The changes to Ivan Pritchard seemed impossible. But that assumed she took all descriptions at face value. There was always the possibility of exaggeration, of misremembering, of outright confabulation.

On the other hand, she’d seen the chrome man. That would be hard to fake.

She pulled up the intercom app and buzzed Nakamura.

He popped up within seconds, in a video window.

“Haruki, what do we have in terms of safety procedures?”

“The usual. Negative pressure, sterilization of air and recirculation, isolation suits…”

Narang shook her head. “Not going to be enough. We’re going to have to enforce physical isolation as well. No one goes into the crew area at all.”

“But how will we get samples, do examinations?”

“We can ask the Navy engineers for some custom work in that area.” Narang thought for a moment. “And I’m sure BSL-4 containment procedures will contain some descriptions of processes, even if only on paper. Contact Laakkonen and see if she can put someone on it. We need to up our game.”

Nakamura nodded and ended the connection.

Narang sat back and stared at the ceiling. She was beginning to realize that, despite the bizarre nature of this assignment, she’d still unconsciously treated it like a biological outbreak. That would have to change.

30.Quarantine

30.Quarantine

Dear Judy,

We have arrived at Lagrange Four and are now under quarantine. I’m so sorry things are working out this way. It seems like nothing good comes to us without some corresponding karmic kick in the crotch, just to make sure we don’t get uppity.

I still don’t have any more information, but the ICDC is involved, and if they can’t pull a rabbit out of a hat, no one can. I will do everything I can to try to come out of this okay, but I won’t do anything that might risk you or our children.

I guess the good news is that we will be rich. I can be happy knowing that you and the kids will be more than okay for the rest of your lives. But remember what I said about getting away as quickly as possible.

I’m sorry, I know I’m sounding morose. But that’s me, right? Never able to lie, even to reassure you.

Whatever happens, I love you, babe. Give the kids a hug for me.

Ivan.

Ivan stared at the email for a few moments. Yeah, never able to lie. I seem to be getting a lot better at that, lately. Grimacing at the thought, he pressed send. He had no doubt that his correspondence was being examined, and would be censored or blocked if he said too much. Not that he would—he understood panic and the negative effects. He also understood guilt by association, and didn’t want his family painted with that brush. If things got out, he didn’t want a data trail from the infection to his family.