Embarrassment washed over her, and she hoped that she didn’t annoy these lab workers as much as Praxys had with his endless inquiries. She even understood why he was so intrigued, as her field of research might provide new lives for AI. Helix could be the first of many.

“Is that so?” He sounded skeptical as he stepped away from the tank. The jelly-creature flashed red and then blue, pseudopods drifting languidly.

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have interrupted.”

“No, it’s all right. Few people are interested in our thalassic studies.”

“But I thought there was no life left on Altarion apart from the microbes.”

“True enough. But…” Seeming to judge her interest genuine, the scientist brightened, elaborating on his work. “This little one is our creation, an evolutionary path if you will. We started with radiotrophic fungi—well, you probably aren’t interested in the recombinant DNA processes, though I find it fascinating. In any event, this one is ready to be set free in the ocean where it will feast on the radiation.”

Sudden realization sparked through her. “Oh! You’re terraforming on a small scale, designing prototype lifeforms that can help restore the natural balance.”

“Precisely so. Our efforts have been unsuccessful so far, but delicate as this Cril looks, it’s remarkably sturdy. It reproduces through budding, so if it survives out there, it will populate the sea in no time.”

She regarded the scientist with a fair amount of awe. “You could change the face of Altarion! You must be so proud and excited.”

The Barathi churred. “I wish everyone shared your vision. Mostly my efforts are overlooked when they could be crucial in reclaiming the planet.”

“I respect your work greatly,” the droid said, continuing with his own experiment.

“Yes, Axel, I’m aware.” Judging from their easy exchange, these two had been lab partners for a long while, proof that relationships between organics and artificial intelligence didn’t have to be fraught with strife and ill will. The scientist went on, “There’s such incredible potential here, but the resistance prefers to ignore the larger issues on Altarion and simply use this planet as a convenient hideaway.”

Surprise flickered through her, resulting in a twitch of her head tendrils. “They prefer the unlivable conditions and the rad storms?”

“It deters visitors and pursuit, but it’s a dismal place to live,” the Barathi replied. “But where are my manners? I should have introduced myself. I am Surzahn, and I imagine you’ve surmised that this is my colleague, Axel.”

“I am Qalu.” She started to recite her maternal declination, as was the custom on Tiralan, omitting it when she realized that Surzahn had offered no kith identifier. Probably that omission stemmed from a desire not to draw trouble down on those he’d left behind.

“How long until you release the specimen?” she asked.