The lady had taken three bites by now. It had to be a trick of the eyes, but it seemed as if she’d gotten a little bit of strength back. Then she spoke again.

“I’m not sick, you know.” She finished off the piece of bread, stuffing the last, giant piece into her mouth. It took a few moments for her to swallow. “I swear it on the life of everyone I’ve ever known or ever will know.”

“You know us, now,” Miyoko countered. “Seems like a lame deal to be included.”

The woman let out a tired sound that might’ve been a laugh. “Touché. I should’ve known the first people I came across would be smart-asses. Look. Do you have some way of testing for viruses? Bacteria? Do you have a medical center at all?” She held up an arm and gestured toward the crook of her elbow. “Stick me with as many needles as you want.”

“You sure talk a lot for someone who seemed three-quarters dead a couple minutes ago.” Miyoko wasn’t backing down in this test of wills, and Isaac was more than happy to stay silent. “How could we possibly trust you, anyway? Where’d you come from? Why are all those people shot in the head? Why’d you bring that big ugly boat here?”

“Doesn’t the name of it give you a clue?” the woman responded. “I know the letters fell off—ocean voyages are a pain in the ass, believe you me—but it’s still plain as day what it says.”

This time, Miyoko didn’t answer. Neither did Isaac. It seemed best to let the lady talk and spill her secrets without giving away any of their own.

The stranger grabbed a few grapes, popped them in her mouth. Then she slowly, painfully sat up, the agony and weariness plain on her face. But she probably couldn’t have done even that when they’d first dragged her out.

“Listen,” she said. “I’m not sick. Those people on my boat weren’t sick. It’s complicated, and I’m happy to tell the whole story, but I’d rather talk to your . . . leaders. Older people, anyway. Some gray hair, couple wrinkles would be nice. No offense.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Miyoko chimed in. “They’re coming. Lots of them. But you better tell us why you’re here or we’ll save them the trouble of getting rid of you. And don’t bother lying. It’ll just waste our time and yours.”

It took every ounce of effort for Isaac not to react to that. She was being absurd, but had played the part pretty well.