“You’re using fear to manipulate people, just like the oligarchs you accuse.”

“Yes, but soon we’ll trade it for hope. We’ll show people how we coexist peacefully on Eko-Yi, and how that model can transfer to the planet. If they put sufficient resources behind the effort, it won’t take long for them to redesign our technology to work in gravity. Especially if they’re willing to incorporate the work the caliph has already done.” Ao Tara held up a hand. “We can speak more about these things later, after you’re stable, assuming you want us to treat you. You should know that we can’t cure you. The data from that anonymous document—”

“Wait! How did you get that?”

“All of your technology is accessible to us, your internal storage included. That’s also not important now. This is: our preliminary examination indicates that the changes to your neuromuscular system, including your frontal lobe, are permanent. The data from that document indicates that Synaxel might be aware of your problem, but that doesn’t mean they know how to solve it.”

“I had someone on Earth who tried to help me but kept running into blocks from Synaxel. If you came back, if you testified against them and forced them to open their databases—”

Ao Tara shook her head. “Even if I were willing to do that, there’s no guarantee that they’d find an answer in time. Your brain is damaged. To keep you alive in your present state would take months of careful weaning off zips, weeks of that in an induced coma. We can’t be sure your body won’t give out in the interval. The medics here think it’s too high-risk, but you might find someone willing on Earth—if you survive the return journey.

“Alternatively, we can transform you. Permanent body modifications, like our dakini have. We recruit much younger for dakini because they’re able to adapt to the changes better, but you have enough tech in your body that we think you could manage. When we reviewed your application to live here, we realized that you could help us. Our dakini are inexperienced. They’ve made mistakes. You, however, have the wisdom and discipline of a seasoned veteran. If you become like them, you could train them. Lead them.

“As a dakini, you wouldn’t need to consume pills or drugs anymore. You’d have all the capabilities you’re used to. We would have to change your genetic expression. Inorganic devices would replace many of your organs, and implants would stop your seizures. Your brain would remain intact but integrated with your agent, who would help regulate these devices. Your modified body would then learn to bypass your damaged neurological systems.” A pause. “And you could no longer live on Earth.”

“What do you mean? Why not?”