"During the war, there was a theory that the Tsavitee incorporated biologics into some of their weapons and engineering. Most especially on their ships."
"We're not on a ship, though."
They were on a planet. Right?
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Uncle Jin said as the murmur of voices came from up ahead. "As far as I can tell, this place is basically a giant ship."
Elena stopped. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
She cast her mind back, trying to remember how many of these spire structures there had been when Ajix led her in here.
A lot of them.
Elena didn't have time to follow that thought as the sound of voices got louder. She moved carefully, using a formation of rock and mineral twisted into a spiral as cover.
She scanned the cave, finding it empty despite the voices she could hear echoing off the walls around her.
Her gaze landed on a hole in the floor that led to another shaft below. That was where Fyr's voice was coming from.
How did he get down there?
This place really was a maze.
Elena crept carefully toward the edge of the crevasse.
Fyr's voice came from directly under her. "I'm telling you there's something wrong. Elise visited her. You know that woman. She's not someone who would go out of her way without a reason. Not unless that child is important to her or deeply connected to the Phoenix."
There was a long pause.
"I'm inclined to agree with you," Ajix said after some thought.
"Kai saw Elise's visit. The Sye is now suspicious of the girl. What are we going to do? If they realize you had a hand in this, you'll be in danger too," Fyr said.
"More than you know," Ajix rumbled. "I've heard back from our spies. There's something wrong with the girl's background."
"What does that mean?"
"We don't know. The only thing that's clear is that Elise lied to us."
Not good. Not good at all.
"Are you eavesdropping on a general?" Uncle Jin demanded in Elena's ear, making her jump.
Guilt flickered over her face.
"You are!" Uncle Jin exclaimed in outrage. "Elena!"
For once, Elena was grateful she couldn't respond. She knew what she was doing was dangerous. But look—hadn't she learned something important?
"If she really is connected to the Phoenix on more than just a surface level, it could affect our plans," Ajix was saying.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Keep her close. We might be able to use her against the Phoenix later."
"And if Kai discovers her identity is problematic?"
