“That’s about right, and it is possible. Lots of viruses can insert genetic material into our chromosomes. These damage the DNA, leading to mutations that can be passed down through generations. But again, very long timeframes involved in that process. Millions of years. This seems much faster, and different somehow. I need to go to the source of the outbreak to understand it better; those first few spreading events seem key. I hope you can help me get there.”

Ruk stared at the floor, deeply troubled by what she was hearing. “Germs have killed more people across the universe through history than anything else. By far. I’ve seen firsthand what viral infections can do to any species. And now we’re flying straight into the middle of something even our most gifted knowledge amalgam doesn’t recognise. Great.”

“My name is Seraphim, and we’re going to figure this out. Together.” The AI said, indignant at first, and then sympathetic. The floating drone returned, spritzing Senjen in the face again before returning to its dock.