“1,100 years? Wow, that is a long time.” Freyr confirmed politely, taking another bite. That was one of the figures she’d memorised while gaining her doctorate, but she didn’t mind keeping that foresight to herself. She'd had precious little time talking with alien species since moving to Babylon, so it was fascinating to watch Vreta in action. The xeno-biologist in her studied everything from the movement of his jaw to the way his oversized hands manipulated the roll into his mouth.

Freyr detected a hint of humor as Vreta went through his list of past professions, so chuckled. “That’s an impressive career! I’ve only ever been a biologist, specialising in alien & machine intelligences.” Freyr admitted, feeling somewhat inadequate. “That’s how I ended up working in the Cradle. It’s the ultimate combination of organic and synthetic...Oh, it’s all grown protein here. Animal meat is an acquired taste, for the most discerning, and uh...murderous gourmet.” She laughed.

After another couple of bites, she looked at him again. “The fact that i’ll have to go back in there soon, it… it’s not a nice thought. Did you say most of your business is in the Cradle too?”