Sara made her concerns known, "Are you sure walking around is a good idea, mom?"

The Ryder twins took placement to either sides of Ellen Ryder as they walked together, through the undergoing construction within the Ark, and started for the direction of the civilian access entry point.

Scott respectfully injected, "Let me know if you need a hand, mom."

Ellen Ryder lovingly chuckled and stated, "Stop fretting. I'm quite alright, you two. I'm surprisingly managing well enough on my own now that these Nano-nites have patched me up. I've never imagined that Nanotechnology could achieve these such wonders... Tell me again why it's not permitted into our medical research?"

Sam's robotic voice hailed warning in the Pathfinder's private channel, 'Scott, I'm detecting an alteration within Meridian's systems. I have not found the source of the cause, however, the malfunction appears to have lasted very briefly. As quick as the alteration was there have been no evident signs of changes brought upon the control network."

Scott Ryder slowly shrugged his shoulders and supplied in slight disregard, "Could be a minor thing, Sam. There's bound to be some old wiring having connection issues.. Just to be safe conduct an in-depth integration scan if it makes you feel better."

Ellen Ryder displayed a surprised expression and asked in astonishment, "Sam? Do you mean that your father actually finished that artificial intelligence program? How are you communicating with it? I didn't hear it say anything."

The human man explained, "Sam and I share a symbiotic relationship through my implant. He can communicate directly to me through a private channel."

"Ah, right. The Pathfinder authority." Ellen nodded in understanding.

Scott slowly shook his head and continued to elaborate, "Sam is connected into me. Specifically into me. That's where the symbiotic part comes into play.. He gives me enhancement profiles that no other Pathfinder can have... and Sam can force me to keel over if he wanted to."

Ellen suddenly stopped in place and fixated a hard stare up to her son.

"You're joking, right, Scott?"

Pathfinder Ryder shook his head again in his explanation, "No, I'm actually not joking this time round. There was one incident-"

"Pathfinder Ryder, this is Pathfinder Hayjer. Do you receive? This is an urgent matter." The Salarian Pathfinder's voice transmitted over the communication broadcast in earnest tone.

Scott quickly lifted his left arm and ignited the Omni-tool's orange glow to respond to the Salarian's transmission, "This is Pathfinder Ryder. Go ahead, Hayjer."

"We have a problem. Our covert ops, that have been monitoring the Kett flagships in the Dar'Hegah system, have sighted three new dreadnaught-sized ships warping into the system just several minutes ago. There are no visible turrets or cannons, however. They look like Jump Freighter class."

"Jump Freighters? Does that mean-"

Hayjer's voice quickly added, "I'm afraid that the Kett are gearing up. I've already made Director Tann and Ambassador Sjefa aware of this. We need to round up our forces again, Ryder, and put a stop to the Kett while we still have them here."

Scott Ryder silently contemplated and slowly lifted his glances onto Ellen and Sara. He furrowed his eyebrows and answered firmly, "It's going to be a rough battle but we've gotta win this. I'm on Meridian but the Tempest can be prepped and ready to go in no time. I'll have Sam send you my coordinates where we can meet up and discuss the battle plan."

"Understood, Pathfinder. Pathfinder Hayjer out." The Salarian's voice clicked off.

The human Pathfinder dropped his arm down to his side and returned his focus onto Ellen's direction.

Ellen Ryder nervously smiled and hinted sorrow in her words, "Off to battle already? It's no different than your father's days in the N Seven.. You're not your father, though, Scott, but this reminds me of his old days. And just like then I will wait and... hope that you come back. Alive preferably."

Sara lightly scoffed, "Don't worry, mom, Scott's gotten to be a big boy. His irresistible charm has gotten him this far."

Scott disregarded his sibling's snide remark and approached Ellen Ryder. Pathfinder Ryder stated in a softened firm tone, "I'm bringing you along, mom. I can't let you stay here for certain reasons. I'll explain it on the Tempest."

Ellen expressed an anxious look between the twins and acknowledged with formality, "Lead on, Pathfinder Ryder."

.

.

Lexi T'Perro waved the Omni-tool's scanner up and down gliding the orange glowing light over the front side of Ellen Ryder's body. The Asari medical officer switched off the scanner and lowered her left arm down to her side.

"This is truly remarkable! The AEND is completely eradicated. There are no traces of nerve damage or any loss of motor functions. Are you experiencing any pain or discomforts, Mrs. Ryder?"

Ellen gently chuckled, "You can call me Ellen, Doctor T'Perro. I suppose after all that has happened I'm relieved to be alive. It's still in the shock factor that Alec had given it his all just for me. That stubborn man." She glanced back and forth between Lexi and Sara before looking down at the medical table that she sat upon. "I'm trying to get the grasp of things. We're actually in Andromeda... Alec has made his dream a reality. I wish I could have seen the look on his face when the Ark first arrived. He must have been so excited."

Sara slowly shook her head and crossed her arms under her bust, "I don't know. I was in the process of thawing at the time when my stasis pod malfunctioned. Scott might have seen dad's face."

"What about dad's ugly mug?" Scott questioned as he emerged through the medical bay's opening doorway and diverted his attention toward the three female figures.

"That ugly mug is going to be your face one day, Scott. Remember that." Sara teased.

Pathfinder Ryder cocked an eyebrow in his retort, "I'd like to give credit to mom for my good looks. Thanks."

Sara murmured under her breath, "Too bad you didn't get either mom's or dad's brains..."

Lexi quickly stepped back and whirled around to start for the other side of the room toward the doctor's desk.

"This is one family reunion I will not take part in.."

The three Ryders returned their gazes, from the Asari, to one and the other. Sara unfolded her arms and brought her hands down to place on the sides of her hips. The Ryder twin tilted her head to the side and offered her statement, "I've already informed mom everything that we know, with Sky's suspicions included, about the mysterious Benefactor. I think the safest bet would be Aya. The Angara hold you to the highest regard, Scott, so it's no-brainer that the Benefactor wouldn't look for her there."

Scott crossed his arm over his chest and retort, "I've already got it figured out, Sara, but thanks for your brilliant idea. That would have been the first and most obvious world to look. See, even I could have that figured out."

"Oh, yeah? Where's your hiding place? Don't tell me it has something with beach front property-"

Ellen swiftly shook her head and injected in stern mannerism, "Alright, you two! Enough. Pathfinder Ryder gets to call the shots. Whether his crew, Sara, likes it or not." The woman raised her attention toward Scott and respectfully asked in military composure, "Where am I going to be stationed, Pathfinder Ryder?"

Scott slightly blushed and protested, "Mom, you don't have to be so formal. It's kind of embarrassing." He cleared his throat and shrugged off his anxious demeanor in order to explain, "I'm meeting up with Pathfinder Hayjer at the Krogan colony on Elaaden. I'm going to politely request if Nackmor Morda can keep Elizabeth Reilly safe and taken into upmost care. It's also very likely that we'll find Drack there and I can tell him the whole situation."

"The Krogan colony? Really, Scott?" Sara offered crude objection.

Kallo's voice announced over the Tempest's broadcast communicator, "Ryder, specifically the Pathfinder, we are beginning our entry point into Elaaden's atmosphere. We'll soon be at the LZ momentarily."

Scott proclaimed gratitude, "Thanks, Kallo! I'll assemble the team."

"Scott," The Asari quickly distracted the human man to look into her direction and suggested, "Take Sky with you. You'll need a medic on hand to ensure that Ellen is going to be alright."

Ellen lightly laughed, "I'm not so feeble anymore, doctor. I'm feeling better than ever." The woman slipped down from the edge of the medical table to stand between the Ryder siblings, looking firstly to Scott and announced in military form, "I am ready whenever you are, Pathfinder Ryder."

.

.

"WHAT IN THE HELL IS THIS SALARIAN DOING HERE?!" Morda's growling voice carried throughout New Tuchanka's colony. The Nackmor Krogan chief whipped her large head into Scott's direction and displayed a deathly glare. "Have you forgotten what these little bastards did to my people?! You better have a damn good explanation for this, Nexus!"

Pathfinder Hayjer crossed his arms and leaned his weight onto one leg into a relaxed posture.

"What my people did will never be forgotten. I am just one Salarian but I'm not thee Salarian who created and released the Genophage onto the Krogan race. Andromeda was supposed to a place where we both could set aside the differences between both of our people. I am not accountable for my people's mistakes, truly, it was a regret that should have never been made and it has become an everlasting ridicule that we Salarians must face up to for the rest of our lives, even here in this new galaxy."

Overlord Morda growled loudly, "I don't commend your efforts to come up with an excuse that will prevent me from squashing your head under my foot!"

Zeemi boldly injected in annoyed sound, "Will you two fucking knock it off already?! This is why Quarians never involved themselves in the Krogan and Salarian squabble! You're exactly like the Vorcha children who fight over a broken toy. Get OVER it!"

Nackmor Morda stomped down from the solid rock formation that was covered with upright standing tusks and large bones of wild animals. The Krogan quickly steered her heavy foot stomps into the direction of the Quarian. Morda's face stopped short in front of Zeemi's darkened yellow helmet visor, however, the Quarian remained firmly planted where she stood in a stature of an unshakable disposition by the Krogan's aggressive approach.

"What was that, Quarian? You know, I can easily squish you in the grip of my hand-"

"Shut the fuck up, Krogan, and listen for a change." Zeemi proclaimed soundly in controlled rage. "You specifically came to Andromeda for whatever reason. Yes? I get that you're butt hurt, we all fucking do! You have been obviously born from a mother who had the Genophage, WHY don't you take some pride in the fact that you're the direct result of a successful birth instead of being a complaining little bitch? You came to Andromeda with other successfully birthed Krogan, it is your birthright to lead them to a much greater glory here in Andromeda. The bond of clans are under the Nackmor flag, your flag, Krogan. Make your reason to keep these Krogan strong for they have the strength to overcome the odds against the Genophage and so shall their children should also have their strength when they are born!"

Nackmor Morda gaped her large mouth slightly open as she took a slow step back. The Krogan Overlord gradually shook her large head in the attempt to regain composure.

Scott murmured his surprise, "Wow! That was impressive, Zeemi! Who knew that you were part Krogan?"

Morda's voice quietly rumbled a chuckle that rapidly turned into a series of growling laughter. She settled down and nodded toward the Quarian's direction, "Not bad, Quarian. I'm very surprised by how well you show no fear in your stance against me.. You speak from a Krogan's perspective, I respect that. But the fact remains that the Genophage is still not cured."

Zeemi planted her hands onto the sides of her hips and demanded, "STOP bitching about it! We're all working on it! As for the Krogan's view point, I had a good Krogan representative that taught me much about their overly dramatic constipation. Now that your ears have been opened, Ryder has an important discussion to make. I'll FUCKING head butt you if you have any objections!" She whipped her helmet's direction toward the human man and stated sweetly, "You may proceed, Ryder."

Pathfinder Ryder nervously cleared his throat and began to slowly pace through the room. He out loudly stated, "There are concerns about the Kett making plans to return to the Milky Way cluster in order to initiate a counter attack, of some sort."

Pathfinder Hayjer added, "The Kett have stationed their flagships in the Dar'Hegah system with three ships recently adjoining into their fleet. This class of ships take resemblance to Jump Freighters."

Morda grumbled, "What concern is this of mine?"

The Salarian rested his arms at his sides and shifted in his weight as he continued to explain, "The concern is for the Milky Way galaxy. We may be living here in Andromeda but all of the civilizations are at risk, both of ours included. If the Kett manage to cross Dark Space and into the Milky Way star system then the war will befall onto the occupants within the galaxy. It's our responsibility to protect the ones that we have left behind from the Kett invasion."

Morda lightly scoffed, "That was six hundred years ago, Salarian. Either the Milky Way has advanced enough to defend themselves against outside invaders or they perished due to some natural disaster. It's not our problem either way."

"Anything is possible. We've no idea what transpired six hundred years ago but the Milky Way is still our old home and we have the right to protect it from the Kett." Scott stopped in his pacing and motioned toward Zeemi's direction with a nod, "Zeemi has a theory on all of this. This was the reason I called Hayjer here to discuss this in a safe location. There is a high probably rate that the Kett have initially planned to misguide us into thinking that they were planning for an attack on the Milky Way."

Lumont Hayjer spun his head toward Ryder and suspiciously asked, "What do you mean misguide us?"

Pathfinder Ryder half-turned to have the group in his field of vision and proceeded with further explanation, "This is a deceit tactic often used to lure opposition forces into the wrong direction. The Kett may, in fact, be using this very tactic to distract us from our focus on Andromeda. They want us to rally up as many troops as we can to go after them."

The Salarian Pathfinder gradually gaped and quickly nodded acknowledgement, "I understand! While our forces are distracted this gives the Kett the chance to send in another stash of troops to attack the undefended bases.. I wonder if they'll figure it out when we already know this tactic that has been often used in Milky Way history."

Scott agreed and suggested, "We'll play along. Have you found a way to control the Scourge, Hayjer? If so, we can use the Scourge to our advantage."

"Yes!" Hayjer answered and spoke in addition, "The data files that your crew member, Lamees dus Conta, had translated for us has tremendously helped to sustain the Scourge cloud to follow under our command. Sam is able to broadcast the frequency waves and has worked to give the Scourge direction! She has also translated several song verses for us to use to build more worlds."

"Did you just say build more worlds? That's technically impossible, Salarian. Stars are born not built. And it takes an entire Krogan lifetime for a star to begin formation." Morda grumbled.

Hayjer disregarded the Nackmor Krogan and added, "We need to ploy our own deceit tactic and use the Scourge for that means, Ryder. I'm not sure what the Kett will do if we don't go along with their plan. I'll send word to assemble the fleets and-"

Scott spoke insistence, "Hayjer, you cannot inform anyone if it's true that the Kett have an ulterior motive. We want everyone to go along as if this is meant to be a serious fight."

The Salarian Pathfinder narrowed his large black eyes into a confused look. His rising question was interrupted by Zeemi quickly injecting, "There is high probability that a telltale may be taking part in an agreement with the Kett. I have no physical proof but suspicions always prove justification."

"I see." Lumont Hayjer agreed, "You have the right of it, Miss Ren'torai. If there is indeed a traitor then we'll have to find a way to lure it out. For now, the concerns lie with assembling a fleet and stationing covert forces throughout the cluster.. this may be a little difficult to accomplish but if we can get the Quarians, Drell, Vorcha, and Batarians included into this plan then we'll make a significant difference in numbers to pull it off. I'll return to the Nexus and rally for troops, Ryder. I'll keep you updated, Pathfinder."

Scott nodded in gratitude, "Be safe, Pathfinder." He watched the Salarian Pathfinder whirl around and began to leave from the area. The human man returned his attention onto Overlord Morda whose glaring look quickly turned onto him.

"So, I suppose you came here to ask for my help, Nexus. I'm listening only because you were forefront in our long ago agreement and gave this colony the Remnant Drive Core. However, I cannot lend any assistance. The Krogan make better ground forces rather than space fighters. Our usefulness wouldn't have any point in the fight."

Ryder slowly shook his head and took a step closer toward the Nackmor Krogan and respectfully implied, "That's not the reason why I'm here, Morda. I wanted to ask a personal favor."

"A favor?" Morda growled lowly, "It depends on the favor."

Pathfinder Ryder turned his head and called out, "Sky! Can you bring her out?"

The dark silver figure emerged from around the rock face in stride with the woman known as Ellen Ryder. Ellen came up beside her son and glimpsed around.

Morda's voice portrayed mockery, "What the hell is this? More Nexus to keep watch on my colony?"

"Actually," Scott started with a coy smirk, "I'm asking the personal favor that Elizabeth Reilly be taken into your colony as a protected citizen and treated with the upmost care."

The Krogan scoffed in a rumbling voice, "You want me to babysit a human?"

Ellen crossed her arms under her bust as she fixed her glare toward Morda's direction.

"I don't need a babysitter, thank you very much. If the Pathfinder didn't trust you then he wouldn't have come here to ask you for this personal favor."

Morda coldly objected, "Trust goes both ways, human. The Pathfinder is only in good graces because of what he has done for the Krogan. Nackmor Drack and Kesh have also put in a good word for him, so, he's the only human that I will place faith in."

Ellen retort, "Well, at least that's good otherwise I'd have a few words for him if he was brought up without knowing the consideration of others' needs."

Scott lowered his voice to a whisper, "Mom, let me handle this."

The Nackmor Overlord slightly tilted her head and hinted surprise in her voice, "This human is your mother? Well, why didn't you just say so, Nexus?"

Pathfinder Ryder raised an eyebrow that displayed his puzzlement.

"You.. you're agreeing to it?" Ryder inquired in a state of complete disbelief.

"I'll agree on condition; I have a request of my own. Our trade exchange routes, from here to Paradise, have been attacked on several occasions by stragglers... some of which are Krogan stragglers. They have been taking our much needed supply of water to replenish into our tanks. The merchant flight paths to the Initiative outpost have also been suffering numerous attacks and having their supply crates containing food and materials taken. There are various places that have signs of crashed transport ships but there is nothing left behind, as if every part is being taken in as salvage. There's also a list of bodies that haven't been accounted for.. some of my Krogan are on that list. Either the victims are becoming Fiend food or they're being taken as hostages.. or have been thrown into a sinkhole. Either way, I'm becoming really agitated with this problem and want it solved. Now."

Scott pointed out observation, "You said Krogan stragglers, Morda."

"I believe Jorgal Strux is behind all of it. He is the most likely suspect to strike a revolt after his clan's banishment. That moron hasn't learned that pissing me off is a very bad idea! If Strux is indeed behind this, find out his base of operations, Nexus, and stop him with his band of idiots at any way you see fit... or rather just kill him to put him out of my misery. I've had enough. Do this for me and I'll accept your request."

"My personal favor seems a lot less... complicated than yours." Pathfinder Ryder muttered under his breath.

The Nackmor Overlord protested in annoyance, "Asking me to babysit is probably just as tedious in comparison, Nexus. I'd rather have the show of a gunfight instead of keeping tabs on a meat popsicle."

Ellen's eyelids dimmed further into a deathly stare. The woman smoothly uttered, "This meat popsicle knows how to kick a Krogan's ass. You don't think that an N Seven soldier wouldn't have taught this old woman a few tricks?"

Morda burst out into laughter, "I'd like to see you try. Whatever this N Seven is means nothing to the Krogan or to me."

Ellen cocked an eyebrow into the show of sly anticipation, offering provocation, "Don't tempt me."

Scott murmured under his breath toward Sky's direction, "Maybe this was a bad idea."