"An element from my world," Glitch replied, quite happy that Ax seemed to know where he was going. It gave him brain-space to remember-- "It's one of the magical metalloids - magic's a a a fact of life where I'm from - and it was used as a...power-booster in a few of my inventions."

Damned if he could specifically name any of them at the moment. Not consequential, especially once they reached the tunnel entrance. Glitch's sensitive nose wrinkled as he grimaced, but he set the reaction aside, squared his shoulders, and nodded.

"It'd probably best if you go down first, then," he replied. "I'm kind of clumsy these days, s-so help would be appreciated."