"Ryder, HOW dare you let the Kett capture you!" Peebee's voice raved over the communications, "Our little oddball team wouldn't be the same if you're exalted! I am NOT taking orders from a Kett Pathfinder!"
Scott grinned to himself, "Don't worry, Peebee, I'm not exalted... And who said I let them capture me? I believe it was the other way around; my irresistible charm captivated them."
"You're full of it, Pathfinder, but hey, we deal." Liam's voice was received over the transponder speaker.
"Ouch, Liam!" Ryder gawked in a hurtful tone.
"We can always give him back to the Kett.. Let them deal with his irresistible charm."
The human Pathfinder stifled a chuckle, "Sounds like Liam's teachings are rubbing off on you, Jaal."
The Tempest's engineer scoffed, "Pfft! I believe Jaal has learned a thing or two from me, actually. Thanks."
Sky crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head, "Is... this what the Andromeda Initiatives do in their past time?"
"Wow, he sounds like a party pooper to me. Oh! Did I say that out loud? Are we still broadcasting to Ryder?"
"Peebee, go play with Poc. You're embarrassing." Vetra lowly growled.
Sara Ryder mumbled, "Oh boy.."
Sky softened his voice, "Let us speak in privacy, Pathfinder."
The human man nodded agreement, "Sam? Can you... turn off the broadcast for a while? I'll see you guys at the Nexus."
Sam acknowledged, "Broadcasting communications have been switched off, Pathfinder Ryder."
Scott slowly removed his helmet and placed it under one of his arms. He raised a puzzled eyebrow, "What's up, Sky?"
"I am offering to transfer these data files to your Initiative allowing them to use this information to their advantage. There is more to this than I can elaborate." Sky explained as he focused his helmet's direction onto the human Pathfinder.
Pathfinder Ryder gradually nodded and outstretched his left arm, igniting the orange glow prompted from his Omni-tool appearing above his bracer armor.
"Okay, transmit away. Sam will upload it to the Nexus database."
Sky uncrossed his arms and explained softly as he reached his left hand out to grip tightly onto Ryder's wrist, "My connections can only be established through touch... have your artificial intelligence avoid scanning me during this exchange."
Sam explained, "I apologize, Sky. Alec Ryder, my creator, has made it part of my programming to be innately inquisitive as a similar personality trait found in a living being." The artificial intelligence acknowledged in his calm mannerism, "Ready to accept the transfer... Making connection... accepting the transfer. This will be a moment." Sam's voice converted to the human's private channel, 'There is a chance for me to finish scanning him while his connections are opened to me, Pathfinder. Distinguishing what he is and what Biotic abilities that he is capable of would offer clarification. I cannot determine the mineral composition from the armor that he wears but it has proved as a hindrance that has prevented me from retrieving internal scans of his biological life signs.'
The human's thoughts delved into silent contemplation but he gently shook his head and dismissed the notion by asking, "Sam, how much longer on the transfer?"
"The upload is complete, Pathfinder Ryder. Thank you for this information, Sky."
"We should also transfer it over the Angaran Resistance, Sam." Ryder suggested as his wrist was released from Sky's strong grip. He slowly rotated his wrist thinking to himself, 'Damn! He's got a strong grip. I felt it through my armor.' Scott turned his head to look toward the view window and expressed welcomed relief, "Ah! Here we are. Welcome to the Nexus, Sky."
Sky made a graceful turn directing his attention toward the starboard window as the sight of the guiding fleet ships broke away from formation to reveal the great-sized Initiative flagship hovering motionlessly far above orbit over the dense cloud-covered planet. Sky turned his helmet from side-to-side allowing his unseen gaze to briefly study over the completed construction of the massive space craft. He took notice of the many transport ships, including Angaran-designed crafts, flying toward their designated docking stations while other small-sized ships were making departing procedures. The different sized transport vessels disembarked into hyper drive and instantly vanished into the surrounding darkness. The Nexus fleet fighter ships circled around prior to descending into their assigned stations.
"Nexus Tower Control has provided confirmation. Helm control has been established with this vessel's onboard commands and will be guided to the approved docking station platform." Sam explained in robotic voice.
The Kett fighter ship gracefully hovered in its approach toward the Initiative Nexus flagship. The external thrusters slowed its velocity descent before emerging into the infrastructure of the elegantly-designed space station. Sky's helmet raised as if shifting his sight up to the brightly glowing surfaces that provided a white cloudy skyline with artificial lighting taking the appearance of Earth's hemisphere. He next turned his head into the direction-approach the Kett ship swayed into. The craft gradually came upon an extended metal enclosed platform. Sky lowered his helmet watching the connection tethers slowly extend from the Kett vessel and carefully locked down with the docking station's platform.
Scott relaxed his posture as he murmured, "I'm not sure how to introduce you to everyone, Sky. It's going to be complicated if I start with; This is Sky and he knows how to mind control..."
The dark silver helmet whipped into the human's direction, "I adamantly suggest that you do not. Fear is the most prone emotion among living creatures." Sky advised in a softly echoing voice.
"I can't very well lie in my reports when I explain how we escaped from the Kett flagship." Ryder argued.
"Your honesty is commendable, howev-" Sky began to speak but the Initiative Pathfinder quickly injected, "IF it comes to the worst possible outcome I'll give you my full support when I explain that your intentions were only meant for the greater good... and they were. Relax. I got this."
Sky fell into a paused silence in which Ryder could only wonder if Sky's unseen expression could be the latter of either confusion, annoyance, or just a blank stare.
The white-colored Angara had appeared coming up beside the human man and loudly gasped in awe-struck, "Stars! This is your Initiatives' Nexus?! It's amazing!"
Scott turned, with a welcoming smile, toward Tava, "You can have a look around if you want."
Tava let out a helpless sigh, "As much as I want to... I want to see home first."
"I don't blame you. You and your brother both probably have had enough of the sightseeing on Kett ships." Scott's smile expressed his assurance, "We'll get you two packed up and ready for home." He whirled his attention onto a Salarian emerging from the ladder well and quickly realized the medical insignia on her bio-suit.
"Pathfinder Ryder? We're the Nexus medical unit." The Salarian turned her large head to look upon the Angaran refugee group and asked, "Are there any injured that need immediate attention before we escort everyone to the medical facility?"
Scott nodded his head to the wary Angarans and called out, "It's alright! They're here to help everyone." He watched the uncertainty be shaken off as the Angarans slowly arose and approached the gathering medical team. The Salarian returned her visor toward the human man, "You'll also need to be checked out, Pathfinder. If there are any possible contaminants or broken limbs, well.. you know the drill."
.
.
Ryder was downed to his casual clothes; solid black pants, dark red shirt, and jacket with white striping the underside of the long sleeves. He walked side-by-side with Tava out of the medical wing into the corridor leading to the docking area within the Nexus. The female Angara stopped and faced into Scott's direction, "Scott, I... I can't thank you enough for saving me and my brother. The others also wanted to extend their thanks both to you and... Sky."
"You still seem apprehensive about him." Scott observed.
Tava slowly shook her head, "I'm still trying to get a grasp on this being freed after so many months.. I was losing hope and with it... trust in another. The Kett wanted to break my spirit and were starting to succeed. I'm still hesitant about Sky and his ability is a very difficult grasp of reality. Never have I imagined that a powerful Biotic skill to exist. No Angara would resort to such a method."
"Sky obviously didn't use it on any one of us. I'm skeptical; implying that if it's possible he could have controlled either of us but he didn't. His intentions were clear that he didn't like the Kett either and used them to our benefit of escape." The human man explained.
"I'll trust your judgement, Scott. If you believe in Sky then... I'll try to. He did save all of us."
"Then start with that." Ryder's lips cracked into a gentle smile.
Tava also beamed brightly and started to reach one of her hands out but suddenly drew it back as the voice of Sara Ryder exclaimed, "Scott!"
The human woman charged toward her brother, flinging her arms around him, and forced his posture to make a stumble backwards which prevented the onset of the two siblings toppling over.
Scott grunted from the impactful force of being ran into by his twin, "Urk! Sara, hey!"
"You big dumb idiot! I'm so glad you're alright!" Sara expressed a relieved agitation in her response.
"Um... I'm glad I'm alright, too. Becoming a Kett just didn't appeal to me. Their brochures didn't have any good surfing locations so I had to pass."
Sara released her younger sibling by dropping her arms down and taking a step back, "No wonder your team doesn't take you seriously, you're such a sarcastic ass... Was that on dad's side, by the way? Maybe not. Dad was just an ass."
Tava uncomfortably shifted, giving worried looks between the two humans, "Um..."
Scott half-turned as he motioned to the Angara, "Oh! Sara, this is Tava B'shond. Tava, this is my twin sister Sara Ryder. I became Tava's and her brother's cell mate. Good times, good times."
"Scott, be serious." Sara scoffed before directing her attention toward the Angaran and offered her hand in greeting, "Don't let my brother's charm fool you, he's a big hard-head."
"And you're a brainiac." The male human teased.
Tava lightly chuckled and accepted Sara's handshake, "He has a good heart, Sara Ryder. I'm very grateful that he was able to save me and Pravalo."
Scott's attention drew to the Nexus militia leader Tiran Kandros and the armed squad racing in swift haste, briefly slipping around the trio, and made for a charge toward the medical wing.
"What the... What's going on?" The Pathfinder furrowed his eyebrows into a confused look.
Sara followed her brother's surprised gaze and asked, "What's wrong? What's up with Kandros?"
"I don't know but this doesn't look like it's going to be good!" Scott fully spun and dashed on return route to the medical facility.
The human Pathfinder caught sight of the squad forces rounding the corner into one of the rooms. He came up behind the squad's formation as they raised aim with their weapons into the direction of the dark silver figure standing in the far corner of the room.
"What the hell is happening? Is that Sky? Why are they... Kandros!" Scott started to ask and hurried to come stand at the Turian's side. "Kandros, what's going on?"
The Turian's growling voice responded, "He's been put on alert for obvious reasons. Sam's information stated that he hacked the Nexus computer information systems and obtained classified intel."
"Ship boarding confirmation, specifically. Harmless information." Sky raised his voice clear enough for Scott and the Turian to hear from the other side of the room.
Scott lifted his shoulders and dropped them into a heavy sigh, "This isn't going well..."
"Not only that but he is refusing a full medical examination... He broke some of the equipment!" One of the Asari doctors argued.
"Break... like throwing? Bashing?" The Pathfinder inquired with worrisome intrigue.
"No... just whatever type of armor that he is wearing caused our scanner systems to become fried!" The Asari retort with an angered look.
Ryder dropped another disgruntled sigh, "Fuck... Did Sky warn you guys NOT to scan him? I think Sam forgot to send the memo..."
"What's going on in here?!" Director Tann's voice rang out across the medical examination room.
Kandros and Scott turned to face the Salarian Nexus Director stomping into the room.
"Director Tann-" The Turian started to explain but the Nexus Director wheeled into Scott's direction first, "Ryder, what the hell is happening? Why are you allowing this criminal aboard the Nexus?"
"Criminal?" Scott made a surprised expression, "I don't think-"
"He HACKED into the Nexus data systems! That's classified as an inexcusable offense that warrants for an immediate arrest!" Jarun Tann glared toward the Turian militia leader, "Kandros, arrest him!"
"Hold on! HOLD ON!" Scott quickly placed himself between Sky and the militia squad. The squad swiftly lowered their weapons down and moved their digits away from the triggers. The human Pathfinder explained in forced composure, "I'll speak in Sky's defense; he didn't know any better and had this explained to him that hacking is bad. Okay? Can we all chill out?"
"You're placing your reputation on the line for an alien we know absolutely nothing about, Ryder?" Kandros demanded.
"He saved me and the Angaran refugees from a Kett flagship that was making a return course to their home system. I'd say that should be enough justification to let him off the hook." Ryder peered from the corner of his eye spying the tall figure of Sky coming to stand beside the human Pathfinder.
Kandros grumbled in a hesitating manner as he shook his head, "I... don't do politics but I'll go by your word, Ryder. If you trust him..." The Turian lowered his gunpoint from Sky's direction and holstered the weapon.
"This is absurd." Tann disagreed, "We have protocol to follow, Ryder! We have to set the example for everyone! Every species of alien receives the same amount of treatment and punishment, even if they are new to the Nexus. We can't let one alien go unpunished otherwise-"
"I get it, Director. Sky's actions are my responsibility. Let the blame fall on me. I'm the one who is letting this go."
The Salarian Director shook his head, sighing, "This won't blow over so easily, Ryder... In regards to this matter; the Kett information that was initially brought to us was from your source. Sky, is it? I'll overlook this incident for the sake of importance this Kett data is. Others might not let this go as easily... but I'm going to have to leave those problems to you, Ryder." Jarun lightly shrugged off his annoyed tone, "Anyway, we should take this conversation to my office. Your responsibility needs to have his examination, foremost, before he is allowed any walking room on this station... and make sure he doesn't cause any more disruptions." The Salarian turned away and stomped from the room.
Kandros waved dismissal to his following squad and returned facing toward the human Pathfinder, "Ryder, you've made the call, so... this one time I'll let slip." The Turian turned to face into Sky's direction and offered one of his hands in greeting, "Sorry about all of this... Sky? We've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot. The Pathfinder has vouched for you, so, make the most out of it. I'm Tiran Kandros, head of Nexus Militia, combat forces, and obviously security."
Sky accepted the Turian's handshake and offered diligence, "I had not intended to cause a rouse."
"Ryder sees it as an honest mistake and you're clearly not from around these parts, the intense-looking armor gives it away." Kandros dropped his hand to his side after shaking hands with Sky and glanced the brilliantly-crafted armor up and down. "I'm not an expert with deciphering the variations in alien armor but that's definitely not Remnant."
"Whatever kind it is, the medical scanners are completely fried. Can I get a repair crew? Any time would be very helpful." The Asari doctor glared deathly between Kandros and Ryder.
Ryder suggested, "Kandros, if it's alright to take Sky aboard the Tempest and allow Doctor T'Perro the authority for the medical exam."
"I am not being subjected to medical examinations." Sky's voice echoed defensively.
Kandros turned his attention onto Sky once more, "It's security protocol if you want to come aboard the Nexus. Most obvious reasons would be if you are a carrier for some unknown virus that could potentially wipe out all of living organisms... or whatever the medical term is."
Sky lowered his helmet sinking into silent contemplation and finally answered in a low whisper, "Very well... On condition that my information is only kept between patient and the doctor that the Pathfinder has spoken of. The artificial intelligence stays out of it."
"You really don't like Sam, do you?" Ryder inquired.
"There is always a flaw in a computer system that can be manipulated for one's own advantage." Sky responded in a cold demeanor.
"What about you? You've connected to Kett interfacing and my Omni-tool with your hand. Is it also part of what your armor is capable of?" Ryder pointed out.
Kandros quickly interrupted, "I'll permit Sky to go aboard the Tempest and do the examination there... Tann will just have to get over it. Anyway, I've gotta get back to work. Is there anything else, Ryder?"
Scott slowly shook his head, sighing in his reply, "I've gotta go deal with the wrath of Tann..."
"I'll be there to get a part in it myself... I'll give Sky an escort to your ship first." The Turian motioned for Sky to follow.
Sky started after the Turian Militia leader but stopped, looking over his shoulder to the human, "Thank you, Pathfinder."
.
.
"This information is ASTOUNDING! I can't believe the Kett are resorting to traveling to the Milky Way. I would suppose that after discovering that our galaxy was out there that they'd want to achieve expanding their empire." Director Tann's voice displayed surprise.
Director Addison stood on the Salarian's left with the full leadership group, including the three alien Pathfinders, gathered around the large circular hologram table as it displayed the translated scripture from Tonaizhet to the common language. Foster subjected her opinion, "Anything to do with Kett is bad. Even if we are six hundred years out from our old home we are still obligated to keep tabs on it." She raised one of her hands to brush back a grown strand of hair behind her ear.
Nakmor Kesh, the Krogan Superintendent, scoffed with a growling chuckle, "If the Krogan weren't residing in the Milky Way then everyone else would be in for a shit storm from the Kett."
"The point has already been made numerous of times that the Milky Way wouldn't be the same without the Krogan. Can we continue?" Jarun politely demanded.
"Sure thing, number eight." Kesh muttered annoyance.
Pathfinder Hayjer tapped one of his long slender fingers onto the hologram table bringing up the image of gold tendrils of the Scourge to be displayed instead.
The Salarian Pathfinder expressed insightfulness in his speech, "I have to say without this data the Scourge would still remain a mystery to all of our scientists. It seems that the Kett have found a way to manipulate the Scourge through certain sound frequencies. Their language depicts the specific sound vibrations required to control the Scourge's motions and direct it to where the Kett want it to go. It brings me to wonder if we can do the same."
Kesh gave a nod of agreement, "I believe it's possible but-" her low growling voice gave warning, "I advise upmost care with this. If we make one mistake we could accidently steer the Scourge into the wrong direction, possibly striking upon one of our occupied worlds."
"I'd rather find a way to get rid of it. There's too much risk to gamble with." Avitus, the Turian Pathfinder conveyed his caution.
Sam openly broadcasted, "Perhaps I can lend my assistance to configure a safeguard frequency before we subject the Scourge into the testing phase."
"A kill switch basically. That's not a bad idea, Sam." Lieutenant Cora Harper notably agreed. The human woman stood at attention beside Scott Ryder.
"Precisely, Lieutenant." Sam acknowledged and proceeded to explain, "I can begin the process of translating the Kett's sound frequencies to our own before we conduct any experimentation."
The Asari Pathfinder Vedaria suspiciously asked, "I'm actually curious to know; how does sound frequencies affect dark energy?"
"The answers may be discovered from the sound device, or instrument, that the Kett had uncovered from under Voeld's surface. This device has recordings of sound variations that the Kett have translated from to control the Scourge." Sam's robotic reply quickly raised everyone's attention.
"What? An instrument? Is it Angaran?" Scott added to the list of inquiries.
"Unknown. The Kett were not able to distinguish the properties of its origin. However, I have the location of the alien artifact provided from the collected Kett data. I suggest that an investigation be made." The artificial intelligence finished.
Director Tann nodded approval, "I'll permit Pathfinder Ryder and the Tempest's crew to lead the investigation and bring back more information regarding the artifact. Bring it back in one piece if able."
The Salarian Pathfinder focused his gaze onto Ryder, "I would certainly like to have a copy of these data files for my people to further study."
Scott agreed, "Maybe there's more that we can find that the Kett left behind. If you find anything useful, let me know."
"Ryder..." Tann's stern voice swiftly distracted the human's attention onto the Salarian Director. "Please inform our new guest that we are all thankful that he brought back our human Pathfinder. Without our beacon our flames would no longer be burning."