Chapter 18

RECORD: 2785K969$LUN-3.069
IDENTITIES: Commander Kuang Xuan, Ivan Runski
LOCATION: K1 Dig Site 1, Crew Quarters, Commander's Quarters
THREAT DETECT: Level 4, 6, 7, 9—Psychosis [Dangerous], Psychosis, Unauthorized Cognizance, Crew Impairment
THREAT RESPONSE: Exhibit Record 3521, FILE//REPORT TO RASPUTIN


"Firewall! The transceiver no longer receives a signal. Who damaged it?"

AI-COM/FRWL//TRANSCEIVER FUNCTIONAL.

"We've never gone this long without a signal. Show me the records of activity around the transceiver for the last twenty-four hours."

AI-COM/FRWL//HOLOGRAM\PROFFERED

SILENCE//00:05:54

"Commander?"

"What?"

"It's our shift. We're losing time."

"I know that, Runski!"

"Well, can we make it up from the next one?"

"You'll get yours. Just shut up for a minute."

SILENCE//00:01:22

"Commander?"

"Shut it. Firewall, open a channel to Captain Hou."

AI-COM/FRWL//MENDACITY//CHANNEL OPEN.

"Captain Hou, we have another security situation. I need you at the transceiver ASAP.

"Captain Hou, acknowledge…

"Firewall, present location of Captain Hou?"

THREAT RESPONSE//COGNIZANCE//EFFICACY ASSESSMENT//MENDACITY\ASSESSED//15.9%
AI-COM/FRWL//MENDACITY//HALL 3A, SITE 1

"Firewall, show me Captain Hou."

AI-COM/FRWL//HOLOGRAM//MENDACITY//PROFFERED

"Captain Hou, acknowledge!"

"Commander?"

"Not now!"

"But Commander, that can't be right."

"What?"

"Look, behind him in the hall. That's Lynn. She's in my reverie team."

"What the hell?"