The Salarian pilot made the announcement over his shoulder, "The Tempest's flight guiding systems are leading us beyond the reaches of the Skeldah system. The specified coordinates are located just outside of the brink of the Heleus cluster going into dark space." Kallo lowered his voice to ponder, "Who would have thought that this would have been a convenient place to hide a fleet? Sam's sensor arrays wouldn't have been able to branch out this far to find it."

Pathfinder Ryder stood at the bow of the galaxy map's interfacing display overlooking the ship's starboard view of the warp bubble's spiraling vortex. The human man made a half-turn around to direct focus upon all of the crew members gathered together within the Bridge. Scott started broadcasting his voice over the room, "Listen up, everyone! Sky has put in a good word for us to meet with his people. Take into consideration that the Ethar-Juson are from an entirely different galaxy and likely to have different standards when making first contact with other alien species... I expect everyone to be on their best behavior, otherwise, they can stay on the Tempest and miss out on all of the fun that the good kids are going to have."

Sara Ryder scornfully teased, "If this is anything like going to the Citadel then I think we can handle ourselves, Scott. We're all big kids and NOT going to need to hold hands... You make a horrible impersonation of dad, by the way."

The Asari medical officer injected, "Presuming that everyone will be mature enough to NOT cause trouble.." Lexi shot an accusing look toward Peebee's specific direction.

Peebee protested innocence, "Why are you looking at me? I didn't even do anything!"

The female Turian expressed a deep-sounding sigh and gave response with the clear hint of annoyance in her voice, "You didn't do anything yet, Peebee. We're all just anticipating for one of your mishaps to happen."

Kallo cleared his throat to draw the crew's attention before loudly proclaiming, "The Tempest is now coming out of warp."

All of the crew members returned their full attention onto the starboard window in time to witness the whirling warp vortex swiftly unraveling and ultimately revealed the beginning depths of dark space. The frigate ship's forward propulsion systems were quickly locked down allowing the Tempest to motionlessly hover before the purity of darkness.

The Salarian turned his head side-to-side looking over the readout interface and muttered confused tone, "Huh? How strange... there's no sign of Scourge in this sector and I'm not seeing any signs of anything out here either. Sam, are you getting anything?"

The artificial intelligence supplied response, "My long range scanning sensors are unable to detect any unusual anomalies or space craft signatures. Perhaps there is a cloaking device in affect which is preventing my scans from locating the Ethar-Juson starships."

Scott Ryder wheeled around and directed a firm gaze upon the figure in dark silver armor and implied half-demanding sound, "Sky, what's going on? I thought you said that they were waiting for us."

The Ethar-Juson supplied answer, "Sam is correct; my people are under the guise of camouflage, this prevents the location of the fleet from being found. I shall procure the authentication sequence to reveal them." Sky gracefully walked forward and stood beside the human Pathfinder. Sky brought his left arm over his chest and ignited the green glow of the circular display above his wrist. Sky whispered with an euphonious voice, "This is Captain Skryonn Neyblix from planet Saara-Baalhamath of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy. Authorization Myhn-zei't H'ouk."

The human Pathfinder diverted forward once more to look upon the enormous scale of the space field suddenly becoming a tidal wave of brilliant glowing green light rapidly spanning over the flawless mirrored-surfaces of Ethar-Juson designed crafts and had left behind a faint outer glow in order to distinguish the ships apart as the camouflage cloak had quickly dispersed. The pitch darkness of space had become a wall of dark silver that hovered in motionless formation before the Initiative ship.

Pathfinder Ryder dropped his jaw into a gaped expression, swiftly glancing over the squadron of vessels and silently counted out the amount which had significantly outmatched the Initiative and Angaran fleets. The size variations within the armada ranged from cruiser class to surpassing the Citadel's scale with planet-comparable Titan-size vessels. Scott quickly drew in a deep breath and out loudly spoke his excitement, "Wow! I can't believe how HUGE this fleet is! There's gotta be at least a thousand ships! It's incredible!"

Cora Harper took a step forward to convey her astonishment behind the human Pathfinder, "They've been hiding here this whole time and we had no idea."

Peebee's voice abruptly rang out, "Holy fuck! That's a LOT of ships! What the hell is up, Sky? Were ALL of your people packing it up and moving from your galaxy to Andromeda or something?"

The female Turian made her surprise known in her words, "I've never seen this amount of ships gathered all at once like this before. Palaven's military wouldn't even have half as much."

Liam Kosta inquired anxiously, "They are on our side, right? I hope so 'cause I would have pissed myself if they weren't."

"Did you piss yourself, Liam?" Jaal instigated with suspicion.

"I said would have, that doesn't mean that I did. The Kett definitely would be turning tail if they caught sight of this." The crisis-response operative quipped.

Zeemi offered with a tease, "Maybe Kosta did but he just doesn't want to admit to it. It's alright, Liam, you can admit you pissed your shorts. We won't judge."

Suvi Anwar stated her surprise in a mutter, "That's a lot for a migrate fleet just to get settled into Andromeda."

Kallo roughly swallowed, turning his voice to a very low nervous murmur, "It would seem more appropriate for a takeover, in my opinion."

Sky lowered his prosthetic arm in his graceful spin around to face the Tempest crew members and provided answer, "We have made the necessary means to transport the resources for terraforming constructs to place upon the worlds that are not yet presentable in the habitable zones throughout the Heleus cluster. Gravitational Polarity Control mechanisms were also going to be implemented upon worlds to inevitably reduce or increase, as needed, the gravitational force to habitable standards."

The science officer spun her chair into facing toward Sky's direction and expressed astonishment, "Sky?! Your people have the technology to terraform planets and increase their gravitational polarity? If it's true then this is going to increase the amount of planets we can all settle on!"

The artificial intelligence interrupted into the conversation by quickly injecting calm warning, "There is an unrecognized program bypassing the firewall protection and establishing an uplink connection into the Tempest's systems. My attempts to counter the intruding program have been rendered and temporarily disabled."

Kallo's slender fingers rapidly raced over the interfacing screen and suddenly dropped his formed fists down onto the control board in defeat, "Damn it! All flight systems are locked down! I can't even get through. Whoever is doing this has the Tempest under their control!"

The broadcast relay announced in a feminine voice that reminded Ryder of Earth's German accent, "Scathaus-Var? Captain, are you present? This is Scrithaon-Ton Lak Kalis Saara-Ava'ta. Do you receive?"

Sky accepted the message hail and corresponded profound demeanor, "Lieutenant Lak Kalis, I am receiving your transmission. I am presently onboard the vessel."

The voice of Lieutenant Lak Kalis offered assurance, "Inform the pilot and the artificial intelligence to cease their efforts to resist the network uplink. We are bringing in the vessel for docking procedures."

"We can hear her..." The Salarian muttered an annoyed tone.

A long pause of silence retained as the unknown woman made silent contemplation until proceeding with respectful mannerism, "You are the pilot? I can presume that our language translation was procured. I am Lieutenant Lak Kalis of the Ethar-Juson settlement fleet. We have apprehended your vessel's flight control systems and are guiding your ship's trajectory for the designated landing platform. Please refrain disconnection from our network's uplink."

Scott glimpsed upon Kallo muttering silent curses. The human Pathfinder returned his attention forward and contorted his expression into awe-struck upon the sight of a carrier-class ship swiftly overtaking the Tempest's starboard window as the frigate ship's propulsion thrusters aligned the Initiative vessel for the opened hangar bay located directly in the bow of the massive-sized carrier. The grand ship surpassed the size of both the Nexus and Citadel flagships, seemingly taking on the appearance of a space station class. Pathfinder Ryder slowly turned his head back and forth taking in the view of the interior layout that appeared like a hive consisting of multiple decks with evenly placed docking platforms. The green-colored lighting systems that outlined each of the docking platforms emitted a glowing brilliance throughout the gigantic hangar bay as the Tempest cruised through the very long stretch. Silver glistening fighter class ships were docked upon every platform in stationary mode.

The blue-burning thrusters ignited to bring the Tempest into a graceful descending approach. The flight control systems promptly released the landing stabilizer mechanisms and extended the landing pads for the space craft to easily touch down onto an extended platform.

Lieutenant Kalis announced over the communication receiver, "Scanning frequency is open. We're receiving the crew's medical profiles. Environmental Bio dome Adaptation systems are in place and compensating for the oxygen requirements. The boarding ramp is moving into position. Docking procedure is complete."

The Salarian continued incoherent mumbles under his breath while expressing a deathly glare at nothing in particular.

The Asari gunslinger whirled around, starting for the opening doorway, and expelled out the sound of relief, "Oh, good! I like breathing! For a second there I thought we were going to have to learn how to adapt without air."

Vetra began to leave with the group and snarled a warning retort, "Peebee, shut up! You're going to get us kicked out before we can get in."

"It's a shame that Drack isn't here. He would have loved this... or hated it.. Actually, not sure." Liam Kosta muttered aloud.

Lexi T'Perro quipped into Kosta's direction, "I don't think Sky's people would appreciate having their stuff smashed by a clumsy Krogan."

Pathfinder Ryder walked in stride with Sky as the two figures followed up behind the group in line direction for the Cargo Bay. Scott turned his head to glance up to the Ethar-Juson Captain and anxiously pressed inquiry, "So, what can I expect when we meet with your people, Sky? Should I be the one who brings the flowers or is that the welcoming party's job? Ah, shit! I forgot to bring a pie!"

Sky's voice hinted puzzled sound, "Pie? Is that an Earth greeting custom?"

Scott responded in respectful tone, "Well, I wanted to formally welcome your people into the Andromeda neighborhood. It's a big deal on Earth.. like a peace offering between neighbors.. rather, this is like a family reunion, so to speak."

Gil called over his shoulder, "I don't think pie is the way to go, Ryder. You should have baked them a cake or soufflé. I'd go with the soufflé because first impressions are suited best with an impressive presentation... maybe in your case, Ryder, go with the cake. At least you can cover it up with decorations and heavy dabs of frosting if its burnt."

The human Pathfinder regarded with an eye roll and let out a heavy sigh. He continued into the Cargo Bay with Sky now falling directly behind. Scott began the gradual decline down the boarding ramp and had abruptly stopped once taking glimpse upon the incredibly vast and wide-stretched docking platform. Flashes of green glowing strings of light zipped across the long stretch of the shimmering metal platform and gathered closer together before the foot of a sealed door. Scott's attention diverted onto the door's framework which was constructed into a grand triangular shape protruding outward from the solid wall of the interior hull of the great-sized ship. The silver frame was covered with glowing beams of light that swiftly flashed into a loop around the triangular door frame. Ryder tilted is head back, looking up and around to the faint silver glow encompassing the entire platform and over the Tempest ship. Scott finally stepped down from the Tempest's boarding ramp and onto the mirrored flooring, briefly returning his gaze forward onto the crew members slowly spreading out and looking around.

Lamees exclaimed for her voice to echo into the endless hangar bay, "EVERYTHING IS SO SHINY!"

"It's a shame we can't take anything apart." The male Angaran murmured disappointment to himself.

Sara Ryder glimpsed over the edge of the platform and suddenly stepped back to let out a loud sharp whistle.

"Wow! I don't think cliff diving will ever become one of my hobbies... That's a very deep drop." The human woman roughly swallowed.

"We can find out how deep it is by pushing Ryder over and see how long his screaming lasts."

Scott quipped defensively and offered a glare into the human operative's direction, "That's NOT funny, Kosta."

Peebee began with a correspondence, "Of course it's not funny, Ryder." The Pathfinder group quickly turned their attention onto the Asari to exchange puzzled looks. Peebee continued, "It'd be fucking hilarious, actually. Do you know how many people would pay the credits to have a recording of you screaming in terror, Ryder?"

The human Pathfinder shot a firm glare onto the Asari gunslinger and opened his mouth for a reply but quickly shifted his gaze onto the sealed doorway silently parting open to reveal several figures standing within the green glowing corridor. The small group directed their approach toward the Tempest's crew members in quiet marching steps, walking in swift motions across the glowing platform, and stopped within a radius for the Pathfinder team to take full view upon the pristine dark silver gear sets. The Ethar-Juson figures were fully clad in dark silver equipment which represented the similar appeal to Sky's muscle-defining armor with solid black bands looping around their limbs and glowing green runic patterns sliding over the surfaces of the black-colored metal.

Sky passed around Pathfinder Ryder to make his appearance before the Ethar-Juson group. The tall figure halted and cordially nodded his helmet in formal greeting, "Bis-saarvi, I am relieved you are all well."

The voice of Lieutenant Lak Kalis paid full respect, "Bis-saarvi, Captain. We have been waiting in great anticipation for your return." The tall slender feminine figure in the dark fashioned armor swiftly diverted her helmet's direction toward the Pathfinder group. "These are the life forms from the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies?"

Sky answered, "Indeed they are." He half-turned, taking a step back, and motioned with a beckoning wave for Pathfinder Ryder to approach. "Please come forward, Scott."

The human man roughly swallowed, forcing himself into military composure and diligently walked toward the small group of Ethar-Juson. One of the figures stood out from the rest; standing almost ten feet tall with a mass muscle build structure and a second set of arms grown under the armpits of the top set. The mysterious creature's thick leg structure evenly contoured in resemblance of a Krogan, having a wider stance upon expansive hooved feet and posed perfect balance for the alien's slightly hunched forward posture. The top side of the creature's large head was flat round-shaped as the width of the head appeared wide and narrowed upon a thick neck. The alien's facial structure and coloring was hidden under the flawless dark silver finish of the Tri'sar armor. Scott focused attention onto the feminine humanoid figure that stepped out from the group to approach Ryder directly.

"I presume that you have an understanding of our language. I am Lieutenant Lak Kalis, Captain Skryonn Neyblix's second in command."

Scott extended out one of his hands in greeting, "I'm Scott Ryder, human Pathfinder of the Andromeda Initiative. I have to say; this is an exciting moment to finally meet with relatives that I never knew I had... maybe we're like distant cousins or something."

Lak dipped her helmet down to lower her unseen gaze upon Scott's offered hand and quickly turned her head toward Sky's direction as if to anticipate an explanation.

The Ethar-Juson Captain provided, "The human race are the lineage from the fleet who traveled to the Milky Way and settled upon a planet called Earth within the Solasvayn-Istat star system. This offering that Scott presents to you is their form of greeting."

Scott made a quipped reply, "We call it a handshake."

Lak Kalis faced the human Pathfinder and outstretched one of her hands to accept. She momentarily lowered her helmet to watch Scott's hand gently motion into a shake with hers and raised her face plate to look upon him with an unseen expression. The helmet's surface conformed into separated plates that rapidly slid apart in the unveiling of the Ethar-Juson's v-triangular shaped facial structure. Long locks of curly brilliant red-colored hair fell around Lak's silver skin. The female humanoid opened her round-shaped eyes to reveal the pale grey color standing out between thick darkened eyelashes. Lak's heart-shaped lips glistened brilliance as if they were painted with silver glittered lipstick. Three solid black circles contoured into a slight curve following the topside of Lak's high cheekbone under her left eye. The dark silver metal conformed to the underside of the female Ethar-Juson's jawline.

Lieutenant Kalis narrowed her darkened red soft-arched eyebrows and observed, "This handshake is an interesting concept." She gradually pulled her hand away to allow it to fall to her side after the Pathfinder released his grip. "Scott Ryder, human Pathfinder of the Andromeda Initiative is also an unusual title."

"You can just call me Ryder.. and, with all due respect, the Ethar-Juson also have some interesting.. words.. names, and such. I'm actually still in the process of learning Angaran." Scott anxiously cleared his throat and turned attention toward Sky's direction. "Hey, Sky, when do we get the grand tour through this place?"

Sky supplied response, "Lieutenant Lak Kalis shall be your guide. I must acquire information on the fleet's status and discuss settlement arrangements. Your presence will be most welcoming in the event of the deliberation. If you seek to find me Lieutenant Kalis will show you the way." The Captain of the Ethar-Juson fleet gallantly bowed his head before returning forward and passing between the parted figures in silver gear sets. The small formation of Ethar-Juson personnel spun with their Captain following in suit for the opened doorway and quickly departed from the docking platform.

Lak stepped aside, offering cordial motion into the direction of the glowing doorframe, "I shall accompany you and your crew, Ryder."

Scott gratefully nodded to the Ethar-Juson Lieutenant and walked with her as the Pathfinder team started for the brightly glowing hallway lighted by vertically running beams emitting green glowing light over the surfaces of the walls and metal floor. Ryder followed the length of the departure corridor until coming into the grand scale size room with silver glistening walls that gave the appearance of an endless array of mirrored reflections. Black bands of metal spanned across the walls and floors into elegant spiraling designs and displayed the Ethar-Juson context of runic patterns streaming across the black metal. The beginning area of the Docking Station was lighted under the affects of green glowing beams running up and down free-standing columns evenly panned throughout the incredible-sized interior. Scott took a glance over his shoulder to peer at the triangular-shaped door frame sealing completely shut and suddenly molded into a finish to match the wall's flawless surface. He diverted his attention forward and momentarily gaped in surprise. The area was lively with Ethar-Juson humanoids and different forms of aliens gathered in large groups in the event of witnessing the arrival of the Initiative crew members. Ryder lifted his head to glance up to the fifty foot high ceiling and spied figures in darkened armor taking on the appeal of hanging upside down and walking across the silver metal.

"Wow.. that is very cool." Scott murmured astonishment.

Sara turned her head side-to-side and expressed joyous sound, "This is beyond anything like going to the Citadel! I wonder how many different alien species there are."

Doctor T'Perro suddenly spun her head into the direction of a hovering creature contained within a transparent spherical barrier. The strange alien was very long and rounded in the appearance of a giant worm with long arm appendages covering both sides of its extended body. The creature's skin was sickly green-colored and consisted of a shiny texture. The head of the mysterious alien curtsied a head bow revealing the round top of its head and displayed no visible eyes. Lexi loudly gasped in surprise, "Wow! I've never seen anything like that before. What is it?"

Peebee quipped sarcasm, "It's a giant floating worm with lots of legs. Enough said."

Kalis motioned for the Tempest team members toward the floating alien and started to explain, "This is Dormel, an Arkant-i'kusan Reccor species from our galaxy. She is the Executive Overseer for the Docking and Departure station." Lak approached the surface of the transparent barrier and stopped before turning to face the human Pathfinder. "For your understanding, Dormel will supply the translation codex that contains the language library from all of the alien species that have come from our galaxy."

Scott acknowledged a nod and raised his left arm to ignite the glow of the Omni-tool, "Great! Sam can download the codex."

"Sam?" Lak raised a quizzical expression as she raised one of her eyebrows.

Ryder cleared his throat and responded, "Simulated Adaptive Matrix, Sam for short. Um, didn't Sky send the memo?"

Lak Kalis furrowed her eyebrows and corresponded with clarification, "Yes, the Captain has supplied the information. Our systems have temporary disabled both artificial intelligence programs from scanning and downloading any information. They will remain online but they have been issued with restrictions. This is to prevent a collision in our network."

Lamees demanded defensively, "Why does my AI need restrictions? Malvizon is harmless."

Pathfinder Ryder wheeled into the female Jardaan's direction and soothed, "Relax, Lamees. There's something about our AI programs that the Ethar-Juson have their own reasons for not trusting. I remember it took a while but Sky finally warmed up to Sam. Now they're playing Chess and battling mathematical problems together. My little AI program is growing up so fast."

Lieutenant Kalis tilted her head, conveying her puzzlement, "You speak as if the artificial intelligence is... sentient."

Scott diverted his attention onto Lak and acknowledged correspondence, "He is- Sam is fully receptive to his surroundings.. well, my surroundings mostly. We have a symbiotic relationship through the connection with my implant."

Zeemi additional supplied, "My people built the sentient life forms known as the Geth. They're no different than an artificial intelligence program except we built metal bodies to place their programming into... BIG mistake on our part. They were a pain in the ass to kill because they can just rebuild and install themselves into a new body to take over."

Cora Harper worriedly added into the conversation, "I hope for all of our sakes that the Geth didn't find a way to sneak on board the Quarian ark, or any of the other arks for that matter. We already have our hands full of Kett. We don't need Geth to add to the list of problems."

Lak Kalis quickly glimpsed over everyone within the Pathfinder group and continued, "You will each receive the language codex which holds our galaxy's many different dialects."

Scott looked down to the Omni-tool's holographic screen suddenly ignite its orange glow above his arm into displaying the readout of data files being directly transferred. The human man returned focus onto the Arkant-i'kusan Reccor creature and hesitantly asked, "Um, so, how do I know this works?"

A deepened robotic voice responded from an unknown source directed from the transparent bubble, "You should now comprehend my language, human."

The Initiative Pathfinder contorted his expression into a quizzical look with a raised eyebrow, "Uh, hello. I'm Scott Ryder-"

Dormel's artificial voice injected, "I'm aware of who you are, human of the Milky Way galaxy. The Captain has provided me the information regarding your Andromeda Initiative's different racial species, including that of the Angaran and the Kett creatures. I am humbled to greet with all of you. Welcome to the Ethar-Juson fleet. The Environmental Bio domes shall permit everyone to explore this vessel, however, I must caution that all of of your species remain within the safety of the dome systems otherwise you will no longer be provided oxygen."

Zeemi half-demanded, "Wait a minute- are you saying that outside of these bio domes there's no air? What about your people? Don't you need oxygen or something to breath?"

The Ethar-Juson Lieutenant explained, "Our people do not require oxygen to sustain our bodies because our technology supplies everything that we need including nourishment requirements. There are Bio domes solidly constructed to compensate for the life forms that reside within our space vessels, each requiring different levels of oxygen. Like this barrier surrounding Dormel, it supplies her with the nourishment that she needs to thrive. We have brought many animals and plants from the span of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy to prepare to place upon the different worlds here in the Andromeda galaxy."

Ryder returned his attention onto the expansive layout of the Docking Station and motioned to the numerous kinds of aliens fully clad in the Tri'sar armor. He questioned with suspicious sound hinting in his voice, "Um, does everyone get to wear the cool gear or is that V.I.P only?"

Lak slowly shook her head with an explanation, "The Tri'sar armor is not meant for fashion, its purpose is to serve the life of one who accepts our technology to sustain their vitality."

The Asari medical officer eagerly asked, "You at least give them a choice if they want to wear it?"

Lieutenant Kalis responded as she looked toward Doctor T'Perro, "Of course. We do not institute force upon another civilization. We are a neutral society. The Ethar-Juson preferably extend friendship instead of constituting unnecessary warfare."

Cora Harper respectfully instigated, "What about an alien race who are prone to aggressiveness? Do you fight back?"

Lak responded in calm demeanor, "Our advancement in technology precedes above all others in our galaxy. Direct assault upon our shielding defenses will initiate a Tri'sar-plas'conic energy force pulse to disable their weaponry."

Cora earnestly pressed with further curiosity, "We've seen what your Tri'sar-plas'conic energy capabilities can do. There must have been a point that they were used in combat to defend your people."

"Your statement is true. In the millennia of our past history, our people have fought to protect our worlds. Inevitably, they all have sought passed petty differences and established peace treaty. The Sanction is our council consisting of the adjoined races who have agreed to be our allies and provide the aggressive-defensive enforcement." The female Ethar-Juson had retained diligence in her reply.

Lamees made a gaped look and profoundly stated, "Millennia? That's incredible! If you don't mind sharing your history information, I would gladly exchange everything about the Jardaan."

Suvi Anwar earnestly corresponded, "I would also like to learn more! It's fascinating to learn about a whole new galaxy with the history that's involved."

Pathfinder Ryder crossed his arms over his chest, making a nonchalant look, and muttered, "I'll have to pass on the history lesson, for now." He diverted his focus onto Lieutenant Kalis and earnestly inquired, "Where can I find Sky, er, your Captain? I swear it's really important."

Lak gradually nodded and started to turn away, "I shall leave your crew in the company of Dormel. They are also free to explore our vessel and seek to their needs. Please follow me, Ryder."

Lieutenant Cora Harper came up in walking stride with Scott and smiled up to the human Pathfinder, "I'm coming, too. It's as important for me as it is for the Pathfinder when it comes to negotiating with another alien race."

Scott and Cora followed behind the female Ethar-Juson Lieutenant as they were guided away from the Arkant-i'kusan Reccor creature and started the way through the Docking Station into the direction of one of the mirrored-like walls. Upon Lak's approach, the wall's smooth surface promptly extended outward into the shape of a triangular doorframe that immediately became lit aglow by beams of light circulating through the dark silver framework.

Cora loudly gasped in a state of surprise, "Whoa! That's amazing! I didn't even know that there was a door here! This whole place reminds me of one of those rooms filled with mirrors where you can easily get lost in because every way looks the same."

Lak proceeded forward into the long stretch of a glowing green corridor with both Scott Ryder and Cora Harper trailing behind.

Pathfinder Ryder dipped his head down into a glowered look and lowered his voice, "I gotta admit I'm kind of nervous about this."

"What does the Pathfinder have to be nervous about?" Lieutenant Harper gently teased with an elbow nudge. "You've done the impossible, Ryder, and from what I've seen you've never been afraid during any given moment when we were faced up against the Archon."

Scott heavily shrugged his shoulders, "Oh sure, it was easy on the account of how many times that I died or having multiple near-death experiences. That's nothing compared to facing up to Evfra, though.. Although, deep down I think he just needs a hug... There are moments like this that make me wonder how dad felt when he made first contact with a new alien race.. Obviously, the first turn out wasn't the best that humanity had to offer when we met the Turians."

Cora cocked a suspicious look with a half-smirk crossing her lips, "You're nervous about making a good impression with the Ethar-Juson race? Ryder, we both know Sky. He speaks for the entire Ethar-Juson fleet. We're already in good graces because you have gained Sky's trust... It shouldn't be that hard to convince the rest of his people."

The human Pathfinder dimmed his voice into disgruntled sound, "That's not very reassuring, Cora."

The two Initiative personnel stepped out from under the glowing door frame and instantly stopped upon a solid black flooring. Lieutenant Kalis continued forward, her steps upon the metal floor expanded into glowing green ripples that spanned out like the surface of water. Ryder glanced around to the full circular dome display that had encompassed all surfaces of the walls, ceiling, and including the floor into a seamless view providing the illusion for the figures to appear as if floating in the purity of darkness of space. Upon further observation, Scott spied the entire fleet of Ethar-Juson crafted ships motionlessly hovering all around in stationary formation surrounding the carrier ship. He lowered his gaze to the transparent flooring which also had given the impression that Pathfinder Ryder was floating above the space field. The human man very slowly outstretched one of his legs to plant the flat of his boot down upon the invisible surface and intently watched the watery affect of green glowing ripples rapidly span outward from his foot's placement.

"Scott," Sky's gallant-sounding voice echoed softly through the room, quickly distracting the Pathfinder to advert his attention toward the Ethar-Juson Captain standing at the head of a large group fully adorned in dark silver equipment sets. The Ethar-Juson figures surrounded a spherical projection that emitted its green glow on the reflective surfaces of the Tri'sar armors. The diligent Captain pressed with upmost respect, "Thank you for joining us, Scott, I have just finished deliberation for the settlement arrangements."

Ryder hesitantly walked forward, his eyes moved from side-to-side making a glimpse over each of the twelve figures standing in an oval-shaped formation with their fully covered heads turned into Scott's particular direction. Two of the figures stepped back allowing the Pathfinder to step in and join into the circle with Cora Harper at his side.

Sky's voice carried throughout the room as he proclaimed, "Fellow comrades, I present to you the human from Solasvayn-Istat; Scott Ryder."

Pathfinder Ryder roughly swallowed and forced military composure in his introductory announcement, "I'm known as Pathfinder Ryder. I'm speaking on behalf of the Nexus and the people of the Andromeda Initiative. I have to say this is a great honor to be here... Um.." Scott trailed off as he delved into anxious thought, 'Why am I so nervous? I've never been like this before.. Why now?'