The Firefly (Mass Effect Andromeda)

Chapter 4

"Welcome back, Scott." SAM's voice said. Scott Ryder opened his eyes. His entire body ached, limbs feeling feeble, head pounding. He recalled those final seconds on the planet's surface, the pain ripping through his chest, his father's face, desperate, concerned, speaking words he could not hear.

"What happened?" He asked, sitting up.

"You were clinically dead for twenty-two seconds."

"Then how did I make it out?"

"Hey." Another voice said, stirring from a clearly uncomfortable position on the floor. "You're still with us." Liam Kosta rose to his feet, immediately using his omni-tool, "Guys, get to SAM Node! Ryder's awake."

Lexi and Cora came running immediately, the doctor waving her hands in front of her face. As he followed, his gaze landed upon his father's helmet. "My father...where?" He saw the looks on their faces, devastated, guilty, their eyes downcast. No one wanted to be the one to say what he in his heart already suspected.

It was Cora, ever the bearer of duty, who broke the news, "It was your life or his, and he chose you. I'm sorry, Scott. I know this must be a blow."

"He made the ultimate sacrifice." Scott said, hardly understanding the words coming from his lips, "He got the team out of danger. We all owe him for that." He felt disconnected, like if he didn't really think about the news, it wouldn't hit home, wouldn't break him.

"He once said that when his time came, he wanted to go out among stars no one had ever seen before." Cora's voice cracked a little and Liam rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Why are we in SAM Node?" Scott asked.

"SAM is a part of you now, in a way that we don't entirely understand. It played havoc with your brain." Lexi forced a smile.

"SAM?" Scott called out, the next terrible truth striking him.

"Your father authorized the transfer of Pathfinder authority to you." SAM said.

"Shouldn't that be Cora?" Scott said without thinking.

"In theory." She replied, standing to attention, "In reality...you're the new Pathfinder, Scott."

"You can't be serious!" Scott burst out.

"What's the matter?" Liam folded his arms, "I think you're up to it."

He looked away, "You saw my dad in action. It takes years to become a Pathfinder."

"You'll learn as you go." Liam replied in support, "Besides, you won't be doing this alone." Lexi explained that there was no choice now. SAM was a part of him, and could not be removed. Scott stared at them all in disbelief. It had to be a joke. His dad couldn't be just...gone. His dad was a force of nature. And to be Pathfinder, to have that responsibility, to save the human race...he couldn't do it.

"I know this is tough." Cora said, "But we need to start thinking about the next step. A lot of people are counting on us."

"Is the Ark still drifting?"

"That's the thing," Liam paused, "Whatever your dad did with that tower, it saved the day. Some sort of atmosphere scrubber."

"The energy cloud thinned out. We're on our way to the rally point now. Should be at the Nexus soon." Cora told him.