On a hunch, based on Vaëlorin's explanation, Cherry makes a scan against the energy records from the Betty's computers. The data indicates that they are, in fact, in a pocket dimension off The Drift, through which hyperspace travel functions.
They must be using some form of engine to shift the biological life forms (or perhaps only certain Diasporum races, since the insectoids are clearly excluded) into that dimension, since the physical objects seem to remain constant in both dimensions.
Is this anomaly something you stumbled upon here or intentionally created?"
"Oh, it be created, enabled by the machines that were engineered of old."
How's life here, anything terrible going on?"Djack seems genuinely curious.
"The sole matter one might deem terrible is our present state; in truth, we cannot depart this place. At the falling of the sun we may for a short while commune with it more directly — thus it was I came upon you. Yet once one is within, alas, they are become a part of the whole."
So you... want to leave?
"We should record this data. Unless those with you have access to it?" Cherry says as she begins to play around. She looks to Vaelorin.
"You know V we could try and recreate this for a variety of offensive and defensive uses"She says excitedly as she pulls up on TOTO a blank slate and uses a stylus to begin to sketch and do maths.
"Commune with what?" Alzura asks the man, seemingly missing the revelation that they are also ostensibly trapped here now that they have entered.
In answer to Alzura: "My meaning was that we could interact, somewhat, with the world outside, during this time. In full daylight, we are separate more fully."
In answer to Joyride: "We have no other dwelling; this place is our home. Yet your pilot — or perchance yourself — may desire to return whence you came, and therein lies our misfortune, for we possess not the means to bring it about. Now that I have delivered you from the insect creatures, you are numbered among us."
'Great, EInstien Rosenbridge math" Cherry says frowning as she then adds.
"As well as drift phrase correllation." She adds as she moves her datapad to begin to work out the math.
You're saying... we can't go back?