“You underestimate our ability to compact. Observe.” Searches Depths carefully took its AR glasses off and handed them to Gazes Fondly, followed by its lab coat. It then began tucking its appendages up around its main torso and retracting its neck. Its mobility suit began to shed outer layers of gel as the space was vacated - the offcuts sloshed over to join Gazes’ suit instead. After a minute or so, Searches Depths was about half the size; a glimmering slab of transparent flesh with just a hint of arms and legs.

“It is uncomfortable, but sustainable with practice. We don’t often contort for others, but this seems worth the effort.”

“What a disgusting parlor trick!” Chitnarit spat, clacking forwards a few paces.

“We will not sit back and play with robots while these smug bottom feeders galavant around on the surface, looking for mineral seams to exploit. We will use camouflage and go as our gods intended.”