Evfra had let Jaal enter the alien vessel against his better judgement. The alien – who was called Ryder – had made an offer that the open angaran identified with and that was that. Evfra had learned the hard way to not trust alien presences. But he did admit that these humans looked much more squishy and delicate than the previous bone-faced kett. This was one reason that Efvra felt it would be no large task for a warrior of Jaal's caliber to defeat the crew – although he would likely die in the process, but who was Efvra to talk the powerful open angara out of attempting peace.

Efvra had only been swayed by the plea in Jaal's eyes and – to be honest – slightly intimidated by the wash of hope the bioelectric field that simply saturated him at the mention of the Moshae's salvation.

"I know you can spare me."

Jaal's voice had rang with a hint of laughter, and Efvra gathered that Jaal was teasing him. Not that Efvra appreciated that. After grudgingly giving his assent, Evfra's only comfort was hearing the threat ringing out across the room from Jaal, though he doubted that Jaal would need to kill the small female in her sleep.

Now, Efvra was alone in his office awaiting impatiently for Jaal's report. A light dinged on his datapad, and he opened the message.

Efvra,

This vessel is amazing. The humans have brought many things aboard - some of which though amazing seemed unnecessary. I had brought articles with me, but it seems that they will not be needed. Upon crew introductions, I feel that they trust me as little as I trust them – save for the Pathfinder. The woman seemed to bludgeon her comrades into offering the respect that she felt I deserved. Perhaps it must be earned on both sides. We are not going to Voeld directly. I am not very pleased with this, and I am anxious to see the Moshae once again. A human colony stationed on Eos will be used to refuel and resupply before our journey. I do hope we will make it to the Moshae in time.

In the meantime, I have a good feeling about working with the crew. There are five types of aliens working peacefully aboard the ship. I will list them in terms of formidability.

Drack – He is a krogan and fierce. I feel that going into combat with this one is much better than going against them.

Vetra – A turian. I believe that she is one of the spiked aliens that have been reported on Havaarl. If they can stand stalwart against the wildlife of the home planet, I believe that they deserve our respect.

Asari –I sometimes think the patterns on their skin resemble the anagara to a degree. It is the tenacity that makes them special. There are two on board the vessel – a doctor and a researcher. They exhibit vastly different personalities. I have heard that this has to do with their paternal parentage, but I have not inquired further at the moment.

Humans - I do believe the humans are not the most intelligent, long-lived, or armored of the group, but they combine all the qualities exhibited in the other species to a slightly lesser degree.

Kallo – A salarian and also the pilot. He makes astute observation and is usually found on the bridge. For this reason, I have had limited contact with him. Perhaps he eats away from his console.

The Pathfinder has made efforts to inquire further about the angara. I am perplexed by her curiosity. It is unnerving to not feel her bioelectric field confirming her words, but I feel that she speaks true. She is the only one that I have spoken to at length. But I am not forgetting my promise.

Stay strong and clear.

Jaal

Evfra scanned the attached photos. Apparently, the inside of the ship was a practical mix of lush and functional. He approved of this – grudgingly. He supposed that this practicality would make a fierce opponent. Covert photos and scans of the crew members were included. The warrior resembling a fiend seemed to spring solely from his armor. Efvra felt that this alien was the krogan mentioned in the letter – a formidable opponent indeed.

He silently scanned the other humanoids until he stopped at a photo of the Pathfinder. This photo was obviously not taken covertly. The girl's blue eyes danced as she posed with a friendly smile on her face. Her eyes crinkled making the scar on her left more visible. Jaal must have asked for the photo. He knew the humans appeared… squishy and fragile, but they had crossed galaxies and apparently – if the Pathfinder could be believed – terraformed a world with ancient technology. Jaal simply should not ask for photographs like an enamored schoolgirl. Evfra sighed.

He loved his friend dearly. He really was the closest friend he had – more from Jaal's insistence than any invitation on Evfra's part. Jaal wanted a peaceful world and seemed to see the starting point as slowly plucking the thorns from Evfra's personality. But Efvra had become very adept at growing thorns, and Jaal's persistent plucking had simply opened up a single bare spot where every so often the friendly angara could ply his commander with a touch of friendship, yet they were still close.

Efvra told himself that he held too many secrets to hold friends as well. Secrets about the Moshae's capture were bound to come to light when this mission was completed. He was still unsure that Jaal would be in his corner after the conclusion. He could only hope.

He looked at the Pathfinder's smile once again searching for any reason that he could possibly find to mistrust the alien, yet he could find none. Her eyes laughed, and the long string-like bits that fell from her head threatened to fall into him. He wondered what it felt like unconsciously running his hand over his head feeling the slick skin of his scalp with its scars and callouses caused from exposure to the elements as if he had never felt his head before.

"Sir?"

He jerked his hand down and slammed the datapad on the desk with a loud expensive sounding smack. As the ring dissipated along with his blush, he immediately resumed his signature frown.

"What?" He knew that he snapped, and the prickles of embarrassment were still lingering on his skin.

The warrior straightened to attention with a small blip of confusion that Efvra knew was from the usually quiet bioelectrics of the commander suddenly spiking fiercely.

"Sir, reports have come in from Voeld along with the promised transfer for those posted at the Resistance camp."

"I'll be there shortly."

The recruit nodded and ducked out of the office. Efvra sighed knowing his work was never done. He glanced once more down at the datapad and frowned thinking that if only this alien's picture made him seem so off-balance he wondered how he would ever work with her provided the alliance were solidified.

"At least there are no bioelectrics," he muttered pushing his chair back and proceeding to stride purposefully to the landing pad.