The other squad's Navigator whom Naia questioned looked haggard - and it was hard to blame him. To say this mission went badly was an understatement. He didn't answer for a little while.
"Hours? Days? Time doesn't... doesn't flow right anymore. Or did it flow left?"
He laughed weakly, too tired to care about how insane he was coming across.
"Had to contain it. Contain myself. Before I... before..."
The artifact's influence pulsed stronger, and Naia watched his barrier flicker dangerously.
"Should I...?"
The Shift Walker's inquisitive voice came quiet over their private channel. It was clear that he was asking if he needed to be handled. Naia shook her head slightly while changing channels herself. Her eyes were still glued to the intricate weave of harmonics around him.
"No. He isn't controlling any of this anymore. The artifact is maintaining these patterns itself."
