectric field. The Angaran broke apart and surveyed her, noticing that she didn't meet his eyes. His senses were right, something important was on her mind. Evfra gently tucked a gloved finger under Sara's chin, before tilting upwards to peer up at him. "Why do you falter?" He asked.

"I…" Sara began, grimaced as she closed her eyes, then opened them to blink a couple of times before continuing, "I worry that I won't make you happy in the end. That I won't be able to understand you as well as an Angaran would." 'Like Anjik could…'

"Hmmmm," Evfra mused as he rubbed Sara's cheek, a contemplative look in his galaxy blue eyes. Then he paused and stepped back, but did not drop his arm, instead extended it out to Sara to beckon her to him.

"Come," Evfra invited in his rumbling Aussie accent.

Sara frowned slightly, but acquiesced as she slipped her hand into his. "Where to?" The young woman asked.

Evfra squeezed her hand before answering, "To where it all began…"

I hope this was a nice long chapter as we get closer to the end. Really want to do justice to Sara's and Evfra's relationship so it feels like a well developed relationship before we tie things up with a wedding bow. I think I'll be finishing this story up in about two chapters so cheers dear reader!