The elevator rises slowly, the sound of it receding to those on E Deck.<br/><br/>Ahead of them, the cargo bay seals and locks with a thunk.  They are left in the hallway, crushed in the jaws of a terrible quiet.<br/><br/><strong>Above, behind Kathryn, </strong>another sound is heard:  Her ears pick up a heavy, liquid pattering - the sound of something glutinous dropping to splash on the floor.  A steamy scent weaves its woolly humidity into her nose.  She smells saffron, velvet and leather.  They are ripe smells.  The smells of something living.<br/><br/>