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