"Pathfinder, we're approaching the Dar'Hegah system. Disengaging warp drive systems. Coordinating the Tempest's trajectory upon arrival." The voice of the artificial intelligence had announced.

The Salarian pilot additionally supplied, "The fleet will also be coming out right behind us. Sam has appointed for all of the ships to spread out their formations to avoid collisions with one another... I just can't believe we're gearing up for another fight. This is so exhilarating!"

"Exhilarating huh? Didn't think you were the type to like this kind of thing, Kallo." Pathfinder Ryder had murmured as he outstretched his hands to rest upon the metal construct of the navigational controls, and watched through the view of the starboard window to the sight of the spiraling vortex rapidly dispersing.

"I'm not... my preference lies in piloting the Tempest.. even if that means having to dodge missiles."

The Tempest smoothly glided high above the great span of the star system under the brightly yellow glow from the sun's illuminating light. Scott gradually shifted his glance back and forth upon the armada of Andromeda Initiative and Angaran crafts instanteously appearing out of warp transit. The large squadron of ships were prepared into an arrangement to both sides of the frigate vessel. Ryder made another glance around to the wide emptiness of space before finally adverting his sight to spy the battalion of Kett flagships lying in patient wait across the tremendous stretch of the space field. The grand scale-sized crafts were evenly drawn apart; four flagships stationed at the front line while the other five were arranged in the second row in a defensive stance to protect the three Jump Freighters. Scott briefly gaped, lowering his voice down to a mutter, "Wow.. Is this all that's left of the Kett fleet? I was expecting a bigger surprise party."

Lieutenant Harper took up stance behind the pilot's chair with her arms resting behind her back in composed form. Cora turned her attention toward the Initiative Pathfinder, "Don't underestimate them, Ryder. There's always a chance that the Kett have something in store for us."

Scott quipped with a suspicious look toward the human Biotic, "The first go round wasn't so bad. We can handle it."

The human Biotic notably offered a reassuring smirk, "The Ryder family charm never ceases to amaze. Maybe the Pathfinder should offer some of that optimism to our fleets."

"Not a bad idea, Cora. Putting on the Ryder family charm. Kallo?" Pathfinder Ryder had briefly directed attention onto the pilot.

Kallo's voice conveyed anxious excitement, "Broadcast frequency open. Whenever you're ready, Pathfinder."

The Initiative Pathfinder straightened his posture by dropping his arms to his sides and boldly stated proclaim, "This is Pathfinder Ryder of the Andromeda Initiative. I have called upon everyone to rally for another battle against the Kett. Hopefully the last. As you all know, we have gained the Ethar-Juson and their factions' support in this fight. Essentially, they are our ace in the hole when things go south.

The intent of this battle was not only meant for us to protect our home but we are going to stop the Kett from leaving the Heleus cluster. We're going to prevent them from bringing down the Exaltation process onto others. We are all here to fight and make sure the Kett know that Andromeda and the Milky Way are both officially off limits. We're going to hold our ground to end this war once and for all. The Kett see all of our species as inferior and unworthy adversaries. This time, this day, will be remembered as the moment that different life forms CAN stand together and prove that we don't need Exaltation to be great. We find our own greatness in ourselves and each other."

The numerous amount of voices exclaimed in unison over the receiver's speakers, "Here, here, Pathfinder Ryder!"

"Here, here, Pathfinder Ryder."

Scott diverted his attention by half-spinning around to look upon his sibling coming into the main area of the flight deck.

Sara Ryder briefly stopped to cross her arms under her bust and offered an amiable smirk, "Not bad, Scott. If dad were still here, I think he would have been proud."

"Is that the voice of sincerity or just my big sister trying to be sarcastic?" One of the Pathfinder's eyebrows had cocked into the display of wary suspicion.

Sara Ryder narrowed her eyes into a glare, "Funny, Scott. In all seriousness, I was actually trying to give a compliment."

Sam's voice injected warning over the fleet wide broadcast, "Targeting sensors are online. Missile launch detected. The Kett are initiating the first line of attack."

Ryder faced toward the bow of the ship to watch a shower of orange glowing projectiles swiftly sweeping across the wide span of space. Scott made his surprise known, "What the fuck?! They're starting the fight without a threat or some sort of degrade on lesser species speech? I don't know if I should feel insulted.. or relieved."

Captain Dunn called command over the fleet wide broadcast, "Incoming projectiles! Everyone, take evasive maneuvers!"

The Turian Pathfinder exclaimed, "We need to make some room here otherwise we're going to crash into each other!"

Vederia's voice shouted over the communication speaker, "Tempest, get behind! I'll put up a barrier to provide a shield in front of our ships! Quickly!"

Scott planted his hands down to grip onto the metal framework of the navigational controls and quickly turned a worried look toward the Salarian pilot, "Kallo!"

"On it!" Kallo's long slender fingers rapidly danced into a sequence across the control board to swiftly swivel the frigate ship's trajectory into a spiraling motion to narrowly avoid the first wave of missiles. The Tempest quickly zipped for cover behind one of the Initiative cruiser ships allowing for both vessels to hide behind the rapidly growing spherical Biotic barrier that abruptly rebounded the shower of torpedoes.

The Tempest pilot sighed relief, "That was close!"

Pathfinder Ryder spun his head's direction in time to witness several eruptions of space crafts being struck under rocket fire.

"It looks like the Kett are throwing everything they have at the fleet!" Suvi Anwar had declared her worry.

Sara Ryder quickly rushed to grip onto the back of the liaison's chair and corresponded in agreement, "Specifically us!"

Avitus raised warning over the communications relay, "They're launching another wave right after the other! We need to scatter!"

The Asari Pathfinder cried, "Goddess! I don't know how much longer I can hold up this barrier!"

Cora shook her head, "The Kett are picking us off while we remain at this range! If this keeps up there won't be enough of us left to get in close enough to fight back!"

The human man regained military composure to boldly call out orders, "I've got an idea! Sam, use the Remnant to create a blockade to stop those incoming missiles! Keep one of the Remnant ships on top of us and spare out as many as we can to the others!"

"Sending relays to Remnant ships." Sam corresponded in calm mannerism.

Scott diverted focus to the starboard window to watch the Remnant crafts quickly span out into a barricade to provide cover from the hail of deadly missiles setting target for the alliance vessels.

Captain Dunn expressed concern in statement, "That's only going to work for so long, Ryder. If we manage to reach the Kett flagships that means we'll be sacrificing the Remnant in the process."

"Mal, establish connection! Place up a barrier in front of the squadron!" The voice of Lamees dus Conta had assumed command as she had unexpectedly appeared behind the human Pathfinder.

Ryder glanced over his shoulder to peer upon the female Jardaan from the corner of his eye and half-demanded, "Lamees?! What are you doing?"

The Jardaan narrowed her golden-yellow eyes up to Scott, "You don't understand the Remnant's true capabilities; they are builders which means they can construct almost anything. The Remnant ships can push a barrier forward and repair it while providing cover for own vessels to move in to make the counter attack. They can also create shield plating over each craft to protect them during combat."

Scott quickly nodded, "Then I'll leave you in charge of the Remnant ships."

"I can do more than just that, Ryder. Malvizon has configured the sound frequencies in order to use the Vyjonth to our advantage. We shall save it when the opportunity is needed."

"Good idea. Alright, everyone! Stay behind the Remnant ships! They'll have us covered! Let's push forward!" The human Pathfinder returned his focus onto the row of Remnant space crafts quickly moving into formation to project their beams of radiant red glowing light together into shaping a half-spherical wall which had the height and width to match the scale size of a moon. The integrity of the giant barrier's construction took solid form into dark metal that resembled the Remnant plating but had suddenly become overlaid with a transparent cover enabling a one-way visibility for the advancing fleet.

"Whoa! That's incredible! How are you and Sam doing that, Ryder?" One of the male Angaran pilot's had asked in sound amazement.

Sam calmly offered a counterclaim, "I believe miss Lamees dus Conta is due the creditability."

Lamees quipped, "I will show how powerful the Remnant technology can be. Malvizon, deflect the Tehet weapons! Send in the Breachers as decoys!"

A rapid storm of red light whirled together to generate a legion of Remnant automations that immediately hurdled themselves for the direction of the Kett flagships, quickly overcoming the barrage of missiles to collide and abruptly detonating upon impact with the Breacher robots.

"Skutten Tehet! This is payback for making Lamees angry!" Mal expressed his deepened robotic voice into an excited exclaim.

Both Ryder siblings, Lieutenant Harper, Suvi, and the Salarian pilot were taken aback, quickly diverting their puzzlement onto the female Jardaan.

Sara began to ask in bewilderment, "Uhh, did your AI just.."

The Remnant technician shrugged her slender shoulders in regard response, "Mal has a personality installment. Do you remember?" Lamees shifted her golden eyes up to the Pathfinder's worried look. "I can have one installed for Sam, if you both wish for him to have one."

The deep robotic voice muttered quietly, "Sam is boring. In my opinion, he'd be more likable with an imaginative frame of mind. Think of all the fun we could have."

"That could get really interesting.." Scott had murmured contemplative thought out loud, briefly returning a glance onto the space field that gradually shortened the distance between the small Kett armada and the advancing Remnant barricade.

"Pathfinder Ryder, Pathfinder Hayjer here!"

"Receiving, Pathfinder. What's your plan?"

Lumont supplied response, "We'll initiate for siege mode once in range of the Kett ships. Our shielding systems have a full optimum capacity while in this stage. The Tempest can use this ship as a hiding place while we provide a counter attack. I haven't had a chance to put the ship's weapons through their paces. This is a good opportunity."

"Understood, Pathfinder." Scott spun his attention onto the Tempest pilot, "Kallo?"

The Tempest pilot acknowledged reply, "Read you loud and clear, Ryder. We'll move into position once Hayjer is ready... wait- are we actually going to be docking into the ship?"

"That's the plan. The Tempest doesn't exactly have any weapons to fire back.. I'd actually like to see what the new ship is capable of." Pathfinder Ryder spun his head to give a nod toward the Salarian.

Nozomi injected alarm over the broadcast systems, "The Kett are bringing out their fighters! Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

Lumont Hayjer beckoned, "We're almost in range! Pathfinder Ryder, boarding port is open! Siege mode will be under way once the Tempest is onboard!"

The Jardaan technician supplied directive, "Mal, break the barrier systems and engage for combat! Get the protection plating down on all of our ships! Follow and protect the Tempest!"

"By your command, Lamees. Collapsing shield. Sending defense drones at once."

Scott watched the swiftness of the Remnant ships quickly break apart the giant barrier and redirect focus onto following after the alliance vessels. The glowing Remnant ships shined their brilliant light over the Initiative and Angaran space crafts rapidly creating a dark metal overlay that quickly expanded into a protective layer of armor over each ship's exterior. Pathfinder Ryder observance two of the large Remnant crafts gracefully approaching to take up defensive positions to either sides of the frigate vessel and offered a glowing red shielding affect over the Tempest.

One of the pilots announced, "Incoming!"

The Salarian Pathfinder conducted in commanding fashion, "Use the Remnant weapon installments! Get cover fire on the Tempest!"

Sam's voice broadcasted through the frigate, "Plotting course for docking procedures. Please stand by."

The chief engineer's voice affirmed over the Tempest's speaker communicator, "There is NO way I'm going to miss this!"

"Count me in!" Zeemi had also audibly sounded.

The Pathfinder squad and crew members eagerly raced from their stations to rush through the opening Bridge doorway in order to bare witness the Tempest making its charge in line direction for the Destroyer class ship before igniting the stabilizing propulsion systems. The frigate vessel made a graceful approach, taking position underside of the great ship. The Tempest gradually hovered directly upward into the opened under belly of the spacecraft to submerge into a massive-sized hangar bay area blatantly flashing yellow caution lights. The compartment was sealed within solid blast proofs walls that withheld the interior air pressure while the docking procedure remain underway. Docking clamp arms carefully outstretched to suction grip onto various surfaces of the Tempest's exterior and the underside to hold the Initiative spacecraft in place. The sliding bulkhead doors loudly clamped together and seal-locked far below. An overlay of metal slid out to expand full cover over the bulkhead doors and offered as an unloading platform for the Tempest's boarding ramp. Geysers of steam rapidly dispensed into the docking station surrounding the vessel to equalize the air pressure between both areas. A boarding extension platform outstretched to fit around the location of the airlock's doorway and incorporated a suction seal with a briefly loud hiss.

After the caution lights had dimmed, the artificial intelligence declared, "Docking procedure is complete."

Scott glanced back and forth to the immediate hangar bay which was constructed with two separate levels, each having walking platforms with rails and scaffoldings. The two levels were connected by way of several metals stairways and caged ladder wells. Adjustable extension platforms and hangar bay elevators were stationed at various points for the ease of accessibility for exterior hull repair work. Sealed doorways had been placed at the ends of the walking platforms allowing crew workers passage to and from the repair bay.

Pathfinder Ryder turned his sight forward as the blast shield had slid down and disappeared into the metal flooring to reveal the brightly illuminated area behind the blast protection wall. The human man became overwhelmed into a state of awe, momentarily dropping his jaw, and quietly gasped, "Wow!"

The shimmering grey metal interior appeared more massive in size comparison to that of the Nexus' interior. The streamline design had an easy accessible layout having multiple wide stairways leading up to partitioned raised terraces built on either sides of the incredibly vast engineering deck where entry points were located to grant passage through to unseen access hallways that allowed dock workers to reach the above floor balconies spanned across the walls. Repair crews were provided an overview over each section of the giant bay with computer terminals and machine command consoles having orange glowing display screens.

(*Disclaimer: I barrowed this for the repair bay layout, image search: 40k,_Inquisitorial_Ship,_Loading_Bay *)

Heavy industrial ceiling cranes stretched to the full length of the engineering deck and regulated on the same rail junction with rail guards panned out to prevent the cranes from collision into another. Industrial manufacturing hook cranes were also included and operated on separate ceiling rail systems. Assembled conveyor platforms stretched through the expanse of the repair station, from one end to the other, and having separation breaks to allow for walking clearance between the transporting lines.

Ryder's attention was next drawn to the Hydra model-style Mechs and LOKI bipedal humanoid robots redesigned and equipped with various mechanized tools purposed for repairing adjustments. He quickly adverted his eyes down onto the repair workers racing forward and gathering together in viewing of the Tempest's first arrival.

Sara's voice sounded with the sense of overwhelmed astonishment, "This is amazing! I can't believe how big this ship is! It's almost like the size of the Nexus."

The Pathfinder quipped, "I honestly can't believe that Hayjer is going to be handing this ship over."

Gil Brodie uttered his astonishment, "It's real, right?"

The Salarian rolled his eyes, "I don't get why you're getting so teary-eyed over these kind of things, Gil."

"Hey, this is like Christmas for me, Kallo! It's every mechanics' dream to have a workshop like THIS!" The chief engineer quickly raised question toward the Pathfinder's direction, "Do we get to have a look around first?"

"I'm on the same level as you, Gil. I feel like this is a good time to ask if someone could pinch me... Not recommending it, though." The Turian mercenary walked up to stand with Sara behind the science officer's chair.

Jaal made an agreeable response, "I would like to learn more about these kind of tools. Perhaps they will make it easier for taking things apart."

"Don't think it's a good idea, Jaal. We haven't even moved into the place yet." Liam had raised a skeptical look toward the male Angara.

The Angaran Lieutenant corresponded, "I'm more curious about how to use Initiative hardware. Depending on the tool, they can each serve different purposes. For instance, I didn't know that a hammer could function as a weapon to hit someone's head to effectively render them unconscious... I'm still in disappointment that I did not get to watch that."

"Really, Jaal?" Scott fully whirled around to shoot a quick narrowed look toward the male Angara. Ryder briefly shook his head with a sigh and spun for the direction for the Armory's airlock, "Come on, we'll get a tour of the ship later. Let's find Pathfinder Hayjer."

The squad and crew members started out from the airlock, following behind the human Pathfinder, in the traverse across the boarding platform and shortly arrived into an enclosed area before gaining entry into the repair bay to find the Salarian Pathfinder standing in waiting anticipation.

Lumont glimpsed upon each Tempest crew member as he extended formal greeting, "Welcome aboard, everyone. I'm glad to know that the Tempest has made it safely in our harbor." He turned his head to fixate upon the human Pathfinder, "Pathfinder Ryder, if you and your crew would follow me to the CIC, we have a fight to finish with the Kett." Pathfinder Hayjer began for a spin around to guide Ryder and group into the direction of two free standing elevators located on the right side wall of the repair bay with access caged ladders for the ease of emergency accessibility. The adjacent elevators' criss-cross framework design was fabricated with high-endurance material that shined like stainless steel metal and built to withstand any potential impactful force.

Peebee demanded out loud, "They have elevators?! Why doesn't the Tempest have one?"

"Peebee, you've been on the Tempest for how long to realize that it doesn't need one?" The female Turian muttered with a headshake.

The Asari gunslinger countered, "Uh, less ladders to climb?"

Gil Brodie stopped and called out, "Actually, I'll hang out here for while. If you don't mind."

Scott walked in stride with the Salarian Pathfinder, regarding a quick response over his shoulder to the chief engineer, "Knock yourself out." Pathfinder Ryder returned forward to continue looking around and expressed his excitement with a broad smile, "This is really amazing! I can't believe how fast you were able to build this ship under a new record time, Hayjer." Ryder passed under the elevator's steel doorframe to step into a room with transparent walls allowing the Pathfinder to look out into the workroom and glimpse into the direction of the Tempest crew members gathering together into the second elevator.

Liam Kosta turned his head, catching sight of the Pathfinder's glance and offered an eager smirk as he raised an arm to briefly wave in Scott's direction. The squad members quickly vanished once the secondary elevator had started its swift climb. The crisis-response operative's voice rang out, "See you at the top, Ryder!"

The transparent door silently closed after Salarian Pathfinder followed up behind Sara Ryder and Lieutenant Harper. Both women had taken placement into forming an inward-facing wide circle with the Initiative Pathfinders. The conveyor gears were immediately prompted to spin into motion and began the elevator's ascend.

Lumont sounded with the sense of accomplishment in response toward the human Pathfinder's direction, "This project couldn't have been made possible without the dedication of our teams and their group effort. I'd have to say that working with the Angara has offered an insightful experience. They are a hard working bunch and exceptionally generous. It truly was gratifying to have worked on this accomplishment together."

Scott respectfully nodded his head toward the Salarian's direction and composed full regard, "It's definitely a moment that you and your teams should be proud of, Hayjer."

Sara Ryder beckoned inquiry toward Lumont, "How difficult was it to incorporate Angaran tech into the ship's systems?"

The Salarian Pathfinder gently shook his head, "None at all. I was incredibly surprised by how compatible their technology was to sync with the Initiative's electronic components. We owe Sam for the assistance in providing the effortless transition."

Scott began for correspondence but had abruptly turned glance to his surroundings finding long vertically running light sources emitting a bright blue glow on all four walls within the enclosed elevator shaft. Pathfinder Ryder came to realization that the elevator was stopped and quickly spun his attention toward the sealed doorway silently sliding open.

Sara and Cora quickly followed the Pathfinder's gaped stare, quickly diverting their direction to glance into the beginning area of the flight deck.

The small group proceeded forward following behind Pathfinder Hayjer. Scott suddenly came to a sudden halt once out of the elevator room to make his thorough study over the immediate area by slowly turning his head.

The widely circular-constructed room was lined with glowing blue arch supports evenly branched apart while the main lighting sources were illuminated from the orange glow of hologram screens generating from the center of the current room. The projection displays hovered one over the other as an entire cylinder-shaped formation above an enlarged metal circular stationary table. The support beams adjoined together at the ceiling's center point where an overhanging cylinder-shaped centerpiece displayed a solid ring of white-glowing light to shine upon the humanoid figures standing around the combat station. The arch supports continued to follow the long stretch of corridor and reached the end at a closed doorway leading into the Bridge. The walls of both sides of the room were evenly spaced with combat information stations where Communication personnel sat upon swiveling piloting chairs and operated on orange glowing projection interfacing screens.

Lumont Hayjer progressed with several steps forward, stopped and half-turned in his place to look upon the human man. The Salarian announced in gleeful sound, "Welcome to the war room. At this command console, we have a connection to our Initiative alliance channels allowing us to monitor our fleets' progress. Fighter squadrons and covert ops ships can be sent on patrol to any specific star systems to keep a lookout for any suspicious Kett activity. This console also serves as the main Combat Information Center hub. It is uplinked with APEX intel, allowing you to deploy their units where you need them to be. The ship is equipped with broadcast receivers that are able to obtain news or warning reports from each planet, including the Nexus. For the Pathfinder's convenience, there is a video communications interface located in the vidcom room if you desire to hear the latest reports as well as establish a communication connection."

Ryder showed the expression of awe-struck, staring the pillar of glowing screens up and down while slowly pacing around the outskirt of the table, "This is all very impressive."

Pathfinder Hayjer cordially retort, "I have your crew member, Lamees and her AI software, to thank for sharing their ancient technology in upgrading the SAM Node. It has significantly broadened our relay communications throughout the Heleus Cluster while able to transmit through the Scourge clouds without interference. Sam's transmitting frequency has increased to an instant rate."

"It'll save me some time from waiting for someone to answer my call." Pathfinder Ryder had murmured. He turned direction for the closed elevator doors and promptly questioned out loud, "Wait.. where's the rest of the crew? I thought they would have been here."

Cora Harper smirked enthusiastically, "I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to have a peek around the ship first."

Scott disregarded with a shoulder shrug continued study over the free-floating projection screens, making an inquiry, "Where exactly is the vidcom room? Not that I want to call any particular person right now."

The Salarian proceeded through the war room making a line approach for the closed doorway with Lieutenant Harper and Sara trailing behind. Pathfinder Ryder finished his circle around the war room table and followed in pursuit. Lumont's head spun to the side in order to make his response over his shoulder, "The video communications station is at the command console in the Meeting Room. You will find its location through this room's right-side door and at the end of the access hallway."

Upon approach, the Bridge bulkhead doors silently slid apart granting the small group entrance into the main flight deck. The doors sealed shut after Scott had lastly stepped into the blue hazy glowing room. He momentarily halted to turn his head back and forth giving examination over the surrounding area.

The expanse took on a similar appeal to the Tempest's Bridge architecture with few differences; the piloting seats were instead faced directly away from the Pathfinder navigational controls, having the back of their chairs in direction of the long extension platform and provided ample walking room between. The starboard and port command consoles were both built at eye-level for the ease of the pilots to moderate the flight guiding systems and having additional blue glowing flight instrument screens hovering above the control boards. The span of space was viewed through the one-ninety degree smoothly rounded wraparound window. Pathfinder Ryder glimpsed upon the sight of Initiative crafts spanned across the space field with Kett fighter ships unleashing sprays of glowing bullets.

(*Disclaimer: For mental reference, image search: brian-sum-tempest-bridge01 *)

Scott fixated his sight onto the Salarian Pathfinder taking position to one side of the extension platform leading to the navigational controls to divert full attention onto the human man's direction.

Lumont explained, "This craft has already obtained into siege mode which implies that energy converters supply directly into the defense matrix and provides as an extra layer of protection against Kett or any other type of weaponry. While we are in this stage, the propulsion thrusters remain offline in the process of adapting power into the shielding systems and give our energy weapons a greater scale of impact."

The male Turian, whom sat in the port side pilot's chair, gave announcement, "The Gardian anti-missile systems are online and prepped to counter the Kett's projectiles. We're waiting for your next order, Pathfinder."

Ryder shifted glances between Pathfinder Hayjer and the Turian helmsman, "Um.. which Pathfinder are you referring to?"

Lumont's lips seemingly curled into a smile as he motioned one of his long slender hands toward the Pathfinder's station, "Transferal recognition was previously authorized the moment the Tempest came aboard. This ship is officially under your command, Pathfinder Ryder."

Scott abruptly dropped his jaw, half-demanding in the sound of disbelief, "Wait- what? You're kidding, right?"

Sara stood adjacent from Hayjer, crossing her arms under her bust, and broadly smirked, "What? Are you not game enough for this kind of thing, Scott? It would be very hard to believe that my little brother wouldn't want to try out the new guns."

"Oh, I'm game alright. Watch and learn, sis." Ryder passed the Salarian to start across the extension platform. The Pathfinder's approach prompted the thin metal construct navigation control board to rise up to waist-height and immediately ignited three blue transparency interfacing screens to hover before the starboard window. The human man outstretched both of his arms, setting his palms down onto the glowing orange interfacing system.

"Sam?"

The artificial intelligence imparted, "All connections are established, Pathfinder. Ready to receive your orders."

The Pathfinder smirked to himself, "Right. Let's see about giving the Kett a little scare, shall we?" He straightened his posture into military form and conducted, "Sam, send the alert to everyone that we're starting our counter attack. Make sure none of our ships get caught into the cross fire. Get a lock onto the Kett fighters that are within range and fire the Gardian Lasers! I want to see what they're capable of."

Pathfinder Ryder turned attentiveness onto the Initiative and Angaran ships swiftly breaking away from the front of the battle field and quickly drew back to provide as cover fire for the Destroyer-size craft.

The Turian co-pilot declared, "Targeting the Kett fighter vessels! Initiating laser systems!"

Scott set his gaze forward to witness several violet-colored beams, with blue-hued tints, suddenly flash long glowing strings of light across the span of darkness. The ultraviolet sprays inadvertently split into multiple threads to become a shower array of light that spontaneously vanished upon touching the exterior surfaces of enemy fighter crafts. A rapid eruption of explosions immediately followed like a small bursting tidal wave spreading through the Kett formations.

"Impressive fireworks, Ryder." Vederia's sound of voice perceived in delight.

The portside helmsman called out alarm, "We have inbound enemy fighters coming at us!"

"Good. They're pissed at us which means we can blow up more of their shit all at once." Scott glimpsed from the corner of his eye as Pathfinder Hayjer had taken up stance on the port side bow beside the navigation control system. The human man returned concentration onto the battle front and pressed, "Take them down by using the Remnant energy beams! While we're at it, launch some torpedoes at one of their flagships to ruffle up some feathers... bones.. whatever they have."

The Turian co-pilot's long fingers seemingly raced back and forth upon the glowing interfacing boards, "Acknowledged, Pathfinder. Engaging Remnant weapons."

"We've got you covered, Pathfinder Ryder! Give them hell!" Captain Dunn called over the communications transponder.

Red glowing energy frequency beams stretched into long lines setting target upon the advancing Kett fighters and began to burn through their shielding systems. The enemy fighters swiftly disbanded from squad formation in order to avoid the Remnant weaponry and swiftly regrouped to offer retaliation by unleashing their own spray of rapid gunfire. The allied squadron fleets supplied a wall of red and yellow bullets as they returned fire to defend the Destroyer-sized ship. The grand Remnant ships rapidly expanded another shielding matrix to protect the alliance fleet from the rain of missiles suddenly erupting upon the outer surface of the dark metal layer.

The port helmsman additionally called out without looking over his shoulder, "Unlocking torpedo mounts! Javelin Disruptor projectiles are underway! They're on course for the first Kett flagship on starboard side."

Ryder caught a quick glimpse of the missiles that were prompted for launch and followed the dissipating trails being left behind as the Javelin Disruptor Missiles easily slipped passed the scattered enemy fighter arrangements, continuing on an accelerated course through the space field. The two deadly projectiles lastly converged at the selected impact points, spontaneously unleashing a tremendous surge of deepened purple resonating dark energy that rapidly expanded over the mass of the vessel's hull. At the point of impact, the destructive force of the space-time warp effects shredded through the Flagship's exterior structure and pried the metal framework into disintegrating fragments. The aftermath was followed by a magnified detonation causing a convulsion through the battalion of Kett space crafts. The second Flagship had become adversely turned off course from its motionless placement preceding its collision into the next ship. The two collided vessels staggered for several moments, scraping hulls together in the attempt to regain alignment.

Scott Ryder crossed his arms over his chest with a broaden smirk lifting the corner of his lips. He muttered in disappointed tone, "Well, so much for that.. at least it cuts down the amount of party favors to give out." The Initiative Pathfinder adverted his sight upon the Turian co-pilot by turning his head and retort in coy demeanor, "We've got them scrambled. Let's finish this once and for all. Prepare and launch more torpedo-"

The artificial intelligence injected warning, "Pathfinder, I am detecting multiple Kett craft signatures warp-jumping into the system."

Cora started to demand, "More?! I KNEW something like this was going to happen." Lieutenant Harper had taken a step forward toward the female Angaran sitting in the pilot's chair and raised an anxious look.

Pathfinder Ryder returned face forward, unfolding his arms and dropped his hands down onto the metal construct of the navigation systems, and intently watched the projection screens readouts indicating the amount of enemy crafts entering from warp bubbles into the star system. The Pathfinder's eyes darted back and forth to spy the abrupt flashes of light once the Kett ships had made their arrival.

Sara lifted both of her hands to cover over her mouth as she loudly gasped and expressed a surprised look, "Holy shit! Scott!"

The new appeared Kett regiment was expanded into battle formation consisting of five additional Flagships, twenty Assault Frigates, two Combat Battle Cruisers, and one Super Carrier.

Scott gradually shuddered from the sudden cold chill steadily crawling up his spinal column. He quickly shook his head to disregard the sensation and supplied correspondence, "Well, shit. That's not fair.. This is... it's just overkill.."

"Pathfinder," Sam's robotic voice calmly implied interruption, "I am receiving a hailing frequency from one of the Kett Battle ships. Do you wish to accept, Pathfinder?"

Ryder shrugged his shoulders and shifted his stance into a half-relaxed standing posture with his arms folding one over the other over his chest, "I finally get a call from someone. Sure, patch it through, Sam. Let's hear what the Kett have to threaten us with this time."

The starboard window abruptly flashed in the revealing of the Kett Primus.

"Primus, this is.. unexpected. I thought we were no longer on speaking terms." Pathfinder Ryder narrowed his eyes, quickly dropping his smirk into a grimacing frown.

The Kett Primus boldly stated in disinterest, "Do not take pride in this notion, Pathfinder. This is by far no means of compensation for the mutual benefit that was agreed upon for the elimination of the Archon prior."

Scott muttered, "I wasn't expecting a thank you card anyway. What do you want?"

"I offer a settlement. The choice presented to you will guarantee that all of the lives taken under your command will be spared from an unfavorable demise."

The human Pathfinder cocked one of his eyebrows into a suspicious expression, "You're offering a bargaining chip? Let me guess... exalt everyone or else? You know, as tempting as it sounds, I'm just not into the whole idea of getting a face-lift.. I mean, you guys take the word ugly and make it look pretty."

The Primus patiently offered a retort, "Exaltation is presented as a blessing, it's ludicrous to perceive it as an affliction."

"Not the way I see it.."

"Denying this opportunity only permits the conflict to continue.. I have your answer, Pathfinder."

The image of the Kett Primus rapidly dimmed returning the starboard to its former display of the space field.

Scott rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Charming as always."

Lieutenant Harper conveyed her uneasiness as she adverted glance up to the human man, "Something about this doesn't feel right... I just can't put my finger on it."

Pathfinder Ryder turned his head to acknowledge Cora with a nonchalant response, shrugging his shoulders, "She's just trying to scare us. Don't worry about it." Scott returned focus onto the view window. "Anyway, let's finish this up. Sam, keep Sky on standby.. and inform Lamees to come up here. We're going to need the Scourge for this."