“Key words: control and management.” Kalico winced as a large drop of water spattered on her helmet and exploded into silver mist under the harsh lights. “All the returning transportees will be handled with total efficiency, and believe me, the Boardmembers will be on top of any rumors as soon as they get a hint of trouble. By the time the first of the transportees step off Turalon, they’ll have been completely versed in what to say and what not to say. Not to mention the consequences to themselves and their families if they go telling tales that are not officially sanctioned by the Board. What The Corporation won’t be able to squelch is that something’s wrong with the way we’re inverting symmetry, that seven ships are missing and presumed lost. That Freelander suffered some catastrophe, and everyone died. And finally, that the colony has survived, if not prospered. But most of all, they can’t stop the knowledge that Donovan is a treasure chest of potential wealth.”

Ghosh pulled on his glove. “You think it’s enough to make the Board turn Turalon around, put another crew on her, and send her back?”

“I don’t know.” Kalico watched a loose piece of rock break loose from the ceiling and clatter to the floor. It shattered into pieces when it hit. Rotten, indeed. “They’d be running the figures. Seven ships? That’s a huge capital loss to write off. Turalon’s cargo? Most of it was clay. Remarkable clay, and enough to build two starships to be sure. And then there was the plunder. That, along with the geological reports, will have the Board intrigued. Of course, they’ll trickle the gemstones and precious metals into the economy slowly so as not to disturb the markets.”

“Oh, yes. Mustn’t disturb the markets,” Ghosh growled.

“But whether they’ll turn Turalon around? I really can’t say, and I’ve given it a lot of thought. Depends on the politics and backstabbing. On who has the power on the Board these days and what their agenda is. Who has the most to gain or lose? What’s the political situation out among the stations? Social unrest? If so, it’s a lot more likely they’ll make the most out of Turalon’s arrival. Use the wealth as a distraction, disseminate glowing reports, and hope to ship as many radicals off to Donovan as they can manage to cram aboard. So, it’s a tossup.”

“Until Ashanti arrives,” Ghosh added.

She gave him a conspiratorial wink. “If Ashanti arrives.”

He shifted uncomfortably, gaze fixed on the crumbling rock. “All this speculation about what the Board would do? It’s just wishful thinking, Supervisor. For all we know, Turalon never made it back. Maybe she’s lost somewhere in some other universe. Like Freelander, all of her passengers and crew are dead, and all that wealth is floating somewhere in blackness.”