"I wouldn't bet on Aurora assigning missions out of altruism," said Paine. She didn't know what sort of purpose Aurora would have for the pearl. Maybe it was a record that could only be accessed after it had been repaired, like the 'awesome sphere' the Gullwings had once claimed half of, but that was only a guess.

Still, it had definitely been a gentler introduction to Etraya and the situation than say, the Train of Oppression or Aphaia.

The tapping toad caught her eye. Paine leaned down for a closer look. "You have something to add, little guy?"