XXVI.
Cora lets her eyes travel around the inside of the tram as she steps in, noticing that there are Hyperion crew members already sat on the benches, and a few stood up all waiting patiently for it to move on from the stop. She feels some more brush past her as they step around her and move quickly to find a seat, or meet with their friends. Cora wondered if they too were on their way to the bridge, or if their day's work would be taking them elsewhere on the Ark. She glances around again wondering if it was worth finding a seat with such a short journey, finally deciding to move further back and keep clear of the doors in case more people get on.
Cora sighs as she lets herself lean against the back wall of the tram, smiling to herself when she remembers the last time she'd been on the tram with Scott and his successful attempts at kissing her. Then it had been the only two in here, but this morning it was busy. She lifts her arms and crosses them in front of her, letting her eyes move over the people around her. She recognises that lots of them do work on the bridge, but there are also some that she identifies from medical, and also some tech workers. She notices that some of them are sat chatting to each other, knowing lots of people joined the AI with friends. Cora feels the tram begin moving, speeding them towards the next stop.
"Have you seen him yet?" A woman giggles to her friend, drawing Cora's attention to them when she sees the two sat on a bench together.
"No, have you?" The second giggles, her voice so loud and shrill that it sets Cora's teeth on edge when she hears it. She wasn't sure who he was, and she didn't think she wanted to know either.
Cora narrows her eyes slightly, trying to remember if the two women she sees chatting are the same from the party, but she is unable to recognise them in their Initiative uniforms, and with no sparkly dresses. She hears their giggling and voices get louder and notices a few tired looking crew are mumbling between themselves and rolling their eyes at their noise. She feels the tram slow and comes to a stop, watching a few people stand and move towards the doors only to be replaced by more people joining them. Cora lowers her eyes to her feet, waiting for it to move on again.
"Ohmygod." The first woman giggles, making Cora glance back at them and wondering what has got them so excited. "Isn't that him?" She hisses at her friend, trying to lower her voice but not very well.
Cora turns her attention towards the doors, following their gaze to see who they are looking at. Cora sighs lightly when she watches Scott step onto the tram, looking as handsome as the last time she saw him but she can't help but notice how unhappy he looks and his usual smile is missing from his face. She watches him lean against the frame of the door with his back to her, sliding his hands in his pockets and lowering his eyes to the floor. Cora wanted to rush to him and throw her arms around him, but she didn't think he would appreciate that while they were spending time apart.
"You should ask him out." Cora hears one of the women giggling to her friend, drawing her attention away from Scott and to them again. "Look at him. He's so hot, do it." She giggles again.
She watches one of them start trying to push her friend to get out of her seat, and go and speak to Scott. Cora fixes her eyes the other way, feeling upset that she's seen Scott looking so unhappy and knowing it's her fault and hearing them talking about him when she'd been so stupid to ever let him go. They hadn't seen each other since, and she knew he'd been sleeping in SAM-node and avoiding everyone. Cora watches one of them stand from their seat and step towards Scott, her stomach tightening when she sees it. She wasn't usually the jealous type but seeing her walking with intent didn't feel good.
"Your Scott Ryder, aren't you?" The second woman begins, obviously feeling braver than her friend as she taps Scott on the shoulder. Cora glances at Scott and sees that he doesn't immediately react or respond, just continues staring at his feet. "Excuse me?" She says again, a bit louder. Cora notices that Scott looks over his shoulder.
"Who me?" He asks the women and she watches him lift his hand and point his finger at his chest. "Sorry, I think you've got me confused with someone else." He adds and Cora watches him lower his head again.
"Are you sure?" The woman asks and Cora sees him sigh lightly and look over his shoulder again, at first seeing his eyes on her and then past her, when he notices Cora is there too. She gives him a little smile, hoping he'll do the same.
"Positive." Scott nods and she watches him give her a small smile, feeling his eyes on her. Cora feels the butterflies when she's seen him smile, and it made her want to run over and kiss him even more than she already did. "I'm no one special." He adds and she watches him turn his attention away from the woman and back to the floor.
Cora notices that Scott is being either completely oblivious to the women that want him, or ignoring them for her benefit so not to upset her. Cora watches her walk back to her seat looking disappointed, sitting down next to her friend. Either way, it worked for her and she can't help but feel upset when she hears them still talking about him like he's just a piece of meat.
Cora sighs trying to ignore them, knowing she thought those things about Scott too, but there was so much more to him than just his hot body and cute bum. When she looks up she spots he is watching her and his eyes on her starts a tingle at the base of her spine. Cora feels the tram slow again, coming to a stop at the bridge. She watches a few people exit, including Scott, so follows him towards the doors.
"Morning, Cora." Liam's voice begins, feeling him suddenly at her side when she steps onto the platform. It makes her jump, and almost lose her footing when she realises she had been too busy watching Scott walk away and through the doors head of her.
"Liam, you scared me." Cora huffs, looking into his face and seeing him grin and then quickly turning away and trying to find Scott again but notices that he's gone. "Good morning." Cora smiles.
"You ready to head through?" Liam begins and she watches him motion over his shoulder and the way that Scott has gone. Cora nods and sees him step away from her and start walking towards the bridge.
"I'm really sorry to hear about Sara," Cora adds, lowering her voice and seeing him lower his eyes at her side. She could only imagine how awful it would feel for her if Scott was still in cryo, and knew this was tough for Liam and Scott.
"Thanks, Cora." Liam smiles lightly. "It's hard being without her." He adds and Cora sees him exhale. "I'm sure Scott is feeling it too, right?" Liam adds and she can only nod lightly, she and Scott hadn't spoken since they'd all been told that Sara's removal from stasis was taking longer than expected, but she knew he'd be worrying about his twin.
"She's in good hands though." Cora smiles, seeing him glance at her and give her a grateful smile. "She's a Ryder, they are tough," Cora adds and hears him chuckle as they move towards the door.
"Talking of Ryder, what's up with yours?" Liam asks and she feels his eyes on her. "He looked a little.." Liam adds and Cora hears him go quiet. "I know this must be rough for you both." Liam gives her a sympathetic smile.
"We actually broke up." Cora whispers, trying to keep her voice as even as she can but can hear she doesn't manage. Cora immediately sees Liam's eyes widen in surprise.
"You can't be serious?" He asks and she sees him frown when she nods, lowering her eyes from his. "No way," Liam adds and she feels him place his hand on her shoulder. "You're great together." Liam whispers, making feeling guilty and knowing she doesn't deserve his sympathy for hurting Scott.
"Thank you." Cora sighs as they approach the door to the bridge.
Cora follows the door with her eyes as it slides open as they reach it, allowing them access to the room. She immediately notices how loud and busy the room is, full of Hyperion crew including their Captain, and wonders if their approach to the Nexus was the cause. She feels Liam placing his hand on her for another comforting pat when he notices she is watching Scott who is stood with his back to them next to Captain Dunn. Cora feels him step past her and walks towards them, so she does too. She notices that Scott glances over his shoulder when he's realised she is there; she feels his eyes meet hers and then turn back to Captain Dunn.
"The Asari, Salarian, and Turian Arks should be there too." Captain Dunn continues and Cora spots that both her and Scott are watching the Nexus come into view through the large window in front of them.
"Let's hope they've had better luck." Cora hears Scott sigh, watching him cross his arms over his chest and she can see the tension in his body, and that he rolls his neck.
Cora steps closer, lifting her own eyes to the large station that begins to dwarf the Hyperion, as they get closer. She is sure she hears a few mumbles and whispering in the room when she knows they are seeing it for the first time too, and are equally as impressed as her. Cora watches Scott begin tapping his fingers against his bicep, clearly looking nervous.
"We are starting our approach now." Cora hears a member of the Hyperion crew announce, fairly certain that she'd been introduced to her and Scott as Lani.
"It's almost as big as the citadel back home." Liam laughs and Cora notices that Liam looks excited and lifts his hands to his hips, almost bouncing on the spot.
"Nexus control." Lani begins, clear into her comms drawing Cora's attention to her. "This is Ark Hyperion requesting docking clearance." She adds and Cora is sure she hears a hush in the room as they all wait for the first contact with the Nexus.
Cora steps closer to Scott, watching him lift his hand to his chin and rub his fingers against his stubble, starting to look more worried as the seconds tick by and there is no response.
"Captain, I'm only getting their automated approach channel," Lani announces, making those on the bridge begin whispering again and all of them wondering why the Nexus is dark. "I'm not getting a live person." She adds and Cora hears Scott's sigh, and that he sets his jaw.
"Well like it or not, we're here." Captain Dunn begins and Cora watches her lift her hands to the panels in front of her, her eyes still on the station. "Take us in." She orders and Cora notices that the Hyperion begins moving towards the docking arms, and they now get a better view of an unfinished Nexus.
"Construction should have been finished by now," Cora whispers when she lets her eyes move over the place it is incomplete, confused as to what could have caused such a delay, and wondering where the other Arks are. She notices that Scott nods in agreement and looks at her.
"Could be worse." Liam chuckles and Cora notices that Scott's body tenses, even more, when he hears this.
"How Liam? Habitat 7 is a bust, we might've started a war with the first aliens we met, and our Pathfinder is dead." Scott huffs.
Cora looks at him and can't help but notice how troubled he looks, and from the tone of his voice and body language that he is distressed. She watches him tapping his fingers again, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Cora could also add some other things to his list as to why everything was currently shit for Scott. Left heartbroken by his cheating girlfriend, his twin sister unable to be brought out of cryo, his uncle still in stasis, and of course Scott questioning his ability to be Pathfinder.
"This better be rock bottom." Scott sighs, making Cora wish she could comfort him or at least hug him until he felt better.
"We'll be okay, Scott," Cora whispers, lowering her voice so she hopes only he can hear her and she notices that his eyes are fixed on the Nexus, but when she lifts her hand cautiously and gently places her palm on his shoulder, she sees his attention turn to her and he gives her a small but grateful nod.
Cora knew she wanted to provide him with some silent support and comfort, even if she didn't know what to say to make everything better. She feels him briefly lift his hand and places it over hers on his shoulder, letting his fingertips touch hers before he moves away to watch the docking process, making Cora lower her hand.
"Green across the board." Lani begins and Cora notices that everyone is watching through the window closely now that the Hyperion has begun docking with the Nexus. "Docking Initiated." She adds as they watch one of the long arms of the Nexus meet the Hyperion, and the connections attach the human Ark and the Initiative station join.
"This is it." Cora hears Liam, sounding excited again so she looks at him. Not able to keep a smile from her face with his infectious excitement. "Do you think we'll get a welcome party?" He asks and she sees him grin.
"Parties are what the AI do best, aren't they?" Cora asks and she sees him grin and nod in agreement.
"Good work everyone." Captain Dunn begins and Cora notices she looks relieved that they have made it to the Nexus. "As soon as we have word we'll begin unloading measures." Captain Dunn continues and Cora sees her team nod to acknowledge her words.
Cora knew that despite not being immediately contacted by Nexus staff, everyone was looking forward to a decent meal and some downtime after the trip that they'd had, and also to help with the feeling of disappointment that they still had from Habitat 7 and the loss of their Pathfinder. The bars were always the first to be filled on the first night of shore leave, so she had no doubt this would be any different.
"I'll take Cora and Liam, and we'll head on board." Scott begins, drawing Cora's attention back to him when she's heard her name. "See why we were struggling to get hold of them." He nods, making her surprised to hear that he still wanted to take her with him.
"All right, I got us here." Captain Dunn gestures. "So this bit is up to you. Good luck, Pathfinder." She adds and Cora sees Scott nod lightly, but then smile to himself when he's heard what she's called him. Cora knew only too well that Scott had no wanted this at all, and he already doubted if he could even do it.
"Ready?" Cora watches Scott turn to face them; she feels his eyes on her for a moment too long and then sees that he glances at Liam. Cora lowers her eyes; this was the first time he'd said a word to her since they'd split and it made her realise even more how much she missed him.
"Yes, yes, yes." Liam chuckles and Cora sees that his enthusiasm does make Scott smile lightly. "Born ready." He adds and Cora watches the pair knock their fists together, making her glad to see that they were becoming closer friends.
"Then let's go." Scott smiles and she watches him motion towards the door with a move of his head and then he lifts his arm to gesture for her and Liam to go first.
Cora feels his eyes on her again when he steps away and walks towards the door, pausing at it slides open and lets them back out into the hallway so that the can head onto the Nexus. She notices that Liam is going ahead, obviously eager to get there, but she can hear that Scott is close behind her from the familiar sound of his feet as he walks. Cora slows slightly; noticing that it has the desired effect when Scott begins walking at her side and she sees him putting his hands in his pockets.
"You going to be okay, Ryder?" She whispers and feels his attention turn to her and sees that he gives a small but positive nod. "I know this is a lot on your shoulders." She adds and then goes quiet; it was a lot for both of them but Scott was currently winning the award for things going wrong.
"The Captain just called me Pathfinder." Scott begins, making her smile to herself when she hears he is talking to her. "It made me realise that this is happening," Scott whispers, a smile in his voice.
"Yes, it is." Cora smiles when she feels him looking at her. "But I believe in you, even if you don't." Cora whispers and she sees him smile at her confidence in him and she watches him lift his hand from his pocket and brush his fingers against hers as if he wants to take hold of her hand, making her wonder if it is out of habit or an intentional sign of affection.
Cora glances down at his hand, and then back to his face, but notices that the smile slowly fades from Scott's face when he realises what he has done. She is sure that he steps around a member of the crew as an excuse to distance himself from her, continuing walking but keep apart from her with his head down. She lowers her eyes for a moment; she knew she didn't deserve anything but his silence and she shouldn't expect him to want anything but space between them. But she missed him and wished that none of it had ever happened to bring them to this point of not even being able to communicate or look at each other.
As they continue through the Hyperion she notices that he continues to keep his distance and that he is unusually quiet. When they are finally through the docking tunnels so that they join the Nexus, they soon find themselves at a very similar, but much larger scale internal tram system. Cora watches Scott reading the map, trying to decide where they need to go.
"This place is huge." Liam begins and Cora watches him peering over Scott's shoulder. "Do they have a bar? Or ten bars?" He asks and Cora hears Scott sigh and continues to take it all in.
"Not top on my list of priorities." Scott begins and Cora watches him squint as he reads the small writing. "Central and Main?" He mumbles as he reads. "That could be a good place to start." He adds and she watches him call the tram.
"I'm just saying, I think we could all use a drink." Liam chuckles as the tram arrives and the doors open. "We've not been having the best of trips so far." He adds and Cora can't help but nod in agreement.
Cora steps over the lip and into the tram, noticing that it is completely empty, which she thinks is unusual for a station as large as the Nexus that is supposed to have so many residents from the different Arks. She knew they had several crew already that were in charge of maintaining and building the Nexus, so surely there would be a few people about.
She watches Scott as he moves as far in as he can, and then sits on one of the chairs against the window. She notices that he immediately lowers his eyes to his feet. Cora sighs quietly when she sees that the hurt has returned to his face, and she knows he's thinking he's gotten too close when they'd both agreed on time apart.
"Hopefully that is about to change." Cora sighs and lowers herself onto one of the seats across the other side of the tram from Scott.
Cora lets her fingers absentmindedly swipe through her Omni for something to do other than look at him, knowing he is still upset and noticing the deafening silence between them now that they've not had since they've known each other. She glances up when she sure she feels his eyes on her, and she sees that he is watching her from across the tram. Cora so desperately wants to speak to him, but she just lowers her eyes again.
"So.." Cora hears Liam begin, and she notices that he stands in the middle of the tram and selects their destination. She watches him look between them both, and that he shakes his head lightly. "Is it just me or am I sensing some tension here?" Liam chuckles quietly, and Cora knows he is trying to help.
"It is just you, Liam." Cora hears Scott sigh and that he lowers his eyes again and she watches him picking at the material on his thigh, making her lower her eyes too.
"I don't think that's true." Liam chuckles and Cora notices that Scott keeps quiet. "Do you know the best way to get rid of tension?" Liam continues and she sees he is looking at Scott and seeing if he's going to reply.
"There is no tension," Scott replies, and she sees him trying to give Liam his best smile but it doesn't reach his eyes. "We aren't together anymore." Scott continues and she can feel his eyes are on her again. "It happens." Scott sighs and lowers his eyes, she hears Liam huff dramatically.
"You guys need to bang." Liam laughs making Cora lift her hand to hide her smile when she hears it, she glances at Scott too and sees that he is trying not to smile and is shaking his head. "Makeup sex is the best sex." Liam continues. "Trust me, you guys need to shag for a whole day." He adds and Cora sees Liam wink at her, which makes her laugh quietly. "You'll feel loads better." Liam grins.
"I hope you don't say things like that to my sister." Cora hears Scott, and she turns her attention to him, seeing a small smile at the corner of his mouth. "It doesn't fix everything," Scott adds and she sees him sigh.
"I might say these things." Liam grins. "Mate, it doesn't fix anything. But, Cora will feel good. You'll feel good, and then talking will fix things." He adds and Cora feels his attention turn to her.
"Liam, as great as your idea is in theory." Cora gives him a small smile. "We are giving each other some space." Cora sighs and she notices that Scott is staring out of the window again. "It's for the best." Cora nods and she sees Liam shake his head lightly.
"Fine, fine." Liam sighs. "If you won't take my advice," Liam adds and she notices that he looks at Scott. "At least talk to each other. We are going through enough shit without you two being miserable and Scott moping about." Liam adds and Cora hears Scott sigh.
"My happiness isn't important right now." Scott begins and she watches him stand from his seat and move towards the door as the tram begins to slow. "I'm sure Cora will agree." Scott adds and she watches him lower his eyes to the floor.
"I don't agree." Cora whispers, knowing he didn't mean it and she couldn't agree with him. Yes, they had so much to worry about; so many responsibilities to the AI. "All of this isn't more important than you, Scott." Cora adds and she feels his eyes on her when she stands and reaches his side.
"I'm not so sure." Scott smiles lightly. "Humanities greatest hope, remember?" Scott adds and she hears him exhale. "It would be good if we could talk at least," Scott whispers, making her smile when she hears it. It was a start at least.
"I'd like that." Cora nods and she sees he does too.
"See, this is progress." Liam chuckles and Cora watches him move closer to the door too. "Talking is good, and then you guys can have makeup sex." Liam laughs and Cora hears Scott huff.
"Liam." Scott laughs lightly. "We need to go find a welcoming party." He adds and Cora watches the doors slide open and give them access to the dark centre of the Nexus.