"Dreyfus' function in life seems to be finding obscure legal channels through which to harass me," Perigal said. Dreyfus looked unimpressed.

"I just do my job. It's not my fault that you keep being a part of it.".

"And I do, don't I?".

"So it seems. Nice tail, by the way. What happened to the legs?". Perigal nodded at the walking tray.

"I keep them around as a conversation piece.".

"Each to their own.".

"Yes, that's the general principle." Perigal leaned forward in the pool, her voice hardening.

"Well, pleasantries over with. Make your inspection, do whatever you have to do, then get the hell off my habitat.".

"I haven't come to inspect the habitat," Dreyfus said. Thalia tensed despite herself. This was the moment she had been both dreading and quietly anticipating.

"What, then?" Perigal asked.

Dreyfus removed a card from his tunic pocket and held it up to his face, squinting slightly. He glanced briefly at Thalia and Sparver before reading, "Caitlin Perigal, as matriarch of this habitat, you are hereby charged with a category-five infringement of the democratic process. It is alleged that you tampered with the polling apparatus, to the intended benefit of your house.". Perigal stuttered something, her cheeks flushing with indignation, but Dreyfus held up a silencing hand and continued with his statement.

"While the investigative process is in operation, your habitat is to be placed under lockdown. All physical traffic between House Perigal and the rest of the system, including Chasm City, is now suspended. No incoming or outgoing transmissions will be permitted. Any attempts to break these sanctions will be countered with destructive force. This is final and binding." Dreyfus paused, then lowered the card.