(*Disclaimer: This content consists of dialogue with Ryder's alternative romance option: Sky. There are LIMES! Per usual, the option is always open to skip.*)

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Pathfinder Ryder upturned the corners of his lips into an excited smile and genuinely praised, "Wow, really? I can't wait to tell the crew! When do we get to see the new ship?"

"Like I said, Ryder, it'll be put through a few test runs, foremost. After we have dealt with the present Kett situation in the Dar'Hegah System the new ship will be yours."

Scott raised into questioning, "What's their status?"

Lumont offered response, "The Kett appear to be waiting for our next move. Nothing has happened, yet. We'll have to move into position eventually soon, Ryder, otherwise I'm not sure what will happen if we don't play into their ploy. On that note, I have asked Captain Nozomi Dunn to round up a fleet in preparation."

Ryder turned his head to spy the figure in dark silver armor approaching and quickly returned his focus onto the Salarian Pathfinder to inject, "Keep me updated, Hayjer. We'll figure out a strategy soon enough. I've got a few things to take care of in the mean time."

Lumont Hayjer gradually nodded his acknowledgement, "Understood, Pathfinder Ryder. I'll send status updates. Pathfinder Hayjer out." The projected image of the Salarian quickly faded leaving the human man and Sky alone together in the meeting room.

Sky's entire head and facial features became unveiled as the silver helmet melted away to adjoin onto his armor. He expressed a warming smile once the human Pathfinder had diverted full attention onto Sky. The Ethar-Juson softly spoke, "Bis-saarvi dun Ker-o'shai."

Scott cocked an eyebrow into a puzzled look and began to inquire, "I'm not all that familiar with your lang-" He was suddenly silenced by Sky's abrupt approach. The tall figure wrapped his arms abound Scott's waist and firmly pressed their lips together.

Ryder found himself blushing profusely with the heat rapidly rising into his cheeks. The Pathfinder returned the embrace by wrapping his arms around Sky's torso in the welcoming notion for a deep kiss. Scott half-closed his eyes permitting himself to melt into the kiss for a moment longer until slowly breaking away from Sky's silver-tinted lips and inspired admiration in a whispering voice, "Whoa.. I didn't expect such a nice surprise."

The Ethar-Juson broadened his smile and offered response, "I desire to present a gift to you, Scott. There is a Development Research project awaiting for your approval. I have constructed an augmentation that is devised with Tri-sar-plas'conic energy that shall provide increased enhancements to your Biotic abilities and sustain your health for a prolonged duration. I have made adjustments to this technology to incorporate the life preservation system installed into your implant, hence, you shall no longer endure the adverse affects. This augment will also grant you another ability to use in combat situations."

Pathfinder Ryder momentarily gaped his mouth open into a shocked surprise.

"Wow, Sky, I'm not sure what to say.. Normally, presents are gift-wrapped and left as a surprise.. From Drack, I would expect another picture slide showing guns.." Scott trailed off and felt the heat of embarrassment swiftly rising into his cheeks.

Sky's smile slowly dimmed down as he slightly tilted his head to convey puzzlement. The tall man slowly shook his head in disagreement, "Both of our customs are quite different."

Ryder briefly shrugged his shoulders and quipped, "Well, there lies a seventy thousand light year difference between our galaxies and a language dialect that I have no understanding of.. What does Bis.. ker something.. mean?"

The Ethar-Juson's silver lips formed into a brightened smile as he proceeded into explanation, "Bis-saarvi dun Ker-o'shai translation implores an upmost respectful greeting to the one I hold devotion for. Ker-o'shai could imply a numerous amount of meanings including an individual who is deeply cherished or betrothed to."

Scott slowly pulled out of the Ethar-Juson's arms and injected, "Whoa, whoa, whoa.. Betrothed to? I didn't even get the marriage proposal! Did I sleep walk to the medical bay and pop the question without realizing it? I bet Sam has it recorded.."

Sky tilted his head again to show a state of confusion.

"I am discerning that humans are an apprehensive culture and are slow to the bonding interrelation."

Ryder spoke in the hint of a defensive manner, "We're not slow.. it's a trust.. thing."

Sky retained calm mannerism, "You are reluctant to trust me."

Scott quickly shook his head and began for a retort, "No, it's.. well, there's ALSO a lot of learning involved... like learning more about each other and finding out what makes the other tick.."

"I shall discover more about this tick.. It does not sound pleasant."

The human Pathfinder cleared his throat, feeling the heat in his cheeks slowly dwindling, and turned over the conversation, "How is Cora by the way?"

The Ethar-Juson quipped in professional manner, "Lieutenant Harper has fully recovered with the aid of the Nano-nites..." Sky hinted an anxious outlook as he continued, "I have a concern that I desire to bring forward to you."

Scott composed his demeanor in order not to show a worried expression by crossing his arms over his chest and relaxing his weight onto one leg. He nodded, "Go ahead."

"Sam has been forwarding messages to me in regards to the Nanotechnology. There are numerous accounts that have been pressing on the retrieval of Nano-nites to aid a military faction known as APEX. Both Director of Nexus Security Tiran Kandros and Lieutenant Sajax have put in for personal requests to obtain Nanotechnology information."

"Well, it would certainly help their ground troops to make a swift recovery.. it's not easy replacing a lost limb."

Sky proceeded to explain, "Superintendent Nackmor Kesh and Director Foster Addison have also included a requisition to implement Nanotechnology for medical benefits. The civilians stationed on the Nexus, among others across the Heleus Cluster, are putting in requests as well."

Scott gaped and murmured in his statement, "Uhh.. that's good news? Looks like someone wanted to share information about the Nanotechnology.. I bet one of Zeemi's people had something to do with it to get Tann to change his mind..." Ryder expressed worried sound, "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner, Sky?"

"It is inconsequential to the Pathfinder's mission priorities."

The human man deeply sighed as he unfolded his arms and outstretched them to take up Sky's hands into his own.

"Sky, there are always challenges to face up to, no matter how big or small. The point is; you and I are in this together. Your problems are my problems."

The tall figure in dark silver armor soothed, "This exchange includes sharing your troubles with me, Ker-o'shai." Sky pulled the human Pathfinder into a full embrace before persisting into a deep kiss with Scott.