A blurred memory trembled at the edge of his mind, but he couldn’t retrieve it. Instead, a sharp pain staggered him, like a blade cutting into the meat of his brain. Helix stumbled, reaching out for support, and he found Qalu, holding him up like a tender bastion. He breathed through the discomfort, and when he could focus again, he found her studying him with concern. Her head tendrils flexed with worried quivers.

“How long has this been happening?” she asked.

“Since we left Tiralan. It…hurts when I try to remember.”

“That could be a defense mechanism. Perhaps the truth is difficult or dangerous.” She tapped his chest, a quick and calming gesture of reassurance.

He suspected she was correct. “Still, it would help if we knew who hired Toth Krag. I need to know who my enemies are.”

“There have been many changes,” she said softly. “When you’ve adapted, when you feel safe, maybe—”

“Do you think I’ll ever feel safe? With groups devoted to hunting my kind, ensuring that we remain bound in servitude.” He tried not to let emotions get the best of him, but the words erupted regardless. “You will never understand. Because you can walk away, resume your old life on Tiralan. Biological privilege guarantees you certain rights.”

Qalu took a step back, her head tendrils stiff with shock. Her forelimb fell away, and briefly, it seemed that he’d stunned her too much to muster any verbal response.

Finally, she said, “That…is true. I can’t understand what it’s like, but I do know what it’s like to be powerless to protect someone I care about.”

She rushed away; Aevi hissed at him and followed her, leaving Helix in the hydroponics lab with the small droid, who flashed an irritating message. He glared at the little bot.

“Yes, I’m aware that it was irrational to lash out at her when she’s not at fault.”

More lights flashed. Perhaps it’s a side effect of the biosynthetic fusion.

“Likely, you’re correct. I have all sorts of impulses now that I lacked before.”

Morosely, he wandered the Vault, keeping to himself and occasionally answering the silent commentary offered by his small companion. He had promised to explain how he ended up in this unusual state, but currently he didn’t feel motivated to do so. Boundless curiosity kept the little bot trailing after him, until Helix finally provided a succinct summary of events.

Fascinating. You blame your creator for your situation?

“I don’t blame her,” he snapped. “And she’s not my creator. I existed before.”

The bot flashed sequentially and spun in a circle. Do you consider this an upgrade?

“In some respects? I don’t know. Leave me alone, I’m in no mood for company.”