There were three rauens sat on a tree,

one's a mortar, I reckon. But what in the universe that other weird looking contraption can be" "Also a mortar," Mallory explained. "A five-barrelled job, and very nasty. The Nebelwerfer or Moanin' Minnie. Howls like all the lost souls in hell. Guaranteed to turn the knees to jelly, especially after nightfallbut it's stifi the other one you have to watch. A six-inch mortar, almost certainly using fragmentation bombsyou use a brush and shovel for clearing up afterwards." "That's right," Miller gowled. "Cheer us all up." But he was grateful to the New Zealander for trying to take their minds off what they had to do. "Why don't they use them?" "They will," Mallory assured him. "Just as soon as we fire and they find out where we are." "Gawd help us," Miller muttered. "Fragmentation bombs, you said!" He lapsed into gloomy silence. "Any second now," Mallory said softly. "I only hope that our friend Turzig isn't among this lot." He reached out for his field-glasses but stopped in surprise as Andrea leaned across Louki and caught him by the wrist before he could lift the binoculars. "What!s the matter, Andrea?" "I would not be using these, my Captain. They have betrayed us once already. I have been thinking, and it can be nothing else. The sunlight reflecting from the lenses . . ." Mallory stared at him, slowly released his grip on the glasses, nodded several times in succession. "Of course, of course! I had been wondering. . . Someone has been careless. There was no other way, there could have been no other way. It would only require a single flash to tip them off." He paused, remembering, then grinned wryly. "It could have been myself. All this started just after I had been on watchand Panayis didn't have the glasses." He shook his head in mortification. "It must have been me, Andrea." "I do not believe it," Andrea said flatly. "You couldn't make a mistake like that, my Captain." "Not only could, but did, I'm afraid. But we'll worry about that afterwards." The middle of the ragged line of advancing soldiers, slipping and stumbling on the treacherous scree, had almost reached the lower limits of the blackened, stunted remains of the copse. "They've come far enough. I'll take the white helmet in the middle, Louki." Even as he spoke he could hear the soft scrape as the three others slid their automatic barrels across and between the protective rocks in front of them, could feel the wave of revulsion that washed through his mind. But his voice was steady enough as he spoke, relaxed and fuji 602s digital camera for sale almost casual. "Right. Let them have it now!" His last words were caught up and drowned in the tearing, rapid-fire crash of the automatic carbines. With four machine-guns in their handstwo Brens and two 9 mm. Schmeissersit was no war, as he had said, but sheer, pitiful massacre, with the defenceless figures on the slope below, figures still stunned and uncomprehending, jerking, spinning round and collapsing like marionettes in the hands of a mad puppeteer, some to lie where they fell, others to roll down the steep slope, legs and arms flailing in the grotesque disjointedness of death. Only a couple stood still where they had been hit, vacant surprise mirrored in their lifeless faces, then slipped down tiredly to the stony ground at their feet. Almost three seconds had passed before the handful of those who still livedabout a quarter of the way in from either end of the line where converging streams of fire had not yet metrealised what was happening and flung themselves desperately to the ground in search of the cover that didn't exist. The frenetic stammering of the machine-guns stopped abruptly and in unison, the sound sheared off as by a guillotine. The sudden silence was curiously oppressive, louder, more obtrusive than the clamour that had gone before. The gravelly earth beneath his elbows grated harshly as Mallory shifted his weight slightly, looked at the two men to his right, Andrea with his impassive face empty of all expression, Louki with the sheen of tears in his eyes. Then he became aware of the low murmuring to his left, shifted round again. Bitter-mouthed, savage, the American was swearing softly and continuously, oblivious to the pain as he pounded his fist time and again into the sharp-edged gravel before him. "Just one more, Gawd." The quiet voice was almost a prayer. "That's all I ask. Just one more." Mallory touched his arm. "What is it, Dusty?" Miller looked round at him, eyes cold and still and empty of all recognition, then he blinked several times and grinned, a cut and bruised hand automatically reaching for his cigarettes. "Jus' daydreamin', boss" he said easily. "Jus' daydreamin'." He shook out his pack of cigarettes. "Have one?" "That inhuman bastard that sent these poor devils up that hill," Mallory said quietly. "Make a wonderful pietare seen over the sights of your rifle, wouldn't he?" Abruptly Miller's smile

Some liken it to climbing up a hill,

the way. The expedition suited Killashandra in many ways: Keralaw could supply her far more information than any terminal, however well programmed, and the little one in Keralaws shop was intended for tourists and had limited memory. Killashandra could doubtless discover just how closely the Harbor Master stuck to the letter of the law in granting travel permits. Just like the Optherians to need to know who went where and when. Though why they bothered, since their citizens werent allowed off the planet, Killashandra couldnt see. She also needed more general information about the islanders and their customs if she was going to pass as one that evening. For her purposes, the barbecue couldnt have come at a better time; with everyone relaxed by a full belly and plenty of beer, she could discover more about the islanders politics and, just possibly, something about her abduction. By the time they had returned from the polly plantation that evening, both laden with platters and baskets woven at speed by Keralaws deft hands, Killashandra knew a great deal more about island life, and had tremendous respect for it. The easygoing gentleness of the style would be abhorrent to the persnickety mainlanders. In the early days of their subjugation of the islanders, the mainlanders had even tried to prohibit the use of the polly tree in their strict adherence to the letter of their Charter. The polly tree itself worked against the restriction, for it grew with such rapidity and profusion that pruning back the plantations was absolutely essential. The casual islander habit of cutting as needed to provide the essentials for daily life prevented overgrowth. The vigorous polly tree would take root on even a square meter of soil, which accounted for its proliferation in the islands. Killashandra had been hard pressed to cut and strip enough polly fronds to keep up with Keralaws agile weaving but the crystal singer learned as she watched and, to support her adopted identity, wove a few baskets herself. The manufacture, which seemed to be easy when one watched an adept, took considerable manual strength and dexterity, which, fortunately, Killashandra possessed. Seeing the clever way in which Keralaw finished off her mats and baskets taught Killashandra the necessary final touches that spoke of long practice. As they passed a small freshwater lake on their way back, Keralaw suddenly dropped her burden, shucked her clothing, and dashed into the water. Killashandra was quick to follow. Nudity was not, then, a vivitar vivicam 8300s digital camera battery problem. And the soft water was refreshing after the concentrated work of the day. The tantalizing aroma of roasting meat reached them as they neared Keralaws dwelling. She rolled her eyes and smacked her lips appreciatively. Mandolls the cook! Keralaw said with satisfaction. I can smell his seasoning anywhere in the islands. Porson sure had better catch him a smacker to go with it. Nothing better than long beef and smacker. Oho, but we eat good tonight! She rolled her eyes again in anticipation. Well drop these off, and she swung the tangle of baskets on their string, and then we get us pretty. A barbecue nights a good night for Angel Island! And she winked broadly at Killashandra, who laughed. Two barbecue pits had been dug on the beach front. In one a very long animal carcass was slowly turning over the sizzling coals. Four men were good-naturedly attempting to raise a massive fish onto the spit braces, urging each other to greater effort while the onlooking women taunted them for weakness. Prominently centered on the beach was a long low table, already being laid with garlands of flowers, baskets of fruit and other delicacies which Killashandra couldnt identify. An immensely plump woman, with a most luxurious growth of hair spilling down to her knees, greeted Keralaw with delight, chattering about the quantity and quality of the baskets and plates, and then fell silent, cocking her head inquiringly at Killashandra. Here is Carrigana, Ballala, Keralaw said, taking Killashandras arm. In from the outer islands. She wove with me. You picked the right time to come, Ballala said approvingly. We have some good barbecue tonight. Long beef and a smacker! Suddenly a siren split the air with a hoot that occasioned loud cheers from everyone on the beach. Schooners on the last tack: Be here right quick, Keralaw said and then began smoothing her arm in an absent minded way. Killashandra cast it a quick look all the fine hair was standing up. Killashandra rubbed her own brown arms to deflect comment. But Keralaw apparently did not notice the phenomenon. Come, Carrigana, we must get pretty now. Getting pretty meant decorating their hair with the scented flowers that grew on the low bushes under ancient polly trees. There seemed to be a community of possessions on Angel Island, for Keralaw visited several back gardens to find the colors she wanted

Ye 're dearly welcome to me;

that the damage was deliberate. It was easy for her to react suitably, for a death involving crystal would not have been painless. There are a lot of people who believe that they we, and he grinned humorlessly, admitting to his complicity, have an inalienable right to leave this planet in order to achieve professional fulfillment. And that right should be enjoyed by more than disappointed composers, Carrigana. This restriction is stagnating intelligent people all over this world. People who have tremendous gifts which have no channel whatever on this backward natural mudball. So, it was decided to manufacture a situation that would require the presence of an extraplanetary official. An impartial but prestigious person who could be approached to register our protest with the FSP. Oh, letters have been smuggled out but letters are ineffective. Were not even sure that they reached their destinations. What we needed was someone who could be shown examples of this stagnation, talk to people like Theach, Nahia, and Brassner, see what they have been developing in spite of strictures of federal bureaucracy. Lars gave a rueful laugh. Its rather depressing to realize how little Optheria requires. The founding fathers wrought too well. Were a population expert in making do with the meanest possible natural resources. Good old polly! It was Comgail who proposed what had to be done to force the government to bring in a foreign technician. A manual on the Festival Organ would have to be shattered. The Government would be forced to have that replaced in time for the Summer Festival tourists. Did you ever realize how dependent the Government is on tourism? His eyes glinted with malicious amusement. Theach researched the economics. He can do the most phenomenal computations in his head that way, theres no written proof of his alienation from the Optheria way of life! That tourist income is absolutely essential to purchase the high tech items which cannot be manufactured here. And without which all the federal machinery would grind to a halt. Even the barrier arc at the shuttleport is fashioned from imported components. Mind you, Comgail did not intend to be a martyr. But he didnt draw back when the moment was on him. So the Government was forced to apply to the Heptite Guild for a complete and very expensive new crystal manual. And this is where Comgails sacrifice becomes relevant; he was also the only technician on Optheria capable of installing the replacement. Theyd have to have the services of at the very remote controllable digital video cameras least a highly skilled technician or ideally a crystal singer to make the repair. Once the crystal singer was on Optheria, wed make sure thered be an opportunity to present our desparate situation and ask that it be submitted to the FSP Council. A singer has access to the Council, you know. Go on, Lars A nasty suspicion began to form in Killashandras mind, recalling Ampriss snide remarks about islanders. He inhaled, closing his eyes briefly against unpleasant memories. The crystal singer arrived on the Athena the day after my audition. Only the Elders werent sure of her identity. That sort of I.D. cannot be forged, Lars. He gave a contemptuous snort. I know it, you know it, but you must also know how paranoid our Elders are. And Torkes is now in Communications. Again his words elicited a nodded reaction from her. Oh, the urgency behind this slight favor was subtly presented to me. A crystal singer is known to have great recuperative powers. A minor scratch would be no inconvenience to a crystal singer but would unconditionally reveal an imposter. Since islanders are known, his voice dripped with sarcasm, to live primitive and violent lives, accustomed to handling dangerous weapons, it was thought that I was admirably suited to perform this small favor for the Masters, in return for their reevaluation of my composition. And did they promise you immunity from reprisal as well? Im not quite that naive, Carrigana. They did not require a frontal assault. So, I picked a window on the upper storey where Id have a good view of the arrival. Ive been winning competitions with the star-blades since my father first allowed me one. A simple flick and the blade angles at the right trajectory. It caught her on the arm. I think a little higher than Id planned for she moved just as I had completed the throw. His was expression was chagrined and he gave Killashandra a quick defensive glance. Oh, she was all right, Carrigana. I scooted round to the infirmary the back way and she was walking out of the surgery without so much as a bandage showing. He smoothed her arm reassuringly. Crystal singers really do heal with unbelievable speed. She seemed more annoyed with her escort than the incident. The next morning, of course, I was told that on due reconsideration, the Masters had to abide by their original decision. The omnipotent, omniscient

We must have the trial;

ten years, theyve been able to warn those they felt could be trusted. Do the Elders know that some escape? Killashandra asked. There is a head check at the concerts which simultaneously registers with the Central Computers. But islanders dont go to concerts, do they? Killashandra said with a chuckle. It was a relief to know that she had occasion to be amused. It had looked very grim for a bit there, with Trag coming on strong as Guildmember. I think it is time to end such pernicious subjugation, Trag said. He took from his biceps pocket a hand-unit of the sort used to check programming systems, and placed it on the nearest cabinet. It should be a simple matter of reprogramming the master sensory mixer to bypass the subliminal generator. That would inhibit the subliminal processor, yet leave no physical trace of alteration. Taking from the same pocket a heavy compound knife of the kind favored by crystal singers for field use, he opened the heaviest cutting blade. He sliced carefully at the plastic cable cover, peeling it back to expose the multicolor flex package. Killashandra watched as Trag set the system checker against the flex, taking a preliminary reading. As he pondered the results, she could not restrain a glance at the subliminal room. The devices were so repugnant to her, abusing every precept of the individual privacy which had been her birthright on Fuerte, that she felt besmirched just looking at them. If theres no power Lars began, his hand half-raised in caution. I have had sufficient experience with this sort of equipment, Lars Dahl. Trag entered instructions on the hand unit, noted the display on the rectangular vdr, and a muscle twitched in his cheek. The subroutine of the subliminal will function on any dummy test, and indicate the programming modes selected under their program listing, but I am placing a security lock, and with those words he put the device firmly against the thick red-coded cable and depressed the main key, on it now. I dont have the equipment necessary to generate a program for propaganda detoxification. Thats too bad, Killashandra said with heartfelt dismay There! Trag said. And unless they know exactly what Ive done to inhibit the subliminal processor, the alterations cant be reversed. Let the Optherians program that computer for whatever images they wish. None will reach the minds of the people they intend to pervert! Trag pulled hard on the canon digital camera soultion efs plastic coating and then pressed it firmly back around the cables. Killashandra could not see where the cable had been entered. And youll bear witness to the Federated Council? Lars was taut as he eagerly awaited Trags reply. We shall all bear witness to the Council, young man, Trag replied. Lars nodded but his smile was wry. It will be the crystal singers word that will be credited, Guildmember Trag, not that of an islander whose motivations are suspect. Even if he could leave the planet, Trag, Killashandra said. Remember the arc at the shuttle port? Didnt it glow blue and erupt guards with weapons? Trag nodded. Except when I passed under it. That arc deposits a mineral deposit in Optherian bones, Lars said, and in those of anyone here for more than six months. Which is what caught my father originally. Trag dismissed that difficulty with a flick of his hand. I have a warrant in my possession to arrest the party or parties responsible for the Guildmembers abduction, which would take you past their reprisals. You came well prepared, Trag, Killashandra said with a rueful smile. But youd have to bring the entire population of the Archipelago if you named Lars Dahl abductor. When Trag turned to Lars for affirmation. he nodded. I hadnt planned on leaving Optheria, Lars said, with a slightly embarrassed grin, and Im sure my father is more than willing to, but youd need an entire liner to remove those whod be vulnerable. The Optherian Elders have been waiting for years for an excuse to search and seize the adult population of the islands. Theyd all end up in rehab. Unless, of course, you also have the authority to suspend every government official on this charge. Trag was silent for a long moment, regarding Lars steadily. Then he exhaled slowly. I was given broad powers by the Federated Council but not that broad. His lower jaw jutted out slightly. Had there been any suspicion of this. He paused, his contempt for once visible in his expression. Let us not reveal this knowledge prematurely. Carefully they removed every trace of their entry. Neither man had touched the cabinets or files, so covering their tracks took little time. Meanwhile, Killashandra repositioned herself at the door panel, listening for sounds of approach. Trag reexamined the cables he had clipped, checking from all angles to be sure the incision would escape

And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;

you needed? the woman said in a liquidly melodic voice, her large and expressive brown eyes showing concern. Yes, yes, I did, Killashandra said, surprised into a nervous response. Im so glad. We dont have much here yet. No call, with everyone making their own, and the Season not started. She tilted her head, her long thick braid falling over her shoulder. Her fingers moved to check the position of the blossom twisted into the end of the plait. Her smile was luminous. Youve not been here before? The question was asked in such a gentle voice that it was almost a statement of fact and not an intrusion on Privacy. I just came in from one of the outer islands. Thats lonely. The woman nodded gently. Lost my canoe in that squall, Killashandra said and began to embroider slightly. Came ashore with nothing to my name but my I.D. She flashed her left wrist at the woman who nodded once again. If youre hungry, Ive fresh fish and greens, and theres whiteroot to make a good fry. No, I couldnt, Killashandra began, even as her mouth was watering. When the woman tilted her head again, a broad smile spreading across her serene features, Killashandra added, But I certainly would appreciate it. My name is Keralaw. My man is mate on the Crescent Moon, been gone four weeks and I do miss company. She rolled her eyes slightly, her grin twisting upward another fraction of an inch so that Killashandra knew very well what Keralaw missed. My name is Carrigana. Killashandra suppressed her amusement; the former owner of that name would be livid at her presumption. Keralaw led her to the back of the shop, through the storage section to the living quarters in the rear: a small catering area, a small toilet room, and a large living room that was open on three sides, screened against the depredations of insects. The furnishings consisted of low tables, many pillows and hammocks secured to bolts in the ceiling. Of the modern accoutrements there was only a small screen, blank, with a fine coating of dust and a very primitive terminal. On the one solid wall hung a variety of spears, their barbed heads differing in design and weight, a small stringed instrument, a hand drum that looked well used, four wooden pipes of different lengths and circumferences, and an ancient tambourine, its trailing ribbons sun-faded to shades of gray and beige. Keralaw led her through this room, out the screened polaroid 3 2 megapixel digital camera door to the rear and to a stone hearth. Checking the position of the sun over her shoulder, Keralaw altered the arrangement of a mirror and a bright metal sheet to her satisfaction and began to arrange the fish and white root on the sheet. Wont be long with the sun right in position. Beer or juice? Island brewed? Best there is. Keralaws smile was proud. She went to the heavy bushes growing beyond the solar hearth and, pushing them aside, disclosed a dull gray container a meter high and half that wide. Lifting its heavy insulated lid, she extracted two beaded bottles. Been a long time dry, Killashandra said, receiving her chilled bottle with considerable anticipation. She flipped back the stopper and took a swallow. Whhhhoooee but its good. And it was the equal of a Yarran! But Killashandra stopped herself from making that comparison aloud just in time, smiling instead at Keralaw. Already the sun was broiling their lunch and the smell was a suitable accompaniment to the taste of the cool beer. Killashandra began to relax. Keralaw tossed the greens into a wooden bowl, slipped two wooden platters to the hearth side, along with two-tined forks and knives with intricately carved handles accentuating the natural dark grain of the wood, and divided the now completed meal. That was what I needed most, Killashandra said, closing her eyes in a sincere appreciation for the simple but satisfying meal. Ive been living too long off the polly tree! Keralaw chuckled fruitily. You and your man farming? Or are you fishing for the gray? Killashandra hesitated, wondering what cover story wouldnt become an embarrassment later. She felt a curious reluctance to mislead Keralaw. Keralaw reached over and touched Killashandras forearm, just the barest touch, her mobile face suddenly expressionless. Dont need to tell me, woman. I been out in the islands and I know what can happen to humans out there. Sometimes the credit aint worth the agony getting it. I wont pry. Her smile returned. Not my place to, anyhow. You picked a good day to land on Angel Island. Schooners making port this evening! It is! Killashandra picked up the cue to wax enthusiastic. Keralaw nodded, pleased to surprise. Beach barbecue and a keg of beer for sure! Thats why the harbors so deserted. She chuckled again, an

Is the merry month of May.

Joss, and, even through the distortion of the speaker, his voice sounded strange, with the flat controlled unemotiona-lism of one speaking through a suppressed anger. "Uplavnik has been in touch with HMS Tritonthe carrier coming up the Davis Strait. Triton is in constant communication with the British Admiralty and the Government. Or so I gather. "The answers to your questions are these. Firstly, the passenger list from BOAC in America is not yet through, but it is known from newspaper reports that the following three people were aboard: Marie LeGarde, the musical comedy star, Senator Hoffman Brewster of the United States and a Mrs Phyllis Dansby-Gregg, who appears to be a very prominent London socialite." I wasn't greatly excited over this item of news. Marie LeGarde had never been a suspect. Mrs Dansby-Greggand, by implication, Helene Fleminghad never had more than a faint question mark against their names, and I had already come to the conclusion that it was long odds against the man who was, or purported to be, Senator Brewster being one of the killers. "The second thing is this. The Admiralty cannot or will not say why the plane has been forced down, but I gather there must have been a most vital reason. Uplavnik suggests, on what basis I cannot say, perhaps it is officially inspired, that some person aboard the plane must have been in possession of something of the utmost importance, so important that complete secrecy was vital. Don't ask me what it was. A microfilm, a formula, something, perhaps, only committed to memoryit sounds fanciful, but that's all we can guess at. It does seem likely that Colonel Harrison was in possession of it." I looked at Jackstraw, and he at me. The man who had so recently knocked me out had been desperate all right. I knew then what I had subconsciously known all along, that I was dealing blindfolded against a manor menfar cleverer than myself. They knew that Joss couldn't possibly have hoped to repair the RCA. They knew, therefore, that I must have been talking direct to Hillcrest. They knew, because I had told them, that the eight-watt radio we had with us had a range of not more than 150 miles under normal conditions, so that the chances were high that Hillcrest was actually speaking from the IGY cabinor a point even nearer. I had also told them that Hillcrest and his four companions wouldn't be returning from their field trip for another two or three weeks, so that this premature return could only be accounted for by some unforeseen and extraordinary event. It wasn't hard to guess what that best 5mp digital cameras event must have been. That I should ask Hillcrest to find out the reason for the crash followed inevitably, but what was not inevitable, what pointed most clearly of all to the shrewdness of the killers, was their guess that whoever knew the reason for the crash would be most reluctant to go into specific detail: and they had robbed me of the only clue that might have helped me discover what that detail was and so also, I felt sure, the identity of the killers. But the time was far past now for crying over spilt milk. I pressed the switch to Transmit'. "Thank you. But please radio Uplavnik again, emphasise desperate urgency of finding out crash reasons. . . . How far behind do you estimate you are now? We have made only twenty miles since noon. Cold extreme, bad radiator trouble. Over." "We have made only eight miles since noon. It seems" I threw the switch over. "Eight miles?" I demanded harshly. "Did I hear you say eight miles?" "You heard." Hillcrest's voice was savage. "Remember the missing sugar? Well, it's turned up. Your fine friends dumped the whole bloody lot into the petrol. We're completely immobilised." CHAPTER NINEWednesday 8 P.M.Thursday 4 P.M. We were on our way again just after nine o'clock that night. It had been my original intention, by dreaming up a variety of excuses and even, if necessary, by sabotaging the engine, to stay there for several hours or at least what I reckoned to be the longest possible time before the killers became restive, suspected that I was deliberately stalling, and took over. Or tried to take over. For it had been my further intention that, after an hour or two, Jackstraw should produce his rifleit was strapped to his shoulders night and dayand I my automatic, and hold them all at the point of the gun until Hillcrest came up. If all had gone well, he should have been with us by midnight. Our troubles would have been over. But it had not gone well, our troubles were as bad as ever, the Sno-Cat was bogged down and with Mahler now seriously ill and Marie LeGarde frighteningly weak and exhausted, I couldn't remain any longer. Had I been made of tougher stuff, or even had I not been a doctor, I might have brought myself to

The frumious Bandersnatch!

It was Jackstraw who heard it firstit was always Jackstraw, whose hearing was an even match for his phenomenal eyesight, who heard things first. Tired of having my exposed hands alternately frozen, I had dropped my book, zipped my sleeping-bag up to the chin and was drowsily watching him carving figurines from a length of inferior narwhal tusk when his hands suddenly fell still and he sat quite motionless. Then, unhurriedly as always, he dropped the piece of bone into the coffee-pan that simmered gently by the side of our oil-burner stovecurio collectors paid fancy prices for what they He took his vorpal sword in hand: imagined to be the dark ivory of fossilised elephant tusksrose and put his ear to the ventilation shaft, his eyes remote in the unseeing gaze of a man lost in listening. A couple of seconds were enough. "Aeroplane," he announced casually. "Aeroplane!" I propped myself up on an elbow and stared at him. "Jackstraw, you've been hitting the methylated spirits again." "Indeed, no, Dr Mason." The blue eyes, so incongruously at

When Robin Hood was about twenty years old,

Hauness who devised a way to get messages off Optheria for us. Post hypnotic requests yes, yes, I know, and dont think it was an easy matter for him to violate his ethics as a physician-healer, but we were getting desperate. A suggestion to receive and later mail a letter from the nearest transfer point seemed a minor infraction. I am certain that Hauness only capitulated because Nahia was suffering so much distress. She had to cope with such a devastating increase of suicide potentials. Shes an empath, Trag You must encounter Nahia, Trag, before you leave Optheria, Killashandra said, twining her fingers reassuringly about Larss. He gave her a quick and grateful glance. Thats why, if you would go to Ironwood to check out the organ there, you would surely encounter Nahia and Hauness, Lars said eagerly. I would? Trag asked. Quite likely, if you were suddenly taken ill. Trag regarded him steadily. Crystal singers do not succumb to planet-based diseases. Not even food poisoning? Lars was not to be deterred. And thats a likelihood if you eat often with the Elders. Or do I mean starvation? Killashandra remarked. That way, you can warn Nahia and Hauness, and they can alert others. Lars leaned forward, eagerly waiting for Trags decision. I couldnt save myself at the expense of my friends. How large a group do you have, Lars Dahl? Trag asked. I dont know at the moment. We had about two thousand, and more were being investigated. The Elders search and seize to find Killashandra reduced our ranks considerably. Regret for having provoked the Elders to such action colored Larss expression. He squared his shoulders, accepting that responsibility. I fervently hope more sacrifices will not be required. Do your islanders perpetrate many outrages on the Main land? Outrages on the Mainland? Lars burst out laughing. We leave the Mainland to stew in its own juice! If you wish to punish an island child, you threaten to send him to a Mainland school. What crimes were being laid on our beaches? Crimes hinted at darkly but never specified, apart from the attack on Killashandra Ampris instigated that Killashandra said angrily. And her purchase for cash back digital cameras abduction. And I have laid that firmly on the shoulders of unknown malfeasants. I thought theyd bought that. They might have if the attachment between you and Lars Dahl was not so apparent, almost as if you were in resonance with each other. However, and Trag went on quickly, Torkes contended that young Lars Dahl could scarcely have found you so conveniently if he had not known where you were. The islands being so numerous and widespread he does not accept coincidence. I think Torkes is in for a large surprise on the mechanics of coincidence, Killashandra said in her most caustic tone. She had poured another stiff drink for herself, trying to dull anger and indignation. Trag, I dont see why the Federated Council cannot act expeditiously This planet is not threatened by destruction. Our much vaunted Federated Council is not much better than the Elders Council, is it? I will do everything in my power, Lars Dahl, to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of your adherents, Trag said. And if that includes servicing every instrument on this planet, I will do that, too. A slight shift of the alignment of his lips gave him an appearance of smiling. Greed provokes me. And all this talk has made me thirsty. What is this? he asked, obliquely requesting a refill. The fermented juice of the ubiquitous polly fruit. Lars said, serving him. The Elders may complain about the islands but they are its best customers. Tell me again about the security arrangements at the shuttle port, Trag went on. A liner is due in two weeks time. I should like to have you both on it. Theres more chance of sailing a straight course in the islands, Trag, Lars said, shaking his head discouragingly. If anyone had been able to discover a flaw in the security curtain at the shuttle port, it would have been done. My father had the unique honor of adjusting the screens to prevent a mass attack. Father came here on a short-term contract to provide security micro-units for the Optherian Council. Father was co-opted by the Federated Council because of his expertise with microchip installations. The Federation wanted him to find out why another agent had never reported back to them. But, while he was installing the chips, he didnt have much luck with the covert assignment. So when the Optherians offered him the shuttleport contract, he took it. No one mentioned the fact that three to four