Maintenance Tunnels
“Ren Zel is on his way to the central tower,” Catie said, as the lights in the tunnel ahead of them continued to come on, and the lights behind them went out.
Anthora went first, Stost following, carrying the limp form of Jen Sin yos’Phelium. At this distance, she could not feel the burning agony in his bones, for which she was grateful. She was even more grateful for Jen Sin’s continued state of unconsciousness. With luck, it would last until they got him into the crisis unit.
“I have spoken to Bechimo,” Catie said. “He is expecting us. Kara will meet you at the hatch. She asks if you will require a stretcher.”
“No need,” Stost said. Even speaking softly, his voice rumbled off the walls. “He weighs nothing, and if I put him down, he might wake.”
The lights ahead of them came on.
“The next hatch on the left accesses Bechimo’s dock,” Catie said. “I am opening it for you.”
And indeed, there it was, sliding silently out of their way. Once on the dock, Anthora stood aside to allow Stost to go as quickly as he could, while she paused and took deep breaths of cold, bracing air.
“Catie,” she said softly, “what happened?”
“Many things happened,” Catie said. “A virus was released into the legacy systems and moved too swiftly for Tocohl to contain. She initiated the changeover. I am now fully station. Tinsori Light awoke in the new array. Analysis is ongoing. Jen Sin destroyed the new array and Tinsori Light also. Light Keeper Lorith died. Joyita is missing.”
“A delightful convergence of event,” Anthora murmured. “Do you know who introduced the virus?”
“I have found the entry point in a dormitory room in the Spinward Arcade. A cleanbot has been dispatched. Analysis of the contents of the recycling chute suggests an inappropriate article was introduced.”
“The cleanbot?” Anthora murmured, walking toward Bechimo’s hatch.
“The cleanbot will collect organic samples which may be of use to Tocohl in making a positive identification.”
“Of course,” Anthora said. “Thank you, Catie.”
“You are welcome. Anthora?”
“Yes?”
“Will you tell me, when Jen Sin is—”
“When he is out of the ’doc? Of course I will.”
“Thank you. I hope he won’t die. It distressed him so much.”
Anthora blinked.
“As it would anyone,” she said gently. “I hope he won’t die, too.”
She passed the station light at the end of Bechimo’s ramp, and glanced up at a slight fluttering sound.
Three birds sat on the crossbar supporting the light—one green, one blue, one yellow.
Anthora inclined her head, and went up the ramp.