As a matter of fact, the white-haired man continued, as he came to a halt before her cot, it took dozens of people working in unison for over two years to bring about the events of the past few days. He nodded towards Tarrant. Thats not to say that Gregors role wasnt vital.

Youre Otto Schelling, Megan said, realizing. You disappeared along with a bunch of nova mines, right after strenuously denying they ever existed.

Schelling gazed down at her. I prefer to be addressed as General Schelling. Youve caused me more trouble than I could have believed was possible, Miss Jacinth. You wouldnt be alive right now if not for the fact we still have a use for you.

Worse luck, said Sifra tonelessly.

What the hell are you talking about? said Megan.

Gregor, said the General, get someone to uncuff her from that cot, would you?

Tarrant gave him a tight-lipped glance. Sir, its too much of a risk having her here. We dont need her, and its better all round if we find some other way of

Youve already made your objections abundantly clear, snapped Schelling. Now do what the hell youre told. He gave Megan a brittle smile. And then we can find somewhere comfortable to continue our conversation.

Two heavily armed Freeholders led her downslope, with Sifra, Tarrant and General Schelling taking the lead. They passed a cluster of digging machines that stood quiescent amidst piles of rubble, before turning into a cathedral-sized cavern made eerily beautiful by patches of bioluminescent algae clinging to its walls and ceiling.

They were heading, she realized, towards a huddle of prefab buildings erected in the centre of the cavern. Standing on a platform next to one of these buildings was a huge industrial-scale fabricator that looked both newer and in far better condition than anything else she had seen since entering the Freehold base.

Tarrant led her inside one of the buildings, while the soldiers waited outside. She found herself ushered into a small bare room, followed by Schelling and Sifra.

Are we secure in here? Schelling demanded, as Tarrant pushed the door shut.

Tarrant nodded. It checks clean for listening devices, General. Our hosts wont be able to listen in.

Megan wondered what they had to say that they didnt want even the Freehold to overhear.

Good, said Schelling, stepping over to a small table in one corner and picking up a bottle. He poured a splash of its contents into three glasses, before handing one each to Tarrant and Sifra. Then he turned to Megan and gestured with his own glass towards a chair set against the wall. Sit, he said.

Id rather stand, said Megan.

You can either sit, said Schelling menacingly, or I can ask Anil to work you over with his gloves. Hes still very upset about the state you left his dropship in, you know. So the choice is yours.

Megan stared at him for a moment, then sat down.