Gregor, what are you . . . ? began Sifra.

Tarrant turned to regard him with a look of triumph. Think about it for a moment, he said. It obviously makes sense.

How? demanded Sifra.

If Megan escaped from the Demarchy after merging with the ship, said Tarrant, then she must also possess Dakota Merricks thoughts and memories, right?

Sifra lowered his gun, suddenly looking less certain.

It explains so much, doesnt it? Tarrant continued. Otherwise how could she get on board the Ship of the Covenant so easily, and simply fly away with it?

Sifras eyes grew wide in realization. Nobody but her could ever make sense of the Wanderer, he murmured. Nobody could get Bashir to respond the way she did, let alone survive the experience.

All that time, the one thing the one person we needed to get the Wanderer to deal with us was right there on the Beauregard along with us, said Tarrant. And we never even suspected. He shook his head in disbelief and laughed. I dont think its too much of a jump ahead to guess where shes headed. Shes clearly after the same damn thing we are.

Okay, fine, said Sifra. Youre right, it does make sense. But it still leaves us with a problem: how do we get the Wanderer to deal with us if we dont have Megan or Merrick or whatever her damn name is?

Tarrants gaze settled once more on Gabrielle. I was wondering the same thing, but then it hit me.

Sifra followed the direction of his gaze. What?

Anil, we have her, he said, pointing at Gabrielle. Remember, she has the identical DNA to Megan.

So? asked Sifra.

Tarrant made an exasperated sound. Think about it. Theyre both linked in some way to the Ship of the Covenant. Theyre both machine-heads. Maybe that means she can do the same things with Bashir that Megan could.

You want to use her to talk to the Wanderer? said Sifra, looking uncertain. You think it could work?

Its got to be worth a shot, hasnt it? Well take her and Bash up to orbit, then well run a trial experiment with them.

Sifra nodded, his expression speculative. Youre right. Weve got nothing to lose, anyway, have we? But shes not bringing that brat of yours on the ship with her, Gregor.

Oh no, thought Gabrielle. Oh, please, no. They were about to kill Evie.

Tarrant stared at Sifra, his expression unreadable. Im not sure thats necessary

Your job, said Sifra, was to infiltrate the Demarchy and bring out the girl. Getting her pregnant wasnt part of it. This is your mess, Gregor, and youre going to have to . . . clear it up.

Tarrant glanced at her briefly, then back at Sifra. There must be an alternative, he said.