Chapter 32 - The Ship Without a Crew
At dawn, the coast guard found a research ship drifting toward Blackwater Harbor.
No crew answered the radio.
Iris assembled a small team, but Mara refused to remain behind. Theo, Adrian and Evelyn joined her while June stayed with trusted officers inside a shielded facility.
The ship’s engines were running when they boarded.
Coffee remained warm in the galley.
Cabin doors were open.
There were no people.
In the control room, the navigation system displayed Mara’s childhood address.
Adrian discovered a row of glass containers below deck. Each contained personal objects: watches, rings, keys and identification cards belonging to the missing crew.
“The people were transferred somewhere,” he said.
“People are not files,” Theo replied.
A speaker activated.
Helen Ellison’s voice filled the ship.
“You still believe bodies define people, Theo. That is why Lattice chose you as Mara’s anchor.”
Mara followed the voice to a sealed laboratory.
Inside stood a woman who looked no older than forty.
She had Mara’s eyes.
“Mom?” Mara whispered.
Helen smiled.
“My body died seventeen years ago.”
She touched the glass wall separating them.
“But I did not.”
The ship’s doors locked.
Helen looked at Evelyn.
“You kept Clara imprisoned.”
May you like
Then she looked at Mara.
“Now choose which mother deserves to survive.”
