Mass Effect Andromeda: Image of an Initiator

by MyWell

Summary:

Malakai "Kai" Carl Jemison was unsure why his father, Alec Ryder, was so adamant about him joining the Andromeda Initiative. His sister, Makayla, sure. She was capable, dutiful, and always had done the name proud in the eyes of both their parents but the relationship between Kai and his father was tenuous at best. This became especially true after his father learned that he had served in the covert Alliance program, Paladin and participated in some of its most infamous missions. Reluctantly, Kai joined the Andromeda Initiative figuring there was no reason for him to remain in the Milky Way since he had no one other than his sister and she would be leaving. He was unsure as to what lie ahead but whatever it would be, he was more than ready to face it and do his part in helping others be prepared to do the same.

But what will he discover in this new galaxy? Success? Failure? Death? A new life?

This is the story of Combat Recon and Tactical Specialist, Malakai Jemison, his crew, and the challenges they contend with as they try to initiate the settling of Andromeda.

Chapter 1: Malakai C. Jemison

Notes:

Click on links underneath image to see larger picture.

[Eyes Open]

Jemison took a single controlled deep breath while steadily opening his eyes.  He took note of his surroundings but rather than feeling like he had suddenly become aware of them, it was like he never not aware.  The familiarity was somewhat strange given how much time that should have passed if all had gone according to plan.

 

Tech Band: << “…2819.  Location, Heleus Cluster, Andromeda Galaxy.  Current officers of the Hyperion are...” >>

 

The tech band on his wrist finished re-synchronizing to the Hyperion’s status systems and he could feel it vibrate as it spoke.  The computerized voice made it clearer how unsettling things should be given the fact that over 600 years had passed and yet to him, virtually no time had.  Jemison felt rested like he had a full night’s sleep and, rather than having just woken up, had been up for a few hours.  In fact, Jemison felt the same way he did just before he was put into his cryo-pod.  It was literally as If he had closed his eyes, counted to ten, then opened them.

 

Jemison sat up then immediately stood and, despite this ordinarily being a rather simple act, it seemed to startle some that had taken notice.

 

Jemison: “I guess it’s time to get to it.”

he remarked to himself as he began to walk away from his cryo-pod.  Jemison’s attempt to exit the area was interrupted by two very surprised Medical Cryogenic Specialist Technicians.

 

Alin Newton: “Quite the spirited one aren't you?  Nonetheless, you’re gonna want to take it easy.”

the Senior MCST said politely as he placed a gentle but encouraging hand on Jemison’s left shoulder.  Jemison complied and sat back down.

“There we go.  Now let's get a look at you and your pod.”

The woman with him then tapped her data pad against the side of Jemison's pod.

 

 

[Alin and Natlia] 

Jemison: “I appreciate the concern, but I’ve rested enough. I mean I literally slept for 600 years so I’d say I’m good.”

 

Natlia Tsang: “Hehmph, I bet.  Though technically, you weren't asleep.  It was more like a stasis.  Which basically means, no dreaming or anything like that.  But, I get what you meant though.  Still, you may think you’re ‘good’ especially given the way you were already up and walking just now, but trust us when... we... say thaaat-”

her words slowed, eventually coming to a full stop, as she was confused by the information on her data pad.

“Wait, you’re part of?  No. That can’t be.  Right.  Group Green?”

She continued tapping on her data pad.  Scrolling.  Going back and forth.

“But we just started waking this color.  We're not even finished Wake-Up protocols for everyone in this group yet.  This would mean you were up and ready to go after what?  A min, maybe not even, of us administering the amantadine?!”

 

As he continued the preliminary examination of Jemison and the cryo-pod, the Senior MCST dismissed the notations read by his colleague.

Alin Newton: “Likely just a clerical error.  Try not to go screaming at anyone though Nat.  We're all just trying to get our bearings after all.”

Alin then addressed Jemison.

“I’m thinking you were group blue.  Maybe even purple.”

 

Natlia Tsang: “Even if.  Your recovery would still be…  I just know I haven’t seen anyone else standing and walking that quickly.  You also show no signs of cryo-lagging.  No disorientation.”

 

Alin Newton: “Now, now.  We’re getting abit out of our depth.  Let’s leave the more comprehensive stuff to the doctors that focus only on the bodies.”

 

Natlia Tsang: “True, true.  Still, I hope you’re assigned to something important.  You know what?  Why don’t we have ourselves a look?”

She practically sang the question while looking back at the digital chart in her hand.

“Jemison, Malakai C.  Combat, Recon, and Tactical Specialist.  SCIES Mission Team.”

 

Alin Newton: “That’s a mouthful.  Guess we’re gonna be keeping you pretty busy, Jemison.”

 

Alin reiterating Jemison's name triggered some cautious optimism in Natlia.  She had to be sure that the name was the one she thought it was or more importantly, she wanted to know if Malakai was somehow related to the person she had in mind.

Natlia Tsang: "Wait?  Jemison?  As in Mae..."

 

Natlia and Malakai continued in near unison.  Malakai’s tone was not one of irritation, but it was like someone who had gone through this kind of thing before.  Tsang’s tone was one of controlled excitement.

Natlia and Kai: “…Carol Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.”

 

Malakai: “Yup.  She would be my 5th Great Gran Gran.”

 

Now that she got her confirmation, Natlia gave herself license to fully feel her elation and this caused her to speak noticeably faster.

Natlia Tsang: “I wrote several of my papers about her!  Well, probably like… every paper where I was allowed to pick her as a subject!"

Natlia laughed some before she continued.

"Maybe even a few where I technically wasn't.  I had my ways.  I mean she was the reason I got into science and really wanted to explore the stars since I was a kid!  When I learned about her I had to be all about space!  I'd say she is the reason I joined the Initiative.  Seriously.”

 

Alin Newton: “I didn't know that, Nat.  What did you want to do before?"

 

The pace of her words returned to normal and she took a deep breath before responding.

Natlia Tsang: “Before that?  Treating unicorns.  Yes, I said it.  I wanted to be a unicorn doctor.”

She made an unusual sound as a form of some feigned embarrassment while partially covering her face.

 

Malakai: “As grateful and as proud as I am of my Great Grandmama Mae, I kind of wish you hadn't learned about her.  A Unicorn Specialist would have been far more useful on this voyage than a MCST.”

He pretended to be disappointed as he continued.

“Guess my unicorn’s going to have to stay in cryo now.”

Kai then smiled.  Natlia laughed in response letting out a little snort which caught her off guard though it was quickly suppressed.

 

 

[SCIES Field Team Manual]

After laughing a little, Alin steered the conversation to something Natlia had said before.

Alin Newton: “Well I’d say that you got your wish, Nat.  Jemison is on the SCIES Team.  The ones who will find a place to put down our settlements.  Pretty important.  Oh, speaking of which.  Almost forgot.”

Alin selected a data pad, punched a few things into it, and then handed the pad to Kai.

“There is the manual for your specific team assignment.  Read over it, hand the pad back and we'll have you out of here soon enough.”

 

Natlia Tsang: “Jemison, can you make sure one of the settlements is near an ocean?  Spring year-round.  Hell, I’d even take a place that’s like… Fall all the time.”

 

With a slight laugh and a smile, Alin interjected.

Alin Newton: “I know he doesn't look like he needs it but how about we get him some coffee first?”

 

Malakai finished reading the data pad and handed it back to Alin.

Malakai: “Coffee isn't necessary.  Really, but thank you.  I'm fine.  As far as the oceanfront settlement?  I’ll see what I can do for you.  But two things.  Both of you can call me Kai and secondly, just promise me if I find this place, you’ll save me a comfortable beach chair next to yours.”

 

She eagerly smiled as she responded.

Natlia Tsang: “You got it… Kai.  And I’m Natlia by the way.  Or Nat.  You know.  So you’re not sitting next to a complete stranger.”

 

Alin Newton: “And I’m Alin.  And Kai, you appear perfectly preserved like a vegetable in a vacuum sealed bag.  Pod read out, also good and so it looks like you’re ready for your medical examination.”

 

Malakai: “Well, it was nice to meet you both, but I’ll let you get to everyone else.”

 

He pointed in the general direction that Malakai needed to go as he spoke.

Alin Newton: “You’re going to want to head that way and have a seat on one of the beds out there.”

 

Natlia Tsang: “Says here Dr. Lexi T’Perro will be the one conducting the exam.”

 

Alin Newton: “Ah.  She’s one of the Initiative’s best docs."

 

Natlia Tsang: "One of our weirdest doctors.  If she offers to dissect you, you should turn her down."

Alin gave Natlia a disapproving look.

"What?  She is.  She'd want to.  He shouldn't let her."

 

With a soft grin, he shook his head dismissively.

Alin Newton: "You'll be in good hands, Kai.  Take care and good luck out there.”

 

Kai: “Thank you for that, Alin.  You can never have too much luck.”