Freyr smiled brittly. “I have to be there. I’m not taking any chances.” She breathed in deeply through her nose, looking around to see if she’d left any of her effects lying about. “Ok, lets get going.” She said, louder, to set the team in motion.

In a flurry of final activity, the Human scientists, their support staff, and Vreta’Sori trooped out of the lab which they’d called home for almost a month. A line of buggies was waiting for them in the passage outside. Freyr spotted Captain Andersen sharing a final word with Agent 595 and Masgard Xandrus as they clambered into the front buggie.

She responded to Vreta as they approached the jumble of farewells. “It’s a promising area of study, but don’t bet your life on it just yet. I’ve seen the figures, they still have a big margin for error.” The Captain looked over as they drew nearer. “Have a safe onward journey, Dr Lang, Vreta’Sori. We are all counting on you.”

“Thank you for having us, Captain. You’ve been very welcoming; may our paths cross again.” Freyr bowed slightly. Andersen smiled. “Who knows? With more of those things out there, it may be sooner than either of us imagine. This is your buggy, up front.”