Cargo Bay 3 appeared different when N-XS returned. It was difficult to ascertain what, if anything, had changed. Jericho's pod remained  precisely where she'd left it. Its ducts and cables hung lifeless from open panels, limp like paralyzed limbs grieving their own loss of mobility.

N-XS drew closer, running her fingers through the red and black bundles of wires. The sensation caused her to recall video of Styx running her hands idly through her long turquoise hair. The way it looked drifting to the deck when she cut it.

"Cut it..." N-XS muttered. "Cut... CUT IT!"

She grasped the wires, bringing them to eye level.

"They've been cut!"