“Then there will be some theoretical risk. But it’s theoretical risk in that we can’t rule out something undetected, the same way we can’t rule out Santa Claus. Negative proofs are difficult or impossible. All we can do is show that Santa Claus, and the risk from the nanites, are both unlikely.”

“Okay, I see where you’re going, Henry. So, given our assumed competence and the fact that our best efforts couldn’t force an infection…”

“Plus the fact that the little critters are so easy to spot…”

“And if the Makers had wanted to infect Earth, there’s no reason to go this roundabout route…”

“Then taking our results at face value, it’s reasonable to believe that just scanning everyone before letting them go will be definitive.” Samuelson finished with a mock bow from his chair.

“Mm. I’ll have to dress it up a little, but that’s essentially what I thought.” Narang made a note on her tablet.

Samuelson didn’t seem to be quite finished, though. He made a couple of false starts, then blurted out, “Assuming the Navy goes along with letting them go.”

“Oh, believe me, Henry, that has been a topic of discussion for several layers above us. If the Navy had managed to make this into a military operation, I think the crew would be more at risk. But we won the backroom shenanigans, so it’s a civil issue, and follows New Liberation guidelines. Dr. Laakkonen has assured me that she has some very heavy hitters lined up, ready to forestall any attempts by Moore and the committee to take matters into their own hands. And he knows it.”

“What if one of the crew talks to the media?”

Narang raised her eyebrows. “Have you not been watching the news? They would have to spend the rest of their lives in hiding. We’ll present the crew with an informal choice of quietly going home or spending the rest of their lives under ‘protective custody’. I think they’ll get the point.”

Samuelson chuckled but didn’t add anything.

After a moment’s silence, Narang said, “Another item I wanted to discuss…”

Samuelson raised an eyebrow but seemed content to wait for her lead.

“I’ve received a request to package up some nanites and send them to Geneva for further study.”

“Is that wise?”

Narang favored him with a dry smile. “Exactly my concern. It’s phrased as a request, but it comes from high up enough that declining without a good reason could be career-limiting.”

“Huh.” Samuelson stared into space for a moment. “Well, there are steps we can take to reduce the danger, of course. Nothing’s ever mathematically eliminated, but we can probably bring it down below the threshold of legitimate concern.”

“Thanks, Henry. If you can give me a list of ideas by the end of the day—just spitballing for now, no need for deep analysis—I’d appreciate it.”