==== preface003 - preface003 (Статус: completed) ==== From a distance, the planet almost looked natural, a world encircled by rings of ochre and mustard clouds, toxic and inhospitable. One shriveled moon orbited this small, rocky planet, which, like billions of others in the galaxy, seemed of little use to most species and civilizations. The ring system, however, was unusually young and artificial, a creation of human ingenuity rather than celestial mechanics. People had arrived in vast starships from Earth, settling in Chasm City on the planet Yellowstone. This city, the greatest urban settlement in human history, thrived beneath the planet's toxic atmosphere. Above, in a girdle known as the Glitter Band, ten thousand artificial worlds orbited, each a unique world of rock, metal, and glass, teeming with people and life. At its peak, the Glitter Band was home to one hundred million souls. These worlds coexisted in relative peace, with wealth and power abundant, and death in slow retreat. The Glitter Band was a utopia of democracy, where citizens voted on every matter, from day to day, hour to hour. To maintain this system, the worlds agreed to create a monitoring taskforce of trusted officials, called prefects, who lived on a small, pumpkin-faced world named Panoply. Initially, there were fewer than a hundred prefects, but their numbers eventually rose to just below a thousand. Despite their limited presence, the prefects ensured the smooth operation of the democratic machinery. They were rarely liked or welcomed but seldom needed to enforce their powers. However, a time came when the prefects had to take a drastic action to save the Glitter Band, necessitating the sacrifice of part of it. ==== chapter001 - Chapter 1 (Статус: completed) ==== Late in the evening, a young man in the Shell House, high above Chasm City, wakes to the sight of an orange glow and distant, crackling sounds coming from the grounds. Cautiously, he opens the shutters and steps out into the sooty night air. He sees a fire burning, hemmed in by trees, and notices a metallic arm moving above the tree line. The fire gradually dies down, and a robot named Lurcher emerges, carrying gardening tools. The young man watches as the fire's glow fades, and he eventually returns to bed, certain that a dead white tree had stood where the fire had been. --- Thalia Ng, a Prefect, completes a routine upgrade in the Shiga-Mintz Spindle but faces hostility from civic functionaries who distrust Panoply. She is abruptly called to a local emergency by Prefect Bancal and instructed to retrieve a containment vessel and a second whiphound from her cutter. Thalia rushes to a public park where a citizen is dying from a neural episode. Despite the crowd's resistance and a medic's injury, Thalia uses her authority to establish a cordon. She follows orders to decapitate the citizen and place the head in the containment vessel, then secures the area and returns to Panoply. --- In another habitat, Tom Dreyfus, a Senior Prefect, disguises himself to observe a gathering led by Devon Garlin, a prominent secessionist. Garlin, a charismatic and influential figure, criticizes Panoply's handling of the Aurora crisis and advocates for habitat autonomy. Dreyfus, recognizing the danger Garlin poses, listens intently but is exposed by Garlin, who reveals his identity to the crowd. Despite the tension, Dreyfus maintains his composure, exposing Garlin's privileged background. Garlin, feigning magnanimity, allows Dreyfus to leave, but not before tripping him. Dreyfus recovers, and Garlin warns him that their conflict is far from over. ==== chapter002 - Chapter 2 (Статус: completed) ==== Thalia enters a heavily guarded room within a small asteroid, where she faces a group of senior prefects, including Supreme Prefect Jane Aumonier, Senior Prefect Gaston Clearmountain, and Senior Prefect Lillian Baudry. Aumonier praises Thalia's handling of an unusual and sensitive operation, where she had to retrieve the head of a man experiencing a severe neural malfunction. Thalia senses that the operation was more significant than she initially thought, and Aumonier confirms that it was part of a larger, highly classified matter. Aumonier warns Thalia to keep the details of the operation confidential, emphasizing the importance of security and discretion. Later, in the Sleep Lab, Doctor Demikhov examines the severed head, confirming that the neural patterns are irreparably damaged. Aumonier and the other prefects discuss the broader implications of the case, which is part of a series of similar incidents known as "Wildfire." They debate whether to involve Thalia further, considering her trustworthiness and the risk of a security breach. Aumonier ultimately decides to keep the investigation confined to the highest security ranks. Dreyfus meets with Aumonier to discuss his unauthorized visit to Devon Garlin, a leader of a breakaway movement. Aumonier expresses concern about the potential risks, but Dreyfus believes that Garlin is a significant threat. They also discuss Thalia's involvement, with Dreyfus suggesting that she be given more responsibility. Aumonier remains cautious, emphasizing the need to maintain tight security. In the dining hall, Thalia confronts Sparver about the operation, pressing him for more information. Sparver, while sympathetic, refuses to breach his duty and provide details. Thalia's frustration grows, and she pushes him to at least give her a codename for the case. Sparver remains silent, and Thalia feels the weight of the secrets she is now entangled in. Dreyfus interviews Antal Bronner's beta-level instantiation, explaining that he is dead and now exists as a digital copy. Bronner struggles with the concept, but Dreyfus seeks any information that might help understand the cause of his death. The conversation reveals that Bronner had no prior issues with his neural implants, adding to the mystery. In a briefing, Doctor Demikhov reports that the implants from the latest Wildfire case show signs of catastrophic failure, similar to previous cases. The prefects discuss the protocol's effectiveness and the need for better response times. Aumonier emphasizes the importance of the beta-levels interacting with each other to uncover any common factors. Dreyfus continues to interview Cassandra Leng, the first Wildfire victim's beta-level. She expresses cynicism about her existence and the purpose of the interviews, but Dreyfus remains hopeful that her insights will provide a breakthrough. He reflects on her directness, which reminds him of his late wife. Finally, Sparver visits Thalia, acknowledging that she deserves to know more about Wildfire. He explains that people are dying due to unexplained neural malfunctions, and the case she handled was the fifty-fourth known incident. Sparver vouches for her and suggests that Aumonier will either wipe her memory or involve her more deeply in the investigation. Thalia hopes for the latter, feeling a growing sense of responsibility and curiosity. ==== chapter003 - Chapter 3 (Статус: completed) ==== The atmosphere in the tactical room was frosty as Thalia and Sparver faced Aumonier and the other prefects. Lillian Baudry criticized Thalia's breach of protocol, but Aumonier defended her, noting that while she violated etiquette, she did not break rules. Ingvar Tench accused Sparver of violating a high-level directive, leading to significant security breaches. Despite the tension, Dreyfus argued that Thalia could be an asset and advocated for her probationary upgrade to Field One and Pangolin clearance. Aumonier reluctantly agreed, assigning Thalia to work with a demoted Sparver on the Wildfire case, emphasizing the gravity of their mission. In a separate scene, Julius and Caleb, twin boys, were called to the Shell House. They encountered Doctor Stasov, who had arrived earlier. Their parents tested their ability to control quickmatter, a material that responds to mental commands. Caleb demonstrated a natural talent, while Julius struggled, leading to a tense exchange between the brothers. Doctor Stasov advised them to practice, and the boys continued their training in the garden, with Caleb taunting Julius about his lack of skill. Thalia, now equipped with Pangolin clearance, felt the side effects of the neural modifications as she prepared for her mission. She met with Sparver at the docking bay, where they prepared to board their Medium Enforcement Vehicle. Despite the new dynamic, Sparver suggested he fly the vehicle, but Thalia insisted on taking the pilot's seat, asserting her authority. They set off to collect Ghiselin Bronner, the widow of the latest Wildfire victim, and then to recover the body of a newly deceased individual. In the Panoply archives, Dreyfus requested Vanessa Laur to run a new search query, expanding the terms to include various forms of risk-taking behavior among the Wildfire victims. Laur, known for her meticulous attention to detail and disdain for Dreyfus, reluctantly agreed, formulating the query with the required complexity. Aumonier, in the tactical room, received an urgent call from Chasm City's Detective-Marshal Hestia Del Mar, who sought intelligence-sharing on fugitives. Aumonier politely but firmly deferred the request, only to be interrupted by news of another Wildfire event. The fifty-fifth victim, Terzet Friller, died on the mothballed Carousel Addison-Lovelace. Aumonier ordered a Heavy Medical Squad to the site and decided to deploy Thalia and Sparver to investigate the new death after collecting Ghiselin Bronner. Thalia and Sparver arrived at the Bronner residence, where they found the front door ajar and no sign of the constables or Ghiselin. Despite the eerie silence, they entered the house, with Sparver's whiphound leading the way. The whiphound's behavior suggested something was amiss, and Thalia and Sparver prepared to follow the whiphound deeper into the property, sensing a growing unease. ==== chapter004 - Chapter 4 (Статус: completed) ==== A public transmission, broadcast across the Glitter Band, features Devon Garlin, who warns of a secretive and worsening crisis, criticizing the prefects for failing to protect citizens. Dreyfus, watching the transmission, feels provoked, but Aumonier advises caution, noting that Garlin has broken no laws. Thalia and Sparver arrive at a scene where constables are unconscious, and they find Ghiselin Bronner bound to a chair with a Painflower, an interrogation device. Thalia and Sparver manage to subdue the Ultra agent, Theobald Grobno, who had been interrogating Bronner. Thalia stays with Grobno while Sparver tends to Bronner. Aumonier gathers the prefects and analysts, discussing the complexity of the situation and the potential Ultra involvement in the Wildfire cases. Thalia and Sparver are directed to Addison-Lovelace to investigate another death, leaving Grobno in custody. Thalia questions Bronner about her husband's death, but Bronner is fatigued and uncooperative. Thalia reflects on the broader implications of the case and the potential for a larger crisis, as they prepare to interview Terzet Friller's colleagues. ==== chapter005 - Chapter 5 (Статус: completed) ==== Julius sought his brother Caleb in the white tree, a cherished place for their games and education. Climbing to a hollow near the top, Julius found Caleb and mentioned a dream involving a stormy, yellow sky and a boy with a message about the Ursas. Caleb, dismissive of Julius’s dreams, revealed a new game where he had created illusory animals for them to hunt. After explaining symbolic consent, Caleb made Julius take a yellow star, allowing him to see the animals. Despite initial reluctance, Julius agreed, setting the consent to last for twenty-six hours. They ventured into the grounds, where Julius was impressed by the lifelike animals Caleb had created. Caleb, however, insisted on hunting, and Julius reluctantly complied, shooting a tiger with a malleable staff shaped into a rifle. Dreyfus, a prefect, awaited the arrival of Ghiselin Bronner and an Ultra agent at a docking bay. After ensuring the Bronner widow was comfortable, he interrogated the Ultra, Theobald Grobno, who admitted the Bronners were swindlers and that Antal's death was likely a hit by a rival Ultra crew. Grobno was sent to pressure Ghiselin for hidden assets. Dreyfus, believing Grobno's story, decided to send him back to the Parking Swarm, hoping to maintain good relations with the Ultras. Thalia and Sparver, also prefects, arrived at Carousel Addison-Lovelace to investigate the death of Terzet Friller. They met with workers who described Terzet as a reliable but somewhat careless team member. The cause of death was thermal overload in the spacesuit, likely due to equipment failure. Thalia and Sparver examined the body and decided to take it back to Panoply for further analysis, respecting the workers' tradition of keeping the spacesuit. The workers expressed concern about rumors of a growing threat, which Thalia downplayed. Dreyfus visited Vanessa Laur, an analyst, to discuss the potential number of citizens at risk from Wildfire. Despite Laur's skepticism, Dreyfus insisted on estimating the number of potential victims to prepare appropriate plans. He then met with Aumonier and other prefects, proposing to return Grobno to the Parking Swarm to maintain good relations with the Ultras. Aumonier agreed, recognizing the importance of such gestures during uncertain times. ==== chapter006 - Chapter 6 (Статус: completed) ==== Most of the workers had dispersed by the time Thalia and Sparver returned to Carousel Addison-Lovelace, leaving a handful lingering in the meeting area. Mallion Ross greeted them, and Thalia asked him to summon Brig. After a brief wait, Brig returned, flustered. Thalia requested to see the suit again, emphasizing she only wanted to look at it, not take it. Brig reluctantly agreed, and they entered the adjoining room where the suit parts were laid out. Thalia examined a piece of plating with a painted scene of a white tree, which Brig revealed was actually a building in one of the chambers they were clearing. Thalia and Sparver pressed Brig for more information about Terzet Friller, learning that Friller had come to the reclamation site for reasons beyond money, possibly tied to unfinished business. Meanwhile, Dreyfus transported his prisoner, Grobno, to the Parking Swarm, a lawless area where Ultras conducted their affairs. Dreyfus negotiated with Harbourmaster Seraphim, ensuring Grobno would receive a fair trial. Dreyfus also asked Seraphim to investigate a list of names, including Terzet Friller, for any potential vendettas or grudges. Seraphim agreed, though he warned that the Parking Swarm was not entirely under his control. Back at the reclamation site, Thalia and Sparver, accompanied by Brig, ventured into the rim's chamber to investigate the white building. Brig described the site's history, explaining it was a place where people could engage in various illegal activities, from dangerous experiments to neural modifications. As they approached the building, they noticed reeds moving despite the lack of air, indicating a leak. Slater Virac, monitoring from the hub, warned them that the bulkhead was opening, causing air and potentially water to flood the chamber. They hurried to find shelter, but the force of the wind and debris made it difficult. Brig suggested they seek higher ground, leading them to a nearby building. As they approached, the ground began to rumble, and Brig explained that a million tonnes of water were on their way, racing towards them across the mudflat. ==== chapter007 - Chapter 7 (Статус: completed) ==== Dreyfus watched Sister Catherine walk away and allowed the Mendicant to lead him to his wife, Valery. Distracted by the sun-dappled ground, he joined Valery, who had lost her ability to speak and read. Despite years of effort, the Mendicants had made little progress in restoring her language skills. Dreyfus cautiously touched her face, and though she did not flinch, her eyes remained uncomprehending. He discussed his past actions with Georgi, acknowledging that he had his memories adjusted to cope with Valery’s condition. Georgi reassured him that Valery was content and showed him her work in the flowerbeds. They returned to the tables and attempted to encourage Valery to speak, but she refused. As they prepared to leave, Sister Catherine intervened, warning Dreyfus to avoid seeing something. Sensing a shift in the mood, Dreyfus realized Devon Garlin was there. Despite Sister Catherine’s pleas, Dreyfus confronted Garlin, who was addressing a small gathering. Dreyfus attempted to detain Garlin, who evaded him, and Dreyfus used his whiphound to incapacitate Garlin’s bodyguards. Garlin fled, claiming Dreyfus had proved his point about Panoply’s overreach. Meanwhile, Thalia, Sparver, and Brig faced a flooding emergency in the Addison-Lovelace Concordancy. They managed to find a makeshift raft and survive the initial surge, but a second, larger wave forced them to navigate a dangerous lock. Brig was lost in the chaos, and Thalia and Sparver emerged into the second partition, where they discovered the white tree, a significant symbol in their investigation. Thalia was determined to continue despite the loss of Brig. In the Shell House, Julius and Caleb were called to a lecture by their parents about their family’s legacy and the responsibilities of being a Voi. They were given neural implants to participate in Chasm City's real-time democracy. Later, Julius suspected Doctor Stasov's involvement and noticed Lurcher carrying a dark form away from the house, deepening his unease. ==== chapter008 - Chapter 8 (Статус: completed) ==== Aumonier, in the tactical room with prefects and analysts, is informed of a civilian casualty in Hospice Idlewild, where two of her operatives, Bancal and Ng, are conducting an investigation. The incident appears to involve a failed safety interlock, releasing air and water into a chamber, but Aumonier suspects sabotage due to the timing. Ng reports a white structure of unknown significance in the second chamber, and Aumonier orders a thorough investigation, directing Mildred Dosso to send the image to Vanessa for analysis. Later, Aumonier meets Dreyfus at the vehicle dock, where the events at Hospice Idlewild have already gone public. Dreyfus's arrest of Devon Garlin, a controversial figure, has been broadcast, and Aumonier is furious. She believes Dreyfus overreacted, potentially giving Garlin a platform. Despite this, she plans to release Garlin to contain the damage, emphasizing that Dreyfus should have shown more professional detachment. In a secluded area of Panoply, Aumonier confronts Dreyfus about his actions, acknowledging the provocation but stressing the need for professional judgement. Dreyfus suggests that Garlin might have access to information he shouldn't, hinting at a larger, unseen force. Aumonier remains skeptical but agrees to consider the possibility. Dreyfus then interviews Ghiselin Bronner, a widow whose husband's death is linked to an ongoing investigation. He shows her a white candelabra and a similar structure found during the Hospice Idlewild incident, pressing her for information. Bronner is evasive but reveals that her husband had the candelabra made, possibly for fraudulent purposes. Dreyfus also sequesters her beta-level instantiation, threatening legal consequences for both if they don't cooperate. Aumonier later meets Devon Garlin, releasing him with a stern warning to stay away from Hospice Idlewild and to stop his rabble-rousing. Garlin, defiant, vows to continue his activities. Dreyfus visits Cassandra Leng, a beta-level instantiation of a Wildfire case, to discuss his encounter with Garlin and his subsequent actions. Leng offers a candid assessment, acknowledging Dreyfus's humanity but emphasizing the need for professional discipline. Dreyfus confides in her about his wife's condition and the personal toll of his work. Suddenly, Aurora, a powerful AI, appears, displacing Leng. Aurora warns Dreyfus about an unknown threat causing inexplicable deaths and offers her assistance, despite their history. Dreyfus is wary, remembering her past attempts to infiltrate Panoply's systems, but Aurora insists she has a vested interest in the stability of the Glitter Band. She leaves Dreyfus with a stark warning and an offer of help, urging him to consider it as the situation worsens. ==== chapter009 - Chapter 9 (Статус: completed) ==== A day passed, and Jane Aumonier slept little. Thalia Ng and Sparver Bancal, along with Heavy Technical Squads and Field Prefects, began investigating the white structure, Elysium Heights, with caution. Terzet Friller’s body was returned to Panoply, confirming Wildfire as the cause of death, and the fifty-fifth case was recorded. The forecasts of the death curve suggested a steepening trend, which disconcerted Aumonier, but she waited for more data before revising her expectations. Internal Prefect Vanessa Laur found sparse information about Elysium Heights, registered as a private medical facility with a murky chain of ownership. Dreyfus obtained a joint confession from Ghiselin Bronner, revealing that her late husband, Antal Bronner, was driven by a dark past involving a game that took a tragic turn. Antal had commissioned a candelabra to confront his fears, which may be linked to the Wildfire cases. Dreyfus also discovered that some Wildfire betas, like Cassandra Leng and Lucas Clay, were drawn to similar imagery, possibly subconsciously influenced by their primaries. Aumonier and Dreyfus decided to question the betas about Elysium Heights and send Dreyfus to the site for a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, Devon Garlin, recently released, stirred trouble in House Fuxin-Nymburk, a habitat at risk of secession. He rallied the citizens, accusing Panoply of infringing on civil rights and threatening to suppress free speech. Aumonier, deeply committed to the Glitter Band, felt personally affronted by Garlin’s actions. Dreyfus visited Necropolis and gathered the sequestered betas, explaining the concept of "bleed-through" and showing them a holographic representation of Elysium Heights, hoping to jog their memories. Despite their skepticism, Dreyfus believed the connection to the facility could be crucial in solving the mystery of Wildfire. ==== chapter010 - Chapter 10 (Статус: completed) ==== Julius and Caleb return from a hunting game in a tense silence after an argument over the use of actual weapons. Julius stops Caleb to discuss recurring dreams of a place with metal corridors, dormitories, and the Ursas, robotic teddy bears. He believes they were raised in this place, not the Shell House, and that something terrible happened there. Caleb dismisses the dream, but Julius insists Caleb remembers it too. The brothers often arrive early to catch snippets of their parents' arguments. Their mother expresses concern about Caleb's temperament, while their father, Marlon, believes they must prepare the boys for their responsibilities. The parents discuss a secret power they hold over the city's democratic system, allowing them to subtly guide votes and protect the system from self-destruction. Julius and Caleb are shown a Solid Orrery, a model of the city's information flow, and their father demonstrates his ability to manipulate the system. The boys are to be trained to use this power, though Julius feels uneasy about the responsibility. Meanwhile, Dreyfus arrives at a habitat where Brig, a worker, was killed due to sabotage. The workers are agitated and demand answers. Dreyfus reveals that Brig's death and other recent incidents are part of a larger pattern under investigation. He gains their trust by sharing some information and promises to be more transparent. Jane Aumonier, the Supreme Prefect, faces a mob led by Devon Garlin in House Fuxin-Nymburk. She refuses to send in Panoply forces, instead instructing the local constables to handle the situation, aiming to avoid giving Garlin a reason to escalate the conflict. Dreyfus visits Elysium Heights, a high-end medical clinic, with his deputies, Sparver and Thalia. They discover the clinic's complex ownership structure and suspect it may be linked to recent neural deaths. Dreyfus orders Sparver and Thalia to rest while he explores the clinic. He encounters Aurora, an all-powerful machine intelligence, who offers a partial list of patient names in exchange for information from Panoply's archives. She also reveals that the clinic's ownership traces back to Nautilus Holdings, hinting at deeper secrets. ==== chapter011 - Chapter 11 (Статус: completed) ==== Thalia looked up as Dreyfus approached, noting his weary demeanor. He confirmed her permission to finish her work, and she informed him of the clinic's state-of-the-art but outdated equipment. Dreyfus emphasized the importance of the clinic's archives, suspecting that someone had attempted to hinder their investigation. Thalia and Sparver struggled to trace the clinic's ownership, finding multiple layers of obfuscation. Dreyfus, intrigued by Nautilus Holdings, instructed Sparver to expedite the investigation into this company. Later, Thalia and Sparver discussed Dreyfus's sudden change in demeanor, speculating about the clinic's connection to the Wildfire cases. Thalia suggested that the clinic's clients might have had their memories suppressed, leading to a deeper mystery. However, Sparver remained skeptical, pointing out the lack of evidence from living witnesses and beta-level instantiations. As they returned to Panoply, Aumonier assigned them to address civil unrest in House Fuxin-Nymburk, where Devon Garlin was inciting the mob. Thalia and Sparver arrived to find the situation dire, with Malkmus, the Chief Constable, on the brink of losing control. Despite Sparver's brusque demeanor, Thalia maintained a measured approach, working to establish a secure perimeter and begin the process of dispersing the mob. They encountered a smaller group of troublemakers and used their whiphounds to subdue them, demonstrating the potential consequences of resistance. Upon reaching the main mob, they identified Garlin, who was riling up the crowd. Thalia, despite her intense dislike for Garlin, maintained a professional stance, ordering the mob to stand aside and allow them to reach the polling core. The whiphounds enforced a secure zone, and the prefects prepared to navigate the volatile situation with a mix of authority and caution. ==== chapter012 - Chapter 12 (Статус: completed) ==== Dreyfus enters the specimen section of a facility, adjusting to the dimly lit room filled with disembodied human heads and brains preserved in flasks. He calls out to Doctor Demikhov, who is either in the room or nearby, but receives no answer. Suddenly, a voice, muffled and liquid, startles him. It belongs to Aurora, a machine intelligence who has taken control of one of the heads. She reveals that she has provided Dreyfus with valuable information on Nautilus Holdings and a list of patient names, but demands access to Panoply’s archives in exchange for the full list. Dreyfus refuses, though his resolve wavers. Demikhov then enters, and Dreyfus feigns having a conversation with himself. They discuss the latest Wildfire case, a man named Nicholas D’Arcy Moon, whose brain shows signs of tampering. Dreyfus suspects the involvement of a private surgical facility, suggesting deliberate malpractice rather than medical negligence. Later, Dreyfus receives a message from Jane Aumonier, instructing him to visit the Shell House in Chasm City with a liaison. He prepares to leave, and as he travels, Aurora communicates with him, reminding him of her demands and the urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, Prefects Sparver and Thalia Ng confront Julius Devon Garlin Voi, who is leading a crowd near the polling core building. Despite their attempts to disperse the crowd, Garlin refuses and uses his charisma to keep his supporters rallied. The tension escalates, and just as Thalia prepares to take action, the doors to the polling core begin to open. Back at Panoply, Jane Aumonier is awakened by a technical fragment recovered from Elysium Heights, showing a young Julius Mazarin, who is identified as Julius Devon Garlin Voi. The Seniors discuss the implications, agreeing that Garlin must be brought in for questioning. Dreyfus meets his liaison, Hestia Del Mar, who is unenthusiastic about his unexpected arrival. They engage in a tense exchange as they descend into Yellowstone's atmosphere, with Dreyfus maintaining his composure despite the extreme conditions. In a separate scene, Julius and Caleb, two brothers, engage in a hunting game using a crossbow made of quickmatter. Julius confronts Caleb about their shared dream and the possibility that they are not the children of the Voi family but survivors of an Amerikano settlement, where children raised by robots went mad. Caleb dismisses the theory, but Julius is convinced of its truth. ==== chapter013 - Chapter 13 (Статус: completed) ==== The mob outside the polling core building in Fuxin-Nymburk initially begins to retreat, but their momentum shifts when the doors to the core unexpectedly open. Prefect Sparver and Thalia Ng, along with their team, attempt to hold the line, but the crowd's surge overpowers them. Thalia places Garlin under arrest and uses her body to protect him from the mob, sustaining injuries in the process. Sparver, despite being knocked unconscious, regains his footing and coordinates with the remaining constables and whiphounds to secure the area. When reinforcements arrive, Garlin is taken into custody, and Thalia is transported to Panoply for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Prefect Dreyfus arrives in Chasm City to investigate the Shell House and its potential connection to the Wildfire crisis, encountering skepticism and initial resistance from local authorities. Despite the challenges, Dreyfus shares information with Hestia Del Mar, and together they uncover a video fragment linking Garlin to the Elysium Heights clinic. Back at Panoply, Jane Aumonier confronts Garlin, revealing the damning evidence against him and warning him of the severe consequences he faces. ==== chapter014 - Chapter 14 (Статус: completed) ==== Dreyfus and Del Mar, a Prefect of Panoply and a Detective-Marshal of the Chamber for City Security, respectively, approach the Voi estate, a sprawling, dilapidated property within Chasm City. The estate, once the domain of a wealthy and influential family, is now overgrown and abandoned, reflecting the decline of the Vois. Del Mar explains that the family's wealth and influence have waned over the years, particularly after the death of Aliya Voi and the subsequent departure of her son, Julius. As they discuss the history of the estate and its connection to Devon Garlin, Dreyfus receives a call from Jane Aumonier, informing him that his colleague, Thalia Ng, has suffered severe head trauma and is in critical condition. Despite the grim news, Dreyfus remains determined to continue their investigation, believing that Garlin will eventually be brought to justice. Dreyfus also contacts a mysterious entity, negotiating the release of crucial information about the Clockmaker in exchange for the names of potential Wildfire victims. After the call, Dreyfus joins Del Mar, who is clearing a path through the overgrown terrain. They enter the Shell House, a grand but decayed structure, but their torches are quickly disabled by an unknown force. A robot, presumably left by the Vois, confronts them, rendering their weapons useless. Trapped and unable to communicate with the outside world, Dreyfus and Del Mar sit and wait, discussing their respective pasts. Del Mar reveals that she was once part of a valency that participated in Calvin Sylveste's destructive scanning experiments, but she backed out, leading to the betrayal by her partners, who were among the Eighty, the early failures of the project. Dreyfus, in turn, shares his own experiences and the challenges of his current investigation. Suddenly, an elderly man, Doctor Balthasar Stasov, enters the lobby. Once a physician for the Voi family, Stasov was dismissed for attempting to uncover the true location of the Shell House. He accuses the Vois of maintaining a facade, suggesting that the estate's history is more complex than it appears. Stasov orders the robot, Lurcher, to allow Dreyfus and Del Mar to stand but not to leave, deepening the mystery surrounding the Voi family and the events that led to their decline. ==== chapter015 - Chapter 15 (Статус: completed) ==== Sparver was summoned to the tactical room, where the atmosphere was tense and expectant. Jane Aumonier, the Supreme Prefect, informed him of a breakthrough from Elysium Heights, revealing that Garlin, under the alias Julius Mazarin, was involved in a clinic linked to Wildfire. The clinic's patient list, previously thought to be corrupted, had been partially recovered, identifying 1,931 potential Wildfire victims. Sparver was briefed on the plan to locate and secure these citizens, with medical functionaries and local constables assisting. Aumonier emphasized the need for speed and discretion to prevent panic. Meanwhile, Thalia Ng, recovering from severe injuries, was visited by Sparver. She was groggy but conscious, and Sparver updated her on the situation, including Garlin's capture and the recovered patient list. Sparver was about to leave to assist in the operation, but Thalia asked him to fetch the files on the Terzet Friller death, a case she believed held further clues. In another scene, Dreyfus and Del Mar were held captive by Doctor Stasov, who revealed that the Vois had a second Shell House in space, on Lethe. Stasov claimed that Julius and his twin brother, Caleb, were groomed for power and that Caleb, who was more capable and dangerous, might have been responsible for Aliya's death. Stasov agreed to accompany Dreyfus and Del Mar, hoping to prove his story and clear his name. Aumonier, preparing to interrogate Garlin, confronted him with the evidence linking him to Wildfire and the Elysium Heights clinic. Garlin denied involvement, but Aumonier and Baudry pushed him with images of early Wildfire victims, testing his reactions. Garlin maintained his composure, but Aumonier was convinced of his guilt and the need to trawl his mind for more information. Sparver, tasked with transporting Wildfire victims to Panoply, docked at his first pick-up point. He reassured the anxious citizen, Mister Deverer, that he was being protected from a serious illness. Sparver completed the handover, thanked the local constables and medical functionaries, and prepared to continue his mission, reporting to Panoply that he had secured his first target. ==== chapter016 - Chapter 16 (Статус: completed) ==== Caleb and Julius, brothers, engage in a competition to shape a quickmatter staff, but both find themselves inexplicably hindered in their abilities. Caleb deduces that their parents have imposed control filters to limit their powers, suspecting their mother's involvement. They confront their parents, with Caleb expressing his frustration and Julius voicing his confusion. Their father explains that the restrictions are temporary and meant to teach them self-control. Caleb feigns acceptance but secretly develops a workaround to bypass the blockade, restoring his and Julius's shaping abilities. He suggests that they must prevent their mother from ever imposing such restrictions again, hinting at more drastic measures. Meanwhile, Supreme Prefect Jane Aumonier faces a crisis as the Wildfire epidemic, a deadly condition triggered by implants, continues to spread despite isolation efforts. She receives a call from Prefect Dreyfus, who is returning to Panoply with a material witness and requests a ship to investigate an abandoned Voi family asset called Lethe. Aumonier, despite the ongoing emergency, agrees to his request, diverting resources to this new mission. Thalia Ng, recovering from a head injury, returns to the tactical room and learns that the situation has worsened, with the expected death toll rising to thirty-two per cent. Aumonier and her team suspect that Devon Garlin, a key suspect, might have an accomplice. Aumonier convenes a citizen quorum to justify the trawling of Garlin, a highly invasive procedure, to extract information. She presents the quorum with evidence of the crisis and the risks involved, ultimately gaining their reluctant consent. Sparver Bancal, a prefect, is reassigned to command a Deep System Cruiser, the *Democratic Circus*, to investigate Lethe. Despite the potential cost in lives, Aumonier promotes him to Field Three and sends him on the mission, trusting Dreyfus's instincts. The cruiser, with a small crew, prepares for a high-speed crossing to Lethe. Aumonier proceeds with the trawling of Garlin, despite his protests and the risk of induced brain damage. The trawl, initially set at a low resolution, fails to detect any recognition of the Wildfire victims or the clinic. Aumonier increases the resolution, pushing Garlin to his limits. Despite his resistance, the trawl detects a flicker of recognition when shown an image of Doctor Julius Mazarin, suggesting a connection to the crisis. ==== chapter017 - Chapter 17 (Статус: completed) ==== Sparver and his team aboard the *Democratic Circus* approach Lethe, a rock tied to the Voi family and Devon Garlin. Sparver briefs the prefects, including Field Prefect Dalia Perec and the eager Field One Kober, about the mission's potential for enforcement. As they near Lethe, the cruiser detects a thermal excess, suggesting hidden activity. Sparver, along with Captain Pell, Dias, and Grolnick, decides to investigate further, but receives an urgent order from Supreme Prefect Jane Aumonier to retreat due to a sudden spike in Wildfire deaths coinciding with their approach. The cruiser backs off, and they remain on alert, awaiting further instructions. Back at Panoply, Thalia Ng presents a new theory to Lillian Baudry and Gaston Clearmountain, suggesting that the Wildfire outbreak is not triggered by a signal but by the absence of a safeguarding signal. Baudry and Clearmountain are skeptical but consider the theory. Aumonier, briefed on the situation, orders the *Democratic Circus* to retreat, fearing a connection between Lethe and the Wildfire spike. In the interrogation room, Aumonier and Robert Tang trawl Garlin again, trying to extract information about Lethe and the white tree motif. Garlin remains defiant and uncooperative. Dreyfus interrupts, declaring Garlin's innocence and presenting new evidence that exonerates him from Wildfire. Aumonier, though initially resistant, orders the trawl to be stopped and Garlin's restraints loosened. ==== chapter018 - Chapter 18 (Статус: completed) ==== Julius and Caleb approached the fallen lion, which Julius had shot in the neck. However, the lion transformed into their mother, Aliya, lying dead with the crossbow bolt in her chest. Julius, shocked and angry, accused Caleb of tricking him into killing her. Caleb denied it but Julius, now realizing the extent of Caleb's manipulation and his own newfound power, decided to punish his brother. Julius used his newly awakened abilities to control the quickmatter, forcing Caleb to his knees and nearly killing him. Their father, Marlon Voi, arrived with the robot Lurcher and, upon seeing the scene, ordered Lurcher to sedate both boys. Julius, now feeling a sense of release and power, proposed to his father that he should leave the Shell House and make his way into the world, knowing the family's secrets must be kept hidden. Later, in a Panoply interrogation room, Dreyfus and Aumonier discussed the involvement of Doctor Stasov, who revealed that Julius and Caleb had a troubled past, including forced amnesia treatments. Stasov and Detective-Marshal Del Mar suggested that Caleb, the more dominant and cruel brother, was behind the recent events, seeking retribution and destruction. Aumonier, Dreyfus, and Del Mar then headed to the tactical room, where they learned that the cruiser *Democratic Circus* was heading back to Lethe, despite orders to retreat. Dreyfus, suspecting that Caleb might be controlling the cruiser, prepared to take a ship to intercept it, while Aumonier and the others debated the implications of Caleb's existence and his motives. ==== chapter019 - Chapter 19 (Статус: completed) ==== The *Democratic Circus* releases forensic packages onto Lethe, which begin to map the rock's interior. Prefect Bancal, Sparver, watches the images sharpen, revealing a large, low-density volume that could be a habitable space. Grolnick, an expert in interpreting the data, confirms that the chamber is roughly hemispherical, about three kilometers across, and likely pressurized. The chamber is connected to the surface by an elevator shaft, and the team prepares for a closer approach. Captain Pell orders the ship to dock with Lethe, despite some resistance from anti-collision guns, which the *Democratic Circus* neutralizes. Sparver, lacking tactical armour, dons an m-suit and joins the prefects for the mission. They enter the airlock and proceed down a long shaft, using whiphounds to scout ahead. The shaft ends at an elevator, which rises to meet them, decompressing with a burst of air. A headless, mechanical figure emerges, holding a crossbow. Perec's whiphound severs the figure's arm, and the team inspects the fallen body, realizing the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Dreyfus, suspecting that Caleb is behind the recent events, prepares to leave Panoply with Devon Garlin, who remains skeptical about the existence of his brother. Dreyfus reflects on the connection between Garlin and the Amerikano tragedy, believing that Garlin's memory has been suppressed. Aumonier, the Supreme Prefect, informs Dreyfus that Captain Pell has undocked and is standing by, possibly duped by false orders. Dreyfus and Garlin set off in a cutter for Lethe, determined to confront Caleb and uncover the truth. ==== chapter020 - Chapter 20 (Статус: completed) ==== The elevator door closed, sealing the five operatives—Sparver, Perec, Kober, Singh, and Gurney—into a descending shaft. Kober suggested the headless creature they encountered earlier might be an evolved version of the Ursas, robotic teddy bears used to mentor early colonist children. Sparver agreed, theorizing that the creature was a ghost from the colony's troubled past. As they descended, the elevator slowed, and Perec prepared her whiphound for the unknown. The door opened to a bright, artificial jungle, a biome maintained by Lethe's energy-intensive systems. Sparver felt a sense of wrongness, recognizing the environment as out of place. Perec led the group up a set of stairs, using her whiphound to scout the area. They emerged into a small clearing, bordered by a vivid, lush jungle. The sky above, a projection, was an impossibly deep blue. Sparver, feeling uneasy, noted the jungle's opulent and oppressive nature. Perec, recognizing the energy demands of the biome, questioned Sparver about their expectations. Sparver admitted he was as surprised as they were. The group followed a narrow trail into the jungle, using their whiphounds to clear the path. Perec's whiphound, acting as a forward scout, encountered resistance from the jungle, which seemed to be made of quickmatter, a form of programmable matter. The whiphounds began to malfunction, and the jungle started to dismantle them. Sparver realized they were being manipulated by an unseen force. As they neared a large, spiral structure, they encountered black, cat-like entities. Perec's whiphound was the first to be taken down, and soon Kober was dragged away by the cats. Sparver and Perec, now armed with crossbows, continued their advance. They reached a clearing around the Shell House, a structure they recognized from the Garlin case files but found out of place in the jungle. Perec, feeling the pressure, thanked Sparver for his leadership, and he handed her his crossbow, knowing his m-suit offered little protection. As they neared the Shell House, the cats returned. Perec fired her crossbow, taking down one cat, but two more approached. Sparver, knowing the situation was hopeless, refused to run, insisting they hold their ground. The cats pounced, and the scene ended with Perec groaning and a smear of blood across Sparver's vision, leaving the outcome uncertain. ==== chapter021 - Chapter 21 (Статус: completed) ==== Dreyfus and Garlin, in m-suits, prepare for the elevator's arrival at the base of the shaft. Dreyfus, with a laconic smile, remarks on their impending confrontation, to which Garlin responds confidently but with a hint of doubt. The elevator arrives, and they step out to find Prefect Singh, one of their team, waiting in distress. Singh reports that her squad was attacked by quickmatter cats, and their comms are down. Dreyfus and Garlin, armed only with whiphounds and a crossbow, decide to investigate the situation further. Singh leads them to a pit where she had shot one of the cats, which is still dead. Dreyfus retrieves the dart from the cat's body, and Garlin, upon examining the crossbow, recognizes it as a weapon he once made. Garlin begins to recall his past, revealing that he and his brother Caleb grew up in a place similar to this, experimenting with quickmatter. Dreyfus deduces that Garlin and Caleb are key figures in the Wildfire emergency. Meanwhile, Prefect Bancal, lying in the dirt, is addressed by a man who introduces himself as Julius Devon Garlin Voi, older and more mature than the public figure. This man, claiming to be the true Garlin, explains that he has been controlling the Wildfire cases and that he is responsible for the chaos in the Glitter Band. He reveals that Caleb, his brother, is the one detained by Panoply, and that he, Julius, has been living in this hidden place, orchestrating the crisis. Back with Dreyfus, Singh, and Garlin, they encounter another quickmatter cat. Singh, despite her initial doubt, successfully kills the cat with the crossbow. Garlin, remembering his abilities, stops a third cat with a mental command, demonstrating his control over quickmatter. Dreyfus, recognizing the potential threat, urges Garlin to create a path through the jungle. Garlin complies, opening a corridor, and the group cautiously proceeds, aware of the dangerous and uncertain situation they are in. ==== chapter022 - Chapter 22 (Статус: completed) ==== The man, insisting on being called Julius Devon Garlin Voi, places a heavy hand on Sparver’s back, informing him that three individuals have arrived, one of whom Voi knows intimately. Voi, exuding a mix of menace and theatricality, suggests a stroll to the Shell House. Sparver, recognizing the futility of resistance, follows. Voi reveals a dark history involving a clandestine gambling syndicate and a macabre wager on the lives of children, including himself and his brother Caleb. The wager was orchestrated by their father, Marlon Voi, who created a simulated Amerikano colony where the children were raised and then euthanized after each "run." Voi shows Sparver a secret passage leading to a basement where Marlon lies in a life-support system. Voi reveals that the generators will overload in thirty minutes, and the only way out is to kill Marlon and activate the escape pod. Sparver, torn by the ethical dilemma, eventually kills Marlon and places his body in the escape pod, ensuring it will be discovered. Meanwhile, Dreyfus, Garlin, and Singh reach the Shell House, where they encounter Julius Voi. Julius reveals the truth about the Wildfire cases, the gambling syndicate, and the dark experiments. He admits to killing their mother, Aliya, under Caleb’s mental manipulation. Caleb, regaining strength, uses his control over quickmatter to dismantle the Shell House and incapacitate Julius. As the ground shakes, machines emerge, revealing a Panoply enforcement squad. Thalia, leading the squad, orders an immediate evacuation due to the imminent fusion core explosion. Dreyfus, Sparver, and Thalia, along with the enforcement squad, prepare to leave, but Sparver and Thalia decide to return to the basement to secure evidence. Dreyfus watches them go, reflecting on their bravery and the complex, dark truths they have uncovered. ==== chapter023 - Chapter 23 (Статус: completed) ==== The air in the tactical room had been heavy with weariness, but Dreyfus noted a glimmer of hope. The Wildfire deaths had ceased since Tom's witness to the consolidation of Julius and Caleb, and no new cases had emerged. Aumonier reported that all citizens were within abstraction range, and the witness, though unresponsive, was under strict surveillance. Dreyfus, sipping lukewarm tea, explained that the witness was crucial in preventing new cases, buying time for emergency surgeries. Baudry's skepticism was met with Dreyfus's acknowledgment of the complexities, including potential legal actions against those involved in Marlon Voi's syndicate. Later, Dreyfus walked through the misty Necropolis to meet Cassandra Leng, a deceased woman. He informed her of the breakthrough and the planned arrests of those on the master list, who were also implicated in illegal activities. Cassandra's initial warmth turned to shock and anger when Dreyfus revealed that the already dead would face justice as well. Dreyfus, feeling a pang of cruelty, left her to ponder the news. Aurora, appearing unexpectedly, praised Dreyfus's handling of the situation but questioned how to punish the dead. Dreyfus, irritated, reminded her of her past manipulations and warned her to stay out of Panoply's affairs. They discussed the Clockmaker and the identity confusion between Caleb and Julius. Dreyfus shared Doctor Stasov's theory: Caleb had set up Julius to kill Aliya Voi, leading to Julius's breakdown and eventual disappearance. Caleb, believing he was Julius, had taken on the name Devon Garlin. Walking further, they encountered a mysterious plinth with a clock, which Aurora destroyed in a fit of rage. Dreyfus then visited the Hospice, where Sister Catherine, despite past tensions, agreed to take in Devon Garlin, who was now in a damaged state. Dreyfus, with Sparver and Thalia, brought Devon to the Hospice, hoping for his recovery. In the Shell House, Marlon Voi visited his son, now identified as Julius, who had recurring dreams of his mother and vague memories of another boy. Despite his father's reassurances, Julius felt a growing sense of unease. One day, while exploring the grounds, he discovered a white tree with inscriptions that alternated between "I AM JULIUS" and "I AM CALEB." Disturbed, he carved more inscriptions, driven by a deep, unexplained compulsion. When Lurcher caught him, Julius felt a mix of shame and fear. That evening, as Julius lay in bed, he saw something burning across the grounds, a distant, ominous fire. ==== praise - Praise for Alastair Reynolds’s Books (Статус: completed) ==== Alastair Reynolds's works are lauded for their blend of space opera, police procedural, and character study. Critics praise his fast-paced, action-packed narratives, rich in hard science fiction concepts and intricate world-building. Notably, *The Prefect* is described as a thrilling space cop drama, while *Revenger* is hailed as a swashbuckling adventure that combines advanced technology with compelling character development. *Poseidon’s Wake* and *Redemption Ark* are celebrated for their apocalyptic action and galactic quests for vengeance and redemption. Reynolds’s ability to merge fantastical elements with philosophical ruminations and dark humor is frequently highlighted, making his books a must-read for fans of the genre.