Micah, at their age, has seen a lot. Over twenty years of service in Survey, and plenty of time spent in research labs and extraplanetary visits before that. But the novelty of discovery never really goes away, and right now, this is basically the coolest thing ever.

They catch themself reaching out with a hand and withdraw it, realizing that unsolicited touching is probably not welcome. "So you're gemstones with bodies? Wait -- there are more of you here?"

Even cooler.