Days became weeks as we prepared for the troupe to head out for the Inquisito. I had wanted to leave earlier but several things were happening: the Cryst were working with Bhasi to see if they could help her heal; we were waiting for the Aurochs and the Herd, probably moving slowly toward us; and we were waiting for Auri to show. Pua gave no sign that she had changed her mind about the future in which she saw Auri joining us.

Over those intervening days, it became clearer what obstacles we faced - ...