“Radiation is negligible. Jase, would you consider it safe enough for us to walk along the perimeter of the ship?”

Jase lifted a shoulder. “For a limited time. There are elements present we can’t account for, though. No telling what they could do over time.”

“Duly noted.” Miles nodded as if reaching a decision. “Keisha and Andy are loyal. They’ll cover for us. Shall we?”

Jase’s eyes widened as Miles tromped down the embankment toward the ship. Trev gave the bots a worried glance but followed him, sliding a little as the churned earth gave way under his boots, but coming to a stop beside Miles at the bottom. He glanced up at Jase silhouetted against the blue sky. Come on.

“Are you sure about this?” Jase called down.

“Our one and only chance,” Miles said in even tones, and beckoned them down. “Come on, before someone sees us.”

Jase cast an uncertain look at the bots, but started toward them. The ground shifted beneath their feet and they had to take quick steps in order to stay upright as they descended. Trev tried to catch them at the bottom of the incline, but Jase automatically put a hand on the ship to steady himself.

“Ouch!” Jase snatched their hand back, shaking it out as if stung. “I think it bit me.”

“Let me see.” Trev tried to take their hand but they held it out of reach. They both stared at it as it started to redden.

“Are you okay?” Miles asked in concern. “Do we need to head back to the tents?”

“I’m fine ...” Jase’s voice trailed off. “It’s starting to tingle and I feel ... strange.” A vagueness entered their usually bright eyes, their face taking on a dreamlike expression. A brilliant smile suddenly touched their lips and they said in elation, “He’s calling me! Can you hear him?”

“What are you talking ab --” Miles broke off as Jase shouldered past him. Jase trailed the fingers of their splotchy hand along the spacecraft as they walked, and Trev shuddered as they started singing in an offkey, eerie tone.

“What the hell?” Miles shot Trev a glance, then followed Jase. Trev stayed on his heels, relieved when they finally rounded the ship out of sight of anyone passing by. Jase quickened their steps, close to skipping in their excitement, then came to a sudden stop, and Jase pressed their body against the hull.

Fear shot through Trev. “Jase!”

Miles grabbed Jase’s shoulder, and jolted, letting them go with a cry of pain. Trev slipped an arm around Miles’s waist as he staggered. “What’s going on?”