Jak leads the approach towards the congregation of beings. Ryker follows closely, all the while his bodysuit attempting to perform real-time analysis of what it can see ahead. There are thousands of fluctuating heat signatures and strange flowing energies being emitted from the structure in the middle of the gathering. His absorption into the stream of new information causes a surprise when he suddenly notices they have reached one of the Ardor. 

Jak walks up to the being slowly. Unsure what to do, Ryker watches cautiously as the being sends a barrage of heat towards his friend. Jak’s eyes are closed. He looks enraptured as he absorbs the being’s engulfing heat. When the exchange has finished, Jak turns abruptly and runs past Ryker.

“She’s here! She’s right over there!” Jak shouts in amazement and trembling incredulity as he points towards a group of Ardor and humans at the far end of the gathering. 

“Follow me!”

Ryker adjusts his visor to zoom into the group. He can make out a number of humans, all sat in a similar meditative posture. Could she really be here?

Jak is sprinting towards the group now. He doesn’t look back; unfaltering in his conviction. Ryker is left to follow.

But Ryker doesn't run with his friend. Instead, he stands frozen as the same entity begins to move towards him. Ryker takes a step back warily, but the being continues to glide towards him. He is spellbound, and stops in his tracks. The being slows in front of him and extends its flame-like form to create an elemental arm, reaching out towards Ryker in an enfolding gesture. His sensors go haywire, sending him a cascade of contradictions. Amidst the chaos of incoming data he senses something strange; something outside the normal influx of information. As the being moves its elemental extension towards his chest module, he feels a deep yearning for something visceral. Something long-forgotten. 

Without understanding why, Ryker reaches towards his chest, turning off his heads-up display and sensor display modules. Instantly the noise subdues. He’s left with a dizzy sense of relief as his suit stops sending alerts to his HUD and chemical system. He takes off his visor, letting the natural sunlight flood into his eyes. There is an acute pain for a few moments before his eyes adjust to the vibrance of his surroundings. 

The being shifts towards his arm, almost as if it's trying to pierce his forearm plate. Ryker instinctively reaches towards his arm and strips off the tech-infused armor, dropping it to the floor. The being moves closer again. He stares wide-eyed at his naked and withered forearm, before looking upon the being in wonder and fascination. A spear of nostalgic warmth permeates his arm and sends him into a waking dream, filled with earthy tones and visions of his younger self. He is transported into a state of blissful ecstasy. This is nothing like the DreamSphere.

Ryker gradually becomes conscious again, a sense of profuse lucidity arising from this feeling of warm acceptance and kinship. The ancient being retracts its extended form, retreating slightly. He drops to his knees, overwhelmed by a torrent of suppressed emotions. He looks towards his arm and tears start filling his eyes. He kneels there for a moment, noticing the tears dripping onto his leg plates. He looks up at the being once more as it emanates a comforting glow, and he feels that sense of yearning again, this time with more understanding. He stands back up and starts to strip off the rest of his armor plates. One by one he removes each piece, tearing off the electronic sensors and circuits encompassing his body. With each piece detached, the warmth of his surroundings grows. As the barriers to organic sensation are removed, the subtle language of the Ardor becomes clearer. He is welcomed into their tender embrace. 

With only his heart support remaining, he stands in warm bliss, feeling the heat of the desert air brush past his skin. He lets his surroundings soak into his mind and body. He feels the absence of his suit; the lack of sensors telling him what to feel. His sudden awareness of the separation from his suit triggers a pang of fear. It has been so long since he has felt for himself. This anxiety soon fades away, as other beings approach him, offering images of their collective past and way of life, deeply connected to this planet and their sun. Ryker can feel their ancient lifespan, standing in epic awe and deep reverence of beings so evolved. He understands now. He has awakened.