Page 9 of Every Almost

"I get the picture."

"So." Tavi set the datapad down. "The software side, I can handle. Generating the field, maintaining it, calibrating the environment for Aetherfin biology, all fine. But the physics of the transition? That's a mechanical problem. And mechanical problems aren't really my?—"

Reyna's comms chirped again.

"Captain?"

Borran. Again.

"Yes, Borran."

"The Vryx have moved deeper into the vent."

"Has anything turned dangerous, Borran?" Reyna asked.

"No. But I can hear them scratching behind the secondary filtration panel."

"I see."

"If it damages the filtration panel..."

"Yes?"

"My proofing environment."

"What about it?"

"Compromised."

"For how long?"

"The day. At least."

"I will handle it, Borran."

"Also, I can hear it eating something."

"Borran."

"I don't know what it's eating."

"Borran?"

"I don'twantto know what it's eating."

"Borran!"

"Captain, if it's my sourdough starter, I want you to know that I have maintained that culture for forty-seven years." Reyna knew now how serious this was to her chef. Brontari rarely said more than enough words necessary at a time. To Borran, what he'd just communicated to Reyna was close to a presidential speech.

Tavi had given up entirely on containing himself again and was covering his face with both hands, his shoulders shaking.

"I will. Handle it. Borran," Reyna choked out through gritted teeth.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Captain?"