“I fear having to rely on anyone apart from ourselves. As I just said, we’d be opening up to others who have proven themselves to be fickle and predatory. The Outreman people don’t deserve that.” Hale said.

“And I fear that if we tell the other civilisations what may be hidden on this planet, they will try to take it for themselves.” Joao Sequeira chimed in. “Because that gives them leverage over proceedings."

[hr]
The exam room was cold. Goosebumps rippled down Freyr’s bare arms as she stepped out from behind the changing screen. She was now clad in a lightweight bathing suit with buoyancy blocks positioned around her midriff.

The doctors were waiting for her by the pod. One held a headpiece with a multitude of wires protruding from the back. The other held pads which looked like they were for her body. Masgard Xandrus stood nearby with his arms crossed. He smiled encouragingly, though a look of concern flashed across his eyes.