Big Brother, sensing that the organic cowering at the back of the hold was uneasy and afraid, and that SID did not actually require it for any of the 42017 foreseeable outcomes, made an autonomous decision. Landing quickly on the quiet gantry of a nearby Project Tower, not under attack or falling to pieces, Big Brother’s voice filled the hold. “Exit via the co-pilot’s door. Thank you for riding with us. Goodbye.” The Mind contained in Big Brother mused on the reason for the organic being brought aboard for a millisecond or two, before dismissing the matter and taking off the from the gantry again and flying off.

Tali’s Dart collided with yet another desperate craft as it zoomed out of the Tower. The sophisticated BESC ship wobbled, lost a bit of altitude before realigning itself and returning to its place. The other one was less fortunate, spinning out of control as it plummeted towards the ground. Loud tannoy systems aboard the Dart were broadcasting a pre-recorded message: ‘Please report to the nearest BESC checkpoint for emergency medical assistance and rehabilitation.’ It seemed nobody was taking any notice. BESC enforcer vehicles were firing stun blasts and smoke bombs into the crowd to disperse them, and the gunship responsible for mowing down a room full of militants had disappeared. The airspace around the tower was virtually inaccessible with all the ships flying around it, but Tali wasn’t giving up finding Jack. 

“What vehicle did he get into?”

“We don’t know, we didn’t have eyes inside.”

“Well find his ping then.”

“We lost that too, some kind of jamming.”

Tali slumped in her seat. Picking that signal back up again was like finding a needle in a haystack, then looping a thread through it whilst being jostled by a gang of Harhees. “We’re sitting inside one of the most advanced mobile surveillance units in Babylon, and we can’t find the man who has just condemned an entire Project?”

“I’m not properly trained for this kind of equipment, i’m more of a grassroots kind of Inspector.” Tali grunted her displeasure, to her, DI Howard wasn’t even worth a response. She had been going non stop for a few hours and the thrill was starting to wear off; and the awesome gravity of the situation was just kicking in. How on earth was she going to spin this? The Tower was a write-off: the four GravStabs that showed up were keeping it erect for the time being, but Tali doubted they would try and save it. They’d get everybody off then let it fall to the ground. She watched acrid smoke pouring from one of the platforms, where a vessel had crashed into it and lodged there. Her fingers played with her treacly hair. The consoles flashed red again. OVERRIDE COMPLETE. RETURNING TO DOCK. BESC were reeling her inextricably back to HQ, where all manner of grilling awaited her.