Luiz floated just inside the cockpit hatch. One of the zombies floated nearby, one hand threaded through a ceiling grip. The other was still strapped into its couch.

She froze as Luiz reached inside his jacket and withdrew his torch gun. I dont know how the hell you managed it, he said slowly, but youre going to get back in that couch right now. Do you understand me?

I dont think thats such a good idea, she said, edging away from him.

Luizs eyes roved around the cockpit, until they settled on the couch where the bead-zombie had been seated until a few minutes before. He glanced at the other zombie beside him, as if seeing it for the very first time.

I want you to tell me, he said, what the fuck youve been up to.

They were his last words.

Megan switched the freed zombie to lethal mode and gave it a target. She watched as it unsheathed its sword and, in a single liquid motion, drew the razor-edged blade across Luizs windpipe.

The Freeholders limbs fluttered and jerked as he died. Globules of his blood floated in the zero gravity, misting the air red. It was impossible to avoid as it spread throughout the tiny cabin. After a moment the dropships monitoring systems finally realized something was wrong and activated a pump that sucked out the tainted air, rapidly replenishing it from the emergency tanks.

That got rid of most of the blood floating in the air, but it was also the worst possible thing that could have happened just then. It meant an alert had gone out to Sifra. And that meant he would soon be on his way back to the dropship and vessels such as the Liberia offered a distinct lack of hiding places.

Not to mention that she still hadnt figured out how she was actually going to get off the Liberia and down to Redstone without being stopped . . .

Focus, damn you.

She kneeled by Bash and touched one hand to his now bloodstained cheek. Im sorry, baby, she whispered. Its going to be hard enough getting away from here without having to lead you by the hand the whole way.

You dont have to worry about me, she imagined him saying. You just need to take care of yourself.

But I still need to take care of you, she said, and felt tears running down her cheeks. Everything got so fucked up, ever since I managed to find you again, but Im going to come back for you, okay? And, when I do, I swear Ill never let you out of my sight, not ever again.

His eyes stared at nothing, his face expressionless.

She stood then, looking down at him. Somehow I just keep abandoning you, dont I?