Chapter 1 – A New Beginning

It was another beautiful day in Andromeda! Andromeda! A beautiful galaxy so far away from all that civilization and comfort of the Milky Way! A new frontier for humanity, and also for all those other people! Truly, a new and exciting adventure!

At least that's what Janitorial Associate Zachariah Wolfe thought when he signed up. Zack wrung out his mop. He was almost done cleaning the floors in Pathfinder Hall. The field operatives had a tendency to track all sorts of filth all over the floor as they came and went. The cleaning bots simply couldn't handle it. Director Tann also worked in that area, and he could be a micromanaging tool. Some people just like the sound of their own voice.

Zack looked at Tann again. Tann seemed focused on whatever he was doing. Good. At least Tann wouldn't piss and moan about the floors again. Zack did another sweep, and glanced at Tann again. Tann still appeared preoccupied. Zack gritted his teeth. He was almost done another shift as Nexus Janitor.

Tann was never someone who was generally liked. That was true. But in Zack's mind, Tann had a special place. Zack had recently put in for a promotion as a Pathfinder. The role had diversified in the past few months, and there were numerous Pathfinders now. But Zack was laughed out of the room by Tann. And this was immediately after he told a fine lady at the bar that he would be another Pathfinder. Said lady was waiting outside and overheard everything. Zack was not only declined, but became something of a community laughingstock.

"Wolfe!" shouted Tann. He was using his weird commanding-yet-quiet voice. This could be really bad. "I have news for you."

Zack went over to his desk. "What's the deal, Tann?"

"You have been promoted to Pathfinder."

Zack had no idea what his face looked like. His jaw must have hit the floor. "Oh, I'm deeply honored, Director!" he said, as soon as he could bring himself to assemble words together.

Tann looked at a datapad. "Oh, never mind, this appears to be an error. Get back to work. I see some dirt on the left side of the bottom step over there."

Tann, you dirty fuckwit, Zack didn't say. Zack looked at his omni-tool, and fabricated a story to get out of the room. "I see that, Director, but it appears there's an emergency spill in hydroponics. I must be going."

"Fine," Tann replied. "But I expect to see you back here to clean those steps."

Zack was proud of the lie he'd fabricated. Hydroponics was an interesting place. The botanists who worked there would not shut up about water conservation. They also spilled water all over the place all the time. It was very plausible. Most importantly, it got him the hell away from Tann. He'd go down to hydroponics to keep up appearances in case anyone checked, and then he'd stow his gear and head to the bar. A stiff one could take the edge off certain things. However, no amount of stiff ones would take the edge off certain things.

A few hours went by. Zack was finally off the clock and at the bar. Not the main bar by the way- too much traffic. A small bar, basically a hole in the wall. It was a tad dirty, but Zack liked it. Most of the people there wanted leave well enough alone, and that was good enough for him right now.

A figure approached him, and sat nearby. They wore a hood, and Zack could not get a good look at their face.

"Hello, Mr. Wolfe," the voice said. A female sounding voice. But a voice with purpose, and a voice that was not drunk. Someone had something to say, and Zack did not want to hear it.

"Who the fuck are you, smart ass?" Zack said. "I'm not renewing my subscription to Flat-Eared Bimbos."

Flat-Eared Bimbos was a fantasy themed Asari strip club. Basically, the Asari "entertainers" would wear elven ears and apparel, and then proceed to… entertain. Zack had been a regular for a little while, but stopped a few months ago. Basically, he got bored of the routine. The Asari there looked so disinterested all the time. However, they had not stopped hounding him in his email about it. Dismissive yet clingy. Ironic.

"What are you talking about?" The voice replied. Oh shit.

"Oh, uh, nothing. Is there a cleanliness emergency that needs attention?" Zack said, desperate to change the subject.

"No, I have a message from an interested benefactor," the cloaked figure said. An interested benefactor? What the fuck was this random bitch on about?

"I appreciate your time, but I'm not interested." Zack replied instinctively. In Zack's experience, there were no such thing as benefactors. Everyone wanted something, and it was usually a bad deal. Besides, a janitor was an unlikely target for philanthropy.

"Just listen to the hologram." The voice sounded agitated. Not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe he could get her to spill the beans as to what the deal was? The character was trying to conceal their identity for reasons unknown. What were they trying to hide?

"I appreciate your time, random ass stranger," Zack said, "but I'm not interested in your hologram."

"And I appreciate yours, random ass janitor," the voice said back. "Or should I say, Pathfinder?"

Pathfinder? Zack's eyes widened. Someone had done their homework. But who was this? And what were they trying to conceal? And why the hell were they contacting him?

"Look, I'm charmed by whatever it is that you're doing, but I'm not interested."

The shadowy figure looked into their omni-tool, and then turned the interface back off again. "Hologram sent. Go somewhere private and turn it on. You have a bright and interesting future ahead of you, Mr. Wolfe." The robed figure then left the bar.

Zack was dumbfounded. That was a strange experience. Oh well. Nothing a few stiff drinks wouldn't help him process.

Several hours later, Zack stumbled back into his apartment. Tann had numerous 'high efficiency' apartments installed on the Nexus to bring loads of people out of cryonic storage. By 'high efficiency' he meant that they were small. Small with little sound insulation. At least his variable schedule lessened his exposure to overhearing whatever unspeakable acts were going on next door. Zack did not judge people's personal lives, but preferred not to listen to it. Regardless, now was not the time to bitch about the neighbors. Zack… was... sleepy…

Zack woke, presumably several hours later. His face was pressed against the toilet seat. He checked his watch. He hadn't missed anything. Close call. He checked his messages. A handful of new messages. Tann whining about the single step in Pathfinder Hall that he hadn't gone back to. No surprise there. Flat-Eared Bimbos presenting some Asari who looked like she was with it enough just to request him to come back. Zack gave that a hard pass. Lastly, there was that message from that Robin Hood wannabe lady who called him Pathfinder.

Curious. Very curious. A scan showed no sign of malware. The sender was Pathfinder Hall itself. Zack stared at it, head aching, and turned it on.

"Hello, Mr. Wolfe. Or should I say, Pathfinder Wolfe?" Not this shit again, Zack thought. "We can formally get you into the Pathfinder program. But your path will not be a normal one." Zack squinted. At least whoever was contacting him could get to the point quickly.

"There are other forces at play in this rich new cluster. The Initiative's Leadership is somewhat lacking," the hologram continued. No fucking kidding! Zack thought. Everyone was disappointed with the leadership in some capacity. "Therefore, it requires guidance from the shadows. You can guide the Initiative through these trying times in order to secure a better future for humanity. Would you like to know more?" Zack's head was still pounding, and he accepted. "Patching you through to the leader now." Fuck.

Another figure replaced the previous generic hologram. "Hello, Pathfinder Wolfe, it is a pleasure to meet you. It is time we discuss your- are you in the bathroom right now?" Apparently, the discussion was two way, and Zack was sitting on the floor next to his toilet.

"Look, it's a good time," Zack said, resting his head on one of his hands. "Just say whatever it is you're going to say."

"Pathfinder Wolfe, this is unprofessional conduct." Someone was disappointed.

"I didn't know I was a professional," Zack replied.

"Very well. Pathfinder Wolfe, our organization will be able to re-review your application as Pathfinder and get you into the Pathfinder program."

"Why would you do that?" Zack asked.

"Our organization operates in the shadows. We need ears and a voice on the inside of the Pathfinder operation."

"I don't have a ship, or a squad, or anything really," Zack replied. "Technically I don't even have clearance to leave the Nexus."

"No issue. We will be able to secure both dossiers for potential squad mates and a ship for you to travel in."

"The Pathfinder program is low on ships," Zack replied. "I doubt they have any decent ones to spare."

The hologram winked. "It won't be a problem. Wash up and head to the headquarters on the normal schedule. You'll be pleasantly surprised. After all is said and done, I will call you. Signing out." The hologram dissipated.

Whoever this guy (maybe girl?) was, they were good at talking the talk. Zack lifted his head, and then rested it against the wall behind him. Time to wash up and see.

Several hours later, Zack was walking up to the door of Pathfinder Hall. The area was full of people, but eerily quiet. A lot of people were staring at him as he walked by. What was going on? Did that hologram really have the leverage they said they did? It didn't matter what the real circumstances were – the environment was a bit off-putting. Zack took a deep breath, and opened the door.

"SURPRISE!" several people shouted out. A party horn blew. A table, a cake, and a handful of Pathfinders who were on leave. Zack tried to suppress his headache long enough to read the hanging letters. "Congrats," they read. Director Tann walked up to him, with a smile as wide as his face could handle.

"Congratulations! Your application to the Pathfinder program has been formally accepted. You are now a Pathfinder!" said Director Tann.

Zack tried to act surprised, and then realized he did not need to act that way. He truly was surprised, but was surprised for the wrong reasons. Some holographic rando just got him the job. They actually had the pull they said they had. How were they able to do this? Who were they, really? What would happen next? And would any of those things make his head hurt a little less?

"I'm honored, Director Tann," Zack said, as soon as he could string his thoughts together.

"Return to the janitorial locker and hang up your equipment so I can hire a janitor who will do their job properly," Tann said. A prick, to the very end. "But first, have a slice of cake."

Zack went over to the table, but was blocked by an outstretched arm. Someone wanted a handshake.

"Congratulations! I look forward to discussing your first mission," the arm's owner said. Zack looked up. It was Scott Ryder. Frick.

Zack had a less than ideal relationship with the Ryder family. Sara was always too snarky. He had gotten into a fist fight with Sara in a bar. Zack lost. Scott generally acted like some annoying goody-two-shoes. He was always looking for an opportunity to give a speech about something, and everyone acted like they had to listen. Zack was not jealous of them. Zack was not jealous of them one bit.

Zack shook Scott's hand. Scott leaned back with a jovial look on his face.

"Someone's a bit shaken up!" Scott said.

"This is all... a lot to take in for one day." Zack replied. It truly was. Months of getting nowhere and then some shady asshole calls him. And then, wish granted.

"It certainly is!" Scott said, in his annoying, irrationally optimistic voice. "But being a Pathfinder comes with duties and responsibilities, and the sooner we get on that, the better!"

"Of course," Zack replied. "Just let me hang up my janitorial gear. I'll be right back."

Zack left Pathfinder Hall. A wall of stares greeted him. A few people whispered to each other. This promotion was a shock to everyone else as much as it was a shock to him. Zack tried to play it cool, and failed miserably. His knees were shaking. He was sweating a bit. Try as he might to conceal it, Zack was very, very excited.

Zack threw the cleaning gear back in the locker, and sprinted back to Pathfinder Hall. The congratulations were dying down a bit, and people were returning to their normal routines. There were the notable exceptions of the Ryders and Tann. Scott spoke first.

"I understand that this is an exciting promotion for you, Zack," Scott said. "But you have to understand the requirements of the position." It seems the Ryders were here to give the professionalism guilt trip.

"Being a Pathfinder grants many privileges, and it is important that you use the power responsibly," Sara Ryder said. She raised her arms into a boxing position. "I don't want to have to beat you down again!"

Zack blushed. "I don't think that'll be necessary, Sarah," he replied softly.

"Straight to business then! Wonderful!" Tann said. "We need you to survey a star for resources. We don't think there's much there to be had, and we don't think there's any hostile presence, but we want a thorough check."

Scott's face turned serious and his back began to stiffen. He turned towards Tann. "Is it a good idea to send him alone on his first mission?" Scott asked.

"Of course it is!" Tann replied with a sort of hollow enthusiasm. "And it's time we take you to your ship!" Tann grinned from ear to ear. That was not a good thing. Tann only smiled when he was about to make your day harder.

The four of them walked down to the spaceport. The Nexus had numerous spaceports, but it did have one that was generally dedicated to military affairs. Zack immediately saw why. There were a lot of weapons and damaged ships. Speaking of damaged ships, they were walking over to one. The ship they were walking towards was a Kodiak shuttle. A damaged Kodiak shuttle.

"Meet your new ship!" Tann said excitedly. "We call it the Humane Trap!"

Zack walked around the ship nervously. Zack was not a ship person by any means, but he was not blind. A Kodiak shuttle typically had four thruster arms. This ship only had three. Salvage.

"And we found the perfect pilot! Meet Sgt. Sleeze!"

Zack looked around. The sergeant was bit chubby, and had some burn marks on his face and arms. A look at his sleeve revealed some demotions. Zack looked at his omni-tool and saw a record that was checkered at best. Tann looked excited. Scott and Sara looked apologetic and embarrassed. Oh no.

"Sergeant," Zack said, "How many times have you crashed?"

"Only four," Sleeze said. "But after the appeals process, I was only at fault for one of them!"

"What the hell is this?" Zack said angrily. He turned to Tann. "What are you trying to pull on me?"

Tann's tone changed. "We are giving you what we have. We all have to make sacrifices. You get a salvage ship for now. The mechanics have assured me that it is spaceworthy. The mission you are on is low risk. It will work. Also, you don't get a SAM unit."

Zack turned to Sleeze. "There is no way you are happy with this!" Zack said.

"I'm just happy that I'm allowed to fly again!" Sleeze replied. "So, let's go scouting!"

Zack sighed. "Prep the ship, Sergeant, I've got some office work to do."

The walk back to Pathfinder Hall was utterly silent. When the doors shut behind, Zack looked at the three of them, and then spoke up.

"Do I at least have any subordinates to bring into the field?" Zack asked.

"No," Director Tann replied. "But you shouldn't need them. It's a relatively safe mission."

Zack was fuming at this point. Leave it to Tann to turn an awesome promotion into a terrible screwing. Scott looked at his face and spoke up.

"If you are able to acquire a better ship, you can certainly use it. If you find operatives in the field you want to bring along, you have the option to do so. We understand that this set of circumstances is a bit underwhelming, but it's what we have."

At this, Zack had an idea. The holograph person was willing to set dossiers. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all. Maybe he could find a good squad to cover for whatever the Nexus was unwilling to give him.

Sara raised her voice as well. "We believe you can make the most of this to complete the mission given. Even if you aren't that good in a fist fight."

Fuck off Sara, Zack didn't say. His best bet now was some creep on a hologram. He could definitely do it, but he didn't have to be happy about it. Something had to happen. Something had to change.

Tann then took this opportunity to act like Tann. "If you are unhappy with these conditions, Wolfe, you can always reject the promotion." Carrot and stick. A classic.

"No," Zack said. "I'll make it work."

Zack left Pathfinder Hall and headed back to his apartment. He was scheduled to leave tomorrow. According the information given, Tann was right: the system appeared very safe. The mission was first and foremost time consuming. As he stepped back into his apartment, he got a call through his omni-tool.

"Greetings, Pathfinder Wolfe. Did you enjoy your promotion?" the hologram said.

"Ok, no more bullshit. Who are you?" Zack asked aggressively.

"You can call me The Illusive Undefined One. Some call me TIUO for short." the hologram replied in a neutral tone.

"Why TIUO?" Zack asked.

"TIUO is more inclusive."

"Uh, ok," Zack shook his head. "You got me the promotion; I'll give you that. What about the pilot and the ship?"

"Like you said, few ships were available. As per the pilot, the nature of our organization means we cannot use personnel who are overly loyal to the Initiative. That limits the list personnel we have access to."

"Uh-huh," Zack replied. "So, I was chosen because I was not 'overly loyal' as you say?"

"You were chosen because you were already closely affiliated with the Pathfinders and it was in your ambitions to join them."

"Ok," Zaid said. He was getting more than a bit skeptical of this TIUO character. "What's next?"

TIUO grinned. "You will fabricate reports of anomalous sightings in the system assigned. You will use the extra time to assemble a team, gather equipment, and prepare yourself for higher profile missions."

"And what do you get out of this?" Zack shot back. Nothing was free, and no one knew that better than Zack.

"That is for later. What is for now is recruiting a team. And enjoying the perks of your new position. I'll be in touch."

At that this doorbell rang. Zack looked outside. An eager lady…

Zack woke up the following morning. His guest had already left. He looked at his omni-tool. Two messages. Sleeze said the ship was ready to go, and the first dossier. Zack sat up on the side of the bed. The first squad mate of his. Zack opened up the dossier. What the fuck…

A volus. A fucking volus. A fucking volus was supposed his first squad mate. This TIUO guy. What a kidder. Volus were typically not well suited for combat. Volus required high pressure body suits in most atmospheres. Volus suits tended to be a bit fragile. What good would a volus do? Zack sighed. At least there was a significant credit reward. Not enough to buy a ship, but enough to get out of the patched up, hand-me-down armor the Pathfinders had given him.

This TIUO guy was a clown, but he paid. And so, the Volus would be recruited.