Pathfinder Ryder emerged under the doorframe, coming into the medical bay, and quickly diverted toward the direction of the Asari medical officer and the dark silver figure of Sky standing around one of the medical tables.

"How's Reyes, Lexi?"

Doctor T'Perro answered over her shoulder, "Whatever method of torture that Jyarra had subjected Mr. Vidal to wasn't a pleasant one. Luckily, he survived through it. His vitals are holding steady. Sky has just injected him with some of the Nano-nites to make full repair work on his body, included an eye replacement." Lexi slowly spun around to face into the human man's direction.

Scott walked forward and stopped before the Asari medical officer, crossing his arms over his chest while offering a puzzled tone, "How long will it take for recovery?"

Doctor T'Perro offered relief in her response, "Only a few hours. Since we're grounded anyway, it'll be enough time for the Nano-nites to complete their job and Mr. Vidal will be fit to return to duty." Lexi huffed a heavy sigh, slowly shaking her head, and braced one of her arms under her bust while the other hand was raised to vigorously rub the side of her temple under her fingertips. The Asari closed her eyes and hailed the artificial intelligence, "Sam, alert me when Mr. Vidal has regained consciousness.."

Sam's voice acknowledged, "Of course, Doctor T'Perro."

The human man contorted his expression into a worried look in his asking, "Is everything okay, Lexi?"

Lexi reopened her eyes and gave Scott a hard stare. The Asari doctor lowered her voice into the hinted sound of irritation, "Everything is fine, Scott, you don't need to worry about me. I just have to make the rounds to ensure that this crew has had their daily dose of my lecture to show up for their scheduled appointments. And by crew, I mean Peebee."

Ryder smirked to himself, lightly shrugging his shoulders in his comeback, "Good luck with that, Lexi. Let me know if you need someone to give Peebee an earful- I'll call up my mom for that."

Doctor T'Perro lowered her arms to her sides and expressed a light chuckle, "That may be the best idea yet, Scott. I'll use that in my threat." Lexi's blue lips crossed into a smile as she passed the human Pathfinder and started for the doorway.

Scott directed his focus onto the humanoid in dark silver armor and implied gratitude, "Hey, Sky, thanks for helping Sam, by the way."

Sky cordially bowed his head, "I am glad to offer my assistance, Scott."

"There's something else," Scott unfolded his arms from over his torso and walked around the foot of the medical table in order to approach Sky directly. He extended out the dark silver armor bracer and offered, "Thanks for letting me barrow this. Vetra insinuates this level of technology is too dangerous for our lack of understanding.. specifically my lack of understanding.." Scott's voice trailed off.

Sky outstretched his left hand to accept the armor bracer, allowing the dark silver metal to mold onto his own armor. He lowered his arm to his side and expressed acknowledgement, "You do understand my reasons for choosing not to use this in combat. The Tri-sar-plas'conic energy harnesses an impactful and deadly force. The Ethar-Juson have decreed its purpose for mining operations instead of use in combat situations."

Scott made a nod of agreement but made his curiosity known as he injected, "Tell me a little more about your people, Sky."

The tall man turned away from the medical table and started approach into the direction of the doctor's desk. Sky supplied response once he had taken position in front of the medical desk and faced toward the human man, "You have earned my trust to hear of my people's exploits."

The human Pathfinder faced into Sky's direction and intently listened.

Sky proceeded into explanation, "The Ethar-Juson are an ancient race that have existed since the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy has provided a viable aspect for life to begin its rise. Evolution was our progression essential; expanding on survival skills and developments. The era of invention and science had escalated into extraordinary accomplishments for my people, starting with the Nanotechnology for example. The amount of years of our live cycles have exceeded beyond five hundred years. We have surpassed the need for ingesting food to obtain nourishment. The Tri-sar armor, together with the Nanotechnology, permits the appropriate nutrient sustainably requirements."

Scott expressed an amazed look, "You don't eat? How do you know what things taste like?"

Sky responded, "The Ethar-Juson may have adapted out of the habits of eating but our tongues still retain the signal relay to the micro-CPU to distinguish the sense of taste by way of the connection to our brain."

Scott folded his arms over his chest and cocked his eyebrow into a further questionable expression.

"Do you know why your people didn't continue to use this technology when they found Earth?"

Sky gently shrugged his shoulders, "The choice was left to them when they discovered Solasvayn-Istat. However the Ethar-Juson wanted to advance was entirely on them once they had descended from the globular clusters. There is a common interest that resides between our distant relativity; we both have the incredible curiosity to explore and a desire to discover what lies beyond the unknown."

Ryder smirked, "We can't help it. It's in our genes." He quickly raised another question, "I remember that you stated that you were- what was it called?"

Sky provided answer, "Scathaus-Var. It is a Captain's rank similar to your military standards."

"Yeah, Captain. Captain of what? Do you have a ship or is that just a fancy title?"

Sky quietly chuckled and elaborated, "I am Scathaus-Var of exploration and settlement fleet."

Ryder narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously, "Exploration and settlement fleet? Does that mean that you came here to Andromeda to.."

"Precisely what the Andromeda Initiative has initially accomplished."

Scott briefly gaped his mouth open and made his shock factor known. He pointed observation, "You couldn't have come alone, though. A fleet consists of a lot more than just one person to make living arrangements in a new galaxy."

"You are correct, Scott, I have not come alone, however, I am alone on this mission to verify if the consistence of warfare has declared for an end. The Angaran and the Kett were the only two occupants within this galaxy at the time of the fleet's arrival. We were in wait for one or the other to claim as the victor before proceeding into the settlement plan."

Ryder injected his surprise, "You have an entire fleet of ships just waiting out there? Where are they? Maybe you can put in a good word for us."

Sky slowly shook his head, "I cannot reveal their location at this present time."

The Pathfinder continued to investigate, "You said the Angaran and the Kett were the only two. You didn't anticipate that the Andromeda Initiative would arrive.. And you were also waiting for one of the two to fall? You mean to tell me that you and your fleet were sitting idly by while the Kett's onslaught continued? Just for how long have you been waiting in this cluster?"

"Approximately one hundred and seventy five years. My body was still in the state of unconsciousness while under the affects of stasis. My micro-Central Processing Unit remained at full awareness and able to process data information. You are correct, we had not calculated the Andromeda Initiative's arrival. That is also part of the reason why I have come to investigate if the Initiative is worthy of the Ethar-Juson's trust."

Scott shook his head and repeated in slight agitation, "You were sitting in idle and waiting while the Angara were being slaughtered?! Your fleet could have saved them from the Kett!"

Sky stated firmly, "The Ethar-Juson take on a neutral standpoint and do not intervene into another's warfare."

The human Pathfinder scorned, "Didn't your CPU get the information that the Kett are not very friendly? Need I repeat myself? You could have saved the Angara, Sky! Think of what you could have done for this galaxy in the mean time before the Initiative arrived! Everything would have turned out differently."

Sky's demeanor upheld calm patience as he explained, "You are insinuating with the would have's instead of factoring the reasons behind the now or what is, and what will be. The present events turn out would not be as they are now. Alec Ryder would have remained alive and you would not have been made the Pathfinder in his stead. As I recall Alec Ryder is a military uniformed man, alternatively, the Tempest and crew would not be as who they are now. All that has happened has happened for a reason, Scott. Everyone creates their own plot in the great journey. Your journey was meant specifically for you to endure the hardships of choices that were left to be decided. The obstacles that had laid been out before you, you have endured and sought a way through them. Fate has anointed you as the Pathfinder. You were meant to be the one to save the Angara and revive this galaxy."

Scott narrowed his eyes and muttered, "I really hate it when you're philosophical.. Maybe Kallo is right, I should stick to picture books." He released a heavy sigh, finally nodding in agreement, "I guess you're right, Sky. This crew wouldn't be the same.. Vetra and I probably wouldn't be together.." The corners of Pathfinder Ryder's lips curled up into a relieved smile, "I didn't think of it that way.. Thanks for the insight, Sky."

The humanoid figure cordially bowed his head and turned over the conversation, "In regards to the mysterious Benefactor; I have sorted the various Nexus traffic relays of information and have discovered a pin-point location on the planet known as Eos."

"Eos, huh?" Scott began for an acknowledge reply but was interrupted by the crisis-response operative's voice breaking through the Pathfinder's communicator, "Hey, Ryder,"

The Initiative Pathfinder briefly turned his head away and out loudly asked, "What's up, Liam?"

Kosta's voice responded, "I wanted to talk to you about something. Don't mind swinging by?"

The human Pathfinder quipped, "Sure thing, Liam. Give me a sec." He returned his attention up to Sky once more and muttered under his breath, "The babysitting service continues... Now I'm starting to see this Pathfinding under a different light.. I am so blaming Sara." Scott composed his mannerism into a formal state of mind, "I'll have Sam mark Eos on the galaxy map. We'll set a course as soon as Lexi deems Reyes fit for duty.. And thanks again for helping me out on this, Sky."

Sky offered humble retort, "I am always glad to offer my assistance, Scott."

The human Pathfinder started to spin his direction for the Medical Bay's door, racing forward through the opening door and began a steady jog for the Cargo Bay to make a line to the Storage room.

Scott emerged through the parting doorway and immediately spied the crisis-response specialist shuffling through a personalized duffle bag placed upon one of the storage crates. The human Pathfinder came around to stand beside the storage crate, glancing back and forth between Liam Kosta and the duffle bag. He made a sarcastic murmur with a curious look, "I bet there's bound to be an old dresser just lying around. You could have asked Vetra to put in a requisition order instead... unless you're still on her bad side then I completely understand."

"It's not about that, Ryder. Vetra and I are cool so don't worry.. I got in a message from Augie asking for my help. He's gotten in some new recruits and wanted my tactical opinion on training for a new team."

Pathfinder Ryder cocked his eyebrow to broaden his puzzled expression, "A new team? For..."

Liam straightened his posture and fully turned his focus onto the Initiative Pathfinder to begin for an answer, "Now that the Quarians are here, this place has started to have the Milky Way feel. We've all finally got unpacked and can officially call Andromeda home for everyone. I want all of them to have that feel just as well as I do but in order to do that security must be top priority. You paved the beginning for all of us, Ryder, but if we want to keep Andromeda safe we must protect it. I want to pitch in my share, if you get what I mean."

Scott crossed his arms, briefly motioning one of his hands toward the duffle bag, "So, I'm guessing the dresser isn't the main issue here? You want to start your own team? What are you going to call it?"

A friendly chuckle escaped from the human operative before he made his response, "Definitely not the Pathfinder Fan Club if that's what you're hoping for, Ryder. Not that I'm not a fan of it but I'm going back to what I know; gonna call it HUS-T Two. Seems appropriate, doesn't it?"

The human Pathfinder curled his lips into a devious smirk and scoffed respectfully, "I'm hurt, Liam. After all that we've been through- I could have been your biggest fan!"

Liam caught himself smiling and briefly laughed, "I'm definitely going to be missing your wise cracks, Ryder." He took a step back, slowly turning his head side-to-side and glimpsed over the Storage room. "I'm going to miss everything about this ship. The team is definitely one to be missed. Everything that this team has accomplished and what we stand for.. it's hard to step away from and move onto something else.. but I know it's the right thing to do." Liam Kosta returned his attention onto Scott and continued, "It's a small effort but it's an effort worth helping everyone, even if I'm no longer part of the Pathfinder team."

Scott's lips curled upright to display an amiable smile, "You've proven a valuable team member as well as a very good friend, Liam. No matter what, we have Jaal to take up as your replacement now that he's adapted the Liam Kosta way."

The crisis-response operative broadened his smirk, widely spanning out one of his arms to the side in anticipation for the exchange of a handshake.

Pathfinder Ryder swayed an opposing arm, slapping palms together with Liam, and firmly gripped the human operative's hand. The two crew members briefly stepped closer, slapping a free hand over the backside of the other's shoulder in display of a strong-friendly pat. Both figures released their grips as they stepped back.

The calm robotic voice of Sam announced over the broadcast communicator, "Pathfinder, you have an urgent pending call from Nexus Director Jarun Tann waiting for you in the vid-com room."

Liam muttered with a half smirk, "I believe that's for you, Ryder. That's one thing I'm definitely not going to miss."

Scott quipped sarcastically, "Remind me again how good you are at flyby airdrops."

The human operative provided a comeback, "Pretty good actually. I don't scream the whole way down."

Pathfinder Ryder and Liam briefly laughed together before Scott began to turn away and made response over his shoulder, "Sam will have Eos marked on the galaxy map. Talk to you later, Liam." The human Pathfinder started out of the Storage room and turned for the direction of the elevator's lifting platform to ascend to the upper deck. Scott trekked across the walking platforms, quickly emerging into the Research Room, and charged up up one of the ramps into the Meeting Room. Scott rounded the circular table to stand in front of the vid-com screen and made the announcement, "Open the channel, Sam."

The holographic image of the Salarian Director suddenly appeared and took placement adjacent of the human Pathfinder.

Scott turned his head to glimpse upon the Salarian with nonchalant look and opened his mouth to begin, "Director Tann, what a sur-"

The Salarian Director quickly injected his annoyance, "I'm not here for formalities, Ryder. I know that your crew member Sky had everything to do with this. The Quarians have begun the rise of rebellion and have made the demands for the introduction of the Nanotechnology put into immediate affect. Apparently, word got out that Zeemi'yanya Ren'torai is the first Quarian who has received a successful, yet incredible, immune system boost as a direct result from the Nanotechnology. I am not opposed to the Quarians' wants for aid in their species survival, however, I will again make my statement CLEAR; Nanotechnology is far too risky to include into our research."

Ryder objected, "With all due respect, Director, this is EXACTLY what we should be using the Nanotechnology for. There are still a very large number of people who are still in stasis because they have incurable diseases or have compromised immune systems. Zeemi is the first Quarian to be able to breath outside of her environmental suit without the worry of becoming sick. Ruth Bekker is included into the list of terminally sick patients with a cross-species disease called TH-314. These people came to Andromeda for the hope that a cure could be found and we finally have it, Director."

The Salarian expressed a heavy sigh, slowly shaking his head, and forced himself into a state of calm, "I'd prefer our own methods to find a cure for our people, Ryder. As much as this Nanotechnology could be a revolution for us we are not ready for it, based upon morality standards. I cannot stress this enough; someone would be bound to repurpose the Nano-nites to cause more harm rather than good."

Ryder crossed his arms over his chest and expressed a broad smirk, "What if we have supervisory by the people who invented it?"

Jarun Tann stated his observation while glowering with a narrowed look upon the human Pathfinder, "That's presuming if Sky wants to dedicate his time into monitoring every Nano-nite injection and be the only one who administrates it."

"What if I told you that there's an entire fleet of Ethar-Juson residing somewhere here in Andromeda?"

The Salarian's demeanor abruptly shifted from disgruntlement into eager curiosity, "A fleet? Go on."

Scott displayed coy with a smile and began into elaboration, "Sky is a Captain of an exploration and settlement fleet. He has brought the information forward that his fleet has been stationed in this galaxy for one hundred and seventy five years in waiting anticipation for the war to be over before making settlement plans. The Andromeda Initiative wasn't part of their equation but.. what if we gained their trust? The Ethar-Juson would become a valuable asset and may provide us with more technological advancements. With luck, Sky will eventually give me the coordinates to find the hidden fleet."

Tann pointed out his worry, "I don't know whether I should believe this or not, Ryder. Why have they chosen to lie in wait, for the amount of time as they have, and have not made themselves known by now?"

"It's based upon the trust factor, Director. Sky has entrusted this information to me just recently. I understand his apprehension. That's why he has come alone on the mission to find out if the Initiative can prove ourselves worthy to trust."

"Entrusting you with this delicate piece of information is a testament of that trust factor. In other words, faith hangs in the balance, Ryder. The way I see it; you have earned a sufficient amount of Sky's respect but there still lingers a very quick turning point if you fail to meet to his expectations. If you continue to represent as the Pathfinder in the best form this will also have a good representation for the Initiative into gaining a reputation with the Ethar-Juson."

Scott implied in sly tone, "The Pathfinder isn't the only one who has to put on a good show, Director Tann."

Jarun expressed a sigh of defeat and corresponded in a diligent composure, "Very well, Ryder. I'll allow a leniency on Sky, in conjunction with his obligation to comply to the Nexus regulations and protocols. I would expect no less of Sky's people to have similar ordinance protocols that we will be required to follow." The Salarian Director persisted into off-topic, "I have another matter of concern to discuss, Ryder."

Ryder murmured lowly, "Well, since I'm still on vidcom.."

Director Tann proceeded, "The planet known as Prachonyi, in the Vaotessa System, has become sanctioned for ice mining operations. Although, the temperature scale is below satisfactory, the Angara and Initiative together have constructed heating tower systems that will provide abundance of warmth. The towers, additionally together with building materials with supplies, have been made prepped for automated launch which means a suitable zone to land the operation site needs to be found. The Angara will offer aid in the construction of a facility that will harbor an automated and mechanized production to harvest from the frozen water sources, eventually turning it into a colony for settlement. Advisory is HIGHLY cautioned that everyone must remain within the facility to avoid the extreme levels of freezing exposure. More good news; with the amount of Kett threats greatly reduced down, the Angaran government has also approved of a settlement colony to begin on planet Netiquur. This planet is also found in the Vaotessa System. There is a terraforming system plan already implemented, the Angara are awaiting for your investigation to find proper landing zone, there is a lush amount of fauna so the challenge has been left up to you, Ryder. However, there have been Quarantine Level three's marked down in various areas that must be avoided at all costs. I recommend keeping within the safety level one range, Ryder. Sam will provide you with alerts if you heading into the wrong direction from these safety zones."

Scott offered in sarcastic tone, "Maybe we could lay out some bubble wrap."

Jarun warned, "There is going to be likely chances of hazards and possible forms of life that pose as a danger. Make good use out of Sam's full capabilities, Ryder. If you have any further questions please seek Lieutenant Harper for the details, or come by my office at the Nexus whenever you like.. Oh, there is one more thing for you to know, Ryder. The Angara have authorized a development project for the Nomad to use. It provides a substantial life support system to keep you and your squad from freezing when you arrive on Prachonyi."

"Basically a heater?"

Director Tann lightly scoffed, "I hope you make good use out of the heater, Ryder.. Tann out." The projected image of the Salarian suddenly vanished, leaving the human Pathfinder alone in the Meeting Room.

Scott lowered his arms to his sides, muttering mostly to himself, "And here I am again left to make the big decisions." He raised his voice to call out, "Sam, inform Kallo to make a return course for Elaaden.. I hope Drack's there to keep things in check to prevent a fight from breaking out between my mom and Nackmor Morda.. knowing my mom she's probably proclaimed as the new Warlord of New Tuchanka by now.."

.

.

Jaal implied a great amount of curiosity in the sound of his voice, "This is a very strange method to find the one called Strux and his hideout.. Are you sure the information that Velonia has provided us is accurate?"

Scott muttered, "I've done this before, Jaal. Did you ever read the reports when we helped find and rescue an Angara named Verand?"

Jaal's voice answered, "I do recall Lo-consul Verand, if she is who you are referring to. Liam explained to me that it was something in relation to a horse.."

Lieutenant Cora Harper additionally spoke, "Trojan Horse. On Earth, it was a mythological story based at the time of the Trojan War. After a ten-year siege, the Greek soldiers devised a way to get into the city of Troy by means of building a wooden horse and leaving it for the people of Troy into believing that it was a victory gift."

The male Angaran slowly inquired in order to grasp the understanding, "So, the point of us becoming stowaways in storage crates is supposed to have the similar affect like a wooden horse? Presenting ourselves as gifts to Strux?"

Scott answered quietly, "Something like that, yeah. We're the surprise gift inside of the crates."

Jaal politely quipped, "It's questionable if this tactic will work.. coming within close proximity of an angry Krogan tends to lead one to be greeted with a shotgun instead."

"It'll likely come to that. We're just waiting to see if Jorgal Strux takes the bait." The human Biotic had corresponded.

An awkward silence had fallen between the squad members while they remained cooped within the large-sized storage supply crate. Cora quickly continued into conversation, "So, Jaal, you and Lamees are getting along pretty well. Are you two comfortable together in the Tech lab?"

The Angaran Resistance Lieutenant answered with uncertainty sound in his voice, "I'm used to living in small living accommodations, if that's what you're worried about, Cora. Lamees has offered her opinion that the Tempest feels claustrophobic at times.. I deeply care about what she has to say and have considered what I could do to improve upon making her feel better. I'm not sure what I can provide to ease her tension."

Scott Ryder began for a response but had abruptly become silenced by the loud sound of gunfire rapidly sputtering outside of the storage crate. The squad was tumbled over onto each other as the crate was forcibly knocked over by an outside impact.

Jaal grumbled in the sign of great discomfort under his breath, "Cora, your elbow is jabbing into my groin.. Can you move it, please?"

Lieutenant Harper quietly grunted, "Sorry, Jaal.. I think someone's foot is on my back."

The rapid exchange of bullets quickly ceased outside of the large crate and allowed for a loud grumbling voice to order in muffled sound, "Get the supplies! Dump the bodies in the sinkholes! MOVE IT!"

Cora lowered her voice to a very quiet whisper, "They took the bait. Let's quietly get untangled before they break this crate open."

Pathfinder Ryder spoke softly, "Good idea, Cora, otherwise it's going to be very embarrassing to be found like this.. I may never be looked upon as the fearsome human Pathfinder again if Strux sends this out as a vid."

"Ryder," Jaal started in a low-pitched sound of voice, "take it from me, you lack the necessary skills to be fearsome. If you want to learn how to raise fear into your enemies you should spend a day or two under Ambassador Sjefa's guidance."

"You obviously haven't met my mom, Jaal."

The male Angara anxiously wondered, "Can one mother be as bad as having five at the same time?"

Scott quipped softly, "Close enough."

Jaal roughly gulped and gratefully answered, "I'll heed your warning, Ryder."