While Freya went to get the other torches out of the supply locker, Hank felt his way along the corridor to the bridge. “You know,” he said conversationally, trying to drown out the panic roaring in his ears, “this is one of the times I’m glad Jayne ain’t on board. Big lunk like him, I’d probably be falling over him.”

“I doubt that,” Zoe said behind him, barely able to see him moving against the dull glow from the stars. “He can be pretty light on his feet when he wants to be.”

“Yeah, but I’m not. Gorram it.” He leaned down to rub at his shin where he’d just whacked it on the bottom step. “Why can’t this place all be on one level?” he complained. “Steps, stairs, ladders … I get more exercise just going for a coffee than is needful.”

“You know it’s there,” his wife pointed out.

“Hey, I'm just generally moaning here,” Hank said, turning to look at her but only getting an impression of her eyes, smiling gently at him. “I hate to admit it, seeing as I'm a strong, silent kind of guy, but I’m more than a little scared.” He jumped as he felt her hand on his chest.

“I'm here, honey. Not going anywhere. You need to hold onto that, not think about the dark.” She knew, as she always did, that his claustrophobia was playing up, and she tried to emulate Freya by projecting calming thoughts.

“I’ll be better when I can see the stars,” he admitted, taking hold of her fingers and leading her up the steps.

“I can see what you mean,” she said, staring out at the expanse of black, amazed at the light that was coming from so far distant. It gave the bridge an unworldly glow that seemed appropriately in keeping with their current circumstances.

Hank let the sight wash through him, and the tightness in his chest relaxed a little. Letting go of Zoe’s hand he sat down, attempting to find anything alive in the system. Despite his best efforts, button after button remained unlit, and switches just clicked.

“ Ezri san zhi jiao mao lu ,” he said under his breath, adding out loud, ”This is ridicu