Scott peered through an obscured vision under heavy lifting eyelids. Slowly regaining a conscious state Pathfinder Ryder abruptly became overwhelmed by a great amount of weight compressing down on his body, seemingly his restricting chest cavity and forcing him to breath short breaths. He laid upon his backside on a solid flat surface, however, the dizziness that overwhelmed his sight prevented him from deciphering if he was looking up or down.

Sam's voice steeped through the haziness that rattled within the human man's head, 'You are regaining the state of consciousness, Scott. Your body has been confined under binds preventing the attempt for escape. You are presently being taken onboard the Kett flagship.'

The human Pathfinder's thoughts remained in a daze as he was brought to the reality of his circumstance, 'Shit... This is definitely NOT good.'

Ryder slowly moved his eyes back and forth taking a blurred glimpse of his immediate surroundings. The sharpness of pain originated from the back of his head and gradually ebbed through his skull. The onset of disoriented nausea forced Scott to clench his eyes shut. He maintained low even breaths and counted silently to himself in the waiting time for his senses to adapt. In his counting, Scott listened and matched the heavy footsteps on the metal flooring to each counted number. He reopened his eyelids to make another glance around and swiftly raised his sight to the view of a high rounded architecture composed of solid bronze-colored walls.

The commanding voice of a grand Kett suddenly boomed over the room, "Awaken the human!"

The side of Ryder's neck was suddenly struck by an electrical surge that seized his body into an uncontrollable shudder, the very fibers of all of his muscles were wringing with jolts of pain. Scott forcibly jarred his jaw wide open for a series of agonized screams to fill the large room. The electrical shock prod came away from his neck but its quivering affects lingered within the human's body. Scott profusely heaved in the attempts to regain his normal breathing rate. He muttered between heavy breaths, "You... you could.. have just... politely shook me instead... I'm a very... light sleeper." His words retained into a raspy whisper. After regaining his momentum, Scott slightly tilted his head reopening his eyes to the view of a tall slender Kett adorned in dark purple robe garb.

The grand Kett Cardinal gradually approached into the Pathfinder's line of vision and stopped to glare toward one of the surrounding Chosen soldiers. The Cardinal firmly ordered, "Remove the binds."

Scott shifted his eyes rapidly back and forth taking in the sight of the large number of Kett quickly casting their shadows over the Pathfinder's field of vision. Ryder stilled his breath while the bone-covered hands briefly fumbled with the metal device that weighted upon the human's body to hold him in place. The great weight was suddenly lifted to release Scott's limbs and torso. The human Pathfinder continued to anxiously watch the Kett stepping back and out of his peripheral view. Ryder very reluctantly propped himself onto his elbows to slowly sit upright upon the flat surface he had been bound to. He moved his head side-to-side glimpsing upon the surrounding Kett stepping further back, also taking mental note that his gear equipment, with weapons, were reduced down to the Initiative's black and white-colored Exo-suit. Scott quickly diverted his attention onto the Cardinal's graceful approach.

The grand Kett spoke in humble tone, "We welcome you into our presence, human. You have become the exemplar of the greatest accomplishment - besting our leader the Archon. We have sought for you, for this very such reason."

Scott narrowed his eyebrows and replied dryly, "You could have just sent me an invitation. I might have accepted if I knew that you guys were no longer holding a grudge."

The Cardinal slowly stepped back, making a reply without regard to the Pathfinder's snide remark, "We offer an exchange, human, a gift. This gift will beseech you with the grandeur of blessings among my people."

The Pathfinder lowly answered, "I don't mind the gift exchanging part but I don't want anything to do with exaltation. Thanks."

The Cardinal continued in profound exclaim that made shivers crawl up the man's backside, "Human, what I offer to you is the most esteemed honor. It is the symbol of true power. This opportunity will forever change every aspect of our genetics with your DNA code adjoining together with Kett."

Scott cocked an eyebrow. He pointing out his observation, "Exaltation but without being a brainless drone. I'm going to take your job, right? I'm going to have to politely decline."

The Cardinal stomped into range to glare the human man down, she loudly hissed, "Declining this gift is an insult!" She outstretched both of her boney talons to wrap around the human's throat to lift Scott's body off from the tabletop surface and let his legs dangle. The Kett's fingers tightly clenched digging her sharp boney talons into the sides of Scott's neck. A searing jolt of pain zipped through all of Ryder's muscles, limbs, and including internal organs. His body rapidly convulsed as if he was being slashed by sharpened knives slicing through his body and puncturing his insides all at once. The Pathfinder pried his mouth fully open for a soundless scream to erupt. His body was suddenly released to fall upon his backside on the bronze metal floor. Scott continued to violently squirm and was at last able to exclaim a long sounding agonized scream. Ryder regained enough of his strength to roll over onto his side, turning his face down into the cold metal floor. The Pathfinder made struggling inhales before Scott was able to catch a breath that quickly ruptured into a hoarsely coughing fit. Goblets of blood expelled from his throat and splattered onto the metal ground under his gaped mouth.

"S...S-am.." Ryder painfully whispered.

The voice of the Cardinal boomed angrily, "Remember this pain well, human! You will soon understand that embracing this gift will be most gratifying. All of this pain, sorrow, and your fears will be relinquished... Take the human to its chamber."

Scott softly grunted, "S...S..Sa.. m.. h-h.. el...p.."

'I will do all that I am able, Scott.' The artificial intelligence's voice quickly trailed off as the human man's consciousness slipped away.

.

.

Doctor Lexi T'Perro evenly spread a glob of clear Medi-gel upon the scathed dark blue mark across the side of the Turian's shoulder. The Asari next brought up material gauze to gently wrap around the fresh wound. Lexi made a worried look as she politely inquired, "Are you alright, Vetra?"

Vetra spun her head to look away and quipped bitterly, "What kind of question is that, Lexi?! Of course I'm not! I just- We just lost our Pathfinder to the fucking Kett! HOW am I supposed to feel?!"

The Asari softly soothed, "Vetra, I understand what Scott means to you, we all do. This is just as hard for all of us..." Lexi finished the triage on the Turian's shoulder and lowered her shaky hands to rest her palms upon the top of Vetra's hand. "I'm... sorry, Vetra... Scott.. Scott could possibly be..."

Vetra snapped, spinning her head toward the medical officer with a Turian glare, "I'm not giving up on Scott, Lexi! Scott is still alive!"

"He may yet still be alive but what if the Kett exalt him? It's only a matter of time before they decide to do so." Lexi's confidence quickly faded and she mostly asked aloud to herself in anxious sound, "What... what are we going to do?" She lowered her head and took in a deep breath to exhale a heavy sigh. "Sorry, Vetra. Losing Scott has deeply affected everyone. I just don't know how... It's like losing a life-long friend that I never knew I had..." Lexi slowly lowered her hands down to rest at the sides of her legs.

Vetra deeply huffed a sigh but quickly lifted her head and expressed a hopeful look toward the sound of the doorway silently hissing open.

Lieutenant Cora Harper emerged and held military-trained composure in her announcement, "Sam has established communications with the Nexus and has informed everyone that Ryder is in trouble. A fleet is being rounded up, meanwhile, a repair crew will be on their way to help patch up the Tempest. Thankfully, Gil was able to give the Tempest enough juice to land close enough to one of the outposts. We're getting everyone coming in from all over, including our Angaran neighbors, pitching in to help with the repair work..."

Vetra demanded as patiently as wit-willing, "How soon, Harper?"

Cora crossed her arms under her bust, slightly shrugging in her calm response, "I'm sure we're going to have the Tempest back to tip-top shape once the crew from the Nexus arrive." She made a worried look toward the Asari doctor and softly inquired, "How is Suvi, Lexi?"

Lexi smiled toward the Lieutenant offering assurance, "She's fine, Cora. I've patched her up. She's resting now in the dormitory. Thankfully there were no major injuries."

"That's good. Thank you, Lexi." The human Biotic returned a grateful smile. She uncomfortably shifted her weight and continued to elaborate, "Sam will keep us informed about Ryder's condition for as long as possible.. or until the worst possible happens. We can still hope that he finds a way out on his own or a miracle happens. He is the Pathfinder, after all."

"That's not very reassuring, Harper." Vetra expressed agitation in the tone of her voice. The female Turian slipped down from the medical table and wheeled her direction toward the human woman.

Cora took in a deep breath and slowly breathed out. Her smile quickly faded in reply, "Sara is probably taking this just as hard.. I'm going to go help with repairs." Her arms dropped to her sides before Lieutenant Harper spun around and started for the closed door behind her.

The Turian quickly injected, "Harper," Vetra watched the human Biotic suddenly stop and slightly turned her head raising a listening ear toward the Turian Mercenary. "Thank you..." Vetra finished.

Cora Harper acknowledged a brief nod of understanding and proceeded through the doorway, passing the Angaran Resistance Lieutenant and Liam Kosta. One after the other, Jaal Ama Darav and the crisis-response operative emerged into the medical wing.

The Asari doctor returned a stern expression up to the female Turian and ordered with a respectful tone, "Take it easy, Vetra. You're on light duty."

Vetra Nyx grumbled another sigh, "Thanks, Lexi."

Lexi cordially nodded and rounded Vetra to approach the doctor's medical desk.

The Turian diverted a glare toward Liam and folded her arms over the other. She demanded in bitterness, "What do you want, Kosta?"

Liam half-smirked in the effort to offer a cheerful outlook, "Just making sure things are alright is all, Vetra. Having Ryder taken was a pretty hard punch. I don't know what to say but... I'm here for ya if you need a punching bag."

"Thanks but I'm on light duty. You're off the hook for now." Vetra murmured quickly regarding any further conversation with the human man and raised her attention toward Jaal. "Hey, Jaal."

The male Angaran made his approach, widely extending his arms to either side and stepped closer to swiftly embrace Vetra's torso with a comforting hug.

Vetra became caught into surprise, quickly casting off her bewilderment she returned Jaal's gesture by wrapping her arms around his waist and accepted the friendly Angaran hug.

Jaal broke away as he stepped back and let his arms fall to his sides.

"Don't worry, Vetra, I have spoken with Evfra about this situation and he is making the arrangements to send Angaran reinforcements. They will be joining with the Initiative's fleet to rescue Ryder."

Vetra expressed renewed enthusiasm by slightly wiggling her mandibles.

"I appreciate it, Jaal. Thank you."

.

.

Scott's mind came to gradual awareness from the sound of a female Angara's voice whispering angrily, "Shh! Leave him alone, Pravalo! He's been through the Kett's torture!"

A deepened voice of a male Angaran enraged into a near shout, "It is an alien! Do not coddle over it! Let it die!"

"Enough, brother! He is a prisoner just like us!" The female Angara retort.

Ryder took in a slow deep breath but had been suddenly struck with a convulsion of pain shooting through all of his limbs and muscles. Scott harshly coughed, almost choking, and quickly rolled himself over to lay upon his side. Splatters of blood hit the floor in the human's attempt to regain a breath of air. He hacked and spat a mouthful glob of blood onto the floor prior retaining his breathing rhythm into steady heaving sounds. Scott's eyelids were clenched shut while his thoughts continued to dizzily swim.

"Human, be easy on yourself! You have endured the Kett's torture and must stay still!" The female Angara worriedly cautioned and placed both of her hands down onto the top of Scott's bicep.

Ryder's coughing fit at finally ceased into a forced slow breaths. He had been left with a throbbing headache to bare through until Scott was able to gain enough strength to lift his eyelids open. Through his eyes gaze he was able to spy an outline of a white-colored Angaran. The Pathfinder left his mouth gaped open allowing deep breaths in and out and mustered to ask in a shaky voice, "Wh..where.. am I?"

"You should be resting, human..." The female Angara gently soothed, slowly moving one of her hands down to the floor as she leaned over Scott's body to stare upon his face with large starry eyes. She hesitantly answered, "We are within a holding cell on one of the Kett ships..."

Ryder's blurry eyesight had become cleared and granted him to shift his eyes up to meet into the Angara's hopeful stare.

"Have you come to save us?"

"Tava, STOP talking to it! It's not here to help us!" The unseen male Angara demanded angrily.

Scott momentarily grunted in his movements to brace both of his palms flatly down upon the floor and weakly pushed himself upright onto his hands and knees. A sudden compelling force of sharply jolts of pain dropped upon the human's body causing Ryder to lose strength in his limbs. He began to fall face forward but was abruptly caught into the Angaran woman's arms. The Angara known as Tava swiftly crawled into a knelt down position directly in front of the human man and allowed his weight to lean into her torso.

Tava warned, "You must stop trying to move, human! You will bring more injury onto yourself if you do so."

Pathfinder Ryder tiredly protested, "I need to get up.. find a way to get out.."

Tava gently shook her head and answered with a despaired sound, "There's no way out of this.. we are the Kett's prisoners."

Scott rested the side of his face onto the top of Tava's shoulder and softly closed his eyes. He anxiously inquired in a hoarse whisper, "Just how long have you two been prisoners here?"

Tava quietly sighed with sorrowful tone, "I'm no longer certain. I am only able to keep count of how often we are taken out of this chamber and taken in for torture... The Kett provide us enough nourishment to keep us alive. Seldom, they take us out of this cell to beat us in front of the other prisoners... and display the despicable methods of torture brought onto the others in front of us... It.. it's horrific what the Kett do.."

Ryder's curiosity persisted, "How have you survived this long without being exalted?"

"The Kett have.. changed. They no longer force us into becoming an exalted one.. instead they have reduced themselves down to beating us to the brink of death or until an Angara accepts the exaltation process to escape any further torment.

Scott made the attempt to sit upright of his own accord by bracing his hands onto the floor again and slowly shuffled away from the Angara's support.

"Urk!" Ryder loudly grunted through his tightly clenched teeth. He rapidly panted with trails of sweat quickly forming over his brow as he braced into a half-upright sitting positon.

'Scott, I advise refraining from any further activity until you have received medical attention. The severe damage that was brought upon your body has left internal lesions on all of your organs and muscle tissue.' Sam's robotic voice offered warning.

"Sam?! Sam!" Scott exclaimed fatigued relief, "It's so good to hear you again!"

Tava made a puzzled look and glanced toward the dark green Angaran standing in the far corner of the prison chamber. She hesitantly questioned, "Sam? What is a Sam? What are you talking to?"

Scott exhaled another series of grunts in his motions to slowly crawl toward the nearest wall and heavily slumped onto his rear quickly leaning his weight against the solid surface. The Pathfinder's breaths had progressed into another series of intense heaves which quickly composed into rapid short breaths. Ryder rested the back of his head against the wall and forced deep breaths in and out through his nostrils. A sudden dizzy spell swam through Scott's thoughts and slowly transformed into a pulsing migraine.

"Fuck... this hurts.. Okay... I think I'm done moving." Ryder muttered through his clenched teeth. He slowed his breaths and finally supplied answer in a tired-sounding voice, "Sam is an artificial intelligence connected to me through my implant... He might have a way to get us out of here." Scott reopened his eyelids and moved his eyes to look upon the Angara with pure white-colored skin. "I really don't get any of this. The Kett want us to willingly give up and accept to be exalted? It doesn't sound like they're desperate for volunteers... It's become more of a sport now.."

"Sport? I don't understand." Tava slowly shook her head showing a confused expression in her eyes.

The human Pathfinder bent one of his knees up and rested the point of his elbow onto his kneecap. He propped his arm upright in order to rest his forehead into his palm. He slowly replied, "Sport.. like a game.. it's a human phrase used to describe a bully seeking the thrill of giving chase by antagonizing a weaker lifeform trying for an escape... The Kett were already assholes before we stopped the Archon but whoever is in charge now is a much bigger asshole... Hey, Sam? Did you find any way out of this place, by chance? I really don't like this interior decoration anymore.."

'I do not have an analysis for this present situation, Scott. My processing power is only limited within the vicinity of the Andromeda galaxy cluster and unable to compile scans and hacking sequences to plot for a method of escape from the Kett flagship. However, I am still able to supply information in regards to the status of your vital life signs.'

"I'm still alive, that's what counts. You can still relay info back to the Tempest, right?" Scott asked in hopeful anticipation.

'Of course.'

"Does the crew know about the circumstance? That I'm here and... well, obviously not on the Tempest."

'Yes, Scott. I have redirected the information to the Nexus including the Angaran Resistance. They are rallying for a fleet deployment. I am able to provide a signal relay that will serve as a pinpoint to your present location via the connection I have to your implant.'

Scott murmured in acknowledgement, "Good job, Sam, and thanks. I will assess the situation on my side and... I guess I'll try to find a way to escape." He returned a glance toward the female Angara and sighed, "I'm definitely going to remember this and payback is going to be a bitch when I get out of here." Ryder lowered his eyes looking down upon his Exo-suit and started rambling silent curses.

Tava slowly arose into a standing posture and offered a soothing voice, "You should rest while you can, human. Moving in your present condition will only ensure a greater ordeal to be brought upon you the next time the Kett torture you."

"You don't have to call me human. I'm Scott Ryder from the Andromeda Initiative.. the human Pathfinder, if you're curious."

Pravalo snapped in retort, "We don't care who you are!"

"Pravalo, enough already!" Tava half-turned to make a glare toward the dark green Angaran. She looked upon Scott to speak apology, "Forgive my brother. Pravalo had taken part in the Roekaar movement and is a damned fool for refusing help from your people, Scott Ryder. I'm Tava B'shond. This is my brother Pravalo."

Ryder tipped his head to look up to Tava with an stricken look and asked, "You're siblings? How did you two get captured at the same time?"

Tava shook her head gently and responded softly, "That doesn't matter right now. I insist that you must rest. The Kett have demanded that you stay alive."

"How can you tell? My charm might have rubbed off onto them." The human man quipped in sarcastic tone.

"They provided a medical kit and... ordered me to mend your wounds. If I don't then they will kill my brother.. I have medical training with Angara biology but... nothing on a human..." Tava turned in her place and briefly walked out of Scott's line of sight. She returned shortly carrying a long black container in both of her arms and carefully knelt down placing the filled container beside Scott's leg. Tava flipped open the latched lid and stated, "There are tools in this that I don't understand their use for but I know that they're meant for triage purposes. Tell me what they are and how to use them."

Scott agreed with a nod, "Sam can assess the damage and I'll give you instructions, Tava."

The door suddenly hissed open behind Tava, quickly raising the Pathfinder's attention onto the large number of Kett infantry soldiers charging into the room. The armed Kett waved their weapons immediately into Scott's and Tava's direction. Ryder turned his head to glance upon a second wave of Kett surrounding the dark green Angara.

Tava spun around diverting a worried look toward her sibling being forced toward the doorway. She began to stand, beckoning a cry, "Pravalo! Don't take him!"

One of the bone-covered creatures suddenly jabbed a gunpoint into Tava's forehead bringing down the Angaran woman into a petrified state.

Ryder intently watched the Kett forcing Pravalo out of the chamber before returning his own sight onto the few Kett who remained. The group of soldiers gradually backed away, lifting their gun points toward the ceiling, and whirled around to leave from the chamber. The door sealed shut leaving Tava separated from her sibling and alone with the Initiative's Pathfinder.

"Where are they taking him?" Scott offered a gentle tone in his question and slowly lowered his hand away from his forehead.

Tava had returned to kneel down onto both knees next to the human man. She replied sorrowfully without looking toward Scott, "They are going to... torture... He... he is nearing breaking point... Scott.. I fear for him.." She dipped her head down and closed her eyes.

Scott lowered his gaze to the black container. He expressed his condolences, "I'm sorry, Tava... If I had known that you and your brother were-"

Tava quickly shook her head, reopening her eyes, and turned her head to follow Ryder's gaze.

"It's okay... You didn't know about our capture... I believe that you can help us. If you are who you say you are then I have indeed of your exploits, Scott Ryder. You have stopped the Archon and founded a new planet called Meridian. I'll have to say; the stars are certainly in your favor." Tava lightened the mood with a soft chuckle and a faint smile.

Ryder smirked, "Until I fell into the Kett trap. The stars might have faded or my luck is running out."

Tava's large eyes shifted their focus onto Scott. Her gaze shifted up and down in her study over the length of the human's body. Tava spoke in reluctance, "I'm not sure how to mend you.. is this another layer of human skin?"

"It's an Exo-suit. I'll have to remove it... I might need some help, though." Scott responded in a murmur.

Tava anxiously cleared her throat, "Tell me what to do."

Ryder elaborated the details how to remove the Exo-suit plates and allowed the female Angaran to assist him in order to remove the under armor.

The Angara distracted herself by speaking out loud, "The other prisoners that I have mentioned... I had seen one that looked like a human.. The body structure and ligaments were built identical but I'm not entirely sure if it is a human. I've only taken glimpse in passing when the Kett dragged me to the place where they torture us... The prison chamber was not like this one."

Scott lightly shuddered as he removed the last of the Initiative protective gear. He looked at Tava with a worried look.

"Can you describe it?"

Tava explained softly, "The chamber glowed like an energy field. The human was floating inside but it wasn't moving."

The Pathfinder made a curious expression and continued to ask, "That's probably a stasis field. Is there anything else you can remember?"

Tava returned her attention onto Scott and made a perplexed look. She motioned toward Ryder's chest and supplied, "The other human's skin didn't appear like yours. There was a brilliant silver shine and... strange green symbols that moved like water.."

"Did he or she at least to have appeared friendly?"

Tava gently shook her head, "I don't know."

Scott lightly sighed, "I'm going to presume that they're not on the Kett's side. Do you remember where the stasis chamber is?"

"I do, yes, but.. what could it possibly offer to aid in our escape?"

Ryder's eyes turned away. He contemplated out loud, "I'm not sure yet. If we can find a way out of this cell and if we're really lucky find some weapons." His eyes shifted toward the sealed door looking it up and down and muttered disgruntlement, "There's obviously going to be no controls on this side."

Tava motioned to the medical kit box and gently implied, "There's nothing we can do right now, Scott Ryder. We better get you patched up... Um, this is my first time taking care of a human."

Scott turned his head's direction to glare down at the black container. He roughly swallowed and asked aloud, "Sam?"

'Your internal muscle tissues have sustained minor lesions caused from a low frequency energy surge. The location on the back of your skull has also endured a brunt force. There is no permanent damage.' Sam's voice responded in robotic calmness.

"Sara had mentioned, on numerous occasions, that I was always a hard head. I guess I can look on the bright side; my skull is intact." Scott lightly shuddered feeling the coldness of the metal floor under his bare skin. He shifted his sight onto Tava whom made a puzzled look.

"Sara?"

Ryder smirked to himself and responded in light-heartedness, "Sara is the name of my twin sister. Although, we look nothing alike she's the one whose got the brains. I got the good looks."

Tava's demeanor became relaxed as she smiled.

"You have more siblings?"

"Just one. Small family." Scott shrugged in his response.

Scott and Tava together drew their attention toward the sealed door loudly hissing open and in time to see the male Angara being thrown into the small chamber.

Pravalo dropped front-side down into a heap upon the floor and lowly grunted in his movements to curl up into a ball. The became sealed shut.

"Pravalo!" Tava suddenly rose onto her feet and rushed to her brother's side.

"DON'T touch me! Don't.. look at me, sister." Pravalo began to softy whimper.

Tava disregard her brother's plea and gingerly placed her hands upon the top of his shoulder motioning him to roll onto his backside. She loudly gasped in horror, "Stars! Pravalo, your eye... what did they do to you?!"

Pravalo rolled onto his side again and brought up both of his hands to cover his face. He sorrowfully cried, "They removed my eye, Tava... The Kett gouged it out while I was awake. It... it hurts, sister... I cannot go on like this."

"Hush now, brother. I'm here with you. We must stay strong. Remember our family. We must remain strong so we can return to them." Tava gently soothed and brushed one of her hands down the side of her brother's head.

"It's useless, Tava... I'm not as strong.. as you." Pravalo softly whispered between whimpers.

Scott curled up both of his legs into his chest and crossed his arms together onto the tops of his kneecaps. He lowered his forehead to rest upon his crossed arms.

"Sam, we need to get out of here as soon as possible.."

(*Edited: 8/9/2017*)