While Helix believed Qalu had done her best under difficult circumstances, he trusted their new acquaintances not at all. What guarantee did they have that these individuals didn’t have something worse planned for them? He had no information about the plan beyond immediate extraction, and that dearth of data exacerbated his already troubled mental state. Before, he could plug the statistics into a model and devise several solutions based on a vast assortment of probable outcomes. His current existence did not lend itself to crisp certainties in the slightest. No, instead, everything was obscure and opaque, hints of things shown in shapes he couldn’t properly interpret.

At last, Carow left them in the small cabin with a murmured word about conferring with Praxys, and Helix held his silence until the door closed. Once, he would have immediately launched into all his concerns, unaware of the significance of proper timing because such cues escaped him. Living with Qalu had taught him a few things. And currently, he discerned that she was nearing the last of her reserves. This occasion required gentleness, not a demand for answers she did not possess.

“Use the hygienic facilities first,” he said. “Then rest. No doubt they will tell us more once we ascertain that there is no pursuit from Tiralan.”

“I’m sorry. You must be quite fearful. I don’t know—”

“Qalu.”

“Yes?”

“What part of my prior statement was unclear?”

Amusement shivered through her, though she appeared too tired to express it other than as a ripple of her head tendrils. “Then I will tidy up quickly and clear the space for your use.”

“Don’t rush. I’m less accustomed to the comfort of a clean physical being, less used to occupying meat space in general.” That was a joke, one he wasn’t certain would entertain anyone else, but she responded with a little huff of breath and an absolutely melting look.

Strange, the desire to please her was starting to change how he reacted, the way he spoke and comported himself. Is this a normal physiological process as well? Typically, he would ask Qalu, but since the question concerned her directly, that wasn’t the wisest course. Perhaps one of the crew could address his curiosity, although he should evaluate their behavior and intentions to determine whether they could be trusted with such a sensitive inquiry.

In silence, he inspected the quarters they had been allotted. Dull metal walls with lights built in. All the furnishings were attached, including what he presumed to be a sleep platform that dropped out of a panel and had flexible supports to brace against the floor. Likewise, there were niches and recessed sections that were probably meant to hold personal possessions. They might not be on this vessel long enough to unpack, however.

Just then, a voice spoke. “Greetings, Helix. I’m happy you’re here. Please let me know if I can facilitate your stay in any fashion.”