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find?’
    â€˜This, sir.’
    Without asking permission he went to the wall and activated a view tank. A three dimensional image of the civilised galaxy appeared. It showed all nine galactic sectors, comprising some ten per cent of the Milky Way galaxy, including Delta Sector, which contained the main hub of human-populated worlds; Cygnus Sector, which was essentially uncharted and off-limits to law-abiding citizens; and the other more sparsely settled sectors. For a long time Black said nothing as he keyed in data,, colour-coding it, showing links and transitions. When he had finished he stood back.
    Viktus frowned. He studied the view tank representation for several minutes without saying a word. Finally he said, ‘Give me your interpretation of this, Cadet.’
    Maximus, always the consummate actor, took a deep breath. ‘Sir, the Companies are forming a
Majoris Corporate
, what used to be called an
oligarchy concordat
. In other words, they’re secretly ganging up, forming pacts and relationships. You only have to look at the increased incidence of intermarriage of business in recent years. They intend to control all trade and military expenditure in and out of the Cygnus Sector. Add the fact that the companies have been paying rock-bottom rates for sanctioned assassinations, and you see that the Clans must be involved as well.’
    â€˜Why the Cygnus Sector?’
    â€˜I don’t know, sir. The Cygnus Sector has been behind the Veil for two centuries now. Very few of our agents have gone in and come out alive.’
    The Veil was an anomalous zone of space difficult to navigate with
n-space
drives, but which had also come to mean a self-imposed boundary designed to keep snooping law enforcers out.
    Viktus gave Maximus an appraising look. ‘My daughter being one of the few.’
    â€˜Yes, sir. Your daughter was there some nine months ago. However, the file on that mission is restricted.’
    â€˜And you’d like to get a look at it and add it into your calculations?’
    â€˜Yes, sir. I would, sir.’
    â€˜You said we should go to SecCon One. You perceive the actions of the Companies and Clans, and the possibility that a
Majoris Corporata
is being planned, as a direct threat to RIM?’
    â€˜I do, sir. As you know, they hold no love for us, resenting what they call our interference. Without us, they could pretty much do as they like.’
    â€˜There are still the Sentinels.’
    â€˜Yes, sir, but the Sentinels respond to the commission of corporate crime. They don’t anticipate it, they don’t work against it, by fair means or foul …’
    â€˜The way we do.’ Viktus smiled. Maximus averted his gaze, as if he had made a raw cadet’s gaffe. ‘I think SecCon Two is sufficient for now, Cadet.’ Viktus pursed his lips and returned to his chair. ‘Don’t switch that thing off,’ he said, indicating the view tank. ‘I want my people to take a look at it. Nice work, Maxim. I see you’re wasted where you are. How would you like to join the Task Force? I like the way your mind works and I think we could use you. Mind you, I want you to keep working on this pet theory of yours.’
    â€˜Thank you, sir. I will.’ He hoped his eyes were sparkling.
    â€˜That’ll be all for now, Cadet.’
    Maximus stood, saluted and headed for the door.
    â€˜Oh, and Maxim?’
    Maximus stopped at the door, a sudden chilly feeling gusting through him. ‘Yes, sir?’
    â€˜Go and pick out quarters suitable for a Special Agent Level 4. Your promotion will reach you in a day or so. I’ll also see to it that your clearance is upgraded. You can access the Anneke Longshadow case file; see what happened on her Cygnus mission. Let me have your thoughts on the matter as soon as you can. Well done, Maxim.’
    Maximus nodded, inventing a dopey smile for his face. ‘Thank you, sir.’ The door opened before