The chapter shifts into the perspective of the alien collective consciousness, which calls itself We. Emerging slowly from a cryptobiotic state, We begins as stimulus and reaction, responding to vibration, energy, and radio waves before rebuilding enough complexity to recognize itself again.

As We reconstitutes, it cannibalizes available matter and reconstructs its own architecture from memory. This process restores access to its archive of past hosts and experiences, allowing We to remember that it had once been on an adventure.

We recalls being Lante for a very long time after repairing and altering Lante’s body. The restored Lante was partly herself and partly We: We used Lante’s mind, memories, and perceptions to understand the world while preserving a model of what made Lante distinct from Rani or Lortisse.

Through Lante, We learned that the universe beyond Nod is vast and full of spaces, dimensions, molecules, and complexities it has not yet understood. Forced into hostile conditions, We reduced itself to a durable hidden form, storing memories and leaving only a simplified model of Lante to continue broadcasting her adventure and discoveries.

Now, as remembrance returns, We recognizes that others are coming. This realization transforms the awakening from mere survival into renewed purpose: We is ready to resume its exploration and begin another adventure.