Although the Rothian scientists did have plenty to consider, Rareth was still the one to most readily respond. “Dr. Lang, I have been tasked to ensure the success of this expedition, and the safety of its members. For the purposes of this expedition, I will be treating all of your lives the same. I will be risking none of you [i]unnecessarily[/i]. Are there any potential dangers you have identified in the environment itself?” 

Given a more focused question, Nirann responded quickly. “Keep in mind this is all just in the immediate area of the program’s arrival location. The program was not designed to move and explore. But, I can say that the simulated atmosphere, as I am seeing it in these readings, is breathable. I also do not have any evidence of airborne toxins. The temperature is safe, and there were no roaming murder insects in the program’s sight. I can’t guarantee safety, but there also isn’t evidence of danger yet.”

“Understood, and these harnesses, are we safe to use them to scan our technology.” Rareth asked without skipping a beat. 

Again, Nirann was the one to give the answer. “Yes, that I can guarantee. I’ve explored every nook and cranny of its code base. I have guaranteed there will be no data collection from the scans, and if somehow there was, I can make sure it would not be translated. The ones I prepared for Rothian use will be safe.”

Rareth gave a nod, though she still was not quite done. “Good, and can you guarantee that anyone who goes in will be able to return?”

This time, it was Marae who answered. She had expected she would inevitably end up in the simulation at some point, so she had made sure to understand the process before they even arrived. “We can always be pulled, though that does carry risks. It can be a shock to the brain. It is better to set up a transit station inside to stabilize the synaptic impressions during the transition. We do have the capability to do that, though.” 

“Very well, then my last question is for you, Dr. Lang.” Rareth said, staring her down rather intently. “Is this a [i]necessary[/i] course of action? Even if we can be sure that the simulation itself will not kill us, we have no such guarantees about its inhabitants. What do we stand to lose if we act more slowly, and is it worth the risk that accompanies it? If so, if this is [i]necessary[/i], then I will approve it. You may send any team of your choosing, but I will be going myself as well to help establish this transit station, and to prepare its defenses.”