“That makes sense,” she said placidly, as if Helix’s safety didn’t depend on how well she handled this interview. “Still, it was fortunate the ship went down in an unpopulated area, though, or the consequences could have been serious.”

Agent Atarr perked up at this statement, rather more than she thought it warranted. “Yes, that’s why we’re inclined to give credence to the hunter’s allegation regarding a fugitive. While sheer luck might have resulted in such a happy coincidence, it seems more plausible that some intelligence guided the ship.”

“We also see little opportunity for a remotely piloted vessel to have successfully navigated our security checkpoints,” Orlon added.

Helix, what did you do before the crash? Did you hack our transit computers? Did you leave any trace in passing? She wondered if ATA scientists could track him down in time, connecting to frequencies unique to his code. I don’t know, I just don’t. And my ignorance might get us in trouble.

“Agent,” his partner said in a warning tone, as if they ought not reveal anymore. “In any case, since your residence is closest to the crash site, we have a number of queries.”

“Go ahead.” Qalu sipped at her pirin, wishing she could enjoy the flavor. Helix settled next to her, silent as a desolate burial mound.

But his movement drew the agent’s attention. “Who is this?”

“Helix. I live with Qalu.”

That much was true, and it would’ve been strange if he didn’t speak when spoken to. Yet anxiety and dread still warred within her, tightening her entire body. If she didn’t get it locked down, her scent and her posture would give them away. To her astonishment, he leaned toward her and let one of their head tendrils entwine in an intimate if fleeting gesture. Nothing could have spoken more eloquently about their relationship, and she relaxed a little. It was a bold move, practically a declaration of his intentions, but the agents might well take it as a statement that she was off-limits. Then Helix eased back, his bearing easy and open. He’s better at this than I am. She didn’t know if she ought to find that comforting.

Orlon seemed to find the move amusing. “We’re not here to delve into your personal life. Have you encountered any strangers in the area since the crash?”

“No one. But we don’t go out much. I work from home and Helix is an artist.

Sometimes we walk with Aevi…and we went to the museum today. Otherwise, it’s been quiet.” It was best to cover with the truth, she suspected. “My mothers visited us as well. Did you want to talk to them?” That was a calculated risk because if Inatol mentioned that Helix had arrived recently, it might make the agents investigate his background. Qalu was gambling everything on the value of being viewed as cooperative and helpful.