Richard’s head spun as the AI informed him: “There is an intruder onboard. A Shambler. My scans for lifeforms couldn’t find it—”

“What about Robert?” he asked, ready to reopen the channel to his friend. The only thing holding him back was the word compromised.

He knew what that meant.

“The intruder exited a maintenance tube by the cockpit and entered. Captain Harding had no time to react.”

The realization hit him hard. The videos didn’t have access to the maintenance areas.

“Robert’s life signs?” he asked, knowing the answer.

“There are none. They are heading your way, Captain.”