The article text from RhyDin Post ran in a thin white frame on the right side of virtual screen, captured obviously from one of press monitor AIs.

Until recently, the only documented researchers involved in the plague studies were directly under instruction by Governor Simon, and were employed all over the city in community and private hospitals. Latterly, however, a new group of ?researchers? has happened along with hefty promises of a total cure for the disease.
A group that refuses to be identified.
A group that refuses to present documentation of its research.
A group that has only just now made itself known to RhyDin.


Neural interfaces locked dozens of Councilors and Advisors in the virtual space. Amber eyes of Shuashai. Emerald greens of Dehtyar. Warm black of Branlee and dark amber of Althos. Sparkling blues of Volin and silvery eyes of Keidain. All of them, in their near-trance of attention could burn a hole in a paper, had it been an actual paper. A wave of soft mutter rolled over the network. What had this to do with Mentar Station - this article from a newspaper in an M-Class, medieval, inferior world?

Agenda: Inappropriate interference from representatives of Althos-Gair sub-line. Violation of neutrality policy.

The agenda statement was bold and even blinking, as if in total outrage. Althos-Gair! The newest sub-line, the one that was allowed to exist on several conditions, secrecy to outside world being one of them.

"Revered Council. We have gathered to discuss a deliberate violation of our regulations. Unauthorized attempt of progressor activity from a group that was supposed to be our secret security measure. Let me remind you, that they were the only group present in the M-class world in question, and the only group capable of producing effect described in the article you have before your eyes," sounded a mental voice of someone from Shuashai bloodline. The emblem of bloodline - hooded shape crossed by a falling star - blinked in the background to signify who's speaking. As if there's any need for it, Aquira thought. Could there be anyone more concerned about safety of Mentar?

"They were seen entering Riverview Hospital in an M-class world of RhyDin, null-T activity was detected shortly after this. Later on they were seen in and out of Riverview. Also, a number of locals has testified they had been treated by the people ideally fitting description of Gair group in question"

Aquira shuddered. They should have thought about possible Shuashai visual monitors and invesigation. But they've done nothing wrong, merely did their best to assist those in dire need of assistance... Doc Valkonan should be able to use base-by-base maps and synthesis algorithms to produce the necessary meds and modify them in case of further virus mutation. They didn't spread any ultra-novel technology around... But a new emblem signified a new speaker, and Aquira's heart sank.

"I suggest annulment!" was a hasty voice of a Dehtyar councilor. "These Gairs had been pestering us long enough, with their dubious ethics and meddling with outsiders! Their ridiculous experimenting with what they call A-Tun, their totally incomprehensible and impossible designs... They have outlived their usefulness. We should be steady and gradual on our path, unlike these...breakthrough fanatics. I say - Annulment!"

Annulment. The word had been spoken.

(( Article quoted with Darien Fenner's player's permission ))

"How relevant is this to the agenda of the meeting?" Xander Shuashai retorted.
"Very relevant, Security Chief. Allow me to remind, that Fomalhaut system remains in direct null-contact with us. An epidemic at Fomalhaut may quite easily affect us, starting from tourist-infested Starport satellite."
"Don't try to invent a threat when there's none, Councilor Branlee. We have excellent medical service based on Dehtyar bloodline professionals. We realize that your potential joining with Rhaine imGair is prompting you to further her cause, but please do keep your personal life from your duty."

Branlee didn't react to the bait, but couldn't help noticing that traffic graphs rippled again. Shuashai seemed to be distracting the council from immediate agenda when there was a chance that his arguments could be opposed. Melhas couldn't help noticing this, chances were, imGair had noticed that as well.

"Speaking of unprofessional behavior - yours is brilliantly lacking now, Shuashai. Shouldn't your bloodline consider councilor replacement?" Rhaine's tone was nearly acidic. "We have never let outsiders know about the hidden specialization of Althos-Gair, so the policy has not been violated. An unauthorized progression attempt - true. But knowing how discussions on potential information sharing get stalled, it was well justified. You're exaggerating the problem and pulling in some rumors like an M-class world's gossip column"

"Unauthorized progression attempt. Sharing information and even equipment exceeding current tech level of an M-class, and you're talking about it as if it was as simple as lending your glider to your neighbor"

Another ripple of traffic. Where would the council opinion shift, Rhaine wondered...

"You know it well, Shuashai, that the promptest reaction would come from those specializing in such things. So far Gairs have shown themselves as ideally efficient in finding non-standard solutions, and diseases are usually the most non-standard situations our civilization gets in contact with. So why limit their practice artifically?" Melhas continued.

"He's right," rose a calm voice of Vereena Dehtyar. "I have to admit, compared to Gair sub-line we are more conservative, and subject to stereotype action. I am yet to learn which experimental modifications allow Gairs such improved analysis capacity and intuition. So - no annulment, no matter how much your ambitions bite you, Ivor," she grinned at her colleague. "And as to your personal-level attacks, Xander, this is really starting to stink of bad taste."

This was the least expected thing, and quiet exchanges of personal messages again rippled through the infospace.