As they were discussing their plan and sharing thoughts, a sudden knock came on the door.
Before Requiem could reach the door, it slid open from the outside, revealing a crew member standing just beyond the threshold. He didn't step in or scan the room. He just delivered the message like it was routine.
"Dinner's ready," he said. "Lyra's waiting."
The door closed again without asking for an answer.
They exchanged looks.
They had eaten earlier, enough to keep moving, but not enough to settle hunger. Still, a meal offered by people they didn't trust carried weight that had nothing to do with appetite.
Requiem spoke first. "We go. All of us."
Reva frowned. "And the food?"
"I'll handle it," Requiem said. "You eat. I'll play along."
No one argued. The decision settled fast.
