Kallo's voice announced over the Pathfinder's receiver, "We're coming upon the Civiki system. Disengaging the Tempest's warp drive propulsion systems."

"Understood, Kallo. Thanks for the update!" Scott had called out from within the Armory.

The Salarian pilot replied via the transmitter, "You know you could just as well use the relay communications to answer, Ryder. I find it counter-productive to have to shout to get a point across. Debates are just as easily resolved by talking with a normal tone." Kallo let out a drawn out sigh and muttered incoherent phrases to himself.

The frigate ship emerged from the warp bubble to appear high above the Khi Tasira space station. The momentum engines were immediately prompted into bringing the stealth vessel in for a smooth descent upon the designated landing platform within the Remnant city.

Liam Kosta was the first to come out of the Armory equipped with his preferable gear. He walked forward to stand on the extension in front of the starboard window overlooking the Jardaan's ancient construct. He shifted his gaze onto a motionless great craft stationed above the Remnant city that scaled as a Destroyer class.

"Hey! Take a look at that! That one of our ships?"

The science officer and the Salarian pilot both raised attentiveness onto the great-sized spacecraft.

Suvi expressed her excitement, "Wow! I've never seen that model before! It must be new. It's amazing!"

The front of the ship's layout design stretched out from the main structurual framework like a long neck with a narrow-tipped bow that dipped down seemingly resembling that of a sharp beak. The starboard windows appeared as long solid blue lines on both sides of the ship and ran the length of the extended neck. The ships's main belly structure expanded outward into a broad girth adjoined together with the under sides of the attached wings. The wings started their spread from the middle of the long hull into a wide stretch that ended with rounded tips that briefly extended forward with running lights taking the appearance of long spikes at the tips of the wings. A central velocity thruster was placed directly below the line of five propulsion engines placed evenly apart and across the hulking design on the aft of the ship. The spacecraft's base surface was colored black and had solid a red line, surrounded by white stripings, running horizontally on the right wing of the ship.

(Brief disclaimer: I barrowed an example ship model from Eve Online. The Amarr faction's Prophecy vessel for reference.)

Kallo stated out loudly, "I'm getting Sam to upload the schematics right now. It looks like the Initiative and Angaran designs were put together. Very streamline for a Destroyer class... I'm getting the details right now; there are a total of five decks. The first contains the commonplace for the bridge and main flight control systems, which also includes a Combat Information Center. Research and Tech labs are located closeby for the ease of accessability. Armory and main airlock-"

The crisis-response operative injected, "Armory, very important."

Kallo ignored Liam's remark and stated, "A briefing room."

"Probably not as stylish as the Tempest's."

The Tempest pilot glowered at nothing in particular, "The second deck has a reinforced section dedicated to the crew living quarters and has access shafts leading to the ecape pod bays. The essential stuff is also included; bathrooms, life-support control systems, med bay, and.. an actual mess hall?"

"Crew's gotta eat, you know. It's state of the art, right? Comes with a grill?" Kosta had crossed his arms over his chest and relaxed his posture onto one leg.

Kallo continued in disregard of the human man's remarks, "The main battery, engineering deck with Central Drive Core are located on the third... at least I'll know where Gil will be if we get a tour of the ship. They also put in a SAM Node for Sam's convienence. Fourth deck has storage compartments AND holding cells? Interesting.. Port and Starboard Observation windows.. that's kind of a waste to be putting onto a battle ship."

Liam quipped, "Ya gotta be impressed, though. Great views over planets!"

The Salarian shrugged. "Port Cargo, Starboard Cargo on the fifth deck. WOW!" Kallo momentarily dropped his jaw to show the expression of surprise, "There's a whole lot of room! The Cargo Bay alone puts the Tempest to shame... actually, wait a minute. It says here that it's actually built to accommadate the Tempest and smaller ships to dock for repairs and refuel?! Okay, I'm impressed!"

The Initiative Pathfinder came out of the Armory fully adorned in his chosen armor with helmet under one of his arms. Scott glanced between the human operative and Kallo Jath and raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "What's this about a new ship?"

Kallo swiftly interjected, "Hold on, Ryder! There's another bay that can house a Nomad, UT-47 Kodiak Drop Shuttle, and... a M-45 Hammerhead? When did we start incorporating from the M-44 in the first place? I thought that project was left in the Milky Way... huh. I guess it could be useful."

Pathfinder Ryder murmured, "You didn't mention anything about the Pathfinder's Quarters. I'm going to have a few words for Hayjer if it was left out. There's no way I'm staying in one of the compartments.. and you guys can FORGET about me bunking in a jail cell.."

Suvi, Liam, and Kallo exchanged confused expressions to one and the other before fully grasping the concept and spun their attention toward the human Pathfinder.

"Wait a minute.. are you.." The Tempest pilot started to ask.

Suvi Anwar had whirled her chair around, stood upright, and shrilled in excitement, "Ryder, WHY didn't you tell us that we're getting a new ship?!"

Scott Ryder very slowly shrugged his shoulders, "Um.. surprise?"

Kosta approached the Pathfinder and outstretched one of his clenched fists to offer a friendly shoulder-slug into Scott's bicep.

"Not fair! Now I can't leave the Pathfinder to have all the fun. Especially in a really cool ship!"

Pathfinder Ryder shook his head, supplying correspondance, "We're not getting it yet. Lumont might still be working out the kinks. I don't know how well our tech gets along with Angaran."

"Well, if the Quarians and Salarians were part of its design then they would have found a way to make it work."

The Salarian adverted his chair's direction to nod agreement toward the human science officer, "It would certainly give both the Quarians and Salarians a good challenge into figuring out the complexities of Angaran tech. The accomplishment of three different species working together into creating the end results would be astounding!" He quickly spun in his chair and demanded anxiously from Ryder, "Wait! If we're getting a new ship that means we're ALL going to be transferred over, right?"

"I'm not entirely sure on that, Kallo. I think it's Tann's call." Scott answered with a brief shoulder shrug.

Kallo hinted disapproval in his mutter, "IF that happens it means that Gil might be coming along.. I give him crediability for what he has done to improve the Tempest but I'd rather not attempt fate on a ship such as this new one.."

Liam half-turned to direct his question to the Tempest's pilot, "Didn't you mention that it was a battle class? A ship like that has to have weapons!"

"Oh! I haven't even finished looking over the details." Kallo diverted his seat forward to face the starboard controls once more. "Yes, there are artillary installments. Looks like they've implemented some ideas from the Normandy SR-2's weapon systems. It has launcher bays for Javelin Disruptor Torpedoes and a Thanix Cannon.. this is new- it's built upon a rotary mechanisim to swivel the stream's trajectory. There's also the Gardian Lasers, which are going to be exceptionally useful."

The crisis-response operative argued with a hint of agitation, "They all pack a punch but... is that it? Come on! We're in Andromeda! Should get some high tech stuff from the Angara. Or even Remnant."

"I haven't even finished." Kallo quickly shook his head, expressing a disgruntled sigh and proceded, "There's turrets that produce high energy beam lasers, an archetype taken from the Remnant Obersver. Additional turrets are equipped with rapid-fire energy projectiles. Unfortunately, both still have the adverse affects of overheating just like the Remnant's weapons."

Suvi offered her opinion in the form of inquiry, "I'm no ammunitions expert but what if it were possible to ask Sky to install the Tri'sar-plas'conic energy systems? We wouldn't need all of the artillary." The human scientist returned to her seat.

Kallo half-turned in his chair to face toward the human woman's direction again and shook his head in disagreement, "It's never going to happen in our life time, Suvi. It's very clear that kind of power shouldn't be in anyone's hands. It's far too dangerous."

"I agree. I've had my personal sight-see of the devastation it can cause. Putting it in the hands of someone reckless enough would bring more problems than what the Archon initially had started... a LOT more than I would be able to bargain for. Anyway, we've got business to take care of." Scott diverted his approach for the Bridge doorway, "It's time to get the Remnant ships ready for another fight." Ryder began the trek for the airlock with the Pathfinder squad following behind.

The Pathfinder squad had come down to the landing pad and started across into direction of the grand scale building harboring as the main power hub of the Remnant city. Scott glanced toward the Angaran patrol unit suited up in full equipment, and helmets, as they acknowledged nods in showing of respect toward the human man's approach.

Lamees dus Conta slowed her walking pace into a gradual stride while following behind the human Pathfinder and turning her full helmet side-to-side in study of the familiar surroundings.

"I can't believe it.. Khi Tasira still stands after so long. It's as beautiful as I remember.. except.." The female Jardaan lowered her voice to convery her known sorrow, "I am the only Jardaan left who remembers why it was built in the first place."

Ryder spun his head to peer over one of his shoulders to set sight upon Lamees from the corner of his eye and assured politely, "If it weren't for the Jardaan then the Angara wouldn't be here. None of the Remnant tech wouldn't be, either. That includes the golden worlds. I know I wasn't exactly here at the time but... I appreciate what your people have done for everyone that is here today."

The Jardaan's helmet raised to meet her unseen gaze up to the Pathfinder and softly spoke with gratefulness, "I.. I didn't think of it in that way.. Your words are kind, Ryder. Thank you. I feel better now knowing that my people's fate wasn't without reminiscence for a good cause."

"Hey, Scott! Wait up!" The voice of Sara Ryder had called out quickly drawing the Pathfinder's attention.

Scott stopped his tred upon the dark metal and wheeled on his heel to quickly raise a suspicious look onto the human woman racing forward in her preferable gear set.

Scott huffed a sigh in his demand through his helmet's transmitter, "Sara, what are you doing?"

The human woman regarded with a heavy shoulder shrug and an unseen eyeroll under her visor, "I know, I know. You didn't ask me to come along but I really wanted to see this place. Just wanted to give it a look over before you accidently destroy it."

Lamees whipped her helmet's direction up to Pathfinder Ryder, "He better NOT destroy it! Khi Tasira was an accomplishment in the creation of the ascension race."

"Don't think there was anything meant by it, Lamees. It's what you call brother-sister bickery. Kids do it all the time." The crisis-response operative had offered clarification for the female Jardaan.

Ryder shook his head, expressing another sigh, and returned his attention forward, "Fine. You can come along, Sara. Just don't embarrass me in front of everyone.. We'll be meeting up with Captain Dunn and Pathfinder Hayjer at the Remnant central core systems." Scott suddenly adverted his sight directly above the Remnant city's skyscrapers. He quickly raised one of his hands to shield over his visor as a brilliant green wave of light suddenly shined upon the landing platform and abruptly vanished. Scott lowered his arm and witnessed several figures in dark silver armor free-falling from the underside of the Ethar-Juson craft's opened hull. The armored Ethar-Juson group had come down with heavy clomps of metal clattering loudly upon the landing pad. The alien figures were swift to recover without buckling under their own weight from the great fall and quickly straightened into standing postures to face into the squad's direction.

Scott stepped back, slowly turning his head side-to-side to glance over the group completely clad in Tri'sar armors, and quickly set his sight upon the familiar figure of Lieutenant Kalis standing at the head of the group. He started approach, asking in surprise, "Uhhh.. I wasn't expecting anyone else to drop in. Are you guys here to renovate the place?"

Lak Kalis came forward in stride with one of the taller figures at her side. The particular Ethar-Juson also had the similar resemblance that of a human male with a slim muscular physique and concealed under solid blackened shimmering armor.

"Bis-saarvi, Pathfinder Ryder." the female Lieutenant had greeted.

The human Pathfinder composed military respect, "Bis-saavri, Lieutenant Kalis. What's the word from Sky?"

A male's sound of voice mimicked robotic and human fused together while conveying without a distinguishable accent that Ryder could identify with, "The Captain has prepared the fighter squadrons in the Dar'Hegah system and has set course for our main fleets to take defensive formations in each star system. Captain Neyblix shall grant the artificial intelligence, known as Sam, limited access into our networking systems via the Captain's micro-Central Processing Unit. This shall prevent the risk of conflictions with our main operating systems. This will enable your command over our fleets through direct communications."

Lieutenant Kalis intercepted to add introductory, "This is soldier rank Yulsaanai of Saara-Da'krai. He serves as one of the Captain's personal bodyguards and my subordinate."

"Bodyguard.. good to know." Scott began the lead for the opened doorway of the Remnant building structure with the two Ethar-Juson taking up positions to either sides of the Pathfinder. He turned his head in order to look toward the Lieutenant and quietly murmured, "I'm not sure I understand. What does that exactly entail?"

The Ethar-Juson Lieutenant explained as the Pathfinder squad and Laks's guards progressed through the interior hallways of the Remnant structure, "Your voice will be carried throughout the combat flotilla. As the Captain would explain in your translation; point us into the right direction and we'll shoot."

Sara stifled a chuckle, "It's nice to know that Scott's sense of humor has rubbed off in a good way. At least Sky can execute it with tact."

The Initiative Pathfinder rolled his eyes and briefly turned his helmet to the side to murmur over his shoulder, "Not funny, Sara."

The large group started across the long stretch of one of the bridges rapidly taking solid formation into connecting across with the adjacent platform. Ryder turned his head back and forth to glimpse around to the science teams, consisting of Initiative and Angaran personnel, standing together in front of a great ravine overlooking the span of a Remnant power core.

The human Captain of the once renowned Hyperion starship had turned her helmet in quick notice of Pathfinder Ryder's approach. Pathfinder Hayjer had also taken a glimpse over his shoulder to follow Nozomi's notion in diverting attention onto both of the groups coming forward.

Nozomi Dunn looked over both of the Ryder siblings and notably stated, "Ah, Ryder and Sara, glad you're here. Sam's already got us connected into the Remnant systems making sure their ships are still flight worthy and prepared for another fight. They're ready to go on your order."

"At least we're not being held as hostages by the Archon this time." Sara had offered a half-smirk under her visor.

The Initiative Captain offered an agreeable nod, "You're right about that. It'll be nice to have some payback."

"You're coming along for the fight?" Scott had expressed his renowned curiousity.

"Of course. There's hell to pay for what the Kett did to my ship." Nozomi answered sternly before shifting her helmet's direction back and for between the two Ethar-Juson figures standing with the Initiative Pathfinder. Nozomi greeted in welcoming mannerism, "I've heard the negoiations were a success. It's an honor to have you part of this alliance. I'm Captain Nozomi Dunn of Ark Hyperion, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Pathfinder Hayjer respectfully added, "We were never formally introduced in the event of the diplomacy conference; I'm Pathfinder Lumont Hayjer, former Captain of Ark Paarchero."

Lieutenant Kalis responded diligantly with a brief head bow, "I am Lieutenant Lak Kalis of planet Ava'ta, Captain Skryonn Neyblix's second in command. This is soldier rank Yulsaanai of Da'krai. This is an honor to be among newfound allies. My purpose here is to serve as an envoy under the Captain's authority to provide any answers that your Andromeda Initiative and Angaran Resistance may have inquiries for."

Scott exhanged glances between Captain Dunn and Pathfinder Hayjer, "You guys weren't thinking of starting the fun without me, were you?"

Lumont Hayjer gradually shook his helmet and supplied polite response, "Don't worry. This assembly wouldn't be possible if you weren't here, Ryder."

Nozomi redirected full attention onto the Ethar-Juson woman, "It's a pleasure to have your services, Lieutenant Kalis. If you've read the latest news we still have Kett problems to contend with. It's bumped up the odds to our favor now that your people are on board."

Pathfinder Ryder composed military inquiry, "What's the status out there?"

The Salarian Pathfinder injected reply, "The Kett flagships are still holding position in the Dar'Hegah system. We're predicting that they'll react in the expected fashion once the Tempest shows up leading the charge. Our fleets are in great anticipation to find out what the Ethar-Juson are capable of. It's been led to believe that the Bhlil-lyth faction are going to be the ones responsible for taking the offensive measures." Pathfinder Hayjer had shifted his attention onto Lak, "I've recieved confirmation that the rest of the fleet will be assisting in the matters of planetary defenses by utilizing their shielding arrays. We're certainly going to need it if the Kett have planned for an infiltration while the main focus of our forces are at the front."

Lak Kalis gave a head nod with correspondance, " The Andromeda Initiative can expect the Bhlil-lyth to be formidable combatants at the warfront. Our flotillas have already taken their positions throughout the cluster in preparation for potential Kett invading forces."

Captain Dunn supplied gratitude together with a brief head bow to the Ethar-Juson Lieutenant, "We're all very thankful- it has taken some weight off of our shoulders." Nozomi returned her helmet's direction toward Scott, "Whenever you're ready, Ryder, hit the go button."

Scott momentarily spun his helmet away and hailed the artifical intelligence, "Sam?"

The artificial intelligence responded in robotic sound, "I'm ready, Pathfinder. I retain connection with the Remnant network and await for your orders."

"Alright then, let's get back to the Tempest and prepare for a firework show." Ryder had replied in acknowledgement. Scott added as he turned his head back and forth between Captain Dunn and the Salarian Pathfinder, "See you guys out there. Be safe."

"The same goes for you, Pathfinder." Lumont Hayjer had dipped his head in the form of respect.

(*Disclaimer: there is also an alternative dialogue for Ryder's romance option: Sky in Chapter 31 - Alternative*)

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Vetra Nyx passed under the opening doorway to emerge into the beginning area of the main flight deck and immediately raised her sight onto the human man downed to his casual wear. She glimpsed upon the Pathfinder's backside as he stood alone in the room in front of the navigational control board. The Turian mercenary progressed forward between the piloting stations and stated out loud to draw Ryder's attention, "Hey, Scott. Figured I'd find you here. Is everything alright?"

Scott half-turned, taking a step aside to allow Vetra to stand together with him on the extension platform, and fully spun into her direction to loop both of his arms around her waist in order to hold the female Turian into an embrace. The corners of Ryder's lips curled upright into the expression of an adoring smile, "Yeah. Everything's perfect now that you're here."

Vetra's mandibles gradually wiggled to convey a blushing demeanor and lifted one of her hands to brush her palm across the side of Scott's cheek.

"You're such a sweet-talker- always finding the right words to say."

"Please don't make another Pathfinder joke.."

Vetra lightly chuckled and regarded with an apology, "Sorry, it fits the bill.. or whatever that phrase is. I'm still trying to understand how your customs work."

Ryder cracked his lips into a sly smirk, "You don't need to learn them at my expense, Vetra. I love you the way you are."

"Scott.." The Turian mercenery had softly whispered in the motions of bringing her narrow-shaped face forward to press her scale-covered mouth to Scott's lips in the exchange of a kiss.

The Initiative Pathfinder momentarily closed his eyes allowing for a long moment to pass and having the feel of the female Turian's hand move to hold the back of his head. Pathfinder Ryder very slowly drew his lips away, gently leaning into Vetra's chest cavity, and pressed his forehead softly against the front of the Turian's top face plate to meet directly into her green-colored eyes with a reopened gaze.

Sam's voice abruptly transmitted over the room's broadcast speaker, "Pathfinder, we will be arriving in the Dar'Hegah system in the next hour. I suggest making the necessary preparations."

Pathfinder Ryder made the slow draw back of pulling his face away from the Turian mercenary as he stepped backwards and released hold of Vetra's waist. Scott allowed for his arms to fall to his sides and expelled a heavy sigh, "Thanks for the notification, Sam. Inform everyone to gather up in the Meeting Room." He lowered his voice to utter sarcasim under his breath, "Time for the Pathfinder's motiviational speech."

Vetra Nyx turned with the Pathfinder's passing and walked in stride with the human man. She stated in their approach for the opening doorway, "They're not all bad, Scott."

"My motiviational speeches or the rest of the crew?"

The Turian expressed a light teasing laugh, "That's a tough one."

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Scott had returned to the flight deck to stand at the navigational controls turning his head from side-to-side to look over the view through the starboard window to settle his sight upon the space field consisting of motionless Initiative ships stationed in standby formation together with an Angaran fleet. Pathfinder Ryder adverted his gaze back and forth to glimpse between the accompanying Remnant squadrons following to either sides of the Tempest. The human man briefly narrowed his eyebrows and raised a hint of agitation out loud, "Sam? Where are the Ethar-Juson ships? I don't see them."

"Captain Neyblix has requested that they remain concealed for the element of surprise." The artificial intelligence had calmly responded.

Kallo supplemented to the conversation, "Basically overwhelm the Kett when they least expect it."

"Okay, HOW are we going to avoid running into each other if we can't physically see their ships?"

Sam's voice calmly answered, "My established connection with Captain Neyblix enables me to share a tracking system that provides the whereabouts of each cloaked Ethar-Juson ship and their travel trajectory to all Initiative and Angaran vessels."

The corner of Ryder's lips curled into a smirk, "Whoa. That's pretty cool. Alright, I guess we can get the party started. Here we go!.. Again." He returned his attention onto the unified fleets and spoke out loud, "Sam, open up the communication channels to everyone. Let's show the Kett how bad ass we are. I'm ready to get rid of these fuckers once and for all."