With Tilly in the lead, Eva followed Madden through the passageway, the alcove door sliding shut behind them. The air in this new part of the church was clean, if there was such a smell. None of the odours and dust of the outside pervaded here. The walls and ceiling were made of stainless steel, polished to a shine.
Eva reached out to trail her had along the shimmering surface, only to be stopped by one of her escorts. “Sorry, Dr Ross. This is clean room atmosphere. Try not to contaminate more than possible.” The voice was Egyptian, but the accent was only very slight.
“I’m sorry,” she replied, “I didn’t know.”
“Always sticking her fingers into pies,” Madden whispered just a little too loud, bringing a muted laugh around them.
“Actually, it is ARC policy to keep everything as sterile a
