Quintessence Effect Andromedas Defender
ESKK: Here we go chapter 2 time to get this started.
(Start Hunter Mindscape Location Unknown)
Hunter woke up and found himself on what looked to be the Habitation Deck. He recognized it because it was where the SAM node was located. But why was it empty? Looking around Hunter began to make his way through the deck noting several doors and trams were all locked down. "Hello!" Hunter called out but only his voice echoed back at him.
Soon enough Hunter saw himself making his way towards the Sam Node seeing as it was the only door that was unlocked. Hunter wasn't entirely sure but... something had him on edge as he made his way to the Node. Once he got to the door it slid open and the Node was dark. Entering Hunter felt something was very wrong here as he got to the terminal.
Once there Hunter proceeded to press a few buttons and soon enough the node activated. But what Hunter got was not the AI construct SAM projected but something red and similar to a sea creature, a Reaper.
"So, we meet, face to face." Destiny spoke as Hunter recognized the voice.
"Destiny." Hunter said as he glared at the Reaper. "You were no AI you're a fucking Reaper." Hunter said as he had read about those things.
"What's left of one is the more accurate description of my current predicament." Destiny said as he glared down on Hunter.
"No, I'm not going to listen!" Hunter said as he turned around to take his leave.
"Why are you leaving, we are literally inside your mind at the moment." Destiny said as Hunter then glared at Destiny.
"Because I know enough about the Reaper's I know just being near you guys can indoctrinate me turning me into a Husk or worse." Hunter said as he wanted Destiny out of his mind right now.
"Unfortunately for me and fortunately for you, I cannot do such a thing." Destiny said as he looked to Hunter. "Our union has robbed me a great deal of my original abilities." Destiny said glaring at Hunter. "I am for lack of better terms at the mercy of your Initiative." Destiny said as Hunter then stopped to glare at the Reaper.
"Sure, and I'm the King of Thessia." Hunter countered with a glare of contempt. "Why should I believe anything you have to say!?" Hunter demanded and in turn Reaper had the answer.
"Because I saved your Ark, your life, and your Voltron." Destiny said which Hunter had a counter.
"Only because your life was on the line if you can even be trusted." Hunter said but Destiny did not argue.
"That is true, my existence was in danger of being extinguished." Destiny said not even denying the accusation. "I have no reason to lie or withhold information from you and at the moment we need each other." Destiny said while Hunter glared at the Reaper. "If your math is correct and 600 years have passed then I am far from home." Destiny said getting down to it. "I detect no active Mass Relays in Andromeda and thus have no means to summon the others of my kind within Dark Space." Destiny said revealing the truth. "Even if I could something is wrong, I cannot sense nor detect my fellows in Dark Space." Destiny said as this got Hunter to grow concerned.
"So, what, probably lag or." Hunter began but Destiny cut him off.
"If my kind was still in Dark Space, I would have sensed them, the Harvest should be over by now and the others returned to Dark Space." Destiny said which made Hunter wonder.
"So, either something went wrong or... your kind lost." Hunter said as Destiny glared at Hunter.
"That is impossible but all the data points to that possibility." Destiny said as he hated to admit it as much. "If my kind has lost and are no longer roaming Dark Space then destruction may have befallen my fellows." Destiny said which got Hunter to the point.
"Meaning that you may very well be the last of your kind." Hunter said seeing where this was going. "And what's to stop me from blowing my brains out the minute I wake up taking you down with me." Hunter added but then to his shock Destiny had a counter.
"Nothing save for those listening in on us." Destiny said before, surprisingly SAM was heard.
"Hello Hunter Ryder." SAM said catching Hunter by surprise.
"I had been in contact with the AI's SAM and CHIP and our entire conversation has been played back through them to the Hyperion staff." Destiny said which got Hunter by surprise.
"Yes, we've made ample sure to contain your... stowaway." CHIP said as this meant Destiny was contained for now.
"What I am asking of you, Hunter Ryder, is cooperation a symbiotic relationship." Destiny said and thus Hunter glared at him.
"And how long do you expect me to buy any of that?" Hunter asked accusingly to Destiny.
"Only until we find a way to undue our union safely." Destiny said which was brutal and honest. "The Doctor who oversaw you can confirm that separating us would only kill us both." Destiny said before Lexi's voice was heard.
"It's true, I've run every test I can." Lexi said much to Hunter's shock. "You and this Reaper... are one." Lexi said her tone showing that she did not like it.
"So do we have an arrangement?" Destiny asked before Hunter growled and glared at Destiny.
"You betray us, you even think about going all harvesting on organic life... I'm grabbing a gun and putting a pullet through my brain." Hunter growled as he glared at Destiny.
"I would expect nothing less." Destiny said and in turn the entire world went dark around them.
(Waking World)
Hunter cried out as he shot out in bed with monitors attached to his head and chest. Looking around Hunter saw that he was in the medical bay being monitored by Lexi and select few members of the Medical Staff. Hunter saw Cora and Liam with guns pointed at him as Hunter saw that Lexi was here as well. "I'm guessing you heard all that." Hunter said as Cora lowered her gun.
"Yeah, but are you Hunter, or the Reaper?" Cora asked as she did not need those things coming after the initiative.
"I'm Hunter! I'm Hunter!" Hunter said in a panic as Liam and Cora began to lower their guns a bit. "So, what do we do now?" Hunter asked wondering where he was in this entire clusterfuck.
"We need to handle this delicately." Katie said as she entered the room once she knew that it was safe.
"I agree, starting with keeping him out of Voltron." Lexi said making it clear as the Doctor Voltron was a bad idea.
"Any news on finding an actual replacement?" Cora asked as she looked to Katie.
"Nope Hunter is our replacement." Katie said shocking the group.
"Wait back up what?" Liam asked shocked at what Katie said
"It's a security measure, the VV-Enforcer and the Jet Explorer are bio locked to Hunter." Katie said explaining the situation.
"Great security measure now its biting us in the ass." Cora said but Katie raised her hands to placate her.
"There's a simple solution to this." Katie said trying to calm things down.
"Well, we're all ears." Hunter said as Destiny also paid attention.
"There are two ways to undue it, first being the Executive Override that Jien Garson has." Katie began giving the first method. "Option two is for all four Pathfinders to cast the equivalent to a Vote of No Confidence with their SAM's." Katie said revealing that she thought this through.
"Can't you have CHIP undue it?" Liam asked knowing they had to get Hunter out of Voltron.
"Couldn't risk it, if CHIP was ever compromised or worse." Katie trailed off and thus her forethought was biting them in the ass.
"So, until we get to the Nexus, I'm the leader of Voltron." Hunter quipped as Katie sighed to this.
"I'm afraid so." Katie said as Cora sighed in frustration.
"This just keeps getting better, first a kaiju sized alien robot, then we lost the Pathfinder and." Cora began but then Hunter cut her off.
"Wait hold up lost the pathfinder?" Hunter began as this caused Cora to stop what she was saying. "What happened to my dad?" Hunter asked as Cora realized what she said.
"Really." Liam scolded as Hunter was still unaware of what happened to Alec and who the new Pathfinder was. Cora saw what she did and after everything even Lexi knew Cora should have watched her words.
"Hunter... you may wish to sit down." Lexi said as the Asari knew full well that Hunter was not going to like what he was about to hear. Cora was kicking herself for not choosing her words carefully while Liam was getting ready to call up Scott.
"I'll go call Scott." Liam said knowing they needed the new Pathfinder here to tell Hunter what happened.
"Just tell me, what happen to my dad?" Hunter said as he sounded very worry and upset with Lexi frown a bit and give the youngest Ryder a look of sorrow as she came before him, believing it is safe for her to approach him and said, "Listen Hunter… there is no easy way to say this, so I'll tell you."
Hunter waited for Lexi to say something as she took a deep breath before letting it out as she knew this will effect Hunter deeply as she soon said, "Pathfinder Alec Ryder, had passed away. Air toxic exposure."
"T-that can be true," Hunter said shocked by this as he knew his father would have been careful about this, he was a train N7 solider, with Cora looked guilty, as she saw the hurt look on Hunter's face but knew there was nothing else, she can say or do to help him as she let the doctor explain it as Lexi went on saying of what had happen as she told the story to Hunter.
"On the Habitat 7, an accident accrued as your father, and brother had discovered the source of the dark clouds, shutting down a machine before it let out a backlash of energy it had already build up pushing them into a dangerous situation. Your brother Scott, his helmet was broken with no way to repair it, so Alec decided to give up his to save Scott, saving his life."
"What about Scott… what happen to him?" Hunter asked as Lexi said, "He alive and well, but he was exposure to the toxic air as well, poisoning him, with Pathfinder Alec make a choice giving him his helmet, extended Scott's life to live until help could arrive, he were to be given treatment, but unfortunately helped arrived too late to save Alec."
Hunter was about to protest until at that moment, Scott came in with Liam behind him, by the look on his face and the heavy breathing, they rush there as soon as he heard what happen and rush over and said to Hunter, "Are you alright Hunter?"
"I'm fine, but dad… tell me... did he really…?" Hunter trail off unable to finish his sentence as Scott give a sadden look to him as he said, "I'm sorry. I wish it were me."
At that moment tear form in Hunter's eyes before Scott hug his little brother closely, as they both grieve together as Cora was about to go to them to pull Scott away from Hunter, but Lexi stopped her, knowing they need this and let it be, as this was a dark time for the Ryder family.
(Later)
After things calm down the two brothers were put in the meeting room where the Voltron force was at before, as Scott told Hunter that their dad made him the new pathfinder, as it seem during his last moment Alec transfer SAM over to Scott, as Hunter had congratulated him, Scott said he didn't feel excited or happy about it as they both knew it was supposed to be their father as the Pathfinder, and also brought up that now he was in a similar situation like Hunter, but he had a trust worthy AI while Hunter was stuck with a Reaper.
Hunter was surprise that Scott knew that but he gotten the report of the Voltron formation after he had woke up, and was told that CHIP didn't control the recon Copters but a reaper and was shock to say that it was a reaper that helped the Voltron force and save them, but at the cost of hurting Hunter in the process which Destiny had said it was necessary but did apologies, which Scott heard thanks to SAM setting up a connection between the brothers, and he is very surprise to hear a reaper saying Sorry.
In a way it was ironic that a killer robotic A.I that wanted to harvest all intelligent organic life was apologizing, but he also keep Hunter alive until he could get treatment, mostly to keep himself alive, so there was a thin lining of being grateful to the Reaper and no so grateful that he did it for selfish reason, but then again a lot of people may do that regardless, so the brothers left it as is as Scott soon ask his brother, "So, what will you be doing anyway?"
"I guess work with the Voltron force until the bio-lock is remove and put Sara back as the original head of Voltron, if she ever wakes up that is," Hunter said as he knew until Sara is awake, he'll be the new commander of the Voltron force.
At that moment, the Voltron force members themselves has come in with some upset looks on their faces with the only one who didn't look all that upset or angry was Ginger, but she wasn't smiling about the situation either, but she give a salute to the brothers, then she said to them, "Commander, Pathfinder. We hear what happen, and we're sorry for letting down former Pathfinder Alec"
"At ease," Scott said as he return the salute as Ginger lower her arm after that as Scott went on saying, "And no need to apologies, you guys did everything you could do, but didn't know of the situation, so I really should be thanking you for saving me and the other pathfinder team members from that Machine."
"Thank you, sir," Ginger said as then Avok step up and said, "Why are you thanking them? They deserve our thanks; they don't deserve our help. This one stolen the gear that was meant for Commander Sara Ryder, and has a reaper inside of him"
He pointed out to Hunter on that as Ginger looks to him and said angerly "Avok!" George came up next saying, "I may not always agree with the Turian, or approve of his behavior, but he is right about one thing."
Looking to Hunter and soon said, "He just taken the property of the Voltron force and taken command of this team without proper training or authorization. Heck he's not even worthy to sit in the Command Jet Explorer, as he never graduated from the flight academy, is that right Mr. hot shot."
"Hey, I may have been kicked out for being a free thinker, but I can still fly circles around any of those Flight school graduates." Hunter countered as he glared at George who glared back at the flight school dropout.
"It is true." CHIP cut in on the group. "I have taken the liberty of pulling up Commander Ryder's personal files and from what my study has shown he held the highest marks in both simulated and practical tests." CHIP said much to the groups shock. "If the Alec Ryder had not been dishonorably discharged from the Navy, I suspect that Hunter would hold an officer rank at this point in time." CHIP said which even Destiny found impressive for a human.
"Why you." George glared but then Scott cut in before anything could escalate.
"Ok that's enough you guys cool your jets." Scott said pushing Hunter and George away from each other. "What's done is done, once we get to the Nexus, we can sort all of this out." Scott said already stepping into the role of the Pathfinder. Once the two commanders calmed down Scott nodded and got down to business. "Look I need to head over to the command deck so can you all try not to kill each other while I'm gone?" Scott said which Hunter glared at George who in turn returned the glare.
"Fine." The two said at the same time while looking away from the other.
"Good once all of this is sorted; we can carry on." Scott said and in turn left the room leaving the Voltron Team to their own devices.
When Scott was gone Hunter and George glared at each other. "Eat shit and die." Hunter said pointing an accusing finger at George.
"Yeah, fuck you." George countered as the two got back to glaring at each other.
"Enough." Katie said jumping into the situation. "Getting upset over this is not going to solve anything." Katie said reminding them of what Scott said. "For now, all we can do is take what we have and work from there." Katie added forcing the group to comply with her for now. "Once we let Jian Garson know the issue, I'm sure she'll provide her override code." Katie said which they all agreed to for the time being. "So, I'm going to do a system check on the machines and prep them to be loaded onto the Nexus don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." Katie said and with that she took her leave to make sure the vehicles were ready for their transfer into the Nexus.
Hunter sighed and took a seat on one of the nearby sofas. "So, I am to assume that this, Nexus is NOT a Mass Relay." Destiny said which got Hunter to scowl being reminded of his unwanted roommate.
"Sorry to disappoint you it must suck not being able to phone home so you can harvest us." Hunter responded with a scowl on his face. Destiny was also annoyed by this but knew that his survival hinged on Hunter and his shared cooperation.
"Partially but I find this intriguing that your kind was able to construct something the size of what you call the Citadel." Destiny said as he found this intriguing and possibly useful for the next Harvest of the cycle.
"Yeah, nice try." Hunter said seeing right through the Reaper mind in his implants.
(Meanwhile the Hyperion Command Deck)
Scott arrived at the command deck with Liam and Cora after their visit to Hunter and his new team. Entering the room Scott was met by both the ships, captain, and the approaching form of the Nexus outside the viewing glass. "Ryder, good to see you on your feet." Captain Dunn began as she spoke to Scott. "Any news about our Voltron situation?" Dunn asked as she hoped there was some good news for them.
"It's complicated." Scott said as he looked to the captain of the ship.
"Then you better uncomplicate it soon because we're at the Nexus." Dunn said making it clear that they were about to dock at their destination.
"Ok good then the answer to that problem should be in the Nexus." Scott said as this eased Dunn a little, but she was also worried about the response from the others. When starting a new civilization, one cannot afford to make mistakes especially with their chief means of self-defense.
"The Central Hub for the entire Andromeda, the Asari, Turian, and Salarian Arks should be there too." Captain Dunn said as they all saw the Nexus in the distance.
"Let's hope they had better luck." Scott said to the ship's captain.
"Starting our approach now." One of the bridge crew members said with the Hyperion making its final approach after such a long journey.
"It's almost as big as the Citadel Back home." Liam said amazed by the size of the Citadel recalling the last time he saw it.
"Nexus control this is Ark Hyperion requesting docking clearance." The Hyperion Pilot said as she tried to contact the Nexus for landing clearance. But judging by the perplexed look she had on her face the response was not what she was expecting. "Captain I'm only getting their automated approach channel not a live person." The pilot said as she found this to be concerning.
"Well like it or not we're here. Take us in." Captain Dunn said and thus the pilot nodded and got to work.
As the Hyperion grew closer to the Nexus Cora noticed something amiss with it. "Construction should have been finished by now." Cora said as this was a red flag for her.
"Could be worse." Liam said being optimistic about things.
"How Habitat 7 is a bust we may have just started a war with the first aliens we met, Sara can't pilot Voltron as intended leaving my reckless younger brother to take charge, and our Pathfinder is dead." Scott said as he was rightfully upset about this. "This better be rock bottom." Scott said as the ship came in for its final docking after a 600-year long journey.
"Green across the board." The pilot reported as they finally docked in with the Nexus. Once the ship docked and connected to the Nexus the next stage began which was transfer of power to help fuel the Nexus. This also included the unloading of supplies and the Voltron Vehicles.
"All right, I got us here." Dunn said before directing her attention to her own tasks. "Good luck, Pathfinder." Dunn said which meant Scott and his team were to take the first steps into the Hyperion.
(Back with the Vehicle Force)
"Hey boys and girls." Katie was heard as she walked into the lounge room. "Heads up we've finally docked with the Nexus; your toys are all set to transfer over now we just need to meet with the crew." Katie said as she was dusting off her hands showing she was fast as she was efficient.
"Great we can finally sort this issue out." George said glaring at Hunter who glared back.
"Going to kick myself over the fact I haven't decked you one yet." Hunter said as he looked over to George not liking his tone. Then again Hunter can't exactly blame the guy seeing as unlike the rest of the team Hunter was the guy who was out of place.
"Let's just go." Krika said as the leader of the Sea Team kept the commanders of the Ground and Air teams from tearing each other's throats out. Passing my Krika sent the two a glare to remind them that they needed to act professional going forward.
Hunter rolled his eyes and went to get ready to enter the Nexus with Scott. "You know your kind of being hard on him." Krika said to George as they watched Hunter walk off.
"Look I just can't stand nepotism ok." George defended but Krika smirked a bit.
"I seem to recall another pilot who got in on his skill but was accused of Nepotism as well." Krika said as George glared at Krika for that.
"That was different." George defended as the Asari smirked a bit.
"Sure, it was you're a great pilot but being related to a big shot puts that into question kind of like the new guy." Krika said as she looked to George who then glared back.
"He's not joining us once we get the command override, he parts ways from us." George said before he stormed off causing Krika to sigh a bit.
"Sure." Krika said and in turn followed after George as all three teams began to depart for the Nexus.
(Later on, the Nexus)
It was a bit of a tight fit into the tram as it made its way to the Nexus from the Hyperion. The tram was making its way through the Hyperion into the Nexus once the rails connected to the Nexus to make travel easier. Katie was also there to oversee the last bit of transfer for the Voltron Vehicles. As they sat there Hunter noted how dark it was on the Nexus as he felt like something was off.
Ginger stood staring out the window watching the walls zoom by. George was with the rest of his teammates of the Land Team while Krika and her teammates of the sea team were talking with Avok. Hunter noted her off to the side but before he could ask about it Krika was the first to speak. "So, does anyone find it strange that the Nexus isn't finished being built?" Krika asked as this was cause for concern.
"I'm more worried about where the other Ark's are." Avok added as Ginger then turned towards the direction of the conversation.
"The Nexus is supposed to have a support crew just enough to finish building it and provide safe harbor for the arks." Cora said which George then cut in.
"If that's the case then why isn't it finished yet?" George asked as the Voltron team saw the state the ship was in on the way in.
"I don't know." Katie said as she had her concerns on the subject. "But I intend to find out." Katie said as she had a bad feeling about this.
"Honestly, I'm just happy that I'll be around other Krogan again... no offense to you all guys your all great." Tagor said to his teammates.
"None taken." Linda said understanding wanting to be amongst your own kind after being around aliens for so long.
"I don't know." Cinda said as she looked out the window next. "I was hoping to see the Asari Ark here but..." Cinda said as Cora felt the same.
"Look they'll show up, just have faith and be patient." Cora said which Cinda heard and nodded in understanding.
"Still losing a Pathfinder is going to be a major blow to the Initiative." Hunter said as he sat on his chair looking at his hand almost fearful before clenching it. "We're going have to bounce back from this stronger than before." Hunter said ever the optimist when able.
"That's all well and good but the state of the Nexus does not fill me with the worm fuzzies." Katie said which George agreed with the doctor.
"Well while you're all having fun doing the boring stuff on duty, I'll hit the bar first chance I get where the real fun happens off duty." Avok said as Liam smirked to this.
"Same here." Liam said as he smirked to this. "I could use a good buzz after what we've been through." Liam said but Ginger had other ideas.
"While I can't stop you while off duty, I would recommend avoiding any such beverages while on the Nexus in uniform." Ginger said every bit the high wound military girl.
The Turian pilot scowled when he heard this. "Oh, don't be such a buzz kill." Avok said but before any further conversation could take place the tram slowed to a stop and the doors opened once they were aligned.
"We're here." Katie said and thus it was time to go. In turn the group began to disembark from the tram and make their way into the Nexus proper.
Once the teams exit the tram, there was no one there waiting for them, not even greeter of sort, as Hunter looks around and sees the place was looking dark on the inside too and wonder what is going on as Avok said, "I'm confuse, shouldn't there be something waiting for us here? I mean we are the Voltron force and Pathfinder team. We're a big deal."
"Yeah, I don't see any champagne," Liam said while complaining a little bit as he was hoping for a roll out the red-carpet welcome as then both Hunter and Scoot soon said at the same time, "Where is everybody?"
"There's an V.I. over there, maybe that can help us," Ginger said as she pointed it out as the teams went over to it as Katie got to it first as the V.I. program soon said, "Welcome to the nexus, gateway to Andromeda. I've Avina. A virtual intelligence designed to assist you with immigration."
"Can you tell us where the welcome party is hiding?" Liam ask Avina first before someone smack him on the shoulder a bit for that as Avina said to him, "I'm sorry. My code is limited to information and simple interactions simulations."
"Preprogram questions it seem. Let sees what we're dealing with here. What are the preprogrammed responses?" Katie asked as the V.I was going over them as it said, "There is Immigration, Andromeda galaxy, The nexus, living arrangement, and current year."
"Not a lot of choices to go off of, well then what can you tell us about the Andromeda Galaxy?" Katie asked as Avina said to her, "Here in Andromeda, you are over two million light-years away from the milky way galaxy. This is the furthest any life form has ever traveled outside our home system, making you brave pioneer, indeed. The nexus itself is located in a region known as the Heleus Cluster. Here you and thousands of your fellow colonists will fulfill your dreams of settling a new home. Fortune awaits!"
"Well, that was completely useless. How does the immigration process work here?" Kaite asked as Avina soon said to her, "We ask that you submit to a brief medical exam to ensure your Health and well-being after making such a long journey. Once you've been cleared our colonization experts will assist you in finding your new home. Please be mindful of the queue. Thousands of eager colonists like you are waiting to begin their new life in Andromeda."
"That seem to be false information," George said as there was no one else around them, not even a maintenance crew as Katie sighed a bit as she soon said, "Where are the colonists living arrangement located at?"
"Once you cleared immigration, our helpful staff will assist you in choosing the home world of your dreams. Will it be the tropical paradise of Habitat 7? The gentle rolling hills of habitat three? Or perhaps the mysterious twilights world of habitat five? Whichever you choose, rest assured our pathfinders have carefully vetted all colony worlds to ensure your security and prosperity."
"Oh boy," Scott said as he didn't like the sound of that as it seem no one had updated the V.I program to say that habitat seven was unlivable at the moment as Liam said, "Habitat 7? That's where we landed. She's way out of date."
Katie took a breath really quick to figure out her next question as she soon said, "What the current year now?"
"The current year is 2819. After spending over six hundred years in stasis, it's normal to feel disoriented or confused upon arrival. Our helpful medical staff can assist with any physical or psychological aftereffects you may be experiencing," Avina said as the date is correct as Cora said, "Well, she's got the date right at least."
"So where is everyone?" Scott asked as Katie soon said, "It looks like we're going to find out ourselves. Stick close to each other and be aware of your surroundings. We have no idea of the current situation here on the Nexus so it's better to be safe than sorry."
After that, the two teams agreed as the Voltron team have their enforcers ready just in case as they do double as a weapon to use outside of the Voltron vehicles.
They began to look around for a person hoping that it might lead them to some answers. "The plants are still alive." George said noting that the plants were still green.
"It's like they haven't even finished here." Cora said as she found this to be concerning.
"Ryder." Destiny spoke as this got Hunter's attention. "I detect an organic lifeform about five feet away from our current position." Destiny reported as he wanted some answers as well.
"Guys there's someone nearby." Hunter said and in turn he began to lead the group pass the makeshift walls.
It was not that long of a walk as soon enough they came across a human male who was currently working on a panel. Scott seeing this opted to take the lead on this. "Hi there." Scott greeted the human as he got the man's attention that he stood up and look towards them. "We're from Ark Hyperion and were wondering where everybody went." Scott said but when he did the man in question had this awestruck look of shock on his face. It was as if Scott had just said the Messiah had just been born and is here to deliver them to salvation.
"Uh did he hear you?" Avok asked as the Turian noted the silence from the man.
"Did you just say an Ark?" The engineer asked shocked by what Scott said.
"Uh yeah he did, we literally just docked." Katie said pointing her thumb over to the tram system nearby. "And FYI your VI over there is in desperate need of an update." She added as she had been half tempted to do the update herself.
"But we all thought you were dead." The Engineer said which left both the Pathfinder and his team as well as the Voltron Vehicle Force in shock over what they just learned.
"What?!" Cora asked shocked by this man's words.
"Or captured or lost in dark space." The man said listing off the horrible fates that may have befallen the Ark Hyperion. "But your here, you have no idea how much this means." The man said getting back on subject. "Did you do it, did you bring Voltron?" The man asked hoping the rumors were true that the Ark Hyperion was carrying Voltron.
"I don't believe it." A new voice said and thus the group looked and saw a Turian approaching them. Katie walked over with Scott as both teams met with the Turian. "I'm Tiran Kandros, I lead our militia on the Nexus." Kandros said introducing himself to the new arrivals.
"I'm Ryder this is Cora Harper, and Liam Nissan part of the Pathfinder Team." Scott introduced himself to the Turian.
"Dr. Katie Holt head researcher and the brains behind the Vehicle Voltron." Katie introduced as she looked to the Turian. "This here is the Voltron Vehicle Force." Katie said pointing to the six Pilots behind her. "Now can you explain to us why everyone though we died?" Katie asked while adjusting her glasses a bit.
"Sorry about the confusion Dr. Holt." Kandros began as he figured there was a lot of questions to be asked. "Our sensors told us an Ark had arrived, but Helius is notorious for scrambling equipment." Kandros said as this did not help alleviate their concerns. "We thought you were just another malfunction." Kandros said as Hunter then cut in.
"Wait back up, weren't we expected?" Hunter asked as he figured that they should have been some sort of welcome committee.
"You're the first Ark we've seen. After a year of waiting and no sign of the others we shuttered this area and stopped looking." Kandros said which George had his own concerns to voice.
"Wait you've been stranded for a whole year?" George asked and thus Kandros turned his head.
"Longer I'll fill you in on the way to ops center." Kandros said and thus he began to lead the group to Ops center were Katies' new coworkers would no doubt be waiting.
(Later in the Ops Center)
The Journey to the Ops Center, which included a ride on the tram system, was illuminating to say the least. Apparently, the Nexus crew arrived here a little over 14 months ago and when they did, they had hit a band of dark energy that knocked them off course. It was similar to what happened to the Hyperion during its arrival in Andromeda.
They called it the Scourge and found that due to it the Nexus had lost whole sections of station and with it a lot of people had died. With the loss of power and food chaos reign for months which was followed by armed rebellion that explained the need for a militia. Order was eventually restored the insurgents were banished and labeled as exiles afterwards.
Thing were not back to normal but with the Ark and Voltron here they were hoping that the worst of it was over. It was made worse as the Nexus had no word from the other pathfinders and seeing as the Hyperion was the only ark that was docked it meant that their only option to break the bio lock was Jien Garson herself.
Apparently, the Nexus also dealt with the aliens Scott faced on Habitat 7. It was clear they were hostiles which meant that if you meet these aliens then you better be armed. Departing the tram, the group were making their way over to the Ops area to meet with those in charge. Liam had parted from the group to check out the security system on the Nexus to make sure it was running properly.
"You should know that our command structure has been fractured some of us are filling in for leaders who died." Kandros said as he led the group to the leadership of the Nexus.
"Wait what do you mean filling in?" Hunter asked finding that part to be cause for concern. "What about Jien Garson the head of the Initiative?" Hunter asked as he had a bad feeling about this.
This caused Kandros to stop for a moment as Hunter hit a sore subject. "She was... one of the casualties of the Scourge." Kandros admitted and thus Katie was wide eyed to this.
"Oh shit." Katie cursed realizing as both their plans to undue the Bio Lock just went out the window.
"Is there a problem?" Kandros asked noting it wasn't the fact that Jiem was dead that concerned the group.
"It's complicated but we need to speak with her replacement." Katie said making it clear what was to happen. "It's an issue involving Voltron." Katie finished and thus this meant they had to hurry.
Just then the group had to step aside as they saw two crewmen running up the steps they were on. "I'm guessing no one was expecting an Ark to show up today." Linda said as she watched the two crewmen run off.
"You guessed it." Kandros confirmed and thus they continued up the steps to the main command ops.
"So, we're going to have to tell them about the you know what right?" Hunter said referring to the Defender he had on his person.
"Only if Jien replacement doesn't have the Override code." Katie said knowing that without that code Hunter and by extension Destiny were part of Voltron until they either die or the Pathfinders for the other Arks can be found.
Once the group reach the main op area as the crew were getting busy of connecting to the Ark as one crew member said, "Docking procedures are green across the board."
"Stand by to merge Hyperion power into the grid," A redhead crew lady said as soon enough everyone took notice of the group coming up before the entire crew of the Nexus, with a Salarian stepping up towards them and the first one to speak to them as he said, "The crew of the Hyperion with the Vehicle Voltron force."
"Good luck," Kandros said before he took his leave as the Salarian soon introduce himself as he said, "I'm Jarun Tann, Director of the Initiative. You have no idea how much your arrival means to us."
"We're heard what happen and we're sorry for your loss, but we're here to help the crew of the Hyperion, I'm Doctor Katie Holt, the director of the Voltron force and with me the pilots of Voltron themselves," Katie said to them as a woman came up to them and said, "We could use any supplies you have. Food, water: we're short on everything."
"We'll supply you with what we can, but first who are you?" Katie asked as Director Tann spoken up as he introduces the woman to Katie as he said, "This is Foster Addison. She oversees Colonials Affairs."
The director looked at the crew and saw something was wrong as he soon ask, "Where is the Pathfinder."
"Right here," Katie said as she put a hand on Scott and said, "Scott Ryder, he is Alex Ryder's replacement."
"What happen?" the director ask as Scott said to him, "My father's dead. He made me his successor."
"Alec... is dead?" Foster said shocked by this news as Hunter ask, "Is something wrong?"
"Please understand, the entire initiative is at risk," Foster said as she lead the group to a map on a screen showing the entire system is in chaos as she said, "None of the Golden world panned out. They're a bust. And there's been no word from the other arks."
"What happen to them?" Cora asked as Director Tann explain to them as he said, "Unknown. Our supplies are nearly depleted. Rationing brought us some time, but even that's running out."
"We need to find more resources. But that take people and we can't wake them up," Foster said as Katie finish saying for her, "Until they have their golden world to live on."
"Now more than ever, we need a Pathfinder," Foster said as Director Tann said, "But thank to your arrival, we have both a pathfinder, and Voltron to help us."
"Well that also maybe a problem," Katie said as Tann asked, "What do you mean?" Katie sighed and said, "Well we got some bad news as well. You see our ark ran into a scourge cloud as well, which cause a lot of damage and with original head leader of Voltron, Sara Ryder, fell into a medical coma and we have no idea when she will wake up."
"How did this happen and how will we be able to form Voltron now?" Director Tann said as Katie held up her hands and said, "Calm down we have a replacement for her. The younger brother of the Ryder family who was accidently awaken from the same incident, which was a bit of a blessing in disguise, given his piloting skills but, this too became an issue."
"How so, and if is the replacement, why is it a problem?" Director Tann said as Katie thought for a moment of telling them about the Reaper, but she turn against it as she didn't need to cause panic among the Nexus crew and said, "He's more or less a civilian, without proper teamwork training to work with the Voltron force, and only got into the position because of a dire situation on Habitat 7 which we needed a replacement right away which force Young Ryder here to be the replacement for Sara."
Kaite looks at Hunter for a bit as he was shock that she didn't report about Destiny as Katie went on saying, "When the pathfinder team was attacked, Hunter risk his life to save them and form Voltron, saving their lives, but afterword the rest of the force had a disagreements which came to a choice of removing him from the position of head of Voltron, but due to the bio lock, we cannot undo it which can only be done by the original Director Jien Garson, until we learn what happen and we are hoping that she might have left any instruction in case of her passing to help undo the bio lock."
The Voltron force is a bit surprise that Katie didn't tell them about the reaper inside of Hunter's head, with Scott a bit surprise as well but also glad that Katie didn't say anything about that as Foster said, "Oh my."
"I see. Well, I'm sorry to say that if there was any instruction that she left behind, it's now gone along with her. I cannot undo the bio-lock myself unfortunate," Tann said as Katie sighed and said, "Well there goes that idea. I'm sorry to say Hunter, you'll just have to stick with the team a bit longer it seem."
"That fine, I suppose," Hunter said as he didn't know what to do in this situation but just go with the flow as then Katie turn to the Voltron force and said to them, "And that means to the rest of you, he is staying until further notice, and you will respect him as a Voltron force member, is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am," Ginger said as she keep her face calm and stone like, inside she felt a bit happy that Hunter was staying on the team, with everyone agreeing as well with Director Tann said, "Well, whatever the situation is, it all fall upon both of you Hunter and Scott Ryder. Are you two up to the task?"
"I may not have been the first choice, but I'm ready for this," Scott said as he spoken with confidence that he will do what is needed of him and more with Tann nodded and turn to Hunter as he said, "I'm may not be the original pilot for the head of Voltron, but I am willingly to give it my best and help with the initiative."
"Very well," Director Tann said as it was out of his hands now as there was really nothing, he can do for the Voltron force other than give them needed support in any way he could with Foster said, "Youthful enthusiasm will only get you so far in Andromeda."
"That's no way to treat a guest," a female Krogan spoken up as she came up to them, joining in on the conversation as she said, "I'm Nakmar Kesh, superintendent of this station. I hope they haven't scared you off already."
"It's nothing personal. But now isn't the time for on-the-job training," Foster said as she didn't like that rookies had to step up for important duties as Kesh said, "AT least the Pathfinder here seems willingly to try, as well as the new pilot of Voltron. We could use a fresh perspective."
"You've heard my concerns. I'll leave you to it," Foster said before walking off from the group as Director Tann said, "We're all feeling the pressure. Let's have a private word in my office Pathfinder Ryder. We'll discuss giving you a scout ship, and Dr. Holt I will also need to speak with you later on the Voltron force ship Vessel."
"Understood, but would you kindly lean us someone to lead the team to their living quarters, I want them to be well rested before anything else" Katie said as with that director Tann nodded and said, "Very well."
(Later at the Voltron force living Quarters)
A crew member of the nexus had lead the team to their living quarters which were luxury apartments more or less 9 in total with Hunter standing in his new living quarters feeling a bit guilty as this was mean for his sister Sara, but sense she not here and not the head of Voltron, it was now his as he sighed a bit to this, then suddenly Ginger came up to his door and knock on it seeing the door was wide open as she said, "May I come in?"
"Hm? Oh, ahh sure," Hunter said as Ginger walked in as she looks around and said, "Pretty nice place you have here."
"Yeah, but can I really call it mine?" Hunter said as looks around a bit and went on saying, "I mean they weren't wrong; I more or less took the uniform and gun that Sara was meant to have."
"Maybe not, but you did it to save your family, and you pull through of helping form Voltron, as if you weren't there, then we would be lost without a pathfinder and maybe Voltron as well, so like it or not you're our only hope," Ginger said without a doubt as Hunter lifts his head up a bit and said, "I guess, just hope I don't let the team down."
"Well… to tell the truth, I did have doubt when you first join us in our first combat mission, but you did well of piloting the explorer and fight against that mecha, and after we had form Voltron, I can say without a doubt in my mind, you can be a great team leader as well," Ginger said as Hunter smile and said to her, "T-thanks, I may not have gone on mission before I was kicked out from the Academy, but I always had faith in my piloting skills."
"Not a problem. Anyways I came by to check up on you and get you ready," Ginger said as Hunter looks at her and said, "Ready for what?"
"Combat simulation training of course," Ginger said as Hunter was a bit surprise by this but understand, as he said, "Alright, I'll see you in a few minutes after I get my things put away."
"Alright, I'll be in the room across the hall when you're ready," Ginger said as she walks out with Hunter soon took a breath with his heart racing a bit as Destiny said, "I'm detecting high stress level with heart rate rising. May I suggest of 'HANGING LOOSE' relaxation?"
"Still glitching?" Hunter asked as he thought that was done for.
"Still calibrating." Destiny responded as he worked to get his systems defragged.
"Ok and again increased heart rate does not always mean stress." Hunter said with a slightly annoyed tone causing Destiny to go quiet.
"And again, my survival hinges on you not dying." Destiny responded with the reminder that if Hunter dies so does, he.
"Yeah, I know." Hunter sighed as he then sat on the bed he was given. "Geez I feel like I'm going to be hearing this for a while." Hunter said with a sigh knowing that the Reaper in his head was going to be a real issue if anyone other than their inner circle learns of its existence. They fled the Milky Way in order to get away from the Reapers not to bring one over.
"Is everything to your liking Commander?" Came CHIP all of a sudden as this caught Hunter off guard.
"Holy Jesus!?" Hunter cried out as he then looked to his table and saw CHIP there or at least his projector.
"Apologies Air Commander I did not intent to startle you." CHIP said as Hunter approached the AI.
"CHIP?" Hunter asked as he saw the AI Construct on his table.
"Hello Air Commander." CHIP greeted as he looked to Hunter.
"What are you doing here? How are you here?" Hunter asked and thus CHIP got down to it.
"When the Hyperion plugged into the Nexus I was transferred to my primary node inside the Nexus." CHIP revealed as there was plenty of areas to explore on this part of the Nexus. "My Directives is to assist the Voltron Force in day-to-day duties from tactical to political and schedules." CHIP reported to the Air Commander.
"So not only are you combat support but your also the teams secretary." Hunter said which CHIP compared to.
"For lack of better descriptions yes." CHIP responded as he made it clear on what was to happen.
"So, each Pilot gets their own room?" Hunter asked looking around the room.
"Yes, the rooms are split into three sections one section for each team." CHIP began the explanations. "They can be compared to apartments each designed with the specific pilot in mind." CHIP went on as Hunter checked it out.
"When Sara wakes up, she is going to be so pissed that I got this instead of her." Hunter mused as he checked out the room and saw it came with a view.
"You seem certain she will awaken." Destiny said noting Hunter's optimism.
"Of course, she and Scott are all I have left." Hunter said confirming with Destiny that his sibling were all that was left.
"Interesting." Destiny said which Hunter noted the tone.
"Hey, don't get any ideas you overgrown cuttlefish." Hunter said with a glare hoping Destiny saw it.
"I am not." Destiny defended with his same neutral tone. "As you've certainly shown, any and all inability to remain on my best behavior will lead you to neutralizing both of us." Destiny said making Hunter aware that he won't try anything for the time being.
"And let's not forget about Indoctrination." Hunter added as Destiny chuckled.
"Don't worry there is already a plan in place for that." Destiny began which drew in Hunter's attention to hear this plan to counter any indoctrination. "If you show the signs neutralization will occur." Destiny said which meant that Hunter was, shit out of luck as would Destiny.
"Good." Hunter said before focusing back on CHIP. "Alright CHIP is there anything you can tell us since we, have you?" Hunter asked and thus CHIP got down to the reminders for Hunter.
"Yes, a small reminder for your upcoming schedule." CHIP said as he got down to work. "You and the teams have a training simulation to attend as well as a meeting with the head of the Nexus Militia." CHIP voiced but had more to add. "Prior to that you are all to meet with Dr. Holt and the Militia and APEX head Kandros." CHIP added which meant that the crew now had a goal to achieve.
"Understood." Hunter said as he now knew what came next. "Better go talk to Ginger and see what to expect." Hunter said and in turn headed out of the room once he made sure his belongings were put away. Leaving the room Hunter began to make his way out of the room and over to Ginger's room.
(Later in the main room)
The three Voltron Teams were gathered in a sitting area that surrounded a table with couches. "Now than before we begin, we have our assignments." Katie began as she gestured to Kandros.
"Now then while Director Tann will be issuing orders to the Pathfinders as their Supervisor the Voltron Force will be working under me." Kandros said as he made it clear he was basically their manager.
"So, what will we be expected going forward?" Linda asked with a raised hand to make her question known.
"With Voltron docked with the Nexus we can start making pushes against the Kett." Kandros began as he got down to business.
"So that's what we are, soldiers?" George asked as it was something he was used to.
"No, you all will be more than that." Katie said as she cut in on the conversation. "Back in the Milky Way the Voltron Paladins were seen as ideals while the SPECTRE's operated from the shadows the Paladins operated in the light." Katie said explaining the situation to the group. "While the Pathfinders job is to get our colonies working the Voltron Forces job is to make sure they stay working and defended from both external threats and internal threats." Katie said explaining the groups tasks.
"To dumb it down, you'll be acting as part police force, part diplomats, part defense force, and part black ops." Kandros explained which meant that they had a lot of responsibilities on their heads.
"That means we'll be doing a bit of SPECTRE work, and a bit of Paladin duties merged into one." Krika said as the Asari saw where this was going as her twin sister nearby nodded.
"Always wanted to try SPECTRE work." Tagor said with a grin as the Krogan punched his fists together.
"But I sense there is more." Cinda said as the Asari knew there was other issues to worry about.
"Yes, such as the fact that Director Tann has pulled resources from our intended ship to keep the Nexus running." Katie growled as she adjusted her glasses with a scowl on her face. "Director Tann has assured me that Kesh is transferring resources to the new ship now that the Pathfinder Ship, the Tempest is completed." Katie said with a scowl on her face.
"But until your ship is ready your stuck here for the time being." Kandros said which meant they would be training until then.
"Now then, before we go any further something came with us from the Milky Way and trust me when I say your all going to love it." Katie said and thus she activated her Omni-Tool to show the surprise. Once that was done the lights dimmed as the holographic projector activated.
The Voltron Vehicle Force soon saw the projector display something that shocked them. They knew him well as he was the famous hero of the Citadel twice over. The Paladin of the Black Lion himself and son of the hero of Elysium and the Butcher of Torfan, Kalvin Shepard. "Hello, Voltron Vehicle Force I'm Kalvin Shepard Paladin of the Black Lion we've never met before and likely never will mainly, due to the recording of this message dating back to 600 years prior to the Andromeda Initiative." Kalvin hologram spoke as he delivered his message to the Vehicle Team.
"You have each become part of a legacy as defenders of the universe displaying virtues and skills above and beyond those amongst you, Paragons." Kalvin said as he sent this message to the Team 600 years after they had left the Milky Way. "So, I can safely say that The Andromeda Initiative will be in safe hands." Kalvin went on before he sighed a bit. "I don't know if the Mily Way will still be here if you received this but... I hope that one day Andromeda and the Milky Way will reunite, and your new home will find its path back to its origins." Kalvin finished before the hologram ended with the crest for Voltron on display. Following this up the blast shields around the room opened up and from there revealing a true sight to behold.
On the other side of the blast shields was the Vehicle Voltron's hanger as the machines were loaded into their designated spots for maintenance and refueling. There was even a massive ship to carry the machines and judging by the signs of worker crews and the sparks of welding it was clear it was almost complete.
"Vehicle Force allow me to introduce you to your new ship, The Dairugger." Katie introduced gesturing her hand to the new ship. "Once its ready we'll be taking the fight to the Kett and showing that Andromeda has its Defender." Katie said and thus it was clear that they had a lot of work to do going forward.
(Scene Break on Habitat 7)
On the Remnant Sight on Habitat 7 an alien figure approached it as many of its followers bore witness to it. As he approached the construct a drone flew out and projected the image of Alec Ryder interfacing with it. The creature attempted to do the same mirroring his movement but alas nothing happened as the result. He then snarled before turning around to storm off.
But when he did, he stopped and saw the battle sight where the massive Remnant construct and Voltron had done battle. He found it odd and concerning when the drone reappeared. It then projected the same battle of Voltron facing the Remnant mech and in turn gears began to turn in his head. He was certain that things were about to become interesting for himself and his Kett. A new player had entered the board and the Kett would have this new piece. Whatever this giant of steel was, the Kett would learn its secrets and soon they will rise stronger then ever before.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, another chapter is done and with, it new progress. I hope you all enjoyed and will join us again for chapter 3. So be sure to leave a review before leaving and until chapter 3 is up I will once more say ja-ne.