Ruknar seemed troubled. “I have been…selected as handler for a new type of automata containing advanced AI. Seraphim. She has the best virology credentials of anyone we’ve seen before but she’s…temperamental. Your job, should you choose to accept…”

Vitality clicked her bill and Ruk froze again.

“Your job is to get us through the blockade and onto the surface of Veppecantel, to the site of Patient Zero. Seraphim will do her thing, and then hopefully we get out of there again to formulate a vaccine. Or she might be able to make one on-site, who knows.”

Vitality sprayed murky juice everywhere and coughed.

“You are dancing around the problem, stupid girl! The blockade is very severe, only the most skilled smugglers will make it through unaided. However, my sources tell me that the makers of that fine suit of yours…” She raised a gnarled claw above the fuzzy nest material and pointed to Senjen.

“…Are still running mining operations on the planet. They have bought passage through the blockade for their transports because they require no organic crew to operate, and are continually cleaned with liquid and fire. All ships dock at a terminal in high orbit. Someone wearing one of their suits could go there, steal a ship ID and then sail straight through the blockade!”

Light wasn't liking the sound of this. “But if Senjen is caught stealing from Myr-“

“DON’T SPEAK THAT NAME” Vitality turned the Voice on him and his suit rippled. It didn’t have the same effect on QV within their suits but still served to make him pause.

“Ok! If he’s caught stealing from his maker, then they will seek a heavy punishment for him. Who knows what kind of kill switch they might have hidden away.” He looked at Senjen. “Sorry buddy, its true right?”