Contents
Chapter 16: The Tomb
Overview
Marlowe revives the Cielcin noble Tanaran and begins a risky extraction through Balmung’s corridors. Spotted by crew, he faces Lieutenant Hanas and Jaddian guards. Valka overrides security and brings Pallino and Elara to assist, dropping Hanas and clearing the way. The betrayal becomes open as the team races for the bay.
Summary
In the cryo hold, Marlowe oversees Doctor Okoyo as she drains the suspension fluid and cycles blood back into the Cielcin Tanaran’s body. Amid tense fear from Siran, Switch, Crim, and a Norman trooper, Marlowe steadies himself, speaks the alien tongue, and coaxes Tanaran awake. The revived alien recognizes Marlowe, asks about its master, and—despite misgivings—dresses in its robes to follow.
They move through dark corridors toward a lift, Marlowe urging speed while avoiding cameras Valka has blinded. A technician spots them, forcing a rush. Tanaran, light-sensitive and unsteady from fugue, questions Marlowe’s motives; Marlowe insists the escape is the only chance to reach the Cielcin.
At a lower deck, Crim stuns two fugue techs, prompting guilt but no delay. Near the bay, Lieutenant Alessandro Hanas and six Jaddian aljanhi block their path and demand surrender. Marlowe refuses to fire on Jinan’s people, weighing the risk to the unshielded Tanaran and civilians as alarms begin to blare.
Suddenly, stunner fire from behind Hanas’s line drops several guards. Elara and Pallino emerge; Pallino distracts the shielded lieutenant by throwing his stunner and then knocks Hanas out with a punch. Valka arrives moments later, revealing she seized security controls and fetched the myrmidons to help.
With Hanas down and the corridor cleared, Pallino and Elara insist on joining the exfiltration. Marlowe accepts under pressure, and the reinforced team presses on toward the hangar with Tanaran as shipwide alarms continue, committing fully to the break with their comrades.
Who Appears
- Hadrian MarloweLeads the risky thawing and extraction of Tanaran, negotiating with allies and refusing to harm Jinan’s troops.
- TanaranCielcin noble revived from fugue; distrustful but compliant, weakened and light-sensitive, central to Marlowe’s plan.
- Valka OnderraSilently takes control of ship security and summons reinforcements, enabling the team to bypass guards.
- PallinoArrives with Elara; disables Lieutenant Hanas with a thrown stunner and a punch; insists on joining.
- ElaraStuns opposing troopers from the flank and rebukes Marlowe for leaving; joins the escape team.
- Doctor OkoyoManages the crèche, cycles fluids, and monitors Tanaran’s revival despite uncertainty with alien biology.
- CrimScouts and stuns encountered crew; helps clear the path toward the lift and bay.
- SwitchCovers the team with a stunner, conflicted about firing on their own, but protects the group.
- SiranProvides rear security, translates concerns, and helps move Tanaran through the corridors.
- Lieutenant Alessandro HanasLeads Jaddian guards to stop Marlowe; raises alarms but is knocked unconscious by Pallino.