Naomi renewed her pacing, the pepper spray gripped in one hand. Lebedeva had seen Naomi use aerosols plenty of times. She gave it a last shake for good luck and slid it into her coverall pocket.

When Lebedeva arrived, Naomi didn’t know if she’d be brave enough to use her makeshift weapon. It felt so silly, so paltry, just some chilli oil and water. Lebedeva could have an actual weapon, for all Naomi knew. Another secret Valerie could have smuggled into the ship without the rest of them any the wiser. Even if she didn’t, Lebedeva was taller, corded with muscle from her endless hours at the gym. She’d run half marathons in the rec room until Naomi told her she had to knock it off because she was burning energy that they couldn’t afford to replenish. She’d overpower Naomi without even trying.

Lebedeva finally arrived just before dinner. Naomi shuffled to the corner of the room. Her mouth went dry, breath shallow.

The door swung open in a swish. “Naomi—” Lebedeva started, her hand at the comms control, but Naomi didn’t give her a chance to finish. Naomi grabbed the aerosol from her pocket and dived forward, spraying Lebedeva in the eyes. In the same motion, Naomi grabbed the empty algae vial beneath her mattress and used it to wedge the door open.

Lebedeva charged at her, even as she couldn’t see. Naomi made a run for a second vial but Lebedeva in her half-blinded state still managed to snatch Naomi’s wrist. Naomi twisted, afraid of falling. Lebedeva’s grip was a vice.

Lebedeva opened her mouth in a pained cry with a stream of colourful Russian swearing. She let go of Naomi’s wrist. “I was coming to break you out,” she cried, tears streaming down reddened eyes.

Naomi had bent down to wedge the door open further, but stopped cold.

Lebedeva heaved great gasps, trying not to scream, hands balled against her eyes.

Naomi didn’t know whether to trust her, but her gaze stuck on the comms panel. Lebedeva had switched it off when she entered. Valerie had insisted it was kept on at all times. Valerie couldn’t see them right now unless she realised it was off and turned it back on remotely.

“Fuck,” Naomi whispered. “Don’t touch it!” She dragged Lebedeva to the sink. She sprayed some soap into a bowl, diluting it with three parts water. She held it steady as Lebedeva doused her face in it, the soap helping break down the oils in the spray. Lebedeva came up for breath, gasping, and did it a couple more times. She was vulnerable. Naomi could tie Lebedeva up and leave her in the lab.