Reyes was meant to be celebrating. He was now King of Kadara, the new ruler. The Outcasts either put their weapons down or disappeared. Keema was confident they'd be back, but those who surrendered joined the Collective instead.
The first major change was the protection fees were all scrapped, and no one had to pay to safely live on the port. Keema had done most of the work, Reyes locked himself away in Tartarus and drank his depression away.
He couldn't celebrate, he'd lost the only thing he'd loved. He sent Sara multiple messages, but she didn't reply to any. The Tempest was still on the docks, he saw it each morning in the days following the takeover. But none of the crew had been seen, even SAM ignored Reyes's calls. Though Sara probably forbade him from speaking to him.
"Reyes?" Keema calls from outside the door. Reyes grumbles, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He unlocks the door and downs his whiskey. "Jesus, Vidal. You look like shit," Keema says walking in. Reyes did look like a hot mess. His hair was in all directions, dark stubble had grown through his chin and upper neck. His eyes had dark circles and his eyelids barely stayed open to acknowledge she was standing in front of him.
"Keema," he drunkenly greets. "Want a drink? Or smoke?" he offers her one from the packet he holds out. Keema shakes her head, he shrugs his shoulders and lights the cigarette. He stopped smoking months ago, but it was the only thing that kept him calm. That and whiskey.
"Reyes, your people need you. We need to start sorting Kadara out." Reyes waves a hand in her face.
"I'm not running Kadara, you are," he slurs. Keema puts his hands on her hips, looking more than confused. "I don't need or want the spotlight, I'll still be your beloved Charlatan, but I need you to be the face of the Collective," he explains.
"But, don't you want the people to know who saved them?" Reyes shakes his head.
"I can't save myself as it is," he whimpers. He sits back in his seat, kicking the empty bottles by his feet. Keema looked him over, he needed help.
"Why don't you go see her?" she suggests. Reyes laughs out loud.
"I can't, SAM isn't answering my calls and the crew has locked the ship down," he replies. Reyes tried getting into the ship the same way he did last time on Elaaden, but SAM warned him that it wasn't wise and to leave before he'd alert Drack of all people.
"Dammit, Vidal. You're gonna drink yourself into an early grave," Keema shouts. She pulls the cigarette from his finger, stomping it into the ground and moves the bottles from his reach. "You have to try!"
"I have!" he shouts as he stands up. Keema may be taller than Reyes, but even she knew not to double-cross him. "Enough about her," he mumbles. "What has been done with Kaetus?"
"We captured him just after Sloan was killed. He won't talk, we've tried everything. Much more and he'll just die. He's already tried to kill himself twice." Keema saw Kaetus, the Turian was a walking corpse, starved, beaten and bloodied. "We had to tie his feet and wrists together to stop him from trying again."
"He loved Sloan," Reyes whispers. He understood the feeling. He shakes his body out, looking at Keema with a haunted look. "I'll come down, tell him to expect me soon."
"I don't think-" He cuts her off.
"That'll be all, Keema," he says before sitting back down. Keema sighs at him, nodding and walking out. She had to do something.
"Director Tann. I understand we have an objection here. But the Pathfinder is not fit for duty right now," Lexi explains over the vid call. Ryder had completely shut herself off from everyone. Lexi forced medical leave for a week on Ryder and Tann was pissed when he found out.
"What is wrong with her? She seemed fine just days ago?" Lexi hated the Salarian, he was too impatient and expected results there and then.
"She is having issues with her mental health. I cannot go into further detail as her doctor. She is on medical leave for the time being. I have transferred all other jobs to the other Pathfinders, any others that only Ryder can do will have to wait," she sternly says. Tann sighs, keeping his hands behind his back.
"Fine, I hope she recovers quickly," he says, ending the call. Lexi shakes her head, looking up at Cora.
"I'll fucking kill Vidal," she mutters. SAM had told the whole crew what happened between Reyes and Ryder, though he'd made them promise Reye's true identity would not leave the confines of the ship. Ryder may hate him, but if people found out she slept with the Charlatan, it would be damaging to both their reputations. Rumours were circling about her and Reyes as it was, Tann wasn't all too bothered as long as Ryder kept bringing in good results.
"Don't blame Reyes. He had his reason," Peebee says. Cora waves her off.
"He broke Sara's heart. Now we are all suffering because of it. She isn't ready to be Pathfinder," Cora says. Jaal steps in, pointing a finger at Cora in anger.
"Ryder has been the best Pathfinder all your species could have hoped for. No one could've done a better job," he shouts in agitation.
"Right, guys. Calm down, we need to stop letting this tear the crew apart," Gil says. Everyone falls silent.
"Please, keep going. What were you saying, Cora?" Ryder's stale voice asks as she walks up the ramp to the crew table.
"Ryder... I," she mutters in reply.
"I know SAM told you all about what happened. I appreciate you all being worried about me, but I need to handle this on my own. I'm getting very tired of all you sneaking behind my back," she says with her voice rising.
"Pathfinder, your heart rate is elevated," SAM buts in.
"Shut it, SAM," she snarls at him. After everything, SAM and Ryder barely spoke. Those words were the most she'd spoken to him in nearly four days. The AI was very confused and none of his experience could help it make sense. Lexi told him to give Ryder space and then Ryder said he was to stop speaking to Reyes. No word to be sent or spoken between the two.
"Ryder, don't blame SAM. He tried his best," Liam says in his defence. Ryder snarls at him, turning around to storm off. She hated nearly everyone, the only one that hadn't tried bothering her was Jaal. He understood her feelings and respected the space she needed.
"Pathfinder. An Angara named Keema is trying to get onto the ship. She says it's urgent," Kallo calls through the comms.
"Keema?" Ryder mutters. "Open the cargo bay doors, Kallo. Tell her I'll be out in a second," Ryder says, almost running off. Everyone looked at each other, none of them knew who Keema was. Hopefully, someone who could drag Ryder out of her pit of misery.
Keema waits by the ramp as Ryder walks down, the Angara smiles and waves at her. "Ryder, good to see you again," she calmly says.
"Did Reyes send you?" she asks. Her arms crossed her chest. Keema smiles at her, shaking her head.
"No, he actually told me to leave it. I'm going behind his back and right now would be the worst time to annoy him." Ryder raises a brow.
"Why is that?" she asks with hooded eyes.
"The man is very depressed. He hasn't left Tartarus in four days, only smoking and drinking." Ryder felt a pang of guilt, she honestly thought Reyes wouldn't be that arsed about the breakup, but it really had got to him. "You changed him, Ryder. He never loved anyone before you and losing you has broken him."
"He shouldn't have lied to me," Ryder defends. Keema nods, they both walk slowly towards the railing, it overlooks Kadara port.
"I agree with you there, Ryder. I told him to tell you, but he was scared of your reaction. He never expected to catch feelings for you." Ryder laces her fingers together as she leans heavily on the railing. Keema looks over at her. "How come you are still here?"
"I've been forced on medical leave, half my crew hate me and my own AI that is in my head right now hates me," she says. Keema raises her brow ridge.
"I don't hate you, Ryder," SAM says through her omni-tool.
"Reyes told me about SAM. They both seemed quite close, he liked your AI. It seems SAM likes him as well." SAM didn't speak after that, he didn't want to anger Ryder or be shouted at anymore. He couldn't be physically or mentally hurt, but the process of hurting Ryder was unpleasant to him.
"Them two are fucking besties," Ryder mocks. "Used my own AI to lie to me."
"I wouldn't say it was lying. SAM might have believed Reyes was the only one who could've told you. I wish I could've told you when I first met you at Sloan's party. But it would've been worse coming from my lips than Reyes's." Keema leans one foot on the other, pulling her uniform around slightly as the middle day heat made her sweat.
"I just feel so betrayed. I don't know how I can forgive him." Keema smiles, putting her hand over Ryders.
"Trust me, Ryder. Reyes is thinking the same, he'd probably give up being the Charlatan to have you back." Ryder looks up, smirking slightly.
"Isn't he enjoying his new attention as king of Kadara?" Keema moves her hand away, slowly shaking her head as she looks out towards the port.
"No, actually. He doesn't want the attention. He wants me to be the face of the Collective so he can rule from the shadows." Ryder didn't think Reyes would do that. The man loved attention, but then he would be putting a big price on his head.
"I just need time, Keema. We are leaving port in three days. I will see him before then, I promise." Keema nods, standing up straight.
"He does wish to see you about your outpost. He wants to help with that," she says as she waves goodbye. Ryder gives a curt nod and watches Keema leave. She then turns to look back at the landscape. Kadara was a true beauty, she'd live here if she could. Shaking the thoughts away, she headed back to the ship. First things first, she needed to read the messages Reyes sent her, there were a few and she'd not opened any.
Reyes had sobered and cleaned himself up before going to see Kaetus. He needed information about Sloan's work, locations and weapon hideouts. The stocktaking on the guns the Outcast should have didn't add to what Reyes's men found.
He walked into the cells, it was empty for the most part. Kaetus is the only person there. He hears Reyes approach, looking up at him. "Reyes Vidal or should I say, Charlatan?"
Reyes looks at him, Keema wasn't lying when she said he looked like shit. He wore nothing past some shorts and a ripped Turian top. He had bruises, gashes and blood spots over his hard plating. His left mandible had been partly ripped off and his fringe had been cut. He was lucky to still be alive.
"Kaetus, I hear you won't cooperate?" He opens the cell, and Kaetus just watches him. He was tied to a metal pole. Reyes knew he was safe.
"Why would I? You killed Sloan in cold blood." Reyes chuckles.
"She agreed to my terms," he defends. Kaetus already knew about the sniper and Reyes's dirty trick to win the dual.
"Hardly," he hisses. Reyes kneels down, his gloved hand grabbing Kaetus's non-broken mandible to force him to look up.
"My men did stock counts on your guns. Over sixty of them are missing, where did you and Sloan hide them?" Kaetus just growls at him. Reyes punches him in the nose, causing the plating to come up.
"Fuck," Kaetus hisses, he feels the blue blood drip down his face. "I'm not telling you shit, Vidal. You might as well kill me," he spits.
Reyes pulls his knife out, lining it up with Kaetus's neck. "Don't fucking tempt me," he growls. "You'll talk, everyone does eventually."
"You have nothing on me," Kaetus shouts. Reyes pulls the knife away, digging it into his thigh. He screams deeply in pain. Reyes hears the strain on his vocal cords.
"You really think I don't know about your little sister currently working on the Nexus?" Kastus's pain almost disappears. His sister worked for Kesh on the Nexus, she was only eighteen, a good kid. Kaetus made sure she was kept out of mutiny and stayed on the Nexus. He didn't want the exile life for her, even though they hadn't spoken in months. Kaetus made sure she was well and safe, he cared a lot for his sister.
"You wouldn't dare," he snarls.
Reyes stands up, circling him. "Kerri, her name? Pretty little thing. She works a lot, however. Good at her job. Lives on the east side of the Nexus. Apartment twenty-nine, correct?"
"You can kill me, just please," he begs with a cry. "Don't touch her."
"Talk and neither of you will die. You can go back to her," Reyes says. Kaetus looks up at him, they both glare at each other.
"How can I believe you? You'd get your information, kill me and then kill her?" Reyes chuckles, shaking his head.
"I might be a bad man, Kaetus. But I don't kill those who help me and I don't kill people who give me no reason to. But I will if you don't help me," he warns with his knife pointed at him.
Kaetus remains silent for a good five minutes, before sighing and nodding. "Fine, I'll talk."
"Good boy," Reyes says, putting his knife away. "We will get you patched up and you can speak then. But make sure you do, I won't be a patient next time."
Kaetus drops his head. "Yes, Reyes," he mumbles. Reyes pats his head and leaves. A small smile on his lips, he felt bad using Kaetus's sister. He'd never actually kill her however, that isn't how he works. He will use her as a pawn, however.
To: Sara Ryder.
From: Reyes Vidal.
Ryder,
I'm so so sorry for all of this. I wanted to tell you for a long time, even before our first night together. You sucked me in and I was stuck. I was scared you'd hate me and turn your back. Hiding it seemed easier.
I know words will never fix your broken heart. I don't expect you to come back, but Kadara port is as much yours as it is mine. You want your outpost and I wish to give that to you. Please contact me.
love you always,
Reyes.
Ryder sits back in her chair, clicking her tongue as she finishes reading the message. It was the first one sent, she expected something more rushed and scared of her never coming back. She goes to the next one.
To: Sara Ryder.
From: Reyes Vidal.
Pequeña Paloma,
I know you got my other message and I understand if you don't want to read it, but please. Ryder, let me explain myself. I never told you, but when the mutiny happened, I never actually played a part in it. I stayed on the Nexus as I didn't believe we should give up so soon.
Tann's way of dealing with it didn't inspire this so I jumped ship. Came here and tried to make something of myself. I knew I couldn't openly rebel against Sloan, so I hired operatives. That's how I got my name. That's how Evfra found me. I may be a liar and murderer, but I would give it all up for you, Ryder. I love you too much and let you go.
I've never told another woman besides my mother I love them. My heart is too fragile for those feelings. I put myself on the line with you, I nearly gave it up just to be with you. But Ryder, you saw how Sloan ran things. You help Doctor Nakamoto? I heard you helped him get some treatments back he lost.
Have you ever wondered how he kept his clinic going? He had it privately funded and never knew where it came from. It was all me, I kept his clinic going since Sloan didn't care for those in the slums. I want what's best for Kadara and with you by my side. I think we could do it.
Love you,
Reyes.
Ryder sniffled her tears back. She was now hating herself for not letting him explain. She remembered the doctor. He was a nice man, he told her about the funds he got. He never knew where it came from, but he didn't mind. He cured so many people and those who Sloan kicked out when they became too sick to help.
The last message hit her the hardest.
To: Sara Ryder.
From: Reyes Vidal.
I love you so much. I am sorry for not being the perfect man for you.
Yours,
Reyes.
"SAM," Ryder calls out loudly. The AI terminal comes to life, Vetra had fixed it after Ryder smashed and shot the poor thing.
"Yes, Pathfinder?" the small voice of her AI replies.
"I am so sorry, buddy. You were just trying to protect me and help Reyes. You were stuck in the middle and I never saw it from your side." SAM is silent for a few moments.
"You have nothing to apologise for Ryder. You are my Pathfinder, I should have listened and told you when I found out." Ryder shakes her head, getting up from her chair.
"No, you were conflicted. You don't fully understand yet. Just please forgive me," she begs.
"I already have, Sara," he softly says. Ryder lets out a whimpering cry.
"SAM, I know you don't understand the full values of friendship. But you are my best friend and I love you," she says with a heartwarming smile. The AI terminal is silent for a full minute.
"Whilst I still need more understanding on relationships and friendships. I feel that your words are correct so, for that; I love you too," he replies. Ryder chuckles. SAM really didn't know what love was, but he was trying and learning from Ryder. He probably did love Ryder, but he might be getting confused about what way it is. Ryder loves him as her best friend, he could love her for their symbiotic relationship or for her technically being his boss.
Ryder rubs her face, getting rid of the days of tiredness and tears. "Right, I need to see Reyes," she mutters to herself.
"He would like that, Ryder. Reyes has been trying to contact me over twenty times a day." Ryder scratches the back of her head, SAM really did listen to her about ignoring him.
"You don't have to ignore him anymore," she says heading towards the docking bay.
"I will let you speak to him first. It is you he wishes to see," SAM replies. Ryder nods, she needs to keep calm and let Reyes explain himself fully. She owed him that at least.
A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written. I loved this chapter, showing the softer and harder side of Reyes. SAM and Ryder's relationship is my favourite in the game. SAM learns through Ryder and he tries so hard to support her as a friend then just her AI helper.