Surzahn was wrapping up his inspection of the excursion vessel, a cylindrical pod that would barely hold the three of them. As the scientist powered the hatch open, Qalu asked, “Should we don protective suits?”

“If we encounter a catastrophic event that would require them, the pressure at these depths would negate any protection a simple suit could provide,” he answered simply.

If the pod malfunctions, we perish.

Surzahn glanced between them. “I’ve weighed the risks against the potential planetary benefits. Do you still wish to go?”

Helix answered by boarding the small craft. He could tell by Qalu’s posture that she was nervous but excited about being part of such a historic occasion. “Indeed.”

Inside, it was as small as he’d envisioned with an array of panels and lights, but he no longer needed a physical interface. Quickly, quietly, he connected and ran a diagnostic, assuring himself that the equipment was functioning correctly and safe for Qalu. Surzahn entered last and locked the hatch behind him; it sealed with a hiss of pressurization.

Exiting the facility was as slow as entering it had been, but eventually, their little pod popped out of a side vent, moving at a deceptive speed away from the habitat. Visibility was poor, and the scientist focused on navigating toward their unspecified destination. The Barathi scientist charted a course and they appeared to be heading upward. It made sense that they wouldn’t release the tiny creature at this depth. Even without bones, the incredible pressure could cause other ill effects.

“How long will we be gone?” Helix asked.

The scientist gave a precise answer, going on about drift and other variables while Helix was really wondering how long he could tolerate such a confined space. Though he had no memories associated with trauma, he couldn’t shake the inexorable conviction that something terrible had happened. I was…trapped, before. But how? On some level that didn’t make sense, as he hadn’t possessed a body before.

But perhaps they trapped my consciousness somehow? On Gravas Station.

Yes.

Every neuron in his brain lit up in confirmation, full of visceral terror and the desire to prevent it from ever happening again. Qalu touched him lightly, drawing his attention, and Helix realized he was breathing too fast, so that his head felt strange and fuzzy. Too much more of this and he might lose consciousness.

“What can I do?” Qalu radiated softness and concern.

Suddenly, he could only see her eyes and he stepped closer, breathing her in. Their time on the resistance ship had changed her scent, but at base, her pheromones still reassured him. This was safety and familiarity. She was his home.

“I’m fine,” he said quietly.

“Will you hold this?” Surzahn thrust the specimen case into Helix’s hands, and he wondered if the little creature had any notion how important it was.