Like so many things on Outremer, the trucks waiting to take them to the Vault were not designed for Rothians. This was especially true for the Datius, who ended up sitting awkwardly on the floor of the eight-wheeled transport. 

The vehicle was meant for twenty four Humans, but only five other people joined Rareth in the back: Vreta, Freyr, the CraSec officer who coyly reintroduced herself as Major Osman from the Cradle bomb investigation, 595 and the bald Vault Facilitator.

As soon as they sat down in the lead truck, it powered away from the Mono terminal and through the bustling command complex. The inside shook violently on the uneven ground, with Osman nearly flying into Rareth with a worried expression flashing across her face. She managed to grab hold of a hoop at the last moment and stashed her weapon so she could grab one more.

Freyr was pleased to see Osman again. She was a sort-of-friendly face in an otherwise uncertain sea of people. “Four, six hours, maybe? This might be our last chance to collect data, so we can’t rush it.” Freyr reiterated. “We will get an indication of the Object’s condition once it begins interacting with our dummy array. It’ll be perfectly safe, while we try to piece together what will happen next.”

[i]”Don’t make any sudden moves in here, Agent.”[/i] The Facilitator remained completely motionless while talking to 595, who sat next to him. [i]”Naval Intelligence, the Skinners, the Rothians, Earther scum - they’re all trying to crawl up your ass to learn our next move. You can keep a secret, can’t you? Just like you’re keeping secrets from us about your latest interface with the Navigator.”[/i] 595 turned her head to look at the man, who returned her stare.

[i]”Nice try. My report was comprehensive.”[/i] She replied.