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  "The Skorpion, or Vedder?"

  "Both." Another sigh. "Well, if this sorry business has taught us anything, it is that the Skorpion Project is still years away from a form where we can implement it for use by our agency. I think you'll agree, we should hold the data for future re-evaluation."

  A nod. "It is for the best. I have initiated clean-up protocols to isolate us from Vedder's actions. The record now shows that she was declared renegade following her mission in Alaska."

  "Good, good. Once this has blown over we can divert our energies to projects in the portfolio with a higher success probability."

  "Hellerman's Warchild bio-form shows promise, as does the Celeste Protocol."

  "Prepare a briefing for me on both of those. We'll reconvene later to discuss them."

  She left the table, halting by the door. "Sir. With regard to Dredd..."

  His eyes narrowed. "Oh. Him."

  "He continues to be an impediment to our goals. He won't just let this go. Could he simply be - removed?"

  The man smiled. "Don't you think we've tried? But he resists all attempts to end his existence. I'd even consider offering him a position with us if I didn't think he would refuse."

  She grimaced. "He can't live forever. One day he'll wind up dead."

  "One day," he agreed, "but not today. Now leave me. I have a meeting with Hershey in ten minutes and she hates it when I'm tardy."

  The woman nodded and walked away. "Whatever you say, chief investigator."

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  James Swallow has previously written adventures for the heroes of 2000 AD in the Judge Dredd Megazine, the novels Judge Dredd: Eclipse and Rogue Trooper: Blood Relative, and the audio dramas Dreddline, Jihad and Grud is Dead. He has also written a number of other novels, including the Sundowners series, The Butterfly Effect and the Blood Angels duology Deus Encarmine and Deus Sanguinius. His non-fiction includes Dark Eye: The Films of David Fincher. Swallow's other credits include scriptwriting for Star Trek: Voyager, audio dramas and videogames.

  He lives in London and is currently working on his next book.

  Extract

  Other Titles

  Indicia

  Title Page

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Author Biography