rumor-and-gossip

Maya experiences a disturbing sighting of a mysterious stranger aboard the Ares, which she cannot rationalize and fears might be a hallucination caused by space-induced psychological stress. The chapter explores the growing social fragmentation and underlying tensions among the crew, highlighting rumors, secret relationships, and the psychological strain of long-term space travel. Maya's unease culminates in her grappling with the possibility of hidden lives and conspiracies aboard the ship.