Following the disastrous shoot-out on the border between the two cities Borlu wakes up in the custody of the Secret Service, Breach, who tell him Katrinya was last seen in Bowden's company. On release he explains to Gadlem that he has evidence to prove Bowden's friendship with mining boss Gorse, who has been making deals with Syedr, but is suspended from duty. However Lizbyet has a surprise for him which enables him to link Katrinya to Mahalia as seekers for Orciny. Returning to Ul Qoma with Lizbyet he discovers the importance of Orciny to those who wish to save or exploit it, as well as the fate of his wife.
—don @ minifie-1