I ask once we are in the transport, ascending.“You don’t have to trust my word, M'Lady. See for yourself.” He nods toward the wall, but I hesitate. I’ve never flaunted my abilities—certainly not before anyone who understands what I’m doing. What if I do it wrong? What if I embarrass myself?Archibald dons a kindly smile and touches my shoulder. His hand spreads warmth and reassurance through my veins. So I reach out, place my hand against the wall and ask the ship if we are alone. Satisfied there are no sentient beings aboard, I withdraw my hand and offer Archibald a wry grin.He returns it but doesn’t keep it on his face for long. His symbiants convey his regret a breath before he says, “They will soon realize I failed to bring you to them and they will return. We must not be here when they do.”“But Nicolai took the last pod—there is no way off-ship.”Archibald frowns slightly, then cocks his head to the side. “No, he did not. Is it possible he disembarked with the others at New Oregon?”I don’t see how, but it doesn’t matter.
