The notice appeared on the listening gallery before breakfast.
Iven found it nailed to the corridor wall beside the disguised panel. A red border enclosed a short order: the passage and all materials within it were under Survey Authority custody pending a determination of ownership. Entry without written authorization would be treated as interference with an investigation.
Below the order, someone had added in pencil: THE WALL WAS HERE BEFORE YOUR NOTICE.
Neri was already there with Dessa. They stood opposite two Authority guards, neither of whom looked pleased to be guarding a wall. Rell waited near the panel, holding a document case and avoiding everyone’s eyes.
“I thought we agreed on shared access,” Iven said.
“We agreed on an inventory,” Rell replied. “My office has issued a separate order.”
“Did you know it was coming?”
“I learned of it this morning.”
