[ It doesn't escape his notice, that delicate point of her ear, her pale skin a stark contrast against the darkness of her hair.

He listens to what might otherwise sound like some grandiose fairytale told by someone with a wide imagination, but he believes every word of it. He's here after all, and he's determined to keep an open mind. ]

Is it possible that the orbs might corrupt us in turn — especially with our exposure to them, given our directive. Are there precautions to ensure that they don't turn us to the dark side?