They didn't climb far.
Alteea took the first curve up from the great book and then another, counting steps in her head the way people count breaths when they're trying not to run. Saffi followed, tablet tucked to her chest, eyes still dragging back to the pedestal below like the weight of it might pull her down by mistake.
"Where are we going"
"Up a little" Alteea said. "Left a little. Then somewhere I don't remember until I see it"
"That's reassuring"
"It's how my brain works. I hoped you already got used to it"
The rail hummed a touch louder here and there - not warning, just machinery being itself. Alteea walked with her fingers grazing the wall, feeling the tiny dips where a panel had once been pulled and set back with respect. She slowed at a run of shelves that looked like they'd been organized twice and then argued with.
"What are you looking for"
