"CLEAR THE WAY! WE HAVE WOUNDED!" Lieutenant Harper's voice exclaimed from the boarding ramp as the handful of Tempest crew members aided in the effort to carry Sky's body on the stretcher from the cargo loading bay, through the frigate ship, and finally into the Medical Bay.

Doctor T'Perro stepped aside allowing for the small group to rush into the room, quickly motioning to one of the medical tables, and ordered, "Lay him here!"

Scott Ryder helped the squad carefully place the figure in dark silver armor upon the indicated table's flat surface and set aside the stretcher. He looked toward the Asari doctor with a worried look, watching Lexi raise her left arm and igniting the orange glow from the Omni-tool's scanner to shine over the Ethar-Juson's body. Ryder lowered his glance onto Sky's left arm to find that the flawless silver finish was gashed with various sizes of marks up and down the length of the prosthetic limb which revealed the black-colored metal underneath with green glowing veins.

Lexi continued in a raised-panicked voice, "Sam! What's the damage? Can you get through Sky's armor and get a scan diagnostics?"

Sam's calm robotic voice provided response over the room's broadcast communication system, "I have been granted access by Captain Skryonn Neyblix's authority to examine and supply information regarding Sky's vital signs and the status of his condition for emergency medical purposes. Presently, Sky's prosthetic limbs are sustained with lacerations caused from the shrapnel pieces expelled from the grenade's blast when in the event to shield himself from the explosive impact. The material composition of the Tri-sar armor is remarkably impervious to almost all types of weaponry, including Kett. Both prosthetic limbs have sustained minor surface afflictions. Vital life signs are at normal rate, however, his current mental state is at the first stage of unconsciousness with actively high brain wave lengths. Sky is openly aware of the crew's presence but cannot respond while the Nano-nites are in the process to repair the damage that was caused. He will regain consciousness in approximately less than an hour."

"You could have just said that he's going to be alright, Sam." Scott muttered while crossing his arms over the chest plate of his crafted armor.

Sara Ryder teased at the Pathfinder's expense, "Ya gotta keep things simple for the simple-minded, Sam. This is my brother we're talking about.."

Lexi T'Perro heavily sighed relief while in the motion to switch off the medical scanner before dropping her arm to her side, "This saves me from another stress headache.. At least I can get one reprieve knowing that Scott didn't die this time round."

The human Pathfinder greatly shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry for the let down, Lexi."

The medical officer's head spun into the Pathfinder's direction with a glaring look and scolded, "Stop pretending that dying is a good thing, Scott! I don't find it remotely funny that this crew is trying to make it into a sporting event." Doctor T'Perro swiftly shook her head, releasing another deepened sigh and forced calm in her words, "I'm going to keep a monitor on Sky's condition. When he wakes up I'll have Sam forward the update."

Cora Harper formally acknowledged, "We'll leave you to it, Lexi."

.

.

Ryder had felt the ease of replenishment come over him after emerging from the shower room and redressing into his casual wear. The human man appeared from the Tempest's lavatory, making immediate approach for the Pathfinder's Quarters, and passed under the opening door frame. Scott turned for the corner desk and heavily slumped into the chair. His head dropped back allowing him to fall into a slouched-sitting posture. Scott raised both of his hands to splay his palms over his face and slowly rubbed his fingers around his closed eyes. The human man expelled a heavy sigh promptly followed by a disgruntled murmur, "Annea has found the sure way to ruin my day.. I shouldn't be surprised that she was the one who put a bounty out for me. She was hell-bent to kill me even if it meant taking her own life.. I can't believe it's come down to this."

Sam's robotic voice offered explanation over the Pathfinder's private channel, 'I have concluded that motivation has committed Annea's act for revenge. Having the factor of a deceased sibling has added fuel to the fire, so to speak. There was no recourse to persuade Annea from the choice she has made.'

Scott agreed softly, "I probably would have gone berserk, too, if something happened to Sara." He dropped his hands down onto the armrests of his chair and gradually regained onto his feet to start for the door. "I should go check on things around the ship and see how the crew is processing today's event.." The Pathfinder began into the corridor and stopped just as the Salarian pilot had made direct approach toward Ryder.

Kallo Janth stopped in front of the human man, blurting out in hasty sound, "Ah, Ryder! Just the person I need to talk to.. rather, wanted to apologize to."

Pathfinder Ryder cocked his eyebrow into a puzzled look and gently instigated, "May I ask what you're apologizing for? Did you push Gil out of the airlock?"

Kallo shook his head, taking in a deep breath and slowly sighed in his response, "It's nothing to do with Gil.. and don't worry, he's still on the ship.. This is about my insincere remarks that I have made to you.. about you. I wanted to apologize."

"Kallo," Scott crossed his arms over his chest and continued, "you don't need to apologize to me for anything... although, you're the only crew member who has offered an apology.. I'm not mad about any of the comments that the crew makes- it's just their way of expressing themselves.. even if it's at my expense." The human man trailed off.

"I've been letting personal feelings lash out and it's becoming very unprofessional of me that I'm taking my aggression on you, Ryder. I've tried to cover up my frustration for these last several months. The reason being that you didn't choose to save Zevin Raeka and save as many Salarians as we could have. I know it was so many months ago but I couldn't shake the thought.."

Ryder conveyed an anxious look with sincerity, "I understand why this bothers you, Kallo. They were your people that I sacrificed. This isn't just something that can be easily forgotten, believe me.."

The Salarian politely injected, "I've talked to Sky about this and he's offered a very insightful statement that I shall never forget; Do not hate Scott Ryder, for he already has a hard lot. He is in a position that no other can accept and take the necessary initiative into facing alone. He is left with the difficult decisions and must carry the weight of the burdens that follow. In spite of the hardships that a leader must prioritize, uplifting his comrades is not second place for their support is what provides him strength to stand against the odds."

Scott's jaw momentarily dropped open to display his astonishment, "Whoa.. Sky said that?"

Kallo spoke in humble tone, "After hearing this I came to realization that you're more than just a Pathfinder, Ryder. You've helped this crew through our problems, including mine. Hell, I thought I'd never imagine myself playing Poker with Gil or wanting to get my hands dirty.. and by dirty I mean helping in the engine room.. Although, there are multiple occasions that I've wanted to choke Gil in his sleep.. He snores REALLY loud."

The human man proceeded with suspicion, "I'm surprised that you didn't go to Suvi or Lexi about this issue."

Kallo gently shrugged in his correspondence, "I regard Sky in the most respectful way, Ryder. We ALL do. The instances he has put out to save our crew members, including this ship and Sam, he also goes out of his way to cook proper nutrient meals for us AND make them taste incredible. I've never seen nutrient-paste turned into a gourmet meal before.. Despite the perplexity of it, it astonishes me that he understands us more than we understand about each other."

"Uh oh. I see where this is going.. Are you putting Sky in for nomination to replace me?"

The Salarian pilot's voice sounded with puzzlement in retort, "What? No! Of course not, Ryder. Sure, Sky would make a great Pathfinder but we'll just have to keep putting up with the one we already have."

Scott Ryder glimpsed back and forth, expressing a puzzled look, "I forgot to ask a very important question; Who is flying the ship, by the way?"

Kallo quipped, "Oh, I'm letting Gil have a crack at it."

"You're joking.." The Pathfinder contorted his expression into a narrowed look.

The Salarian half-turned away, glancing over his shoulder and muttered defeat, "Alright, alright, I'm kidding.. anyway, thanks, Ryder."

Scott smiled with a sly response, "If you need help beating Gil at Poker I'll authorize Sam to offer assistance."

Kallo Janth expressed a chuckle as he fully spun around and started through the long stretch of the lower deck to make return direction for the bridge.

Scott became suddenly surprised by the shout of the Asari doctor's voice erupting with anger from the Medical Bay room, "Don't ever pull this stunt again, Sky! I don't know enough of your people's medical technology to fix a broken prosthetic! There are far too many variables that this could have ended up a LOT worse!"

Pathfinder Ryder muttered to himself, "Sounds like Lexi's on a rampage and Sky's caught into the crossfire." The human man approached the medical door and walked under the opening door's frame. Scott emerged into the room, quickly turning his head to find both Doctor T'Perro and the dark silver figure standing in front of the doctor's desk.

Ryder asked aloud, "Is everything alright in here, Lexi?"

The Asari's backside was faced into Scott's direction as she quickly raised one of her arms to wipe her eyes across her sleeve and whirled around to express a bewildered look up to the human Pathfinder. Lexi demanded in a shaky voice, "Scott! Damn it! What are you doing in here?!"

Scott cocked his eyebrow into an worried look, taking immediate notice as the Asari doctor staggered to hold back brimming tears. Ryder looked upon Doctor T'Perro with concern, supplying a sarcastic quipped response, "Well, considering the fact that I can go wherever I want on my ship, I figured I'd check on the crew members.. and this is probably the worst time to keep popping off my smart ass remarks.. By the looks of it, I think Peebee has finally succeeded to draw the last straw.. Is everything okay, Lexi?"

Lexi T'Perro brought up one of her hands to wipe the tears from one of her eyes and quietly responded, "No, no, Peebee had nothing to do with this.. I generally don't get like this but this particular incident had pushed me to my wit's end..." The Asari trailed off and abruptly looked away.

The Initiative Pathfinder offered a friendly smile in his soothing, "Lexi, it's okay. Both Sky and I are alive, so there's one thing good that's come out of it." Scott looked up to the Ethar-Juson, whose smooth silver features and head full of raven black hair were completely revealed. Pathfinder Ryder offered his relief, "You're looking well, Sky, for surviving a grenade explosion. Normally, for anyone else they might not have come out as alive."

The man in dark silver armor responded in calm manner, "My armor serves universal utilization to provide my protection from potentially explosive devices."

"I'd definitely like to add the Tri'sar armor into the list of Development Projects. Think of how many headaches you could save Lexi."

Doctor T'Perro inserted remark with a firm glare toward the human Pathfinder, "THAT would certainly prevent the dying aspect.. Scott.. and thank you, Sky, for pushing our Pathfinder out of the way from another untimely demise."

Scott opened his mouth to begin for a response but had become interrupted by the sound of Sam's artificial voice injecting alarm, 'Scott, I've just received an urgent message from Director Jarun Tann. There is trouble on the Nexus and the Director has requested for your immediate assistance.'

The Pathfinder swiftly turned away and demanded, "What kind of trouble, Sam?"

'Protestors have ceased work production on the Nexus and have gathered to start a riot in front of Director Tann's office.'

Scott began mumbles of silent curses, "Ah, shit.. you've got to be fucking kidding.."

The Asari doctor had diverted her attention back to Ryder and made a worried look, "What's wrong, Scott?"

Pathfinder Ryder returned direction toward Lexi, replying disgruntlement, "There's a situation that has turned into a shit storm.. Sam, inform Kallo to set course for the Nexus.. Pathfinder Ryder's Babysitting Service has now been promoted to Glorified Peace Keeper Extraordinaire. No credit payment necessary."

Sky swiftly stepped around Lexi T'Perro to stand at the Pathfinder's side. The Ethar-Juson affirmed diligence with a narrowed look, "Allow me to accompany. The cause of the problem relates to the request for my Nanotechnology. I may be able to offer peace settlement."

Ryder quickly shook his head with a retort, "You obviously know how to tame a wild Peebee but I don't know how well you can handle an angry group of protestors. I recommend waiting on the Tempest. I'll handle this, Sky."

The man in dark silver armor acknowledged respect, "I shall heed your words, Scott."

.

.

"PATHFINDER RYDER IS HERE!" The shrill of a Quarian's voice exclaimed through the Operation commons area, quickly adverting the attention of all Nexus personnel upon Pathfinder Ryder.

Once Scott Ryder had emerged from the elevator corridor the swarm of various Milky Way races were swift to surround the human Pathfinder. Scott came to an abrupt halt in front of the first line of the Nexus residents and raised his voice into assertive sound, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!" Silence had suddenly befallen over the entire station's Operations deck.

An Asari began objection as she took a step forward, "Pathfinder, we're here because Director Tann hasn't met to the demands and your crew member known as Sky hasn't provided a reply to our requests for-"

"The Nanotechnology? Is THAT what everyone is pitching a fit over? I'll have to admit this is setting a really great example! Putting in demands, starting a riot.. These are prime examples that will definitely turn Sky's people away." Scott walked forward, balling his hands into fists. A wide path quickly formed out of his way as figures stepped back and had granted the human man to climb onto a platform to stand above the height of all the gathered Nexus residents. Pathfinder Ryder proceeded into exclaim while retaining diligent military composure, "Need I remind the Milky Way species that it took the Initiative a lot of effort to gain the Angaran's trust when we first arrived in the Andromeda galaxy. Those of us who joined into the fight had sacrificed many to the war in order to stop the Archon and because of this we have gained face value with the Angara. Now we have an opportunity laying out before us to prove ourselves in the show of good faith to Sky's people. The Ethar-Juson have remain secluded for the past one hundred and seventy five years because they prefer not having any affiliation to warfare. By displaying this impulsive act, we are proving ourselves below the Initiative's standards as a unified people. I had higher expectations for everyone to pull together once we had established our home here in Andromeda. What shall I explain to the Ethar-Juson when I am finally able to meet them?"

The Pathfinder slowly turned his head looking around to individuals conveying humiliation with a head bow. Scott spun his head, quickly shifting attention into the sound direction of the Salarian Director's voice, "Pathfinder Ryder is correct on every point." Jarun had appeared at the top of one of the ramps leading from the Colonial Affair offices. The Nexus Director continued correspondence, "You all have forgotten what this Initiative is supposed to stand for. Is this how we're going to present ourselves when first contact is made with a new alien culture? I have asked time and again for everyone's patience. Yes, we all have loved ones that are still in Cryo and yes, there's a greater chance to revive them and cure them but we cannot do it because we have not yet gained the trust of the ones who can make it possible. I understand that everyone is eager to meet with the Ethar-Juson but we must start by giving a good impression when we welcome the new race into Andromeda. Allow our Pathfinder to do what he does best."

Scott momentarily glimpsed around to look over the silent groups. He dropped down from the platform, starting forward through the parting crowd to follow up the ramp, and approached the Salarian Nexus Director, uttering a grateful murmur, "Thanks for the backup."

Jarun lowered his voice to a whisper in his turn to walk in pace with Ryder, "I should be thanking you, Ryder. This was beginning to turn for the worst.. Let's go to my office. I have other matters to discuss with you."

Pathfinder Ryder mentally rolled his eyes while in walking stride with the slender Salarian as the two proceeded through the Director's office door and began following up the flights of ascending walking ramps until coming into the Nexus Director's main office. Jarun turned his head to one side in order to speak over his shoulder toward Scott's direction, "As you know, Ryder, Pathfinder Hayjer and his team have completed the new ship's construction. The project couldn't have been made possible without the help of the Angarans and the Quarians. A lot of the Milky Way species have also pitched their every effort into building this ship. There is a problem, however. We have yet to construct or deploy Fuel Depots. We've barely begun production and transporting the fuel supplies from H-047C to the viable worlds. You will have to frequent the Nexus, or the other planets under our jurisdiction, to refuel until Fueling Stations can be placed throughout the Heleus Cluster."

"It's going to be really hard to explain why I wasn't able to save the day when my ship runs out of fuel in the middle of warp.."

Tann wheeled around to face the human man and quipped with the hinted sound of mockery in his tone, "Hayjer has implemented a spare fueling system if the Pathfinder happens to forget the important aspect of refueling his own ship.. Onto the next matter of concern; I received the report that your crew member Sky had sustained minor injury from a point blank grenade blast and survived. It's incredible!"

Scott murmured, "That type of armor can become pretty useful when running through a mine field."

The Salarian Nexus Director narrowed his eyes and crossed his long arms over his chest, "You're oblivious to the fact that Sky has risked his life to protect your own, Ryder. Do you understand what this means? You have gained reverence with Sky and now we can anticipate how soon he will allow you to meet with his people. Good outcomes will come out of this once we start the exchange of technology. Sky's armor for example. We don't have anything close to the mineral components to replicate such a remarkable and impenetrable armor but if you can convince him to fashion a Research Design and supply the material requirements..."

Ryder placed his hands on the sides of his hips, slowly shaking his head, and answered with reluctance, "I've brought the idea up to Sky. That's probably pushing my luck, though. We can't expect the Ethar-Juson to just hand over their technology. I've had a test run with the Tri'sar energy and now understand why Sky doesn't want to use it. In our hands, this technology would lead us into a lot of trouble."

Director Tann acknowledged, "I'm glad that you finally see it from my perspective, Ryder. There is one more issue but it's a discussion best left between you, Pathfinder Hayjer, and Captain Nozomi Dunn in regards to the Kett. If you seek the next step for a strategy, you will find Captain Dunn located in the Militia Office with Kandros. This concludes our meeting, Ryder. I'll be here if you seek anything further from me.. Thank you again, Pathfinder, in regards to preventing a riot from breaking out in front of my office."

Pathfinder Ryder dropped his hands from the sides of his hips to rest at his sides. Scott forcibly implied politeness in his scoff, "It's all part of the job, Director." The human Pathfinder started for a spin around for the direction of the round-about walking ramps, quickly stopping, and returned into facing toward the Nexus Director. "There is one thing I wanted to ask.. Do we have any information about the Volus? We kind of left them out of the equation.."

The Salarian Director softly sighed, shaking his head with a reply, "It remains uncertain about the Volus. There are difficulties when adapting accommodates for their ammonia-based biology. If they had their own Ark prepared it would have been meant to follow immediately after the Quarians', however, seeing that it's not here- we can only presume the worst."

"We can't give up hope, Tann. I'll miss playing Bowling with Volus if the fifth Ark doesn't show up... I'll leave you to your work, Director." Scott spun around in his start down the walking ramps and proceeded toward the closed door. The automated sensors triggered the metal door to slide open upon Scott's approach granting him leave from the Nexus Director's office. Pathfinder Ryder made for the lower deck portion of the Operations area, momentarily stopping in his stride to quickly look around to find that Nexus staff workers and the protesting group had returned to their former duties. Residents gave glance toward the human man's direction and paid respect with head bows as Scott continued for the Militia Office. The security guards gave their own form of respect by facing forward and standing at full attention.

The Turian security officer Tiran Kandros stood together with the human Captain in front of the circular-shaped interface terminal. Tiran had made a brief glance over his shoulder and quickly motioned to Captain Dunn with a gentle elbow nudge. Both figures diverted a spin around into facing toward the human Pathfinder.

Kandros began to speak in military form of respect, "Ryder, I cannot express enough gratitude for how well you handled that protest situation and prevented it from escalating. I was afraid that they might start tearing down the Nexus from the inside out.. or try to put Tann on a pike."

Captain Dunn added praise, "I'll admit that was one incredible speech, Ryder. Reminds me of one of your father's. He certainly had the charisma to invigorate a crowd, also having the reverse affect to settle everyone down. Alec could be defined as a smooth mood killer."

"Is that a compliment meant for me or my dad?" Scott hinted suspicion with a puzzled look.

Nozomi stated firmly, "I'm giving you the credibility, Ryder. You've come a long way since having the torch passed down." The Captain crossed her arms under her bust in her relaxed posture and continued, "As always, you're fulfilling the job as Pathfinder very well. Anyway, I'm sure you didn't come down here looking for a pat on the back, Ryder. The fleets have started rallying in preparation and will be waiting for the Tempest to take the lead charge into battle. We certainly could use all of the help that we can get; if you can get the Remnant to work in our favor again then our chances of success will go up."

The Turian security officer looked down to Nozomi and injected suggestion, "Actually, if Ryder can convince Sky to bring the Ethar-Juson into this-"

"Uh, that's not going to be so easy, Kandros.." Scott cleared his throat and spoke with an uneasy tone, "Gaining Sky's trust was the challenge.. Imagine yourself in my shoes and trying to convince an entire fleet."

Dunn argued point, "Well, they came to Andromeda for the same reason, haven't they? It's imperative to station security throughout the Heleus cluster and the Ethar-Juson can do just that simple of a task, can't they? We're not asking them to fight the fight for us.. Their weapon capabilities would certainly pack one hell of a punch, though."

The security officer expressed concern as he looked upon the human man, "Speaking of Sky; is he alright? Sam sent the message and told us what happened. I can't imagine walking away from a full impact from a grenade blast. No one can walk away from something like that.."

Scott cordially nodded, "He's alright. Just a flesh wound, if you want to call it that."

Nozomi Dunn respectfully implied, "Without Sky then we'd be one Pathfinder short. A man like that deserves the most commendable amount of respect and Sky has certainly achieved it from the Initiative."

Kandros injected eagerness, "If you can gain the trust of the Angara, and one Ethar-Juson, then there's hope that you can gain the trust of an entire fleet, Ryder."

Ryder composed confidence in his smirk, "Make sure to have everyone on their best behavior. I don't want to have to explain to Sky's fleet why everyone in the Initiative was sent to the kiddy table."

The human Captain nodded acknowledgement, "Will do, Ryder."

.

.

Vetra's voice spoke received over the Pathfinder's communicator, "Hey, Scott, we're bringing in the supplies from the Nexus. We'll be ready to go soon."

Scott provided correspondence as he stood outside of the Medical Bay room, "Thanks, Vetra. Keep me posted." The human man narrowed his eyes while delving into silent thought, 'How hard can it be to ask Sky for the coordinates? It's gotta be as easy as asking Evfra where he keeps his cuddly toy collection.'Pathfinder Ryder took in a deep breath as he stepped forward and passed under the opening doorway. The human man slowly breathed out, swiftly turning his direction for the lonely figure standing within the room seeing that Sky had taken placement in front of the doctor's desk with a green glowing circular-shaped display screen above his left arm.

Ryder proclaimed upon entry into the Medical Bay, "Hey, Sky." The human Pathfinder began approach, passing the medical tables to come into the area and stopped within a short distance from the tall figure.

Sky gradually turned face direction toward the Pathfinder and lowered his arm to his side. The Ethar-Juson's face and head were uncovered allowing for Sky to express a friendly smile, "Greetings, Scott."

Ryder crossed his arms over his chest and relaxed his weight onto one leg. "Hey, I wanted to say thank you.. again for saving my life. This makes two. I still haven't figured out how to repay for the first one... Do you accept irresistible charm as a form of payment?"

The corners of the Ethar-Juson's lips curled into a broad smirk. Stifling a light chuckle, Sky swiftly reformed his composure into profound statement, "You are the paragon of the Andromeda Initiative, Scott. Honor is repayment."

"Honor, huh? Is that all that it takes? I was really hoping that my good looks had gotten me by thus far. Will they work on the other Ethar-Juson?"

Sky's silver lips contorted into a devious smirk, "Respectively, I suggest that you refrain from burlesque behaviorism while in their presence.. They will have no understanding of the irresistible charm factor quite like I do.. fortunately, I have been overly exposed and have become immune."

The human Pathfinder suddenly gaped and questioned warily, "Wait-what? Does this mean you're.."

"The information has been transmitted to my people that the frigate ship known as the Tempest will be arriving soon. I have supplied Sam with the coordinates. The Pathfinder and crew shall be expected."