The service hall accepted only three shadows.
Caleb crossed first because the room had named him vessel and because his body wanted to prove it could arrive before him.
He made it wait.
Sam followed with the Record under one arm.
Rina stepped in third.
The hall lights changed from white to blue behind her. A glass panel slid down between Rina and the waiting room, slow enough to be a decision instead of a trap.
Iharu's hand rose on the other side.
Rina put her palm to the glass.
"Tower stands," he said.
The glass kept the sound out.
Caleb read his mouth.
So did Rina.
She nodded once.
Tali moved behind Iharu and lifted two fingers toward Caleb.
Choice words.
Caleb answered with his open hand.
The route turned left.
It should have led behind the admission windows. It led into an interview room instead.
Three chairs waited around a metal table. Each had a white card placed on the seat.
CUSTODIAN.
VESSEL.
WITNESS.
