Pandora's Star (Commonwealth Saga, #1)

by Peter F. Hamilton

He inclined his head politely, then raised a finger. ‘One thing: when you see Paula, please tell her from me to stop concentrating on the details, it’s the big picture that counts.’

Days, hours, minutes: every little unit was being ticked off with a combination of irritation and relief.

‘Astrophysics, do we know what’s causing that?’ ‘No, sir,’ Bruno said cheerfully. ‘Not a clue.’

‘Pompous old farts need to have the piss taken every now and then.’

‘I don’t have any real suspects, sadly,’ she said, and blew across the top of her cup. ‘That means I have to treat everyone as the possible leak.’ ‘Does that include me?’ She sipped her tea, and gave him a thoughtful look. ‘If you are working for an Executive security service, or some corporate black ops division, then whoever planted you has resources and foresight beyond even my ability to counter.’ ‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’ ‘Thank you for doing this, Hoshe.’

He was an idiot, but he might have had a point.