Falise had read the logs from Freelander as well as the testimony given by Captain Miguel Galluzzi. Uncle Miko had ensured that they were in her briefing materials for the trip. That was one side of the nightmare. If she assassinated Cinque too soon, there would be another.

Wait? Or kill now?

“Who will we eat first?” Cinque asked reasonably, as if he, too, were following that path of logic. “I think we should toss the marines into the hydroponic vat to start with. For one thing, I don’t want them wandering around in full armor down on D Deck, thinking up mischief. Not to mention that they’re all pictures of health. Lot of vitamins, proteins, and fats in those bodies. Perfect to charge the hydroponics, don’t you think?”

Her grip on the knife secure, she half turned—all the better to rip the blade free—and glanced up at him. “A bit premature, aren’t you? Abibi hasn’t even announced that we’re lost, and you’re murdering the marines?”

His gleaming black eyes, even more inscrutable in the observation blister’s half-light, fixed on her. “I assume you’re familiar with the history. I know the kind of captain Abibi is. She’ll act immediately to save her crew. Just like Gem Orten did on Freelander.” He paused. “Do you think that’s why she hasn’t made the announcement yet? Even as we stand here, she’s locked the hatches to the Transportee Deck? Evacuating the air? Suffocating them before they can organize and try and storm the ship?”

“Everything that happened to Freelander was classified. How would the transportees know?”

Cinque’s thin lips betrayed amusement. “That’s four hundred people. Marines, technicians, engineers, scientists of various stripes. A lot of fodder for the hydroponics.”

“Then you think we’re lost?”

“It’s more likely with each passing second.” The smile mocked her. “As you have come to conclude, yourself. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have your fingers on that knife you carry hidden away under your sash.”

And so saying, he backed a step, posture still slightly slouched, as if daring her to strike.

A dry chuckle formed in her throat. “Impasse.”

“So it would seem.” Again he crossed his arms, studying her. “I know that you’re well-trained in the use of that deadly little knife. I suspect, however, that I will kill you before the poison can take effect. Seems a shame to leave the ship to Grunnel and Radcek to fight over.”

“What do you have in mind?”