So she was now looking for evidence of three elements of this enigma. First, signs the gravity-assist crane had been used to transport the core. Second, evidence that Smit or anyone else had a Sectorate in antimatter dynamics. Third, signs of tampering with her temporal functions.

N-XS laughed again. The likelihood of any of these factors seemed infinitesimal.

"He'll rekindle all the dreams it took you a lifetime to destroy. He'll reach deep into the hole, heal your shrinking soul, but there won't be a single thing that you can do..."

Then she heard it again. Unmistakable this time.

Skkkkrrriiiiitch...