But the maintenance droid was done in this sector and trundled off in the opposite direction, leaving him scrambling to find another observation point. By the time he managed it, Qalu and Praxys were midway through the meal, talking easily with each other. A sharp, dark feeling built inside him and he slammed fully back into his own head, ready to storm the marketplace and drag her away from Praxys.

They had no relationship to justify that impulse and even if they were confirmed as intimate companions, the Tiralan believed that love groups were healthier than partnerships. On no level did this reaction make sense, though Qalu had hinted that perhaps she felt the same. Even if the thought defied all logic, it formed despite his best efforts.

I want Qalu to be mine.

Qalu thought she’d never get rid of Praxys.

The Barathi had so many questions regarding her work, and it went against all her instincts to answer candidly. But she was no longer in line for an award from the science coalition. She would be lucky to survive, and since she was currently relying on Praxys for security, it seemed unwise not to indulge his curiosity.

At last other business called him away, freeing her to dart off and lose herself in the relative anonymity of the crowd. Even the sense of population was relative, nowhere near as large as a small city on Tiralan, but the logistics of supporting a larger settlement would be a nightmare down here. It was nothing short of a marvel that life could flourish in such a remote location.

She tried to cheer herself, but there was no brightening her mood when she was at odds with Helix. He had every right to get angry, and it was accurate that she had no idea how it felt to be hunted for the “crime” of existing as an inorganic being. Still, she wished the ache would go away, even for a little while. Despondently, Qalu followed the signage to the science section of the facility. On the way, she found an observatory, like one for researching the stars, devoted to the denizens of the sea instead.

That piqued her interest enough that she slipped in, wondering if special credentials were required. Nobody had mentioned such clearances, and she was curious. Inside, scientists worked on various projects—one Barathi circled a bizarre jelly creature with floating pseudopods while a droid recorded the observations. Another droid, this one sleek and shiny, was working with some cell samples, comparing results.

“Greetings,” she said, not wanting to interrupt their work but silently staring seemed discourteous even by scientific standards.

It’s not as if I’m an invited guest.

“Are you lost?” the Barathi asked.

“No, I was just wondering about your work.”