They've been out of the story for quite a while because I didn't see anything important for them to do, but I could slide the scientists back in to help with that when the AIs get back.
*Listens to really sad music while writing post with Icarus talking to Theo about Reinen* *Accidentally writes way more than was expecting to write* The power of emotional music...
I actually do have an idea as to what the mystery goop should be able to do, but I don't think the time is quite right to reveal it. When the time comes though... well, several members of our crew will be faced with rather interesting conundrums.