Freyr sighed. “Alright! Lets try it. Just be sure to isolate the fragment you send in. We can check for signs of corruption when it’s downloaded back from the simulation. With any luck, you’ll be able to circumvent some of the issues us organics are having on exit.” She looked worriedly down at Dr Dlamini, who was being scanned for brain function and given fluids by the medic.

“No, it’s not normal. Nirann if you’re set on going in, i will stay here and to work the problem from this end. Look for deviations in notation that could be causing these malfunctions. Until we can figure this out, no one else comes back out. I’ll send in my systems engineer to help you, but holistic research will have to wait for now.

[hr]

The aliens stopped in their tracks when Rareth began approaching; Some of them even retreated slightly. When she spoke, they all fell silent as one before looking curiously at her and among themselves. And then, they began chattering again, conspiratorially pointing and shaking the objects they held in their hands. Some of the creatures near the front  pushed and jostled each other in some kind of heated debate before three of them edged forward. 

These envoys began talking at her in their own tongue, slowly and carefully. They were all studying Rareth in great detail, moving forward sideways on, so they could dash away at a moment’s notice. The lead creature beckoned at Rareth specifically, and then at the armoured figures behind her. “Lots of potential weapons.” Knossos grunted over comms. “Hold position, eyes on a swivel.” Thebes ordered.

Ignoring half of that directive, 595 peeled off and walked slightly back toward the transit station, checking all around them for anyone sneaking up on their position. Everything seemed clear, for now.” She gave a thumbs up to the two scientists watching from inside the shield bubble.