Séverine listened attentively to Senjen’s counteroffer then smiled and shook her head. 

“That is very kind of you, but I’m afraid I need to activate your personality matrix at the same time as your memory. As your mind has more in common with us organics, we’re using the same device we use on Humans. It is very fun in that it uses your unconscious mind to locate and unlock information.”

This all struck Light as highly irregular. The Utaysi were quite new to the area, and their makeup was still relatively unknown. This Human spoke like she knew it well, and for some reason it made him angry.

“Ok, I think t-this has gone far enough. We’re really very late for an appointment and I need to re-oxidise my gel urgently after that, so we should just-”

“Fifty billion credits for five minutes of your time. Though unfortunately I must trouble you for a quick answer. I am needed back on the line.” Séverine said simply, looking between the two of them.

Light blanched, turning a milky white. Fifty billion credits might be enough for him to escape the Vermillion Consortium’s clutches! He could get medical attention for his condition, retire somewhere the QV didn’t know about his past. Maybe even raise some offspring…

He couldn’t breathe. Light turned politely and collapsed into a coughing fit. As he doubled over, he happened to see what looked like some parade shuffling past the exit on the main concourse. All different species, holding up different paper lanterns with a light inside. It must be a religious festival or something, Light thought distractedly.