“It probably has something to do with his status as a Human-Scion,” Nori said. “Maybe it grants him abilities even at level zero. But I think you’re right. I bet we can go back and turn on the TV, though there’s never anything good on.” She smiled ruefully, then her expression turned thoughtful. “Actually, I’m pretty convinced that we can. Bulco drove a Hummer and we know he’s level four. Everything adds up.”

Lana pursed her lips. “I don’t get these aliens. Why would they infect us with something that prevents us from using our own technology, unless we have the appropriate level or Path?”

Nori shook her head. “You’re looking at it the wrong way. They gave us something that allows us to use technology - if we have the appropriate level or Paths.”

“How’s that different from what I just said?”

“Look around you,” Nori said simply. “We’re standing inside an alien ship, and we can access its systems like it was made for us. Whatever the aliens did, it’s … it’s amazing. It makes different types of technology accessible by anyone - pending a small prerequisite. I’m leaning more toward the ‘gift’ theory now.”

“Maybe …” Lana looked around her uncertainly. “So what do we do now?”

“Let’s take a closer look at the main bridge.”

The three walked back to the bridge, and Nori approached one of the light consoles. Her fingers tapped on the holographic keys, seemingly on their own, and lines of text ran across her view.

“It’s like I figured,” she said after several long minutes. “The ship is busted. I can’t understand most of what I’m getting here, but it looks like the engine is damaged and the primary power source is offline. We’re operating on auxiliary power right now. It should last a while since we’re not flying.” The Navigator tapped the console a few more times. “This ship has no external weapons … it’s just a freighter.”

“Any information on why it’s here, what race built it, or who’s the dead alien we found?” Lana asked.

“Err …” Nori’s fingers paused. “I’m not sure. Whatever I just did …. it was more like operating on instinct. There is all sorts of extra data here, but it’s like I have to access it consciously, and I don’t know how to do that. Why don’t you give it a try?”

“Me?” Lana was taken back.

“You’re the Expert, aren’t you?”

“Mmm … I guess.”

“It’s easy, come on. Just put your hands on this thing.” Nori stepped back, and the console’s light dimmed slightly.

Lana stepped forward and timidly put her hands on the console.

As soon as she did, her mind filled with data and knowledge, far more detailed than the simple text that imposed over her view.

“Oh, wow,” she said.

“Cool, right?” Nori lips curved.