4: incident in Prodromos
Incident
From: Foster Addison
To: Sara Ryder
Pathfinder,
I will be expecting a report from you and the team you lead regarding today's incident in Prodromos.
Addison
Report
From: Sara Ryder
To: Foster Addison
Hi Addison,
When you say a 'report', what are you expecting, exactly?
Ryder
Re: Report
From: Foster Addison
To: Sara Ryder
A report.
I don't have time to explain what's already been painstakingly detailed in the Handbook on Conduct and Contact Guidelines, Policies, and Protocols.
Addison
Confirmation
From: Sara Ryder
To: Foster Addison
Hi Addison,
I was asking because I DID read the Handbook on Conduct and Contact Guidelines, Policies, and Protocols and wanted to confirm that instead of, you know, doing my job, you would rather have me use up my precious time typing up a longwinded 20-page bureaucratic masterpiece that could be conveyed over a vid call in five minutes.
THE PATHFINDER
Meeting Request
From: Foster Addison
To: Sara Ryder
All right. I will speak to you and your crew over a vid call today, at 18:00.
Addison
Clarification
From: Sara Ryder
To: Foster Addison
Hi Addison,
My CREW, too?
Ryder (aka Pathfinder)
Re: Clarification
From: Foster Addison
To: Sara Ryder
Oh, yes. Your crew. Everyone. I realize you may fancy yourselves quite busy, but you can't be that busy if you have time for antics like the one earlier today in Prodromos.
Addison
Ryder blinked blankly at the screen.
"The thing about written communication is that sometimes you don't get certain nuances of emotion across, you know, SAM?"
"Yes. Many misunderstandings occur because of misinterpreted signals in messages."
"I hope I am able to convey my sentiments clearly in my reply."
Re:Re: Clarification
From: Sara Ryder
To: Foster Addison
K
Ryder
Meeting at 18:00
From: Sara Ryder
To: Tempest/All
Hi everyone,
We have a vid call with Addison. I'll be in the Comm Meeting room, but you can log in via datapad from your stations. Until then.
[Ryder]
[Comments]
^Hey, Ryder: do you have a picture of you I could use? [Gil]
^^If it's for the Cultural Center on Prodromos, they already have my service file pic. [Ryder]
^^^No. [Gil]
^^^^It's for the "Wanted" poster I'm creating of you. [Gil]
^^^^^What you did to the Nomad is criminal. [Gil]
^^^^^^The shocks are shot. [Gil]
^^^^^^^The Nomad may be an "all-terrain vehicle", but that usually means ONE terrain at a time, not all at once. [Gil]
^^^^^^^^I don't think this is salvageable. [Gil]
^^^^^^^^^I thought you said you were the best. You're already giving up? [Peebee]
^^^^^^^^^^I wasn't talking about repairs. I was talking about my relationship with Ryder. [Gil]
^As long as you're working on the Nomad, you might want to add a few features. [Vetra]
^^Like what? [Gil]
^^^Barf bags. [Vetra]
^^^^Hahahaha! [Peebee]
^^^^^Ryder, why won't you let anyone else drive the Nomad? [Cora]
^^^^^^You know, I received extensive training, which included driving the Nomad and similar vehicles in that category. [Cora]
/PM from "Peebee" to "Ryder"
^I believe she is alluding to her Pathfinder training. Again. Think she's bitter? [Peebee]
/End of PM
^^^^^^^I was highly commended on my driving skills. [Cora]
/PM from "Peebee" to "Ryder"
^Nah. Not bitter at all! [Peebee]
/End of PM
^Oh, I don't know…I personally like being launched headfirst down a canyon! [Peebee]
^^I think it sends the kett a strong message: "Roads? What roads? I'm the Pathfinder. I'll make my own roads!" [Liam]
^^^"Watch me forge my own path over cacti, rocks, and August Bradley's foot!" [Vetra]
^^^^Hahaha! [Peebee]
^^^^^That's too funny…[Liam]
^^^^^^Bradley's foot is fine. He got out of the way in time. [Lexi]
^^^^^^^The Nomad takes a little getting used to. [Ryder]
^^^^^^^^The Nomad being driven by Ryder takes even a little more getting used to. [Liam]
^^^^^^^^^What do you think Addison wants to talk about? [Cora]
^^^^^^^^^^My creds are on Ryder's entrance into Prodromos during Addison's inaugural speech to the colonists. [Liam]
^^^^^^^^^^^Her entrance was far more memorable than Addison's speech. [Peebee]
^^^^^^^^^^^^I agree. I'd remember a Nomad rolling down the cliff, almost running down some colonists, and then ramming against the stage much more than whatever boring platitudes Addison was reciting. [Vetra]
^And let's not forget the nice "glyphs" traced in the dust on the Nomad. [Peebee]
^^Haha! Never! [Vetra]
^^^Those were NOT glyphs. [Ryder]
^^^^And I know who that "someone" is. [Ryder]
^^^^^Glyphs? [Cora]
^^^^^^Someone traced a bunch of dicks on the Nomad while Ryder was checking out a Remnant structure. [Liam]
^^^^^^^Yep. [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^Must have been the kett. [Peebee]
^^^^^^^^^Had to be. [Vetra]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*IT WAS MEEEEEEE! {Peebee}
**You do realize I am also on this channel, right? {Ryder}
^Let me get this straight: Ryder crashed into Prodromos in a dusty Nomad covered in drawings of dicks? [Cora]
^^Think they'll use the footage in a commemorative vid? [Kallo]
^^^I guess it would depend on what they're commemorating. [Suvi]
^^^^Well. Great. Now we know what Addison wants to talk to us about. [Cora]
^^^^^Ok, everyone. Place your bets now: How will Director Addison refer to the "artwork" on the Nomad? [Gil]
^^^^^^I'm down. Ten creds on her saying "dicks." [Liam]
^^^^^^^You really think she'd openly say it? [Lexi]
^^^^^^^^If she's angry enough. [Liam]
^Put me down for fifteen. She's going to refer to it as "genitals."[Vetra]
^^I'm with Vetra. That's more like Addison. Ten creds for me, too. [Lexi]
^^^Maybe if she's rolling with her whole Director thing. She's pissed off. She won't hold back. I'll match your fifteen. She's gonna say "dicks." [Liam]
^^^^Okay. Who else? Kallo? Suvi? [Gil]
^^^^^Ten creds: penises. [Suvi]
^^^^^^I like it. [Gil]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
* No, I actually really do. {Gil}
^Twenty creds. I have you all beat: privates. [Kallo]
^^Ooo, Kallo. Good one. Can I change my bet? [Lexi]
^^^Sure. Anyone want to beat Kallo's privates? [Gil]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*EEEWWWW! {Peebee}
**Hahahaha! That's so terrible! {Vetra}
^^^^Cora, are you going to bet? [Gil]
^^^^^You have to be kidding. [Cora]
^^^^^^All right. I learned my lesson: you aren't good at the whole betting thing. [Gil]
^^^^^^^Wait. That's not it. I just don't like these wagers. [Cora]
^^^^^^^^You'd like them more if you were good at them. Anyone else? Where are Drack and Jaal?
^^^^^^^^^No. No, I wouldn't. [Cora]
^^^^^^^^^^Of course you would. And this is such an easy wager. You have insight into Addison. You'd probably win this one. Pity. [Gil]
^^^^^^^^^^^You're such a pain in the ass! Fine! I'll place a bet. [Cora]
^But you don't like betting! [Gil]
^^But I want to! [Cora]
^^^I don't believe you. Anyway: Ryder? Your bet? [Gil]
^^^^Ok! Here: ten credits! [Cora]
^^^^^Hmm? What is that? A bet? Good. Which term do you like best? [Gil]
^^^^^^I like penis! [Cora]
^^^^^^^HAHAHAHA! [Peebee]
^^^^^^^^Oh dear. [Kallo]
^^^^^^^^^Wow… [Liam]
^Hahaha! [Vetra]
^^I hate you, Gil. [Cora]
^^^All right, everyone! We have Cora giving penis a go. Last chance to bet! [Gil]
^^^^Shut up. Just shut up. [Cora]
^^^^^HAHAHA! [Peebee]
^^^^^^How are we ever gonna keep a straight face during this meeting? [Liam]
"How did my father handle this kind of thing, SAM?" Sara pinched the bridge of her nose tiredly.
"He didn't."
She dropped her hand to her lap and stared at the lightly pulsating blue lights.
"You're telling me my father would have let his crew run amok like this?"
"No, Ryder. What I meant was that your father never had to deal with such circumstances."
"Ah."
"Most people under Alec Ryder's command were intimidated by him. He was often described as having a larger-than-life, imposing presence."
"Ouch. Let me rephrase that, then: How would my father have handled a situation where his crew was making… dick bets."
"It is hard to predict."
Ryder's eyes widened.
"Really? Hard to predict? Hard? Et tu, SAM?"
Meeting Materials
From: Foster Addison
To:Pathfinder
CC: Tempest/All
Attached to this message you will find the Andromeda Initiative Handbook on Conduct and Contact Guidelines, Policies, and Protocols. Download it and bring your datapads to the meeting. I will reserve the last half-hour to go over any questions and specific passages to refresh your memories on what is expected of you.
Foster Addison
Andromeda Initiative Colonial Director
Attachment: Andromeda Initiative Handbook on Conduct and Contact Guidelines, Policies, and Protocols. Number of pages: 845
Winning
Did everyone get that?
She is pissed.
She is so saying 'dick.'
[Liam]
[Comments]
Audio to Subtitle Converter v. 2.1
Voice identification: ON
Addison: Is everyone here?
Ryder: Do we need the subtitles? I don't think anyone at this meeting is hearing-impaired, correct?
Gil: What?
Peebee: Hee!Hee!
Suvi: Look! It converted your laugh into subtitles!
Peebee: That's…Do I really laugh like that?
Liam: Lemme try: Mwa-ha-ha-ha!
Gil: Stop it.
Gil: The correct way is Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
Addison: It's protocol to conduct Initiative meetings with audio converter programs, regardless. Let's stop wasting time and get to it.
Jaal: Paavoa, Jarevaon Imasaf.
Jaal: I am impressed! It can accurately decipher and subtitle Shelesh if I select this button.
Addison: Yes, I am glad you noticed, Jaal. We added that function so we could share this technology with the Angara.
Jaal: Thank you. I am sure it will be useful.
Addison: Perfect. You can give me feedback on this version next time you're on the Nexus. You are welcome at our next Nexus Leadership Meeting.
Jaal: Absolutely. It may useful for operatives who want to communicate remotely, but cannot use audio.
Addison: Exactly. It has noise reduction features as well.
Peebee: Bawk, bawk, bawk…BawkAAH!
Addison: This is ridiculous.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*By the way? Addison is going to say "pricks". Twenty creds riding on it. {Gil}
**Nah…Won't happen. {Liam}
Gil: Yeah, Peebee. Don't be a prick.
***Behold the subtle power of subliminal messages. [Gil]
****Really subtle. [Liam]
Liam: Sound: Slow clapping
Addison: I want to start off by asking what happened today in Prodromos. Ryder?
Ryder: Let's see. We were heading back from a Remnant site several miles from the settlement. Ran into a kett camp en route. After a brief exchange of fire, we managed to destroy it.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*By accident, though. We were going to try and outrun them because we were running late for the ceremony, but Ryder couldn't get the Nomad out of reverse. [Vetra]
**Hahaha! That was hilarious. Even the kett were like, what the fuck? [Peebee]
***Hahah! [Vetra]
Ryder: We approached the settlement from the eastern entrance, but the roads weren't in good condition after the last storm and we veered off the cliff. I steered it in the general direction of the stage. It drifted forwards a few feet even after I hit the breaks. That's all.
Addison: That's all? The Nomad almost ran over some colonists and collided with the end of the stage. Not to mention—
Gil: OWW!
Addison: What's the matter? Is he all right?
Gil: Yes, yes. No worries. I just pricked myself. Please, go on.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*Did you prick yourself on your subtlety? {Liam}
Addison: As I was saying, that's not to mention the completely inappropriate graffiti on the Nomad.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest Crew
*Come on! {Peebee}
**She didn't say it. {Vetra}
***(╯︵╰,) {Suvi}
****Damn. So close. {Liam}
*****Ye of little faith… {Gil}
Gil: Director Addison, some of us were carrying out our duties on the Tempest and did not witness the events. Can you please clarify?
Addison: Someone thought it was funny to trace lewd, juvenile drawings on the Nomad.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*Harshest criticism I've ever received for my art. {Peebee}
Gil: Really? What were these drawings of?
Addison: It doesn't matter: what matters is, that a historic, groundbreaking moment in the trajectory of the Initiative in Andromeda was marred by that unfortunate entrance.
Gil: How bad could it be? What could possibly be so offensive?
Addison: All I can say is that it was. Pathfinder, I need you to tell me something.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*Nice try. {Vetra}
**She couldn't even bring herself to say it. She might as well have said "unicorns". {Gil}
***Huh? {Peebee}
****Think about it. Unicorns and dicks: two things that are imaginary in Addison's life. [Gil]
Ryder: Yes?
Addison: Can you tell me how I should reassure over 100 colonists that the one person the Initiative has placed all its hopes and trust in and given scarce resources to should inspire their confidence after this episode?
Ryder: I—
Addison: Alec would never have treated such a moment so lightly and irreverently. I don't think you appreciate the gravity of our situation and the significance of your role.
Ryder: You—
Addison: We have had fourteen months of failed colonization. I already had very little hope when I heard your father had given the role of Pathfinder to his inexperienced, untried daughter. Today was an embarrassment to the Initiative's efforts.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*Shit. {Vetra}
**Can she even talk to Ryder like this? {Peebee}
***No dick for 600 years can do that to a person. {Gil}
****This is harsh. {Cora}
*****I can fly us closer to the Scourge and force the vid call signal to drop. {Kallo}
******STAY OUT OF IT SHE IS THE PATHFINDER LET HER HAFBIGHIFHEIFH {Drack}
Ryder: Addison—
Addison: It really is—
Ryder: Ok. Stop interrupting me!
Addison: You think—
Ryder: No, I'm talking right now. I'd like to address your first question: how should you explain to over 100 colonists that their Pathfinder isn't an inspiring figure. Know what I say to that?
Addison: Very well. Go on.
Ryder: Listen carefully: Not. My. Problem. Did you get that? I won't tell you how to do your job and you won't butt into mine.
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Tempest/All
*GO RYDER! {Vetra}
**Yeah! {Liam}
***Take THAT! {Suvi}
****In your face! {Peebee}
*****Well done. {Kallo}
******Serves her right. {Gil}
Ryder: My crew and I have work to do. Sign off now, or I will hang up on you.
Addison: At least view my vid on the Handbook's section on—
Ryder: I'm disconnecting.
Addison: It's a 10-minute audio recording. It's what the Nexus leadership decided would be an adequate follow up after today's fiasco. At least do that much!
Ryder: Fine. We'll run it.
Addison: And you should reprimand the crewmate who vandalized the—
Ryder: We're done here. Over and out.
Disconnected from: Audio to Subtitle Converter v. 2.1
^Wow. [Liam]
^^Ryder, are you all right? [Lexi]
^^^That was awful. I can't believe Addison did that.[Cora]
/PM to "Ryder" from "Drack"
^KNEW YOU HAD IT IN YOU KID [Drack]
^^SOME PEOPLE WONT BACK DOWN UNTIL YOU TAKE A STAND [Drack]
^^^AND HEADBUTT THEM HARD IN THE STERNUM [Drack]
^^^^Thanks, old man. [Ryder]
^^^^^JUMPWASHQUEUE [Drack]
/End of PM
/PM to "Ryder" from "Jaal"
^Ryder, how are you feeling? [Jaal]
^^I've been better. [Ryder]
^^^Are you upset? [Jaal]
^^^^It'll be fine. It's just that Addison and I don't get along and having to work with her is exhausting. [Ryder]
^^^^^I want you to know: I will not be attending the Nexus Leadership Meeting Addison mentioned. [Jaal]
^^^^^^Why? Not on my account, I hope! You should go. Those meetings are actually quite nice! They serve an excellent breakfast buffet. [Ryder]
^^^^^^^Oh? [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^It's a tradition since the days of the Alliance. They serve typical foods from different home worlds. [Ryder]
^^^^^^^^^I see. That sounds intriguing. [Jaal]
^You should go at least once. This mess has nothing to do with you or the Angara. I know Addison thinks very highly of you. [Ryder]
^^What are some foods from Earth that are served? [Jaal]
^^^There are lots of good things. Let's see… fruit, pancakes, various baked goods.
^^^^Baked goods? [Jaal]
^^^^^Yes. And juice, coffee, tea. [Ryder]
^^^^^^ I am not going. [Jaal]
^^^^^^^Well, no one can force you. But can I ask why?[Ryder]
^^^^^^^^I am not interested in Addison's… muffins. [Jaal]
^ Jaal!… You didn't just…[Ryder]
^^Did you just make a joke? [Ryder]
^^^I did. Are you at least smiling? [Jaal]
^^^^I am. [Ryder]
^^^^^Good. I wanted to cheer you up. [Jaal]
^^^^^That was very cute…in a Tempest crew kind of way…So I guess it's official: you're really part of this twisted team![Ryder]
^^^^^I wanted to ask you one more thing: would you like to help me work on a kett shotgun in a little bit? I am adapting it to shoot incendiary rounds and would be glad to have you join me. [Jaal]
^^^^^^I would be delighted to! [Ryder]
^^^^^^^Then come to the Tech Lab. But be warned: it is very hot in here, so do not bother to wear clothes. [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^Ryder, where did you go? I was making another joke.
^^^^^^^^^Ah…Perhaps my humor doesn't always translate well. [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^^Ha!Ha! Very funny. I'll be there in a bit! [Ryder]
^^^^^^^^^^I'll be waiting. [Jaal]
Ryder circled her quarters, an arm braced over her bare breasts.
"Goddamn it, SAM. I thought he was serious. Where did I fling my bra off to?"
"Check behind the sofa, Pathfinder."
Song Choice
Ok, guys. I asked SAM if he minded letting me go next because I found a perfect song.
Ryder: this one is for you…and the Nomad.
Attachment: "Low Rider" by War
[Vetra]
[Comments]
^This is so excellent. [Liam]
^^Hahaha! Did you see the vid? With all the vehicles bouncing? I think Ryder was driving all of them. [Peebee]
^^^I'm dancing in my chair! [Suvi]
^^^^Please stop. [Kallo]
^^^^^Come on, Kallo! You can dance, too! [Suvi]
^^^^^^Take a little trip, take a little trip, take a little trip with me! [Suvi]
^^^^^^^Help. Anomaly detected. [Kallo]
^^^^^^^^Wait. There's more. Gil helped me with a little detail. Gil? [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^^Ryder, the Nomad is fully functional again. I reinforced the shocks and the body and chassis have been power washed clean. [Gil]
^Bah. [Peebee]
^^Thank you, Gil. I do appreciate it. [Ryder]
^^^And I added a horn to the Nomad. [Gil]
^^^^You added what? [Ryder]
^^^^^A horn. Now you can honk at kett when we crash into their encampments. [Vetra]
^^^^^^Thanks? [Ryder]
^^^^^^^It'll sound like the harmonica riff in the song. [Gil]
^^^^^^^^NICE! [Liam]
^^^^^^^^^Ooo! I want to go on the next away mission! [Peebee]
^^^^^^^^^^I don't know what to say… [Ryder]
^^^^^^^^^^^You're welcome. [Vetra]
"I shall henceforth be known as Pathfinder Sara 'Low Rider'. The Nexus is going to have a field day with this. SAM, can you help me build up my resume?"
"Pathfinder, your rank is not something Director Addison has purview over."
Ryder reclined against her desk chair before exhaling loudly.
"I know. I know. It's just…Sometimes I wish I were more like my father. Maybe some of what Addison said stung because it's true: I'm not experienced. Sometimes I feel wildly incompetent. I am so embarrassed about what happened at Prodromos. And now my crew is laughing at me."
"You and your father have different styles of leadership."
"Yes. He was the 'do' and I am the 'don't'."
"You are being overly harsh with yourself. Your dedication, sense of justice, and work ethic are all similar to your father's. I have noticed a distinct difference between you two, however. While Alec commanded respect, you elicit something else, equally valuable."
"What's that?"
"Affection, Pathfinder. All signs I have observed indicate that the crew is loyal to you because they like you. You do not command as Alec, but the result you have achieved is the same: you both succeeded in earning your crew's loyalty. That is a sign of successful leadership. Your father would have been proud."
"Oh, wow," she muttered softly.
"Pathfinder, I see that I have upset you. It was not my intention to make you cry."
Ryder dabbed at her eyes before smiling faintly.
"Thank you, SAM."
A/N:
1) I think Addison is a real drag and not only because of her tired face and (previously) crazy eyes. It was because she had the gall to say, to Ryder's face, that she didn't care how Alec Ryder had died. Needless to say, my Ryder did not shake her hand in Prodromos.
2) Formatting on FF is a pain sometimes. I also post on AO3 as WaywardLass and there I can create interactive links. All the songs have been linked to their videos there.
3) I sucked at driving the Mako and now the Nomad. While driving the Nomad, I have not met a vertical structure I haven't attempted to climb. It's is especially endearing when I hit my thrusters and propel myself off whatever I'm trying to climb rather than up. Everything needs less gravity, I say.
4) Writers gravitate to different imagery. Jorge Luis Borges was obsessed with labyrinths. Edgar Allan Poe had a thing for crypts and burial sites. Me? People drawing dicks. It seems that in almost all my stories, someone is drawing dicks on something.