<I have something to trade.> It was like whispering into a tornado, but somehow, she knew, the Wanderer could hear her. <My information in exchange for yours.>

The barrage seemed to lessen somewhat. She steeled herself, then opened up wider, telling it about Gabrielle and the Ship of the Covenant.

There was no reaction, no response. It was like shouting into the wind. The Wanderers attention began to slip back into the abyss, and she fell, tumbling away.

She opened her eyes to find she had collapsed onto the floor, sweating and shaking and severely dehydrated. Her stool had tumbled on its side next to her.

Well? demanded Schelling, standing over her with a look of impatience. Did you manage to get a reply?

Not exactly. I thought you were recording everything?

Yes, but

In that moment, she heard a sound like none shed ever heard before, coming from the other side of the room.

From Bash.

She peered over at him. They all did. He was leaning forward in his seat, with eyes staring and mouth hanging open, a deep bass rumble emerging from somewhere in the depths of his throat like a protracted death rattle.

Mmm . . . magi. Bashs mouth stretched itself wide, his tongue roving around the interior of his mouth as if unfamiliar with its contours. His eyes rolled in his head.

Mmm . . . machine. For. Move. Mmph. Moving between. Stars, he grunted, with apparently enormous effort, before falling back against his chair.

What the hell? said Schelling, turning to look questioningly at first Sifra, and then Tarrant. You told me this man was brain-dead.

Thats not him speaking, said Sifra, his eyes locked on Bash. Its the Wanderer.

Bash started to shake, grinding his teeth together so vigorously that the sound made Megans own jaw ache.

Theres something wrong with him, declared Tarrant, with one eye still on the floating panels. His brains all lit up as if hes suffering a grand mal fit, and his heartbeats showing severe dysrhythmia. We need to stop this now, or hes going to suffer a seizure, or a heart attack, or both.

Not yet, said Schelling. Maybe this is our best chance finally to talk to the Wanderer directly.

Schelling stepped closer to Bash, who let out a piercing animal shriek that stopped him in his tracks.

Listen to me, Schelling addressed Bash. Weve got something we know you want information about the Magi and also about the Makers. Tell me if you understand me.

For the first time, Bashs eyes actually focused on Schelling. Something about his expression sent a chill through Megan: it wasnt human.

Mmmm-machine, said Bash. For moving between. Stars.

Do you understand what were offering you? said Schelling. Information about the Magi and the Makers.

Bashs expression morphed rapidly from childish delight to terrible pain. Magi, he grunted. Yes.

And in return, we want whatever it is you gave the Meridians.