Jaal slowly warmed up to the people on the Tempest. The bonds the crew shared showed in small ways that Evfra would never appreciate. Kallo made Suvi tea when she was too absorbed in data and couldn't walk away from the sensors. In return Suvi made Kallo his dinner when he was unable to leave the pilot seat. Drack always ensured that everyone ate, even if they ate sandwiches because they snuck a sample of his delightful surprise meals. Vetra looked after everyone's equipment and put aside grudges to keep everyone alive. Cora, even with her unusual disposition against Scott being Pathfinder, chose to give Scott a proper support. Lexi looked after everyone like an awkward babysitter. That's not to mention the bickering the between the twins that somehow turned into an argument - whatever - another argument followed by muttered comments in and out of each other's presence.
That didn't distract Jaal from his real purpose - scoping out the Initiative's threat to the Angara and their intent in and outside of the organization. He already thoroughly explored the ship and mentally tallied up how often the engineer bested everyone at Poker. The support crew are the life blood of the Tempest and yet Jaal doubted any of them would operate the ship if the Resistance commondered it. So Jall needed the Pathfinder even though Evfra wanted to lock the male Ryder away for future use and blackmail.
Personally Jaal believed the sincerity of the team. He did not trust the statements from the Initiative. Unfortunately Jaal needed to follow orders like any loyal soldier. Dare he upset his many mothers he'd never hear the end of it. Ever.
" Hello, Jaal," Sara smiled at him in passing.
The dark circles lingered under her eyes. She carried herself with a stubborn determination that echoed in everyone else. Sara boasted of gaining numerous scars through her adventures and training, yet the only scar he identified was on her palm. Scott explained she nearly lost her fingers after trying to stop an asari blade with her bare hand. A biotic user spared the amputation and left Sara in the hospital for three days. She spent two months recovering and helping their mother while healing up.
" Are we soon to approach Havarl?" He asked.
She twisted her lip in an adorable expression. " I think so? Suvi and Kallo were surveying planets along the way and Scott did say that once we reach Havarl I'll be given loose rein to help around with the other half of the crew," She looked forward to exploring again.
" You adore science," Jaal wished he could pick her mind apart to learn what she brought with her from the 'Milky Way'.
Sara crossed her arms. " Science is understandable,"
" I did not wish to offend you on this fragile time of the mon-"
" Oh for fuck sake," Sara threw an arm in the air. " It's a period, Jaal. Human females have them because of our bodies-"
Jaal took a step back.
Drack stopped mid walk way and turned back around. He grabbed Liam's arm and steered the unsuspecting male from harm's way leaving Jaal to the mercy of Sara's wrath.
" - produce eggs that are biologically supposed to be impregnated by male sperm. When that doesn't happen, the body sheds the liner they are embedded in and once a month for anywhere from 2 to 7 days a woman is on her period. No, it doesn't extend to other races. And no it doesn't mean we're more unreliable than males. Our testosterone levels actually rises during this time, making us more male in behavior than any other time of the month,"
Jaal's expression flatlined. " I'm walking that way now," He moved past her quickly toward the men who gave her ample clearance.
Sara mumbled something under her breath as she slid down the ladder and entered the cabin she called home. She dropped down onto the bed and returned to the email she specifically wanted Tann to take extra notice in.
Recently spoke with Kallo about the Salarian Ark; I'm certain we'll find leads on it. ( Delete)
Wish I could be there. (Delete)
Kallo and I were speaking about the Salarian Ark and it's MIA status. I wish I could help find your people. Scott and I are trying our best to make Andromeda home to everyone. We will not make promises that we may not be able to keep. I will make this promise to you though - one way or another we will find the ark. It's the least that salarians deserve.
Sara rubbed her eyes and let out a growl. Men would never understand what it is like to be a woman. Even with the pain killers the cramps still ebbed at her tolerance of the world around her. Maybe Tann will understand.
I miss you. ( Delete)
I miss you and was wondering ( Delete)
Ugh. All she had to was just ask him out. The worst he could say was no. She is an adult. No won't kill her. Why - of all people - did she have to be drawn to Salarians? This must be how gay people felt in the older times. No. This is how society viewed gay people in the older days - like confused idiots who could be reformed with a little brainwashing. All of this would be so much easier if she wanted human men. Liam is a perfectly fit speciment and conveniently close.
Maybe we can talk over drinks at your place? I want to make sure that we are on the same page, politically and socially before I try to influence our Angaran ambassador. Hopefully we won't offend delicate sensitivities on Havarl. I expect Jaal will advise us all on how to act.
Sara pressed send before she deleted everything out of fear of rejection. She prayed Tann took action sooner than later or else she might have to convert to turians as a love interest.
" Sara?" Scott knocked on the door.
She glared at the comm before putting down the datapad. " Come in," The door slid open and Scott inched in. " What?"
He clutched his hands behind his back. " Jaal is afraid to upset you,"
" Couldn't tell,"
" Something about a biological lecture-"
" He-" Sara shut up instantly and focused on the good memories of Kandros. " I will apologize later,"
Scott nodded. " Also we're two hours from Voeld,"
" I thought you said Havarl,"
" I meant Havarl," He snapped his fingers in irritation.
Sara sat upright. " You okay, bro? Lexi time muddling the focus?" Scott cleared his throat forcefully. " Not mentioning Lexi time. Okay. I'll apologize tomorrow. I promise,"
" Thank you," Scott bowed to her. " Your Majesty,"
" Peasant," She almost smiled.
Tann paced his quarters.
He learned through the video surveillance that Sara and Kandros initiated a sexual relationship. On top of that Kesh warned him that Sara never followed expectations. Kandros didn't know he used his status as director to access the vids. His hands hurt from how hard he clutched them.
Sara treated him like a man. A proud respected man capable of protecting the world. He wanted that kind of pampering. Sara didn't ask for romance. She listened to him go on about politics without complaint. She shared her past with him. They fought for the good of the Initiative. By all comparisons, he wanted to spend his remaining years in her company. His pride evoked a jealous twinge he refused to face honestly.
Half hour reports sounded appropriate right now. For Addison/Spender and Kandros.
No. He is Salarian. He is not petty. He is Salarian. He will make his attachment more serious. Set a precedent, yes.
" Director, Addison's reports on the yields of Eos. Kandros's APEX reports. The armory's report on ammunition, weaponry, and armor," His new secretary presented the datapad. Tann transferred the data and handed it back to her. He cocked his head and watched her leave. How soon before he needed to fertilize eggs to continue the salarian race? Could he ask Sara to accept and excuse it?
Something in the APEX report caused him to pause. Kett base on Eos. No known data other than superior protection.
Another mission for the Pathfinder. The Ryders deserved a pat on the back and a long vacation. Too bad that he could ill afford the Tempest a slowed schedule.
APEX delivered another staggering blow. In their effort for retrieval of previous site equipment, pirates looted a much needed supply shipment. Tann regret banishing people off the Nexus, and he hated the Scourge even more.
On the other hand he'd have never met Sara.
Perhaps the scourge should be thanked?
Why did he care? Oh - that's right. Because she treated him well and understood him. A rare gem.
His email caught him by surprise. Sara's low key request for private time faded as he zoned in mention of a new race and a selected ambassador. It is bound to happen they would encounter another race. Multiple questions splashed across the datapad in rapid response sure to cause more questions and a string of replies he'd savor more than he'd admit to. " Are you busy?" Addison startled him.
He lifted his head slowly. " Yes,"
" We need to discuss my replacement,"
" Why?"
" I only agreed to this position because I was promised a committee would take over once we were arrived and settled," Addison crossed her arms. " I believe that Liam Kosta is an appropriate replacement,"
Tann frowned. " He is a member of the Pathfinder's team," Scott Ryder needed all the capable help he could find and keep. Losing Alec Ryder delivered a gut wrenching blow to the plan that already suffered a series of gut wrenching blows.
" He is willing to take over the post," Addison pressed firmly.
A list of people qualified to take over her post conjured up in his sharp mind. Spender never made the list. " So are a number of other, more qualified people," Kosta lacked the discipline and knowledge required for the posting. Training people is one luxury they were not currently afforded.
" Director Tann,"
He put down his datapad. " Are you tendering resignation?"
Addison uncrossed her arms. " Only if Kosta assumes the role,"
" I'll make the appropriate preparations as you make the appropriate preparations. When I am convinced that Kosta can be replaced on the team and installed in your position with little disruption, you may surrender the position," Tann permitted, inwardly rejoicing at ousting the bothersome Addison from his list of worries.
Addison stalked off in new determination and the first person she celebrated with was Spender. Spender fumed that he would no longer be as able to hide his illicit activities. Time was still on their side because the Pathfinder team needed to continue exploration for the benefit and survival of the Initiative.
