Uriel was caught up in a lot of worries, so she mostly ignored Ryan as he offered an apology for his earlier behavior. When he suddenly held her hand, she tensed up a bit, and managed to remind herself not to scream.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">Humans are different,</span></span>she reminded herself.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">This is just a part of his courting process.</span></span>After thinking this, she relaxed.<br/><br/>Then, Ryan pointed out something strange. Or, something that was apparently strange for a human. It was perfectly normal for a Vortian's blood to glow... But not for no reason. Actually, since her blood was inside him, Uriel stopped for a moment to feel things out. Yes, there was definitely some reaction. However, the feeling was something she couldn't identify with, so the reaction was muted.<br/><br/>"I... I don't know. It's reacting to a strong feeling, but I don't recognize it. You should know better than I do?"<br/><br/>Shortly after, the ship where Anak, Rofehl, and Velneir were docked and the three of them stepped out. Anak had a discomforted look on his face, and when he saw Ryan's blood pulsing that look became indignance or even anger.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #8080FF">"Bastard! Don't you dare follow through with that!"</span></span>The memory in Anak's blood was much stronger than that in Uriel's. He had even worriedly confused Ryan's feelings for his own for a moment. It didn't matter right now that recognizing the feeling when it came from another person meant that he must have personally experienced it at one point. More importantly, if Ryan killed himself, Anak's blood memory would transmit to him that sensation of death--and whatever pain came with it.<br/><br/>Uriel was surprised.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">"Anak... Do you know what feeling is making his blood react?"</span></span><br/><br/>Still upset, Anak was about to answer honestly, but stopped. Whatever answer he gave, Uriel would then know he'd once felt the same. He didn't want anyone to know that. In order to keep his own secrets, he decided to keep Ryan's.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #8080FF">"Ah... No. My connection is stronger, so I know it isn't good, but I can't identify with the feeling."</span></span><br/><br/>Uriel was a bit suspicious, since Anak's reaction earlier had been intense. However... He was usually so straightforward and honest. If he really wasn't being honest, then had she unknowingly approached his bottom line? She didn't say anything and just gave a small purr of acceptance.<br/><br/>"If we're all done here, then can we get back to business?" A lilting voice came from not too far off, and the silver-haired Elision from the monitor appeared. He was smiling cheerfully, wearing glasses and a white lab coat. "I'm happy to inform you that we'll be arriving on Ig'zaalta in a little more than an hour." His tail gave a flick.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">"What?!"</span></span>all the Vortians collectively gasped.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">"How can we be going so fast?!"</span></span>Velneir demanded. Since when did Elisions have that kind of technology? It should take them two days to get to Ig'zaalta from here!<br/><br/>"I mentioned we had a couple of Graecians helping out," Kaiden said nonchalantly.<br/><br/>Realization dawned on the Vortians. Graecians, those notoriously lazy ice Giants were actually unbelievably advanced... when they bothered to do anything. Actually, an alliance between the Elisions and Graecians made perfect sense, since they were both very culturally casual. The Arondites were forever sighing in relief that those ice Giants were too lazy to really start anything. But it seemed like it had happened on a smaller scale here.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF40FF">"Are they on board?"</span></span>Uriel asked curiously. She'd always wanted to meet a Graecian, but their usual environment was simply too cold for her. Vortians evolved from amphibious creatures, and were designed for tropics--not the icy tundra.<br/><br/>"They're in the courtyard, playing around," Gwendel smiled, turning to return to the bridge. "You can visit them if you want. They don't bite."<br/><br/>Rhofel was just wondering how a space ship could have a courtyard.