Sixteen

Dafyd and the research team make a breakthrough discovery about the berry specimens—the silicate pulp at their center is a farm housing numerous microorganisms. Later, Dafyd overcomes his anxiety about the alien environment and successfully tracks down their assigned Carryx librarian to request supplies, returning with writing materials for the group.

The chapter opens in Tonner's laboratory where the lead researcher announces that the berries contain a managed microorganism farm rather than a single organism or separate gut system. The revelation excites Campar and Else, who immediately discuss potential approaches: using existing microbes from the farm, introducing foreign species, or studying plasmid analogs. Dafyd feels inadequate watching their rapid scientific insights. Tonner asks Dafyd to leave before returning to their quarters, but Dafyd instead explores the cathedral-like main chamber alone. He reflects on his childhood fear of spiders and how forcing himself to confront that fear made him braver. He applies the same logic to his current alien surroundings, gradually acclimating to the strange creatures and vast space. While observing the aliens, Dafyd notices that only species with translator devices—mainly the Carryx and their guards—can communicate meaningfully. Witnessing a confrontation between a Carryx and a voiceless creature, Dafyd recalls Campar's comment about the Carryx's blind spots and his own librarian's statement about permitted pathways. This triggers a realization: he can request help. He approaches the scar-armed Carryx and asks about accessing other areas. The Carryx directs him through passages deeper into the complex, past various alien species and strange environments. Following the Carryx to a maze-like structure, Dafyd eventually finds his way to the librarian's chamber. He negotiates with the large-eyed Carryx, reminding it of the promise that the captives could request needed supplies. He returns triumphantly to his quarters with writing materials—pages, ink, and styluses—after an eight-hour absence that worried Tonner, Else, and Campar.