But it was work McNair had spent a lifetime toiling at. She could do this.
She played back the videos again, this time zipping through at double time. Then she doubled it again, and then again. Now the Sowmyathans' movements looked almost human. A bit herky-jerky but at least at an understandable speed.
And she caught it, the little gesture the chief had made when he had touched the rock-shuttle. He had pointed – barely more than a hint of movement she had missed in the moment – at first Smith and then Jarvis, and he had turned his palms over in a gesture that McNair was sure meant "I'm asking a question."
And McNair saw herself glance towards Jarvis. She didn't remember doing it in the moment, but she could see it now. He pointed to both of her fellow cadets, and she had indicated to h
