Mirelle was on the verge of tears as she said loudly to the impassive faces on the screen on the far side of the table,"I have a loaded airship on the pad, here! Where are my engineers? My shuttle landed at City 64 before that 'No-Fly Zone' went up! I want to talk to them! What's going on? I need repairs! Who's in charge up there?" One of the faces said in a stern, pleasant voice, "A security lock-down is in effect. A suspected terrorist act by the Trow Liberation Front caused a momentary loss of power. The city was in no danger from the incident. A funeral for Queen Beliza is being carried out at present, and an investigation is on-going on the terrorist act." Another face said, "As soon as the investigation is complete, communication will be allowed with all parties. City 64, Novo Paradisio information bureau, Out." The violet haired racing official said to Mirelle,"Now you have as much information as we do. The best thing to do--I'll post a notice here for engineers. People are through here pre-race ALL the time!" Jin put her hands on Neon's head and arm and asked her,"We need to get up to city 64. We need to tell Mirelle what happened to the Measure, and Martya. Are you alright? You're still shaking like a leaf in the wind!" 399, the goateed Scav said from behind Jin, "Maybe she should sit down?" Neon nodded and pointed one little finger up and said,"Something happened to either Ahrini, or Toxic. I felt Martya feel a wave of heat, and then--and then--" Mirelle came over and asked, "Then what?" Neon took a deep breath and whispered, "MARTYA DIED! While I was mind-linked to her! Her mind ceased! Turned off like a light! Two seconds later, her mind restarted, and her heart restarted. She was confused and terrified. I've BEEN in minds when they died suddenly! Martya DIED and came back. I don't know how to explain it." 399 asked Jin, "Did the measure say anything to you, Jin?" Jin closed her one good eye and thought. She shook her head and said,"She was joking around with me, trying to keep my spirits up about Toxic, and she went limp. I caught her. She straightened up and looked grim. All she said, 'I have to go. I'm needed!' She and Martya went to Mirelle's shuttle ASAP and took off. That's all." Mirelle looked at Jin,399 and Neon and asked,"She didn't ask anyone to go with her?" They shook their heads, and 399 said thoughtfully,"Amma and Jahntu were on shuttle resting. They didn't 'go' with Measure and Martya! They weren't let off. If they hadn't already been on the shuttle, they'd already be fixing the airship!" The floating robot said, unexpectedly, "Six seconds." They all turned and looked at it. "Mirelle's shuttle landed on pad 22 of Flying City 64 exactly SIX seconds before the No-Fly Zone went into effect! ANY hesitation would have resulted in turn-away, or shoot-down." The robot said in a pleasant voice. The race official laughed, and said,"Argus is a nosy basitch, innit he? He monitors all communications in the vicinity. Don't mind him. He's a Natural Intelligence, and very clever." Mirelle complained, "That doesn't help me! Us? I have a broken MMI lifter and I'm in DESPERATE need for a probability engineer!" A short figure walked in from the bright noon outside and asked,"Need an Engineer? Desperate women? I may be a prince, but I can satisfy both needs! What's up?" They all looked at the short bandy legged figure until Jin recognized him. She exclaimed,"I do NOT BELIEVE IT!" When the others recognized him, they too stared with open mouths. --TO BE CONTINUED!-- Media is the usual suspects.