“That’s good,” Eakins said. “Go on.”

“You’re not looking for killers. You’re looking for lifeguards. And not just ordinary lifeguards who tan well and look good for the babes—you want lifeguards who save lives, not just because they can, but because they care. And this whole test, this business about Matty, is about finding out what kind of a lifeguard I am. Right?”

“That’s one way to look at it,” Eakins said. “But it’s wrong. Remember what you were told—that Matty isn’t part of this case? He isn’t. He’s a whole other case. Your case.”

“Yeah. I think I got that part.”

Eakins nodded. “So, look—here’s the deal. I honestly don’t care if you take the pill or not. It’s not necessary. We’ll send you back, and you can save the kid. All we really needed to know about you is whether or not you would take the pill if you were asked—would you take it if you were ordered, or if it was required, or if it was absolutely essential to the success of the mission. We know you’re committed to saving lives. We just need to know how deep you’re willing to go.”

Nodded. Didn’t answer. Not right away. Turned to the window again and stared across the basin, not seeing the airships, not seeing the spires, not seeing the grand swatches of color. Thought about a kiss. Matty’s kiss on my cheek. And that moment of … well, call it desire. Thought about what I might feel if I took the pill. That was the thing. I might actually start feeling again. What the fuck. Ugly puppies need love too. It couldn’t be any worse than what I wasn’t feeling now.

Turned back around. Looked at Eakins. “This is going to be more than a beautiful friendship, isn’t it—?”

“Congratulations,” he said. “You’re the new harvester.”