"As we expressed in our initial statement to the press, we're quite firmly committed to using experts from inside and outside the space agency--"

"When you say outside experts, I find myself wondering where they'd be drawn from, this being an occurrence that's had few historic parallels. Other than Challenger, and Apollo 10 before that, nothing else gratefully comes to mind ... and I do want to emphasize the word gratefully. "

"I understand the basis of your question, Gary. But we've learned a great deal from the accidents you mention, and many of the people who helped determine what occurred in those instances are available for consultation--or even active participation--in our investigation. Also, while it's true that the shuttle is a unique and advanced spacecraft, many of its systems and subsystems share a common baseline with the technologies used in other modern flying machines. Consequently, there's a wide pool of authorities from government and civil aviation who can be of tremendous assistance to us."

"Does that mean the FAA and National Transportation and Safety Board will be involved?"

Name the two agencies that nobody but nobody trusts, why don't you? Might as well ask about the possible inclusion of former KGB operatives, or maybe Nixon's White House plumbers while you're at it.

"We'll be working alongside those groups to get to the bottom of what happened, and may very well include representatives from both as part of our team's composition. However, we've already had many specialists from the aerospace industry and other parts of the private sector volunteer their expertise, and we will certainly be taking full advantage of it. What matters to me is that the job gets done, and I'm inclined to engage anyone who can have constructive input, regardless of his or her professional affiliation."

Gary Somebody-or-other paused a beat. Though Annie was looking directly into the bland eye of a television camera and had no video monitor with which to see him long distance, she suspected he was getting instructions from the control room.

A moment later her suspicion was confirmed.

"I'm being told we're short on time, so some final questions," he said. "We've heard from various sources that there's been a break-in at an UpLink International facility in Brazil, where critical elements of the International Space Station are being manufactured. Several accounts indicate that a military-style assault force was involved. Can you tell us anything about this?"

Have to get back to you on that one. Soon as somebody gives me more than the Cliff Notes version of what's going on over there. Which may eventually happen if I'm lucky.

"To be frank, I've spoken with Roger Gordian just once since my appointment as head of the probe, and didn't have a chance to discuss the matter at length--"

"Can you confirm that there indeed was an attack on the plant?"