A veteran galactic explorer.
He enlisted as an Alliance soldier at a young age and was immediately distinguished by his great skills. For this reason he was chosen as a member of the special task force that took part in the historic journey through the Charon mass relay. He and the rest of the crew, led by Jon Grissom, were the first humans to explore the unknown beyond the Solar System. It's thanks to their heroic deeds that humanity has been able to expand and flourish in the Galaxy, and without their efforts we would never have gotten this far.
Back on Earth, Alec Ryder would go on to further prove his mettle. His experience and his determination have made him a perfect candidate for a new special training, later be known as the N7 Program, solidifying himself as one of the first members of Alliance military's elite. Few people can boast this title and he's been a beacon and inspiration for many of them. He later gave maximum proof of this value by fighting on the front lines during the First Contact War, which reached its peak during the siege of Shanxi.
Yet few in humanity remember his deeds. His controversial AI research and experimentation, illegal under Council law, resulted in a dishonorable discharge from the Alliance military and his memory was discredited. He later found himself fighting a lone battle, but in spite of his disgrace he did never give up, and it was thanks to his project that he was chosen to lead the Andromeda Initiative alongside Jien Garson. Without the SAM technology we could not have guaranteed a future for all species in this Galaxy.
But above of all of this… he was my father.
I owe him everything. I wouldn't be here now without him. The things my father taught me made me a better woman and the Pathfinder you needed most. I hope my father knows that the seeds he sowed are still growing. He showed me how it feels to feel the sky within my reach and I always will remember all the strength he gave to me. I'll keep a part of him with me and everywhere I am, there he'll be.
He will never be forgotten.
Once he said that when his time came, he wanted to go out among stars no one had seen before. Somewhere... there's a star that's shining so bright that I can see him smile. Thanks dad, for everything.
N7 Month 2022 - Day #03: Veteran
Taken from the speech given by the human Pathfinder Aerrin Ryder at the inauguration of the memorial to Alec Ryder on Habitat 7, now known as Ryder-I in his honor.
🎶 Things My Father Said - Black Stone Cherry