“No, sorry, I think you misunderstand.” Freyr sighed, massaging her eyelids and trying to maintain an even tone. “The rig doesn’t need terraformed ground to work, and we agreed not to terraform at Marae’s request. All I’m saying is it makes comprehensive analysis of the simulation like conducting open heart surgery without clamps and forceps. We’re also at risk of becoming collateral damage if things become more liquid in the sim, as our Builders can’t construct a secure foundation or defences around the rig.”

Freyr shook her head, trying to focus her thoughts. “Anyway, droids are technically an option, but like i said...we could only have a few minutes to try and make contact, and then potentially manipulate a rig designed for twelve crew into running a diagnostic...”

Freyr paused, glancing round to watch her team hard at work preparing more harnesses behind her. Dr Wetherall straightened up to hand one of the yellow Tech drones its laser cutter back with a grin and an affectionate pat on the casing. “The only solid evidence we have that there may only be one shot is the way it closed down the sim so abruptly last time. The entity could barely speak by the end, and may well run out of energy completely before this week is out. We [b]have[/b] to assume we’re in there to get everything we need in one hit. The consequences of not doing so could be catastrophic.” 

Freyr varied her gaze between the Captain and the Datius. “My team is the best in the galaxy at what they do. They understand the stakes, and the risks, better than anyone.” She studied Agent 595, who was still watching from a distance, before staring back at the Datius. “We won’t leave our chance at understanding what this thing is before we reunite it with the Cradle to droids.”