“I can’t make it do anything,” Stig told him. Abruptly he placed his palms against the nearest wall. His face was clenched like a fist and he shook with what Lee belatedly realized was sheer rage and frustration, a whole iceberg of it that she had never even guessed at.

The ship’s avatar spoke, in Stig’s language once more. It was only a few words, but they made him leap round, wide-eyed. He queried it, and the response he received was transformative. Lee watched the burdens slough off his big shoulders.

“We are going back,” Stig breathed. “Yes, get off, go away, Julian Sabreur. Anyone who wants, go away. And I will not have to make decisions for you. I can go back to being a servant of my people. So many things will be better.” His relief was contagious.

“All very well,” Khan put in, “but for those of us going all the way to the depot, how backwards compatible is your tech, exactly?” She got perilously close to jabbing the ship’s avatar with a finger but clearly decided against it. “Because I have a whole month of data on a ratty thumb drive here. Maybe you could locust me up a terminal I can work with, because if I’m going to be of any use to you, then I’m going to need some kit.” When this failed to evince an immediate response she nudged Matchell. “Can you make it understand, or are we back with the fucking talking lions again?”

“Kay—” Sabreur started, but Matchell waved him down weakly.

“Give me a few minutes,” she said. “And does anyone have anything for a headache?”

The transition caught them unawares, as though someone had taken a wrench to everything around them and violently twisted. It was the action of a moment that left a bruise on the mind. They were mostly all back in their original holding area, and everyone started clamouring again, but Stig pointed downwards. The centre of their chamber was disintegrating, clawed away by busy arms so small Lee could barely see them.

“Kay!” Sabreur yelled. “We’re leaving!” For Dr. Khan was still in the gourd-shaped room with the ship’s avatar, working on an interface that would let them share notes.

“Go to the ball without me, love,” Khan shouted back. “I’ve got work to do.”

“You will come back,” Stig said to her. “For now, take this chance to have the Earth beneath your feet. There may not be another one.”