Rutile values this experience - Antarcticite's first venture underwater, that is. Their eyes are that of a gem just born, taking in the world with the innocence and fascination that is untainted by exposure.

They've accepted by now that Antarc is going to follow wherever they lead, so they resolve to stop offering opportunities to turn back. Instead, it's Rutile's turn to feel sheepish. They avoid looking at Antarc, walking out a few paces into the grass as they say, "I fear my actions may have caused more trouble than I intended. I want to do what I can to fix it, or at least bear witness to the trouble.

"I overheard some ecologists saying that parts of the reef had died off," they admit. "I intend to go see it."

(Also, being surrounded by schools of fish is just fun. Sometimes you just have to have fun, Antarcticite.)