Cover

Dedication

For Audrey, who was right about this one

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Some books take a slightly more meandering path to existence than others, and I had a lot of help getting this one out into the world. Thank you to my agent, Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, for her tireless work, guidance, and belief in this book even when I was unsure what to do with it. Thanks to my editor Jessica Wade, assistant editor Miranda Hill, and the whole team at Berkley for all of their work and enthusiasm for this dark little space monster. And thank you to Adriana Mather, Shannon Parker, and Leah Thomas for your friendship and support.

Most of all, a million and one thanks to Audrey Coulthurst, who has believed in this book from the beginning and has been a tireless cheerleader every step of the way, even when she had much more important things to do with her time. Thank you for everything, my friend, corpses and all.

Transcript

SPEC SECURITY—RESTRICTED ARCHIVE REF. #39378832-N

SHIP-TO-SHIP COMMUNICATION TRANSCRIPT (AUDIO)

Source: FIRST SNOW, SPEC TRANSPORT

TimeDate: 15:19:37 01.10.393

FIRST SNOW: Can you confirm the ship’s identification?

SCOUT 1: Yes. It’s TIGER, Commander. It’s from HOUSE OF WISDOM. Lieutenant Naidoo is on tether and approaching the airlock now.

FIRST SNOW: What do you see, Lieutenant?

SCOUT 2: There’s no visible damage. Hull appears intact. Control panel is powered and responsive. System says the airlock is functional and the interior is pressurized, but . . .

FIRST SNOW: What is it?

SCOUT 2: There’s something on the control panel.

FIRST SNOW: Evidence of sabotage?

SCOUT 2: I think it’s blood.

SCOUT 1: Blood? That doesn’t make sense. Intel says there was a virus. Bioweapon released by a former crew member. Commander? What aren’t they telling us?

FIRST SNOW: I don’t know any more than you do at this stage. We’ll learn more when the rescue crews reach the primary target. Proceed with caution, Lieutenant.

SCOUT 2: Got it. Moving into airlock—shit, there’s more here. Handprints on the control panels, the airlock, the hatch. I’m opening the inner door.

FIRST SNOW: Is there an injured crew member aboard?

SCOUT 2: I don’t see anybody—no. Wait. Oh, no. Let me just—

SCOUT 1: Marybelle? What is it?

SCOUT 2: It’s a kid. Fuck, it’s a little kid.

FIRST SNOW: Can you repeat that? Did you say there’s a child?

SCOUT 2: He’s strapped into the pilot’s seat. He’s injured. The blood might be his. Let me just—I need to check. I need to find a pulse.

FIRST SNOW: Do not expose yourself until we are certain there are no biological agents aboard the craft. Do you copy? Do not put yourself at risk.

SCOUT 2: Okay. Okay. He’s breathing. He’s—oh, sweetheart, it’s okay. Don’t try to move. I know it hurts. Can you tell me your name? Please don’t be afraid.

ZAHRA