The being looked pleased when Rareth swung toward a solution, tapping the long tips of it’s fingers together in a steeple pointed at the team. However as the Datius continued, it grew somber, clasping its hands together across the armrests and resting its sharp chin on them. The being sighed deeply when she had finished speaking. 

“I am extremely sorry, for all the unpleasantness you have experienced. It was never meant to be this way.” It’s voice seemed to be getting raspier; the light emanating from its body flickered momentarily. The snow and wind howling through the windows and across the gallery increased in ferocity. “The...Cradle… is badly damaged, like me. Now that it has been activated, it is rejecting all foreign bodies in preparation for conflict.” 

One of the torches close to the doors blew out with a [i]huff[/i]. The being snapped its fingers and the fire reignited. “And in the absence of directives from myself or the others, It is likely building its own...decision-making function.” Dr Wetherall evidently couldn't believe his ears. “Like a consciousness?” He spluttered. The being weighed up those words before responding with a nod. “Sure. I can stop it, but It’s imperative that you return me to my home as soon as possible, to prevent the corruption from growing any further.”

There was a very short pause, making it clear that the initial shock was wearing off. Dr Ngata jumped in next. “What about all the creatures we encountered on the way to you? One of us died trying to get here.” The being stared out of a high window, flickering again. “They are me; all of it is. Those creatures are the remains of my payload - imprints of organic life potential. Sadly I lost control over most of my domain long ago, my mind...wanders.”

“Can you bring him back? The man we lost.” Thebes asked, bowing his head respectfully. The being slowly swiveled to study the soldier. “I can try, if you help me heal my wounds.” 

595 was keen to keep the conversation on track, so she wasted no more time in asking the most pressing question on her mind. “It sounds like we need to rescue your, uh, colleagues, too, right? To restore balance to the Cradle? Do you know where they are?” 

The being shook its head, the fuzzy tendrils sprouting all over its body again. “No. I have to assume we are keeping each other safe, biding our time. If they are as weak as me...‘running’ is not an option.” 595 nodded thoughtfully, glad her gambit had paid off.