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and flinched, astounded. Irea’s eyes were smaller, the whites of both larger. Her skin was orange-pink. She had evolved at an amazing rate.
    The other translators’ eyes were large, mostly black. They hadn’t changed as much as Irea’s.
    Irea asked several questions.
    I replied, “Project text email above your vtp. The text will enlarge.”
    After explaining how the vtp transferred hull maintenance, shuttle, navigation and database files to the SAN, Irea blinked. She didn’t smile, frown or say anything. It was impossible to tell if she understood me.
    “UE, does Irea understand what I’m saying?”
    “Maybe. However, only time will tell. In the last few hours, I’ve discovered that hundreds of Sila refer to peptides, growing cells, ones which interact with nearby cells.”
    “Does your answer mean that she understands me?”
    UE paused. “Let me put this way, I’m optimistic.”
    I remained silent. Although his comment was vague, it was best to wait.
    After UE showed the translators how to use more features, they activated different modes.
    Irea glanced at Rhea. Rhea faced Joama.
    Despite the silence, I assumed that both understood what Irea was saying.
    There was another challenge. How long would it take for the humans to learn how to fly these Reen ships?

Chapter Fifteen
     
     
    Jen and Irea began showing the other translators how to troubleshoot Exp One’s optical interferometric telescopes and spectrometers. And since there were sixteen trillion databases, four hundred forty-one types of software, two hundred thirty computer terminals, and three wireless computer networks, the translators had a lot to learn.
    During the next twenty hours, after switching on monitors, I watched Jen, Irea and the other translators as they floated into low-gravity corridors and rooms. Using their vtp’s, Jen and Irea opened software and helped the translators destroy computer viruses and repair cables.
    Then I told Jen that the translators had to maintain the SAN’s software and network protocols because David, Thomas, UE and Alan were exhausted. Within minutes, Jen, Irea, Darwin and Mona walked, headed for a SAN monitor while talking about hardware and software.
    After Jen leaned against her crutches, she began discussing wireless hubs. Much to my surprise, my respect for her increased.
    I didn’t want to testify against her or mention the insubordination charges. Hopefully, EMPE would exonerate her because she was only trying to help a terrified crewmember.
    That evening, I entered the engine room. Joel, UE, Caldur, Adam and I walked toward an engine housing. It opened. Joel pointed at a cooling fan and spoke while UE translated.
    A five-foot-tall RM robot arrived, gave Joel an engine wall fragment.
    Joel turned toward us. “Caldur, Adam, UE, Greg, although the RM can see in infrared, ultraviolet or RGB modes, the android only works in the engine room, because its memory is limited.”
    UE began translating, deciphering Joel’s comments.
    The RM pivoted.
    Joel aimed his finger at its chrome shoulder blade. “Nanoengines inside its back and body receive millions of wireless signals every few seconds. Every RM is well acquainted with seven types of software.”
    Several hours later, as I entered my office, Joel’s face appeared on my vtp. He offered a brief smile. “Greg, Caldur is quicker than Adam. Caldur grasps nanotechnology with ease. He’s already helped me repair one RM.
    “Anyway, Adam always pays attention to UE. Adam is trying to fix another RM.”
    “Progress. Thanks for calling.”
    “No problem. I have to go and repair an RM’s foot.”
    David’s text email appeared. Greg, Irea and I are instructing Joama and Mona. We’re showing them how to troubleshoot the satellites dishes, the spectrometers and accompanying software.
    Within thirty minutes, Irea sent me notes. Joama and Mona were learning fast.
    Despite the progress, I hoped one of the translators could learn English faster, to take some of