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The “corridors” of an Inzari ship were like passageways through a dark labyrinth of caves: dimly-lit and imposing. Worse yet, each step brought the expectation of hard rock beneath your feet, but instead you felt only the squish of flesh. In fact, Slade wasn't sure this tunnel would have existed if not for his presence. The ship seemed to configure itself to suit his needs.
At the end of the corridor, an open, dome-like chamber was lit only by the reddish glow from the walls. The Inzari was waiting in there; he couldn't see the creature, except for a slight ripple when it moved, but he knew.
He stumbled into the chamber with his hands on his knees, bent over and gasping for breath. “I have failed,” Slade whispered. “Lenai and her people have recovered the final cipher. They will soon
