The Salarian pilot's voice rang with renowned excitement, "Nexus, this is the Tempest, we're inbound for your coordinates. Relaying credentials and waiting to receive docking approval." Kallo's long slender fingers seemingly danced into a sequence upon the starboard's propulsion systems.

The Science Officer spun her head in order to look toward the pilot's chair and remarked, "It's good to see you happy again, Kallo." Suvi lowered her voice, "Sam, put it down as a reminder to Sky to NEVER take navigational controls away from Kallo again."

A woman's voice supplied response over the communication speaker, "This is Nexus control, we're retrieving Sam's relay and validating confirmation. Pathfinder authenticity accepted. Welcome back, Tempest. Port is open and prepped for docking procedures. Pathfinder Ryder, I have sent word to Director Tann. He will be on his way to meet with you at the Docking Station."

Scott Ryder stood upon the extension before the galaxy map's holographic display between the flight system control boards. He half-turned, shooting a quick glance onto the Salarian pilot and remarked sarcasm, "Great! A personal appearance made by the Director himself? I just can't wait."

The voice of Liam Kosta quipped among the crew members, "I can't believe this is happening. It's for real. We actually get cut a break from all of the hard work of convincing another alien species that we're the good guys... No offense, Jaal."

The male Angaran supplied, "None taken... although, there were many times I would have felt offended... being it you, Kosta, I've learned to overlook a lot of those cases."

"If it ever comes down to that breaking point, Jaal, just give me a holler. I'll gladly throw Liam out of the airlock.. or I could just throw him out right now for sanity's sake." Zeemi had murmured.

Cora's voice asserted stern tone, "Ryder, Liam, Jaal, don't push it."

The human Pathfinder peered over his shoulder into the direction of Lieutenant Harper and asked in defense, "How did I become part of this?"

"You're always going on about that Pathfinder title, Ryder. Taking the blame is just part of the job."

Sara raised a curious eyebrow toward the Asari gunslinger, injecting suspicion, "That doesn't include me, does it, Peebee? I know Scott and I are siblings but it's not my fault that I'm related to him."

Vetra Nyx murmured under her breath, "Maybe we should have brought champaign or some form of alcohol.. I'm definitely going to need some if this continues."

Scott Ryder deeply sighed in returning his attention onto the Tempest pilot to utter, "Anyway, Kallo, dock us up. Time to put on the diplomat charms." Scott fully spun to divert direction toward the ship's crew and Pathfinder squad shuffling for the doorway to start their leave from the Bridge. Ryder walked forward, shifting his sight from the Ethar-Juson Captain to Lieutenant Kalis standing in silent wait. Scott broadly smiled once fixating his gaze upon Lak's helmet, "If you're interested we can give you the grand tour of the Nexus. It's probably not as impressive since we don't have the capability to walk upside down on ceilings.. but we've managed to get by."

Lak Kalis answered with a cordial nod, "I believe a tour will provide a further understanding of the progress that the people of the Milky Way galaxy has made. Although I have received the sources of information from the Captain, I feel that the extent of obtaining knowledge is best learned in person."

"Well, for starters, there's the Cultural Center if you want to learn more about all of the species that came from our galaxy. It's like a codex except it comes with visual aspects for better viewing purposes.. If you ever cross paths with a Krogan, I recommend not getting talked into a head-butting contest with them."

"Your advice will remain in consideration, Ryder." Lak dipped her head in the form of acknowledgement.

Both Sky and the Ethar-Juson Lieutenant turned with the human Pathfinder's passing. The Captain walked side-by-side with Scott through the opened door as Lak Kalis trailed closely behind.

Scotty Ryder smirked to himself and confidently asked, "Ready for this, Sky?"

Captain Neyblix offered a nod, "There will be much coming out of this; the reunion of our distant people coming back together under unification..." Sky dimmed his voice into hinting his reluctance, "Scott, I desire to convey the concerns about the joining of this alliance. There are going to be many who will come to fear my people and may portray acts that are not acceptable. In any given history, there had been always the common factor for a tragedy to occur among two, or more, species that have grown apprehensive of one another." Both silver-covered figures followed behind Scott as they traversed across the transparent walkway directing their approach for the Research Room.

The Initiative Pathfinder passed around the research station's console and crossed the wide room on the trek toward the Cargo Bay. He supplied a response over his shoulder, "I wouldn't worry, Sky. If anything happens, I'll personally take care of it. On the physical appeal, the armor can seem a little intimidating on first impression.. Don't get me wrong, it IS cool... but.. a lot of people prefer to see face value. You see, it's usually all about how to use the irresistible charm to your advantage. Unfortunately, it takes an incredible amount of years to master the skill."

Sky lightly chuckled, "I shall provide what I can to reduce the intimidating factor. I have come to understand the ways of the ever derisive Pathfinder charm from you. Perhaps I can put the comprehension to the test."

The three figures progressed through the frigate craft to the lower deck and ultimately descended the Cargo Bay's loading ramp until coming down onto the landing platform.

Scott suddenly halted in his steps as the deafening uproar of cheers filled the entire Docking Station. He quickly adverted his gaze to spy the numerous amount of Milky Way and Angaran species gathered together overlooking the Tempest's landing pad. Ryder's sight fixated up to the Nexus Directors, with the Turian militia leader, standing behind the barrier at the front of the crowd. Scott continued across the landing platform into the direction for the departure ramp doorway while walking in stride with Sky and Lieutenant Kalis. The trio followed behind the Tempest crew members.

The Pathfinder group ascended the stretch of corridors before emerging into the Docking Station's main lobby where the people of the Nexus persisted into the astounding sound of excited clapping.

The voice of Jarun Tann called out to bring silence over the applauding crowds, "Quiet! Quiet, everyone!" The Salarian Director turned in his place to wait for the exclaim of cheers to diminish and proceeded his proclaim, "This is the moment we've all been patiently waiting for and I know that each and every one of us is anxious to find out if Pathfinder Ryder has made the impossible possible by accomplishing yet another amazing feat." Jarun Tann spun around returning full attentiveness onto the human man's approach. Director Tann expressed a hopeful look in his large dark eyes as he dimmed his voice down into a murmur, "The question remains; did you succeed, Ryder?"

Pathfinder Ryder stopped in front of the group of Nexus Directors and shrugged his shoulders in supply with a response, "Just like everyone else, you'll have to wait for the surprise, Director." Scott passed around the four Directors and pressed forward through the crowds of people whom all respectfully stepped aside to permit the Initiative Pathfinder and the two Ethar-Juson figures to pass. Ryder momentarily spun his head to the side, peering from the corner of his eye up to Sky, and quietly asked, "Hey, Sky, you want this?"

Captain Neyblix corresponded with a nod, "I shall wait for an opportunity to arise. You are their paragon, so, it is by right that you give the first impression."

The human man glimpsed forward to the raised platform and climbed onto the top of its flat surface. Scott carefully stood into an upright stance and briefly glanced around to overlook the surrounding Nexus residents. He half-turned to quickly motion for the male figure in shimmering dark silver armor to make his appearance known.

The Captain of the Ethar-Juson fleet gracefully approached and effortlessly climbed the stationary platform to stand beside Scott Ryder.

Ryder had returned glimpse upon the puzzled looks being exchanged from one figure to the other. Scott drew the full attentiveness of the Nexus residents onto him as he raised his voice into an exclaim, "Today will become known in Andromeda's history books the day in which we all discover that the diverse forms of life can come from any place or any galaxy. Especially one that we never thought imaginable to have other beings similar to our own. It's truly amazing to think about how each and every one of us all share the common interest to explore and have the desire to discover. The incredible thing about is that we have all come together in this galaxy." The Pathfinder turned his head gradually back and forth, further adding into his proclaim, "The Tempest crew members and I were invited to meet with the people of the Ethar-Juson fleet. In addition, we were able to see the many species that have also come from a distant galaxy.. and I'll have everyone know that it was truly an honorable moment to see all of the different life forms, firsthand." Scott shifted his glance toward the Ethar-Juson figure, "I'd like everyone to know how thankful I am that Sky has made it possible to arrange this meeting to discuss the terms of forming an alliance with his people.. And I wanted to include the debt I owe him for saving my life." The human man offered a grateful nod into Sky's direction. Pathfinder Ryder returned face forward and continued glancing around to all of the figures that stood within the Docking Station. "At the beginning when the Initiative first arrived into Andromeda, the people of the Milky Way have struggled to pull through the challenges that were hurled at us and it became a battle that we had to fight if we wanted to survive. We have lost a lot in the last several months but we have also gained. Defeating the Archon and finding Meridian was not just a victory, it was also part of the greatest accomplishment that brought the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies together. None of it could have been made possible without the help of the Angara. Thanks to the Angaran people we have become official Heleus residents and allies. Together, we can continue looking forward to more beginnings and taking the steps to greater heights. As of today, we have taken another step, perhaps even the biggest step, into discovering that we're not alone in this incredibly massive universe." Scott had crossed his arms over his chest as he had paused for a moment in order to direct attention toward the Ethar-Juson figure and quietly asked in coy mannerism, "I got everyone warmed up for ya. Want a crack at it, Sky?"

Sky's unseen gaze slowly turned back and forth as he studied over the countless figures standing shoulder to shoulder. His posture straightened into vigilant form and composed profoundly for all to hear, "In the vast scale of the universe, it was by incredible chance that our different galaxies have come together in this star system known as Andromeda. We the Ethar-Juson, like all of your people, share the common interest to seek a new frontier to explore and finding a home to call our own. The greatest discovery lies in the hands of greeting with a new extraterrestrial race, and like the occupants that already reside here, we each have a desire to share our cultural information and expansion of knowledge. Like all of you, we believe that the terms of agreement come at a price; Respect." Sky's helmet rapidly melted away, unveiling his full head of black hair, seemingly glowing green-colored eyes, and silver-toned skin for all to see his true appearance. Surprise became known over the residents' facial expressions with astonishment expressing from the murmurs that began to spread throughout the Docking Station's lobby. Sky patiently waited until silence had befallen among the occupants of the Nexus prior continuing his speech, "I am Captain Skryonn Neyblix of the Ethar-Juson migration fleet. It is my responsibility to guide my people and find them a haven. There are a great many alien cultures that have made the long journey from the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy and seek for a home here in the Heleus Cluster. The choice stands before all of us; can we agree to reside in this one galaxy and thrive together? It is in my best interest to establish a common ground and stand together as allies. I stand before all of you to extend the hand of friendship and, with it, my respect."

Scott quickly turned his head to look around, taking in the view of the Tempest crew members joining into a rallying applause with the residents of the Nexus space station. Ryder leaned closer to utter his amazement toward Sky's ear, "That was pretty impressive, Sky. I'm actually kind of jealous."

Captain Neyblix asked over his shoulder toward the human Pathfinder's direction, "Of what? My ability to mimic the irresistible charm and portray the diplomatic theatricals at once?"

"Touché. I'll have to admit that I have a worthy adversary to contend with when it comes to public announcements.. but not everyone is as lucky as me to have come equipped with a winning personality." Scott bent down at the knees and placed the flat of one of his palms down onto the top of the platform offering a leverage for him to slide down onto solid ground.

The Ethar-Juson Captain had also come down to stand at Scott's side. The Docking Station had gradually succumbed into the quiet exchange of conversation between the many Nexus residents as they returned to their former.

Director Jarun Tann, Foster Addison, Superintendent Nakmor Kesh, and Tiran Kandros walked forward together to stand around the Pathfinder, Sky, and Lak Kalis. The Salarian extended one of his slender hands out to the tall Ethar-Juson man and conducted respectfully, "Captain, I wish to express my gratitude and my excitement. I didn't expect that we'd be welcoming so many new alien species from the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy all at once. All things considering, I was worried that the arrangements for an alliance were not going to be made possible but I am very relieved that it's going to come to pass. There's going to be so much we can learn from each other."

Sky supplied a response with an outstretched hand to accept a handshake with Jarun, "We shall all benefit in the exchange of cultural knowledge. The bond of friendship begins this day."

"Does that include sharing technological acuity? I have every desire to learn more about the Nanotechnology and what it could mean for saving lives." Foster had hinted obvious eagerness in her question. "I have to say, that was one hell of a speech. You might have even put one of Alec Ryder's proclamations to shame."

Captain Neyblix gradually lowered his arm to his side after the handshake with Director Tann. Sky adverted his glowing eyes onto the human Director, providing a gentle shake of his head, "I have insisted that the Nanotechnology and all other such technologies be withheld from open trade until trust can be verified."

"That kind of defeats the purpose of cultural exchange, doesn't it? How can our own people benefit if we aren't allowed any of your technology? If you can't trust us then how can we learn to trust your people?" The Krogan Superintendent had contested in her low growling voice.

"I don't think this is the place or appropriate time to start an argument, Director." Tann glimpsed down at the female Krogan with a narrowed look.

"You're right. Let's go to your office, Number eight. That's a suitable place to start and finish arguments. As always."

The Salarian's eyelids briefly half-closed in the expression of a glaring look without a response. Director Tann returned his attention onto Pathfinder Ryder and murmured with the sound of bitterment, "We'll continue this in my office."

The large group started approach for the transit station and shuffled, one after the other, into the tram's cabin. Each figure placed themselves apart into an inward facing circle.

Jarun Tann momentarily spun his head to glimpse toward Sky, "As you should know, Captain, I've been receiving the reports that your people are already moving into the systems and getting settled in with the established colonies. Everyone seems to be getting along for the most part."

"For now, anyway." Foster had injected. "It's only a matter of time when someone decides to do something stupid.. and I'm not worried about the Ethar-Juson. They're the least of my problems. I'm more concerned about the exiles or possibly someone from one of the colonies staging a coup. There's been a group already protesting the idea of this alliance."

"You're kidding, Addison." Tiran Kandros politely scoffed as he turned his narrow-shaped head to look toward the Director of Colonial Affairs.

Foster crossed her arms, one over the other, under her bust in a defensive manner and shot a narrowed glare onto the Turian militia leader, "You think I'd joke about something like this? I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think it important enough. Obviously, it is and it should be stopped before it escalates into something like that riot in front of Tann's office."

"Let's not discuss about that right now in front of our honored guests." Jarun had gestured for reconciliation. "Let us focus on the task at hand. After we get this treaty signed, I think a celebration is in order.. but we should first turn our attention onto the next problem that needs to be solved. We still have the Kett to deal with."

Director Addison quickly turned her head away and expelled a heavy sigh, forcing herself into calm.

"You're right." Foster had muttered in reluctant agreement before returning her attention onto the Salarian Director once more with an annoyed expression in her eyes. She shifted her focus onto the male Ethar-Juson, "Sky - rather, Captain, is it true that your ships have the capability to cloak-"

Scott had swiftly injected an interruption, "Wait, wait! Hold on! Someone actually started a protest group? How long ago did this happen, Addison?"

The Director of Colonial Affairs spun her head toward Pathfinder Ryder's direction, "Shortly after some idiot let out the information that the Ethar-Juson have the capability to mind control Kett. Now they're going on about how such an ability could be used against us. Who ever leaked the information never realized to look into the medical documentation, provided by your medical officer Doctor T'Perro. There's conclusive facts that it's theoretically impossible that Sky's capabilities could extend to controlling one of us."

Captain Neyblix made his defense known in calm sound, "It is in my relief that my abilities are limited. I could not condone myself into forcing an intellectual individual to commit against their will."

Scott briefly glimpsed up to the taller male figure, inadvertently snapping his attention back to Foster Addison and raised dispute, "Exactly HOW did this information get out?! No one else was supposed to find out about it. All of that information was under lock down on Tann's personal terminal. Do you know HOW much I hate it when someone hacks Sam? The last time that happened it did NOT end very well... for the Archon, anyway. Not to mention the really bad headache I got out of it."

Foster Addison muttered incoherent curses before corresponding a defensive retort, "Believe me, this is giving me a headache more than you can imagine, Ryder. Kandros is already aware of the situation."

The transit system had come to a steady halt and prompted the doorway to slide silently open allowing for all of the figures within to step out and begin the trek through the Operations deck into the direction of the Salarian Director's office.

"We've started investigations but I doubt our suspect is going to turn up so easily. If they have access that allows them to bypass surveillance and avoid Sam's detection then it's not a surprise that they might know a thing or two about how to hack into Tann's computer.. I don't want to point fingers but if I had to guess... The Quarians, in particular, have the technical skills." The Turian security officer offered his statement.

Foster argued point, "We cannot have partial accusations without first finding proof. And I seriously doubt that the Quarians would not want this alliance signed for. They've nearly knocked Tann's door down to have the Nanotechnology brought into our medical labs. I want it as much as they do."

The female Krogan concurred, "I agree that the Quarians wouldn't have any reason to sabotage. Whoever it is can easily cover their tracks.. which they did."

Scott next pointed out, "Let's not forget someone's used anti-AI jamming devices on Kadara. In the past, we've had little trouble from Kathrine Nigh, so, it begs the question; who else might know how to shut down Sam's systems AND abstain security protocols?"

"What about the participants that were part of the anti-AI movement?" Kandros had questioned with suspicion known in his flanging voice.

Jarun quickly shook his head and interjected, "Again, need I remind everyone the topic for discussion? Save the controversy until AFTER the negotiations have gone through. Once we get the Captain and his people on board we can start looking into working together to solve whatever problems that either one of us has. I have invited Ambassador Sjefa and the other Pathfinders to join us. So, I insist that we stay on topic." The Salarian firstly stepped through the opening doorway, passing by the receptionist's desk, and started the trek up the stairwells into the main office area.

Ryder had followed up, immediately spying Lieutenant Cora Harper, the Turian, Asari, and the Salarian Pathfinders standing together with the Angaran Ambassador.

Moshae Sjefa's purple-colored lips curled into a broad smile, "Stars and skies light our way." The female Angara came directly into the human Pathfinder's way and extended the Angaran shoulder-to-shoulder greeting with Scott.

Pathfinder Ryder had taken a step back after exchanging the motion with Moshae Sjefa and politely retort, "Ambassador Sjefa, it's a pleasure to have you here. I'm sure the Angaran people would like to know what's going on and want to find out more about who else is moving into the neighborhood. I hope it's not becoming too crowded for anyone."

Sjefa expressed a humble demeanor, "Thank you for your concern, Ryder, but the Angara are people who welcome change. We have accepted the idea of your Initiative becoming our allies, therefore, we can also concede the Ethar-Juson and the many other cultures that have been brought along. Speaking of which, I have just received the news that their migration fleet is already underway and settling upon different worlds. Everyone is delighted.. the feeling of reluctance still lingers but it's certainly a better conclusion than the time when the Kett arrived. We have much to anticipate knowing the fact that your reputation has allowed for this, Ryder. We're expecting a brighter future for all of our peoples. As long as there isn't any discord that tries to follow then I believe it can be done."

The human Pathfinder openly admitted, "The Ethar-Juson have their own way of making new friends.. they initially didn't want to get involved when the war first broke out between the Angara and the Kett. Hopefully there isn't any hard feelings."

"Pacifism is considered a moral choice and I don't blame their preference in any form. They seem capable to have compassion but I understand that logic often keeps the rules from being broken. Neutrality is part of the spectrum that can easily avoid the tough decision making."

"I'm glad that you see it that way. To be honest, I argued with Sky about a different outcome. If the Angara were saved then they wouldn't have had to put up with the Kett."

"True but the events have already been unfolded. We cannot regain back what was taken from us. The Angaran were provided a challenge to learn how to cope with the unwelcome force that was brought upon us. It gives us something to reflect on and realize that we were able to find our true potential in ourselves and in our friends."

"You could use that in a toast-" Scott had become interrupted by the voice of Jarun Tann raising into a proclaim, "I'd like everyone's attention! There's an important announcement that I wish to make. Pathfinder Ryder, I'd like you and the Captain to join me."

The Initiative Pathfinder briefly bowed his head, offering regard to Moshae Sjefa, and whirled around to approach the Salarian Nexus Director whom stood at the top of the walking ramp leading into the area containing the Director's computer terminal. Scott had taken up position on Tann's left and faced to look upon the gathering figures. He watched the Captain of the Ethar-Juson fleet come up the ramp and take a diligent stance to the right of Jarun Tann.

"First of all, I'd just like to say that it is a privilege to have Captain Skryonn Neyblix joining us today and how honored I am having him taken part in the interests of the Andromeda Initiative and that of the Angaran commonwealth. I'm pleased to have his approval into making this new alliance possible and defining the benefits of a mutual friendship." Tann had briefly paused for a short moment and continued, "This is the day we are going to establish a new collaboration with the Ethar-Juson and the many nations that have come from the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy." The Nexus Director half-turned into Sky's direction and made a motion with one of his slender hands toward the circular table, "If you will do us the honor, Captain."

Sky proceeded down the ramp to approach and stand before the furnishing. A lightly blue glow had ignited into a hovering holographic image portraying writings of a treaty agreement above the table's flattened surface. The man in dark silver armor raised his left arm and outstretched his hand to place the flat of his palm upon the floating screen that instantaneously prompted a light to scan over Sky's palm in the form of imprinting and signature recognition. The male Ethar-Juson lowered his arm and carefully stepped back. He whirled around to turn his attention to peer up to the human Pathfinder supplying a nod of acknowledgement.

Jarun boldly stated, "Thank you again, Captain Neyblix. In addition, these efforts couldn't have been achieved without our recognized hero; Pathfinder Ryder." The Salarian shifted his direction onto Ryder, "It is in my firm belief that Ryder should be the first of us who gets to put his signature on the treaty."

Scott smirked confidently as he started down the ramp way in his approach toward the table. He stood before the table and outstretched one of his arms to imprint his hand's physical recognition onto the glowing screen.

"If this is going down in the history books, make sure my first free-fall in Habitat seven's atmosphere is left out... no one needs to know about my worst embarrassing moment."