Chapter 11: Building Alliances
This was the first time Ryder stepped on Kadara since the leadership change. She expected that Kadara Port would feel different somehow.
But…as soon as her feet touched the ground, there was no change in the atmosphere. Kadara smelled the same. The people were the same. It was as if nothing have changed. As if she would decide to walk up to the Throne room the same guards would be there. Sloane would still sit on her throne with Kaetus on her side.
Ryder thought she would find Reyes on the throne room, because where else would the current Kadara leader be? But a message from Reyes meant it wasn't the case.
I'm not in the throne room. Find me in my old room.
The message stated nothing else. Ryder couldn't blame him. Her message was as vague as ever. But she had so many questions floating in her mind.
She wondered what happened with the Outcasts. Specifically those that survived the change in leadership. Were they questioned? What about those that escaped? Were they scattered around in the Badlands, hoping to just survive?
Ryder walked up to the steps that lead to the throne room. Her mind wondering who would sit on the throne. That was until she saw the first change her eyes picked on.
The guards. It wasn't the same guards who were always posted there. This time it was two Angaras and their eyes blinked in recognition.
"Pathfinder," the one guard greeted her. Ryder didn't recognize them. "She's expecting you."
Ryder frowned instantly. She? Whose she? And how did she even know I would be here?
Ryder nod, as a thanks, she was pretty sure her features betrayed her, showing she had no idea who she would see and the door opened. She saw none other than Keema.
The Angara she last saw on Sloane's party looked comfortable on the throne. She belonged there. A pipe was in her hand, the smoke escaping freely. Her people – or at least Reyes' people – looked happy, busy with work. A smile started covering her lips as she recognized Ryder.
"Pathfinder," her smile never left her lips, "He said you would come."
With he she meant Reyes.
Of course, it made sense. Reyes and Keema was more than friends. They worked together. Ryder couldn't help to wonder if less was going on, she would've figured this all out. The puzzle pieces was before her she just had to piece it together. But there was neither the time for that nor enough motivation.
"Leave us," Keema ordered, and without a second thought all of the people in the room vanished.
"I thought the Charlatan would've sat on his throne," Ryder observed. Her eyes was open to the Angara's reaction.
"You know Reyes," Keema said, but Ryder didn't. She basically knew nothing about the smuggler. "He likes to be in the shadows."
"So you knew."
Both knew what Ryder referred to.
Keema laughed and Ryder had no way of identifying what the laugh meant, "Yes, of course. You know," Ryder could feel Keema's gaze boring onto her, "I told him to tell you, but he was afraid of what you would think."
That was absurd. What did it matter what Ryder would've thought? She didn't care. Being afraid what she would've done with the information if Ryder knew would've made more sense. Reyes was only someone she worked with. She had no need to be friends with him. "What about Kaetus? You were in on it?"
Keema sighed and shook her head. It wasn't a no. She expected the question. "Kadara changes you." It didn't make it right. "We did what we needed to get here." It wasn't a straight answer. Keema was unwilling to share her part in playing the role.
There were options. There's always something else you could do. But that was something she couldn't tell Keema. Ryder didn't need to make the situation direr than it already was.
So Ryder choose to ignore it, instead of addressing it further. At least that part, she still needed to find more information about Kaetus. "So what happened to him?" A million different thoughts ran through her head.
"Kaetus was questioned." That was expected. However, she suspected her definition of questioning and Reyes' was two different things. They might've used tactics to loosen him up a bit. "Right now he is moaning in the holding cells." Keema waved her hand with that held her pipe in the direction where Ryder could only have guessed he was held.
There was a rumour about Kaetus and Sloane flowing around. Many said there was something between the two. At first Ryder choose to ignore it, besides it had nothing to do with her. She couldn't help to notice the glances. And if Reyes used Kaetus against Sloane he must have felt something for her. Even if it was a one-sided thing.
Kaetus was loyal to Sloane. So Ryder suspected that the Collectives won't get much information out of him.
"What are your plans for him?"
Keema gave a shrug, "That, you'll need to ask our friend." Either Reyes haven't decided yet, or he didn't choose to share that information with Keema. Ryder highly doubted it was the latter.
She wondered how Reyes and Keema's partnership worked and how they ended up meeting. Did Reyes just decide he would take over after he saw how bad things are on Kadara? Or did Keema approached him?
"Thanks for the info Keema." Ryder decided it was best to go talk to Reyes next. If she had any more questions for Keema she could come back. "Nice talking to you."
Before she turned around Keema took a puff from her pipe.
"Likewise Pathfinder," Ryder heard as the doors slide open before her.
Ryder didn't know when, but somewhere between the time they left Kadara last and when she got ketones she must've forgiven Reyes. He betrayed her. He twisted her trust and she needed that time. She wasn't sure if she trusted him, but it was time to swallow her pride and build an alliance with the Charlatan.
She walked up to the steps to his VIP room and her chest felt heavy. The door was unlocked and opened for her before she could do anything.
"Ryder," Reyes saw her immediately. "I was expecting you."
How? The question was on the tip of her tongue but she swallowed it. He must have people everywhere. His eyes on the ground. Knowing exactly when something was happening. That was how he must've known she was already here.
"Not much gets past you," she started sarcastically. "We should talk."
Ryder felt uneasy. She wanted to get things moving along. It was better that she wasn't here for longer than was necessary. Otherwise she might strangle Reyes and that would be bad for business.
Her thoughts froze. Maybe she hasn't forgiven him as she thought, there's some anger left.
"Straight to business." Reyes' words made her frown. Did he expect her to talk about what had happened with Sloane? It was better to move on. It was in the past. It wasn't something Ryder could change even if she wanted to. "We can start an Alliance and have an outpost in the Badlands."
"What about protection?" Ryder asked. The Initiative needed this outpost. But it wouldn't help them if mercenaries or the Initiative's enemies attacked the outpost. And who knows? Outcasts might be lurking around the corners.
"The Collectives will protect them, of course." He stopped. Reyes' mind was occupied, probably thinking about this Alliance as much as Ryder. "This can work," he assured her, "But it needs to be from both sides."
Did he meant Tann? Sure Tann won't be happy about the alliance but even he has to swallow his pride sometimes. There's bad blood between both parties, but both sides needs it. "Send me all the terms and conditions and I'll talk to the Director."
Reyes' smile told her, her intuition was right, "Then we have a deal." The Charlatan held his hand out in a form of a handshake which Ryder took after only hesitating for a moment.
"Looking forward to working with you Reyes." Ryder didn't know if she meant it, but she hoped she wouldn't regret this Partnership. Right now Reyes was the last person in this Galaxy she wanted to do business with.
In all likelihood it was possible that Reyes might have noted the spark of hesitation in her eyes. Or maybe it was the way she shifted uncomfortably.
"Look Ryder," he said after staring at her for a while. "I know you don't agree with how I handled things." He stopped, and stared at his shoes as if they would reveal the answers, "Maybe I would've felt the same if my experiences was different." Ryder didn't know if he meant in Andromeda or his life in general. "Kadara has a way of crawling under your skin. Sometimes – and I don't mean just in Kadara – you need to get your hands dirty to survive."
Ryder suspected that he didn't regret what he did to Kaetus, and how he handled Sloane.
"You don't know what went on here," when Ryder opened her mouth to say anything he went on," At least not all of it."
A million thoughts floated in her mind. But none of them seemed right. Reyes was right. They didn't have the same experiences, heck she didn't know what Reyes' experiences was, but she still didn't agree. Nothing excused torture. It's something she always stood very firm on. Nothing he could tell her would justify his actions. But that didn't give her the right to judge him.
"Let's just move on," Ryder suggested. There was no space to question her words.
Reyes was still not convinced. "There needs to be a form of trust between us, and right now there isn't." Ryder didn't exactly hide her distrust in any way. She wanted him to know that she didn't trust him without saying it. She couldn't be sure why. "So let's trust each other. Ask whatever you want to know." That didn't sound right. She didn't think that she could ask any question of him and he would give her a straight answer. That was until he spoke again. "Business-wise of course," he added with a wink.
But Reyes forgot something. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you'll be unable to trust the person before your eyes. Sometimes the deed is way too strong.
"Okay," Ryder thought about her list with the million questions she wanted to ask the Charlatan, and now's her chance. "What's going to happen with Kaetus?"
"Hard question first," Ryder didn't know if he said it because he didn't know the answer or if it was because she wouldn't like the answer. "I'm still questioning him. Did Keema told you he's locked up?"
"Yes," she confirmed, "and that he doesn't want to give you any information." Ryder didn't know Keema. She didn't know if she liked the Angara or not, there was not enough information yet. "Should she have said nothing?"
"Oh no," Reyes said immediately. "I told her to answer all your questions honestly. After all you're apart in this little secret of ours."
Ryder had to try very hard to swallow the snort that threatened to escape her throat. Reyes being the Charlatan wasn't a small thing like he tried to let it sound. It was a very big secret. Unlike Ryder there are people who are very interested in the identity of the Charlatan.
"So you have no plans for him? Will he be locked up forever?"
One look at Reyes' expression told her that wouldn't be the case. "That's not an option. At least…" Reyes looked far off as if someone just hit him with an idea." Not here."
It didn't take Ryder long to catch on," Reyes I don't think it's the best idea to give Kaetus to the Initiative. They'll just exile him again."
Ryder sighed as she knew there wasn't a good option.
"Any ideas?" The look Reyes gave Ryder told her he could see how miserable the situation made her feel.
"Just handle it," Ryder said. She had no idea what was the best option. It's Reyes' own fault they were in this mess. He should fix it. "Whatever you do, I don't want to know. Got it?"
"Sure Ryder. Is there anything else?" His words was smooth as honey, as if this was just another business transaction. She had to wonder if this was how Reyes saw things. It was impossible to say.
Ryder checked her omni-tool. She needed to meet up with Erna and her daughter before the sun settled down so that meant there wasn't time for more questions. "I need your help with something."
"What do you need?"
"You know I'm a diabetic?"
By now everybody should've known even Reyes. Reyes Vidal was a man who had many connections, and Ryder had an idea that those connections stretched to other parts of Heleus.
"Yes." His answer was simple. No jokes. He didn't add anything else or pretended he knew all the answers. "A lot has happened these last few months."
That statement held more truth than Ryder could admit. "Yes, I guess it has."
"Does your diabetics have anything to do with it?" Reyes frowned as he thought of what she needed. "Wait, do you need a implant?"
Ryder had to blink a couple of times to remind her that this wasn't a dream. "There is no implants." The words came out automatically. It was something she said over and over again. She tried to keep her voice steady but she doubted she succeeded. She only hoped Reyes didn't hear the desperation in her voice.
"I can find one for you."
The offer was tempting, maybe a bit too tempting. It took every fibre of her being to say no. Besides she wouldn't know where he got it from. Someone might need a implant much more than she did. "No it's fine. I need your help with something else."
Ryder began telling the story about the girl with diabetes. How bad her condition was, and what her mother did to get Ryder's attention.
"So, in the end you've gone willingly?" Reyes asked. Ryder heard the judgement in his voice. One she heard too much of lately.
Ryder narrowed her eyes, "Yes." She could understand why Reyes was sceptical. But this was different. There was no way that Erna made it up. Sure she could sell the insulin, but her daughter wasn't in a very great condition. "If you're worried I'm used-"which she doubted Reyes was, "-don't. I saw her daughter. She was sick."
"So you gave her the insulin," their eyes met in understanding, "Willingly. I don't really know what you want from me Ryder."
"I have new insulin for them-"
Ryder was interrupted by a sigh. When she looked at him he shook his head. "These people will use you Ryder."
"Just let me finish the story," there was a hint of irritation in her tone. Everyone that heard about this wanted to disagree with her. Vetra seemed to agree at first, but at the end she thought Ryder was blind to their wrong doings.
Reyes' only response was to lift his hands in surrender.
"Anyway," Ryder went on, "I got the insulin and I'm ready to give it to them. But this is only a temporary solution." She looked down at her feet in defeat. "It's the last time I can do this for them."
The Charlatan nodded his head as he was getting a clearer picture as to why Ryder needed his help. "And this is where I come in."
"Yes, these people need help Reyes. I need you to get them back into the Port." Ryder didn't even bother to ask. She was here to help these people and she wasn't going to leave without getting what she came for, a permanent solution.
Reyes led out a dark laugh, "Ryder I can't just bring all the people in the Badlands to the Port." Before Ryder could say anything to counter it he continued, "And it isn't because I don't care – I do – it's just not possible."
"Reyes," Ryder tried very hard not to overact. It wasn't fair of her. Reyes took over not too long ago. There's a lot of improvements he needed to focus on before bringing people here. "I'm not asking for everyone just them. Please."
Reyes stared at her, having a sinking feeling that he would say no. Because why wouldn't he? It wouldn't benefit him or the Collectives. Ryder didn't know if Erna had skills that could benefit them. Otherwise Ryder would've used it. It might've been better to talk to her first, but Ryder hated false hope and for that reason she didn't want to give it to others.
After a moment – that felt like it lasted forever – Reyes murmured something that sounded an awful like, "I better not regret this", and took a big breath to speak. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. But," he lifted a gloved finger, "you'll need to be patient."
It was pretty obvious that Amber Ryder wasn't one of the most patient people. This wasn't a yes but it wasn't a no either.
"Thanks Reyes," she shot him a smile showing just how grateful she was. "I truly appreciate it."
It wasn't the best idea to go to the Badlands by herself, but Ryder decided to do it anyway.
It was best if she handled this alone. Bringing her team wouldn't be good for Erna and her people. She didn't want to cause unnecessary conflict like last time.
"Who are going to tell your brother if you die at the Badlands?" Lexi asked, her hands were crossed over her chest. She was wearing a stern face, clearly not on board with this idea.
"I'll be fine Lexi," Ryder assured her. But she knew it wasn't doing anything. "The Badlands isn't that bad."
That was a lie. Even though there was no Outcasts and Collectives actively killing each other – except for the Outcasts that wasn't dealt with, even though Ryder didn't hear of any reports – there was still other dangers. Adhi, mercenaries, who knows maybe even the Roekaar.
Ryder felt eyes on her back, eyes that didn't believe a word of what she said, while she choose what weapons would be best for her to take with her.
"You're not fooling anyone Ryder." It took her a while to recognize the voice but when she finally did she smiled. Cora. Of course she would say something like that.
She decided her silence was enough of a reply and looked towards Gill where he was standing next to the Nomad, "Is she ready?"
"Yes," he confirmed looking at the Nomad as if she was the most beautiful thing he saw in the Galaxy. "I hope you enjoy the upgrades."
"Thanks."
But now Ryder was already in the Nomad driving towards her destination. The Nomad was driving the smoothest she ever has, she could feel Gill have put a lot of work into her. She hoped she wouldn't need to face trouble, but she knew the chances of her wish coming true was rather slim.
The ride there were surprisingly smooth, her mind was free to wonder on it's own until something got in her way.
Something that sounded like rocks hit the Nomad. At first she didn't understand, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to make sense of it. Why would…
Then she realized it wasn't rocks but gunshots. She was under attack with no backup. No nothing. Of course she'll be attacked. This was just Ryder's luck.
"Pathfinder," SAM began to warn, "I suggest you leave the vehicle and face the enemies."
Ryder rolled her eyes at his words. "That's the plan SAM." She decided to park the Nomad scew to give her the best possible disadvantage. That way she could use it as cover.
Ryder snorted as she parked. Gill is going to kill me, and Cora will gladly lend him a hand.
She got her pistol out before getting out of the vehicle. Her hands didn't have a lot of space to move, it was cramped, but it wasn't long until her door flew open. She was as ready as ever to face her foes. Ryder slided out of the Nomad and checked to see how many enemies she had. The pistol felt save, secured in her hands. It was where it belong. As soon as she showed her face she shot.
Her enemies' movements was fast and her movements matched them. She didn't have a chance to identify her foes. She made turns with her biotics and pistol. Since she was the only one fighting at her own side she had to mainly use her biotics. But that didn't mean she was alone either.
She stuck her head out again and shot. Once. Twice. Both dead.
"SAM," she yelled as she threw a shockwave, a couple of enemies got hit with it. It gave her a chance to talk to the only one who had her six. "Can you identify them?"
"One moment," his voice was calm. Too calm. There was no urgency. If someone would listen to him one would think they weren't in the middle of a fight.
One turian was away from his friends and Ryder charged. Her body moved towards him at the speed of light. He never knew what hit him. He was down on the ground and Ryder shot. One. Two. Three. Quick. There was ragged breaths. His chest moved fast as he tried to breathe, his longs not having access to what it needed. Until he stopped breathing altogether.
There was blood coming from under him. Too much. And Ryder's boots were covered in blue blood.
"I'm unable to identify them," SAM spoke in her head. That meant either Ryder haven't fought them before or they were just mercenaries.
Ryder nodded, forgetting that SAM wouldn't be able to see it.
Another asari charged at her. She got her omni-blade out in time, but her opponent had the same idea. Omni-blade against omni-blade, it made a screeching sound and it hurt her ears. They pushed against each other. Someone was bound to lose control. The harder Ryder pushed the harder she pushed.
The Asari fell on the ground. Flat on her ass. She tried to get up on time, and succeeded. Instead of Ryder stabbing her, her omni-blade tasted the dirt. The time that Ryder used to get it lose – which wasn't a lot – the asari moved fast. Crawling from under her and stabbing her just above her ankle. Clear red blood was flowing freeing. Leaving her leg, and she cried out in pain.
The asari came for a second hit, Ryder tried channelling her biotics throwing a throw, but it was weak. The battle tired Ryder out. It send her opponent just a couple of meters.
She smiled, it was a wicked smile. Both of them knew Ryder was in trouble and the asari's smile spoke of blood lust.
Ryder did a quick check, her pistol was out of reach but if she could just stretch enough. Her fingers going for the pistol, but was unable to reach it by a few centimetres. The weapon was close yet so far.
Then both of them froze. They heard something that sounded an awfully like the thrusters of a shuttle landing. Ryder's reflexes was quick, much quicker than her opponent. And Ryder used it, moving to get her pistol and shot until she needed to reload.
When Ryder got up the asari was long dead.
Gunshots rippled through the air. Ryder didn't know what was going on. Whether these people were even on her side or not. Ryder limped to where she could get a better look. She pulled her sniper out to look.
A smile creeping up her lips as she recognized Erna's people through her scope.
She took this advantage and shot her enemies with her sniper rifle. Perfect head shots. She shot once, twice, thrice, reloaded and repeat. Until nobody was left.
"You really shouldn't be traveling alone," a mercenary said as everyone was dead. Ryder was still siting where she sniped the enemies.
Ryder recognized the voice. An arm was offered and she took it gladly. "Thanks for the help, but I was fine."
Hands removed her helmet, "I'm sure," the sceptical answer came from Erna. Her eyes moved to her leg and she wince at the sight of the blood, "You should get that check out."
Ryder only gave a shrug. She'll place some medi-gel on it.
Why have you came?"
Ryder pointed to the Nomad, "I have a present for you."