“Quite.” Freyr agreed before introducing Masgard. “Have you met Masgard Xandrus? He’s one of the expedition’s public representatives.” Masgard, 595 and the captain exchanged knowing nods as they shook hands. “We’ve set you and your team up down the hall - A12. I must admit it was a rush getting everything on board at such short notice. I hope everything is to your satisfaction.” Freyr smiled gratefully. “I appreciate the effort you’ve gone to. The list I sent was pretty extensive.” The captain waved away the praise. “I trust your team won’t delay in boarding? With everyone in place, I want to push forward the launch to early tomorrow morning, Outremer time.”

“They’ll all be aboard this evening, I assure you.”

“Good. Other government elements are still making their way in from the countryside, so I expect there’ll be a debrief this evening. Until then, I'll leave you to get settled in. Pleased to meet you both. 595, a word.” The blonde-haired agent nodded. “I’ll catch up with you both later.” She said, giving Freyr and Masgard another cue to leave.

“Wasn’t that woman arrested by the Rothians after the Skinners attacked?” Freyr asked after they’d left the bridge. 

“Yeah. She got out as part of our deal with the Rothians.” Masgard replied. 

“She was innocent, then?”

“Apparently, if she’s free. It’s best if we don’t discuss it; the details are not public knowledge.”

Freyr frowned. She knew something just wasn’t adding up with all these government agents, but she tried to put it out of her mind. Right now, she was excited to see what she’d be working with for the next few months at least. That was what mattered.

Compartment A12 was a big space, and it was alive with moving parts at the moment. Builder drones fizzed through the air, clutching everything from scientific equipment to partition walls. Human technicians wandered around making the finishing touches. Freyr saw some of her team from the Division in among the action, directing the layout of the lab; one of them waved to her as they entered. By a wall near the entrance, she spotted the unmistakable Rothian form of Vreta’Sori standing awkwardly watching the assembly take place. “I see you found the construction site! You remember Mr Xandrus?” Freyr shouted over the din as they walked over. “I think that might be a corner office over there, shall we go see if it’s soundproof?” She grinned, motioning with her hand.