We will see, Glacius retorts, though he immediately regrets arguing—a pang of sincere remorse makes its way across the Mote. I mean—it's just—I doubt this sudden of a deterioration could have happened without a catalyst. If I hadn't been so damn wrapped up in these fragments... maybe I could have prevented it!

As he communicates, he continues to push himself towards the inland. Up out of the surf, slapping against the shore with the waves; he then reverts to his natural form and continues his desperate journey. It is a very rare thing to see the alien run, but that's exactly what he's doing now, as if any extra second he spends away from his partner could further his deterioration.