Voriet and Jaff sat with him. They had been reviewing data-slates together. Nayl and Betancore stood nearby. All of them were looking at Macks, who was standing at the far end of the long table, Garofar at her side.

‘Well, tough,’ said Macks.

‘Marshal, I’d watch your tone,’ said Voriet.

‘I think what I’ll watch, interrogator,’ replied Macks, ‘is the welfare of the Imperial citizens in this province. The Archenemy is abroad. I saw its handiwork with my own eyes. I am going to contact the governor and declare an emergency, and I’m going to ask him for military support to–’

‘We can deal with this, marshal,’ said Voriet. ‘That’s why we’re here. This is our specialty. Leave it to us to make the decisions. Don’t hinder us by complicating the situation.’

‘I have authority in this province,’ said Macks.

‘An authority superseded by the ordos,’ replied Jaff.

‘Let’s allow the governor to make that distinction,’ said Macks. ‘He can overrule me. He may urge a Territorial mobilisation anyway, to support your work. And, of course, he has the authority to request immediate clarification and authorisation from the Office of the Inquisition on Brallant.’

‘I can’t allow that,’ said Eisenhorn. ‘This matter is complex and sensitive. What you’re suggesting will delay things and potentially place more people in harm’s way.’

‘Are you asking me not to?’ asked Macks. ‘Or telling me not to? Or are you going to actually stop me doing it?’

‘Cooperation would be the ideal remedy here,’ said Eisenhorn.

‘I think that’s good advice,’ said Drusher as he walked in. He dumped the three books on the table. ‘I think it’s very good advice, and I think we should all take it.’

‘Magos, please,’ said Voriet. ‘This is a private briefing. The marshal’s already interrupted and she was just about to leave–’

‘You recruited me to serve as an expert advisor,’ said Drusher, pulling out a chair and sitting down at the table. ‘Well, I have some expertise to share. I think if you’re really interested in the most efficient resolution of this matter, we could all start to cooperate. You’re keeping Macks and me in the dark, and I don’t want any more crap about things being classified. Let’s start sharing, shall we?’

Voriet and Jaff glanced at Eisenhorn. As ever, he was unreadable.

‘What do you have, magos?’ Eisenhorn asked quietly.

Drusher waggled his finger.

‘No, no,’ he said. ‘You show me yours and I’ll show you mine.’

Garofar snorted. Macks elbowed him.

Eisenhorn sat back. He drummed his fingertips on the tabletop thoughtfully.

‘Want me to clear the room, sir?’ asked Nayl.

‘No, Harlon,’ said Eisenhorn. ‘Take a seat, marshal. You too, deputy Garofar. My interrogator was just delivering new material. Now the storm’s passed, the up-link is re-established. Voriet?’

Voriet looked at him anxiously.

‘Sir, are you sure that–’

‘Your report, please, interrogator.’