[i]“Ummm, i don’t know. You aren’t required to disclose modifications until you reach a certain clearance level. So many in my division are first-years, I barely know their names let alone implants. I could try and find out, but it may raise flags somewhere.”[/i]

Nearby, one of the scientists turned on a holo-screen projecting the evening news in 3D. “Turn it down! Some of us are trying to work.” Dr Wetherall complained, and the junior duly complied. The reporter in front of the camera was a familiar face, Freyr remembered finding him quite attractive before she met David. 

Over his shoulder, she could see a raging fire and black flags of smoke curling from the brightly lit Parliament complex. Emergency vehicles swarmed overhead. “...Weekend sitting of the Cradle select committee, to discuss the recent power surges. Initial reports suggest at least one member of the committee has lost their life this evening. The influential Skinner’s Guild has taken responsibility for the attack, and said while it regrets violence, threatened further attacks until the government reverses key policy changes on Cradle integration. We are now waiting on an announcement from President DeWinter, who was not at Parliament this evening.”