"Apparently a break-in, to use your characterization of the incident, did take place and was contained by UpLink security forces. That's all I've gotten up to this point, but I plan to be in further touch with Mr. Gordian sometime today or tomorrow, and will hopefully have additional information to share with you afterward."

"Any idea about the size of the attack force, what they were after, or who might have been sponsoring them?"

"No, none. I really do wish I could tell you more right now, Gary, but everyone needs to try and be patient."

"Still, I must ask you--given the nearly simultaneous timing of the two incidents, and knowing that Orion's primary cargo was a lab element of ISS--has a connection between what happened in Brazil and the shuttle blaze been considered?"

"I have no knowledge that would lead me to believe that, and don't think we should go too far with that kind of speculation. NASA maintains a very close relationship with UpLink, and we'll be keeping track of any developments in Mato Grasso that could impact on the program. I intend to be absolutely forthcoming to the press about whatever we learn, bearing in mind that we need to be careful about any details that might jeopardize the safety of UpLink personnel abroad."

"So you're not concerned about Roger Gordian suspending operations at the plant? If the stories coming out of Brazil turn out to be true?"

Huh? Suspending operations? Where'd that come from? Feel free to whip something up out of thin air, why don't you, Gary?

"No, I've heard nothing at all to indicate that's being contemplated."

Another pause.

"Unfortunately, I'm being signaled that we're coming up on our daily 'Keep Your Lawn Lean and Green' segment. Please accept our prayers and best wishes as you move forward with your investigation. I hope you'll return to give us an update."

"Thank you, Gary, I'm sure that I will," Annie said.

Onward, she thought.

It was at her afternoon press conference that Annie detected an emerging thread to the coverage, one that was being gradually twisted through a journalistic hook with sales figures and ratings points as the intended catch.

She'd scarcely taken a breath after having completed her opening statements when an Associated Press reporter opened the Q&A by shooting his hand into the air and jumping from his seat in front of the podium like a kindergartner desperate for his teacher's permission to visit the potty.

"In your appearance on a national television broadcast earlier today, you discussed Roger Gordian closing down his International Space Station plant in Brazil due to an attack on its grounds by armed militants," he said. "Can you elaborate on that situation for us?"

"As I stated before, I've heard nothing whatsoever about any such closing, and have to point out that your categorization of the intruders as militants is incredibly premature--"

"But you confirmed that a break-in took place, am I correct?"