What happened to Dios was necessary, Tarrant continued. Even killing Thijs and his friends wouldnt have been enough to enable us to escape for certain. We needed a bigger distraction, one that would convince people we must have died along with everyone else.

She launched herself towards him, beyond reason now, a noise that was barely human escaping her throat. Everything he had ever said to her, every word whispered to her in the depths of the night, had been little more than elaborate lies.

Tarrant avoided her onslaught with ease, grabbing hold of both her arms and twisting them behind her back until she screamed from the pain. Now you have a choice, he said. Unless you decide to be cooperative, I can put you back in a medbox and leave you there until I need you. Were going to meet with some old friends of mine, and then were going on a trip, Gaby. A long one.

I hope they catch you, she hissed, still struggling to free herself from his grasp. I hope the Accord finds you and cuts you into little pieces for what youve done.

Tarrant laughed. The Accord? And what the hell do you think would happen to you if their soldiers got hold of us? The best you could hope for is that theyd hand you over to the Demarchy, but its much more likely theyd just try to find some way to merge you with the Ship of the Covenant themselves.

She twisted in his grasp, the movement sending them both into a slow spin in the zero gravity. They wouldnt do that, she said, aware of the uncertainty in her own voice.

The Accord badly needs the data that the Demarchy was about to extract from you. It has come to rely on it, so dont make the mistake of thinking it would treat you any better than Thijs would have done. Itd use you for what you actually are: a made thing, a clone.

Im pregnant, she whispered.

Tarrant released one of her arms and used his other hand to yank her around until she faced him.

What did you just say? he demanded, sounding furious.

Are you deaf? she spat at him. I said Im pregnant.

A range of emotions flickered across his face. Why the hell didnt you tell me before now?

I guess I couldnt find the right moment, she sneered.

His face darkened with rage, and for a moment Gabrielle thought he might strike her.

You stupid little whore, he muttered under his breath instead, before letting go of her. She pushed herself away from him, and moved towards the hatch.

You stupid little whore, he shouted after her again. How long has it been?

Almost four months, she told him, and saw his eyes drop towards her waist. Its just starting to show.