Scott arrived with Ambassador Sjefa into the Tempest's medical bay and together swiftly turned their sights onto Jaal and Lexi standing side-by-side in front of the wall faced into the direction of the doctor's desk.

"Scott," The Asari diverted her attention toward the human and made a surprised look after taking glimpse upon the Angara walking into the room, "Ambassador Sjefa-"

Sjefa offered a pleasant smile and made eagerness sound in her voice, "Doctor T'Perro, where is she? I want to meet her."

Lexi motioned toward the medical desk, "She's still frightened. I strongly suggest that we let her adapt to us on her own terms. These surroundings are very new to her as we are also very new to her. And probably the first things that she didn't expect to see when waking up."

The Angaran Ambassador spun toward the medical desk and let an astonished gasp escape, "Stars! She is... she's a child?!"

Sam answered, "It is an inaccurate presumption, Ambassador Sjefa. She is aged approximately twenty three years old by human standard years. Her body is smaller in comparison to the current race of Angaran, additionally, giving her the appeal of child size. She is, in fact, a young adult."

"Oh my stars. She appears so different." Sjefa soothingly whispered.

"Who are you?!" The frightened woman demanded in a voice tone that reminded Ryder of the Romanian accent from Earth.

Jaal answered with an adoring smile, "We desire not to hurt you. You look like us.. but very different."

"You... are.. the ascension?" The young Angaran slowly questioned in a suspicious-sounding voice. "Then that means... the relics.. You have the rebirth of our memories?"

"Uh, I'm lost.." Scott gradually shook his head in his confused murmur.

Jaal's head turned to the Pathfinder, "What she speaks of is reincarnation and the passing down of Angaran memories from their predecessors."

Scott acknowledged his understanding, "Oh right! I remember. We found Zorai's gauntlet and when we gave it to Taavos he was able to reclaim her memories."

The orange-red Angaran reluctantly crawled out from her hiding place under Doctor T'Perro's desk and slowly stood. Her leg and knee structure appeared close resemblance to a Quarian's. Her feet were shaped very slender and revealed smaller toe width span than that of a female Angara. The top of her head stood shoulder height to the human man. She glanced between each Angaran before turning her stare onto the human and the Asari.

"Have the Gordanali and the Havjan evolved into... these? They don't look anything like.."

Sjefa implied upmost gentleness, "I am Angara Ambassador Sjefa and this is Jaal Ama Darav. The blue-colored one is an Asari named Doctor Lexi T'Perro and this human is called Scott Ryder from the Andromeda Initiative. They both have come from another galaxy known as the Milky Way and have made alliance with our people."

"I'm Lamees dus Conta." She warily looked around and asked, "Where... am I?"

Scott provided answer, "We are on a ship called the Tempest."

Lamees made an obvious puzzled look toward the human man, "I... don't understand your language."

Ryder looked to Jaal and Sjefa, "Um, o-kay. I'm lost again."

Sjefa slowly nodded to the Pathfinder and elaborated, "She is Angaran, Ryder. Our dialect is very similar, some words may be a lot different than what we know from hers. She may not have the technology to translate your language."

Lamees quickly agreed, "Yes! Precisely that! I have a translator program installed into Mal. The language that they speak is not familiar to the system."

"Mal? What is that?" Lexi exchanged puzzled looks.

Lamees raised her left arm before her chest, allowing the group quick glimpse of the hand structure which consisted of five fingers. Her right hand touched down onto the bracer plate on her left wrist which ignited a yellow green-colored orb of light to hover above her arm.

"Meet Mal - short for Malvizon." Lamees smiled cheerfully up to Sjefa and Jaal.

Sam's voice injected politely, "I detect an artificial intelligence program present. The program known as Malvizon is directly linked into the suit that is worn. It is powered by the bioelectric energy currents that are transfer exchanged between the wearier and her suit."

"That's pretty cool tech." Scott remarked with an impressed smirk. "Is there a way for you to interface with it, Sam? Maybe you can send over our language for her AI to translate so she can understand us."

"Yes, however, the AI is aware of my presence and its program has become locked from my access. We may have to request permission, if this is the case, for me to access into its processor to initialize a translation program." The robotic voice spoke in calm sound.

"I... understand you.. whoever you are.. Where are you?" Lamees whirled around as if looking for the unseen voice of Sam.

"Wait a minute. She can understand you, Sam?" Ryder's facial expression shifted into puzzlement.

Sam further explained, "I am capable to replicate the Angaran language while I am speaking the other common languages at the same time, Pathfinder."

"Oh.. right. I forgot." Scott shrugged.

Sam returned Lamees' question, "I am a Simulated Adaptive Matrix, in short I am called Sam. My physical platforms are located on each of the Andromeda Initiative alliance vessels and the Nexus flagship. My processing relays are simultaneously running permitting me to make connection to any Initiative personnel and ship connected through the network. I can transfer data files to your translation program for your convenience to understand other languages that are not familiar to your own."

"Please do.. S-am. I'll grant Mal's access. I apologize, Mal is very shy around new people and doesn't trust easily." Lamees replied bashfully.

"Noted. I shall begin the transfer, miss Lamees dus Conta." Sam acknowledged.

"An AI shy? Now I'm confused." Jaal raised one of his hands to scratch the side of his head.

Lamees turned to Jaal, "I created Mal to be unique apart from the other AI systems that were built by my people. He has a personality type function. Mal is very chatty once you get to know him."

"Other AI? What other artificial intelligence systems are there?" Sjefa anxiously demanded.

"Oh... Um. I am forgetting that my people are no longer... here." Lamees trailed off into a sorrowful tone and slowly turned her eyes down before closing her eyelids.

"Why don't you tell us more about the time of your people. And what do you mean by the ascension?" Sjefa gently implied in her words.

Lamees reopened her large eyes, shifting their gaze over the group, and lowered her arms to her sides as she began, "My people are... were called Jardaan."

"THE Jardaan?! You're not... an AI?! We were led to believe that the Jardaan was an artificial intelligence that created our people - the Angara." Jaal pointed out.

Lamees slowly shook her head, "It's true our artificial intelligence programs helped the construction to design a new race that we named Angara. The Jardaan wanted to create a new race that would be immune to the Wither and have the ability to receive the rebirth of memories. My people wanted to transfer their memories into the new Angaran bodies so that we could continue our research and pass down our knowledge into the ascended ones."

"This explains our reincarnation abilities... I see." Sjefa observed in composed demeanor. "What is the Wither that you speak of?"

Lamees, again, shook her head as she explained sadly, "The Jardaan were unsure of its origin or how it was created but it served its purpose by its namesake. The Wither started as a disease that was contracted by touch but vastly adapted into an airborne form. The disease inflicted and destroyed my people by affecting their ability to absorb the nourishment provided by sunlight. The males of our society were the first to dwindle and... fade out leaving the mothers to resort to artificial inseminations to continue population... my mother was struck by the Wither's touch when I was growing in her womb... She.. she died during my birth.. I'm the only one who was born blessed with immunity to the Wither."

Lexi blurted out, "That's amazing! The antibodies produced during the fetus's development may have something to do with her survival and resilience to the disease. A remarkable outcome."

Lamees exclaimed happily as she motioned to the Asari, "I understood! The translation program is working!" She nodded toward Lexi, "I'm also the only one who has developed different eye color in the history of the Jardaan." She lifted one of her hands to motion toward her golden yellow eyes, "I was signified as the miracle for the future. It was in my people's hope that I carry the immunity with me and provide it to the ascended race if the Wither ever inflicted upon the Angara." She lowered her hand to rest at her side.

Jaal glanced toward the Angaran Ambassador and insisted respectfully, "This is news that needs to be shared with our people, Sjefa! We should allow Lamees to come to Aya and share this with the Angara! The truth about the Jardaan will finally become revealed to everyone."

Doctor T'Perro took a step out of the group and turned her attention onto Jaal and Sjefa, shaking her head quickly, "I must permit that we first let her get settled in before setting foot outside of this ship. She needs an exam to ensure that she is in perfect health."

Scott injected, "I'm kind of curious to know exactly how she is carrying the immunity... Is it like on a data file or something? Shouldn't we get a copy of it?"

Lamees chuckled in her response, "You are silly, human! It's not a file, it's in my blood. I carry the immunity in my DNA. Information strands.. whatever you prefer to call it. My people poured all of their resources into building a stasis pod specifically for me so that I may be found by the ascended."

"We were lucky to have found you. It makes me wonder how the Kett didn't find you first. Not that I'm complaining or anything." Ryder murmured in the sound of puzzlement.

"I can provide an analysis," Sam's robotic voice began, "Switching on Meridian's functions to full operation has begun the process to revert the worlds and their environments to their former prior the Initiatives' six hundred year journey to Andromeda. Voeld's frozen surface attests to the beginning of this change. The stasis pod may have been under a frozen sheet of ice during the Kett's discovery of the ancient sound artifact."

Doctor T'Perro gradually turned to Lamees and approached, "Now that the puzzle has been solved, I think it's time we allow our new guest some rest and probably something to eat. I can imagine that she might be a little hungry... I need to find out what she can eat first."

Jaal took a step forward, "Allow me to stay here, Lexi. There is still so much I can learn from Lamees and I can also supply the answers that she seeks."

The Asari doctor made a nod and agreed, "I think that's a good idea, Jaal."

The Ambassador smiled toward Jaal and the doctor, "I'm going to return to my duties. Please send all of the information that you find out, Jaal Ama Darav. I'm sure Evfra would be happy to know that he wasn't created by a super AI computer." Sjefa chuckled under her breath and started for the doorway but suddenly stopped. She called over her shoulder toward Scott, "Ryder, please accompany me. I must speak with you."

"Sure thing." Scott nodded and followed the Angaran Ambassador out of the room.

Sjefa walked briefly down the corridor and abruptly wheeled onto the human Pathfinder.

"Ryder, I wished to speak to you about my concerns." Sjefa hinted an anxious manner in her tone as Scott met her gaze.

"What is it, Sjefa? If something bad happened on Meridian then the Tempest will be right over."

"It's not about bad happenings, Pathfinder Ryder." Sjefa lightly shrugged and smiled assurance, "Both Angaran and your scientists are collaborating well together to achieve further discovery on Meridian but that's not what is bothering me..." The Angara's smile slowly vanished, "I'm mostly worried about the Kett. What if they come back in greater force? We're still outmatched by numbers. The Kett data that you found on their flagship has information in regard to an entire galaxy under their regime. It's only a matter of time before they decide to return and make an aggressive move in order to accomplish their goal upon our cluster."

"We'll have the Scourge figured out before that happens, Sjefa. We can use it to defend this galaxy." Scott crossed his arms over his chest and continued, "We also have the Remnant to use to our advantage."

Sjefa quietly sighed and argued point, "The Kett have the information that controls the Scourge and can turn it against us, Ryder. We also lack planetary defenses for each of the systems. We've barely scratched the surface on how to use Khi Tasira's defense systems. You and Sam are the only two who can operate it."

"We have one of your ancestors, an actual Jardaan, Sjefa. Lamees can get us the step above the Kett. She is wearing Rem tech! She's bound to know how to operate the Remnant."

Sjefa's voice turned into a rejoiceful sound, "Find out what you can from her about the Remnant, Scott. And if she has knowledge about that ancient artifact then we may be able to achieve a better sense of control over the Scourge." The female Angaran made a hopeful look allowing her smile to return, "I almost forgot. I wanted to thank the one you call Sky for saving our human Pathfinder. When you come to visit Meridian make sure to bring him to me so that I can properly thank him in person. Your reports were very vague on his physical description. He has no face or eyes? What about a mouth? How does he eat?"

"Sky is... he hasn't taken off his armor so I really don't know what he is or what he looks like. I'm starting to think it's super-glued on or something. The only one who has seen Sky without armor is Lexi... I think she's love smitten."

Sjefa's voice became curious, "Love smitten?"

"Love at first sight, it's a human metaphor... and here I thought that Lexi wanted to keep doctor and patient relationships professional." Scott trailed his voice off to softly mutter to himself.

The Angara reluctantly nodded trying to comprehend Scott's statement, "I think I understand... I'm going to make my return to Meridian. Please keep me informed, Ryder. May the stars guide you, Pathfinder." Sjefa exchanged the Angaran shoulder-to-shoulder greeting with the human Pathfinder before she stepped back and whirled around to start walking away.

'Ryder, the Charlatan is requesting your immediate assistance on planet Kadara. The port has come under a surprise attack by the outcast forces that once served under Sloane Kelly's command.' Sam's voice received through the private channel.

"Ah, shit! Alright, inform the crew. We'll make for Kadara as soon as everyone is onboard."

.

.

"Ryder, we can't make a landing at Kadara's port! It's become a hot spot!" Suvi called out warning. "The safest route would be to drop the team in the Nomad distanced away - that'll allow you to travel through the lower part of the city and reach the docks."

"Good thinking, Suvi. Have you been able to raise Reyes on the comms yet?" The human man was fully clad in his favored armor gear as he stood on the bridge's extension before the control console.

"Negative; there's too much going on down there. There seems to be a radio jammer affecting the communication systems... I'll get Sam's help to pitch us through it." Suvi answered over her shoulder.

"I'll get the team ready for the drop off. Keep me posted, Suvi!" Scott spun around and suddenly jumped out of surprise as the silver figure of Sky stood directly in the Pathfinder's way. "SHIT! Sky! Don't do THAT!"

Sky ignored the human man's demand and implied, "Allow me to offer my assistance, Pathfinder. While you may have two of your squad with you, I can also follow and provide beneficiary affects and shielding capabilities."

Ryder remarked slyly, "Are you afraid to join into the gunfight?"

"I have chosen to use my enhanced Biotic skills to give aid to fellow comrades but I will not kill another lifeform with my abilities."

"Kind of like a pacifist?" Scott hinted disgruntlement, "This really isn't the time or the place to be a pacifist... and what about the Kett you killed on the flagship?"

"They killed each other."

"Right... I guess point taken." Scott narrowed his eyes and heavily sighed, "Alright, meet up in the cargo bay."

Sky bowed his head, "Very well, Pathfinder." He swirled around and began toward the doorway.

The Initiative Pathfinder started to follow but suddenly stopped and directed his attention toward Suvi as the human woman called out, "Ryder, be careful down there!"

Scott continued forward making a line for the cargo bay area and used the elevator's functions to reach the lower level of the cargo bay deck. He turned his head spying his sibling fully adorned in dark blue and white armor, Liam, and Sky standing in wait beside the Nomad.

"Ready to go, Pathfinder!" Liam threw his fist into the air over his head as he let out a battle cheer.

Sara grumbled, "This is where you're taking me instead? I had preferred the place under the Kett base where you found the music box but nooo, I get to play shoot-em-up in Kadara. Not my idea of a family-get-together, Scott."

Scott Ryder climbed into the driver's seat of the Nomad and muttered, "If you're going to complain then I'll get someone else... who doesn't complain as much."

"From what I can tell they only complain when you're here." Sara slyly quipped as she climbed into the back seat behind Scott's chair. Sky came in after to sit beside the human woman while Liam took up the front passenger seat.

"Do you want to be the Pathfinder? I'll let you have a go if you like, Sara." Scott scoffed.

Sara's helmet slowly shook, "No, no. I'm fine. I don't make a very good babysitter."

Liam hesitantly asked, "Um, is this what you call sibling rivalry? Uh... I'll just stay out of it..."

Pathfinder Ryder rolled his eyes and silently huffed to himself before making the call, "Ready, Suvi!"

"Locking down the hatches, opening the cargo bay door, releasing the ramp, and... you're good to go!" Suvi's voice announced over the communication speakers.

Scott slammed down the pedal, briefly skittering the Nomad's large wheels upon metal, and sent the vehicle into a roaring charge down the boarding ramp and dove the Nomad off into a brief hover through the air above the red landscape. The Nomad's shock absorption swiftly adapted the vehicle's falling impact upon solid ground offering as an equalizing buffer for the occupants inside. Pathfinder Ryder spun the steering wheel swirling the Nomad's direction toward the Kadaran port city's gated slums area.

The sound of repetitive gunfire was rapidly exchanged between the two opposing forces located just beyond the gate. The gunshots were also coming from all different directions from within and around the stacked buildings. Ryder spotted bloodied bodies lying on both sides of the gate.

"Ah shit... Those were the gate guards." Liam's voice murmured disappointment through his helmet's transponder. "It makes me wonder how the outcasts got through... guess we won't know until we get in."

"Suvi? Any luck trying to get Reyes? I need to know where he's at." The Pathfinder asked in hopefulness.

"Frequencies are still jammed, Ryder! Sam can't get through! It's.. it's like someone knows how to prevent Sam's scans from getting through. An AI blocker, perhaps?" The human science officer replied with a surprised sound of voice over the squad's receivers.

"Well, considering the outcasts were part of Sloane's group they'd probably know a thing or two about bypassing Nexus security which also includes ways to get around Sam." Sara clarified.

"That's not good. If someone's found a way to bypass Sam, they've gotta be really damned good!" Liam injected.

Sky's echoing voice offered in suggestion, "If we can get to an electric conduit I can connect into its interface to find the source of the jammer and switch it off."

Sara reluctantly replied, "That's a good idea... How can you connect into a conduit?"

Sky raised his left hand, clenching it into a fist, "Leet hacks."

"You took that one from me!" Liam burst out into laughter, "I honestly didn't think that you would use it, Sky!"

"Get ready, everyone!" Scott Ryder declared and stamped on the break bringing the Nomad to a stop before he quickly jumped down from the driver's side onto solid ground. He drew out his favored pistol into the grip of one hand and made a charge around the vehicle toward the gates. He propelled over the tall gates with the propulsion from the armor suit's jetpack and came down onto the moss-covered stone. The human Pathfinder quickly sprinted across the opened landscape toward one of the closest structures to seek for cover. He came up and suddenly spun to press his backside against the wall. Scott adverted his gaze spying the squad swiftly coming up to take cover behind him. He leaned forward, peering around the wall, and took quick glimpse over the battlefront seeing several figures clad in different gear sets.

"It's the Pathfinder! Ryder! Shit! Thank-fucking-fully you're here! We've got as many hands as we can get to help stop this raid but... holy fuck, these outcasts caught everyone off guard... all systems are down from some computer virus. We lost Sam's connection so we were all in the dark. Looks like someone got through to you somehow."

The woman's voice received over Scott's transmitter and he quickly demanded, "What the hell happened down here?!"

"The outcasts staged an attack on Kadara's port. These asshats are trying to take it back! Who's ever leading them knows their shit. If you can get in there and take it back from these fuckers I'll buy you a round!"

The human Pathfinder acknowledged diligently, "We'll get this port back."