Now is a better time then when there are consequences for failure that amount to more than a minute wasted. As for what, my body is apparently... are you familiar with the concept of nanotechnology?

[No telling what tech level people here are accustomed to. And no wasting time either. Elma steps roughly into the wall, shoulder leading, which seems like it ought to at least hurt -- but instead of bouncing off it, half of her torso just sort of jellies, flowing out into a thin ladder leading up to the vent.]

If you think that looks strange, imagine how it feels.