Narang nodded. “The important thing is that, with artificial gravity, we don’t have to worry so much about the long-term effects of the quarantine on the patients. And we really don’t know how long it might last.”

Bentley flipped open his tablet. “So, you wanted isolation for Pritchard, separate isolation for the rest of the crew, a third level for medical staff, and a fourth, clean level. Shall we inspect?”

They buckled themselves into their chairs, and the ferry pilot maneuvered the small vessel up to the module airlock at the hub.

From there, they took one of three elevators to the rim—the outermost level, with the highest gravity. Bentley kept up a running commentary as he showed Narang the different sections.

“You’ll have an AQRI scanner between each isolation level, as well as the usual diagnostics. We’ve tried to anticipate needs, but of course this isn’t your standard disease.

“The crew will be housed on one side of B elevator, and Pritchard on the other side. Labs are between those sections and elevators A and C, so Pritchard and the crew will have access only to the one elevator. And we’ll have manual control of that.”

“What are you expecting? A break-out?”

“This is pretty standard. Maybe these people won’t, but another group in another situation might. Anyway, your staff will own Levels 2 and 3 as well. Navy personnel will staff the hub and guard for any attempted excursions, by either patients or doctors.” He raised an eyebrow at Narang, inviting comment.

“Standard practice again?”

“Actually, Doctor, yes.”

“Hmph. Well, okay. We’ll probably be winging it, Lieutenant, at least at first. Our first priority will be to determine if Ivan’s infection can be reliably detected, and how.” Narang glanced back at the AQRI. “I’m betting those will figure prominently.”

Bentley nodded. “This probably isn’t a surprise, doctor, but this situation is a good deal more, um, out there than what our scenarios generally plan for. The committee will be considering additional levels of failsafe.”

“Hmm, I love that phrase. Any specifics?”

Bentley shook his head. “But I’m sure you’ll hear about it.”

Narang left the module feeling both impressed and vaguely disquieted. The Navy had delivered on all requests, including a full airlock and lab setup between each isolation level. She certainly had no complaints from that point of view. But Bentley’s last comments left her with a feeling of unease. What “failsafes” might they set up, and would they bring her into the loop?

Unfortunately, a feeling of unease wasn’t exactly actionable. Might as well just get this show on the road, and worry about complications as they came up.

“I guess we’re ready to go,” she said to Lt. Bentley. “Time to bring in the ICDC staff.”

* * *