Thor looked around at the materials and equipment in the Laboratory. With his current knowledge and the information he had received from Kismet, he could tell that everything here was part of the research into Red Worms.
One of the experiments seemed to test resistance to Corruption. The equipment was exactly the same as what Thor had used in his treatment research.
"Lord Alik, all this equipment is for protection against Starry Sky Corruption, right? If it can resist Starry Sky Corruption, then it can resist Black Tide Pollution. Do you really think leaving is safer than staying?"
"The Starry Sky isn't entirely dangerous. If we can find a suitable world, it could become the Star Gate Council's new base."
"I understand." Thor nodded.
Alik's tone was calm as he explained things to Thor, but that very calmness made it clear his decision wouldn't change.
Thor's expression likewise told Alik that he wouldn't take part in Star Gate's escape plan.
Alik understood. "Then we won't interfere with each other."
"I want to take Senior Byron with me."
"He's already passed the test. Star Gate won't interfere with his actions. We won't force anyone who passes the test to leave or stay. Anyone who doesn't leave willingly would only become a burden to Star Gate. Oh, right. He'll need to finish the task he already accepted."
"No problem." Thor naturally agreed. If Byron ran into any trouble, Thor could help him out.
Through the transparent window of the balloon room, Thor watched the Red Worms floating in the air. The atmosphere was so pleasant that he figured he might as well make another deal.
"Speaker Alik, are these Red Worms already dead?"
"I still can't precisely define whether they're alive or dead. After all, my understanding of their life form is