Species Ten-C

Discovery releases the hydrocarbon representing peace onto the hyperfield. It is soon pulled into the structure and surrounded by an orb made of an unknown substance. Members of Species 10-C respond with more hydrocarbons and a light pattern which the crew deciphers as a "bridge language" similar to Lincos that uses mathematical equations. 10-C members use the language to question why the DMA was destroyed by Tarka's weapon, and the crew are able to communicate their fear of the DMA. On Book's ship, Tarka plans to use Ndoye to ignite a plasma stream from Discovery that will allow them to escape the orb and fly directly to the DMA's power source. Reno realizes that if Tarka takes the power source now, it will destroy the hyperfield and all inside it and likely still destroy Earth and Ni'Var. Book confronts Tarka about this, but Tarka uses his upgrades to the ship to restrain Book.

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