Scott had emerged from a long stretch of corridor and found Sara Ryder standing in front of a containment tank which encompassed the entire composition of all of the walls within the green-lighted room. The human woman watched in amazement the elegant grace of countless floating creatures that took the appearance of aquatic jellyfish with glowing violet trailing tentacles and red serrated spines running down from the tops of the gelatinous umbrellas. The strange animals very slowly swayed in their movements as they hovered within the glowing water.

The Ryder sibling outstretched one of her hands to place the flat of her palm onto the transparent surface and murmured her astonishment, "Wow.. they're so incredible. I can't believe how much they look like the jellyfish back on Earth. The universe is so diverse and yet there are still so many similarities from completely different galaxies."

Scott approached forward to stand at his sister's side, stopping and crossing his arms over his chest and relaxed his weight onto one leg. He glimpsed up to the school of the aquatic animals elegantly swaying their umbrella bell tops. Pathfinder Ryder muttered in disregard, "The only amazing thing about them is how PAINFUL it is to be stung by one."

Sara lowered her hand away from the tank's smooth surface and wheeled around to direct her attention onto her younger brother. One of her dark eyebrows raised into a curious manner, "In all the years spent in military training, you're complaining about a jellyfish sting? It can't be that painful."

The Initiative Pathfinder quipped, "I'd rather take a bullet wound."

Sara folded her arms under her bust and cocked her head to the side, "How did the board meeting go? Did you get Sky's people to agree to help us?"

"Better than that actually. Sky's making the necessary arrangements to start trading supplies to everyone involved in the Initiative and its allies. There's also the terraforming prep work to set up to get a jump start on the list of potential candidates for golden worlds."

"Wow! That's awesome! Do you know what this means, Scott? There's going to be a lot more planets to explore and we'll find out how their chemical compositions pan out during the process of habitation development."

"Uh, right. Which makes absolutely no sense to me. I'll leave you and Suvi to your... science and brainiac stuff... Speaking of.. I'm surprised that you're not barraging the Ethar-Juson scientists with questions. At least Suvi has tact."

"Hey!" Sara retort defensively, "I can play nice with others! You, however, are on the exempted list."

Before Scott contributed a reply he glimpsed from the corner of his eye onto a figure's outline becoming illuminated under the green glow of the room's lighting. Both Ryders turned attention onto the Ethar-Juson Captain's graceful approach. Scott's lips crossed with an admiring smile as Sky's handsome features were revealed from under the dark silver helmet's flawless finish slinking away.

Sky stopped and glanced between Sara and Scott Ryder with silver-tinted lips brimming into an amiable grin, "I have extraordinary news to share! The fleet is in preparation for departure from this sector and shall be arriving upon the Zheng He system very soon. I will implore for a discussion in the matter of unification of a galactic alliance between our civilizations and seek trade confirmation with the Nexus Directors."

Sara Ryder offered reluctance, "I seriously doubt anyone is going to turn down the offer, Sky. Our main concern falls on the fact that we might not have a way to match up to your mercantile pricing. It's for a for sure thing that Nanotechnology is going to be on the high demand list."

Sky respectfully countered, "I am in agreement with the fleets' Lieutenants and Director Tann's concerns to the regard of Ethar-Juson technology, hence, there will only be food stores and material components supplied in the exchanges-"

"Wait- what are you going to do about-" Sara began to argue and was brought to silence as the Captain motioned a polite stalling gesture with one of his hands.

The tall man in silver armor lowered his arm and opted explanation, "I have tread upon the realization of the complications that will become involved, thus, I have concluded that those who wish to obtain such technology must first undergo the transaction approval process. The procedure will require proof of documentation with clarification for the requested technology and what shall it be purposed for. The head Nexus Director Jarun Tann, Pathfinder Ryder including Sam, and myself must come to agreement before the transaction can be finalized. In the events that are likely to happen when our mechanisms are apprehended by disagreeable methods, the electronic components are programmed to immediately cease function, in addition, serving no purpose to either persons. Awareness is clear to this Sanction that trading our mechanisms without my authority shall receive trial and the appropriate punishment. As Liam Kosta would say; I don't fuck around."

Scott's eyebrows furrowed into a puzzled look, "Umm.. I'm confused.. me and Sam?"

Sara deeply sighed as she made a firm glare up to her brother. Ryder's older sibling lowered her arms to rest her hands upon the sides of her hips, "Are you really that thick-headed, Scott? Sky wants you and Sam both to serve as mediators. Sam processes with logic and a LOT of the time you let your emotions get in the way when making decisions."

Sky gave no regard to Sara's snide remark and had provided supplementary response, "It is the very reason why I have chosen them to serve as part of the tribunal. An exemplar advocate determines rationalization with the use of both heart and mind."

The human woman shrugged, "Which makes Scott and Sam perfect for the job. Sam's smarts compensate for a LOT of Scott's dense moments-"

Pathfinder Ryder's attention turned over to Sam's robotic voice speaking over the Pathfinder's private channel, 'Scott, I have received further information from the SAM Node on the Quarian Ark in regards to Commander Shepard's counter attack against the Reaper invasion.'

"What? Really?! That's great news, Sam! You've actually picked a really good time because Sara was just leaving." The Initiative Pathfinder shot a glaring expression onto his sister.

"Sam?" Sara Ryder began for a protest, "Hey! Are you using Sam for a way to ignore me?"

Scott quipped, "If I said yes then... Yes, yes I am." He watched his sister's brief expression of gawked surprise.

"You're a jerk, Scott."

The Ethar-Juson Captain's demeanor shifted into a state of bewilderment, "Ummm.. maybe I should go?"

Both Ryder siblings diverted into Sky's direction, Sara quickly shaking her head, "No, you don't have to, Sky. I'm probably making myself look like an idiot in front of my brother's boyfriend.. I'll leave so you two can catch up." She raised one of her hands to anxiously wave in the same motions of taking a slow step back and suddenly whirled around to start direction for the triangular-shaped entrance corridor.

Ryder huffed a relieved sigh after watching the sight of his older sister leave from the room. His head spun to give glance up to the taller figure as Sky had come forward to stand closely in front of the Pathfinder. Scott lifted one of his arms to scratch at the back of his head in an anxious manner, "Uhh, so, yeah, sorry about that."

"You need not worry at my expense, Scott. It was one of the many moments that a brother and sister will always endure... What did she mean; boyfriend?"

Scott Ryder let his arm fall to his side and muttered his reply, "Oh, it's like your term, uhh, ker-o'shai, was it?"

Sky slowly phrased the word allowing it to sink in, "Boyfriend." The fleet Captain finally nodded in understanding providing a genuine smile, "It shall serve well. Boyfriend Scott."

"Uhh.. That's not..." Ryder started to explain and decided to ignore the notion instead. The Pathfinder turned over the conversation, "Anyway, Sam's got more info about Commander Shepard and the Reaper invasion."

The Ethar-Juson's smile diminished into another perplexed look, "What has happened?"

Sam continued communication via the Pathfinder's private channel, 'My full functionality is prohibited within this craft while my systems remain at maximum capacity on the Tempest. I can openly communicate and share the data with Captain Skryonn Neyblix.'

Scott nodded, "Understood, Sam. We'll head that way."

.

.

Sky and Pathfinder Ryder hastily passed through the Research Room, beginning for the climb up one of the ascending ramps, and stopped together before the rounded console in the center of the Meeting Room.

"Alright, Sam, we're here. What's the news on Commander Shepard?" Scott had out loudly asked.

The artificial intelligence's robotic voice promptly supplied response, "After full restoration of the SAM Node on the Quarian Ark, I was able to download the transmissions received from the Milky Way Galaxy containing resistance information to repel the Reaper invasion. Commander Shepard's aided efforts had shown significant impact to slow down the synthetic-organic machines and their ground forces. Adjoined by the funding and support from all of the Milky Way species, the Prothean artifact, known as the Crucible, neared the final stages of construct completion."

"There's at least some good news. What else is there, Sam?"

"Among the series of unfortunate events that had occurred during the onslaught; the Citadel and its Council leaders had become prime targets under an infiltration conducted by Cerberus that was orchestrated under Councilor Udina's impend to seize power. Commander Shepard was able to prevent this from happening."

Pathfinder Ryder's jaw dropped into a state of surprise, "Councilor Udina?! Are you shitting me? When did he join the Cerberus league?"

Sam corresponded, "It was theorized that Councilor Udina and Cerberus agents were under the affects of indoctrination."

"Indoctrination?" Captain Neyblix slowly shook his head with the facial display of puzzlement, "I do not understand. Please explain, Sam."

The artificial intelligence started into elaboration, "In the records of data that I have received it is stated that indoctrination is the relative term for brainwashing. Very little is known about Reaper technology but it's apparent that the afflictions only work on organic beings. There are hypotheses giving indication that the Reapers broadcast an electromagnetic field consisting of waves of infrasound and ultrasound that adversely stimulates the victim's brain including their limbic system. The data files also provide accounts of victims suffering hallucinations or headaches following up with different stages of paranoia, ultimately leading onto exposing the individual's mental capacity to become susceptible for indoctrination."

Scott exchanged a worried glance up to Sky and muttered, "That is almost as bad as Exaltation... Probably not as bad but it's going on my list of MOST worst-possible-ways-to-go."

"I cannot fathom a worse outcome than either of the two options." Sky had turned his head to meet the human's bright blue stare and further inquired in eager sound, "Do you have more information, Sam? I desire to know if Commander Shepard had succeeded."

"Admiral Steven Hackett declared that the Crucible was completed, however, there wasn't a primary power source to energize the device's superweapon. The Crucible could only be activated by a component called the Catalyst. In Admiral Hackett's reports, the Catalyst was the only power source that can amplify a massive scale of energy needed to destroy the Reapers. Commander Shepard had found the rest of the Crucible's documentation from a Prothean Virtual Intelligence program which revealed that the Catalyst could only be found within the central control hub of the mass relay network. The Citadel itself was the Catalyst." Sam had paused for a moment as Ryder shown an expression of surprise.

Scott blurted out, "Whoa! The Citadel was the power source to fire a superweapon?! Who would have that the seats of the galactic government were sitting on a giant battery?"

The Ethar-Juson figure dipped his head down and murmured, "I am curious to know if the Reapers were eliminated. Please continue."

Sam's robotic voice patiently answered, "I have no more current data files with the information in regards to Commander Shepard's next move. The SAM Node on the Quarian Ark has not received any further transmissions from the Milky Way. Although I cannot determine the final outcome for Commander Shepard's success in winning the war against the Reapers, I, too prefer that Commander Shepard achieve the overall victory."

Scott regarded his acknowledgement respectfully, "I couldn't have agreed more... Let's keep that hopeful thought in mind. Thanks for the info, Sam." He returned full attentiveness up to the fleet Captain and frowned, "Well, we'll have no idea what happened until Sam picks up the next transmission."

"You are concerned for them." Sky tilted his head to one side, showing the facial notion of worry.

Ryder offered a shrug, "Yeah, well.. There's a LOT that was left behind.. we had to pack light."

The tall figure took up one of Pathfinder Ryder's hands, "It is not necessary a bad indication to leave something behind, it broadens the opportunity to find more."

Both corners of Scott's lips uplifted into a doting smile, "You always have such a positive outlook, Sky. I guess I never thought about it that way.. There's some good that's come out of it like finding you for example." He outstretched his hands, turning over his wrists to upturn palms face up for Sky to gently place his silver-covered hands into Scott's. Pathfinder Ryder added, "I'm very glad to be your Ker-o'shai."

(*Disclaimer: Warning; Limes coming up! Opted to skip!*)

The figure in dark silver armor abruptly gripped the human man's hands, forcibly pulling Scott's body closer, and firmly brought their lips together in order to make the exchange of a hungering kiss. Sky released the strong grips of his hands to wrap his arms around Ryder's torso to hold the Pathfinder in an embrace.

Sky's abrupt intentions had caught Scott into a brief moment of surprise, the Ethar-Juson Captain swiftly motioned for Pathfinder Ryder to lay down upon his backside on the smooth wooden floor boards while Sky had taken consideration of evening his weight from compressing upon Scott's ribcage. Scott watched with eager intent after their lips had become unlocked in Sky's motions to carefully reposition himself between Scott's legs and sat upright onto his dark silver knees. Ryder's boots and pants, with undergarments, were quickly pried off from his legs. Sky's incredible strength had reached under Scott's lower portion of his body and lifted to have his legs rest upon either tops of the Ethar-Juson's shoulders. Sky retained a fixated gaze into Scott's stare, slowly dipping his face down over the human Pathfinder's groin.

Ryder braced his weight onto his elbows and his shoulder blades compensating for the awkward positon. Astonishment became known in his voice, "Sky?! What are you doin- ohh! Ohhhh!" Scott's question was suddenly replaced with his mouth widely gaping open permitting a long groan of pleasure to escape. His delicate extension of skin became fully engulfed into Sky's mouth, an enticing excitement rapidly growing from the vigorous tongue licks. Heavy beads of sweat produced down the sides of Scott's eyebrows. He whispered in mild protest, "Sky.. not.. here... ahhh!" A loud groan escaped, forcing Ryder to tightly close his eyelids and succumb to Sky's intensive suckling.

Captain Neyblix's prosthetic limb braced the majority of Scott's weight as Sky moved his free hand into position, holding two long fingers together to very slowly intrude into the entrance of the human's body.

Scott expelled out a series of rapid grunts between gritted teeth and violently shuddered during the event of Sky's fingers slinking deeper between tightly clenched muscles. Ryder's focus diverted onto the sensational feel of Sky's mouth fully enveloping over Scott's grown rod and having the dark purple tongue slithering up and down sensitive skin.

"Ah! Ahhh! Oh, my... Sky! Haaaaaa!" The Initiative Pathfinder's cry carried throughout the Tempest's interior. Scott quivered in an uncontrollable state having the feel of Sky's two fingers becoming fully immersed, initially progressing into swift thrusting motions that speedily increased the amount of anticipation growing within Scott's body. A sudden convulsion rattled through his body producing the release of sticky fluids to smear over Sky's forceful fingers and squirts of streaming liquid to fill into the Ethar-Juson's mouth at once. Ryder beckoned a long overwhelmed cry, "AHHHHHHH! FUUUUCK!"