“Indeed. They mine certain rare heavy minerals down here and refine them into fuel cells. Altarion exports judiciously through resistance contacts, and private freighters deliver supplies as needed. They augment off-world shipments with hydroponics,” Carow explained.

Qalu tried to envision the sort of secret that would require fleeing to an undersea facility on an otherwise lifeless world and failed utterly. “But how would Krag get inside this place? You seemed worried about Helix staying here before.”

Praxys answered as the broad, riveted doors opened. “Though we have excellent security, Krag is a penultimate hunter. He’d hijack one of our vessels and use our own equipment against us. But as long as we don’t linger, the Vault should be safe. He’s hunting for one target, not being paid to wipe out our settlements.”

“Is that what you call this place? The Vault?” Qalu didn’t expect confirmation, as a welcoming party comprised of droids and organics equally entered the docking area.

She drew in a deep breath, willing herself not to be nervous. The air was thin but breathable compared to Tiralan, and it carried a dank, salty scent. Rust and condensation dotted the metal walls, despite the resistance’s best efforts. With any luck, the inner aspect of the facility would be cleaner and more hospitable.

As if he sensed her nerves, Helix stepped closer and Aevi nuzzled against her neck. Everything is so strange. She recognized the Barathi among them, but the other two she had never seen before. Of course Qalu understood that the universe was vast, and she hadn’t encountered many aliens on Tiralan, but she’d considered herself reasonably well-educated. This journey was proving that self-assessment to be woefully inaccurate. The droids ranged in size and shape from rectangular and sturdy, to small and oblong; some looked old and battered while others shone with a metallic gleam. One seemed to communicate with pulses of light.

Thankfully, Praxys took charge of the greetings. He stepped forward and addressed a ruddy alien with quivering eye stalks that swiveled in all directions. “Glad to see you in good health, Hertel. We won’t stay long. This is more of an emergency fuel stop.”

“As long as you can afford it,” Hertel snapped. “We don’t run on charity.”

“I’m aware. Let us in? It’s been difficult.”

The alien’s eye stalks peered at Aevi with faint curiosity. “I probably ought to ask you about the details, but when are you not in trouble? Come along, then.”

The flickering light droid rolled over to Helix and scanned him, a shameless ray of yellow light that encompassed him head to toe, then the bot flashed a series of colors. Qalu had no idea what was being said, but Helix made an amused noise. “Yes, it is an interesting story. We’ll talk more later.”