There was no act of kindness without repayment. That had been drilled into him for as long as he remembered; it was what kept him only focusing on missions. He did not spend time with his own kind much save those under experimentation, generally for translation of their singing calls. He settled as he was circled, having to lift and turn his head to watch the other mer closely for signs of treachery.

"Hurry up," he demanded, going very still so as not to impede the efforts here. He watched carefully what the other mer was doing, ready and willing to move suddenly to avoid being crushed or damaged further. His metal shoulder was the only thing that had saved him previously.