Snapping from her reverie momentarily, Freyr grabbed a pill from her back pocket and popped it in her mouth. She slurped her coffee again and wolfed down a spoon of her granola as she watched 595 make her way over. The Agent was being uber polite, standing aside to let scientists pass and exchanging pleasantries with them. That wasn’t a good sign.

[hr]
At this point, Freyr realised didn’t have much to lose by doubling down on her statement. What she was saying wasn’t [i]technically[/i] a fabrication. It just relied on the Speaker actually following up on what she’d said. “I’ve already told you. We talked about improving our Cradle-tech. You should be thanking me.” 

Director-General Smith audibly sighed. Freyr noticed 595 look quickly at his holo, as if waiting for some signal. Smith almost imperceptibly shook his head at the Agent, before looking back at Freyr. Every nerve ending in her body was screaming at her to get up and run, but Freyr forced herself to remain motionless.

“Very well. I’d like you to conduct your investigations from aboard the Barbarossa. That way, I’m better placed to help you coordinate the team’s efforts, and can stay in closer contact. I also require the Agent or myself to be involved in every conversation you have with the Rothians from now, in the interests of national security.”

Smith paused, and returned with a consolatory tone. “Only together, will we bring your family back. That’s your main reason for being here, right? Remember that.” Freyr felt her jaw tighten and her breathing stop. The Director-General signed off, and 595 patted her gently on the shoulder before leaving her alone in the conference room, staring at the wall until she couldn't hold her breath any longer.
[hr]
 
“Good morning. What’s the plan?” 595 asked enthusiastically, gliding in beside Freyr’s console. Freyr eat another spoonful of granola and made the Agent wait while she swallowed. “I’m going to request a tandem insert from the Barb. We’ve got the infrastructure here to move heavy equipment into the sim. It’ll be faster than transporting everything down to the FOB.”

“Exciting!” 595 grinned, stroking her arm. Freyr tried her best to not look resentful as she requested a call with Marae.