{\rtf1\adeflang1025\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\adeff0\deff0\stshfdbch31505\stshfloch31506\stshfhich31506\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033\themelang1033\themelangfe1041\themelangcs0{\fonttbl{\f0\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f11\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset128\fprq1{\*\panose 02020609040205080304}MS Mincho{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\f34\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02040503050406030204}Cambria Math{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f37\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020f0502020204030204}Calibri{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f40\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Verdana;}{\f48\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0600040502020204}Lucida Grande;}
{\f51\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0606030504020204}Open Sans;}{\f1044\fbidi \fnil\fcharset77\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Lora{\*\falt Cambria};}
{\f1998\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02040506050201020203}Minion Pro Cond{\*\falt Cambria};}{\f3015\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset128\fprq1{\*\panose 02020609040205080304}@MS Mincho;}
{\flomajor\f31500\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fdbmajor\f31501\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset128\fprq1{\*\panose 020b0609070205080204}MS Gothic{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}
{\fhimajor\f31502\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020f0502020204030204}Calibri{\*\falt Calibri};}{\fbimajor\f31503\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flominor\f31504\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fdbminor\f31505\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset128\fprq1{\*\panose 02020609040205080304}MS Mincho{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\fhiminor\f31506\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02040503050406030204}Cambria;}{\fbiminor\f31507\fbidi \froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f4976\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f4977\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f4979\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f4980\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f4981\fbidi \froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f4982\fbidi \froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f4983\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f4984\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f5088\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1 MS Mincho Western{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\f5086\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 MS Mincho CE{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\f5087\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 MS Mincho Cyr{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\f5089\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 MS Mincho Greek{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\f5090\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 MS Mincho Tur{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\f5093\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 MS Mincho Baltic{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\f5316\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Cambria Math CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f5317\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Cambria Math Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f5319\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Cambria Math Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f5320\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Cambria Math Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f5323\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Cambria Math Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f5324\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Cambria Math (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f5346\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Calibri CE{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f5347\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Calibri Cyr{\*\falt Calibri};}
{\f5349\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Calibri Greek{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f5350\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Calibri Tur{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f5351\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Calibri (Hebrew){\*\falt Calibri};}
{\f5352\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Calibri (Arabic){\*\falt Calibri};}{\f5353\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Calibri Baltic{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f5354\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Calibri (Vietnamese){\*\falt Calibri};}
{\f5376\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Verdana CE;}{\f5377\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Verdana Cyr;}{\f5379\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Verdana Greek;}{\f5380\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Verdana Tur;}
{\f5383\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Verdana Baltic;}{\f5384\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Verdana (Vietnamese);}{\f5456\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Lucida Grande CE;}{\f5457\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Lucida Grande Cyr;}
{\f5459\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Lucida Grande Greek;}{\f5460\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Lucida Grande Tur;}{\f5461\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Lucida Grande (Hebrew);}{\f5463\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Lucida Grande Baltic;}
{\f5464\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Lucida Grande (Vietnamese);}{\f5486\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Open Sans CE;}{\f5487\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Open Sans Cyr;}{\f5489\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Open Sans Greek;}
{\f5490\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Open Sans Tur;}{\f5493\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Open Sans Baltic;}{\f5494\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Open Sans (Vietnamese);}{\f15416\fbidi \fnil\fcharset238\fprq2 Lora CE{\*\falt Cambria};}
{\f15417\fbidi \fnil\fcharset204\fprq2 Lora Cyr{\*\falt Cambria};}{\f15420\fbidi \fnil\fcharset162\fprq2 Lora Tur{\*\falt Cambria};}{\f15423\fbidi \fnil\fcharset186\fprq2 Lora Baltic{\*\falt Cambria};}
{\f-30408\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1 @MS Mincho Western;}{\f-30410\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 @MS Mincho CE;}{\f-30409\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 @MS Mincho Cyr;}{\f-30407\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 @MS Mincho Greek;}
{\f-30406\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 @MS Mincho Tur;}{\f-30403\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 @MS Mincho Baltic;}{\flomajor\f31508\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flomajor\f31509\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flomajor\f31511\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flomajor\f31512\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flomajor\f31513\fbidi \froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flomajor\f31514\fbidi \froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flomajor\f31515\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flomajor\f31516\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fdbmajor\f31520\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1 MS Gothic Western{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}
{\fdbmajor\f31518\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 MS Gothic CE{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}{\fdbmajor\f31519\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 MS Gothic Cyr{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}
{\fdbmajor\f31521\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 MS Gothic Greek{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}{\fdbmajor\f31522\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 MS Gothic Tur{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}
{\fdbmajor\f31525\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 MS Gothic Baltic{\*\falt _l_r _S_V_b_N};}{\fhimajor\f31528\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Calibri CE{\*\falt Calibri};}{\fhimajor\f31529\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Calibri Cyr{\*\falt Calibri};}
{\fhimajor\f31531\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Calibri Greek{\*\falt Calibri};}{\fhimajor\f31532\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Calibri Tur{\*\falt Calibri};}{\fhimajor\f31533\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Calibri (Hebrew){\*\falt Calibri};}
{\fhimajor\f31534\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Calibri (Arabic){\*\falt Calibri};}{\fhimajor\f31535\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Calibri Baltic{\*\falt Calibri};}
{\fhimajor\f31536\fbidi \fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Calibri (Vietnamese){\*\falt Calibri};}{\fbimajor\f31538\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbimajor\f31539\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbimajor\f31541\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbimajor\f31542\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbimajor\f31543\fbidi \froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbimajor\f31544\fbidi \froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbimajor\f31545\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbimajor\f31546\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flominor\f31548\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flominor\f31549\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flominor\f31551\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flominor\f31552\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flominor\f31553\fbidi \froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flominor\f31554\fbidi \froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\flominor\f31555\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\flominor\f31556\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fdbminor\f31560\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1 MS Mincho Western{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\fdbminor\f31558\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 MS Mincho CE{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\fdbminor\f31559\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 MS Mincho Cyr{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\fdbminor\f31561\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 MS Mincho Greek{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\fdbminor\f31562\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 MS Mincho Tur{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}
{\fdbminor\f31565\fbidi \fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 MS Mincho Baltic{\*\falt _l_r __f_};}{\fhiminor\f31568\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Cambria CE;}{\fhiminor\f31569\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Cambria Cyr;}
{\fhiminor\f31571\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Cambria Greek;}{\fhiminor\f31572\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Cambria Tur;}{\fhiminor\f31575\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Cambria Baltic;}
{\fhiminor\f31576\fbidi \froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Cambria (Vietnamese);}{\fbiminor\f31578\fbidi \froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbiminor\f31579\fbidi \froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbiminor\f31581\fbidi \froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbiminor\f31582\fbidi \froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbiminor\f31583\fbidi \froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\fbiminor\f31584\fbidi \froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\fbiminor\f31585\fbidi \froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
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7965f4d3fd2ed926dd04d2c172914cf2decace9a629086655a2d7490aa0533ccd708062850fd9cb0d25eecfcb3f5c09af764e42a683a6042cf609072ad055b2e83a570217fffd9}}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs40 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\fs40\insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9384073 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14293119\charrsid9384073 \page }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 
\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6769574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 APPLESEED: A Founder Effect Legend}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid89303 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0  \'a9\loch\f0  202}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 1}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid89303 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0  by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 Robert E. Hampson}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid89303 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 Latuda\hich\f0 \rquote \loch\f0 s Lady in White }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 \loch\af0\dbch\af31505\hich\f0 \'a9\loch\f0  202}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 1}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0  by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 Aaron Michael Ritchey}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16202787 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 Misfits }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 \loch\af0\dbch\af31505\hich\f0 \'a9\loch\f0  202}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16202787 
\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 1}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13631851 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0  by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16202787 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 A.C. Haskins}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\insrsid13631851 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 All Orca Go to Heaven \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Joelle Presby
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1192795 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 The Paoshi Puzzle \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by James L. Cambias
\par 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1192795 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1192795 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Of Shadows and Caves \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by David Weber and Richard Fox

\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1192795 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11566753 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid11566753 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Salvage Judgment \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by G. Scott H
\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 uggins
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Murder in Space \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Les Johnson
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 The Man Who Would be Dracula \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Simon R. Green
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Shattered Trust \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Dave Bara
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Echoes of Meridian \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by M. Elizabeth Ticknor
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 The Rot\hich\f0 \rquote \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 s Last Laugh \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Charles E. Gannon
\par 
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 Fire-Bright Rain \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Jane Lindskold
\par 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6769574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid11566753 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 \hich\f0 From Every Storm a Rainbow \'a9\loch\f0  2021 by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller}
{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid10044868\charrsid9384073 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid13841573\charrsid9384073 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 A Baen Book}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid8728715\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 s}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0  Original
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \lang1033\langfe2052\dbch\af11\langfenp2052\insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af11\loch\f0 Baen Publishing Enterprises
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af11\loch\f0 P.O. Box 1403
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af11\loch\f0 Riverdale, NY 10471
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af11\loch\f0 www.baen.com
\par 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3153914 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \lang1033\langfe2052\dbch\af11\langfenp2052\insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af11\loch\f0 
eISBN: }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af37\afs22 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs22\cf1\insrsid3153914\charrsid3153914 \hich\af37\dbch\af31505\loch\f37 978-1-62579-832-9
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11147400 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid11147400\charrsid11147400 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6769574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid8728715\charrsid9384073 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6769574\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid8728715\charrsid9384073 \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 
Electronic Version by Baen Books
\par \hich\af0\dbch\af31505\loch\f0 www.baen.com}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \lang1033\langfe2052\dbch\af11\langfenp2052\insrsid8728715\charrsid9384073 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6769574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6769574\charrsid9384073 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s33\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12453863 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6188447\charrsid9384073 \column }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14550547 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 APPLESEED: A Founder Effect Legend}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Robert E. Hampson
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"Izzy, do you have a minute?" Jan knew that Isaac hated the nickname; that was one reason he used it. However, this might not be one of those times. The senior data tech from Logistics and Supply had a serious look on his face as he floated in the doorway
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  of the Sensors and Tracking office.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Not really, but you look like I need to, Janny." Isaac used Jan's least favorite nickname in response, but again, there was no rancor\~.\~.\~.\~just a slight irritation.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Well, it's the trajectory data from Ceres Station. T\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
here's a serious downtick in arrivals and departures." Jan held up a databord to emphasize his point. Isaac could see nothing but columns of numbers on the 'bord's display screen.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "That's Traffic Deconfliction stuff, Jan. What does it have to do with Logistics?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "It's an odd pattern, Isaac." The very fact that Jan wasn't calling him by a nickname was a tell-tale that he was worried.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Well, it's a pattern. Something strange."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Show me."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Jan touched his 'bord, then flicked his fingers in a gesture toward the \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
wall screen in front of Isaac. The numbers now appeared on the screen accompanied by a graph of inbound and outbound trajectories over the previous twelve months. "See here?" A bargraph appeared showing totals per month, declining toward the present. "A t
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 hirty percent decrease, and it's all in trajectories inbound and outbound from the Belt."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Ceres was the primary supply base for the independent miners and prospectors working the Asteroid Belt. Every one of the stakes in the Belt needed resupply, approximat\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ely every three-to-six months. A decline in ship traffic meant that they weren't resupplying at Ceres.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 But there wasn't any other location to resupply other than Earth or Mars\~.\~.\~.\~
was there? Belters wouldn't willingly enter The Well just for groceries.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "What does Ceres Logistics say?" Isaac asked his counterpart.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Earth shipments are on schedule, but the warehouses are starting to back up. Stuff is not being distributed outbound as fast as it's being supplied. The weird thing is that the major difference 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 is in produce and consumables."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "What? We've never seen a surplus of fruit and vegetables! Ceres is usually right on the fine line of shortfall\hich\f40 \emdash \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
only the L4 and L5 farms keep that from happening. It would drive the prices sky-high if not for the price controls ordered by Congress three years ago." Isaac thought for a moment. "Okay, Jan, so why did you bring this to me?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Well, Isaac, I was hoping you could run some tracking and figure out where the Belters are going for their groceries\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 if not Ceres, then where? We need to know in order to ensure that it's safe\~
.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~and job security has nothing to do with it."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Well, once that big colony shi\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 p out at Mars is finished, stocking it is going to use up everything we've got. There won't\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 be}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
any surplus; it'll be a logistics nightmare." Jan shuddered. "That's why we need to figure this out. It could mess up all of the planning."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Entry Squad, this is Eagle One. Sound off."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Five, ready."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Four, ready and waiting."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Three, planting daisies and watching the grass grow."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Two, about to put a stiction boot up Eagle Three's ass if he doesn't watch his comm discipline. E-Two re\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ady."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Six, this is Eagle One. Carl is being a pain in the ass and is about to\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 earn}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 a pain in the ass, but we're ready to enter."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "One, this is Six. Clear to enter."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Go, go, go. Execute entry plan alpha."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Five, in and clear right."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Four, in and clear left."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Three, in and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Oh my god, it's full of stars!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Two, in and clear straight. Oh. Oh my."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle Six, this is Eagle One. You're not going to believe this, sir, but the asteroid's been hollowed out and turned into a biosphere. There's soil, plants,\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  even trees."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Eagle One, are there lifesigns?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Sir, this entire place is lifesigns."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Not what I meant, One. Are there any people in there?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 "Negative, sir." The comm was silent for many seconds as the squad leader checked his sensors. "There's insects in the soil and on some of the plants. Something small is flying\'85\loch\f40 
 honeybees?" After another pause, he continued, "not even a mouse, sir."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Understood, Eagle." A new voice had come over the comm. The sergeant recognized it as belonging to the lieutenant colo\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
nel in charge of the Marine patrols for the outer Belt. "It was a long shot, anyway. Tracking says there's been minimal activity to this rock in the past year. Foxglove and Gladius platoons have found the same thing\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
hollowed-out asteroids with full biosph\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 eres inside. RTB and get prepped for a six-day high-gee boost. There are several more promising targets about ninety-degrees' rotation from your AO.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Two of the other three squads of Eagle platoon were securing the entry and docking structures on the exteri\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
or of the hollow asteroid, while the third was checking on a few rocks in the near vicinity. The new orders meant that they would return to their patrol ship, along with the other two platoons of Charlie company, Fourth battalion, Five-Oh-First regiment o
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
f Lunar Marines. Their next destination was one-quarter of the way around the sun from their current position. It would require nearly a week at one-and-a-half gravities of acceleration, and the same amount of deceleration, to get there in time to meet up
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  w\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ith the rest of Charlie 4/501. Even though all Marines trained at a minimum one-gee, their bodies would require preparation for the extended load.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Command was hot to get them onto the next target.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 What was with these hollow worlds, anyway?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Sensors and tracking. Isaac."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Have you seen the latest, Izzy?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Hi, Jan. Nice to hear from you, too. How are Maureen and the kids? Enjoying the new posting? Thanks, Lorraine and I are fine. Jakob starts at the Academy in Harriman Dome next month."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Umm. Oh. Sorry, Iz. It's just that there's a new report in from Cybele."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Cybele. Three-hundred-kilometer C-type in Outer Belt? Okay, I heard something about\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 Hey, isn't that where they found the kids last week?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Yeah. Hollowed-out and bio-formed just like the rest, but this one had people living in it. There were a few older rockrats, some whole families, and lots of dependents."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~and the new report? Don't keep me waiting, Jan."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Oh. Sorry. Well, the report said that one of the older folks said the habitat was set up by someone named 'John Chapman.'"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Chapman, huh? That name rings a bell."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "General Ishihara, how is the search going?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Mr. President, there is nothing new to report. So far, the Patrol ha\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 s located seventeen unregistered biospheres\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
thirteen uninhabited and four inhabited ones. I need to caution you that we have surveyed less than ten percent of the Belt, though.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"The Trajectory Deconfliction division claims that each of the uninhabited spheres has been visited at least once since we started tracking six months ago, but that they have not yet been able to track any of those ships to its next destination. In each c
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ase of the occupied worlds, the residents claim that they were told of the biosp\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
here by a man who called himself John Chapman, and that they could move there as long as they 'promised to tend the orchard.'"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "John Chapman. Why do I recognize that name."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Johnny Appleseed\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 a legend in colonial America, Sir. Planted apple trees. I'm rather surprised to be saying that to an American President, Sir."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Oh, I know the legend, General\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 for that matter, it's more than legend, it's history. Appleseed planted hundreds of nurseries, mostly apple, but other fruits as well. They stretched from Pennsyl
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
vania to Illinois and he actually tended them himself. He was a preacher and his travels allowed him to return and tend to the nurseries for decades." The President paused and chuckled at the expression on his chief of staff's face. "Well, I\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 was}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
a history professor, General. So, this person or organization styles itself after Johnny Appleseed?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Individual, as far as the reports go. All of the people interviewed provide the same description."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "So why do they say he's doing this\~.\~.\~." The President gestured\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  vaguely.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Terraforming, sir. The witnesses said he's establishing these worlds to preserve Earth's fruit trees."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 sounds familiar, too, although that movie is over one hundred years old by this point."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Yes, Mr. President. It doesn't change the fact that he's violating the Planetary Protection statutes, though."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Stupid. The laws, not this Appleseed person; but then again, if he's supplying the rock rats, he probably doesn't care about Earth laws anyway. Still, the Alliance is fragile enough as it is."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "We'll find him, sir. It's just a matter of time."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "I'm certain that you will, and a smart man will be ruined, I'm sure." The President sighed. "Keep me posted, General."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The gavel slammed. "Si\'f4\loch\f40 \hich\f40 n C\'e9\loch\f40 apmann, aka John Chapman, you are charged with violations of the Planetary Protection treaty, the Luna-Belt trade \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
pact, and the Food and Drug Act of 2120. How do you plead?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Not guilty, your honor."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
The defense attorney had wanted the trial to be publicly streamed on the 'net, but the prosecutor invoked federal security concerns. That didn't keep the proceedings from being viewed with interest by several governmental agencies on private channels.

\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "So this is the guy responsible for the hollowed-out asteroids?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "That's what they are saying. He hollowed out carbonaceous chondrites, turned the slag into soil and atmosphe\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 re, installed lightpipes, then planted trees and other plants."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "He couldn't have done it alone."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "That's pretty obvious, but no one has come forward and he's not talking."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Huh."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Elsewhere\~.\~.\~.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "He screwed up a decade of logistic planning. We\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 knew}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Victoria}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
was going to need provisioning, and we planned for it. That's why we got the contract. He screwed it all up. Ceres has overflowing warehouses and produce rotting in the cryo-prep area. He's a menace."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Technically, he made our job easier, we always\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  ran short on fresh produce for the belters."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Who cares about the belters? Scarcity drives the prices up. The\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Victoria}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 contract was supposed to set us up for the next decade; now we'll be lucky if we just break even over that same number of years."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 In Mars orbit\~.\~.\~.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "I like this Chapman, person. You say he's a plant geneticist, Adam?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Best I ever met," said Adam Walker. "I tried to recruit him for the TRAPPIST-2 mission, but he turned me down. I ran his name anyway and apparently the psychs had their ow\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 n reservations."

\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Hmm, perhaps we can make him an offer he can't refuse," mused Keegan Coran.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Later\~.\~.\~.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"Mr. Chapman, this court finds you guilty. You are sentenced to life imprisonment on Earth. Since you have spent most of your life in reduced gravity, and this would essentially be a death sentence, the Court has considered the alternative that has been p
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 resented by Mr. Coran." Gavel bangs. "You are hereby sentenced to exile in the form of the TRAPPIST-2 colony mission. You will be remanded to the custo\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
dy of the Colony Foundation in the person of Mr. Adam Walker, where you will be immediately placed into cryo-suspension until the mission arrives at its destination. Since we have your recorded assent to this sentence, we feel that we have offered suffici
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ent clemency to fulfill our humanitarian obligations. As such, we have a Finding from the President that there can be no appeal without reinstating the original on-Earth sentence." The gavel banged again. "This court is closed; members of the jury, you ar
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 e \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 dismissed."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The man was essentially naked except for a light mesh singlet holding the sensors in place. He sat up and looked around. There were five other individuals within sight, also just getting out of their cryopods.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "John Chapman?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He nodded at the questioner, not yet able to bring himself to speak.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Welcome to Cistercia. You and the others in this cohort are part of Terraforming Team Six. You will have your work cut out for you."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "W\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 wh\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 why?" he finally got out.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "I don't have all of the details. I was simply told that the expected advanced terraforming did not happen. We're carving this world out all by ourselves."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 John swung his legs out over the edge of the 'pod.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Full gravity. We're on the planet already.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Gravity?" \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 he croaked.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"Don't worry, you've had one hundred seventy years of medical treatment in the cryo to strengthen your bones and circulatory system. Any weakness you feel right now is strictly muscular. It will dissipate in a couple of days." He was handed a bulb of opaq
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ue liquid. "Drink this. It's protein, electrolytes and a mild stimulant. Think of it as a coffee smoothie."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 John did as he was told.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
A new world, a new biosphere, and one that wasn't supposed to require environment suits\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 or, at least that was wh\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 at it was supposed to be.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Atmo? Temp? Water?" The cool liquid was easing the dry soreness of his throat.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Earth normal within ten percent all around. This is Antonia, we've been onsite for about two years getting the habs set up. It feels like subtropical Earth\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 Florida or the Mediterranean\hich\f40 
\emdash \loch\f40 oh-two is a touch high, but it's moist enough that there's not much f\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ire hazard. We're also near a river delta, and just off of a large bay, so we have freshwater and low-saline shallows available. There's rainforest equ\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ivalent well to our south, cloud-forest in the highlands to the northeast, and grasslands to the northwest." The man recited the conditions without obviously consulting the databord in his hands, so he must be involved in either the terraforming or scienc
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 e groups.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Sorry, but you are?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 "Oh, yeah." The speaker tucked the 'bord under his left arm and held out his right hand. "Em\'ed\loch\f40 
lio Belo, supervisor for Terraforming Section B; that's groups five through eight. Yours is the second cohort we've decanted today."\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 Releasing John's hand, he consulted the 'bord. "Once your cohort is ready, I'll take you over to the dorm and we can get you kitted out. Your personal cargo kilo is in the drawer under your pod, and your allocated cubic meter of effects will be delivered
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  to the dorm later. We're all in dorms for the time being, but you'll be assigned to a remote facility within a couple of weeks. Again, welcome to Cistercia."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Absolutely amazing." Belo looked over the field of small trees, each about a meter in heigh\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 t.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "They are a fast-growing variant. That means less time until they flower and fruit, but they won't live much more than ten years. The trees\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 and the fruits\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
will always be small because of that fast growth, but at least it will provide fresh fruit." Chapman\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 beamed with pride, but then his face fell. "Unfortunately, they will need to be replaced sooner than ten years. The downside of this strain is that it depletes soil nutrients in a few years\'85\loch\f40  and they need\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Earth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
nutrients. The Cistercian soils are not en\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 riched enough to grow any of the strains we've tested so far."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "That shouldn't be a problem. We'll just terraform more hectares of land. Until then, these will make excellent luxury goods in the marketplaces."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Chapman's expression darkened. "What we grow here is supposed to be for\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 everyone}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Belo laughed and slapped Chapman on the shoulder. "And they will be. Eventually."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 When the supervisor left the test nursery, John turned to his co-worker, Maile Kailani. "Luxury goods. Typical bureaucrat thinking. What \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
we need to do is develop a strain that thrives on native soil and does the transformation for us. These trees and their fruit should be for everyone."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Maile nodded. "I've heard this argument before. I've\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 made}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
this argument before, remember?" She was native Hawaiian; an agronomist in the Green Sahara project before joining the colony mission. "Look, I studied plants that could turn a bare rock lava field into grasslands, pineapple fields and macadamia groves. 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 We never quite managed to transform equatorial Af\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 rica back into fields and forests, but we learned a lot. We'll make this work."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
John grunted and turned back to the grove of young trees. He took a sample container out of a pouch on his belt and scooped a small amount of soil into it. He repeated the process at several points across the field, and then proceeded into the defoliated 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 perimeter and into the native Cistercian growth past the quite literally terraformed fields of the agricultural research center.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Maile shook her head as she watched him move off.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
He's obsessed with fruit trees and making sure every single colonist can have their own garden complete with fruits and vegetables. Well, I suppose that's a pretty good obsession.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
She heard a faint buzz behind her and turned to see a small honeybee settling in on a flower in an adjacent plot of hibiscus shrubs. Technically, they weren't food plants, but rather were interspersed with the plots and groves to encourage pollinating ins
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ects. "The fact that they smell nice doesn't hurt," she muttered to herself.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"The bees are doing fine. In fact, they're doing better than our best projections." She hadn't heard Cruz Fernandes, Team Six's apiarist, come up beside her. "I'm fairly confident that there's hives out in the outback by now." Cruz waved vaguely at the lo
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 w native growth beyond the terraformed region.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "That would be good, especially if\~.\~.\~." she trailed off without finishing the thought.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 especially if Apple Tree Johnny goes through with his plans."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Shhhh. That's not something to spread around."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Hah! As if no one knows."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 "Well, as far as we can tell, Em\'ed\loch\f40 lio doesn't know. And if he doesn't know, the colony leadership doesn't know."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"Those fools?" Cruz phrased it as a question, but it wasn't really. Everyone on the terraforming and agriculture teams knew that something was out of synch between colonists and colony administration. "How in the hell did we end up with an eco-protection 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 idiot as\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  mayor?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Especially on an interstellar colony mission?" Maile asked in turn.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Exactly. Rumor has it his father bought his selection."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Who's his father, anyway?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Actually, no one's really sure, some say Keegan Coran, the Foundation CEO, some say he was a high muckety-muck in the FEFfer movement."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Fix Earth First? But they\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 hated}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 the mission."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "So, what better way to make sure we fail? If the sabotage didn't kill us, the government would."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "True. Which is why those of us who know John's plans aren't tellin\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 g," Maile concluded.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Okay, let's call a break." The men climbed out of the ditches and off of the heavy machinery and headed for the shade of the trees lining the sides of the roadbed.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
On Earth, crews would have set a course and programmed a RoadBuilder2150 or similar fully automated device to clear the ground, prepare the base and leave behind a weatherproof surface for suitable wheeled and ground-effect vehicles alike. The loss of the
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  automated heavy terraforming equipment meant that the Cistercian\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 colonists had to revert to techniques used throughout the late Twentieth and early Twenty-first centuries. They had plenty of heavy construction equipment, but it meant that the road-building crews had to actually operate bulldozers, excavators, pavers, 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
and yes, picks and shovels. The overland road between Antonia and New Virginia would take a decade to complete at this rate, so the crews made sure to pave right up to the ground that they cleared, as soon as they cleared it. The result of that policy was
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  t\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
hat homesteads, ranches and farms followed close behind the leading edge of the road. With "civilization" so close behind, many of the crew lived close to the leading edge of construction, so the actual "construction camp" was fairly small, but well-suppl
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ied.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 However, they were not so well-supplied that Nguyen Phan's lunch went without notice.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Apples? Full-size apples! Where did you get apples?" one of the other construction crew asked quietly.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "What, Newby has apples?" Hector Santos' voice was not so quie\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 t, and several heads turned to listen.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Quiet!" hissed Gernot, the one who first spoke.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"Well, of course," answered Nguyen. "There's a grove of apple, orange and pear trees on my father's farm." He was new to the crew, just turned thirteen, and part of the first generation of children born on Cistercia. No one was very old on the crew
\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 except\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  for Mr. Santos\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 because frankly, the colony couldn't afford idleness from anyone capable of working.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Your dad planted them?" Paola asked. She, too, was new to the crew,\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 and also from a farm sited about ten klicks back from their current location. "You'll have to tell my grandfather how he got them to survive. Grandpops wants lemon trees so that he can make his family's traditional limoncello."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "He didn't plant them. They were there when he cleared the land."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Nonsense. Earth fruit trees don't grow in this soil. They certainly don't grow out in advance of the terraforming perimeter." Hector was not only foreman of the ground-prep part of the road-grading crew, but he'd ori
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ginally been part of the crews that cleared native Cistercian life out of the zones that were marked for agriculture. "Earth and Cisty life don't grow in the same places. The terraforming eggheads said it was something about extra 'tides and nuclei or som
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ething like that."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Nguyen looked up at the sky. There\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 were}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 two moons up there, although only one was visible in mid-day. "Tides? But we're nowhere near the ocean?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 "Not that kind of tides, Newby. The science-y kind\'85\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  And no, I don't know any more about it. I only know what the eggheads said\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
" He broke off as one of the members of the vegetation-clearing team came running up.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Mr. Santos, we have a problem with the trees."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "What problem? Either cut them down or bulldoze them."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "No, it's not that. These are\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Earth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 trees!"
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "My God, John, you look horrible."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "I've been camping. Lost my gear in a storm a month ago."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "You've been gone for almost three years. People have been looking for you."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "I've been tending my nurse\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ries."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Yes, that's why they've been looking for you\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 "
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The gavel banged. John winced; it brought back bad memories.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
"John Chapman, you are charged with resisting arrest, failure to register your whereabouts with the Committee for Public Safety, and fifteen counts of violating Antonia Terraforming Ordinance 10-505.3, regarding commingling of Terran and Cistercian lifefo
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 rms." The judge paused, looked at the gallery and saw the nod from the Mayor. "How do you plead?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~he performed unsanctioned gene\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 tic splicing on Cistercian and Earth plants\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~he's insubordinate. He listens to orders and instructions only when they suit his own purposes\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~well, he didn't resist arrest exactly, it's just that noone wanted to get that close to him\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~there's groves of apple, cherry, pear and citrus trees halfway to New Virginia\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~we had to re-route the overland highway five times to avoid digging up orchards\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 re starting to find Terran growth all through the\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  wildlands, now\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~I mean, just\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 look}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 at him! Does a reputable scientist come to court barefoot and in clothes that are frayed at the ends of the pants and sleeves? This man is no more a scientist than\hich\f40 
\emdash \loch\f40 than\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 are, Your Honor! ..."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ".\~.\~.\~what my esteemed colleague\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 should}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 have said is that my client cares more about science and feeding people than about his own appearance\~.\~.\~."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Miss Forewoman, what are the jury's findings?"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Your Honor, on the charges of resisting arrest\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 we find John Chap\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 man not guilty. On the charges of violating Terraforming Ordinance 10-505.3\hich\f40 \emdash 
\loch\f40 not guilty. On the charges of not reporting his location\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 guilty\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Gavel bangs. "Miss Foreman, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the court thanks you\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 "
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Your Honor, we're not done. The Jury wants to add that we think the registration regulation is stupid. The rules limiting the planting of Earth crops are stupid, and frankly, we suspect that the Mayor\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Gavels bangs repeatedly. "Enough. Jury, you may not editorialize in my courtroom. You are dismissed."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Mr. Chapman, you have been cleared of all charges except failure to report your location to the proper author\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ities. Since we cannot sentence you to anything like returning you to Earth, you will wear a tracking bracelet at all times, and are banned from travel beyond the city limits.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "And keep in mind that the court is aware that this is your second strike. If you persist in defying authority, we\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 will}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 put you back in cryo\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 indefinitely."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Mr. Mayor! Mr. Mayor! A statement for the newsbriefs, please." The reporter held a databord up so that its pickups would record the politician's image and words.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Why certai\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
nly, Janet. I would like to say that City Hall is somewhat displeased that the jury has acquitted the so-called 'Apple Tree Hero.' Rest assured that this man is no hero. We are scrutinizing his activities and backtracking his movements while he is off the
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  grid and are certain that he has violated many more laws and ordinances than the paltry few presented here. Trust me, we will stop this terrorist in his tracks!"
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Multiple voices clamored for attention.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "Yes, I said what I meant. John Chapman is an ecoterro\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
rist. He is now, and he was before we left Earth and Mars. He has no regard for the consequences of his unrestrained genetic monstrosities\~.\~.\~."
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
An object flew out of the crowd and hit the mayor on the side of the head. Security guards immediately closed in and hustled him off the entry steps of the municipal dome. More objects continued to fly, pelting the mayor and his security team.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 For the most part, the fruit squished when it hit, seeing as it was largely rotten\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 that is, except for the dwarf-apples wh\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ich were still mostly solid. The fruit had come from the city leader's own commissary supply. No one wanted to pay the commissary's exorbitant prices when the city market sold fruit at less than a tenth of the cost. Hence the rotten surplus that constitut
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ed a classic protest against oppressive authority.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 "It might be time to activate Operation Trudovik," the mayor muttered to his chief aide once they had escaped the crowd.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Maile Kailani waved to the crowds at her inauguration. She scanned the gatherin\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 g looking for a particular face\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
long stringy hair and a lined, weathered face. John Chapman wasn't a young man when the judge on Luna had sentenced him to exile, and he'd spent most of his twenty years on Cistercia out in the fields and forests. She hoped
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  he was here. He'd been one of the major reasons for it.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The demonstrations following Mayor Ivanoff's accusations of ecoterrorism had brought about a major change in government. The mayor and his Committee for Public Safety cronies had left on the next shut
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
tle, destination unknown. Over the next few months, nearly five hundred others left Antonia, cutting the colony's population by nearly one-tenth. Strangely enough, the workforce was not greatly reduced, since the people who went missing were predominantly
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  from the science, education and administration offices.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 In their absence, many of the regulations that had limited colony growth, including the expansion of the farming and ranching lands, were repealed. There was considerable progress in adapting Terran l
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ifeforms to grow in Cistercian soil without preconditioning, and a new Office of Forestry was established to foster and guide the industry that was transforming the native plains and forests with Earth-Cistercian hybrids.

\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 John would love it\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
if he were here. Maile scanned the crowds again but didn't see him. Oh, there were still reports of Apple Tree John sightings, and nearly every month someone reported coming across a previously unmapped grove of fruit trees. Just last w
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 eek they received a report of a bra\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nd-new nursery with seedlings that couldn't be more than two months old.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He was out there, and the whole colony was thankful.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Maile proudly brandished and then bit into the fresh apple a staffer had handed her. It was the symbol of her campaign, and it never failed to get an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Thank you, John, wherever you are.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
# # #
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 A statue stands in the Municipal Park in Antonia of a thin, raggedly clothed man of advanced years. He has one hand upraised, holding an apple. The other han\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
d is down at his side, holding a gardening tool. One foot is raised and resting on a rock. A plaque attached to the rock reads:
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \li720\ri720\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Apple Tree John:}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Si\'f4\loch\f40 \hich\f40 n C\'e9\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
apmann, plant geneticist, agronomist, nurseryman, who took the name John Chapman in honor of the legend of "Johnny Appleseed." Born 2131 CE, Rinehart City, Luna; died Cistercia, date unknown. Chapman defied authorities on Earth, Luna and the Belt by creat
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ing unlicensed asteroid biospheres containing plants and trees adapted to grow in low-gee, low-oxygen and low-nutrient soils. He joined the TRAPPIST-2 Colony Mission in lieu of a life sentence for violating Earth-Luna-Belt ecological laws. Chapman is cred
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 it\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ed with developing plant varieties that would grow in Cistercian soils without terraforming and is suspected of being responsible for spreading groves of fruit trees throughout the wildlands outside the colony perimeter. He is often associated with apples
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 and apple trees, even though he always took care to promote all manner of flowering fruit and nut trees and shrubs. This statue marks the location where Mayor Maile Kailani launched her Appleseed Campaign to oust the corrupt of administration of Mayor Fi
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 li\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 p Ivanoff\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 the success of which Mayor Kailani attributed to the example set by Chapman.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Encyclopedia Astra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 , Gannon University, Antonia, Cistercia, AA212.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14550547 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
This story is set within the shared future history of\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-founder-effect.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3153914 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b72000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d0066006f0075006e00640065007200
2d006500660066006500630074002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Founder Effect}
}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
, edited by Robert E. Hampson and Sandra L. Medlock. The anthology contains stories by David Weber, Larry Correia and more! Robert E.Hampson is a scientist, teacher and author who uses his Ph.D. to study memory and diseases of the brain. He turns real sci
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ence into hard-science and military SF and likewise incorporates for SF influences on science into his teaching. He is also a popular convention panelist who makes science\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 and science fiction
\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 interesting and accessible to the public. Find out more at his \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 we\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 b site\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  HYPERLINK "https://www.rehampson.com/" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3153914 
{\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b4e000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e0072006500680061006d00700073006f006e002e0063006f006d002f000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c
825dc48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 here}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Latuda
\hich\f1044 \rquote \loch\f1044 s Lady in White}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Aaron Michael Ritchey
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
Hiram Woolley was with his son Michael, in the cab of their Double A truck, driving through the sage, scrub and rocks of Spring Canyon above Helper, Utah. The sunshine of a May afternoon had done a fair job turning the dirt road into dust.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Michael glanced over at him. \'93\loch\f40 So, Pap, you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 re saying we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re out here following your dream?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Michael had known his father was a cunning man for only about three months. For Hiram, it was a time of hope and fear because th\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ere was a real chance he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d lose the respect of his son. Even after all they\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d been through, Michael still nursed his doubts like they were the green shoots of new plants. Would they grow to bring more doubt? Or would they wither as stronger beliefs took r\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 oot?
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram would\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve thought being in Spring Canyon again would help his son with his doubts. After all, his son had seen the forces of darkness firsthand back in February.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 However, Hiram knew that the logical mind was quick to affirm its own ideas.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram ad\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 justed his fedora and wiped a hand across his mouth. What would Michael\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s real father have thought of his son, flirting with atheism, longing to be a scientist. Yazzie would\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve smirked and said something sarcastic about the blind leading the deaf. Or how \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
God had a sick sense of humor where sons, spring snowstorms, and moody wives were concerned.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 In the end, Yazzie would\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve put his faith in God. And so would Hiram. \'93\loch\f40 Yes, son, we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
re following my dream. I had the same one a week in a row. There\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s a woman in wh\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ite standing outside of a black shack in Latuda.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The Latuda Mine,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Michael took his dark eyes from the road, as if he needed his father to see his fear. \'93\loch\f40 Just up the way from the Kimball Mine. After all we
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve been through, mines are not really popular with me, Pap.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram shrugged and gestured for his son to keep his eyes on the winding stretch of dusty road. The previous day\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s rains had helped the desert limp out of a long winter, though that moisture was now gone, and they might not get more rain for we\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 eks if not months.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 However much I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m soured on mines, Pap, it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s still just a dream.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 His son paused to consider the problem with that quick mind of his. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 But the same dream? Seven nights in a row? That is odd. I wonder what Carl Jung would say about it.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Hiram extended his hand to show his son a big silver ring on his right ring finger, fashioned from Saturn-metal and bearing Saturn-signs, after the pattern his Grandma Hettie showed him \'93\loch\f40 
I know you probably won\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t believe this, but the ring is attuned to S\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 at\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 urn, and brings me dreams.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ll probably never believe in any of that astrology stuff,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Michael said. \'93\loch\f40 The planets are just planets in our solar system. It
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s like saying what\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s going on in San Francisco right now is having an effect on my life. Sorry, Pap. Don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t buy it.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 And Hiram knew there was a good chance that his son never would believe in anything but his scientific method. His world had been reduced to atoms, planets, and human fallibility. But Hiram felt God\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 s authenticity, and he knew know that ring had given him\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  a powerful dream that needed to be heeded.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 A woman in a crystal white gown next to a black house. Her face was pale, her eyelids pink, her nose red from crying. She reached out with white, pleading hands. Her fingernails seemed pink at first glance. A seco
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nd look\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 her fingernails were gone. She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d scratched them off. There should\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been more blood. At first, Hiram thought her hair was blonde. No, it was white, almost crystalline, like her dress. Her pale blue eyes seemed to be frozen open.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Behind her leaned a black tar paper shack, all by itself, in gray-green sage.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The dream tumbled into images. A man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s rough hand with big knuckles and black fingernails gripped a bottle of whiskey. Wind whistled through a broken window. Snowflakes tumbled through the crack a\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nd onto a counter where the word\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Latuda}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 had been written in blood.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Whispers, whispers under the floor of the shack.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The whispers woke Hiram up, covered in sweat, with one last image in his mind.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The woman\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s mouth\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 a white tongue on yellow teeth and chapped lips\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 whispering the same words over and over.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 No one can help me.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Those five words whispered over and over.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Do you want to tell me more about the dream, Pap?\'94\loch\f40  his son asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Maybe it was just a dream.\'94\loch\f40  Lying to son was almost as easy lying to himself. It shouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t be like that. Truth should be his armor, and it was, most of the time.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s truth right then? He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
t want to talk about the woman. She unnerved him. He wanted to quiet her urgent whispers. He wanted her to find peace in the Lord Divine.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram and his son motored up through the mining camp of Latuda, which was empty of men, since they\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d be underground. Women stood chatting outside doors of clapboard houses. Children gamboled in the alleys between shacks mixed with tents. The administrativ\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
e buildings and town shop stood off in the distance. Most of Latuda lay on a flat space halfway up a rocky ridge that s\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
till had some snow in the north-facing shade. The settlement looked far more like an established town than the Kimball Mine had. Latuda seemed like it could make a real go of it and maybe even rival Helper someday.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Turn right,\'94\loch\f40 
 Hiram muttered. He was going on intuition. Down between houses, he saw the shack, built back away from other homes, standing alone in the gray-green sage. Near one squat house, a thick woman hung laundry with a wooden clothespin in her mouth
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 . Near her, a little boy threw a rock at a\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  cat. His aim wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t good. The cat went streaking off.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 That\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s the shack back there,\'94\loch\f40  Hiram said.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ll find a place to park.\'94\loch\f40  His talkative son had turned quiet. Both of them had. Normally, they\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d joke and laugh. Hiram enjoyed his son\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s wit like nothing else. But not that May day. Even with the sunshine, it seemed cold.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram found himself clutching his chi-roh amulet. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d slipped his hand underneath the front of his overalls and between the snap buttons of his work shirt.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Michael wedged the truck between\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  a low pile of split firewood and another miner\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s home. He turned. \'93\loch\f40 Look, Pap, I\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 m glad I know about your cunning man work. It makes a lot of what you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve done over the years make much more sense.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 So you don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t think your father is crazy?\'94\loch\f40  Hiram asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I never said that.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  His goofy grin showed he was kidding. \'93\loch\f40 For example, you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
re gripping your chi-roh amulet awfully tight. This one is scaring you, isn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t it?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Hiram shrugged. \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m probably being silly.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Are you bringing the gun?\'94\loch\f40  Michael asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m more wo\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 rried about my soul at this point,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram said. \'93\loch\f40 Just wait in the truck until I know it
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s safe.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The woman who\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 d been hanging laundry walked up to the truck with her empty basket on her hip. \'93\loch\f40 Hey. You there, man. What ye doin\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 in that truck with that Indian boy?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The woman had a harsh accent, almost British, though she hit her Rs hard and dropped her Hs. She wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t the woman in his vision. She had dark brown hair whipped back into a bun and big ears, probably twice the size of Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s. Her nose fine at the \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
tip but took a lesson from her ears by being abnormally wide between her big brown eyes.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram had no idea what to say.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Michael was never at a loss for words. \'93\loch\f40 Hi, Ma\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 am. I\hich\f40 \rquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 m Michael Woolley, and this is my adopted father Hiram. We\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re looking for our friend who lives back in that shack.\'94\loch\f40  He pointed.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The old woman\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s face fell, concern rather than suspicion in her eyes. \'93\loch\f40 Mr. Teague? Can you \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 elp \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 im?\'94

\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s why we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re here,\'94\loch\f40  Michael said.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram couldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t help but admire his son\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s quick wit. At times, Hiram thought Michael\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s mouth would be his undoing. Right then, his tongue was the keenest of tools.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Hiram got out of the truck. \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m Hiram Woolley. Is Mr. Teague home?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The woman shr\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ugged. \'93\loch\f40 Oh, \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 e\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 ome. Says it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s \hich\f40 
\lquote \loch\f40 is back that ain\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t right, but you know there\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s more to it than that. Says that \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 e can \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 ear \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 
is dead baby boy under the floorboards. Gives me the willies to \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 ear \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 im talk. I says to my Jack, we needs to help \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 im, but Austo\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 l Teague won
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t let no one \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 elp \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 im ever.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Her own big-eared boy\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 barefoot, patched trousers, thin shirt\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 squinted up at Hiram.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ll go and talk to him,\'94\loch\f40  Hiram said.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The old woman shook her head. \'93\loch\f40 If \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 e\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s not too drunk to eat, I made a bit of saffron cake. It\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  might make 
\hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 im feel better.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ll ask him if he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s interested,\'94\loch\f40  Hiram said.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He started down the alley between two houses. The mud should\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve dried from any rain. In the shade, he felt the temperature drop to frigid. It shouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t be so chilly.

\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
Hiram thumbed the Saturn ring. His dream was warning, and he was glad his son was back in the car. Most of the time ghosts were just lost souls, melancholy, fearful, and lonely. Sometimes they wanted to grasp the warmth of living if only to watch them gro
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 w cold.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 had his chi-roh amulet. He had his bloodstone in the side pocket of his overalls. Both offered protection, but his best weapon was his faith.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He walked down the muddy track and up to the shack\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s door. Leather hinges held the door to a rough piece of wood. He knocked three times.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 What!\'94\loch\f40  A voice bellowed from inside.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Would you have a minute to talk, Mr. Teague?\'94\loch\f40 
 Hiram touched the felt of the tar paper. The waterproof material was originally meant to lay under the roofing shingles. But tacking it down to the\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  outside walls kept the wood dry and offered a scant bit of insulation.

\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Who\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s coming to talk to me? Boss Woon? I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m laid up on account of me back. No work today! Tell Woon to piss off!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m Hiram Woolley,\'94\loch\f40  He wished he had Michael\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s way with words. As it was, Hiram didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
t know what else to say, so he merely stepped back into the truth. \'93\loch\f40 I dreamed about a woman standing in front of your house, Mr. Teague. It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s strange, but it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s the truth
\loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 .\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 From inside, heavy boots stomped across a wooden floor. The door was\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 wrenched open. Austol Teague stood in his stained undershirt. His coveralls were pulled down to his waist. He was a muscled man that had been chewed thin. He would\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been handsome with his thick head of golden hair and his pale green eyes, instead he st\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ood gaunt and haunted in the doorway. He might\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve been thirty years old. He looked twice that.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The stink of strong liquor boiled out of the shack. Hiram was grateful his religion had made it quite clear that alcohol shouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t be a part of a good man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s life.
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  This wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t be the first hope-to-die drunk Hiram had ever met.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 A woman ye say!\'94\loch\f40  Teague thundered. His bottom teeth were rotten. His top teeth were oddly much better. Again, it was a face that should\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been more handsome than it was.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 A lady in white,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram said softly. \'93\loch\f40 But she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s not with us anymore. She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
s passed on. And I heard tell you lost a son.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s mouth fell open in surprise\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 that didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t help the smell any. \'93\loch\f40 
You best tell me who you are again, mister. Tell me who you are and why my bad bus\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 iness is any of your concern.\'94\loch\f40  Again, those hard R\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s. That rough accent, that matched the woman hanging up laundry, though Teague was better with his Hs.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 d like to hear about your bad business,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram said. \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
m from the Mormon Church, and I like to help people. I might be able to help you.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague eyed him. His thick-knuckled hands hung loosely at his side. Those hands had been in Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s dream, holding a bottle.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You looking to save my soul?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  the man laughed. \'93\loch\f40 Unlikely, Church Man! Bloody impossible. \hich\f40 \lquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Cause I\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 m damned. You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re looking at a damned man.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Then maybe you can help me.\'94\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 Hiram was glad Michael had remained in the truck. Not only was Teague drunk, maybe violently so, but there was a double-barrel shotgun at the door, sawed down. It was a weapon you didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t hunt with. It was a weapon for killing men.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Help you how?\'94\loch\f40  Teague asked, one eye squinted, his mouth open, lips trembling.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Mr. Teague, I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve had the same dream seven nights in row, about a woman in white standing here in Latuda. Her whispers wake me up, and I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t mind telling you, I wake up afraid. I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t expect I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ll g\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 et any peace until I figure out what happened to her.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Teague howled laughter. \'93\loch\f40 Oh, Church Man, you don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t know fear. Come in. And have a drink with me, and we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ll talk fear, Church Man. We\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ll talk fear.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram found himself seated at a rough-hewn pine table, on a chair that would probably rip the seat of his overalls. The room hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t been cleaned in months. Empty bottles lay scattered about with various tools and other mining debris. A mattress Hiram coul\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 d smell was pushed against the wall across from the do\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
or. In the corner, a stove sat in a circle of ash and kindling.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague tipped a bottle of brown liquor, splashing hooch into a pair of ceramic mugs.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t drink, Mr. Teague. Like you said, I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m a Church Man. But I appreciate the offer.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s pale green eyes were so bright compared to the dust on the man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s skin, from his last shift digging coal. He hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t washed. The liquor stink oozed out of his body along with an unwashed stench.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague stared at Hiram, trying to cow him, but Hiram showed his resolve\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 , his strength of will, and his faith. The hard part had been telling the drunk man the truth. Teague could\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 ve made any number of choices. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d chosen to let Hiram in and tell him his sorrows.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 It was an act of charity for them both\~.\~.\~.\~for Teague to talk and for Hiram to listen.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram was also glad that the drunk man hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t recognized his name. After their adventures in the Kimball Mine down the canyon, it felt at times he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d become a minor local celebrity. Any fame was certainly from his bloodstone, since\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  it had that unfortunate side effect.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Teague dropped his eyes. \'93\loch\f40 More for me, Church. I know the name of your lady in white. Lowenna. That was me wife. She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s dead. Her and me boy, Branek, both dead.
\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 How did they die?\'94\loch\f40  Hiram asked.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t answer. He sipped the whiskey, or bourbon, or whatever alcohol came in brown colors. Hiram didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t know. And he wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t interested in knowing.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram waited. Either the man would talk, or he wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t. Hiram did reach into his pocket, felt the bloodstone there. He praye\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
d to the Lord Divine that this man might unburden himself and find comfort.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I hear my son under the floor.\'94\loch\f40  Sudden tears shimmered in Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s pale green eyes. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 He whispers at night. He knocks.\'94
\loch\f40  Teague wrapped his knuckles on the wood.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Knock. Knock. Knock.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t dreamed about a boy. Or about knocking. But he knew about the whispers.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Teague turned sheepish. \'93\loch\f40 You think I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m just another Cousin Jack, and I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been hearing a knacker, a knocker, a bucca. You might know it as a tommyknocker. But we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 re a fa\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ir distance from the mine. And I started hearing it after Lowenna and Branek died. Wasn\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t so simple, them dying.\'94\loch\f40  Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s eyes begged Hiram for a deliverance he couldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t give him. \'93\loch\f40 
I loved her, Church. She was so pretty. She was so fair. Bonny, ye might \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 say, if life were a song.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram felt the bloodstone pinch him. That was a lie. Teague might have been married to Lowenna, but he didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t love her, not really.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 And you loved your son?\'94\loch\f40  Hiram asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Yes, loved him most of all,\'94\loch\f40  Teague said.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 That wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t a li\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
e. His bloodstone lay still in his pocket. Hiram had known men like Teague, men who tolerated a wife, but only because the woman could give them a family.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram thought Teague might start weeping, but he didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t. He drank the liquor instead of weeping, which was just one of the many problems with alcohol.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Teague sighed. \'93\loch\f40 I was the best with Branek. I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve always been a drinking man, learned to drink in my homeland of Cornwall, and a Cornish man drinks.\'94\loch\f40 
 He sang a snatch of a drinking song, all hard Rs, in a gr\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 owling language.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Not just another Cousin Jack,\'94\loch\f40  Hiram said. He remembered something, someone had told him, while he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d been in mining country. Cornish miners were so numerous, and they had such big families, a lot of times Cornish men would get hired on and ask if their C\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ousin Jack could come work with them. And so, Cornish miners were called Cousin Jacks.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Not just another Cousin Jack!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Teague roared, laughing. He was getting drunker by the minute. And he glanced at the shotgun by the door. \'93\loch\f40 You been dream
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ing about my Lowenna? You wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t be the first man. She had a wanderin\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40  eye. Didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t think too much of being a miner\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 \hich\f40 s wife. Thought she was too pretty for Austol Teague, she did. Well I say, I was too pretty for her!\'94\loch\f40  That laughter was more about hurt an\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ger than mirth.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Teague leaned back on his pine chair. \'93\loch\f40 She wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t in our house, Church Man, when the avalanche come. She thought to run. If she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d have stayed here, like I told \hich\f40 \lquote \loch\f40 er. I always told \hich\f40 \lquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 er. First with me tongue. Then with me fists. If she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d have bloody stayed inside, my little boy would still be alive! He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 d still be alive! And not whispering at me from under the floorboards.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 He stood up, cast the chair back, finished off his drink and pushed the mug between his eyes. \'93\loch\f40 I was in the mines. We came running. Our house was fine. Other houses weren\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t so lucky. But she got swept out. We dug for Lowenna. We found her in blood snow. T\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ried to claw her way out of the ice. Lost her fingernails. Blood\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
y stumps they were. We got her body out. Looked for my little Branek. Never found him.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague stopped talking. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t cry. He huffed in breath and then seemed to stop breathing all together.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram ran his thumb over his Saturn ring in the gloom, and images came to him, partly from the dream, partly from his own imagination.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The windows were too filthy to let in much sun. Hiram had the idea when Lowenna was alive, she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d kept their home tidy, and yes, she might\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve wanted better things for herself than bei\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ng Austol Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s wife, but she would\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve reminded herself to be grateful that her man had any work at all, given the state of the country.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Austol Teague was both a miner and drinker. Which was the worse problem? He tolerated his wife, yes, but he wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t above hitting her. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d admitted that right to Hiram
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s face.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He could see Lowenna taking care of the house, taking care of a blond little boy, enduring the long winter nights and hours. She longed for the handsome man who had captured her heart to love her,
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  but he didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t. He loved liquor and his son, and in that order.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been boiling water for tea when she heard the thunder of the avalanche. She took up her little son in her arms. She ran through the door and the world went white.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram remembered the winter of \hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 27\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 snowstorms hit every week. He remembered reading about avalanches hitting Spring Canyon. That must\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been when Lowenna died, which meant, she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been gone eight winters now. Teague kept on at the mine, worked only so har\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 d as not to get fired, s\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
o he had enough money to keep the shack and to keep drunk.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague stood with his mug pressed against his forehead. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d stopped huffing. It was silent.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Knock. Knock. Knock.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram felt the hairs on his back stand on end. An icy, evil feeling filled his belly.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague walked over and set his empty mug down at the table. He grabbed the full one he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 d poured for Hiram. \'93\loch\f40 
There he is, Church Man. Little Branek. He knocks during the day. He whispers at night, only real quiet like, so\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s I can\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t hear the words. Sets m\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 y hair on end. I
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d leave here. I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 d go. But being near him is better than not. Do ya kin?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 There were no lies there.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 But Hiram hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t dreamed of the son, only of the woman. Why?
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Because the son had moved on into the loving arms of the Lord Divine. Whatever was knocking and whispering under the floor wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t the man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s son.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram stood, moved the bottle and mug off, and lifted that table. He set both chairs against a bare wall. The floor was pine, one by six boards, with a crack between them.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t waste your \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 time, Church. I looked. Can\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t see a thing.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The bloodstone pinched Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s leg. A lie.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 All that time, Teague hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t looked. He hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t wanted to know. He found a horrific comfort in what he thought was his dead son\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s knocks and whispers
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram knelt above where he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d heard the knocking. He was afraid of what he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
d see under the floor, and yet, he had to check. He felt the mystery of the moment longing to be solved. \'93\loch\f40 Can you get me a candle, Mr. Teague? It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s not your son down there. It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s som
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ething else.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Cor\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nish man gripped his mug in white-knuckled fingers. It was amazing that ceramic didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t shatter to pieces all together. \'93\loch\f40 
You come into my house, Church. You talk about my wife! And you want to disturb my boy! He wants to be down there, Church! He wants to \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 be down there, damn you!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague threw the mug and it smashed against the wall. He whirled, going for the shotgun.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram was both fit and sober. He crossed the room to snatch the shotgun out of Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s grip, so he couldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t use that other barrel. The pair f
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ought over the weapon. The Cornish man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s finger must\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve hit one of the triggers because the shell on the right-side fizzled and smoked. That gun-smoke perfume helped with the stench. Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s stink nearly overwhelmed Hiram. However, it gave him some incen
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 tive to end the fight quickly.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Had Hiram gotten lucky? No, that shell misfired because Hiram was being protected by his faith. He was a righteous man, and he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been called to the shack on a righteous mission.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s muscles were solid knots of steel, from\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  all those hours working moving rock. Hiram, though, was the better fighter, thanks only to the Great War.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram stomped on the man\hich\f40 \rquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 s shin, then tore the gun away, and slammed the butt into Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s chest.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Cornish man went crashing into a little counter by the door, turned, and grabbed a pick.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram backed up with the shotgun raised. He wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t going to shoot Teague unless he came at him.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Both men were breathing hard.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Then.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Knock. Knock. Knock.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 From the center of the room. Underneath the floor.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram felt his mouth go dry, and again, icy fingers tickled his nape. He remembered more about Cousin Jacks, and about their tales of the tom\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 myknockers. \'93\loch\f40 
Two knocks means you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 re close to what you want, whether that be coal or gold. Three knocks means you need to dig somewhere else. It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s not your boy, Mr. Teague.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The drunk man shrieked, \'93\loch\f40 It is him! You want for me to show you? You want for me to see his little broken body? He crawled through the snow to get under our house. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
\hich\f40 s under there!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague hammered the pick into the floor, again and again, driving the pick into the wood. He grunted as he pried lose the squealing, squeaking boards.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hira\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 m watched with the shotgun. If some fiend did live under the floor, that left barrel might come in handy.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague got one board up, and then a second. The windows were too filthy for enough light for them to see what lay underneath the floor.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s sweat was chill on his hot skin. While that cabin should\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve been hot in the May sunshine, it felt like February. And the smells, of the sorrow, the liquor, the wasted life, made it reek like a crypt.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The drunk man retreated to get a candle, but he was trembling \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
so much, he had trouble getting a match lit. Finally, after three dead matches, he got a flame. He set the candle near the pit. Most of the ground was hard-packed dirt. In the center was a pit, two feet in diameter. The hole was stuffed with tar paper, so
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 me old canvas, some old gray timber, and some cast off Juniper branches.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague grunted and sweated as he pulled debris out of the hole. Hiram watched with a terrible feeling in his gut. Of what they might find.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague tossed the branches, canvas, and tar p\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
aper over his shoulder, until the hole was cleared. Teague pointed at marks in the rock and a single cross beam of an old railroad tie, stained with creosote. \'93\loch\f40 
Those are chisel strikes there. And that beam is the top of a crib. This must be an old minesha\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ft, far from the mine itself, or maybe connected.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Both Hiram and the Cornish man froze\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 to contemplate that hole and what it might mean.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The next knock, a single knock, made them both jump. It was the door. \'93\loch\f40 Hey, Pap, it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s Michael. I got worried about you. \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
Can I come in?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Look!\'94\loch\f40  Teague gasped.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The flickering candle cast a dim, uneven light below. But it was enough to show a green arm, the hairy arm of a tiny man. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t have five fingers\~.\~.\~.\~
just four, including a thumb. His body was lost in darkness, but that hand was there. It made a fis\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 t and wrapped on the cross beam.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Knock. Knock. Knock.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Then a whisper. The candle went out.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s mind tried to convince himself he hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t seen what he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d seen, or heard what he heard, but he had a vision of a little m
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 an in overalls made from scraps of cloth\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
denim, tar paper, canvas, a tiny man with tiny hands and feet. And a black bushy beard. He had diamonds instead of eyes. He whispered and knocked. Whispered and knocked. Three times.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What you want isn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t down there,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram said. \'93\loch\f40 You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re a Cornish man. Act like one.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s face was ashen.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Hiram continued. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Your Branek has passed on and now walks hand-in-hand with the Lord Divine.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Michael pushed open the door. \'93\loch\f40 Pap, what\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s going on?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Get the saffron cake from the woman. Tell her that Mr. Teague is hungry.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Michael\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s eyes went to the hole in the floor of the shack, then to the shotgun in Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s hands, and then to Teague, who was gray, hardly breathing. Those pale green eyes were a lot more sober than they\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been a few minutes ago.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Cake?\'94\loch\f40  Michael asked.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram nodded.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 His son blinked, shocked, turned on his Harvesters, and left. They heard his boots tromp down the alley.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague grabbed a ragged canvas tarp and was about to stuff it back \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 into the hole.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Stop,\'94\loch\f40  Hiram said.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Why?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Teague asked. Then he knew. \'93\loch\f40 You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re probably right, but I hate you, Church Man. How could I not?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You pulled a gun on me, Teague,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram returned. \'93\loch\f40 If anyone has the right to hate, it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s me. But I forgive you. You weren\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t in your right mind.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Just one of the dangers of drink.\'94\loch\f40  Teague slumped down on his mattress, his head against the wall. He shoved his knuckles into his eye sockets and sat there. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 t offer an apology.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 When Michael returned, he carried three \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 big pieces of yellow cake, dotted with dried currants, all on a single white plate. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
Mrs. Chenoweth said she apologizes for the dried fruit, and she could only use half as much saffron as she usually does, but it should be tasty.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 We won\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t know,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Hiram said. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Light the candle, Michael.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s going on, Pap? Why the pickax home decorating?\'94\loch\f40  His son\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s dark eyes were wide with wonder.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Long story. Maybe Mr. Teague would like to tell it.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Cornish man didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t move nor make a sound.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Michael lit the candle, \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 and Hiram gave him the shotgun to hold. Just in case.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s life was full of tasks he didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t enjoy, and being a cunning man, he often had to do things that terrified him. And yet, his faith made him strong and steadied his hand.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
The railroad tie was about three feet below the floorboards. Hiram had Michael hold the candle aloft, so he could see, but still, down that hole, that lost part of the mine, was a thick, impenetrable darkness. And that knacker\~.\~.\~.\~that bucca\~.\~.\~
.\~that \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 thing\~.\~.\~.\~wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t of this\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 world. Its ways were not the ways of man. It might have wanted to scare Teague, or to laugh at him, or, as Hiram thought, it was warning the man that his boy was gone.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram gripped the floorboard with his left hand. He held the plate with his right. And he eased himself down into the hole and set that plate of cake onto the beam. All the while, the darkness yawned beneath him. He didn
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t want to see the bucca, its dusty\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  bristling beard, its diamond eyes, its piecemeal overalls. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t want to see an inc\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
h of its hairy green flesh again. And he didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t want that thing yanking him down into the lost mine shaft, maybe with another dozen of the tommyknockers. Their beards would split to show mouths full of jagged black teeth. And he would be eaten.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 It was just his mind playing tricks on him.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He settled the plate on the beam.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He lifted himself up. Again, the candle was extinguished. Whispers from below. Rustling from below. And they waited.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Michael swallowed. \'93\loch\f40 What\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s down there, Dad?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 It was Teague that spoke. \'93\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
s the bucca, spriggan squall, comes to cry for ill and for all. In the rocks where the devil does burn, give it the tezan, tezan saffern. Me own father sang that to me when I was wee.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What that\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s again?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Michael asked, an impish smile on his face. \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m pretty sure some of those words weren
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t English. What are we dealing with?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The tommyknockers, child,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Teague said. He dropped his hands to the mattress. \'93\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The cake will show them my gratitude, and they won\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 t plague me with any mischief. Your goddamn father thinks he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s doing me a goddamn favor.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram couldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t but grin. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 At least the tommyknocker gets to eat a bit of tezan saffern.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Michael re-lit the candle. The plate was empty. The knacker was gone.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Hiram took the shotgun, broke open the action, and dumped both shells onto the floor. \'93\loch\f40 Michael, if you could give that woman back her plate, I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d appreciate it. Then wait in the truck. Mr. Teague and I are about f\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 inished.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Mercifully, Michael didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t fight him.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 With his son gone, Hiram went to Teague. The Cornish man stood gazing down into the dark pit, his pale green eyes filled with equal parts rage and sorrow. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d stuffed the hole full again, he
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d repair the floor, and he wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t feed the knackers again. Hi\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ram could see it all in the man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s face. Teague wanted to continue his seven-year long dance with the monster.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram gripped the man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s arm. \'93\loch\f40 Your son has found peace, Mr. Teague, but your wife has not. It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s why\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 the shack is cold. It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
s why the ground is always wet. I think whatever she needs, she needs it from you. Perhaps your sobriety. Perhaps your forgiveness. Perhaps the love you never gave her in life. I think only you can help her.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 She can burn in hell,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Teague growled into his face. \'93\loch\f40 Leave now, Church Man. And don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
t come back. You robbed me of my son. My drinking is my own business. Not yours. And not that green devil who likes saffron cake.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram let go and stepped back.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Teague, red-faced, screamed at h\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 im. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 No one can help me! No one can help me!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram shivered, remembering that Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s dead wife had mouthed those same words to him.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram then saw, he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d failed. This man wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t going to change. And now, when he heard the knocks, he wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t think of his son. Now he knew those ghostly whispers were not his son speaking to him from beyond the grave.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram turned and left, his heart hurting.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Back in the truck, Michael sat behind the while. \'93\loch\f40 So you saved that man from the monsters under his shack with cake? \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
Before you answer, I want you to know, I fully support us starting a bakery that fights evil.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 His son could always make Hiram smile. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t answer his son\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s question. Because Hiram hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t saved anyone.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d done his duty, though, and he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d gone to Latuda to confront the drunk man, and that was the end of it. He didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t dream of Latuda
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s lady in white for a long time.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Months later, Hiram read in the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Helper Journal\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 about the death of Austol Teague. Reports were, that he lit his own shack on fire before putt\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ing his shotgun in his mouth\hich\f40 \emdash 
\loch\f40 miners saw flames, and then they heard the gunshot. Hiram had to wonder if that fire reached down into that hidden mineshaft.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 That night, he dreamed of the lady in white, one final time.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He now knew why her hair was white, that was the frost of covering her. And he knew why her fingernails had been ripped from her hands.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Lowenna Teague\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s ghost stood in a white gown of snow, the same snow that killed her and her son. His Saturn ring told Hiram that the avalanche had tumbled Brane\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 k
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s body down into a tangle of junipers. When the snow melted, the coyotes claimed the body.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The woman in white stood in her frosty gown, in the smoking ruins of the shack, where it would always be cold, where the ground would always be wet.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He saw her white tongue against her yellow teeth. She saw her chapped lips mouth words.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
No one can help me.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram heard her husband, Austol Teague, scream the words her lips formed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 No one can help me!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram was jerked awake, in his bed, in his farmhouse, heart pounding\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 and drenched in sweat. He grabbed his Saturn ring, trying to clear his mind of the spectral figure and his ears of that dead man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s shriek. One killed in an avalanche but unable to let go of her sorrow. One dead by suicide. Whatever the lady in white had \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 wanted from her husband, she\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d never get it.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 How long would the lady in white haunt Latuda?
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram prayed for both the husband and the wife. But strangely enou\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
gh, his thoughts turned to the tommyknocker. He found himself sincerely hoping that the thing in the mineshaft had enjoyed its saffron cake. And that it might find other, more willing people to help.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Hiram Woolley would endeavor to do the same.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 This story takes place within the world of novels\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-cunning-man.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid3153914 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b6c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d00630075006e006e0069006e006700
2d006d0061006e002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Cunning Man}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 and February\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-jupiter-knife.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid3153914 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b70000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d006a00750070006900740065007200
2d006b006e006900660065002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 The Jupiter Knife}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 by D.J. Butler, creator of the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst 
{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/4873" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid3153914 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b82000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f0063006100
7400650067006f00720079002f0069006e006400650078002f00690064002f0034003800370033000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Witchy War saga}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
, and Aaron Michael Ritchey. For twenty years, through twelve novels, Aaron Ritchey has stood at the mountain pass of Thermopylae and has surveyed the Persian army of rejection, failure and death and yet he continues to write! When he\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 s not battling Persi\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ans, you can find him supporting anesthesiology software, bicycling, or being swept away by the raw female power living in his house (via two daughters). He is a Dragon Award finalist. His web site is\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  HYPERLINK "http://aaronmritchey.com/" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid3153914 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b4c00000068007400740070003a002f002f006100610072006f006e006d0072006900740063006800650079002e0063006f006d002f000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825d
c48527630000000085ab00000000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f40\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 here}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Misfits}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by A.C. Haskins
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 A knock on the driver\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s side window startled Einar from his catnap. Outside the beat-up \hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
66 Buick LeSabre, a skinny white boy in his early twenties held his hands up, his expression nervously apologetic. Einar turned off the car radio in the middle of the\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  chorus to Golden Earring\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
\hich\f40 s \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Twilight Zone,\'94\loch\f40  then rolled down the window.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Sorry, did I wake you up?\'94\loch\f40  the kid asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re late, Rafferty,\'94\loch\f40  Einar grunted in reply.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I know, sorry. Study group ran long\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m the TA for Intro to \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Mythology this semester.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t care about your excuses. You got my money?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
The grad student nodded and passed an envelope through the window. Einar wordlessly took it and opened it up, counting the bills within. After a moment he nodded, tucked it into the inside of his jacket, and stepped out of the car, where he took a moment 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 to fish a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and light one.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He was short, barely coming up to Rafferty\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s chest, but built like he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been carved from a granite boulder, barrel-c\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
hested and clearly strong as an ox. With his shoulder-length hair, braided beard, and leather jacket, bystanders might assume he was an outlaw biker, or maybe a roadie for a metal band. They\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d be wrong. Einar wore his hair long not because he liked the st\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 yle, but because it covered up his slightly pointed ears and made it easier to go out in public without a glamour or a disguise.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He led the young man around to the trunk and popped it open. John Rafferty, University of Pennsylvania class of 1987, Ph.D. cand\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
idate by day and small-time drug dealer by night, looked in and smiled.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Can I get a little extra coke this time? It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s selling like crazy\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 \hich\f40 I sold out a week ago and want to make sure I have enough until next month.\'94

\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The Svartalf just shrugged. \'93\loch\f40 Sure. I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve got plenty of everything. Same deal as always.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The kid nodded and handed his supplier a backpack. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Fill her up.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
Einar silently began to pack the bag with various narcotics, mentally chuckling that the grad student spent all day studying mythology and folktales and never realized that he was working for a being straight out of his stories.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
***
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
After a long night of similar meetings, resupplying a half dozen of his dealers and collecting his cut, Einar pulled into the parking lot of an old brick building by a pier on the Delaware River just as the sun was coming up. With a yawn, he made his way 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 inside.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Any problems, E\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 inar?\'94\loch\f40  called out a woman\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s voice with a thick Hispanic accent.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 He grunted in reply. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 No, none of these humans are stupid enough to try to rip me off.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Damned shame, that,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  a much lower voice rumbled. \'93\loch\f40 It\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s been too long since we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve gotten to teach any of 
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 em a lesson.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar glanced in the voice\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s direction, at the impossibly large figure lounging on an old sofa in the corner of the room.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I know your kind likes fighting, Tal,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  he shook his head, \'93\loch\f40 but I like things nice and quiet and orderly. And that\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s h
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ow I run things.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Damn your dwarven efficiency,\'94\loch\f40 
 Tal said while pushing himself to his feet. Standing almost nine feet tall, he loomed over Einar, his head almost touching the ceiling. If Einar had been carved from a boulder, Tal looked like he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d been carved from a small 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 mountain. A particularly ugly mountain, at that.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The hulking brute scowled. \'93\loch\f40 It bores me out of my mind. This whole operation is boring me to death, really. No trouble with the dealers. No need to worry about the cops. No real competition 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 in years. Just the same thing, month in, month out. I hate it. I want some action, damn it!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 C\'e1\loch\f40 lmate}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 , Talfryn,\'94\loch\f40  the woman\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s voice called, \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Tranquilo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 .\'94\loch\f40 
 A stunningly beautiful Latina, wear\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ing a white dress that perfectly accentuated her curves, stepped out of a back room with a smile on her face. \'93\loch\f40 It is better this way\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
\hich\f40 we can make our money in peace and the Arcanum does not come sniffing around.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The Arcanum?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Tal rolled his eyes. \'93\loch\f40 That sorcerer is a drunk. You could walk into his shop and he probably wouldn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
t even notice you were glamoured, much less care.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t be stupid,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 amigo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 ,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she replied. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Even a drunk, washed-up Sorcerer of the First Rank is no trifling matter.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m just saying, i\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 s all,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  he grumbled. \'93\loch\f40 All this sneaking around don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
\hich\f40 t hardly seem necessary.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Verdad}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  She quirked an eyebrow. \'93\loch\f40 
Really? Do I really have to explain this to you again? Need I remind you why we hide in the shadows? Your fellow giants gave up manflesh ages ago, but you still have the taste, do you not? That\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s why your kin cast you out. I
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 a Patasola\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 while your diet is merely a matter of preference, mine is my curse. I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 must}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
consume the blood and flesh of man to survive. The Arcanum is sworn to protect humans f\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 rom the things that go bump in the night.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 We}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
are the things that go bump in the night, Talfryn. And Einar here is an outlaw, do you forget? Three men killed in broad daylight! Should he be caught, by the terms of the Treaty of Uppsala, his life is forfeit. Rodrigo,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 mi amor}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
, was exiled from the Kingdom Beneath the Waves for his crimes. You think any of us would be welcomed at a Faerie Market? At an Arcanum Conclave? Hell, even in that Fae\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 pendejo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Bran\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s pub in Fishtown?
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 No, the four of us are misfits. Outca\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 sts. We have no place in the magical community at large. And we cannot risk being caught on camera\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 it\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 s not the 1800s anymore, it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s the 1980s. There are security cameras now. No one will notice if the occasional homeless junkie quietly goes missing, but i\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
f you were to be caught on video without a glamour, bashing in some dealer\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s brains to make a point, the sorcerer would be forced to act, drunk or not.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  The giant grunted. \'93\loch\f40 
And this is no second-rate self-taught sorcerer that we might be able to take in a\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  f\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ight\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s trained, ranked, and has the full authority of the Arcanum behind him. You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 ve heard the rumors of what he did in Canada. We all have. Should we draw his attention, he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d be within his rights to kill us without a second thought. At the very least \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 he would be compelled to drive us out of Philadelphia and force us to set up shop elsewhere\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
somewhere, perhaps, with a Rector or a ranking sorcerer who isn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t a drunk, where we might actually have to worry about getting caught. So, let us keep everything\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 tra\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nquilo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
, my friend. Let Einar manage his dealers his way. It is easier for us all.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Fine, Victoria, you win. Like always.\'94\loch\f40  The giant belched and plodded off towards the bathroom.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Einar looked at Victoria, who rolled her eyes. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Must we have this conversation every week?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 The dwarf snorted. \'93\loch\f40 That\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s why he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s just the muscle and you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 re in charge, boss. Better you than me. I\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 m gonna have a smoke and then hit the sack. I need to get some sleep.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Do that,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she nodded. \'93\loch\f40 Rodrigo will be here tonight with the next s\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 hipment from Medell\'ed\loch\f40 n. It\hich\f40 
\rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ll be another late night.\'94
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
***
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Where\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s that damn fishboy at?\'94\loch\f40  Tal muttered.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
Einar just raised an eyebrow and took a drag on his cigarette as the three of them waited by a quiet dock on the Delaware River a few miles downstream from their home, outside of Philly proper. The giant was glamoured, his magical disguise shrinking him t
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 o a more reasonable six-foot-seven. Besides avoiding getting caught on camera, the spell was the only way he could fit in the car to get here. But Einar k\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
new Tal hated having to hide his true form, and his irritation grew every extra minute they had to wait for Rodrigo to show up.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Right here, my large friend,\'94\loch\f40  a Spanish-accented voice called out as a man\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s head broke the water\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s surface. \'93
\loch\f40 My sincere apologies for the delay\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 \hich\f40 the currents were not with me on this trip.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Mi coraz\'f3\loch\f40 n!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Victoria exclaimed. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I have missed you so!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 And I you, my love,\'94\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Rodrigo replied as he swam closer to where the group stood in darkness on a small dock. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
My heart sings to look upon you once more!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Einar rolled his eyes. \'93\loch\f40 Save it for the bedroom, you two. Let\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s get this over with.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Of course, of course!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  the merman laughed. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Business first, pleasure after.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He swam right up to the dock and pulled himself out of the water. As his lower body left the water, the shimmering silver scales of his tail transformed into muscular legs, and the gills on his abdomen closed and di
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 sappeared. He sat naked on the edge of the dock, looking like nothing more than a roguishly handsome man with a toned swimmer\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s physique, his feet dangling in the water.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Who has my clothes?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar wordlessly tossed a backpack at him.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Gracias}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 ,\'94\loch\f40  Rodrigo said as he opened it and began pulling out a pair of briefs.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Rope?\'94\loch\f40  Tal asked.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Ah, yes, I almost forgot!\'94\loch\f40  Rodrigo laughed. He unwrapped a thin silk rope from his left forearm and passed it to the giant. The other end was still underwater; Tal began pulling
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
 hand over hand as the merman got dressed. In a minute, the top of a mesh bag broke the surface, and the giant reached down and grabbed it, pulling it onto the dock with a single mighty heave where it thudded heavily on the wood.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Two hundred kilos of Colombia\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s finest, courtesy of Victoria\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s friends back home,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 the now-dressed Rodrigo said, taking a deep theatrical bow next to the sopping wet bag full of plastic-wrapped bricks of white powder. \'93\loch\f40 Reagan can pour as many millions in\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 to the drug war as he likes
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ; the Coast Guard will never be able to spot a merman on sonar!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Great,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Einar grunted as he flicked the butt of his cigarette into the water. \'93\loch\f40 Let\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s get it in the trunk and head home.\'94

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
***
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
As Einar stepped through the front door of the dilapidated brick building they called home, he sensed something was wrong. But as he turned to look around, he felt a heavy thump at the base of his skull and he sprawled forward onto the floor.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Rodrigo was following Einar inside when he suddenly saw his companion fall dow\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 n, but he hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t seen why.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f40 \'94\loch\f40  he began to exclaim, then stopped abruptly as the barrel of a shotgun was shoved in his face from someone standing off to the side of the doorway.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Inside, pretty boy!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  the man holding the gun shouted at Rodrigo with a harsh Philly accent. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
Come on! All three of you, inside! Even you, big guy, unless you want to get your head blown off!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar groaned and shakily climbed to his feet as his companions trooped through the door with their hands held up in front of them.\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  Rodrigo\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s expression was calm, but Victoria and Tal both looked furious. Glancing around, he saw they were outnumbered, a half-dozen armed Caucasian men standing around the room with weapons aimed at the gang. The one at the door with the pump-action sho
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 tgun had it trained on Talfryn, who he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d apparently\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 and correctly\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
identified as the biggest threat. Apart from him, the rest had an assortment of handguns.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Magical beings tended to be pretty resilient compared to ordinary humans. The pistols would hurt, but\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  they weren\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t a serious threat. The shotgun, though, might be a problem, depending on what it was loaded with. Buckshot wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t a major concern, but not even a giant would survive a couple of 12-gauge slugs directly to the skull. The gang followed instruct\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ions.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Over there, in the corner!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  shotgun ordered. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Drop the goods in the middle of the floor, big guy! Come on, hurry up!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Tal looked over at Victoria, who quickly shook her head.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Do what he says, Talfryn.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 That\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s right, Tall Friend,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  the man said, \'93\loch\f40 lis\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 ten to the lady. Don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t do nothin\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40  stupid.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Keep your pants on,\'94\loch\f40  the giant rumbled as he carefully set the mesh bag full of drugs down, then stepped back with his hands up.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You!\'94\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40  the man gestured at Einar with the shotgun, \'93\loch\f40 Get in the corner with the rest of \hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 em.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar rubbed the back of his head and complied. He was going to have a lump later. Probably a headache, too.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 All right,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 amigo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 ,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Victoria said, her voice icy, \'93\loch\f40 what\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s all this about?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Do you know who I am?\'94\loch\f40  the man with the shotgun asked, lowering the barrel slightly.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Not a clue,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she said. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Should I?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Yeah, you really should. I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m Donny O\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 Brien. I worked for Mikey Sullivan. You might say I was his right-hand man.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Her \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 expression changed from furious to quizzical. \'93\loch\f40 Mikey? We\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve been on good terms with the Irish for years.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He laughed humorlessly, then shook his head.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 No, lady. You were on good terms with Mikey Sullivan. He wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t a bad guy, but for some reason he was a pussy when it came to you. I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t know what you had on him that got him to leave you alone and let you take over the coke business in town without a \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 fight. But Mikey\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s dead. I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
m in charge of the Irish here in Philly now. And things are gonna change.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 I s\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ee.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  She nodded calmly. Her expression turned thoughtful, and she lowered her hands to her hips. \'93\loch\f40 Mikey\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 \hich\f40 s dead. And he never told you why he elected not to bother us. This all makes much more sense now.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Right,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Donny nodded back. \'93\loch\f40 So, here\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s how it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s gonna be\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
you lot work for me now. You keep doing exactly what you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 ve been doing for the last few years, but you owe me half of your take.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Victoria shook her head.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 No, Se\'f1\loch\f40 or O\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 Brien. I don\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t think that will work for us.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Oh, it won\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t work for you?\'94\loch\f40  he snapp\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ed. \'93\loch\f40 
How about option B, where me and my guys here just shoot all of you dead and we take over your operations ourselves? In case you hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t noticed, there are more of us than of you, and we\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
ve got the guns. You prefer that option? Just say the word. Only\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  reason that\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s not my first choice is that it\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d be a hassle having to set up our own deal with the Colombians and find a whole new set of street dealers. But I\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 m comfortable with that extra work if you\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
re gonna be a pain in my ass anyway.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Victoria just smi\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 led. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Have you ever heard of la Patasola?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 What?\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Donny replied, apparently taken by surprise. \'93\loch\f40 No, I haven\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t. What the fuck is a Patasola?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Back home in Colombia,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she answered, \'93\loch\f40 
there are tales of a beautiful woman who lives in the forest. She appears to hunters and loggers, inviting them to enjoy her company. She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s beautiful, and they\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
re lonely, so of course they often go with her. But whe\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 n the two of them are deep into the jungle, she reveals her true form as a hideous one-legged monster, the product \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
of a horrible curse, and then she devours them. She is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 la Patasola}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 .\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Fascinating,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Donny smirked. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 What the fuck does a ghost story have to do with this?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Everything,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Victoria replied, her smile gone. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
La Patasola is why your friend Mikey chose not to bother our operations, to leave the drug trade to us and stick to running guns and cigarettes.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Huh? You told him a kid\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s story and he left you alone? Bullshit. Mikey was a lot of things, but he weren\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 
t never scared of ghosts and monsters, lady.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 You see,\loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Victoria continued, her tone turning deadly serious, \'93\loch\f40 
I am la Patasola. Mikey left us alone because years ago, when we first set up operations in Philadelphia, after he objected to our presence, I revealed my true nature to him and made it quite clear t\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
hat if he ever decided to fuck with me or my people, I would eat his wife and children in front of him.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Is that right?\'94\loch\f40  Donny chuckled.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 So, my new friend Donny, instead of either of the options you gave me, I will present you with the same choice I gave \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 him.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 She held out her right hand, palm up, as if to offer him something. \'93\loch\f40 
You can turn around and walk out of this building right now without another word, and I will forget any of this ever happened and we will all return to our lives as they were an ho\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 ur ago.\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40 
 She held up the other hand. \'93\loch\f40 Or you can watch helplessly as I kill and eat all your men here, followed by whatever family you may have, followed by everyone you ever cared about. And then I will eat you. Slowly. While you\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 re still alive, screamin\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 g,\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40  feeling me take and savor every bite, until you finally pass out from the pain and I finish my meal in peace. Choose.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He pursed his lips as if in thought and nodded once. Then, without warning, he raised the shotgun to a firing position and pulled the trigger. The front of Victoria\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
s torso exploded in a bloody mess and she collapsed where she stood. Einar heard a ringing\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  in his ears and his mouth filled with the taste of copper as a fine pink mist filled the air.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Mi amor!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'94\loch\f40  Rodrigo shouted as he dropped t\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 o the ground next to her broken form and cradled her head in his lap.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Can you believe that crazy bitch?!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Donny laughed to his men as he turned his head over his shoulder to look at them. \'93\loch\f40 Guess she won\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
\hich\f40 t be eating anyone anytime soon!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar and Talfryn just looked at each other. The giant began to chuckle as they both lowered their hands to their sides.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Donny\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s head snapped back over to look at him.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s so funny, big guy? You didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 t like her much either?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Tal shook his head. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You fucked up, pal.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 What?\'94\loch\f40  He aimed the shotgun at the giant\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s head. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You want to be next?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Buckshot was a bad choice,\'94\loch\f40  Einar said, his voice full of pity.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Huh?\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You really should have loaded that thing with slugs,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Einar shrugged. \'93\loch\f40 You aren\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t going to like\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
\hich\f40  what happens next.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Uh\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f40 boss?\'94\loch\f40  one of Donny\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s men nervously interrupted their conversation.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Yeah?\'94\loch\f40  he said while keeping his eyes\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 and his shotgun\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 focused on Talfryn.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s getting up.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 What?!\'94\loch\f40  he snapped.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 The\~.\~.\~.\~the crazy bitch. She\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s getting up.\'94\loch\f40  He sounded afraid.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
His turned to look, and saw Victoria pushing herself to her feet. Her front was a mess, her chest looking like bloody hamburger meat where it showed through the tattered remains of her once-white dress. But despite the horrific wou
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 nd, she stood tall and glared at the man who\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d shot her.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Mi amigo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \~
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 is correct,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she snarled. \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 You should not have done that.\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 What the fu\hich\f40 \emdash \'94\loch\f40  Donny gasped, stepping backwards in shock.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
Her form began to rearrange itself. Her sleek, elegant legs merged into a single animallike appendage, covered in coarse fur and ending in a hoof. Her torso elongated and she gained over a foot in height. Her fingers stretched and grew long claws. And her
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  face seemed to melt and shift, with her eyes turning a deep crimson and \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
her mouth widening until it stretched impossibly from ear to ear. She grinned, revealing a set of wickedly sharp teeth.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 This,\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  she said, her previously melodic voice now unrecognizably raspy and harsh, \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 is the part where you scream.\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 His eyes wide, Donny looked back over at Einar and Talfryn, only to see that the giant had dropped his glamour, too, and now loomed over the gangster at his full height and weight.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Who the fuck are you people?! What the fuck?!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 She already told you that,\'94\loch\f40  Einar shrugged.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Wh\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 at is happening?!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Dinner, that\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s what,\'94\loch\f40  Rodrigo said with a laugh.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 Kill \hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 em!\'94\loch\f40 \hich\f40  Donny shouted to his men. \'93\loch\f40 Kill \hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 em all!\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
The guns all began barking at once, impossibly loud in the confined space. They stopped a few seconds later, as handgun slides locked back on empty chambers. Einar winced with pain; a few shots had hit him in the chaos. He noted with irritation a couple h
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 oles in his jacket; he knew he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d heal just fine, but good leather was expensive.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He saw Talfryn step forward, seize Donny by the throa\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 t with one huge hand, and lift him a couple feet off the ground. With his other hand, the giant grabbed the gangster\hich\f40 \rquote 
\loch\f40 s ankles and snapped them both with a single twist. Then he dropped him to the floor, and he and Victoria turned their attention to the ot\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 her gunmen.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar could barely hear the screams through the ringing in his ears.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
***
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f40\fs21\cf1\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Einar sat in the driver\hich\f40 \rquote \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
s seat of his car, drumming the fingers of his left hand on the steering wheel in impatience as his right held a lighter to the cigarette in his mouth. Rafferty was late again. Like he was every month. On the one hand, it was annoying that the kid was nev
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 er on time and Einar had to wait for him. On the other, it was predictable, and Einar appreciated predictability.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 He took a drag on the cigarette and chuckled to himself as Red Rider\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 s \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Lunatic Fringe\'94\loch\f40  came on the radio.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\~.\~.\~.\~\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I know you're out there,\'94\loch\f40  To\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 \hich\f40 m Cochrane sang. \'93\loch\f40 You're in hiding, and you hold your meetings\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f40 \'94

\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Yeah we are,\'94\loch\f40  Einar thought to himself. He took another drag and reflected on the events of the past month. Victoria was right\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
the four of them were misfits. It was better to stay in the shadows, unnoticed by that drunk Arcanum sorcerer, the Fae, or anyo\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
ne else who might want them out of town. That was easier to achieve when everyone did what they were expected to do, even if it wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t quite as Einar would prefer. He expected Rafferty t\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
o be late, so it was tolerable.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 When anyone tried to mess with Einar\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 s quiet, predicable, efficient system\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 like the Irish had\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 
well, that was unacceptable. But at least Tal hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t bitched about being bored for a while. He and Victoria had been eating well for weeks, and they hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t even \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
gotten to Donny himself yet.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Personally, Einar didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t care for the flavor of human flesh, and he definitely thought eating children was in poor taste, especially in front of their father. He\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
d tried to make sure he was out of\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  the building during mealtimes recently\hich\f40 \emdash \loch\f40 the screams ruined his appetite.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 But he understood it was necessary. The four of them didn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t worry too much about the cops, but if they left any survivors, there was always a chance that down the line someone would come looking to figure out what happened to his or her dad, and maybe see\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40  something they shouldn
\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t, and things could get out of hand. Easier and more efficient just to leave no loose ends in the first place. And while eating them wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t strictly necessary t\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
o achieve that goal, it wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t like Victoria and Talfryn to waste good meat. They hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t had to snatch any homeless guys from dark alleys in a month.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Besides, Victoria had offered Donny a choice, and she was merely following through with the option he\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 d taken. It wasn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 t her fault he hadn\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 
t really believed her. La Patasola always kept her word, and Einar appreciated that. It helped keep things predictab\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 le.
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the skinny form of John Rafferty approaching.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 You\hich\f40 \rquote \loch\f40 \hich\f40 re late,\'94\loch\f40  h\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 e called as he flicked the butt of his cigarette out of the window.
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 I know, I know, sorry!\'94
\par \loch\af40\dbch\af31505\hich\f40 \'93\loch\f40 \hich\f40 Whatever. You got my money?\'94
\par \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 Back to business as normal.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14626538 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f40\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
A.C. Haskins is a former Armored Cavalry Officer and combat veteran turned economist and business strategist (and occasional defensive firearm instructor). He has a lifelong love of speculative fiction, having written his first science fiction novel as a 
\hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 class project in the eleventh grade. His interests include (but are not limited to) ancient and medieval \hich\af40\dbch\af31505\loch\f40 
history, mythology, applied violence studies, tabletop gaming, and theoretical economics. He lives in Michigan with his wife, two cats, and a dog.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538\charrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 
All Orca Go to Heaven}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Joelle Presby
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \li960\ri960\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin960\lin960\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Note: This short story is set after the events of The Road to Hell (Multiverse #3) by David Weber and Joelle Presby. In the Multiverse of those series novels, two worlds spanning human civilizations occupy their own chains of Earths connected through natu
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rally occurring portals. They have been at war since first contact on Hell\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s Gate when a powerful telepath, the daughter of the Sharonan Cetacean Ambassador Shalassar, broadcast the defeat of her Sharonan unit of explorers by an Arcanan military explorati\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 force. The Arcanans have magic, often placed in crystals and used to control magically created animals from dragons and griffins to three-headed hydras. The Sharonans have telepaths and steam power level technology. While the Arcanan magic beasts have be
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 en an aerial force and a logistical powerhouse, the intelligent whales, dolphins, and orca back on the Sharonan home world have not previously involved themselves in the humans\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  conflict.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharona}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
A seal-sized shadow flippered along the surface. It looked so delicious. The orca Teeth Cleaver wanted it. He powered up from the blue-black deep ready to feast on marbled fat and mouthwatering seal steak. Tired down to his very cartilage, a warm-blooded 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 meal would do very nicely.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But an overly spiny reef creature darted past his jaws, and he snapped at it in pure reflex. The shell\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s taste was vile, but his belly felt ready to eat itself, he was so hungry.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The shadow above resolved into a narrow hull and oa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rs.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s belly growled in dissatisfaction. He couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat a human.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The thing in his mouth gave a frantic wriggle and he pinned it between his teeth.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 One doesn
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t torment the prey, one eats it.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He chewed barely enough to crunch the spiny thing\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s shell and swallowed. The crustacean had an aftertaste of stagnant coast waters and the texture of sea snails.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver looked up and gave a mental sigh. It was still only a human up there, not an acceptable meal.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But Sharp Sharp had followed at his si\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 de. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d slowed when he paused, but only out of caution in an unfamiliar ocean. Too late, he remembered the twisted rules of that other ocean.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Her fins gave an eager shiver and she lunged upward.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whale shit! She was going to eat the human!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::NOT FOOD!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
A dolphin chirped at top volume, its small-bodied voice shrill with horror.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Mine.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp responded.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::No!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver bellowed finding his voice a moment too late.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The white and black orca at his side had already flared her tail flukes to begin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  a powerful surge towards the surface.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A gray blur streaked past Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s flank, and the daring bottlenose rammed into Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s side. The orca careened off course, howling wordless rage.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver dove between the two before Sharp Sharp could close her jaws around a dolphin body in lieu of the human one.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat allies.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver said. It should\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve gone without saying, but he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d had to say it several times already.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Careless for ones grown so large, your pigfish.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  gaze flicked back and forth at the closest members of the dolphin pod escorting them.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ::Marbled almost, they are\'85\loch\f51 ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She paused as their rise through the ocean layers brought them a trailing taste of the furthest dolphin, the survivor, who swam with difficulty and a wound newly re-opened by the exertion. Her words were rough as if she was trying to communicate somethin
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g that didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t quite fit into the Sharonan cetacean language.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Seasoned. But, much too quick for now. Maybe next hunt.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The tone was wistful\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 as if the dolphins would always be beyond reach.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver wanted very much to reassure the scrappy Arcanan orca, who thought of herself only as a whiteblack, that they could absolutely catch and eat any one of these dolphins if ever they chose to.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d also much rather that she didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t try it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharonan marine life of all types lacked the gaunt, near-starved look of the natural creatures from the Arcanan ocean. With time in these rich Sharonan waters, Sharp Sharp ought to put on more fighting weight herself. At least enough of it not to shy from
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  some overfed bottlenose pod.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tougher-than-usual gray ones formed the wall of nearer dolphins, and, Teeth Cleaver realized on closer examination, all of the ones beyond were as well. These dolphins had kept \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
all their pod\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s new mothers, elderly, and youngest elsewhere. The respect implied was pleasing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s fear was rather less so.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Above, a human creature too ignorant to understand paddled on. The young woman\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s tanned, not-to-be-chewed-on, arms sculled a barely seaworthy one person hull out past the reefs.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not a seal,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver explained again.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat the Two Legs.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A few dolphins had gone through the new small portal to look about, as dolphins did. And not returned. So. The great whal\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
es had sent for the orca. Teeth Cleaver had arrived first. He had gone and returned, as orca do.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been a fight, of course, with plenty of injuries on all sides, but Teeth Cleaver had missed it. He hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t managed to eat any of the enemy, and it was making him grouchy. The surviving Sharonan dolphin he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d found had squeaked out a frightened exagg\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
eration of a report of course, but it was missing all the most useful details. What had the opponents tasted like? They had had three heads, okay, but had they \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
moved with interesting cunning like a great white or had they been like so many startled eels that had to be cornered and frightened to make for a decent fight?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And there was the matter of the deeply scarred and half-starved female Arcanan orca Sharp Sharp who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d trailed along behind the Sharonan dolphin and now swam beside Teeth Cleaver to come meet the elders. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d moved like some sort of ocean scavenger follow\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ing prey injured by a stronger predator and hoping it fell from the injury, so she could eat. Or\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ca were ill suited to diplomacy, but they could fit through the portal.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat this. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat that.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp began a low sing-song complaint which carried far too well to the hard-nosed dolphins keeping pace beside them.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Oh, but my second cousin married a sea turtle, we can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat those.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We can eat turtles.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver interjected. A moment\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s further thought compelled him to add,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not that I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d want to. Icky shell bits get caught in the back of the mouth and make everything taste gritty \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 for days.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp ignored him, expanding her objections.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::And those giant squid can add without even using their tentacles to count, we can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have them for snack anymore.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Squid eat each other.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver was getting annoyed now.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t get to claim protected status from the great whales for intelligence while engaging in cannibalism on the side.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Whales are a myth,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What? No! She couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t possibly think\hich\f51 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mind slammed against the impossible idea.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 To\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  imagine an ocean with so few whales that an orca of hunting age did not believe in them was, was, twisty enough only a squid could think it!
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp wiggled a fin at him in amusement at his shock, an orca\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s natural grin finally showing through on the scarred killer whale\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s face. Her eyes gave a little roll as if he were being quaintly superstitious instead of roiling inside from the shock \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of her comment.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Besides us, of course,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp amended.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I mean the mighty thinkers two or more whiteblack
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  lengths.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She bared teeth in derision as if about to say something only a very foolish and quite young orca calf would believe.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Or even five plus lengths in the truly ridiculous stories. Those ones the legends say used to lay down laws for the ocean and so forth that are said to be the color of your over-muscled pigfish.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The space between the two orca and the dolphin pod stretched as the smaller marine mammals thought and rethought about an ocean without whales.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp swam on.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A trick of the oce\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
an light filtering down on her too thin black and white body gave her a shark like appearance. She flicked her dorsals this way and that, drifting first at an angle to glance up at the human, and then to the sides, considering the dolphin pod plunging up 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and down beside them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver could hear the deep-water song change. This ocean did not lack for whales. His mind continued down the twisty currents Sharp Sharp had suggested. In the Arcanan oceans, the orca pods called themselves whiteblacks, and the
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y called their rarely sighted dolphin and porpoise species pigfish.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And ate them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Difficult to blame those orca. Bottlenose dolphin had such a melt in your mouth flavor. The texture was not quite as soft as a delicate bite of white tuna, nor was the tang as savory as shark liver, but it did make a fine meal according to the orca histor
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ies.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But back years and years past in this very Sharonan ocean, when the dolphins had been eaten, the waves themselves had seethed almost to a boil with the rage of the great \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
whales. Teeth Cleaver considered the inherited memory. The blood and pulped flesh of orca in a horrific seawater stew was a flavor remembered in the histories too. When those tastes had drifted in the currents, the orca youths deemed too immature to be pu
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nished for a pod\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s inappropriate diet choices had been bathed in the revolting soup made from the body parts of their own kind.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The surviving dolphin elders, once they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d managed to recapture the great whales\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  attention, had insisted on the orcas\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  young bein
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g moved further away. Such was the way of the gray-finned in Sharonan oceans. Embarrassing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver changed the subject.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Tell me about your tentacled sea monsters. The new ones. Florescent coloring like our poison-fish, but not actually related, you were saying.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver focused in on the important part.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And parts\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 are}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 edible, you said. How do they taste?::}
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
High on the surface of the water, Cetacean Institute Intern Pelgra Forminara thought she was having a very bad day. Just this morning, the Flicker post mail had informed her to expect her pickup boat to arrive in four weeks instead of three.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been already o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ut for a full week on the benighted atoll, subsisting on dried fruit and now seven-day-old travel bread that hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t even tasted good when fresh. Her arms hurt. The part in her hair had sunburned.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And thanks to an unfortunate sea gust, she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d lost her hat. Again.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The ugly straw monstrosity dipped in the valley between the rolling wave mountains. She straightened in her deep-sea kayak and squinted against the sun glare on the waves. Several forms swam beneath.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Maybe one of them might bring her back the hat?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Um, gentlemind?::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra sent out in\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , trying hard to be calm and formal and not \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 squeaky as a porpoise chew toy but less interesting.\hich\f51 \rquote 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A dolphin fin broke the surface, and she leaned back in delight.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dolphins always help.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Except this one streamed straight past without even a greeting and\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What on all the worlds?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A bloom of blood curled after in its wake.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A black and white form well covered with the small scars of those nautical combats the orcas sought out for themselves soared out of the water a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
nd landed again in an awkward belly flop as if it had tried to attack the dolphin and missed.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Was that Teeth Cleaver?}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You beast!\'94\loch\f51  Pelgra yelled at it, forgetting in her shock to use her Talent of Cetacean\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 .
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Allowances for Sharp Sharp,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindvoice}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 from deeper below sent to her. His tone conveyed a flash of teeth and a tail flip somehow implying a sense of diving to pressures almost too much to handle.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s, ah\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The second orca failed to come up with an explanation beyond another mental image emphasizing crushingly deep waters.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Chagrined, she recognized the second orca\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindvoice}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as Teeth Cleaver. So that other killer whale who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d snapped at the dolphin was Sharp Sharp.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I need you to know our cetaceans by the tips of their fins. If you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re useless to me.\'94\loch\f51 
 Pelgra remembered Ambassador Shalassar saying once in a speech to the embassy staff.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Her face flushed a darker red than her worst sunburn.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a fair test! Orca do not all look alike. Not to me. I was just startled.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Pelgra tried to reassure herself, embarrassment turning into anger.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp ducked under the water, denying the intern a chance to study her fins and scars. The orca circled under the boat\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s little keel, rudely made no\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindvoice}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
greeting, and rose on the other side. Pelgra leaned far out.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She smacked the killer whale across the nose with her bare hand and screamed at it.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You do not pretend to eat dolphins! Especially not the elde\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rly ones who have trouble swimming! You
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 ::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Pelgra trailed off too flustered to come up with an insult both appropriate to the situation and acceptable coming from a very junior representative of the Cetacean Institute.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The thin black and white whale turned her lithe body against a cresting wave in an expression of shock. The slight marks she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d initially noticed proved to be deep and many. Some older scars made rings like massive suction cups had formed them, and the ima\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ge of an octopus large enough to leave\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 that size injury distracted Pelgra for a moment. Then she remembered the exhausted dolphin flying by with a trail of actual blood. She smacked Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s nose harder.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The orca dove and vanished under the waves.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As well it should. She checked the horizon and caught the glint of sun on a dolphin back. The fleeing injured one? She couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t tell. She was supposed to be better at cetacean identification by now.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Do you require assistance, gentlemind?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra projected at the top of her mental range, trying\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  not to squeak. She sent in the general direction the dolphin had gone. He might need help.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I can do that. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m not useless to the Cetacean Embassy. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m not.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She had thumbs and even some few medicines and bandages back at the atoll, if the cetacean were hurt enough to accept them. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I can help.\'94\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arrgh}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. That had been spoken aloud and not in\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at all. She focused and sent as loudly as she could manage,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I can help!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Difficult to tell with only the brief glimpse, but the injured dolphin hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t actuall\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
y seemed all that old or infirm. Maybe some older calf dolphins had teased an orca and gotten too close? But that made no sense, even the most playful of dolphins weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t that stupid. The billowing waves gave her no clues. The cetaceans below in the deep \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t choose to give her any explanations either. Many minds swam in shoals and pods down there.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Friend dolphin?::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She tried again.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I have medicines.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And thumbs, if she could only paddle back to the island fast enough to put either the hands or the cures to work.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That second call she sent out finally got an answer. A single musical tone hummed back in a wash of cetacean\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . The sound didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t have a human language equivalent and Pelgra stretched to remember what it meant.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Unpleasant duty for grown creatures, please don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t stress your little flippers,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 her memory supplied. It was a refrain of a porpoise nursery song.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Oh great,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
she thought,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 now the\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re talking to me like I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
m a newborn.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But, the dolphin had sent it at a volume which added a panic-stricken undertone of wailing for the big whale to please, please, please swim faster. It sounded almost like a whisper of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::wild one gone rabid::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
might have been added at the end by a barely detectable hum from a chorus of minds below.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Was there a full pod of dolphins down there? Pelgra stared at the waves with a dubious expression. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been warned that a mind sometimes played tricks with itself out in the
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  ocean and that she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d need to take regular breaks from her cetacean language study.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Not that an intern was supposed to ever be idle. There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d been a tidy little pile of cetacean embassy account books with lists of this and that fishy treat. Things purchased. Portions dispensed. Amounts paid. Wastage. Lots of rows of numbers to check and r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
echeck. Trying her hand at an audit of sorts had been recommended.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But the waves were beautiful, and the porpoise pod who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d visited last week was so charming, and so she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 kipped a few of those\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
breaks, or maybe a lot of those so-called breaks.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whatever. A dolphin had been injured. That, her mind had not imagined. She felt a surge of guilt at smacking the orca.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But it couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t really have been at fault. An orca would never intentionally bite a thinking creature. Or at least not a fellow mammal. Or not a fellow mammal during this particular century and with the large-mind whales so close and listening. She was al
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 most sure. An orca wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t do that. Except that she th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ought it had.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra paddled hard in the direction the injured gray creature had come from and spotted three more dolphins rising from the depths, flitting near and then back below in flashing silver shadows.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Oh. Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra brimmed with pleasure at recognizing the three adventurous bottlenose dolphins.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There below she spotted the orca Sharp Sharp again.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It snapped at them! She saw it clearly.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You! No! Bad orca!\'94\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra both yelled aloud and screamed at it in\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She slammed her oar flat against the water in emphasis. That noise attracted enough of the killer whale\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s attention to get it to surface near her little boat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She raised her hand to whack it again when Mmmmunnnll surged up, striking the side of her hull. The boat spun sharply left.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra flailed with the oar to keep from capsizing. Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s wide mouth closed on the air where her shoulder had been a moment ago.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s jaw dropped in outraged disbelief. That hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t just happened. No orca would do that\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . She would\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve lost her whole arm if the dolphin hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t pushed the little skiff at just that right moment.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The massive shape of Great Holhata rose from the ocean depths and his huge sperm whale back shouldered between her and the impossibly rude creature. Pelgra shook in barely contained fury. With great reluctance, she forced herself let go of the problem.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The large-mind, as the cetaceans referred to the lords of the sea, would manage everything. Besides, she felt Great Kahla deep below also singing an inq\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 uiry.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
If it were some passing madness, two large-minds were more than capable of arranging a monitored convalescence. If it were pure mischief, well, the laws of the sea were cold and this particular orca would never bother anyone or anything ever again.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra flinched when a second black and white shape surfaced to float alongside her boat. An old scar ran over the left eye spot}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 ,}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she recognized Teeth Cleaver.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The familiar orca flashed a trace of a smile and shouldered her hull away from Great Holhata\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s bo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dy.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Head on home now, Little Crazy Fists,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he said, and the dolphin Llllooouooo bumped the stern of her boat to start her towards the atoll. Nnnnmmmll dared a burst of speed past Teeth Cleaver to dart in and drop off her straw sun hat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She fished it out of the water and restored it to her head. It dripped everywhere getting water in her eyes. Teeth Cleaver didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t make any snide remarks.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll lingered long enough to press a friendly dolphin nose against her arm before darting away. Teeth Cleaver did\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t even jostle Mmmmunnnll to prove that he could\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve caught the dolphin if he wanted to.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This was not how killer whales acted. Polite. Respectful. And that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Crazy Fists}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 title was a new one for her. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been:\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Paddles Too Slow}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 most recently,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lobster Face}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
for her sunburns before that, and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The New It}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 still prior to that.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra picked her hat back off her head, shook it vigorously, and then redeposited it on her head, too tired to bother with the mystery of one horrible orca and another strangely respectful one.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphin\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s report to Great Holhata and Great Kahla on the bad orca Sharp Sharp washed in and out of her cetacean speaker range. She could tell the dolphin spoke but none of the words came through clearly. The whole purpose of her deep ocean assignment 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was to work on her Talent. So, she focused her mind as she pad\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dled, making the long smooth motions slower than she needed to, and she listened.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::No invalid, I!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The words filtered through with odd clarity among the mess of more distant chatter, and while the voice was clearly the orca Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, it had rough unfamiliar tones as if it were in some accent Pelgra had never encountered despite having conducted ocean studies on every single one of Sharona\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s seven seas. Pelgra had expected something more apologetic or at least on topic to biting at d\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 olphins\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, but instead Teeth Cleaver interjected citing some old killer whale song about tuna liver to rebuild strength.\~.\~.\~.\~And she couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t make out what else.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Snatches of something Llllooouooo said sounded a little bit like an old orca war ballad, but coming from a dolphin, that couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t be right.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As an adult, Pelgra\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s direct range wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t likely to grow much no matter how hard she worked at it, but there was a whole ocean of difference between hearing a cetacean and having any idea what it was saying.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The adult\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  sperm whales usually understood all Sharonan languages better than Pelgra understood the varying cetacean dialects, and she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d also been taught that a person\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
projections could sometimes reach further than her own reception. The dolphins were easily distracted fun-loving creatures according to both her studies and her experience. They might have already forgotten what had happened to one of their own. So Pelgr
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a projected a stream of details about her last few minutes, and adding that little bit \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of a mental hum which seemed to help with her range, she sang out a report for Great Holhata\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s consideration.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 At the end of it, she sent a forceful comment towards Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s distant mind blur.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Bad orca. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t bite dolphins!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She repeated the image of the dolphin trailing blood in front of her little boat and the orca coming up after it and sent the picture to Great Kahla too just in case her words hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t quite captured what had happened clearly enough.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No one answered her. With some reluctance, Pelgr\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a paddled away.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The swishing oar sound faded and the deep croon of whale song made a lullaby of the sea. The discord of the killer whales\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  complaints in response stood out sharply.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Below, Sharp Sharp had moved past the gibbering stage to complete disbelief with a speed Teeth Cleaver found commendable, if still rather suicidal. His fellow orca paused in her ranting about tentacled beasts and the impossibility of the two whales before
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  them actually existing to comment on the human. Her language flitted back\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 and forth between clarity and a squid-like disregard for decent grammar whenever Sharp Sharp found some Sharonan thing disturbing. The former New It Pelgra disturbed the foreign orca.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I whiteblack of sharp teeth and sharp mind. What means this two leg saying \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 orca\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 ?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra jerked.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was Sharp Sharp, she was certain, and sending directly at her which explained how she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been able to hear that when the conversation with the large-mind had been so much more muted.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Paddle on, Crazy Fists,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Te\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eth Cleaver said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A dolphin escort bumped her boat another time and shook her concentration. She missed what Great Kahla had to say, which meant Her Largeness wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t singing to Pelgra.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She felt the large-mind\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s song fall out of the edges of her speaker range as the current caught her boat, but she called out anyway,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Leave the dolphins alone!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::It speaks?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
she thought she heard Sharp Sharp say.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t be right,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra thought.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 All cetaceans know\~some humans have mind Talents. This one mustn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t have k\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nown the embassy had put somebody at the training atoll. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s all.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra shook her head at her own foolishness. She was being too hard on herself. The cetaceans weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t perfectly informed about the doings of their two-legs any more than the humans were informed on cetacean interests. A certain passing fascination with r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ailroads they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d had came to mind. She laughed and the sound felt comforting and normal.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra shook her head and paddled back to the island, smiling. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d take a break and do some accoun\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ting homework.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll be an odd little thing to put in the week\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s dispatch. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll tell them about losing my hat and a dolphin braving a swim past two orca to bring it back to me, and I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll tell about Great Holhata showing up and turning the mischievous orca into perfect \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
gentleminds. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll make Ambassador Shalassar laugh.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She brightened at that. The head of the Cetacean Embassy hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t smiled in too long.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And with more satisfaction than she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d had in days, Pelgra tied up her boat to the little dock and headed i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n to write up the morning report beginning with the usual line: \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 No significant issues to report.\hich\f51 \rquote 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Swimming towards the portal, Great Kahla and Great Holhata listened to the envoy. Teeth Cleaver thought the foreign orca had recovered from her shock at meeting not one, but two, living legends rather well. And the human embassy\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s intern was developing ni\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cely. She was Crazy Fists now. Teeth Cleaver smiled in appreciation of how far the New It had come. Pelgra\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
he did know human names even if orca rarely used them\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 was on track to be almost as interesting as Shalassar herself. Crazy Fists\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s accusations had b\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ee
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n immediately discounted by the reporting dolphin, a tough hearted creature who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been annoyed to have his story of valor interrupted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The details were hardly believable. First a fight between three headed sea dragons with humans strapped to their backs while other humans watched from flying carpets? And then a combat in another part of the foreign sea almost the same but with some oddly
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  shaped jellyfish who mostly died immediately under the talons of the largest hydra and with the humans watching from more\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 substantial boats? Finally, a creature of many limbs not far from the portal entrance where he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d met Teeth Cleaver and that creature had a numbing sting which paralyzed even a pod of orca? Any credible report should include at least a few flavors.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphin was excused by the whales to go rest before Teeth Cleaver could ask it any questions.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp supplied a fuller account of Arcana\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s oceans. The dragon type hydra, also called seadrakes, tasted much like moose. (On Sharona, a lucky orca might somet
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 imes catch moose swimming between islands off the coast of north western New Ternathia. Arcanan orca had the same experience though Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s pod rarely traveled to that ocean, preferring to stay nearer the coast of the human nation called Mythal.) Hy\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
dra meat was rich and gamey, but its scale hide was tougher than alligator. So, one needed a good angle to chew all the way through it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp had swum quickly past a sliver of an apology for the multiple bite attempts and moved on to more interesting \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 things, specifically: tactics.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::When they swallow you,:}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 : Sharp Sharp said,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::you must tear through the stomach lining no matter how vile it tastes.:}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphins, Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll, flicked tails in disbelief.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp made a snarling sound more like a tiger than anything aquatic.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::You have gods swimming among you and you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t believe in devils?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You can eat your way out?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll said finally, putting the doubt into words.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp made a complete barrel roll of contempt.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Of course not. You can eat your way in. Tear through the stomach lining to reach the other organs. Get the heart, or at least the liver. They have three heads, usually, but only one heart. Get it, even a small bite of it, and they die. The pod lives.::}
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::The pod lives.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphins chorused back in complete understanding.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pair of large-minds swam beside them, listening. Their massive sperm whal\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e bodies eclipsed the streaming light from the high surface whenever the orca or dolphins found themselves drifting below.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shoals of fodder fishes teemed between the massive whales and everyone ate, preparing for battle.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::And if the monster\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mouths are too small?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver inquired.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Those thin necks,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp flashed a brilliant and vicious grin,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::are battle rations. They are provided by the enemy,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she acknowledged,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::so sometimes they are seasoned interestingly.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Her tongue lolled out in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  some remembered gastro delight.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Puffer fish like poisons?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphin Mmmmunnnll inquired.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Our little gray ones are meat eaters too}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , Teeth Cleaver thought with approval.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp gave a snort.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not just those. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s the magics and spells from the Two Legs that a finned fighter must watch for. They cheat, the Two Legs do.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s no such thing as magic.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphin Llllooouooo said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fool yourself if you like.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp laughed.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::But eat the Two Legs at every opportunity. If you must choo
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 se to bite either a three head or a two leg, always bite the two leg.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll all spluttered in overlapping objections and were cut off by Great Holhata, who spoke.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::WE DO NOT EAT THINKERS.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The great whale laid down the law of the sea.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He had said it softly, for a large-mind, to avoid injuring the orca and dolphins, but Teeth Cleaver still had to drift stunned for a moment until the sound\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s force wave brushed over him and he re-emerged on the inside of the rolling thunder.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They eat us,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp retorted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphins squealed and swam hard, away from the whales and orca, expecting a stunning wall of sound to pulverize the impudent foreigner and anyone stupid enough to swim near her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver dove between Sharp Sharp and Great Holhata, the closest of the two whales.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Truth can be sung. Bad tasting or not.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he reminded them.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Mostly they eat pigfish,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp continued with a conversational tone indifferent to the anger of ones who could make her otic capsules bleed with a word.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She bared\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 teeth crooked and battered from a life fighting monsters.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::are harder to kill.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The whiteblacks of the other seas may fear the starving times, but they swim into the teeth of all lesser challengers.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver, proud to be orca, faced the judgment of Great Kahla and Great Holhata at Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s side.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But the whales dove. A deep chasm of water opened between them and the rest of the cetaceans. ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
DISCUSSION.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A single tone passed between the two as their tails powered them down.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::To Kill a Monster I\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s Not Murder,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Great Kahla said, the distance attenuated her voice to merely deafening instead of stunning.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :And The Two Legs of Arcana Are Monstrous,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 agreed Great Holhata.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::All of them?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver inquired. Specificity in these things was important.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You May Use Your Discretion, Small Whale,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Great Kahla said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Take Back the Waters. Go. We Bless It.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Great Holhata said.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arcana}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::The whales\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  blessing.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp rolled her eyes, but only, Teeth Cleaver noticed, after they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d passed through\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the portal into Arcana.\~
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Be more useful if they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d get that ocean floor hollowed out a little bit more so they\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d fit through with us. Blessings don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t eat the hearts of your enemies. You saw the size of their tails. Imagine what they could do to a seadrake, or to a floater barge.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s belly hurt from the tight squeeze against the volcanic rock of the ocean floor. No large-mind would be fitting through the portal this century no matter how many blue whales blasted the ocean floor with ear-bleedi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ng sound. Worse, of the two sides of the unusually small opening between worlds, the Sharonan side of the narrow passable crescent of the circular portal arced over a deep murky sand while the Arcanan side was located equally far beneath the ocean surface
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 over a cooled flat of volcanic rock. Any carving would have to be done from the Arcanan side by cetaceans small enough to fit through it. The resulting flat arch of free flowing water space was high enough, barely, to admit a sufficiently motivated orca 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 bu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t not an adult whale.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver powered up from the portal. The three dolphins trailed him, fearful. Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s white belly flashed above, already streaking up towards the surface with no pause.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This Arcanan ocean tasted wrong. Something faintly poisonous lingered too diffuse now to harm, but that wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t enough to explain the dullness of ocean flavor. There was an emptiness. Why did the sharks leave so little blood in the water?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll swam close, lingering with Teeth \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cleaver as if he were part of their pod.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A chorus, unintelligible, but clearly a battle chant rumbled above.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::My pod!::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp swam delighted circles,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They live!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And nearly a score of battered and emaciated whiteblacks emerged in the murk around them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphins fled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mere moments later a surge of small fishes blasted out of the deep at them.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Great Kahla sends,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll squeaked the announcement, and kept his distance.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Eat those,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Llllooouooo encouraged.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not us,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Nnnnmmmll added.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver twitched his tail.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whales. Not entirely useless after all,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he noted Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s surprise with a touch of Sharonan pride.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The leader of the Arcanan orca pod eyed the dolphins with an air of deep consideration. The tough-looking whiteblack said something, and it was utter gibberish. The sung tones of intelligent speech were there but the\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindvoice}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
was only the faintest whisper and even the notes failed to align with a normal scale or string together in a comprehensible melody.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Agreed, Hard Fin says.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp translated.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The lead orca let out a blast of noise that certainly included a deep objection. The orca\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s left dorsal fin had a jagged edge where something had bitten off the edge of it. The fin had healed with a bumpy scar that had been stretched and bent by growth sp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 urts.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp hummed something back and then translated again.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::His Self-Importance wants his full name announced, so now I have to talk longer so he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll think I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve bored you with the whole naming tale\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. He is Hard Fin Chokes the Life From Monsters and he agrees not to eat your pigfish right now. It was only one sea dragon and I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d already bitten its other two heads off. But the pod had already given me a name, and he was the son of the old pod leader, s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 o he got the naming story.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Hard Fin dived into the school of small fish after his pod, unable to hold back from the food any longer. The orca ate with a frantic focus as if there might not be food animals again, ever. And school after school of fishes fro
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 m fat yellowfin to bright reef fish poured out of the portal. Great Holhata and Great Kahla provided indeed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fine whatever about Hard Fin,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver said.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::But that last bit wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t about his name, was it?.::
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Well, ah,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp tilted a fin in a minimizing gesture.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s just a favorite song bit, is all.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I like songs!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Llllooouooo called out from a position above, a cautious distance from the orca pod.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Ooo,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
agreed Nnnnmmmll and Mmmmunnnll.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp twitched her tail in annoyance.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::It doesn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t translate right into your words. The refrain is about \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 when food creatures have too many young for these barren seas and their old grow weary of life,\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  but you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t have enough different words for hunger to make the translation worth my time\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 .::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We have seventeen words for eating,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver counted; the dolphin was right.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp growled.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Of course food creatures would need additional terms for being eaten.:
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not a food creature!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnl interrupted with emphatic agreement from the other two dolphins, but rather than dive past the pod of whiteblacks to retreat through the portal the three dolphins swam for the hostile ocean surface.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They are, though.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp sighed. She made a slow sentry circle guarding the pod from attack while they were distracted by food.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver kept pace with her.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Hard Fin eats his scouts?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Maybe the large-minds will understand?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver co\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
nsidered the pod of too-thin orca. One feeding, even on well fatted fishes provided by a pair of near mythical whale gods, would not change their view of themselves as a starving people. The faint bitterness of diffuse poisons and the strange screams of u
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nknown creatures made Teeth Cleaver long to immediately begin a hunt, but Great Holhata and Great Kahla had advised whalishness. Irritatingly, that meant giving up the dolphin scouts.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They should go back,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The orca pod was singing. It was the tu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ne about eating all things and the food beasts thanking them for it. Teeth Cleaver could make out some of the words now that he\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d had the benefit of Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s translations. :}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :Swarges of young in samsampth seas,::}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 howled Hard Fin with a shout and the Arcanan pod replied,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We eat oinks!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::And old marglesd durrfata of life!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We eat oinks!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fight. Fight. Fight!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnl chanted along in Sharonan with the beat of the song, their voices fading as they began their first \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 reconnaissance.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::No oinkfish here, Hard Fin.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp injected. A babble of back and forth between the whole pod and the Arcanan envoy filled the water and the three dolphins slipped unnoticed out of Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s perception as he tried to follow the orca discussion, catching only repetitions \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 pigfish}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 ,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eat}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 oink\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 from the pod. And then finally\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
whiteblack, whiteblack, gah whiteblack}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 repeated again and again with varying tones of disbelief.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Coming, us, coming fast!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll shrilled out in a chirped dolphinish squeak.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not oink?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Hard Fin shouldered Sharp Sharp hard into Teeth Cleaver and twitched a disbelieving fin towards the sound\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s source.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphins descended, holding a massive tentacle dangling between Mmmmunnnll and Llllooouooo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mouths and Nnnnmmmll squealed delight enough for all three of them in high pitched dolphin,\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fight. Fight. Fight!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Gray orca.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp said, with evident satisfaction.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Gah whiteblack.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hard Fin agreed. And the pod murm\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ured acknowledgement.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Another burst of fishes erupted from the deep portal and feeding resumed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll chirped their shared pride and flippered back up again for a second reconnaissance.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver caught the long tentacle the dolphins had dropped and examined it. Long. More than twice his length and the gnawed side showing no indication of whether this was the full arm or only a small part. An interesting sharp barb dangled from the n
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 arrow tip and it scented the water wit\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 h something numbing when his jaw squeezed the small venom bladder behind it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp batted it away into the inky depths with a tail flick before Teeth Cleaver swallowed too much.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::The pod has accepted the gray ones as small orca, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t get them thinking about how if a gray can be a whiteblack, then maybe a fool of an orca can be an oinkerfish.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver peeled back his lips in disgusted derision and suddenly understood the whale\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s law.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cannibals. Dolphin flesh is forbidden, not because the gray \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ones think like us, but because the great whales think us to all be whales like them.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He shook off the uncomfortable thought and refocused on the sinking tentacle now too far below to be worth diving after. Hard Fin batted it through the narrow portal mouth with his much scarred tail and was rewarded with another burst of fishes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Arcanan orca fell again on the little morsels in a hurricane of fins and chum. Teeth Cleaver admired their focus. They moved with a precision of motion like every tail flip wer\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e a choreographed dance with points taken off for any excess exertion.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::But what of the prey beast?::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver said.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Wounded by our, ah, gray orca? Do its limbs regrow? Quickly, I mean. Could it recover and be a suitable enemy later?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he suggested.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp flipped her tail with annoyance.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::No, dead. Hours dead at least. Something stronger eats it.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She bared her teeth with pride.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::And our gray ones stole a piece of the kill from that one.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll hunt that then.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver swam up, in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 trigued. He broke the surface for a long breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Peculiar things hung in the sky. The large square and rectangular bottoms looked like the floating swim rafts the Cetacean Embassy sometimes used for the humans to rest on between visits with finned people. But these rested, not on the water, but multiple
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  nose to tail lengths above the very tips of the rolling waves. And most had pillars at the corners with high arched canopies over them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Two Legs teemed along the edges of the air barges, squealing at higher \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
pitches than normal. Teeth Cleaver squinted. Children. The humans up there were mostly the young. And in the water between the circling float pavilions, monsters bellowed at each other. The remains of the creature the dolphin\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s tentacle had come from hung\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  stinking and gutted in a cage beneath one of the nearer rafts and a couple other rafts held empty cages beneath them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The eater of the octomonster would be there, in the middle. Teeth Cleaver slid back under the water. Squawking echoed through the water.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eagull monsters?\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he wondered. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d better be enormous to be worth the trip here. He hoped they wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have feathers. The pinions always got caught in the spaces between one\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s teeth.

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We plan fight.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp called out and Teeth Cleaver dove down to rejoin the pod.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll, Llllooouooo, and Mmmmunnnll shrilled in odd high pitches well above their normal voices as they returned.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not just one here. Not just one.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::WE HEAR. THERE ARE TOO MANY. YOU MAY RETREAT.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Great Kahla said from the other s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ide of the portal. A faint Sharonan orca song came through the portal on the tail of the sperm whale\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s words. Ah. Some others of the people were coming to answer the initial whale\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s call. A hundred monsters would not convince Teeth Cleaver to retreat now.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp babbled something that seemed to include a reference to foreign whale gods. The pod was not impressed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hard Fin snorted contempt for the concern and gabbled out something which Sharp Sharp translated}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, ::The Two Legs usually release them one by \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 one to make the show more interesting. So it hardly matters how many there are.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What show?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver thought.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Show?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
inquired Llllooouooo with more politeness than Teeth Cleaver could manage.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::For the Two Legs,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp supplied.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll see.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Then she paused to make some noises at the pod.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::I told them you inquired about our tactical plans. So think of something insightful to not make yourselves look like fools. There are always Two Legs in floats above the waves. Then there are the creatures who fight each other.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fight us,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver corrected.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Each other,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Mmmmunnnll and Llllooouooo chorused.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We saw.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll added.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Oh?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s attention snapped hyper focused on them.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Report the shape of today\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s monsters. What size cages?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::In the water and four,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll said.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Too big for cages,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Llllooouooo said.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Much,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll agreed. And all three looked bright eyed at Sharp Sharp as if they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d provided a full and complete reconnaissance report.

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Are you using jellyfish for brains?::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver demanded.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::How were they fighting each othe\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r? Claws? Fangs? Talons? Have they gills or lungs or both?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He finished with a slow enunciation of each word,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::What. Do. They. Look. Like?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The three dolphins considered each other and conversed with each other in a flurry of soft chirps before Mmmmunnnll announced with exaggerated slowness,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Sting, sting, sting, sting, sting, sting, sting, sting. With mouth, mouth, mouth. Bite.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Like dead one,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll added in a moment of actual usefulness.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Except big,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Mmmmunnnll corrected.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Llllooouooo blew \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 bubbles in deep thought, clearly trying to find other words.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Ah.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp waggled her tail in acknowledgement and babbled to the Arcanan orca pod before summarizing for Teeth Cleaver,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Bird-headed squid variant hydra, with some sort of poison in the barbs at the tips of the tentacles::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she told Teeth Cleaver.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I wonder if the Two Legs have figured out how to make them fly this time.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::The dol\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Gray orca,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp interrupted immediately with a fin wiggle towards her pod.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not speaking a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 tongue is not the same as knowing none of your words.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She added in mutter too quiet to travel far.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Llllooouooo shrilled in sudden inspiration,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 :::Giant squid chicken!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Four giant squid chicken!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll and Mmmmunnnll squealed agreement, clearly delighted with finding Sharonan vocabulary that fit the magically created beasts.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A two-voiced deep bellowing challenge resounded through the water. That did not sound like a squid chicken.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Hydra romthu!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hard Fin announced with clear delight.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::New thin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll blinked in wide-eyed curiosity. Llllooouooo and Nnnnmmmll chirped uncertainty combined with interest.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A dozen throats squawked a return challenge.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Four hydra, three heads each, at least one conventional seadrake hydra but with just two heads\'85\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver thought, doing the math and counting the pod.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We outnumber them.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he pointed out, disappointed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t worry, ::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp reassured him.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll out mass us.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Big,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
all three dolphins agreed}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The thump of whale tails against o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cean bottom sent mud churning through the portal but neither Great Holhata nor Great Kahla could do more than that to express their frustration.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Battling squawks sounded through the water increasing in pitch and the whales stopped all motion, listening closely.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pod of orca twitched. A glitter of tiny crystals embedded on fins and tails on each of them sparkled.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve decorated their wounds?\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver wondered. He blinked at the barbarism. But Sharp Sharp didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t seem to have a crystal piercing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Har\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d Fin roared a return battle cry and the pod rushed upwards into a churning surf.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Fight begins,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp yelled, entirely unnecessarily.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::What happened to battle planning?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver demanded, dodging a tentacle the width of a palm trunk as he followed Sharp Sharp in the mad rush after the pod.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Kill everything.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp panted a gasp of air and dove again.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Try not to die. Same plan every fight anyway.::}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Bloody chum splattered everywhere in the water and Teeth Cleaver gave up on trying to identify the mess of flavors seething through the water. Three whiteblacks had died in the first blind rush, but they\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d cost the massive squid creatures in torn tentacle\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s, missing\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  eyes, and even a shattered beak.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Four squawking creatures fought each other for control of the surface of the water. Squid chicken indeed, the monsters easily massed as much as a young blue whale and their tentacles curled and lashed out near triple their resting length. Their rubbery fl
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
esh bled a yellow brown and tasted rancid. Their stings held some numbing agent which the Arcanan orca seemed partially immune to, but Nnnnmmmll had caught a glancing edge of a poisoned tentacle barb and seized for several 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
seconds before recovering himself. The three heads and their beaks were more eagle than seagull, so they might be what a chicken looked like, if a chicken had three featherless scaled heads with wicked beaks and sharp forward-facing eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t recall ever seeing a live chicken. He knew the word only from occasional Cetacean Embassy treats. He could say with confidence however, that the squid monsters did not taste like chicken. They tasted like sea urchin, of the spiny ri
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ver mud kind.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n ocean people, all the cetacean fighters could stay beneath the waves for a long time, but eventually they did need to breathe, and the squid chicken were waiting for them when they did.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
And in the middle of the four, a creature small only relative to the enormity of the squid chicken hunkered on the battered remnants of an empty barge. It refused to reenter the waves now that orca owned the deep. Beneath the surface, the squid chickens f
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ought blind. When a head dipped below, the full strength of the remai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ning pod savaged it. When the heads stayed safe above the water, the tentacles reached out blindly and met teeth.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Where a Sharonan giant squid would have waited in perfect stillness to let the slight currents of passing bodies give away the locations of the orca, these creatures squawked and flailed, stabbing at each other and churning the waves with so much force th
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at a froth of constant bubbles hid the orca better than any spell.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They are young,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver realized.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 May they stay young forever.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He trie\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d not to pant when Hard Fin led a charge to clear a brief patch of surface for the pod to gasp in new air. They submerged again with only one more whiteblack injured and not too badly. Hard Fin had timed the dash flawlessly.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Skilled hunters, they worked in teams to harry the tentacles and shred whatever lengths the squid chickens dared extend beyond the reach of the neighboring arms.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The same efficiency of motion the pod had used when feeding served them well to extend their time beneath the surface as they\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  bit and chewed on tentacles.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A team of four would snap at one rubbery arm while another team bit at the monster\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s other side and still a third harassed from the sides and below. The squid chickens squawked and tried to climb the barge to get their limbs out of the orca-filled waters,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 but the seadrake held her own, the venom-dripping barbs scratching uselessly over the stone scale dragon hide. But their beaks were more than sharp enough to pierce. One of the seadrake\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s clawed hind legs bled from a beak stab
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  wound. And the squid monsters both severely outnumbered and severely out massed the two-headed hydra. A stump remained of a third head, but it was clearly an old wound, long healed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Two of the squid grabbed the same edge of the float raft. The barge itself began to tilt.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The orca surged on the distracted squid chickens, rending and tearing tentacles. One squid chicken wrapped tentacles around the seadrake and failed to defend itself from below. Hard Fin dared all to gnaw a gaping hole into the soft underbe
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 lly itself.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And the barge righted itself with no dragon hydra\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s corpse falling into the waves.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::The crippled seadrake lives yet.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp said with approval.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The water near the barge frothed opaque with yellow-brown ichor. Hard Fin chortled and above, the two headed hydra made a disparaging twinned hiss.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The two stronger squid chickens squawked triumph and converged on the corpse of their dead sibling to gobble down the tastiest internal organs and fell on their injured sister to eat her alive.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Now!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp echoed an order from Hard Fin and the pod re-engaged.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver snapped at a tentacle and sheared off a stinger tip as it tried for Hard Fin.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Why is the sea dragon thing still alive?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Us.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s pride swelled.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Hear that, Two Head? We finned ones save you. Again.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The seadrake bellowed back, and a squid chicken squawked pain matching the creature\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s objection.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::\hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 I save self, Water Devil,\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  it says.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp muttered, annoyed.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::I am whiteblack. Not some mere crea\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ted Water Devil.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Sharp Sharp speaks all tongues,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll observed with notes of appreciation.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Like whale.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I was captured by Two Legs when young. Many spells. Mind made sharp sharp. A bad time. I escaped.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The orca flicked her tail dismissive of the past.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Eat them all, someday.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The surface lay wide open with the surviving two squid chickens engaging each other and the two-headed seadrake over the bodies of the dead and near-dead. But Mmmmunnnll came up near the barge to snatch a precious breath of air, and the seadrake\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s left he\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ad snapped out and sunk fangs into the dolphin\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s side.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The dolphin cried out i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n gurgling pain. Teeth Cleaver threw himself in a powerful leap out of the water to snap at the seadrake and force it to release the gray creature with only a nasty circle of punctures instead of a death bite of missing flesh.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Almost forgotten above, exhalations of joy and delight showered down from great floating pavilions filled with watching Two Legs.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::What side is it on?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver demanded, exasperated when the second head snapped at his flank. It missed only by a fin\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s breadth. Llllooouooo had t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
aunted the first head with a laughing display of smooth belly just out of reach. The jerk of the seadrake\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s body as that head lunged at the dolphin pulled it out of range of Teeth Cleaver and the others of the pod defending Mmmmunnnll.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The injured squid chicken wrapped an arm around Llllooouooo and tossed him whole into its open throat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The crippled sea dragon hissed.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::I, my side.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And it tore open the squid chicken\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s gullet, killing it. Llllooouooo flopped out, gore covered and trembling.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We even,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 th
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e hydra said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::It speaks,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Nnnnmmmll chirped, horrified.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The six heads of the surviving squid chicken swiveled intelligent bright eyes from dolphins to orca to seadrake and back and the squawks changed in tone.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hard Fin growled an order.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t talk to it. Kill it!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp relayed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::This is what we get when nobody bothers to discuss the battleplan before charging in.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That last was clearly her own complaint, and not a repeat of Hard Fin\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s words.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Only two left now.::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll panted with exhaus\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ted pride.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Three.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The seadrake hissed, offended.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::And I eat your livers. All.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Excited shouts drifted down from above.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The virulent green crystals embedded in the foreheads of the squid chicken flickered to sickly violet and the creatures launched themselves at the orca.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pod submerged, laughing.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Always they do this,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp said.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
::Two Legs pull magic strings and their creations flipflop like this and like so. Bad fighters Two Legs. No tactical sense at all.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The squid chicken no longer f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ought each other, but neither did their tentacles respond with their natural quickness. And Sharp Sharp was right. The pod was winning!
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And then there was a splash. A gurgling faint cry.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A child in the water. A two leg child.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pod paused to turn, like sharks towards blood.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And the three dolphins tore through a gauntlet of tentacles, beating even the orca for speed. Llllooouooo thrust the youngling up towards the surface.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The seadrake slammed into the water beside the dolphin with a two leg strapped to it\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s back. Both heads hissed,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Mine.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver snapped warning teeth at the hydra.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A violet shockwave burst from the high pavilion. The squid chicken froze. The crystals embedded in each bird forehead dulled to a soft amber.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The seadrake body slammed Teeth Cleaver out of the way. The adult two leg rider snatched the child up onto the hydra\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s back, and still hissing, the hydra dragon clawed back onto the barge.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Squid chicken eyes refocused.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Swim!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Mmmmunnnll squealed and Teeth Cleaver dove beneath with the dolphins.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Below, Sharp Sharp ranted a stream of unfamiliar curses bumping first t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 his orca and then that. Even Hard Fin hung limp, rising slowly towards a surface full of tentacles as his body
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s natural fats caused him to drift upwards when no fin or tail movement controlled his position. Some few of the whiteblacks trembled with sligh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t motions as if they were fighting against the weight of crushing depths to move even that much. And another shockwave flashed through the water. Every one of Sharp Sharp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s old pod went limp again as the small crystals embedded in fins and tails flared br\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 il\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 liant red.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Two leg magic::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp howled fury. She tore at the crystals but couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t remove even one without crippling damage to the bespelled whiteblacks.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Two Legs always cheat!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Whale shit!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver agreed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Do you have some magic maybe?::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Llllooouooo looked hopefully at Sharp Sharp.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She snapped her teeth at the dolphin and he, wisely, returned his focus to protecting the orca bodies from the squid chickens trying to eat them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The three dolphins snarled and howled, taking positions at \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the sides of the squid chickens as if they were each a full four-team of orca instead of lone bottlenoses.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::They are letting that gray orca thing go to their heads::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp muttered.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::It was your idea,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver pointed out.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Doesn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t mean I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t regret it,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp grumbled. The two orca fought the ocean itself, using their bulks to keep the whiteblack pod members from surfacing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A whisper of a song reached Teeth Cleaver\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s ears. He roared back the wild chorus and laughed in raw joy.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shar\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 p Sharp dodged a tentacle while butting the sluggish form of Hard Fin out of the way and snapped,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::No time to go battle mad, Sharonan.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Our sea gods cheat too,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll explained.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And a super-pod of Sharonan orca surged up from the deep.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Teeth Cleaver rose to take a breath, still laughing. The Two Legs above cried out in amazement as their squid monsters, living and dead, were yanked beneath the waves and only yellow-brown chum resurfaced. A pavilion dipped low enough to reclaim the child
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . The cripp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 led seadrake climbed into the cage beneath the flying raft as it floated far beyond the orcas\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  reach.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Another time, cheaters,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 it said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d cheat if you could figure out how.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharp Sharp complained.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::So would you,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 its other head hissed back.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Not wrong,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Nnnnmmmll agreed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d both make good dolphins,::\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mmmmunnnll said to Sharp Sharp and Teeth Cleaver.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Shut up or I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll eat you,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver said. Llllooouooo, with barely enough strength to swim, nudged the orca affectionately.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::We love you too,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Nnnnmmmll replied.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sharona}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::WAKE!::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Great Holhata called.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelgra bashed her nose falling out of the hammock and ran out to the end of the pier holding an emergency kit she hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t remembered grabbing and her blanket which she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d forgotten to drop. More than a dozen strange orca waited for her.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::Our Two Legs aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t as good at cheating, but they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re useful,::}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Teeth Cleaver was saying while Sharp Sharp echoed the cetacean\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mindspeech}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 in a dialect Pelgra couldn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t follow.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ::This is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Has Thumbs}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , she will remove the crystals.::}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid1733230\charrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14626538 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733230 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Joelle Presby was born in France, raised in Ca\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 meroon, and now lives in the United States. She writes science fiction and fantasy. Her web site can be found\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "http://joellepresby.com/index.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b5e00000068007400740070003a002f002f006a006f0065006c006c0065007000720065007300620079002e0063006f006d002f0069006e006400650078002e0068007400
6d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid1733230 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 here}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid1733230 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid12846723 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 
The Paoshi Puzzle: A Tale of the Billion Worlds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by James L. Cambias
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Adya Elso sat in a comfortable chair and turned mauve with excitement as the ship soared through Saturn's atmosphere. Pelagia, the ship, refused to follow a straight vector approach, preferring to bank and swoop through the clouds as if she was dodging im
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 aginary missile barrages.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya's comfy chair was in Pelagia's "control room"\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
which had all-around viewscreens so that Adya seemed to be alone among the ammonia clouds. There were no actual controls: the name was purely traditional. Pelagia's augmented }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 orca}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  brain did all the flying from an armored support tank, and wanted no interference.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"There it is," said Pelagia. "I knew it was around here somewhere." Ahead, between two columns of cloud a thousand miles high, Adya could just make out a tiny pink bubble: the aerostat city Paoshi, one of thousands floating in Saturn's atmosphere.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The little bubble seemed just a short distance away in the clear hydrogen atmosphere, but even at the speed of sound Pelagia needed the better part of an hour to reach it. Adya str\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
uggled to comprehend the scale of the cloud mountains around them. Her homeworld Miranda was five hundred kilometers across\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
and some of the storm cells in Saturn's atmosphere were twice as big. Clouds as big as moons: the thought made Adya's skin shift fr\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 om mauve to tangerine.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "How much time must we waste here?" asked Vasi, entering the control room. Vasi was a human-shaped mech who worked for Adya's family. On this trip it served as a combination tutor, bodyguard, trainer, and financial manager
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but its pri\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mary role was spy for Adya's parents. As members of Miranda's oligarch class, the Elso family did not allow their daughter to roam the Solar System unescorted and unwatched.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "We haven't even landed yet and already it wants to leave," said Pelagia.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"As I have said, I do not plan to stay long in Paoshi," said Adya. She was careful to use proper formal style with Vasi present, and kept herself a demure blue-green color. "My task is but to see the artifact, and verify its age. Once that is done we can 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 depart."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It is very suspicious that this Tagatan person refused to send you a scan."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "He said he has a fear of forgery\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 to send a scan to me in far Miranda runs the risk of i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
nterception. A crook could then print duplicates, and thus devaluate Tagatan's original," said Adya, not for the first time.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That is one explanation," said Vasi. "Another is that he knows he has a fake and didn't expect you to come all this way to examine it. Your parents were very generous to pay for this trip."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My paper on the superweapon myth will tell the truth of what I see."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The myth is simply that: a lie. Do not forget that fact."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya didn't reply, but her color shifted to pale blue and she wrapp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ed her arms around her knees as she sat. When her older sister had married, Adya's father had been feeling generous, and told his youngest daughter she could take a trip to any destination. Her parents had expected Adya to pick someplace like mighty Juren
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , or fabulously rich Deimos. Maybe even walk outdoors on Mars or Earth. Instead Adya had chosen to visit a city in Saturn's atmosphere, as part of a scholarly research project she'd been working on for half her young life.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pelagia's wings changed from a nar\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
row delta shape to long and broad as she slowed for landing. The tiny bubble grew and grew until it filled the forward view, a sphere ten kilometers wide full of hydrogen hot enough to glow pale red. The actual city was at the bottom of the bubble, a thre
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e-kilometer disk which was almost inconspicuous until the lights on the landing decks started flashing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Just as Pelagia reached the edge of the deck she tucked in her wings and reversed thrust, coming neatly to a halt just short of the arrestor nets. She le\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t a little bot lead her into the hangar level beneath the city. The color of the walls and deck around Pelagia changed from hazard orange to safety green as breathing air replaced hydrogen.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "All right, you're here," said Pelagia. "Since you're paying for my time, you can sleep on board if you want to."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That would be prudent. I have been unable to locate any hotels in Paoshi, and living quarters are reserved to citizens," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then here in Pelagia's hardy hull shall Adya rest her heavy head, a gratef\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ul guest."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Adya and Vasi left the ship and rode up to the main city level above. Pelagia sent along a little copter drone painted black and white to match her hull. "I used to work as a shuttle between Saturn and Mimas, but I never stopped at Paoshi. I've heard it's
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  a nice place."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It hardly seems very nice to ignore new visitors," said Vasi. "I've done all the customs and health clearances and I have yet to communicate with anything but sub-baseline programs."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The only person of Paoshi with whom I wish to\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 speak is Tagatan Pamana," said Adya. She connected to the local network through her data implant and tried to place a call. A set of glowing letters appeared in her vision: "NOT FOUND." She frowned and went dark orange. "I wish to speak to the Paoshi mai
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n mind."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The city's voice spoke inside her head. "My name is Paoling. I operate all of Paoshi's systems. How may I help you, Adya Elso?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Despite an audible sound of disapproval from Vasi, Adya didn't use formal style, but kept her speech simple and informat\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ive. "I seek a human male named Tagatan Pamana. He is a resident of Paoshi, but the network cannot locate him."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There is no person named Tagatan Pamana in Paoshi," said Paoling.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "But\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 I communicated with him from Miranda fifty weeks ago! I arranged to see his collection of ancient artifacts. He said he looked forward to my visit. Did he leave?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Vasi had no facial expressions, and didn't say anything, but her posture was that of a mech saying "I told you so."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "He did not leave Paoshi," said Paoling.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then wh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at happened to him? Is he all right?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "He is perfectly well, but I cannot tell you any personal information."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Where can I find him?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I cannot tell you any personal information," the main mind repeated.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Why not?" Adya could tell she was turning crimson.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The citizens of Paoshi have requested complete privacy about any personal information before Day 313 of the year 9993."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "What? Why?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Specific information would violate that privacy request. I can tell you that the citizens of Paoshi adopted a new social structure on that date, and many of them took new names. As part of that restructuring, all legal agreements or obligations predating
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  Day 313 of last year are nullified, and all personal information is privacy-sealed. Giving you current information about the individual formerly known as Tagatan Pamana would violate that privacy."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The elevator door opened and Adya stepped out onto the mai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n level of Paoshi. Pelagia was right: it did look like a nice place. Whoever had designed the city level had kept the streets narrow and the buildings no taller than four or five floors. Centuries-old uba vines, some as thick as Adya's waist, covered the 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
older buildings, while the newer ones had trellised bidomaz plants to add some green to the walls of graphene and aerogel. Archways opened into garden courtyards. It looked like a slow-paced sort of city, with few vehicles and plenty of quiet spots to sit
.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Where is everybody?" asked Pelagia. Her drone rose slowly next to one of the buildings, pausing at windows. "They're not asleep."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The main mind claims they are all at the daily meeting in the central plaza," said Vasi. The three of them paused to listen and heard a faint echo of an amplified voice, too distorted by distance to make out words.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Sounds like no end of fun," said Pelagia.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This is all a waste of time. We should go," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya looked at the buildings and turned blue with thought. "Paolin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
g, you said you cannot give me personal information about any of Paoshi's citizens. Can you tell me anything about the city's material structure?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I operate and maintain all of Paoshi's systems. By definition, I know all that is known about the city's structure," said Paoling. Despite the mind's utterly neutral tone Adya thought she detected a note of boasting.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Can you tell me the purpose of the buildings?" she asked, keeping her own tone light and conversational.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes. The structures around you right now\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 were built to house retail and service businesses on the ground floors, offices on the next level, and residential space on the upper floors. Unfortunately no restaurants are currently operating."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"I would like to see a building set up to house and display a large private collection of art and artifacts. It would require extra environmental systems and tunable lighting, as well as large internal doorways for circulation. Are there any places like t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hat in Paoshi?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The main mind hesitated a full second befor\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e answering. "There is one structure which matches that description, although it is no longer in use for that purpose."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Please direct us there."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As they followed Paoling's glowing markers Pelagia's drone descended until it was just next to Adya. "Ha! Gave that smarty-pants Level Three intellect a good tail-slapping, didn't you?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya looked at the drone in puzzlement. "It was a logical question to ask."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The daily meeting ended before they reached their destination, as the sound of the amplified voice stopp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ed and they began to see people in the streets, moving away from the central plaza. Most of the citizens of Paoling were humans, their skin dark green with dermal chloroplasts. They all wore very simple short kilts of plain gray cloth, and matching tabis 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on their feet. Adya spotted a few lotors among the humans, dressed in nothing but their own fur; and a couple of corvids flying overhead, but didn't see any mechs at all.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Naturally, the newcomers were very conspicuous, especially since Adya kept getting flu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
stered and shifting from blue-green to muddy yellow. Pelagia took her drone up to rooftop level, staying inconspicuous.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A small crowd gathered around Adya and Vasi. "Who are you?" asked one neuter, pushing forward. Though younger than the others, they seemed to be in some position of authority because the other humans kept quiet.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My name is Adya Elso and I flew from far Miranda. This mech called Vasi is my mentor. We voyaged through the void for many months to study ancient artifacts assembled by one Tagat\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
an Pamana. Can any tell me where he can be found?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The neuter muttered something through her link then spoke aloud. "You had better see Saloth\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 he's in charge of the transition."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then tell me where this Saloth may be found, that I may speak with him."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Right here," said a young male human, approaching at a brisk walk. He was dressed like all the others, save for the addition of a blue-and-gold checked cloth around his neck. "I'm Saloth."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya explained again who they were and why they had come to Paoshi. Sa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 loth listened very intently, leaning just close enough to make Adya feel slightly uncomfortable.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
At last he smiled sadly. "It appears you've come a long way for nothing, Adya Elso. Here in Paoshi we eliminated the past. Everyone took targeted memory-eraser drugs and awoke as blank slates in a new world. No old grudges, no false ideas, no dead hand of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  history."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Show her the manifesto!" said the neuter, and another person handed Adya a printed sheet. "We all woke up with a copy."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The page was half a meter lo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ng, densely printed in tiny text except for a headline at the top: THE PAST IS DEAD. Adya skimmed it. Phrases like "the start of a new beginning" and "overthrowing the tyranny of the past" appeared dozens of times.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That is a drastic step indeed," she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There's no going back," said Saloth. "Now we must forge ahead, united."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya glanced again at the sheet. "I forbear to find a forgery. Tagatan Pamana did keep a store of ancient things, and one of them is key to my research. If I can but examine that one item I will pester Paoshi no more."

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saloth regarded her, still quite intent. Then he relaxed slightly and smiled. "I'll have the city searched," he said. "Something might turn up. In the meantime, would you join m\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e for a meal? It's nearly sunset and I like to watch the clouds change color. Does your companion eat?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You needn't trouble yourself about me," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
They stopped for food along the way. A space which looked to Adya like a former tavern had been converted to a distribution center, where a harried-looking pair of humans passed out meal rolls as fast as they came out of the printer. Saloth ignored the li
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ne and took the next two rolls that came out, then led Adya and Vasi to the western edge of the city.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The outer rim of Paoshi was a strip of park land, with big diamondoid windows looking out at the cloudscape. Beyond the clouds the dim orange dot of the sun sat just the horizon.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Saloth held up both ends of the conversation, explaining about how the Transition Leadership Team was trying to fit the people to Paoshi to roles based on aptitudes and preferences. "Once all that's done we can disband the team and our new society will be
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  self-sustaining."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The idea is not new," Adya pointed out. "The Billion Worl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ds have seen it tried a million times or more. Such systems seldom last."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Those others didn't do it right. This time will be different!" He veered off into an explanation of Paoshi's economy, how the city mined phosphine and heavy helium from Saturn's atmosphere for export. "The processors extract enough to fill a shuttle ever
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y four weeks. We sell it to the orbital habs. The income pays for Paoling's expenses\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 metals, templates, data, and stuff she can't print here. She splits the net profit with the citize
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ns of Paoshi."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Does each one get a share?" she asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Not right now. The Transition Team are working out an equitable arrangement." He leaned closer to Adya. "You know, I need a smart, talented person like you on the team. You could stay here, become a citizen, be part of something important. Interested?"

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Adya has duties back on Miranda," said Vasi. "Her family have been very indulgent to let her spend so much time on this research trip."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Research? It must be very important if you came all this way."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "M\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y luck was good\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
Uranus and my native moon were nearly at their nearest point to Saturn when my studies did reveal a crucial clue might be in Paoshi. A decade hence the distance would be such that I could not afford the time or laser cost to make the trip.
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "What kind of clue? A clue to what?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya got pinker as she spoke. "An ancient text within a diamond block, immune to forger's touch, with proof of provenance confirmed. If I can prove that text is thirty centuries in age it will\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
" She stopped herself and\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  went blue again. "It may be of some help to me."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I hate to interrupt," said Vasi, "Adya, it's time for exercise now. Even in close to a standard gee you still need to maintain yourself."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes, thank you, Vasi. It was very nice dining with you, Saloth. Goodbye!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Before he could protest Adya and Vasi left the park at a brisk pace, heading for the nearest entrance to the hangar deck.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This is the first time you've ever asked me to remind you to exercise," said Vasi over their private link as they walked away.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I did not wish to tell Saloth too much."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Don't worry about that. I suspect he's more interested in you than your research."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Me? What for?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Adya, your parents spent a million gigajoules on your genome, and it didn't all go for intelligence and perfect balance. You've been trained to be attractive since you could walk."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I always thought that was culture-specific for Miranda."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Some things transcend culture." Vasi deliberately waited until they had walked another block before asking, "Do you find him attractive?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saloth?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rather the reverse, I think."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Excellent. Then there is no need for us to waste a second more in Paoshi. Saturn and Uranus draw farther apart all the time."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This time it was Adya who walked in silence before answering. "Not yet. There are still some things I wish to understand."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The moment Adya stepped inside Pelagia's hull the ship asked, "Guess what my drone s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 aw while you were flank-rubbing with the local alpha male?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I do not wish to rub any part of anyone."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yet. Anyway, I followed the main mind's directions to the building you asked about. Looked like a shop on the ground floor\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 closed and empty\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
with a kind of gallery space on the second floor, just like you described. Also empty. Living quarters upstairs an\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d a rooftop garden.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "While I was looking the place over, half a dozen locals led by a young woman wearing one of those checked neckcloths showed up. They \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
kicked everyone out of the building and then searched the whole place. Very thorough: pulled up floors, took down wall panels, looked above ceilings, took furniture apart. They even pried up all the pavers in the garden."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya went orange-red. "This happened while we were dining?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yep. Your boy didn't mention it? Rude of him."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Did they find anything?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Don't think so. They gave up just a few minutes ago. Have you eaten?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Lentil and rice wrapped in kelp. Some lime and pepper would have helped."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You need \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 real food. Go to the galley. I'll print you a box of salmon sashimi and pickles."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I have a call to make first. Please link me to Paoling."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The main mind's icon appeared in Adya's field of view. "How may I help you, Adya Elso?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I have a question for you, Paoling. How could you let your citizens destroy all traces of the past?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "They did it to themselves. I have managed Paoshi for five hundred and fifty-two standard years," said Paoling. "During that time the citizens have changed their methods of self-gove\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
rnment eight times. I do not interfere."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"You let them do this monstrous thing? Destroy all time before a certain day? If all the citizens did vote to kill themselves, would you sit by and watch them die? The difference is not great between the two, for those who lived before are just as dead."

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The citizens decide what rules they must follow, and how to enforce them, and how to allocate wealth among themselves. If they all sat down in the central plaza and cut their throats I would not interfere. All livin
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g things die eventually. I am not in charge of people. I am in charge of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 things.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 My task has always been to keep Paoshi aloft, provide power and life support, and maintain all the sub-Baseline systems and matter of the city."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya gazed into the distance for a moment. Her skin faded from orange to mauve and finally to cool blue.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think I understand." She cut the link.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Adya, it sounds as if this supposed ancient text you're looking for is gone. There's no reason to stay here any longer," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "If in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
deed it still exists, I think I know just where to look. The sun will rise four hours from now, so I dare not delay. Pelagia, please print me out a travel suit with camo skin and oxygen\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and add a backpack, if you would."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Where are you planning to go?" asked Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Not far."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I'm coming with you. Someone has to protect you from yourself."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Night on Saturn was not entirely dark. Gaps in the ammonia clouds overhead let in the reflected light of the Rings, plus half a dozen moons and thousands of orbiting habitats. The light gave the vast storm cells around and below Paoshi a faint silver shee
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n, while constant flickers of lightning lit up the clouds from within. Adya paused in her climb up the outside of Paoshi to admire the view.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Keep going," Vasi urged. "If you start to glow with corona discharge it'll be too late to get inside."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You need no\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t worry about that," said Adya. Inside her suit she was pale green. "Look!" She unstuck one of her hands to point as a bolt of lightning about as long and broad as a major river system touched the tip of a kilometer-long superconducting rod on one side of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the floating city and discharged through another on the opposite side. "It's perfectly safe."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I could\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 feel}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the EM pulse from that strike.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Please}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tell me where we are going!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Just another few meters. There should be an access hatch." With the gloves and f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
eet of her suit in sticky mode Adya climbed up the smooth graphene flank of the city. The hangar level was below her, and below\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
was a straight drop of forty-seven thousand kilometers, with Saturn's core somewhere at the bottom. The city itself was still twenty meters above Adya, but between the hangar and the city was a service level. She spotted the hatch she sought, about ten m
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eters to her right, and edged over to it. Vasi followed behind, walking along the surface on all fours with its head pivoted \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 around to look forward.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The hatch opened obediently as soon as Adya touched the surface. The two of them pushed through a pressure membrane just inside, into an ordinary breathing-air mix. Frost formed on Vasi's surface as it warmed up. Beyond the membrane a narrow passage lined
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  with conduits and pipes stretched toward the center of the city.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This is where we are going. I want to examine the waste processing system, but I was afraid they might have someone watching the hangar exits."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "'They' being\~.\~.\~.\~?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Saloth and his allies. I think you misjudged his interest. He wasn't asking about my research because he desires me\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
he was showing attraction because he wanted to find out what I knew about any antiquities in Paoshi."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "None of which explains why we are looking for the waste processing system."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Mass is valuable, especially in a floating city. Paoling wouldn't let them just toss things overboard, and it certainly wouldn't allow any fires. So when Saloth said they destroyed all the old personal items and ar
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tifacts, what he really meant was they sent everything down here."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Where did you learn to sound so pedantic?" asked Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I was trained by experts." Adya looked at nothing for a moment. "I believe the main waste processing node is just ahead."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
All the systems on the service level were run by Paoling, and repaired by bots or drones under its control, so there were very few signs or human-operable controls. They did pass one interface under a locked transparent panel rimmed in safety orange, with
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  a glowing \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 label "EMERGENCY ONLY."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They found the big metal container where dry waste went, and from there Adya followed the sorting and recycling process. She stopped at a conveyor, where a steady stream of trash came out of the bin.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Here: optical and millimeter scans identify usable parts and items, and those arms pick them out of the waste stream. They go onto that conveyor. The rest gets broken down." She ducked under the main conveyor and followed a smaller conveyor which was cur
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rently stopped.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Arms to grab thi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ngs, a bin for sensors, a bin for processors\~.\~.\~
." Adya hurried fifty meters along the conveyor, passing a whole series of containers. "And at the end, miscellaneous items!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But when she opened the bin it was empty.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You seem to have made an error," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Adya went from excited purple to greenish brown, then blue-green as she thought. "There must be a long-term storage site. Probably climate-controlled, with a pure nitrogen atmosphere." She stepped out into the transverse passage at the end of the con
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 veyor and looked both ways. "If I was a storage unit, where would I be?" She looked up and spotted a yellow-and-black banded pipe on the ceiling. "I would be somewhere along that nitrogen line."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She walked up and down, looking at the pipe, until she spotted an arrow indicating flow direction. Then she began to run. Vasi switched back to quadrupedal mode in order to keep up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The passage led into a wider corridor lined with big doors. The walls curved away out of sight in either direction, following the arc o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
f the city's edge. Each door had a virtual tag indicating what was inside. They followed the corridor from "Fluoroantimonic Acid, 1-liter containers/EXTREME HAZARD" past "Iron Powder, 1-micron grains" and "Laser Emitters, milliwatt" before Adya stopped at
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  a door which bore the simple tag "Miscellaneous."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It did not open when she touched it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Great Paoling, may I behold the contents of this bay?" she asked over open link.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It is a sealed environment w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ith no oxygen," said the city inside her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I wear a travel suit with life-support, and you and I both know a pressure membrane stands behind this door. Please let me in."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There is the issue of privacy\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " the city began.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "If that had been your prime concern, the items in this bay would now be broken down to molecules. You said yourself it is your job to care for things in Paoshi. Please let me see the things you saved."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Paoling did not answer, but after a full second the latches clicked and the door sli\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d open. Adya closed her suit and pushed through the pressure membrane into the bay. For a moment the containers within were dark, but then each lit up with virtual inventory tags. Adya found the container marked "Artifacts, Historical: Former Tagatan Pama
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 na Collection" and opened it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She gasped, and for a moment felt as if she was a child on Miranda again, at a birthday party for one of her cousins where the guests got fancy gifts in honor of the occasion\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
only this time she got\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 all}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the presents. A bit of al\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
uminum embedded in plastic was labeled "Fragment of Lunar Farside Radiotelescope, early Third Millennium." A black bird statuette bore the tag "Ritual Object, polymer coating over gold, allegedly Second Millennium Earth, known provenance traces to Somnior
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 um City, 6795." A diamond box with folded gray cloth inside had the tag "Uniform tunic of General Darvek Dida, Lunar pacification campaign of 4684-7, natural cotton and wool. ARGON ATMOSPHERE ONLY."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And underneath that box was a square diamond slab twenty c\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
entimeters wide, with rounded corners and edges. It held single page of cellulose marked with fading brush-strokes of ink. Adya held it close to her face and peered at the characters.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "How can you tell that's not a fake?" asked Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Tagatan Pamana said he had verified provenance back to the Seventh Millennium."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "He could be wrong, or lying."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "All that is true. I judge it still more likely that he told no lie, and this really is three thousand years in age. See how the diamond block is worn?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Good morning\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
!" came a voice from the door of the storage bay. It was Saloth, and behind him Adya could make out half a dozen other Paoshi citizens wearing oxygen masks. Half of them had on the blue-checked neckcloths of the Transition Committee. All of them carried p
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rybars or meter lengths of pipe. "You're up early. What have you got there?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Miscellaneous waste items," said Adya.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I don't think so. That looks like some of Tagatan Pamana's collection to me. Hand it over."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya looked at Saloth and turned deep red. "How\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  do you know?" she asked quietly.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It looks\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " he began, and then stopped. "That doesn't matter."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"It matters much, despite denial. You know what this is in my hand, although I did not say. You should not have a memory of what it is, and yet you do. I think you never took the drug at all. By force or fraud you made Paoshi's people take the past-destro
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ying dose\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but you did not. You lie, Saloth. You are a liar."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saloth glanced over his shoulder and silenced one of the others with a glare. "I said it's not impo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
rtant. What matters is that you've got a forbidden relic of the dead past. We've come to destroy all of them."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I refuse to give it to you." Adya put it back in the container and shut the lid.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He took a step forward, then stopped as Vasi interposed itself. "Her parents hired me to keep her safe. Don't try it."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You're just one mech. You can't stop us all."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Uh, Saloth?" called one of the others from outside. "It's not just one."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 In the corridor a dozen cargo-handling bots had rolled up silently and now surr\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ounded Saloth's followers. More bots arrived every few seconds.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "They can't hurt us," said Saloth.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"That is incorrect," said Paoling's voice from everywhere at once. "I follow the agreement made when Paoshi was built. I leave the biological and mech citizens alone, and they leave the city's structure and systems alone. You are breaking that agreement."

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saloth looked at the bots, then back at Vasi, and finally at Adya. "You don't understand! It's\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
necessary}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to get rid of all that old stuff. The past is just d\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ead weight, keeping us down."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think that if your brave new world has such fragility that ancient words or images can shatter it, then it will never last. Perhaps you should consign it to the waste recycling bin," said Adya.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, I\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"The salvaged items are under my care," said Paoling. "This area is closed to biologicals now. Please leave at once." It followed that warning with an earsplitting tone from all the speakers in the storage bay. Saloth and Adya retreated outside, followed 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 by Vasi. As soon as all of them were out the door s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
lid shut and latched with a chorus of clunks. To drive the point home a cargo mover bot rolled in front of the door and turned to face outward.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "And now goodbye. I shall not stay," said Adya.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Paoling takes care of things, not people," said Saloth. He tightened his grip on his prybar, and some of his comrades did likewise. "That's our job. You're under arrest."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Run!" said Vasi. It slammed one hand palm-first into Saloth's chest, knocking him back into the others, then sprinted after Adya down the corridor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
They ran three-quarters of a kilometer along the passage until Adya turned left into a radial corridor leading for the edge of the city. Vasi followed, demanding to know where they were going, but Adya didn't answer. The passage ended at another external 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hatch and membrane.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Adya hit the control interface and then looked back at Saloth leading his team toward herself and Vasi. The Transition Team were less than fifty meters away when the hatch slid open. Adya closed her helmet, grabbed Vasi's arm and jumped
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  through the membrane. They fell into Saturn's atmosphere\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
and landed with a thump on Pelagia's back. With sticky hands and feet the two made their way to Pelagia's dorsal hatch as the ship shifted from hover mode to flight. Once Adya and Vasi were inside Pelagia lit her main engines with a roar and began the lo
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng climb toward the rising Sun.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya refused to say anything until she had a hot shower and a bowl of noodles. She sat in the control room watching the sky turn black overhead as Pelagia accelerated\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  to orbital velocity.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Well, at least that is finally over," said Vasi. "Now all we need to do is stop someplace for fuel and then get a laser assist to Uranus. This wild goose chase is done."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Adya slurped up some noodles and then asked casually, "How do you suppose Saloth know where to find us?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I certainly can't say, my dear," said Vasi.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "He knew exactly where we were and what we were doing. Almost as if someone told him." She kept looking at the rim of the planet ahead as she spoke, but her skin was cri\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mson.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Protecting you is my job," said Vasi. "Sometimes that means I must protect you from yourself. That old scrap of paper would have kept you wasting time and energy on this mad project of yours. There is no ancient superweapon. It's a myth."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I read the page. It was a personal account by a dolphin who knew where the device was hidden. It's real, Vasi. I can find it."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Nonsense. You're going back to Miranda now. That is what your parents paid for."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I have a little money of my own\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the Oort payload shares\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 Great-Grandmama left me. I can buy my own passage. Pelagia? I wish to change my travel plans. Would you be willing to make a detour to the Dictynna cycler habitat? It is currently in mid-transit between Saturn and Jupiter. There is a library on board I m
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ust consult."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Adya, stop this foolish behavior at once," said Vasi. "You mustn't sell your shares just to go off to some cycler chasing a mirage. Your parents will not approve."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I can get to Dictynna in seventy-five days," said Pelagia. "Vasi, you can dis\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
embark when I stop to refuel at Saturn Low Orbit Four. Get a shuttle to Mimas, and ride a cargo sail to Uranus from there."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I am\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 leaving this ship and we are\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 going to Dictynna."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Adya's only paying for her own passage," said Pelagia. "Are you buying a ticket? If not, then Low Orbit Four is where you get off. Or my maintenance drones can throw you out the hatch. Pick one option."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You need me, Adya! Who will look after you?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 At that Adya finally turned to look at Vasi. "I shall have to do it myself,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 " she said, turning a serene green color as she spoke.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This story is set within the universe of upcoming SF novel\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-godel-operation.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b74000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d0067006f00640065006c002d006f00
7000650072006100740069006f006e002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Godel Operation}
}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 .\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
James L. Cambias is a writer and game designer, and the cofounder of Zygote Games. He has been nominated for the James Tiptree Jr. Award and the 2001 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. He lives in western Massachusetts.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 \page 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s33\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Of Shadows and Caves
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by David Weber and Richard Fox
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s21\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Visitors to Port Montclair had to remember three things: Head down, mouth shut, and no questions asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The planet Montclair had an appealing enough name, but the world was not a \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 clear mountain,\'94\loch\f51 
 but a desert with hurricane force winds and blown sand that would scour anyone down to the bone within minutes. Being aboard the orbiting station was a bit safer,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  but not by much.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A dark-skinned spacer in a longshoreman\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s cheap vac suit and worn equipment harnes\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s sat on a barstool overlooking the station\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s "walking street." This part of the promenade was one of the first stops for spacers after months in vacuum. The many bars and clubs promised to exchange pay for all manner of pleasure\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 human, alien, and robotic.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Silas took a sip of his beer, which was awful but at least cold. The street was busy with scruffy spacers. The foot traffic had doubled in the past ten minutes, which lined up with the expected arrival of passengers and crew from the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pede\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 strians and customers of the walking street were almost all human. A few Quarn lumbered past in their heavy atmosphere suits, though, and a single Rishathan matriarch\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 three meters tall, with a saurian-looking head and jaws that could effortlessly amputate\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  a human arm\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
stalked down the middle of the street with all the arrogance of her kind, accompanied by three of her harem. The three males were barely a third her height, with froglike eyes, pale green skin with flat scales, and body language that was deci
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 de\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dly timid.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rishathan males wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t last long in a fight with the rough and tumble types aboard Port Montclair, but bothering the males would surely bring the matriarch's wrath, and no one wanted that kind of trouble.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Target acquired,\'94\loch\f51  Baxter said through Silas\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s ear bud. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Captain Ma just checked in at the new arrivals concourse. Got four of her crew siding her.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His voice struck Silas as unreasonably normal sounding . . . for someone who'd been perched on the outside of the station's hull ever since they'\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d arrived, over forty-seven hours before. Station workers routinely pulled eight or even twelve-hour shifts in vacuum, but not in isolation, with no buddies to keep an eye on them or be close to hand if something went wrong. And Baxter had been out there,
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 reliant solely on his rather specialized vac suit's internal resources, for almost two full days. The fact that he managed to stay so calm while he did it impressed Silas. It was rare to get a competent slicer and adrenaline junky in the same agent, but 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e Federation\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s Intelligence Agency attracted the best.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas took a swig of his beer and tapped the bottle on the bar twice to signal that he'd gotten the message.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A few blocks away\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 between a massage parlor and what was either a restaurant or pet store\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
a knot of humans turned down the street. Four bodyguards walked almost shoulder to shoulder around a small woman in a no-nonsense\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cheongsam}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dress. All of them were clearly of Asian descent, and the guards weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t focused on the dancing boys and girls or the h
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 olographic depiction of unnatural acts on either side of the street; they were watching the crowd around them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Doesn't look a whole hell of a lot like the kind of skipper\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I'd}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 expect a ship with a name like\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to have," Whiteside said over the same ear bud. She was a few bars down, ready to keep a visual lock on their target should Silas fail in his task. "More like\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hangzhou}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , I'd say. Still doubt that they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re League special forces, like I said they\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d be?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Which means we paid off the right peop\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 le\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 for once,\'94\loch\f51  Silas muttered back.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Now, mister?\'94\loch\f51 
 A girl of around ten looked up at him from the other side of the rails separating his bar from the street. She was dressed in little better than rags and her hair was matted.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Not yet, but get ready." He flicked a station crypto chip off the bar and she caught it. The coin vanished into her rags and she narrowed her eyes at him. She'd been promised two more, so long as she did what she was supposed to.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The bodyguards and their principle continued past \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Silas. He laid the forearm of his nondrinking hand along the railing demarking the edge of the bar, exposing just the muzzle of the very small barrel hidden in his sleeve.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He nudged the girl with his foot, and she rushed at the bodyguards.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Mister, mister!\'94\loch\f51  She held out her hands to beg and came at the left rear guard from his right side.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The man stepped aside and thrust out his hand, strongarming the girl in the shoulder and knocking her down. Captain Ma shrank back, her\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cheongsam}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 swirling around her legs.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It bought Silas the opening he needed. A puff of air hissed from his sleeve, and a tiny dart tagged the edge of her dress.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The girl fell on her backside hard. She swore at\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the bodyguard in a variety of languages, then jumped back to her feet and ran away into the crowd.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas drank his beer, feigning disinterest as the security detail reformed around the woman and continued on their way.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Squawker dot is embedded in her clothes\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51  moving it a bit deeper into the folds. Nice shot,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Baxter said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tracking transmission is go.\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas nodded mentally in satisfaction. The tracker would probably never be needed, but he was a firm believer in covering all his bets. Port Montclai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r's obsolete security cameras left too many potential blank spots Baxter's hack couldn't cover . . . and in which she could meet any number of inconvenient people. Now it wouldn't have to; he could track his dot wherever she went.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Need secondary?\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t. If we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got a solid contact then save your dart. You know how much those things cost?\'94\loch\f51 
 Silas palmed two coins and lowered his hand. He felt a tug, and a moment later he caught a glimpse of the girl as she slipped into the crowd. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d al\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
most picked his pocket on his way to the bar, which led to a quick offer for her to make money and keep all her fingers unbroken.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Since when do we care about costs? Target went straight for the port authority kiosks. Guess they aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t hungry,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Pull up stakes.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Silas left the bar and stepped into the street. \'93\loch\f51 Baxter, show me what she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s doing.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A holo projected onto the contact in his right eye as Baxter opened a feed from the station security cams' view on a room marked \'93\loch\f51 Captains Lounge: Sh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ip Masters Only.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The captain's bodyguards blocked the door as the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mistress went inside.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fingers crossed,\'94\loch\f51  Silas said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Shipping and logistics activity beyond the jurisdiction of the League or Federation was rarely on the up and up. As such, captains were picky about their consignments and preferred to do their business in privacy. Because of that shyness on their part, th
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ere were no cameras inside the Captains Lounge for Baxter to peek through. Not officially, anyway. But when someone could h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ack the station maintenance systems, commandeer a repair remote, and steer it to the right location . . .
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 O ye of little faith,\'94\loch\f51  Baxter said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He'd used one of those commandeered remotes to drill a tiny hole in the compartment's overhead and install an equally tiny fisheye lens within hours of their arrival. Now he activated that lens and patched its output to Silas's contact lens so both of the
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 m could look down from the ceiling as Captain Ma entered its field of view.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The captain\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s lounge was comprised of \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 several semi-circular booths with work stations that accessed the station\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s contract database. A half dozen other captains were already present, but Ma went to a booth far from the other occupants and sat down. She put a hand to a reader, then whispered h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er name.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Silas? Slight problem,\'94\loch\f51  Baxter said. "The machine she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s using isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t tied to the station\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s system. Maintenance log has that one offline. But she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s got a screen up and she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s using it. Wait. Hold on\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The captain moved over to another booth and\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 double tapped a signet ring to a reader. Most captains in free space kept their personal access codes and other cypher keys on their person. Silas made a mental note of what to lift off of her should the need ever arise.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s in booth eleven\~.\~.\~.\~let me tap that feed and\~.\~.\~.\~bingo! She just put in a longshoreman contract to move cargo from Warehouse Thirty-Seven to the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 ,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Baxter said.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Damn, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m good.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Thirty-Seven. . . . That's on the alien dock arm,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said as she caught up to Si\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
las. She was thirty centimeters shorter and dressed very much like him. \'93\loch\f51 Baxter\~.\~.\~.\~there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a Rishathan freighter here, right?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They slipped into a short, seedy alley that reeked of urine. Flickering signs pointed to an emergency evacuation route at its far end.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Correct. It's docked at the far end of the spar. I can see it with my bare eyes\~.\~.\~.\~but there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s no record of how long it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s been docked. Funny, ain
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Eight days,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside said. \'93\loch\f51 Rish got here eight days ago and they've been in trade nego\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
tiations with some three-star pirate kingdom for bio samples." Silas raised an eyebrow at her, and she grimaced. "What? Bunch of spacers were talking in my restaurant. Didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t take much to get them to keep talking.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Cover story passes the smell test," Silas said. "Maybe."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He and Whiteside stopped at the doors to the life pod bay. He pressed a wrist band, loaded with override codes provided by Baxter, to a reader and the doors slid open. Flakes of rust fell away as the panels parted.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I feel so confident in \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 this station\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s safety measures,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said with a sigh.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The evacuation bay mounted a double row of life pods. Most of the doors were ringed by white lights, but several had blinking red.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Huh. Internal security\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  system recorded your arrival," Baxter said. "I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m kind of impressed.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 This an issue?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas thumbed the collar of his vac suit\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 which was far more capable than its shabby appearance suggested\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
and drew out a transparent air hood. It wasn't as proof against puncture as a full bore helmet would have been, but it would serve. Pressure seals loc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ked down on his wrists, sealing the ends of his sleeves, and thin gloves extruded from the suit cuffs. They were flexible enough for fine manipulation but would protect h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
is hands from vacuum and maintain a comfortable temperature, although they weren't pressurized themselves.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What?" Baxter snorted. "Hell no! I have full access. This system runs on a kludge of Federation AI that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s almost two decades out of date. Of course I brought all the sys-keys made by the manufacturer. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re all set for Pod Seventeen.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pod Seventeen\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s border blinked red and Silas looked into the small porthole in the hatch. No escape pod within, just the empty hull blister where one should have been. 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He lifted a weighty switch and the pod bay door shifted on squealing servos and opened almost all the way.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Air blew past them and hissed into space through micro cracks in the hull blister.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It going to close?\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 her own hood and gloves in place\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 stepped into the void where the pod should be.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Eh\~.\~.\~.\~we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll see! I can stymie the alarms. There might be some atmo venting but it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll be limited to the evac bay. Course, if there's an actual emergency, people won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t appreciate that the alarms aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t working\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re not here to make friends,\'94\loch\f51  Silas reminded the others as he joined Whiteside in the empty blister.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The pod doors closed behind them and a warning light spun overhead. Then the shell slammed open, the pod bay's air vented explosively, and Silas and Whiteside looked down the unobstructed depths of the planet's gravity well.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Montclair spun far below, a peach-colored world with striations from planetwide storms that stretched from horizon to horizon. Four kilometers-long arms stuck out from the rotatin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
g hub of the central station, as if it were a spider with too few legs. Each of those arms was a docking pier, capable of handling up to a dozen cargo pods apiece, although that was far more traffic than a station like Montclair would normally require.

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 There we go,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said, and pointed to the end of the nearest arm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 FTL freighters were huge. Anything that mounted a Fasset Drive had to be. As a result, they used externally mounted parasite cargo pods on hull racks, much as a naval FTLC carried its s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ublight parasites. That was by far the most flexible\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and logical\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
way to do it. But not everyone shared human notions of logic, and at least half of all Rishathan freighters were designed with integral holds, instead of pods. Because of that, frontier stat\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ions, especially out beyond the blue line, were normally designed to handle those leviathans. Indeed, that was one reason Montclair's docking arms were as long as they were. Cargo bays were located every few hundred meters, like giant warehouses bolted to
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he arms, but the real reason for their length was to get the mooring collars at their very end far enough out from the hub to accommodate ships that might be a couple of kilometers long.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Like the one Whiteside had just pointed to.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Nothing like a little space walk to get the blood going,\'94\loch\f51 
 Silas said, and pushed off from inside of the pod bay and floated out into the vacuum. He flexed his feet back and forth to activate the propellant jets built into the sides of his vac suit's legs\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, and a brief burst sent h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 im sailing away from the hub, with Whiteside a few meters behind.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They coasted through the vacuum, toward the cargo bay where the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s new cargo awaited her, and the running lights on shuttles traced orbits from arm to arm around them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d enjoy this a lot more if the risk of getting splattered against a shuttle was a bit lower,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hey, you see me?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas bent at the waist, then kicked his legs out, rotating so that he was moving feet first. At the base of a communication array, Bax\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ter leaned out and waved. There were so many data lines attached to the hacker's oversized helmet that they looked like thin dreadlocks.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You look ridiculous,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Every line needs a splice, and this place is one archaic system built on top of another archaic system, with some alien tech built in for good measure. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re welcome!\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yeah, yeah." Whiteside shook her head. "Want to trade spots?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Focus up. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re close,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Silas said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Status on the transfer?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 A half dozen robot firms are bidding to\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  move the goods\~.\~.\~.\~fifteen standard containers. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
m futzing with the low bidder and adding an extra zero to their price. Which cancels the contract each time it goes through whatever mushroom\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s doing the manual review. Which sends the contract back to 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 bid yadda yadda\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 Should buy you about half an hour.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You think this is it, Silas? Finally?\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I sure as hell hope so," Silas said grimly. "Most of the cloak and dagger types back home think we're crazy, I know, but . . . "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He shrugged irritably. The war between the Terran Federation and the Terran League had raged for almost half a century, and every projection Silas had ever run said that the League's economy could never have sustained the conflict this long. As far as he 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 knew, every\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 honest}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 projection had said the same thing. Yet the war still raged on and on, endlessly. Which, as his superiors had told him\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 with increasingly less patience each time he raised the point\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 clearly meant the base assumptions about the League's pro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ductiveness were flawed. It certainly didn't mean that anyone else\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 like, oh, the Rish\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
might be supplying the Leaguies with lethal aid. There was zero evidence for\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tinfoil hat theory, so please stop bothering them with it.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Bottom line," he said now, "even if any of the chairwarmers decide we're not total nut jobs after all, the Federation can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t lean on the Rish without proof. So if we can finally find it . . ."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas touched the holstered pistol hidden in his equipment harness.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\lquote \loch\f51 Lean\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ?\'94\loch\f51  If she hadn't \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 been wearing a helmet, Silas thought Whiteside would\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve spat. \'93\loch\f51 Rish bastards have propped the League up for who knows how long while we bleed on the front lines. How many billion more people would be alive if the League had surrendered after we hammered t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
hem at New Derba or the Battle of Deep Belt?"
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You think the League will ever stop fighting us?" Silas shot back. "Billions of them have died too. But we get the Rish to stop meddling and maybe the League will read the writing on the wall\~.\~.\~.\~
or Intellige\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nce Command will authorize a few more teams to cause a few \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 convenient accidents\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  for those running supplies from free space. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll either get the Rish to pull out or go overt with their aid. And if the League takes their help out in the open, maybe it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 piss off the families in the Five Hundred enough for them to finally sacrifice a bit of their wealth to finance an offensive that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll actually\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 end}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 this war.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He used a laser range finder and checked the distance to the cargo bay.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The Five Hundred don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t car\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 e if the war never ends.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside drew her pistol. \'93\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 re not the ones fighting it, just the ones making money supplying ships and weapons.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You ever hear the one about a dagger in the dark versus a thousand swords at dawn?" Silas asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Well, yeah. You're kinda fond of bringing it up," Whiteside told him with a chuckle.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That's because I'm so damned smart. Now, let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s do this.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas slowed his velocity with his suit thrusters and landed on the outside of the cargo bay. Mag locks in his boots gripped \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the metal and he slid to a stop.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whiteside hit next to him and skidded into the hull.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hate space walks,\'94\loch\f51  she muttered as she rubbed her shoulder.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Baxter. Get us an entrance,\'94\loch\f51  Silas said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Internal alarms are all over the place\~.\~.\~.\~They don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want anyone coming in through the atmo tunnels in the pier, but the external air locks are meant for robot cargo haulers
\~.\~.\~.\~ not so many alerts, and\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 bingo!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A barn door sized slab of metal slid open a few dozen meters away. The inner air lock door was still\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  shut.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The two spies floated into the lock and it closed behind them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Closing the outer lock,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Baxter said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Can you still hear me?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good to go.\'94\loch\f51  Silas drew his pistol and checked the round count.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No activity inside the bay. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m getting some weird activity on the network. Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s go radio silent unless it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s something critical, good?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Roger. Get us inside."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas went to one side of the air lock, locked his boots back to the deck for stability, and readied his pistol. Whiteside went to the other, and the i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
nner door opened smoothly. Lamps on the ceiling cast white pools around cargo containers. Each container was mag-locked to the deck\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or the container under it\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
to keep it in place, and row upon row of them stretched evenly from one corner of the bay to the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 other.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Look at all that hay,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Maybe they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re all needles. Only need one.\'94\loch\f51 
 Silas pushed off and floated to the nearest cargo container. He swiped fingertips down the manifest box, and text came up.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Seriously, boss? You think the Rish are go\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ing to list what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s really in here?\'94\loch\f51 
 Whiteside pulled a small cylinder from a slot on her harness.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Content manifest isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t what I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m looking for. What I'm checking is\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 
 There! This one was dropped in here ten days ago. Too long ago to be from the Rish.\'94\loch\f51  Silas looked to the ceiling and pointed at the magnetic lift mounted there. It was off center, n\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ot near the command center at the back of the bay like it should be, if the place was run by competent longshoremen.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That way." He took off at a slow jog. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll bet that lift is parked directly above the last crate anybody stacked. No one's been in here since the lizards dropped their cargo, anyway. The bastards locked down the bay when they left. You'd almost think the\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 y didn't want anyone snooping around in here after they dropped off something valuable.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Or incriminating,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside added.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They got to a container beneath the mag lifter and Silas checked the manifest box.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Three days in place." He slapped it with a palm\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . "Think we should open it to check?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The look Whiteside gave him should have reduced him to cinders. Cargo containers logged every time their doors opened or shut.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not all that crazy about leaving traces, thank you,\'94\loch\f51 
 she told him acidly and double tapped one end of the cylinder in her hand to activate it. She pressed the spy drone's other end to the side of the container, and there was a hiss as it burned a hol\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e through the container wall, fused itself to the metal, and deployed its scanner head insid\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e the container.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas took cover next to the container, his eyes on the bay's command center. It was lit, but unoccupied.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Three years on a League planet working security for the local triad boss.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside bent her arm and brought the pistol next to her face. \'93\loch\f51 
All that to figure out which free traders came and went in-system with too many voids in their cargo bays. Then we\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  get the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and now we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re out here flapping.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Why\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s your drone taking so long?\'94\loch\f51  Silas asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a single-use scanner." Sh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e looked at him, obviously wondering if he was more nervous than he cared to appear since he knew that as well as she did. "Can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t alter the quantum matrix once it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s set, so nobody can futz the data. But that means that if it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s got something it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll be slow.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Good sign?\'94\loch\f51  She glanced at the glowing drone.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The drone released itself from the container and floated in the bay's micro gravity, one end still red hot but cooling quickly. Whiteside snatched it out of the air.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hot potato. Hot!\'94\loch\f51  She waggled it from side \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to side, then touched a tip to a reader on her wrist. Scans from inside projected on the contact in Silas
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eye.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 X-ray and graviton scans resolved into cones with deep circuitry and sensor banks.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 that's a League T\'e1\loch\f51 \hich\f51 n missile warhead.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside swallowed hard. \'93\loch\f51 That\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 is}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 lethal aid from the Rish to the League. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve got them!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas waggled his fingers in front of his eye and the scan zoomed out, showing dozens more warheads.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 This isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t enough,\'94\loch\f51  he said. His voice was flat, professional, even as h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 is heart soared triumphantly. \'93
\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got to have a mountain of evidence to convince enough people back on Earth. More than they can explain away as circumstantial. One box of warheads? Could be going to some pirate fleet.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got four more single-use scanners,\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside reminded him.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Find containers with the same transfer time. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m going to the command center. There should be a record of this stuff coming in off the Rish ship.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas gave her a double pat on the shoulder and kicked off, hard, sending h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 imself scudding towards the back of the cargo bay.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hurry!\'94\loch\f51  she called after him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas flipped end-for-end, using his suit jets to brake, then caught a handhold at the command center entrance.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Second container\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s got ballistics computers,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside whispered through his ear bud. \'93\loch\f51 One of those things costs more than I\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve ever made on my joke of a government salary.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Use your woman\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s intuition for the next one.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ha, funny. \'93\loch\f51 Let me get into the logs to see if there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s anything more incriminating."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas trie\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d the command center door, but\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 not to his surprise\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
it was locked. He pulled a small unit from his harness and pressed it to the lock. It manipulated magnetic fields until it popped open, and he pushed himself inside. He waved his hands over the screens an\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d they came to life.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Baxter? Baxter?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When the hacker didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t answer, Silas plugged a line from the back of his collar to a port at the top of the workstation. A pulse went into the station\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s systems, and the speakers in his collar fluttered with static a f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ew seconds later.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Iron,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Baxter said, giving the team challenge.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Horn,\'94\loch\f51  Silas responded, signaling that he wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t under any duress. \'93\loch\f51 Need you to unlock the data banks. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve got what we\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 re looking for but we need more. Have you cracked the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s data stacks?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Not yet. Security's better than I expected. But I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m linked through your suit, so I can crack the cargo bay\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
s stacks now. Maybe I can backdoor into\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that way and\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 Wait, did you say what I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 thought}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 you just said?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Whiteside\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s getting more data on single-use scans, but yeah. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve got something solid, this time.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Really}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
solid. But we need more to get the whole picture for the brass at the Oval before anyone's going to believe us.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No shit? Well, I will be damned\~.\~.\~.\~. Okay, I'm in. Sending you the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay\hich\f51 
\rquote }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s data logs now. Wait one while I\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 huh? That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s funny.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A data transfer pulsed on Silas's HUD, th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 en the screens on the consoles fluttered and went pure white.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 This doesn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t look like your usual work,\'94\loch\f51  Silas said, then stiffened as an echo of metal slamming against metal sounded through the bay.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You hear that?\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Close up\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 we might have a problem,\'94\loch\f51  Silas replied, and tapped a button on one side of the screens, trying to clear it. What the hell was \hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 ?
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Boss!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Boss, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m made!" Baxter cried. "They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re coming out of the air lock! No. No don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 !\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The transmission cut off.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Carla, we\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 re made!" Silas yelled. "I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m coming to you!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He hurled himself back out the control center door, sending himself streaking through the bay's micro gravity in the lowest trajectory that would clear the containers . . . and the sharp bark of a pistol echoed through the bay.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It cracked again. Then an automatic weapon chattered in reply.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas flipped in mid-air, driving his boots down onto the top of a container and maxing the mag plates. The shock seemed to rip his legs right off, but it stopped him dead, and\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 he braced himself against the sudden anchor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whiteside was bellied down behind a container. Two dead men in the shipboard utilities of the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
lay on the deck in front of her, and blood oozed thick in the micro-gravity. Another crewman crouched behind his own container, one leg hooked through a handling loop for stability, while he hosed short, controlled bursts at her. He was obviously a pro. 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His fire was accurate and steady, despite the zero-gee, and he had Whiteside well and truly pinned. Unfort\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 unately for him, he was fully focused on her instead of looking up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Silas leaned forward, took careful aim and shot him directly through the top of his skull. His head snapped back in a grisly explosion, and a red and gray cloud of blood, brain matter, and bone splinters spread like an obscene halo.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas looked around, eyes sweeping as much as he could see of the once again silent bay for any sign of movement. He detected none, so he unlocked his boots and used a handhold to send himself down to where Whit
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eside crouched.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You okay?\'94\loch\f51  he asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Almost.\'94\loch\f51  Whiteside held up an arm. The vac suit was punctured\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
torn, actually, in a gouge that he saw burrowed through the outside of her forearm, as well. Blood flowed from the gouge, but without the heavy flow of a deep wound. "Bastard you nailed clippe\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d me before I knew he was there," she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You can still use it?"
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hurts like hell, but yeah. And at least it's my right. The scans are still good,\'94\loch\f51  she wagged her left, arm with the five drone cylinders clamped to it.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hold on,\'94\loch\f51  Silas holstered his pistol and took emergency sealant spray that was standard on every spacer\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s kit from her belt. He held the nozzle close to her wounded forearm and gave a generous coating over each tear.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shit!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Whiteside clenched her jaw. \'93\loch\f51 Next time warn me, Silas! Hurts like a bastard. And it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s going to bond to the wound, you know that? Not like a band aid I can just rip off.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You want to go back into vacuum with punct\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A door on the far side of the cargo bay opened, at the far end of t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he aisle in which Silas knelt working on Whiteside's forearm. He looked up in time to see the shadow of something big and reptilian coming through before it disappeared. From the limited glimpse he'd had, it was headed toward the control center.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 For now, at least.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Problem\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 big one,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We need to get back to the air lock.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fine by me,\'94\loch\f51  she said, and switched her pistol to her off hand.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Silas led the way down another row in the low, swooping bounds zero-grav made possible, skimming just off the deck for concealment and zig-zagging their way towards the air lock through the grid of containers. He had no way to know if the newest intruder 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was alone or if there were more League special operators scattered through the bay, and he had no in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tention of moving high, fast . . . and right into someone's sights.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A deepthroated, savage roar of fury sounded from where they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d left the dead Leaguies. That was close. Closer than he'd thought even a matriarch could be this quickly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Go!\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Go!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\loch\f51  he shouted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The container behind them burst forward, striking him in the back. He smacked into the metal side of another, then fell back. The moving container slammed into it beside him, so close he barely escaped being crushed by its ponderous mass. The impact stagg
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ered the stack Silas had hit, and the upper containers shifted. One slid outward, above him, just as the moving one crashed down on the deck, and the mag locks built into every container's base plate automatically locked it in place before it could fly an
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y farther.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Directly between him and the aisle down which they'd been headed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He looked up and snarled. The container which had shifted roofed him in. He couldn't just go up and over the obstruction, but he\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 might}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 be able to squeeze through the gap at deck le\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
vel. Only that damned lizard had to be right on top of them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Get out, Carla!" he snapped over the comm "Get it back home!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He moved toward the gap, but before he could reach it\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Onyx tipped claws curled around the gap. The containers were cubes, ten meters on a side, and micro gravity didn't negate mass. It took just as much energy to overcome inertia and get them moving in the first place, but those claws didn't care. They heave
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d, hurling the lowest container aside, and Silas found himself face-to-face wi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 th a Rishathan matriarch in full fury.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The gray-scaled alien towered over him. Her scarlet cranial frills were flat to her massive skull, spiked, articulated armor covered her shoulders and spine, and psychedelically colored fabric streamers hung from that enormously broad shoulder carapace. T
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hey should have looked ridiculous. They didn't. Not with those flattened frills and the short, spiked, angrily lashing tail. Huge golden eyes locked on Silas, and her jaws parted to show serrated teeth at least four ce
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ntimeters tall.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Yet despite her monstrous appearance, there was intelligence\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and speculation\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 in those eyes as she glared at him.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re no thief.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Humans and Rish were incapable of reproducing one another's languages, but the translator she wore like a necklet could.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re not here trading tchotchkes.\'94\loch\f51  Silas backed away. If he could keep this big bitch's attention, give Whiteside more time to get away . . .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Rish\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s nostrils flared. Its eyes dipped slightly, and Silas looked down. There was blood o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n his gloves, he realized . . . but nowhere near as much as on Whiteside's vac suit.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And this alien could hunt by scent.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Those Rishathan eyes narrowed, and then the matriarch whirled. Her incredibly powerful legs sent her flying down the aisle, and even as they did, her tail snapped behind her and struck Silas in the stomach.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The blow knocked air from his lungs and he flew backward almost a meter before a container side stopped him. But he never lost his grip on his pistol, and temporary lack of oxygen didn\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t send him into a panic. He fired at the Rish\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s back, hitting her in the legs and hips even as she twisted away. The carapace covering her spine was thick enough to defeat pistol rounds, but blood splashed from at least two hits beside it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 If they hurt her, she didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t seem to notice.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Silas fought to breathe, his vision darkening until he managed a ragged breath. Ribs ached and a few were likely broken. He coughed and kicked off, suit jets blasting at maximum as he streaked to catch up. It was risky as hell
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  in such restricted quarters, but the aisles were straight, and \hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
More pistol shots rang out. Whiteside came through a cross gap ahead of him, flying backward in the micro gravity, her pistol held in both hands and firing nonstop. She swept across the aisle, and Silas slammed his boots to the deck. If he'd thought his l
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 egs had hurt the first time he tried it, he'd been wrong, he discovered. This time they\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 really}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hurt. But it also stopped him, and he thumbed his weapon to full auto and raised it, his finger \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on the trigger, and \hich\f51 \emdash 

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Rish flashed into view, and he squeezed the trigger.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Violet blood flew from at least half a dozen hits, but the matriarch's momentum carried her across the aisle and back out of his sight before he could tell how much damage he'd done.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whiteside let out a shriek.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas hurled himself forward, sling-shotting around the angle, pistol ready\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 then braked to a stop.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Rishathan lay stopped between him and Whiteside. She was a few yards from the alien\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s head, and her fire had obviously hit it more than once, as well. Blood pumped from bullet wounds in its flanks, back, and chest in a slowing rhythm.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Think we got it?\'94\loch\f51  she asked with a shaky smile.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t know\~.\~.\~.\~I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve never seen one in person before. Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s get out of here before more show up.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Sounds good to me. Air lock's that way.\'94\loch\f51  She pointed to one side and dropped the magazine from her pistol. She drew a fre\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
sh mag from her harness as Silas stepped over the Rish\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s tail to join her, moving past the downed alien carefully.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He was almost clear when a massive hand grabbed him by the ankle. He twisted around as the alien\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s jaw snapped up and clamped onto the forearm of his gun hand. The thick, tough fabric of his heavy duty vac suit blunted that savage bite\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 some\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but not enough\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. He lost his weapon as teeth sank deep into the meat of his arm, and the Rish jerked him to one side, then flung him down the passage and aga\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 inst the bulkhead near the air lock.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Whiteside fumbled her reload.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The Rish raised an arm and swiped at the spy while she was still trying to seat the magazine, and Whiteside shrieked as claws raked down her chest. They ripped her open, from neck to belt, and the alien caught her before she could fall and ripped her left
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  arm out of the socket.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The shredded corpse flew backward, trailing blood clouds and torn viscera, but the Rish ignored it as she sniffed at the arm she held. The one with the single-use sca\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n rods. The alien snarled in triumph, then shoved the arm between its jaws. It bit down, shattering the scan rods\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and the flesh and bone of Whiteside's arm\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 into bloody pieces.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas lay stunned against the bulkhead, his vision swimming. The pain from the bite throbbed, growing stronger with each heartbeat. But the airflow hissed in his ears when he sucked in a deep, sobbing breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His helmet still had a good seal, and he rolled to one side and pushed himself into the air lock, his injured arm held tight to\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 his chest. The emergency release was under a black and yellow plate with a single twist latch, and he caught the latch as he crossed it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The Rish spat out what was left of Whiteside's mangled arm, then roared and pushed itself back up. It was slower than it had been. Not surprisingly, given the blood pumping from its multiple wounds. He was pretty sure it had to be mortally wounded itself,
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  but dying or not, it was still lethal, and it started towards him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He twisted the latch. The plate snapped up, and he \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
reached into the opening with his good arm. He grabbed the red handle and yanked, but it refused to budge. He yanked again, harder, as the Rish gathered speed toward him. Nothing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He got one foot on the deck, then straightened his leg explosively, heaving at the handle with the full strength of his back and legs . . . and panic.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The handle clicked up. The air lock doors burst off their rails. They went tumbling into the vacuum, and a hurricane of venting atmosphere blasted him out right behind them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He watc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hed the Rishathan turn end-over-end with him, still reaching, still trying to kill him. But he had a helmet and vac suit\~.\~.\~.\~she had nothing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The alien struggled for a seeming eternity that couldn't actually have been more than eighty or ninety seconds, then went still, the blood from her wounds freezing in space.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas felt ice growing in his own mauled arm. He was close to passing out as air and blood bubbled from the tears in his vac suit, and he knew it. But he fumbled behind his back, tumbling throug
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 h space as he fought to get to his emergency sealant.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He gripped it as the pain flashed up his wounded arm to his shoulder and the readout projected onto his contact in lieu of a normal helmet's HUD warned he was losing both pressure and oxygen. He pressed the nozzle and sprayed it uselessly away from him, t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hen turned it to the biggest tear on his sleeve.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The pain of the sealant bonding to his skin was negligible compared to what he'd already been through, and he used the entire bottle to coat the rips. The\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n he let go of it and watched it sail away from him as he turned end over end in the vacuum.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His teammates were dead. He had no evidence to take back to the Federation, and now he was adrift in the vast nothingness\~.\~.\~.\~either to float for the rest of eternity or eventually burn up in Montclair\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s atmosphere when he finally deorbited. No one back\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  home would ever know what happened to him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Such was the life of a spy, he told himself.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As he turned over and over, contemplating his fate, the Rishathan ship push\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ed off from her mooring, and he watched as a half-dozen camouflaged ports opened all down one flank of what was supposed to be a cargo hold. The emitters of what had to be capital ship-grade energy weapons crouched inside those ports, and fury flashed as 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 lasers blasted into the station. The Rish splintered the entire docking arm\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and annihilated the cargo bay\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 with the first strike. But they weren't finished.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They turned their lasers on the rest of the station. The beams bracketed Silas on either side, close \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
enough only the vacuum saved him from being flash fried. It took only two volleys to smash the central station's upper levels. Hull splintered, wreckage spiraled away as the lower levels began to come apart, and atmosphere blazed around the laser impacts 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as the mortally wounded port burned.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ships moored to the other long arms cast off frantically, and thrusters flared at full power as they clawed away from the wreck. None of them wanted any part of whatever fight the Rish had decided to finish, and Silas di
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dn't blame them one bit. Life pods blasted away from the station, and their SOS signals squawked in his ears.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Rishathan ship turned from the station and accelerated away.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas listened to his breathing and the panic over the comm as Port Montclair fought to survive.
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s29\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s22\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ****
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s29\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s21\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He sat in a bar a few blocks from the Oval, home of the Terran Federation\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s supreme military headquarters, and batted a small data chip from thumb to forefinger. The ice in his drink had nearly melted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The wounds from the Rish\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s bite had healed, and modern medicine could have repaired even the scars. But he'd refused . . . and kept them as proof of what he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d been through.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Even if\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or perhaps even especiall\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y because\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the Powers That Were refused to believe a word of it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
A tramp freighter had picked him up after Port Montclair's destruction. The ancient laws of Old Earth's seas still held for spacers, and refusing to rescue anyone in peril was not an option for some ships and some crews, wherever they might hail from.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It had taken months to beg borrow and steal passage back to Federation space, where contacting Intelligence command had solved most of his problems\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 his\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 immediate}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 problems, at least\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and gotten him 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on the first ship back to Old Earth and to the Oval.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His report to his superiors had not been received well. One data chip and his testimony were not enough to convince the first line of the Federation\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s decision makers to take action against the Rish \~.\~.\~.\~or to do anything against them at all.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Baxter and Whiteside dead. Countless thousands lost aboard the Port Montclair. All for nothing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A man dropped onto the stool next to his and tapped out a quick beat against the bar. The newcomer was about Silas\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ge, with green eyes, auburn hair, and a moustache.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A robot with a bowtie and an embossed tuxedo slid over on a rail in response to his summons.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "May I serve you, sir or madam?" it inquired.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Sazerac,\'94\loch\f51  the newcomer replied, and Silas raised an eyebrow. The order was the same as his untouched drink.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The robot prepared the drink with quick efficiency and pushed it to the new arrival.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t thank robots," the other man said. "They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re not programmed to care, anyway. There are some that might think that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a tr
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 agedy. All that effort and no one appreciates it."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He took a sip.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Yeah," Silas muttered. "Robot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s got it\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 real}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 rough.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " the man turned his head and looked squarely at Silas "\hich\f51 \emdash \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 men and women who do sacrifice, who do go above and beyond\~.\~.\~.\~
they should be respected and believed. Not that you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d find someone like that behind a bar. Or \hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " he took another sip "\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 in the Oval."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas raised his eyes to the mirror behind the bar, checking to see if there were any other new arrivals, but the place was nearly empty and all his exits were still open.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do I know you?\'94\loch\f51  he asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re part of the same fraternity. One that knows what the Rish are doing to prolong the war," the other man said.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  "We just haven\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t been able to prove it to the general public. Yet."
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Too bad there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s no such thing as a tinfoil hat drink,\'94\loch\f51  Silas said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
It would be despised across the galaxy until it became widely accepted as a bar room staple," the other said. "All of a sudden. Same way people treat conspiracy theories that turn out to've been right all along. Not to the surprise of people who've been 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 drinking it the whole time,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the man lifted his glass. \'93\loch\f51 You ever heard of an old drink called Kool-Aid? Pre-expansion Ea\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 rth.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve been drinking it for years,\'94\loch\f51  Silas clinked his glass against his bar mate\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You came back with more than scars." The man pointed a finger at the data chip. \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got a lead.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Crew manifests, false bills of lading, equally false ship registries for the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Arizona Bay\~.\~.\~.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 not much of a lead.\'94\loch\f51  Silas palmed the data chip. The fact that a total stranger was interested in it made him cautious.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Funny thing about liars," the other man said. "The more they lie, the more they tell the truth by accide\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 nt and omission." He set a pair of data chips on the bar. 
\'93\loch\f51 Some like thinkers and I took a look at the data you brought back. We found several planets, trade routes, and crew manifests with some\~.\~.\~.\~interesting overlaps with what you found on Port Montc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
lair. You don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t think the Rish are going to quit just because you got a peek behind their curtain, do you?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas worked his jaw from side to side.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What do you want?\'94\loch\f51  he asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We need capable and determined agents to go after truths that others don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t wan\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t to find. If you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re up for another trip beyond the blue line to free space\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 I can make that happen.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silas looked at him for a moment, then swept the two data chips into his hand.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s your name?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Harrison O'Hanraghty." He extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s29\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This story is set within the world of June hardcover\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/governor.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b5e000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0067006f007600650072006e006f0072002e0068007400
6d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Governor,}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 by David Weber and Richard Fox.\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/governor.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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6d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Governor,}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 is a new novel in the Ascent to Empire series which includes the Weber novel\~
}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/path-of-the-fury.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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2d0066007500720079002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Path of the Fury}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s29\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Best-selling author David Weber\~is the creator of the\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2044" }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b82000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0032003000340034000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Honor Harrington series.}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Additional Honorverse collaborations include the spin-off miniseries\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbook
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s/category/index/id/2460,1972" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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6400650078002f00690064002f0032003400360030002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Manticore Ascendant}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 with Timothy Zahn; and with Eric Flint,\~
}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/crown-of-slaves.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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61007600650073002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Crown of Slaves}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/cauldron-of-ghosts.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b72000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f006300610075006c00640072006f006e002d006f006600
2d00670068006f007300740073002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cauldron of Ghosts}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 contribute to his illustrious list of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 New York Times}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and international bestseller lists. Weber is also the creator of the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2065,1972" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0032003000360035002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Oath of Swords}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 fantasy series. Weber\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s collaborations include the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2056,1972" }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0032003000350036002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Starfire Series}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 with Steve White, the\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2051,1972" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0032003000350031002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Empire of Man
}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Series with John Ringo, the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2078,1972" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 
{\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0032003000370038002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Multiverse}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Series with Linda Evans and Joelle Presby, The\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/5025,1972" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00720079002f0069006e00
6400650078002f00690064002f0035003000320035002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Gordian Division}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 series with Jacob Holo.\~\~
He lives in South Carolina.\~\~\~\~\line \line Richard Fox\~is the winner of the 2017 Dragon Award for Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy novel. He is the\~author of The Ember War Saga, a military science fiction and space opera series, an
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d other novels in the military history, thriller, and space opera genres. Fox graduated from the United States Military Academy and spent ten years on active duty in the United States Army. He deployed on two combat tours to Iraq and received the Combat A
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ct\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ion Badge, Bronze Star, and Presidential Unit Citation. He now lives in fabulous Las Vegas with his incredible family.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205 

\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Salvage Judgment
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by G. Scott Huggins
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s Ectoderm tightened, darkening reflexively. It was the eighth day on the Honeymoonlet, and that tone was dangerous. He turned.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly drifted into the flight deck like a descending angel of death.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What have you been\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 doing}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 in the shop?\'94\loch\f51 
 She was a beautiful sight, mostly, clad in her bridal Layer, an intricate lace-pattern of black and white that wrapped her long form in shifting, tantalizingly curved shadows and turned her eyes into deep pools of night. In the center of th
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e ice-cave that served as their fli\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ght deck, she looked like a fairy queen.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Not one of the good ones.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know, Molls,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo said. \'93\loch\f51 What\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I been doing in the shop?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How would I know?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said. \'93\loch\f51 I was going to run some fine assayage on rare earth traces, and it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s a mess: tools and supplies everywhere, I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t find half of what I need, and why are you messing with my chemicals anyway?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly, how would I have even been in the shop?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo asked, he thought, reasonably. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve been on flight duty the last four hours. Besides, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 engineering jock.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the chem witch.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So, what, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re saying it was me?\'94\loch\f51  She folded her arms.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m saying I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know anything about it.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Well, there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s only two things you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 could}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 mean,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Molly, her voiced rising. \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 You}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 forgot messing up the workshop or you think\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
did! And there were footprints in the tunnel snow, Theo. Footprints.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And I promised I wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t do that again,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo said, his voice hardening. Molly glared at him. Finally, he said, \'93\loch\f51 Look, I don\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t know what happened: let me clean it up\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and if it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s my fault, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll make sure it never happens again.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly raised an eyebrow. \'93\loch\f51 And you understand why it can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo clamped down on his temper. One mistake\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 hell, it hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t even been that dangerous!\hich\f51 \emdash \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
and she was treating him like an idiot five-year-old. \'93\loch\f51 Molly, even in my family we didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t leave tools loose. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not stupid, okay?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Her expression softened a bit. \'93\loch\f51 I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 know}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t, that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s why it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s so,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she groped for words, \'93
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 maddening to see you act like it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He drifted over and took her hands. \'93\loch\f51 Soon, we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have our own Family Ship,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
And we can arrange her, cabin by cabin. Come on. You want to take flight while I go clean it up?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Okay. Report?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Only interesting thing is that we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re about at clo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
sest approach to that Earthcorp heavy hauler. Half a million klicks. Otherwise, massdriver and seismics all nominal.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly snorted. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A bubblehead transport? Have they called us up to check out the freaks, yet?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo snorted, relieved at the change of subject. \'93\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
re ignoring us. You know, my brother Layered his face like a rotting corpse once and sent a fake distress call to a bubblehead ship? Had their bridge crew vomiting in micrograv.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly giggled. \'93\loch\f51 At least it broke the monotony. Can you imagine be\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ing out here without an Ectoderm?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo shook his head. He really couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
In 2042, the Ectoderm had opened the solar system to first-generation miners like their parents. It had replaced his own skin right after birth and grown with him all his life. It allowed people to work in space the way men should be able to work: able to
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  feel the equipment they used, without the constant fear of puncturing a suit. With Ectoderm, all you needed was a rebreather mask. It provided the pressure humans needed to live in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 vacuum, regulated body temperature through superconduction, and shielded against harmful radiation. Incredibly tough and elastic, it forced human muscles to stretch against it, so they didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t atrophy in microgravity.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But it was a permanent modification, and Earther bubbleheads were very attached to their skins. Why didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t they stay where it was safe to keep them?
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I could call them. Confirm their ideas of strange Ecto perversions,\'94\loch\f51  Molly said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh, no,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m keeping your strange Ecto perversions\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  all to myself.\'94\loch\f51 
\hich\f51  He caressed her back, sliding his hand downward. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Want to go for a walk outside, later?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Later. Scoot. And clean up your mess.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo kissed her and flew off through the web of the Rock\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s tunnels.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo leaped through the drilled tunnels of ice and ore that laced the Honeymoonlet. It seemed empty. A week ago, during the claimgather, this rock had swarmed with as many people as he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d ever seen in his life. The tunnels had been full of Ectos, coring an\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d drilling and carving. Every day had been\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  like a celebration: Molly was really going to be his wife: he was going to\~
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 live\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
with her, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have their\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 own Ship}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Claimgathers were how Ectos in the Belt made their real living. Individual Family Ships mined out surface deposits, along with enough ice to keep themselves going. But a rich strike, worth sending the whole asteroid back to Earth\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 meant resources, manpower\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and expertise that no single Family Ship could possess.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A family that found such a rock sent out a claimcall. Every Family Ship on a fav\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
orable vector responded, doing a share of the work for a share of the find: setting up the gossamer mylar solar furnaces to smelt the ore, the thorium reactor to power it, and the huge massdriver to hurl the slag away from the Rock, driving it sunward. It
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  was a celebration: a break from the long, lonely life of prospecting. But for young Ectos who were courting, it was more.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They called it the Honeymoonlet: piloting the claim home to metal-hungry Earth, that would turn the treasure of the outer planets into\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 the technology the Ectos needed to survive. Their payment was the right to buy from the proceeds their very own Family Ship: their key to mining the asteroids for themselves. Or perhaps the Trojans of Jupiter, or Saturn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s Rings. Bringing up their own chi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ldren in the free vastness of space.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s face tightened. How many\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 more}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 fights would they have before Molly stopped looking for things to get mad about? The first fight had been about a snowball.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 On Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s Family Ship, when you were on an asteroid you kne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 w well, you could relax a little. A week ago, he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d thrown a snowball at his new wife. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d even missed. Molly had exploded.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 In\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 her}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 family, asteroids were treated as always dangerous, all the time. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d accused him of risking both of their Ectoderm. Of course, durable as Ectoderm was, it wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t perfect: a single real tear in it would kill them dead as any Earther. But nothing cold e\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nough to cryoshock\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ectoderm\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 could have survived in the Honeymoonlet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s pressurized tunnels. That didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t matter to Molly. You did\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  not touch asteroid ice. With. Bare. Ectoderm. Now she was accusing him of lying, and he hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t even been barefoot in the shop.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Had he?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d loved Molly for two years, eagerly awaiting each new message, each vidfile. Treasuring the rare occasions their Family Ships had been close enough for realtime vidcalls.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Living with Molly was different from loving her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s sudden voice in his earphones nearly made him hit a wall. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She sighed. \'93\loch\f51 I haven\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t sai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 d thanks for what you did for Uncle Rocky yet.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh. \'93\loch\f51 Didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t do much good, did it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You did try, though. I should have\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Hey. It wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have made a difference if it had been you.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Probably not. Hurry back.\'94\loch\f51  She signed off.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Well. Maybe no fight after all?\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Thanks, Dad}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 In the glittering ovoid Reception Hall, carved from ice and faceted like the inside of a huge diamond, Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s father had taken him aside for a last chat. \'93\loch\f51 
Remember, son. For men, the operative word in\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Family Ship}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tends to be \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Ship.\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  Yo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 u have to keep the Ship running. For women, it tends to be 
\hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Family.\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  You have to keep the Family together.\'94\loch\f51  Theo had listened carefully. It was quite possible that he would never be in the same room with his parents again.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Always remember you need each other. If you work together, you have a Family and a Ship. Work against each other\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 put Family in the way of Ship, or the other way around\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 soon you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have neither.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo glanced at Molly, dancing with her bridesmaids, reveling in the crowd. It was hard to im\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 agine, but\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What if she works against me?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 His father smiled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Then you have to work with her.\'94\loch\f51  He put his hand on Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s shoulder. \'93\loch\f51 Even when you know she\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s wrong. No matter what. It isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t easy. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t for a moment think it will be. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s harder than drilling osmium ore.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You and Mom always made it look easy.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 His father snorted. \'93\loch\f51 Which was hardest of all. Children need to know they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re safe. So we hid it from you kids; hissed our words of anger while you slept. But we always showed each other we cared\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How do I show her I care? About family?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 His father looked past the gaily-Layered partygoers. Toward a small exit. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Her Uncle Jurgen is down that tunnel. Sneaked out that way with a bottle of hundred.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo hesitated. \'93\loch\f51 Uncle Rocky? Dad\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You asked,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said his father. \'93\loch\f51 The man\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s still her blood, whatever else he is. Thinks he isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t wanted. You could do something about it.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 isn\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 wanted}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 All right.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky was easy to find. Theo heard the moans before he saw the man, and realized that 100% ethanol\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t the only drug Rocky had on him.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Judas, Rocky, it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s called AloneTime for a reason}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Disgusted, he waited for the man to finish.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Non-addictive recreational drugs were common among Ectos. AloneTime induced orgasm for those who lacked sexual partners. Theo waited until Rocky was finished, then rounded the corner noisily.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky wore no Layer: just bare Ectoderm and grubby shorts. Normally, at a claimgather, Ectos showed off flamboyant, bright color schemes. Rocky didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want to be noticed.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No. Jurgen}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . \'93
\loch\f51 Ro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 cky\'94\loch\f51  was what you called an Ecto you didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t know. And didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t want to. Theo suppressed a shudder. Jurgen had piloted a Honeymoonlet once\~.\~.\~.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Hey. Jurgen. Uh, Molly was wondering where you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d gone.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky peered at him. \'93\loch\f51 No, she wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t, kid,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he scoffed, voice bearing no trace of slur. \'93\loch\f51 She hasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 t even noticed. And anyone who has,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he waved the bottle, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 knows where I am.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Come on, Jurgen. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a claimgather. Everyone\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s here. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a long time between them.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not long enough,\'94\loch\f51  whispered Rocky. His head jerke\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 d up. \'93\loch\f51 You think I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m in here because I\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m afraid of them?\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t you be?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky and his wife had lost their Honeymoonlet. The whole Belt knew the story. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  lied Theo. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Well, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  snarled Rocky. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m afraid of what I might do to them.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 Then, with frightening speed, Rocky pushed off and took Theo by the arms. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You watch yourself, boy! The Hinderleyders are here. What they did to me, they can do to you!\'94\loch\f51  Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s brea
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 th smelled like a distillery\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s open grave. He relaxed his grip. \'93\loch\f51 I kn\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ow what you think. I know what it looked like. But this ain\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t about me. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s about you. About Molly. They want another thick cut of salvage.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It looked like you and your bride went on a drug-bender and let your mass driver shred itself,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo thought.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Because that\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s what happened.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s wife had left him: sworn he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d forced her, but few believed her. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d trashed twenty families\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  hard work. For drugs. An Earthcorp ship had rescued them. Been awarded half the Honeymoonlet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s value as salvage. Cost the profits of the whole claimgat\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 her. And lost their chance at a Family Ship.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Show her you care about family.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky was her family.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have to r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 elive this, Rocky,\'94\loch\f51  he said, gently. The nickname slipped out, but Rocky didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 t even notice. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It was fifteen years ago.\'94\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But no one forgot carelessness in the Belt. Couldn
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t afford to}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The distress call was a deepfake,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Rocky whispered. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We never sent it.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Right. Someone deepfaked you begging for rescue, complete with all your Honeymoonlet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s authentication codes.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And he blamed the Hinderleyders}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Well, why\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 one of the richest families in the Belt?\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Come on, Jurgen. Molly wants to see you. So do her folks\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky sagged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yeah. Sure. I got it, kid.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Rocky let go. \'93\loch\f51 Wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t want to spoil the party. While it lasts.\'94
\loch\f51  He followed Theo back into the huge chamber.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drifting through the now-dark Reception Hall, toward a softly glowing, deep infrared tunnel, Theo muttered, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Sorry, Rocky,\'94\loch\f51  into his breather. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d found his note the next day. His bare footprints in the cee-snow-2, trudging away from the Ships. No one \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 went looking for him. Even his parents\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  grief had looked\~.\~.\~.\~
spent. Like it had run its course lo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng ago.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 With a gesture, Theo brought up the lights in the shop, and stared.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molls hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t been kidding. The contents of the shop were clamped to the work rack in no order. Hypercompressed air tanks, glassine cylinders, chemicals Theo hardly recognized, plus coils of fiberoptic cable and heavy-duty hoses. He hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t done any of this.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 anyone\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 do with all these things?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But Molly hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t, either. Or\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 said\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t. Was it possible his new bride was playing a practical joke? Or, less funny thought: that \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
she was completely delusional? And there in the tunnel: a footprint.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 My big toe isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t longer than my second toe}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s hysterical voice cut through his thoughts like a shard of frozen oxygen. \'93\loch\f51 Theo? Theo! Get up here! I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t stop it! I can\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly!\'94\loch\f51  He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d never heard\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 any\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ecto so panicked. \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s happened? Report!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re broadcasting! Look at it!\'94\loch\f51  she shrieked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo fumbled for his uphone.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s the Disaster Frequency,}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he thought, dumbly.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He stared at his own face. On the flight deck. It was slack, eyes unfocused. It spoke in his voice. \'93.\~.\~.\~\loch\f51 repeating. This is Nadjek family Rock, Registry 2589-P, sending Mayday. We, uh\~.\~.\~.\~
fucked up real good, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m afraid.\'94\loch\f51  Behind him, Molly giggled, ey\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 es wide and glassy. \'93\loch\f51 Partying kinda hard: honeymoonlet, y\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
know. And uh\~.\~.\~.\~I dunno exactly how, but it\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 looks like we dumped the thorium core.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Those big levers were so pretty,\'94\loch\f51  breathed Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s image. \'93\loch\f51 And you pulled them\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 all\'85}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yeah, my fault,\'94\loch\f51  Th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s image said, stupidly. \'93\loch\f51 Not Moll\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s. So. We\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 re on battery power, but we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re gonna lose it soon. So we, uh. We really need some help. Please.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re not sending this}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But they were.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo frantically tried to shut down the transmission. Then to begin one. Nothing happened. How could he stop it? The antenna was on the surface, kilometers away.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He raced through the dark tunnels. Then the pale face of a serious officer in an Earth-cut uniform on his own ship\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s flight deck cut in. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rock 2589-P,\'94
\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the man said. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This is Sinoran Combine Heavy\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
en route to Earth. We are 450 k-klicks out, matching course and speed for intercept and rescue. Please confirm, your vessel without power and you request rescue.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo scrabbled at his unresponsive uphone. \'93\loch\f51 No, we are\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not!}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\loch\f51  he screamed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 His image nodded. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yeah,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  it said, sadly. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 in a lot of trouble, here.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The officer nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t worry, Nadjek family. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re here to help. ETA sixty-eight minutes. Please prepare to welcome our boarding team, and have a m\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 anifest ready for calculation of salvage while you wait.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 A faint, triumphant smile creased his face. \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 out.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The transmission cut. The Rock\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s lights went with it. Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s uphone winked out.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s face was a shattered ghost in the pale glow of the flight deck\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s emergency chemlights. She jumped as Theo cycled the door with a clang of manual bolts. Even the power to the doors was gone.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she gulped. \'93\loch\f51 What is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 happening?}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 I couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 
when the transmission went out. You tried to stop it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What do you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 think?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she screamed. \'93\loch\f51 I even cut the power to the antenna. And it just kept going! This is like a nightmare. Why can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 t I wake up?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She clutched at him. \'93\loch\f51 Is what you\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I mean, it\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 said, true? Is the reactor down?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not just that,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t even have batteries. And look.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He held up his dead uphone. \'93
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What about yours? Does it work?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly snatched her own uphone from her belt. Dead.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 This isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 possible}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51  Then he remembered.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
We never sent it. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll do it to you, too}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh, holy shit,\'94\loch\f51 
\hich\f51  he breathed. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s mind raced. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Back to the shop, now!\'94\loch\f51  Without waiting for a response, he leapt for the door, and Molly followed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hypercompressed air,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  glassine, chemicals, fiberoptic cable, hoses, and metastable metallic hydrogen slugs.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Wait, were all of those there before?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 What is all this for?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What are you asking\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 me}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 for?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  shouted Molly. \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 You}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 got them out!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He reached for a plasma torch. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Check the tools for charge!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Just do it!\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The plasma torch was dead. It had been fully charged when they set out, just a week ago. It hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t been used.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Impossible}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. Molecular distortion batteries lasted for months. But it was gone.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Just like our \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 emergency power}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . He checked a drilling laser. Drained. A seismometer. Drained.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was as if Theo could see himself from the outside.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
No way for us to transmit. That confession of drugged incompetence is expanding through the system at the speed of light. Rocky was telling the truth, all this time. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re going to lose the Rock, our futures, and no one will lift a whisper in our defense,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  because all they will ever know is that we cost them their fortunes}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A foot scraped on ice.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly shrieked. Theo twisted in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the air. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What was that?\'94\loch\f51 
 He raised the dead sonic probe he was holding. It was useless, but heavy. In the dim, chemical lighting, every corner hid gelid shadows.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ow,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  a voice said. \'93\loch\f51 Quiet down, willya? My head hurts, and we ain\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t got time for this.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s mouth gaped. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 R-Rocky?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Yeah, kid. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s me.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Rocky stepped into view carrying a huge cylinder his own size. \'93\loch\f51 We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t have much time. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve shut you down. Nanoplague. All through your circuitry, now. Tried to stop it, but there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s too much shit scatt\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ered around this Rock after a claimgather. They slipped in a trojan horse.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Uncle Rocky?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Molly was halfway between screaming and tears. \'93\loch\f51 What the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hell\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 is going on?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky grunted. \'93\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re coming for you,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 Just like they did for me and\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 me and Justine.\'94
\loch\f51  His face twisted as he said his ex-wife\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s name. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Like I told you, kid. The Hinderleyders. They were there.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What did they do to us?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I gotta explain it again?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Rocky. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Hinderleyders left something behind. Looked like scrap, prob\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ly. You fired off the massdriver, it started spreading. A plague of nanobots with just one purpose: infiltrate every piece of electrical equipment. Then it jacked your antenna and sent that \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
deepfake. Your codes are hardwired into it, so everyone knows it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s really you. Then it blocks the power. Their Earthcorp partners salvage this Rock, take fifty percent. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll split it with the Hinderleyders. You get no Family Ship, and blackballed from \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 aimgathers forever. Your names a stain until you die.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 How do you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 know?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\loch\f51  Molly howled.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Followed the money,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Rocky. \'93\loch\f51 when did the Hinderleyders get so rich? When did Sinoran Combine? Fifteen years ago. No proof, of course. But it\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the only thing that makes sense. I have had the time to think it over.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fifteen years,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Theo thought.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fifteen years, and no way to prove what was done to him}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll keep you in a nice stateroom while they clean the Rock of any evidence. The nanos are probably gone already\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
: self-destructed. Except maybe some in your reactor to stop you getting any power back. By the time you get to Earth, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 proof\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  of your debauchery will be planted. The story will be all over the Belt.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And you stayed\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 here? Faked suicide? Why?\'94\loch\f51  asked Molly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Like I told Theo,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Rocky, a wild light showing in his eyes. \'93\loch\f51 The Hinderleyders. They got me. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re not getting you.
\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly looked at Theo in outrage. \'93\loch\f51 You\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 knew}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 about this?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky spoke. \'93\loch\f51 Molly, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t blame Theo. I was even drunker than usual\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Just crazy old Rocky, spouting the same shit he\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s talked for fifteen years\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 care!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  screamed Molly. \'93\loch\f51 You should have\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 told}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 me!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo stammered, \'93\loch\f51 Molly, I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shut up.\'94\loch\f51  Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s voice was liquid nitrogen. \'93\loch\f51 Well, Rocky, what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s the plan? Did you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
one, or was it just to watch us go down like you did? So you could finally have someone on your side?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s face hardened. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve planned this for fifteen years. And it wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t to assuage my fucking feelings. I had bottles for that. Anywa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y, couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t just build an emergency beacon. That damned nanoplague would just drain it dry. So I built this.\'94\loch\f51 
 He turned and retrieved his monstrous cylinder, something like the barrel of an artillery piece, black and open at one end, with a crude lever ne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ar the bulging tip.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I was waiting.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Rocky said. \'93\loch\f51 Recorded the \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 distress call\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  they planted.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 you guys trying to stop it, too.
\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He drew out his uphone. \'93\loch\f51 Of course, that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s drained, now. But.\'94\loch\f51  He opened a hidden compartment in the tube and slipped it insid\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 e. \'93\loch\f51 This is a signal rocket. No battery. Metallic hydrogen-fueled and activated by this mechanical lever. Too fast to intercept.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Launch this outside, and it accelerates for a thousand k-klicks. Then the flywheel generator triggers the beacon. Mechanical power, so it can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t be drained. It\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 ll scream its signal all the way to Ceres. And when the Ectos find it, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll know\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll all\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  know\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 what the Hinderleyders and their Earthcorp friends tried to do to you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The steel band constricting Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s heart eased jus\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t a bit. \'93\loch\f51 Holy shit, Rocky. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve\~.\~.\~.\~you\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve saved us.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 If it works,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Molly whispered. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We have to check it out. This is our one shot.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What would we check it out\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 with}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , Molls? We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have any instruments.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She licked her lips. \'93\loch\f51 The nearest airlock is\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51  she hesitated. The Rock was a big place.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo racked his brain. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s through the mass driver core, and\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No! Through Reception Hall and out the original core tunnel.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Right, let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s go.\'94\loch\f51  He reached for the rocket. There was a scrabbling\~.\~.\~.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m afraid not.\'94\loch\f51 
 The cold, amplified voice echoed off the icy walls. The drone hovered in the tunnel leading out of the shop. Its black, bullet-shaped body, about the size of a man\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s chest, was studded with openings: jets and sensors. A dozen segmented t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 entacles extended to grip the walls. There was no way past it.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Three of you,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said the drone. \'93\loch\f51 Unexpected. In any case, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re going to stay right here for the next hour. Once we dock, everything can be\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 simplified.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s it,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  whispered Rocky. \'93\loch\f51 T\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 he plague-carrier.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo kicked off the nearest wall, slowly. The drone wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t tha\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t big. The laser corer in the clamps might not have power, but it was still a big, heavy piece of\~.
\~.\~.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The drone turned and spat a puff of compressed gas. A ragged hole appeared in the corer\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s housing. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Stay where you are,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 the voice said, calmly. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d prefer to have you alive. The living are easier to blame. But we can always make it look like suicide. O\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 r you can actually commit suicide.
\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Another three spits of gas, much softer, and three bright blue ovoid motes spun out, tumbling slowly in the air. \'93\loch\f51 Ove\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rdoses of AloneTime. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll be fun. Might even be seen as honorable.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t speak. Molly said, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo, what do we do?\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s what I was going to ask}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . They both looked at Rocky. He met their eyes, his face pale. His arms tightened on the rocket.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Let it go, Jurgen,\'94\loch\f51  said the voice.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Outthought me again,\'94\loch\f51  said Rocky, his voice flatter than the machine\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s. \'93\loch\f51 And you can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t let me live. Someone would find the coincidences just a bit too much. But once you get rid of me, anything they say will just be drug-a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ddled excuses.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He took a deep breath. \'93
\loch\f51 Well, fuck you. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve had more than enough of my life.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He whipped up the rocket and reversed it, aiming the nozzle at the drone. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Eat this.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky, NO!\'94\loch\f51  shouted Theo. Rocky pulled the lever.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Theo grabbed Molly and jumped for the shelter of a tool locker. Fire and thunder erupted in a blinding roar. Heat flooded the chamber, painful even through Ectoderm. His closed eyelids shone bright yellow. The storm of sound scoured everything else away, 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and his spine itched, ant\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 icipating a stabbing wash of flame\~.\~.\~.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 After an eternity, the cavern went dark. Gut churning, Theo opened his eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Blobs of water drifted in microgravity, blasted free of cracked and polished ice. The drone was a twisted, half-melted spiderweb splashed into the wall. It twitched brokenly. And Rocky\~.\~.\~.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh, God,\'94\loch\f51  Theo choked, leaping forward.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s body had been driven into the ice wall. His Ectoderm had been burned away by the heat of the rocket\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s skin, blood and plasma oozing from the singed meat t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hat pulled away from blackened bones. His eyes were blistered, his ribs caved in where the nose of the rocket had crushed him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Incredibly, the man\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s eyes fluttered open. They stared out, burnt and unseeing. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 S-sorry, kid,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he gulped. \'93\loch\f51 Couldn\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t think. Anything else. Had.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He twitched and moaned. \'93\loch\f51 Had all these ideas. How to fight \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 em. Laid it all out.\'94\loch\f51  He nodded to the workbench, 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 mercifully untouched by the firehose of plasma. \'93\loch\f51 No time. But you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll. Figure it. Fight \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 em.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fight them? With no rocket? No power?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rocky, what do we do?\'94\loch\f51  The words were a whisper.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But if y\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Rocky went on, \'93\loch\f51 R\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 member this. My fault.\'94\loch\f51 
\hich\f51  He trailed off in a bloody cough. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 My. Fault,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said, fighting for every word, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 was not. Losing. The Rock. My Fault. Wasted. The Life. I Had. But Maybe. If You. Learn.\'94
\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He drew a breath. \'93\loch\f51 Not W\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 asted. Love Her. Fight.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eyes went still, staring at a sky beyond vision.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Oh, God}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He turned. Molly was staring at the wreckage around them. He had to do something. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Okay,\'94\loch\f51  he said, voice echoing in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the stillness. 
\'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s see what we have left\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 we}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 have left?\'94\loch\f51  Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s voice was scarcely more than a whisper, but it cut through his own. \'93\loch\f51 What\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 we}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have? Now there
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a we?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Her voice rose in fury. \'93\loch\f51 Where were \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  when Rocky warned you about this?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What? What are you\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s hands opened and closed. \'93\loch\f51 You\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 knew}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 what he was talking about. He\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 told}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you about this! You didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t believe him; didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t even mention it to me. And now\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 we}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 are trapped here, our family is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 over}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and you let it\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 happen!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rage \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 replaced shock. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I was supposed to take him seriously?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he got out. \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Me?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Your whole family never believed a word of his story, but\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 should have realized he was telling the truth? You wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have believed him either!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll never know now, will we?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  sobbed Molly. \'93\loch\f51 Because you never even gave me a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 chance!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Your family had thirty\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 years}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 of chances!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo shouted. Horror engulfed him. \'93\loch\f51 And now they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re going to turn on us the same way, aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t they? They didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t believe him. They won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t believe us.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly choke\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 d, then said, \'93\loch\f51 And will yours be any better? Your mom and dad are just going to say, \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Oh, all that completely secure video doesn
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t matter? Despite the fact that no one will trust us again, we believe your ridiculous story?\hich\f51 \rquote \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s stomach opened up. He loved and trusted his parents. And they loved and trusted him. But this\~.\~.\~.\~
his sister. His brothers. Losing this Rock would poison every family in the Belt against them. They would hate him forever, and beg their parents to diso\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
wn him. And his parents would have to, if only to have the faintest hope of giving them a chance to ride a Rock of their own someday. Molly was right.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh, my God,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she was muttering. \'93\loch\f51 The video. It\~.\~.\~.\~you\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 said it was your fault. Your fault.\'94\loch\f51  She s
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tared at him. He drew in a cold breath.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That video. It offered her an out. And she\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s going to take it.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 On the heels of that thought.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 If you love her, shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t you want her to?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly,\'94\loch\f51  he said. The words wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t come. His mind raced. \'93\loch\f51 We have to\~.\~.\~.\~to\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Have to what?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she wailed. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re destroyed. Our family. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s gone.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t say that!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Because not saying it will make it less true? You didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t check the toolroom well enough. You missed a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 stowaway,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo. Rocky was\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 here}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
the whole time. It was your duty!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He was going to lose her. He stared at Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s corpse, seeing his own future. No wife. No family. His father\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s kind eyes hardening with contempt. Heard his last words.

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 If you work together, you have a F\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
amily and a Ship. If you start working against each other, soon you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have neither.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What if she starts working against me?\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Then you have to work with her.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No matter what.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Okay. I failed. But this? This is what they want. The Earthcorpers. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s why they scripted it that way. They want us fucking each other over and deciding who to blame rather than fighting them.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 How can we\~.\~.\~.?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s head snapped up. \'93\loch\f51 Did you ever love me? When you said those vows, did you mean any of them? How we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d be togethe
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 r until we died? Because I did.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She flinched. \'93\loch\f51 How can you\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Horror crawled over her face. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But we are dead,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she sobbed. \'93\loch\f51 
We just haven\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t stopped breathing yet.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo took her hands. \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s what they think. They cut off our power. But we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re Ectos. We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t need computers and power to live in space. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve been trained to work by starlight and do calculus in our heads. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve got a claimgather\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s worth of tools, you\hich\f51 
\rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 re my chem witch, and I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m your engineer jock. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t make excuses. Fight with me. Hard as\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  we both can. Just promise you
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll kill me if it goes bad, because otherwise, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have to live the rest of my life like that,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he nodded at Rocky. \'93\loch\f51 And I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 t want to.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly opened and closed her mouth. \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Yes. But right now, I want to kill those Earth fuckers trying to destroy our family before it even starts. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t you?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And Molly answered him with a feral snarl. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s see what Rocky left us.\'94
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hypercompressed air, glassine, chemicals, fiberoptic cable, hoses, and metallic hydrogen \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 slugs}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . A couple square kilometers of mylar sail. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And less than an hour to work with,\'94\loch\f51 
 Theo muttered.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Maybe we should get out there and try to intercept them,\'94\loch\f51  said Molly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No, their sensors could spot us miles away. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d snipe us before we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
d ever see them. And what would we fight them with? Nothing here is a weapon, except maybe the air.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly scoffed. \'93\loch\f51 You wanted to fight, now you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re giving up? And how is the air a weapon?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo attached the valve he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been modifying to a hypercompressed air tank. Aim\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ed it at the wrecked laser corer. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Watch your eyes.
\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He squeezed the \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 trigger.\'94\loch\f51  With a rippling\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 whumph,}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the corer\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s housing sprouted a fist-sized hole. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Out to ten meters, you get a concentrated gas slug. If Rocky had put one together, he could have shot the drone with it.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He gazed at the chemicals. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What about those?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly shook her head. \'93\loch\f51 We could make some mining explosives. But without detonators? We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re looking\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 at a bunch of crap piled together by a lifelong drunk.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo opened his mouth to agree. Closed it.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rocky\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s rocket was well thought-out, though.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do we really need detonators?\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Mining compound\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 needs}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 electronic detonators, Theo,\'94\loch\f51  snapped Molly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But not all explosives do. Are there any you could make that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 don\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly blinked. \'93\loch\f51 Picric acid, maybe. Friction detonators. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have to be very careful, though. Really,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 really}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 long pull cords.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s mind raced. \'93\loch\f51 Okay, let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s put those chemicals to the si\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 de.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What are you doing?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Rocky wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t drunk just now,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo said. \'93\loch\f51 He had a plan. But you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re the chem witch. What can we make from what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s left?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Nothing,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Molly. \'93\loch\f51 You really think he was stable? It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s like a chemistry set gone mad: krypton. Fluorine.\'94\loch\f51 
 She picked up a few vials of compounds Theo didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t recognize. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I could make some really bright flares. Which is stupid.\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Right. The odds that anyone would see such a signal would be literally astronomical. But what was the glassine tubing for?}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Krypton.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  Fluorine}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s it,\'94\loch\f51  Theo whispered.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What?\'94\loch\f51  said Molly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Okay,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said, licking his lips, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Get on that picric acid. Check me: how many tunnels to the surface? Twelve?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not including the mass driver, yes.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll shut the aperture for that manually. Can you make thermite?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly scoffed. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Since I was ten.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Great. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll weld the airlocks shut. Except one. Now here\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s what I need you to do\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo had never been so tired.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He leaped through the corridors as fast as he could push himself. At each corne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r, he braked to a halt and melted a hole in the ice-wall with his gas torch, being very careful not to disturb the larger, ice-sealed holes he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d planted on his first pass. Then he planted a half-meter diameter mylar mirror on its plastic frame, angled it,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  and let the water refreeze, cementing it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He leaped on.
\par 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 How\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the lasing medium coming?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Krypton fluoride isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t the easiest compound to work with,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Molly said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I nearly inhaled some hydrofluoric.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s guts chilled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I said nearly. Mirrors set up?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t look.\'94\loch\f51 
 Theo shielded his eyes. There was a flash of light from where Molly knelt, and a burst of steam from the ice wall. Then she tossed him a length of glassine tube wrapped in a spiral of thinner hose connected to a double gas cylinder.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That should do it. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not elegant. When you turn the valve, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll get a chemical-pumped flash pulse. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll need these.\'94\loch\f51  She tossed her dark welding goggles at him.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How many shots will I get?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not sure?\'94\loch\f51  Molly did some r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 apid math. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 maybe fifty?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d better get down there.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What will they do? Blast through our doors? Or come down our path?\'94
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 How many drones will they have? How fast will they come?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So many questions: no answers. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 If I were them, I might do both. I love you,\'94\loch\f51  he whispered.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Love you, too.\'94\loch\f51  Her voice broke.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s Ectoderm was a dirty gray, as close to the color of the ice-tunnels he moved among as he could make it. In the silence, he imagined sounds, and the echoes of his own careful passage were amplified \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
in his ears. He might make it to the airlock in time to set up a firing position.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Then he heard the hiss. The airlock was opening. Something was coming through.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Charge around the corners and shoot?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No. The coillaser was awkward, and he couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t outshoot an AI-controlled drone. He leaped backward, around mylar mirror number six and its buried charge and pushed himself back to the next bend. From where he perched, he could see through mirror six all \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
the way down the corridor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo reached for the long cord th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
at led to it, taking up the slack. A charge beneath each mirror, and a friction-primer cord stretching to the next bend in the corridor. A shadow in the mirror. A drone\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s movement.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Not yet. Too far. I think}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. Speed and size were hard to judge at a hundred yards. Closer. Closer. The seconds stretched out into a fuzzy eternity, the shape in the mirror seeming to dance at a static distance.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Suddenly, the mirror\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s surface rippled, and the drone\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s image filled it. Theo yanked the cord. A roar of sound hammered do\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
wn the corridor, followed by an acrid wind.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo blinked, stupidly, peering through the smoke. Something scrabbled at the end of the corridor. Their mirror was gone.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Go!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo leaped down the next tunnel, heading for mirror number four and the next charge. Crouched and waited. Damn: he hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t considered smoke. Looking at this mirror was like looking into a bottle of soup. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shit,\'94\loch\f51  he whispered. Had he killed the drone? Dama\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ged it? Would they withdraw or push on?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo pushed himself away from the wall to clear\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 his laser for a shot and an ugly whine cracked past his ear. The ice exploded in splinters beside him, scoring his Ectoderm. Reflexively, he leaped away. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shit!\'94\loch\f51  He hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t yanked the cord! Too late. He scrambled for mirror number three. If the drone outr\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 an him, he was dead. He yanked the cord as he went around the bend. Another rending crack and plume of ochre smoke erupted behind him.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo stopped. Had he hit something? No sign of pursuit. Theo peered into mirror three. A shape bobbed in smoke. He looked \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 around the corner.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The crushed drone floated there. Dead.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 One down, and we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve used half our mines.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Then something shining black and fast leapt around the corner. Theo frantically twisted the valve of his laser. A slug whined past his ear, going high and faint. Light seared across his vision, and a crack echoed from the end of the tunnel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The second drone twitched in the air.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was too close}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . A faint breeze tugged at him. Then he noticed the flashing in the mirror three. Molly was signaling him with her c\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hemlight:\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 breach}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They were coming through the other airlocks. Theo put on his rebreather. Loss of pressure wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t even annoying to an Ecto. In fact\~.\~.\~.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s vision was clearing. The air was taking the smoke with it. If they were coming through the breaches, he had to get back to Molly: they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d be heading straight for the shop. Then Theo froze.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t know we haven\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t mined the other tunnels. What if they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re just trying to make me move?\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
For a moment he hung on the agony of indecision.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Then he saw move\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ment in the mirror three. How far away?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The great thing about lasers was, as long as you could see it, it didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t matter. Theo fired.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t hear anymore, of course. But when the laser pulse switched off, only fragments remained. Now}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll come through the breaches}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Theo raced back to the shop.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Two were already in the workshop. Crawling infrared spiders. No sign of Molly. A wash of pressure, and one of the drones was smashed into the wall by an invisible hand. Theo leaped out of his tunnel, flipped over and opened his laser\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s valve. The last dro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ne exploded. A chemlight flooded the room, illuminating Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s frightened face. Then she leaped \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t kiss through their rebreathers. But her cheek on his felt warm and wonderful.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There was no time, though. Theo pointed to the mirrors. Molly nodded and went off to check her own set. Seconds ticked by. The mirrors were still.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Working quickly, they sealed off the shop with mylar and chemical adhesive. Then they pressurized it. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No leaks,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Molly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
I thought you were dead!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No, just\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 pinned down,\'94\loch\f51  Theo said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Did\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 did we win?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s mind raced. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t think so,\'94\loch\f51  he said.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  \'93\loch\f51 
This rock is too big a prize. I think we just ran them out of drones. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll come themselves, next. Or they could just wait us out. We have to sleep.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Dammit. If we only knew what they were doing\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Suddenly, as she looked past him, Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s eyes lit. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Maybe we can,\'94\loch\f51  she murmured.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It made sense, Theo thought. The one thing the Earthers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  nanoplague hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t shut off was their own drone. Repowering and disarming the head was fairly simple.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Got it!\'94\loch\f51  The lights around the drone\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s ominous cam\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 era eye flickered on. Theo looked into it. \'93\loch\f51 Hi,\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said, brightly. \'93\loch\f51 Turns out we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve managed to fix our electronics, as you can probably tell by the way your drones blew up. Kind of you to try to help, but we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 d like you to back off, now.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 For a moment, there was silence. Then a cold voice said, \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think so, Nadjek. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d be broadcasting the news to the whole system. I don
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think you can, but\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The rock vibrated. \'93\loch\f51 Just in case my chief engineer was as wrong about that as he was about \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you being able to resist us, that was your primary antenna. No, you
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve just forced us to deal with you ourselves. Which means we can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t leave you alive: you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve seen too much, now. But we will be able to have a little fun with you, first. Would you like to \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ask my chief engineer how much fun?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A long, ragged moan throbbed from the speakers. It sent ugly ripples up Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s spine. Molly looked sick, and Ectos didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 get\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 sick. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 See you soon.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Oh, my God, Theo, we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got to surrender!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Molly cried. \'93\loch\f51 Please, please\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  don\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t kill us! We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll disarm the minefield\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly, shut up!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo yelled. \'93\loch\f51 We can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t let them\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No! I am NOT dying here for a stupid Rock! I hate this place, I hate this\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Frantically, Theo fumbled with the circuit, killed the power, but it was too late to cut off Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s screams. The drone\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s lights died. Theo turned back, \'93
\loch\f51 Molly, how could you\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .?\'94\loch\f51  he snarled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Into her smug grin?
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hope that fooled them as well as it did you,\'94\loch\f51  she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo opened his mouth, closed it. \'93\loch\f51 We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have a minefield.\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 No. But they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have to look for them. And you cutting me off certainly makes it sound authentic.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo let his breath out slowly. \'93\loch\f51 If I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t love you so much, I think I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d kill you,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And I need the time to get the explosives prepared.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 For a minefield?\'94\loch\f51  Theo said, stupidly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No. I need you to make us helmets, engineer jock.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo blinked. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Helmets? We need to live like bubbleheads?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Trust me. And hurry, because there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a bigger job I need you for\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Molly touched her enormous bubble helmet to Theo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Stop. There.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo followed her finger. Just over the horizon, a point of light moved, pulsing erratically. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Check my numbers.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d smeared their Ectoderm with a pattern of gray-\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
and-white streaks, resembling the ice they walked on as best they could. But there was no way to prevent their breaths from heating up the bubble helmets, and they had to talk. If\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
was looking their way with a thermograph, the first Molly and Theo would know of it was a hyperkinetic slug slamming through their flesh.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Of course, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll probably be looking out for Molly\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s \'93\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 minefield\'94\loch\f51  instead of at us}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Molly peered through the instrument Theo had cobbled together. \'93\loch\f51 Tangential motion\~.\~.\~.\~23 arcminu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tes per second. Angle from local horizon\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 
5.4 degrees.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo did some mental math. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Twenty-three meters clockwise from right here?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I check that.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He ran through the computations in his head. \'93\loch\f51 Get to the massdriver, we don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have much time.\'94\loch\f51 
 Molly blew him a kiss, leaped backward and vanished through one of the blasted-open airlocks.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo paced off the twenty-three meters. Then he ran in a series of leaps toward the rising star of the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , just kissing the rock\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s surface with his feet. Now came
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the most dangerous part: getting their attention. He switched on the drone camera and speaker that he had bonded to the side of his bubble helmet.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 When they noticed, their voice was tinny through the crysteel and canned air. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Did you want to talk, or were you just helping us track you down?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I doubt you bubbleheads can really figure out where I am through this feed,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo answered, though they could. \'93\loch\f51 I just thought I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 d show you something.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo sailed over the lip of a shallow, bowl-shaped crater. An ope\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 nwork gantry of metal and carbon nanotubes extended about three meters out of the ice. \'93\loch\f51 See, there
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 lot}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you can do without electronics. Like this chemical laser. Got your drones with it. Think we can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t get some of you?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Very creative,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  rasped the speaker. \'93\loch\f51 Let us show\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 something.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo leaped aside. A hammer punched into the ice six meters away.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not very accurate at your distance.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As long as I don\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t stay in the same place more than about five seconds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . But Ectos danced on the surface of asteroids wh
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 enever they could. He leaped while he spoke. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got more than guns.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He faced the gantry. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
You know what that is?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Core drill mount,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said the voice. Another slug slammed down. Four meters this time. Theo leaped farther. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Probably the way you Ectos discovered this rock was worth calling a claimgather over.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good: you know how deep it goes.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo brought a thick disc of carefully-machined metal into view of the camera. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
And of course, you know metastable metallic hydrogen,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re going to bl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ow yourself up?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  asked the voice. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Excellent. Good-bye.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh, there are hundreds more at the bottom of this shaft,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 Funny, there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s a truly enormous fault, there. One of them has a contact detonator attached. So when I drop this one down, well\~.\~.\~.\~things will get very exciting. I wonder if there wi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll be anything left worth salvaging?
\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Another slug slammed down where Theo had been seconds ago. Shards scored shallowly into his Layer and Ectoderm. Then the voice was back, tense. \'93\loch\f51 You don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have an
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ywhere near the supply of metal-H to blow the whole Rock apart!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo snorted. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It IS the most common substance in the universe.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 As a gas, yes. It takes a lot of power to turn it into\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A slug blasted the gantry into scrap.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Nice try, but the hole\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s still there,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 And what do you think Ecto ships\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  energy is usually\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 doing}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
between rocks? We have to make our own fuel. Have fun picking up the pieces.\'94\loch\f51  And he threw the chunk of metal-H down the hole. Then he drew the hypercompressed air tank from his back and opened the valve wide.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The surge of acceleration whipped Theo off the surface, on a crazy trajectory no gunner could possibly track.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Faintly, he heard a new voice from the speak\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er shout,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93
\loch\f51 What was THAT?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Below him, a huge chunk of the Rock\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s surface burst into white flame and a cloud of surface ice. Slowly, the Honeymoonlet began to tumble.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Nice try, kid,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the voice in his helmet said, almost sadly. \'93\loch\f51 But your superbomb wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t nearly deep enough.\'94\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 flared. Slowed. \'93\loch\f51 And now your damn Rock is spinning. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll slow us, but not enough.\'94\loch\f51  Below Theo, the long barrel of the massdriver tumbled into view.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lining up with the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It had no power. But Molly had plenty of meta\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
stable hydrogen to detonate in its chamber. The chamber Theo had reinforced to take the explosion. White hot plasma flared from deep in the barrel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And again. Again. As fast as Molly could wrestle the charges in, they blasted their canisters of slag out into space.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theo couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t see the face behind the voice, but for the rest of his life, he could imagine it: the dawning comprehension turning to horror. \'93\loch\f51 What\~.\~.\~.? God\~.\~.\~.\~
hard burn!\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 HARD BURN!\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Silently,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Expedience}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , sprouted jets of air and water vapor \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as the Honeymoonlet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s slag struck. Sparks flared and died along with its crew and drive.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And lights went up all over the surface of the Rock.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Theo? Theo? Are you okay?\'94\loch\f51  Molly was on the radio: she sounded like she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been crying.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Right here, Molly. You did it.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 You}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid3551205\charrsid3551205 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 did it,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Molly replied. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Lined it up perfectly. How do we have power?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The plague,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Theo said. \'93\loch\f51 
It must be controlled from the ship. They must trigger it by radio. If the signal stops, it just self-destructs. That way, no one would ever know w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 hat they pulled.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 we won? Our family is safe?\'94\loch\f51  Molly asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 As safe as we can make it,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How big should it be?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I think we should fill the Ship. Speaking of which, you want to see if we can tow that wreck in for salvage? We might be able to afford a bigger one.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good plan,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Theo. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 One thing. Our first son. We name him Jurgen.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Jurgen Rocky Nadjek,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Molly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Done.\'94
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid1733230 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3551205 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Since 2007, The National Space Society and Baen Books have honored the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science by teaming up to sponsor the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/contest-jbmssa" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 
{\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b58000000680074007400700073003a002f002f006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0063006f006e0074006500730074002d006a0062006d007300730061000000
795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
. The prize is given out at the annual International Space Development Conference banquet. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Salvage Judgment\'94\loch\f51  is the winner of this year\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award. And, for the first time in over a decade, we have a double winner of both the J\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 BM and the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/contest-faa" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 
{\*\datafield 
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7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Baen Fantasy Adventure awards}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . \'93}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/humanslayer" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b52000000680074007400700073003a002f002f006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f00680075006d0061006e0073006c0061007900650072000000795881f43b1d
7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Humanslayer}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 ,\'94\loch\f51 
 by G. Scott Huggins was the 2020 grand prize winner of the sixth annual Baen Fantasy Adventure Award. As a testament to the author\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s ability, we would like to stress that both contests are judged blind, and the judges had no idea who the authors were w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hile adjudicating both contests! G. Scott Huggins the author of new novel\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Responsibility of the Crown}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and can be found blogging at his web site,\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://gscotthuggins.com/" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid3551205 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 here}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid3551205 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Murder in Space}
{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Les Johnson
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 December 1, 2086}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Charlie Shattles looked at himself in the hotel mirror and did not like what he saw. Here he was, a man in his early fifties with more than enough money saved to retire early and recline on a beach somewhere studying heavenly bodies. Yet he was in a run-d
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
own hotel near Zvyozdny gorodok, Russia, freezing his butt off because the owners of place refused to turn up the heat beyond what was needed to keep the pipes from bursting. Global warming or not, Russia in the wintertime was cold. Damn cold. But he was 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 a job and the cold and other inconveniences did not really matter. He liked putting the pieces together and getting to the bottom of a case. In cases like this, if murder were involved, then ninety percent of the time the motive was money, sex, or power.
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 He corrected himself; the ninety percent was for men, who committed the most murders. If the perp was a woman, then he could add jealousy to the list and be within the same ninety percent statistic. For this case, he had not even determined if it was mur
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 de\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 r. Time would tell.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
After showering with the water temperature on the highest possible setting, he was finally warm. He quickly dressed, gave silent thanks to the makers of the heated undergarments he wore, and paused only long enough to get the latest update on the proposed
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 rescue mission to Proxima Centauri via his corneal implant. The news was broadcast in Russian, which suited Shattles just fine. He was fluent in five languages and he needed to make the transition to thinking in Russian, not just transl
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ating it in his head, if he were to pick up on any nuances in the upcoming conversations. He knew his hosts could speak English, but Shattles preferred to conduct these meetings in the native language of the key players.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Like the rest of the world, Shattles was intrigued by the notion that there were apparently people living on a planet circling one of the closest stars in the sky. Who wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t be? But, as interesting as it was, it certainly wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t relevant to the task at\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  hand. He pulled himself away from t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he virtual heated debate between the talking heads who, thanks to the implant, appeared to be in the hotel room with him debating whether or not it was wise to make physical contact by sending a ship to Proxima Centauri. It looked like they were close to 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 coming to blows. In his room.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was time to leave and get to the business that had brought him to Russia. He was to meet with the executives who hired him at RKK Energiya, Russia\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s largest and most profitable space company. It seems that their CEO, one Mak\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 sim Kezerashvili, had gotten himself killed when he and his expensive space yacht became interplanetary dust and gas after the ship\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s fusion drive lost containment allowing superheated plasma to rapidly escape from its formerly highly condensed state and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 vaporize his ship\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
as unconstrained superheated plasmas were likely to do. Such things were not supposed to happen and there were fairly robust safety systems used in fusion drives to make sure they didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t. In this case, the systems failed. The experts who\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  l\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ooked at the wreckage said the chances of accidental containment loss were next to nil. But it happened. And it killed one of Russia
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s most wealthy men. A man who just happened to be running for the Russian parliament and who some were saying was on his w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ay to becoming the future president of the Russian Federation. When a person like Kezerashvili is killed in a freak accident, people begin to suspect that it wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t an accident. Shattles\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 job was to find out what really happened.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  current bet was m\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
urder. A great deal of money was on the line. A high stakes political battle was in play. And Shattles would bet his life savings that Kezerashvili or his wife were unfaithful, perhaps both. He had been wrong before, but rarely. And rarely on such a high-
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
profile case. All this was racing through his mind as he made his way from the hotel to the offices of NPO Energiya. The day was overcast and the weather forecast was for snow to begin by noon. The biting wind made his nose and ears cold as it blew agains
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
his face. The buildings provided no respite from the unrelenting wind that seemed to permeate Russia in the wintertime. As he walked, he avoided the occasional pedestrian as he reviewed the details of the case using his implant. As he passed the commercia
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l district, he was reminded of how thankful he was that he paid the monthly \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 advertisement free\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  net connection fee so he wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t assaulted by the various merchants\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  pop-up ads that were so distracting to those who could only afford the basic implants.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
oman who had contacted him, Lada Agapov, was waiting in the lobby when he arrived. Looking to be in her mid-forties, Agapov was energetic and greeted Shattles with a smile and nearly flawless British English. After the usual pleasantries, she escorted him
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  to the elevator, which promptly took them to the thirty-fifth floor\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 nonstop. RKK Energiya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s offices were typical corporate style and would have been indistinguishable from any other twenty-first century conglomerate. Just about every wall was made of gla\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ss\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 that could become opaque when needed, the chairs were the type that automatically adjusted to your body contours, and the active background noise suppressors made what was an obviously busy office seem eerily quiet. Were it not for the old-fashioned oil 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
paintings on the walls depicting what Shattles could only presume to be the halcyon days of the Russian and Soviet space programs, he would not have known where he was. After reaching a suitably plush and warm office, Shattles greeted Joseph Bychkov. Judg
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
g by his grizzled and pockmarked face, Bychkov looked more suited for filling holes in the sidewalk than sitting behind the austere wooden desk in front of a clear glass window that provided a view of the city and flat, nearly-featureless Russian countrys
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ide below. A few snow flurries were in the air, some touching the glass and immediately melting.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Bychkov fulfilled the Russian stereotype by rising from behind his desk and greeting him with a handshake that felt like a vice grip. Shattles, having met and w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
orked with Russians in the past, was prepared and returned the grasp with his own firm squeeze. Both men paused, hand in hand, until Bychkov grinned and burst out laughing.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Welcome to Star City, Mr. Shattles,\'94\loch\f51  Bychkov said, releasing his grip.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Thank you. Dr. Bychkov, I am glad to be here,\'94\loch\f51 
 Shattles replied, having done his homework and learned that Bychkov had earned his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering at The Moscow Aviation Institute. In addition to being the Chief Operating Officer at RKK Ene\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rgiya, he he
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ld twelve patents and had published over twenty peer-reviewed journal articles. Though he was overweight, Bychkov was far from a fat, dim-witted Russian bureaucrat.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I trust your accommodations are acceptable?\'94\loch\f51  Bychkov asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The room is fine, though they could use a replacement furnace. I was worried I might freeze to death in my room and my body wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t be found until the spring thaw,\'94
\loch\f51  Shattles replied.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Bychkov responded with another deep laugh. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 My assistant will see to having that problem fixed,\'94\loch\f51  he s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
aid, giving Agapov a nod. The big man took his seat and motioned for Shattles to take one conveniently placed to the left of his desk. Shattles sat.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s get down to business, shall we?\'94\loch\f51 
 asked Bychkov as he picked up a large coffee mug that was sitting on the right-hand side of his desk. Shattles noticed that someone had placed a similar cup on the end table just to the left of the seat in which he \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
sat. He picked it up and took a sip. The coffee was strong, but hot.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You want me to investigate the death o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 f your CEO and determine if it was actually an accident and, if not, to help the police catch whoever killed him,\'94\loch\f51 
\hich\f51  Shattles said, taking another sip of coffee. It did not seem quite so bitter on the second sip. \'93\loch\f51 Why do you believe it was not as the initia\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l police report claimed\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 a tragic accident?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Mr. Shattles, do you test me? You are an actuarial expert. You know as well as I do that the likelihood of a man such as Maksim Kezerashvili being killed in such a fluke accident as this are nearly zero.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Zero}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Gi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ven that he was one of the wealthiest men in Russia and a rising politician only add to the likelihood of this being intentional, not accidental. No, Maksim was murdered just as sure as you and I sit here discussing it. My team is looking into the technic
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 al side of the problem, the misalignment error that allowed the drive to fail. They are searching for any traces of tampering. I need you to look into the other factors,\'94\loch\f51 
 Bychkov said, leaning forward and staring intently at Shattles.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles was not impre\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ssed. Of course, they were looking into the technical side of the accident, as had the police and intergovernmental regulatory authorities who made and enforced the rules for such things in deep space. None of them had found any sign of foul play and rule
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d the event to be an unfortunate accident.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Money, sex, and power.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Dr. Bychkov, who could possibly want Mr. Kezerashvili dead?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Many people. As you no doubt already know, I stand to become the CEO of RKK Energiya when the board meets next week to name his replacement. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve already informed me that I am their choice. If I were you, I would begin with me,\'94\loch\f51  the burly man said, lea\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ning back and trying to make light of the situation with another deep and resonating laugh.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles only nodded.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Misdirection. Doublethink. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s trying to play me. And yes, you Russian SOB, I will be looking into you\~.\~.\~.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And then there would be the love\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ly Mrs. Kezerashvili, the bitch,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Bychkov. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
She stands to inherit the bulk of his money, including a sizeable number of shares in this company.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not among your favorite people, I gather.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Lana disgusts me. She is a gold digger and has been openly cheating on Maksim for more than five years.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the lucky guy? Or is it a woman?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Colonel Viktor Fedorov. And, yes, he is a man. And not the first. By my reckoning, Viktor is the fourth. They are always military men and always you\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 nger than she.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is there anyone else you suggest I look into?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Martina Egorov. It is her seat in the Russian parliament that Maksim was planning to challenge. It was not going to be a collegial competition. Both were looking at everything possible in each other\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s backgrounds in search of scandal,\'94\loch\f51  Bychkov said, lean\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ing back in his chair trying, and failing, to look thoughtful.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Were there any major business dealings upcoming that someone might want to derail? Dealings that his successor mi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ght take in a different direction?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Since I am his successor, I can tell you that there are no major deals pending with Energiya that will change under my leadership. Maksim and I were very closely aligned in our business strategies. Though I suspect his widow won\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t follow through with how\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Maksim planned to divest himself from much of his personal fortune.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh? And how was the late Mr. Kezerashvili going to spend his fortune?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 By helping to fund the mission to Proxima Centauri, of course. Maksim was a dr\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
eamer. And for most of his career, he managed to turn his dreams of developing space into developing a very profitable company. When he was approached to help fund a starship, how could he resist?\'94\loch\f51  asked Bychkov.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How indeed. Who was he working with on the starship project?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
That would be the most-persuasive Dr. Enrico Vulpetti. He is a shrewd businessman, from Georgia, the U.S. state. He is a smooth one. I would think twice before entering into a business arrangement with him. I will send you his contact 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 details.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s quite a list. Since she has the most to gain, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll start with the grieving widow,\'94\loch\f51  said Shattles.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 ---
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He found her over the Moon. Literally. Lana Kezerashvili was in lunar orbit staying in the apartment she and her late husband were provided aboard the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Admiral Kuznetsov}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , RKK Energiya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s space dock. She initially did everything in her power to avoid meeting Shattles, but when her lawyers received the letter from the attorneys for the insurance company saying that if she did not comply with t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
heir investigation of Maksim Kezerashvili\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s untimely death, referencing page 4, subsection 2, paragraphs 6a and 7c of his very sizable insurance policy, then she would get nothing. After that, she was,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of course}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , \hich\f51 \lquote 
\loch\f51 willing to help in any way she could.\hich\f51 \rquote 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
For a PI who specialized in space-related cases, Shattles hated going into space. Even having someone else pay for the trip, which was not cheap and for many, amazingly enough, would be considered the trip of a lifetime, was not enough to allow him to enj
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 oy i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t. He dreaded takeoff and, when it came, the acceleration pushed him back into the padded seat in the passenger cabin of the ten-person ferry that took him from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to the Russian space station in low earth orbit. He was still cursing 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
God, Werner Von Braun, and Jeff Bezos under his breath when he transferred from the ferry to the luxury liner that carried him the rest of the way to the Moon. He did pause to take in the spectacular views of the earth and the Moon as they crossed the qua
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rt\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er million miles from one to the other. If it hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t been for the space sickness medication he was taking, he would have been worshipping the toilet gods for the entire trip. Now he was walking the halls of the slowly rotating\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Kuznetsov}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, enjoying the one-half earth gravity pull the rotation provided\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the only part of going into space that he liked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles also liked not being made to wait to interview persons of interest in his investigations. Funny how no one was eager to speak with a private investigator\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. They could not easily put off the police as easily as they could him. They also knew he was not as likely as the police to follow all the rules when conducting his interview and investigation. Such was the life of a PI.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His interview was granted on day three aboard the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Admiral Kuznetsov.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was to be an after-dinner meeting. In her private cabin.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles arrived exactly on time, 19:00, and rang the buzzer beside the door. There were not many private cabins, no more than twenty, since this was a space doc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
k with over a hundred workers assembling and servicing the many ships in RKK Energiya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s commercial cis-lunar fleet. The workers lived in barracks style housing, each getting their own hammock and locker to store their personal belongings. Only the VIPs wa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
rranted private cabins and, on this trip, Shattles was an RKK Energiya very important person.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When the door opened, Shattles immediately noticed two things. The first was that Lana Kezerashvili\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s cabin was at least three times larger than his and much more nicely furnished. The other was the revealing nature of Mrs. Kezerashvili\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s almost nonexiste\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nt negligee. It was going to be\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
kind of interview. The kind that was intended to keep him distracted so he would not ask the tough questions. Her immediate attire aside, Mrs. Kezerashvili almost certainly had something to hide. He began to channel his \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
inner Dashiell Hammett.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Please come in, Mr. Shattles. Our dinner will be here momentarily and I am absolutely famished,\'94\loch\f51  she said as she motioned for him to enter.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles moved forward, accepted her offer and was careful to not brush against her as he entered the room. The door closed and before he could take in the surroundings, she was handing him a drink\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 evidently preprepared.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Scotch, neat,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said, handing him the small glass. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Pappy Van Winkle. I hope you enjoy it,\'94\loch\f51  she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t he\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 lp but raise an eyebrow at her grossly incongruous statement, but he said nothing. Instead of correcting her, he said a simple, \'93
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 thank you\'94\loch\f51  as he briefly admired the color and odor of the rare Kentucky whiskey before he imbibed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shattles finished his glass and nodded toward his hostess. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I must say, I feel over dressed,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Mrs. Kezerashvili looked down at what she was wearing and laughed. \'93\loch\f51 I decided I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d had enough puritan modesty for the day and that it was time to get cozy. If I am making you uncomf\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ortable, then I can get a wrap.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s okay. If you aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t uncomfortable, then neither am I.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good,\'94\loch\f51  she said, motioning for him to sit in one of the room's three cushioned chairs. She reclined in the other. She then said nothing, looking expectantly at Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I am sorry for your loss, Mrs. Kezerashvili. I know you and your husband had been married for just over sixteen years. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a long time.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She sipped her drink before she replied. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We had our ups and downs, but yes, I do miss him dearly.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  you were happily married?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I would say we were,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said, placing a bit too much emphasis on the word, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I\'94\loch\f51  for Shattles to ignore.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How do you think Mr. Kezerashvili would have answered the same question?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Maksim was a powerful man. He had many loves in his life\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
work, politics, making money, me. To be honest, sometimes I felt he was not as happy with me as he was the others. But, all things considered, for the kind of man he was, I think he would have said\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 he was happy with our relationship.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You stand\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  to inherit a great deal of money plus a rather tidy sum from an accidental death policy administered by my employer,\'94\loch\f51 
 Shattles said, intentionally provoking her.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s true. But I had virtually unlimited access to the bank accounts before his death. All this was paid for with his full knowledge and support. And I didn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t have to worry about administering the accounts, running the companies, or doing anything to g\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 et whatever I wanted. If you are looking for a connection between me and my husband\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s unfortun\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ate demise, you will find I had no motive to have him killed. Money was never an issue. I expect I will have to hire someone to handle all the financials now that he is gone. I have absolutely no interest in doing so.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Perhaps Colonel Fedorov can help with that,\'94\loch\f51  Shattles said, leveling his gaze, looking for any reaction to his provocation.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Mr. Shattles, come now. If you expect me to deny having a relationship with Viktor, then you are mistaken. Maksim knew all about Viktor and did not seem to mind. In fa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 ct, I think he liked the idea of me having a relationship with another man while he was away running his company and campaigning for office. Viktor did not seem to mind either. When Maksim was around, Viktor took his leave and vice versa.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Did your husband pursue any similar relationships?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I would like to speak with Colonel Federov and I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
m working to get an appointment through his staff. If you could put in a word to him to help expedite getting it set up, I would appreciate it,\'94\loch\f51  he sa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 id.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Neither spoke as his hostess poured him a refill.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is there anyone else you think would like to see him dead?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Well, there are always those who he got the better of in his business dealings, I suppose. There are quite a few. Maksim was a clever and sometimes ruthless businessman. And then there\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s his political opponent, Martina Egorov. She knows her seat is vulne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rable, but I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t believe their political disagreements were strident enough to provoke murder.\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles looked around the r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
oom as he considered his next line of questioning. The room was, as would be expected, poshly furnished with at least two virtual photo galleries that scrolled through still images of Mr. and Mrs. Kezerashvili in various places around the world and more t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 han a few on the Moon. The rest of the interview went by quickly and he gleaned little new or seemingly useful information.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Thank you for your time, Mrs. Kezerashvili. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll be in touch,\'94\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  said Shattles as he rose to depart.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mrs. Kezerashvili did not join him in standing and instead returned his gesture by giving him a smile. One of those \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 this was interesting and I am glad you are leaving\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51  smiles. \'93\loch\f51 Have a safe trip, Mr. Shattles. Based on the results from the police inquiry,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  it certainly appears that you are wasting your time.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll see,\'94\loch\f51  Shattles said as he exited.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think so.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles paused at the open door and looked back toward the woman who was still his prime suspect.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Ye\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s, Mr. Shattles. You have something else?\'94\loch\f51  she asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 As a matter of fact, I do. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m wondering if you are going to fulfill your late husband\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s plan to help fund the mission to Proxima Centauri?\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No, Mr. Shattles, I am not. I cannot imagine a more wasteful way to spend money,\'94\loch\f51  she said without hesitation.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Well, thanks again,\'94\loch\f51  he said as he crossed the threshold and the door automatically closed behind him.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Money\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 yes. Sex\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 almost certainly. Power\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
maybe. The motive was certainly there, but was there opportun\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ity?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The next day Shattles boarded a shuttle and returned to Earth. He had an appointment in Moscow with Martina Egorov that he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t want to miss. The Russian Federation Council was soon to go into recess and he needed to catch her before she left town. For \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
this reason, he took the suborbital ballistic from his landing at the DFW spaceplex directly to Moscow, arriving there just three days after his lunar meeting with Mrs. Kezerashvili.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Moscow was as dreary as ever, the cold grey sky meeting the ground wh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ere a fresh layer of snow had recently fallen. The meeting with Ms. Egorov was to be held in her office near the Duma. Shattles had the address and planned to use one of the autotaxis to get him across town for the meeting as he left his hotel. Thankfully
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , Muscovites knew how to keep warm. His room was quite toasty and much nicer than the one he had in Zvyozdny gorodok, allowing him to depart for this meeting quite comfortably refreshed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As Shattles left the hotel, the usual line of waiting taxis was nowher\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e to be seen. He asked the attendant, who merely shrugged his shoulders and said something about there being a conference in town. The attendant did, however, offer to summon one for him. As he was waiting, another man exited the hotel and spoke with the 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 attendant, who motioned the newcomer to stand with Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good morning,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said the newcomer with English-accented Russian. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
m told there is a taxi shortage this morning and that I should wait here. I hope you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t mind,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not at all,\'94\loch\f51  replied\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  Shattles.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As they waited, the newcomer acted anxious, tapping his foot, and looking expectantly toward the passing traffic.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Running late?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes, unfortunately. I have a job interview in the Tverskoy District and I absolutely cannot be late,\'94\loch\f51  the man replied, looking again for an approaching taxi.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s close to where I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
m going. We can share when mine arrives. It can drop you off first. I have some time left before I need to be at my meeting,\'94\loch\f51  said Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Really? Thank you,\'94\loch\f51  said the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 man, looking away from the line of cars and at Shattles. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 My name is Grimes, Roger Grimes.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Charlie Shattles.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Charles Shattles, it is nice to meet you,\'94\loch\f51 
 said Grimes. Grimes was unremarkable in appearance, dressed in a heavy black overcoat and wearing an old-fashioned hat reminiscent of what American men might have worn in the 1930s or 40s.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A few minutes later, an autotaxi pulled up in front of the hotel, which Shattles entered first, followed by Grimes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Neither man spoke as the taxi wound its way through\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 traffic. Looking out the window, Shattles was struck by the demographics of the pedestrians he saw. Unlike the rest of Europe and the Americas, there was almost no racial diversity to be seen. The streets were filled with Caucasians. In the modern, highl
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y connected world, Russia continued to be a throwback to an earlier time. With their declining population, unless something changed, these proud people would soon be in a permanent state of decline.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As planned, the automated taxi pulled up in front of the a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ddress Shattles\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 fellow passenger had provided. The car had barely rolled to a stop when Grimes thanked Ray again and exited the car.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
As the car accelerated away and re-entered traffic, Shattles noticed a small black ball on the floorboard where Grimes had been sitting. He reached down to pick it up, noting that one side of it was somewhat sticky, like it was recently adhered to somethi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng. He looked back, wondering if his fellow passenger had dropped it and whether he should stop the taxi to take it back to\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 him. He never had the opportunity. The autotaxi began to accelerate, forcing Shattles backwards into his seat. Ahead lay a mass of slow-moving vehicles and instead of accelerating, the autotaxi should have been slowing down. Unless it quickly braked, he 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and the taxi would smash into them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Emergency stop!\'94\loch\f51  shouted Shattles. The command should have immediately overridden almost any of the autotaxi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s driving commands and taken the vehicle to a safe stop out of traffic. It did not.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When he saw that the stop c\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ommand failed, Shattles unbuckled his safety harness and hit the big, red stop button in the center of the front dashboard. No effect.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 With the rear of another vehic\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
le growing ever larger in the front window, he grabbed the steering wheel and turned hard toward the blessedly empty sidewalk to the right. Thankfully, the car responded, but it was still accelerating. With only seconds left before the car ran out of side
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 walk and T-boned into stopped cars on the cross street ahead, Shattles took out his quite-illegal-thank-you-very-much personal stunner, basically a super-charged version of yesterday\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s taser, and discharged it completely into the dash of the taxi. The veh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ic\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
le immediately lost power, activated the emergency braking system, and came to a stop just inches from a car carrying a commuter who was blithely unaware that he almost met his maker.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 By this time, the incident was getting the attention of those in the immediate area and some were rushing forward to the now-stopped car to see what was going on.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles knew what was going on. Something supposedly impossible, overriding the control and safety features of an autotaxi. In the seconds he needed to recover and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
come down from the adrenaline high that his near-death experience invoked, he was completely convinced that the death of Maksim Kezerashvili was not an accident. He was now more determined than ever to find out who was behind the killing and why. Now it w
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as personal.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dealing with the police and explaining why he had a stunner capable of being set for lethal discharge took some time. Fortunately, he only had to pull a few strings to get them to let him go,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 sans}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
stunner. As they so insistently and not-so-poli\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
tely escorted him to the local police station, he sent a message to Egorov explaining the reason for missing their meeting and requesting it be rescheduled. Thankfully, she agreed to meet at the same time the next day.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles did not sleep well that night. Near-death experiences like that just didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t go away like they did in the entertainment vids where all the \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 tough\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51  guy or woman needed was a stiff drink and the company of the opposite sex. He awakened more than onc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e shaking and unable to go back to sle\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ep. The next morning, he did not recall any of his dreams, but he recalled enough to know that they were unsettling.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This time, Shattles found an old-fashioned taxi with a driver to take him across town.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 ---
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The meeting with Martina Egorov was mostly perfunctory and unenlightening. Unlike to opulence of Joseph Bychkov\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s office at RKK Energiya or the decadent quarters of Lana Kezerashvili, Egorov
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s office was spartan and simple with only one small window, faux\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  wood paneling, and standard issue compudesk and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
conference table. There was nothing remarkable that could be said about it. The same might also be said about Egorov, who looked capable, competent, and energetic, but not overly so. Her well-manicured appearance bespoke of education and likely birth into
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  an upper-class family, but totally without ostentation. In short, she looked like the kind of person one would want to run the country. Interesting how she just happened to be in the majority party doing just that.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles went through his standard list o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
f questions, finding out that she and Kezerashvili had known each other for years (no romance involved), that he had been a financial supporter of hers when she first entered politics, that their political disagreements were strictly policy driven and tha
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t there had been no major personal argument between them, and that they had had dinner together just a few days before Kezerashvili was killed. That last fact was the one Shattles decided to dig into.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Is it normal for political opponents in Russia to have \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 dinner dates in the middle of a campaign cycle?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
No. Probably not. But then ours was not a typical political rivalry. Maksim and I were friends before we became rivals and that friendship did not end when he announced his candidacy, though both of us were afraid it might. That\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s why we decided to have \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 dinner together. To affirm our friendship and assure each other that the contest was not personal,\'94\loch\f51  Egorov replied, looking earnestly at Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What did you talk about?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 This and that. We\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 talked a bit about our families. He told me about the trip to China he planned to take with wife later in the year, about his business, and, like just about everyone else, a great deal about the whole Proxima situation. We tried to stay away from the cam
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 paign,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said, giving him that \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 you know what I mean\'94\loch\f51  look.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Did he express any concerns about his marriage?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No. He and Lana seemed to be perfectly happy with each other. He spoke fondly of her.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Ms. Egorov, I have it on good authority that the campai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
gn was about to turn particularly nasty with both sides, you and Maksim, digging up dirt on the other. Was this not the case?\'94\loch\f51  Shattles asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She paused and moved her eyes to briefly look up and to the top right corner of her vision. From what Shattles knew from his years of reading people, this meant she was sincerely trying to recall information from memory. Either that, or she was counting o
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n him knowing that bit of psychological trivia and was intentionally misleading him. Sometimes he hated having to \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
always be reading people. He longed for far a day that he could take people at face value. Maybe someday\~.\~.\~.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I cannot think of any time I asked my campaign staff to find\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or was informed of\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
dirt on Maksim or any of my political opponents. Background statements and actions relating to matters of policy difference, yes. Personal information that could be damaging,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 absolutely not. And I doubt he was doing so either,\'94\loch\f51  she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles would have to square this bit of information with what he was told by Byc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hkov. He didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t like inconsistencies. Before he departed, he had one more line of questioning to pursue. One that nagged at him only because it seemed to coincidentally come up in his interviews. He did not like coincidences. \'93\loch\f51 You mentioned you discussed 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the Proxima Centauri situation. In what context?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 A quite simple disagreement. Maksim was in favor of sending a ship to meet them. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m adamantly opposed. Just one of many issues upon which we respectfully disagreed,\'94
\loch\f51  she replied.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The interview lasted for a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 few more minutes, allowing Shattles to create a small shopping list of similar issues upon which Kezerashvili and Egorov disagreed before the interview ended. All in all, Shattles got a good feeling from the politician and earnestly wanted to eliminate h
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er from his suspect list.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t politicians by nature people who caused other people to like them?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 One more thing, Mr. Shattles. Please hang on,\'94\loch\f51  she said as she vacantly looked past Shattles, apparently receiving a message of some sort via her corne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 al implant. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I just received a bit of news from the police regarding your accident yesterday.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It seems that the autotaxi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s safety system was disabled when it was taken over by a localized virus introduced via the car\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s wireless update feature. That black ball you found just before the taxi malfunctioned contained the virus that took over control \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
of the car. It hacked the encrypted key for automatic software updates and installed the program which nearly got you killed. They are looking now for this\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Mr. Grimes who shared the taxi with you.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Thank you for letting me know,\'94\loch\f51  Shattles said.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
I must be getting close to something if someone thinks I need to be taken out.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Please be careful. I will let you know if the police find anything else they can share with you,\'94\loch\f51  Egorov said.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 ---
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Money. Sex. Power. Jealousy\~.\~.\~.\~aliens?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Shattles was sure the connection to the Proximans was there somewhere. But what was it? Who could possibly be so against politically or financially supporting the mission to Proxima that they would be willing to kill someone? He ran through the various su
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 spects and motives as he cross checked them with the alibis for each provided to him. Of course, who\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ever actually pulled the trigger and murdered Maksim Kezerashvili almost certainly was not among those he was interviewing. No, they would have paid someone else to do the dirty work. That much was evident and only reaffirmed by the recent attack on Shatt
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 les\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  life. Someone, one of his current suspects or someone else entirely, was pulling the strings.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 What was certain was that he did not yet have enough information to put the puzzle together. One step at a time. He had one more person with motive to intervi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ew. Viktor Fedorov. Thanks to a surprisingly cooperative command structure in the Russian Space Force, he had an interview with Colonel Fedorov tomorrow afternoon. They were actually flying him in from one of their space stations to meet with Shattles whi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 le he was in Moscow. Given the lateness of the hour, Shattles decided to splurge on a meal at the French restaurant around the corner from his hotel. After all, for this job he did have a rather generous expense account.

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 ---
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The next morning, Shattles had a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 message waiting from the colonel asking him if their meeting could take place over lunch instead of at the Moscow Aviation Institute, as had originally been planned. It seemed that the colonel was tired of military food and in the mood for Italian. That 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 suited Shattles just fine.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He spent the morning going through the list of donors to both Kezerashvili and the smooth Ms. Egorov, noting only a few that would require follow up. The first was a rather large donation to Kezerashvili from none other than a sub
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 sidiary of RKK Energiya. Wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t there a law to prevent that sort of thing? But then again, this was Russia and having your company underlings and sycophants donate to the boss\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s political campaign was probably standard operating procedure. The other was a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 similarly large donation to Ms. Egorov from an aboriginal rights group headquartered in Latin America. It seemed odd for such a group to care one way or the other about an obscure Russian parliamentary election. The rest of the donations on both sides ot
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rwise looked like the usual dross of companies and people hoping to curry favors from the winner once they were in a position to affect governmental policy.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The restaurant at which their meeting was to take place was only a few blocks from Shattles\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 hotel, so he elected to walk. Given the previous attack on his life, Shattles took every precaution to see if he was being followed by varying his pace, taking sp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ur of the moment detours, and paying careful attention to those who crossed his path. Not knowing th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e capabilities of whoever was behind all this, he took the added precaution of placing his implant in stealth mode. Of course, all this would be moot if Colonel Fedorov did not take similar precautions.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The colonel was waiting on Shattles when he arrived, sitting in a booth near the rear of the restaurant. Fedorov would have appeared quite at home on an army recruiting poster, modeling men\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s fashions, or on the arm of any female movie star. He was tall, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at least 6\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  2\'94\loch\f51 , had blond hair, green eyes, and looked\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 like he lifted cars in his morning workouts. In other words, his mere presence would intimidate most men and attract most women. After the obligatory handshake, small talk, and drink order (vodka, what else?), Shattles got down to business.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Colonel Fedorov, I understand you have been seeing Mrs. Kezerashvili for at least eighteen months, correct?\'94\loch\f51  Shattles asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fedorov\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s first reaction was to smile. Then he replied, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That is correct. Lana and I have been lovers for nearly two years.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You realize this p\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 laces you and her near the top of the list of those who might want to see her husband, her late husband, in his present state\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 dead.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fedorov poured another shot of vodka and downed it before answering. \'93\loch\f51 
I had no ill will toward Maksim. He and Lana had an understanding and that understanding included me. Besides, the police investigated the matter and concluded that it was a tragic acci\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
dent that killed her husband. You are a private investigator hired by his company and I have no obligation to answer any of \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 your questions.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The look that Fedorov gave Shattles was more than a little icy. Shattles momentarily thought about how easy it would be for Fedorov to bench press him to the ceiling just about any time he wished.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Then why are you here at all?\'94\loch\f51  asked Shattles.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Because my commanding officer knows that if it were not for the advocacy of RKK Energiya in the Duma, then the funding might not be there for the missions we perform. You understand.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Has Mrs. Kezerashvili told you her plans now that she is inherit\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ing the business and collecting a rather generous life insurance policy?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The question brought another big smile to Fedorov\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s face. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes, on my next leave we plan to take a vacation. A long vacation.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles was beginning to think Colonel Fedorov might be a bit short on the IQ scale. As he considered his next question, he thought it was time to see how the colonel reacted to a throw from left field.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 His death also makes it easier to stop all that money from going to the Proxima Centauri project, saving m\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ore for you and her, eh?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fedorov\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s head twitched, his smile faded, and he said, \'93\loch\f51 how did you know about\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was at that moment that the colonel\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s body abruptly jerked backward as a dark red splotch appeared on his upper chest. Fedorov looked briefly down at the growing patch of his blood and muttered, \'93\loch\f51 what the\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
As soon as Shattles saw the bullet strike his dinner companion, he threw himself to the floor and cursed the fact that not only was he without his gun, which he would have had if he were not in Russia, but also his stunner, which was now in the custody of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 the local police. The other diners did not reach nearly as quickly, some were still sitting in their chairs trying to figure out what was going on when the next high caliber round hit the glass window and shattered it passing through. The first round had
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  l\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ikely weakened the glass enough that not much more was required for it to catastrophically fail. With the second shot, most were figuring out that they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d better take cover and were joining Shattles on the floor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The second bullet caught Fedorov in his shoulder as he slumped out of his chair and onto the floor. He was still alive. Barely.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Since no one had rushed into the restaurant and the shooter seemed content taking distance shots, Shattles decided to turn over the heavy wooden table at which they had bee\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n eating appetizers and use it as a shield. He positioned it to provide cover from any more shots coming from outside and crawled over to Fedorov.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The colonel\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eyes were open, but Shattles could tell the life was draining from him. Fedorov had lost a great deal of blood and there wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t much that could be done to stop the bleeding.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Colonel, it appears your lover wants us dead. What else can you tell me? We can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t let her get away with this,\'94\loch\f51  Shattles said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t Lana. No, not Lana at all. We love each\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  other. He said it would be easy. Just find a way to get the little ball into Kezerashvili
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s yacht and the problem would go away. Then I would have Lana and he would slow down or stop the crazy plan to send a ship to Proxima,\'94\loch\f51  Fedorov said, blood starting\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 to trickle from the corners of his mouth.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He? Who is he?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Grimes. Ray Grimes.\'94\loch\f51  Fedorov croaked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Ray Grimes? Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t you mean Roger Grimes?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But the distinction was lost on the now dead colonel, his eyes staring vacantly ahead. In the distance, Shattles co\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 uld hear the sirens and no more shots were fired into the restaurant.

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 ---
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Later, after Shattles spent four hours explaining to the Moscow police how it was that he happened to be at the site of an apparent terrorist attack just days after being the victim of an attempted vehicular homicide, he was met at his hotel by Lada Agapo
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 v, his boss\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s emissary.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Good evening, Mr. Shattles. I understand you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve had a rough day,\'94\loch\f51  Agapov said without any expression whatsoever. Not a shred of empathy or even a telltale smi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rk to acknowledge her understatement. Like at their first meeting in Zvyozdny gorodok, she was all business.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve had better. It might take me some time to get Colonel Fedorov\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s blood from under my fingernails, but, then again, maybe not,\'94\loch\f51 
 he replied.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Dr. Bychkov sends his regards and has authorized payment of your fee plus a 25% hazard bonus for all you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve been through investigating this matter.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles activated his corneal implant and queried his bank. The deposit was pending and would be credited by\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  the end of the business day. \'93\loch\f51 Thank you, but I don
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t believe I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve uncovered the true circumstances behind Kezerashvili\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s death.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Proving that it was not an accident is all the was needed. Thank you. Your services are no longer required,\'94\loch\f51  she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattles could not argue with what the woman said. Finding out if it was really an accident was all he had been hired to do. And the pay was excellent. But he was troubled that he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t know who was behind the whole thing and what was so important about \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 stoppin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g the trip to Proxima Centauri. He didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t like loose ends, but his need to be paid for his work was ultimately stronger than his curiosity. He had another job pending, one that involved the untimely death of a banker in Switzerland. And the new job had a \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
particularly good expense account, making that future beach retirement, heavenly bodies and all, that much closer.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
THE END
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With Travis Taylor, Les is the co-author of\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/saving-proxima.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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69006d0061002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saving Proxima}}}\sectd \ltrsect
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(book one of a three-part series), a new Baen universe in which this story is set. If you enjoyed this story, you might want to read Les\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s 2018 novel,\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/mission-to-methone.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
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6d006500740068006f006e0065002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mission to Methone}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , or the forthcoming,\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-spacetime-war.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b70000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d007300700061006300650074006900
6d0065002d007700610072002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Spacetime War}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. You can learn more about Les on his website:\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "http://www.lesjohnsonauthor.com/" \\
t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b5a00000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e006c00650073006a006f0068006e0073006f006e0061007500740068006f0072002e0063006f006d002f00
0000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 www.lesjohnsonauthor.com}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 
The Man Who Would be Dracula}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Simon R. Green
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
What happened to all the old monsters? There was a time when the vampire and the werewolf were universally acknowledged and feared; and then suddenly we all lived in an age of reason, and no one believed in monsters out of fairy tales. But in reality the 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
monsters chose to vanish from view, rather than risk being exposed by electric lights and mass communications. It was safer to be a legend. And so they all disappeared into the underworld of crime; and discovered new ways to prey on Humanity.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Only one monst\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
er was prepared to fight his own kind; Edward Hyde. He founded Jekyll & Hyde Inc, and dispensed his marvelous Elixir to those he thought best suited to take on the now very wealthy and well-established monster Clans.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Daniel and Tina drank the potion and worked for Edward, becoming both more and less than human for what they thought were good reasons. Together they wiped out the monster Clans; only to discover that Edward Hyde was worse than all of them. So they killed
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  him as well, and took over the running \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of Jekyll & Hyde Inc. Daniel and Tina are the last of the Hydes; but they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re still looking for a few good monsters\~.\~.\~
.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The mists were unusually thick on that quiet autumn night in London\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s Soho. A great grey ocean filled the narrow streets, diffusing the curdled yellow glow from the street lamps and concealing any number of sins and sinners. Daniel and Tina Hyde went stri\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ding through Soho like the biggest sharks in that grey ocean, smiling happily as they went in search of something worth killing. The fe\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
w furtive souls still out and about at that ungodly hour hurried to get out of their way. They might not know who the Hydes were, but they had no problem recognizing predators when they saw them. So everyone fell back to give them plenty of room and avert
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ed their eyes, hoping not to be noticed. A few even hid in doorways until the Hydes were safely past.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel and Tina affected not to notice, just taking it as their due.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel Hyde was tall and muscular, wide in the shoulder and broad in the chest. He str\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ode down the street as though he meant to walk over and possibly right through anything or anyone that got in his way. He was handsome enough, in a dark-haired and dark-eyed way, and wore a smart suit with a casual air. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d killed monsters and loved it; \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and it showed in his smile.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Valentina Hyde, (always Tina, never Val,) at six and a half foot was a good head taller than Daniel. She had the physique of a body-builder, and the grace of some exotic jungle beast. She looked glamorous and extremely dangerous,
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  and gloried in it. A great mane of crimson hair cascaded down to her shoulders, framing a strikingly handsome face with fierce green eyes and a wide mocking mouth.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hydes on the prowl; looking for trouble. So they could stamp on it.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tell me again,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Why are we out tramping the streets in this less than salubrious neighborhood, when we could be enjoying ourselves in some fashionable dive; drinking heavily, picking fights with strangers, and generally trashing the place?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Because our work isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ver yet,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 
We wiped out the Frankensteins and the vampires, the mummies and the werewolves; but the ghouls have gone to ground. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s up to us to dig them out.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They were conspicuous by their absence, during our war against the Clans,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 According to Edward\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s files, the ghouls were never organized enough to have a Clan, as such. They survived by making themselves useful, cleaning up the messes the Clan\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s left behind. Because ghouls will eat anything.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But now it appears the ghouls are\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  coming together in large numbers, for some purpose of their own,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 
We need to find out what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s going on, and put a stop to it. Suddenly and violently, because that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the Hyde way.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You know how to show a girl a good time,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Tina said cheerfully. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But still; ghouls? Are they really worth the effort?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re all that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s left of the old monsters, and we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re all that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s left of the Hydes,\'94
\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 We didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t put our lives on the line to bring down the Clans, just so the ghouls could move into t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 he gap they left behind.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tina shot him a sideways look. \'93\loch\f51 Are you sure you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re not just feeling the need to do something, because you used to be a cop? Hydes don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t do duty.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Hydes don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t rest on their laurels,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Daniel said calmly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Not when there are still bad guys who need showing the error of their ways.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Will there be murder and mayhem, and mass destruction of property?\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I did promise you a good evening out,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tina smiled happily. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Where are we going? Are we nearly there yet?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Ac\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
cording to an informant who seemed to believe I was ready to beat him within an inch of his life, because I was, the ghouls are currently operating from behind the cover of a fast-food franchise just a few streets from here,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How appropriate,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When they reached the fast-food emporium, it was closed. The door was locked, there were no lights on anywh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ere, and all the indications were that not only was no one home, but no one had been for some time.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not so much deserted, as abandoned,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s what everyone is supposed to think,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
I suppose we could go round the rear, crack open a back door and sneak in?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tina sniffed loudly. \'93\loch\f51 Hydes don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t sneak.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel grinned, and kicked the front door so hard he ripped it right off its hinges. The door flew inward and measured its length on the floor, and the crash raised echoes that filled th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e whole place. Daniel and Tina strode into the gloomy interior, looking around hopefully for something worth hitting. The tables and chairs were empty, the serving area was unoccupied, and when Tina ran a fingertip across a tabletop it came away grey with
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  dust.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Not that I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m questioning your no doubt suitably terrified source,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina, \'93\loch\f51 But this place couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t be any emptier if it was called the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Marie Celeste}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel grinned, and led her through the tables to one particular patch of floor. He knelt down\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and pointed out a carefully concealed trapdoor.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 My informant couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t do enough to help me, once I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d pointed out that the alternative involved him having to learn how to walk on his elbows.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I get so hot when you talk dirty,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel tugged at the steel ring embedded in the trapdoor, but the door wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t budge. From the feel of it, there were a great many locks and bolts involved on the underside. So he took a firm grip on the ring and hauled the trapdoor out of the floor. It \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 came free with a
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  loud wrenching of wood and the squealing of broken steel, and Daniel casually tossed the heavy door to one side.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Show off,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The new opening revealed a set of bare stone steps, leading down into an unrelieved darkness.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Of course, it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s bound to be a trap,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Great!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s walk into it!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why not?\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They clattered loudly down the stone steps, their eyes quickly adjusting to the gloom, until they reached a huge and intimidatingly heavy door at the bottom, held \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
shut by several really big locks.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Okay, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re just teasing us now,\'94\loch\f51 
 said Tina. And she kicked the door so hard she broke the great wooden slab in two, leaving the jagged parts hanging drunkenly from shattered hinges. Bright light spilled out into the stairway.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Knock, knock!\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Hydes strolled into a great stone cavern, fiercely illuminated by rows of overhead fluorescent lights. Hundreds of ghouls were sitting packed together on low benches, at rows of empty tables. They all turned to stare 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at Daniel and Tina; scrawny, naked, grey-skinned creatures, with wrinkled turnip faces and huge eyes.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So these are ghouls,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They look like things that belong underground; or under stones.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t let the lean and hungry look fool you,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 Ghouls have appetites like you wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t believe; and teeth that could bite through a marble mausoleum to get at the goodies inside.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How strong are they?\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 They don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have to be strong,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They have numbers. And teeth.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hen both Hydes looked round sharply, as a deep and cultured voice issued from the dark shadows at the rear of the cavern.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Well, well, what have we here? It would seem we have visitors, my children; uninvited, but not necessarily unwelcome.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Daniel and Tina moved closer together, as a tall and sturdy figure emerged unhurriedly from the shadows and stepped out into the light. He wore a formal tuxedo under a sweeping black opera cape with a blood red lining. He had a dead white face, night dark
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  hair, and when he smiled at the Hydes they could clearly see the elongated canines.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Hydes\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I am honored.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel looked \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 at Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A vampire?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Very old school vampire,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The full Lugosi.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What is a vampire doing here?\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ask him,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Hydes faced the vampire with a cold stare, and he inclined his head courteously.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Dracula.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Daniel had to raise an eyebrow. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Really?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 This is my domain, and these are my servants,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 
And I remain old school, because this aspect still has the power to compel. My children see, and they believe; and so I have\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  power over them. Ghouls don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t have it in them to challenge the authority of a vampire. I know both of you, of course; the infamous Daniel and Tina Hyde. Word does get around, in our rather limited circle.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I was sure we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d killed all the vampires,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
We hit your annual gathering in the deserted Tube tunnels under London, with a rushing river of holy water!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We had it blessed specially,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t at the gathering,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve never been a joiner. But since you did destroy al
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l my undead kith and kin, I thought it wise to keep my head down. Until it occurred to me\~.\~.\~.\~
that with all the monster Clans destroyed, there was now a power vacuum at the heart of crime that I could step into. And so I became lord of the ghouls; and a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  ruler of my own little kingdom once again.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have thought a vampire would lower himself to associate with ghouls,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Dracula shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I had to build my power base with the tools available. How did you know to find me here?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We didn\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t come here for you,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We were just interested in why the ghouls were organizing.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So it was my own success brought you to my door,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 Be sure your sins will find you out\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re avoiding the question,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why ghouls?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 These are my new children of the night,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A bit rough and ready; but so much quieter than the old ones.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And they just let you walk in and take over?\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ghouls have always needed someone to tell them what to do,\'94\loch\f51  said Dracu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 la.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And what, exactly, do they do for you?\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I sub-let their services to criminal organizations all over London,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
The ghouls make themselves useful, by disposing of any and all physical evidence that might link someone to a crime. Because ghouls will eat anything.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Shut your ugly face,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dracula broke off abruptly, because no one argued with Tina when she was in that kind of mood. She scowled heavily, concentrating on something only she could hear, and then moved quic\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
kly between the rows of tables. The ghouls turned their heads to follow her. She finally stopped before one particular section of a stone wall, and listened hard.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Get away from there!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Dracula said sharply. \'93\loch\f51 You won\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t find anything of any interest to you!\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But I can hear something,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s none of your business!\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tina grinned back at Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Well; now I really want to know.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She leaned in close and ran her fingertips over the stone wall. \'93\loch\f51 
Well; would you believe it? There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a door concealed here. I wonder what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s on the other side.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She wrenched the door out of the wall and tossed it away. She peered in through the opening, then stood very still.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What is it, Tina?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 What do you se\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 e in there?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 People,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina, not looking back at him. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Living people, in cages. Some of them are children.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Daniel moved quickly through the tables to join her. The ghouls watched him pass, making no move to try to stop him. Daniel stood beside Tina and stared into the adjoining chamber. Dozens of naked people had been crammed into cages barely three-foot squar
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e. The children were packed in two or three at a time. It was obvious the cages hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t been cleaned out for some time. The prisoners looked at D\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
aniel and Tina with pleading eyes, barely daring to hope. The Hydes turned away, to stare at Dracula.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He drew himself up to his full height, and swept his cape about him. \'93\loch\f51 
Someone is always an inconvenience, to somebody else. Inconvenient witnesses, certain individuals who know too much; or just people who got in the way of more important people. I take t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
hem all. My ghouls are always hungry.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Ghouls don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t eat the living,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not in their nature.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I take care of that,\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 There ar\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 e children,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Something in his voice made Dracula stir uneasily. \'93\loch\f51 Someone will profit from their disappearance. There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s no one in there who matters, or who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 ll be missed. Since when are Hydes sentimental?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We have a conscience,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s a line we won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t cross,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What do you want to do, Daniel?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I promised you a night of murder and mayhem,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 How would you like to kill everyone here who isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t in a cage?\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She thought about it. \'93\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s no fun in killing gho\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 uls. And I get the feeling they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re as much the victims as anyone else. But Mister Cape and Fangs\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Without the Count to organize them, the ghouls will stop being a problem.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Stand, my children!\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
And just like that, hundreds of ghouls rose to their feet. They were all staring at the Hydes now, with their huge unblinking eyes. There was no trace of a human expression in their wrinkled grey faces, but their smiles revealed teeth like chisels.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 My children are always hun\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 gry,\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But they don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t eat the living,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Daniel said steadily. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not in their nature.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s going to be a problem,\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Daniel reached out to the nearest table and ripped off one of its legs. He hefted the weight in one hand, and then nodded easily to Dracula.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How do you like your stake?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dracula\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s smile widened. \'93\loch\f51 That won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t help you, against me.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He reached inside his tuxedo and brought out a gun. Daniel had to raise an eyebrow.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Since when do vampires need weapons?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Dracula shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We all have to move with the times.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tina surged forward impossibly quickly, barging right through the tables and sending the ghouls sprawling. Dracula raised his gun, but Tina was moving so quickly he couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t bring it to bear on her. He opened fire anyway, and black blood spurted from ghou\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ls as they fell dying. Dracula ran out of bullets and Tina threw herself at hi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
m, her hands straining for his throat. He waited till she was almost upon him, and then his arm came sweeping round with vicious force, hitting her so hard she was sent flying back through the tables and slammed into a stone wall with such force she fell 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 stunned to the floor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Daniel walked between the tables, heading straight for Dracula. The vampire reloaded his gun, took careful aim and opened fire. Daniel ducked and dodged with more than human reflexes, and though the bullets passed so close he could fee
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l their passage, not one hit him. Dracula ran out of bullets again; and Daniel\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s fist lashed out with superhuman strength, more than enough to take Dracula\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s head right off. But Dracula\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s reactions were more than human too. He moved just enough that the f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ist sailed harmlessly past his head, and then he slammed his own fist into Daniel\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s gut. Daniel went down on one knee, bent over his pain, and Dracula raised his fist in a killing blow over the exposed neck.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tina came charging forward again. Dracula saw her\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 coming, but by the time he turned to face her she was close enough to punch him in the mouth with all her strength. Blood flew from his crushed lips; and the false vampire teeth shot out of his mouth.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dracula staggered backwards, blood coursing down his chin. Tina helped Daniel to his feet, and they stood together and stared at the man who wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t a vampire. He regained his balance, spat out a mouthful of blood, and raised a shaky hand.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Wait! There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s no reason for us to fight. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not what you think.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 had already worked that out,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 If you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re not a vampire,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What the hell are you?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m a rogue Hyde,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve spent years on the run, concealing who and what I am behind any number of masks.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I thought Edward killed all the other Hydes,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How did you get away?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 By not being there when he came to rip my head off,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 I should have stayed hidden; but when I heard you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d killed off the monster Clans\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 I saw an opportunity.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 By enslaving the ghoul\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s?\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not like they were doing anything useful with their lives\~.\~.\~.\~And I made them into one of the biggest criminal organizations in London! Look; I\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 m not greedy. We can run the ghouls together, and share the profits. The way money has been coming in, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s enough for all of us.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t lower ourselves,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Oh come on!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re Hydes!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s still a line we won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t cross,\'94\loch\f51  said Daniel.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What line?\'94\loch\f51  said Dracula.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The children,\'94\loch\f51  said Tina.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We kill monsters,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 And you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re the only monster here.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dracula turned to give orders to his ghouls, but they were already advancing on him, walking right past Daniel and Tina. Their eyes were fixed on their former master, and they were all smiling the same awful smile.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They saw the false teeth,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 And they saw you bleed. Now they know you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
re not a vampire, you have no authority over them.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 They can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t kill me,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula, as the ghouls formed a circle around him. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not in 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 their nature!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s going to be a problem,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. He turned to Tina. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 ll take care of this. You free the prisoners, and get them out of here.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Why can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t I deal with him?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Tina. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You promised me murder and mayhem!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Later,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 You get to free the prisoners, because you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re the good-looking one. They won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t be as afraid of you. Of course; they don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know you like I do.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tina smiled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You say the sweetest things.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She disappeared into the adjoining room, and there was the sound of rending steel as Tina took out her thwarted temper on the cages. After a while, she came back out with the prisoners, and led them through the cavern. Most were so weak they had to lean o
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n each othe\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 r, but Tina kept them moving until they were out of the cavern and started up the stairs. Daniel turned back to face Dracula, hefting the wooden stake in his hand.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not a real vampire!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Dracula. \'93\loch\f51 That won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t work on me!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A stake always works,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said Daniel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 As long as you hammer it in hard enough.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He walked forward, and the ghouls parted to let him pass. Dracula threw a desperate punch at Daniel, but he sidestepped it neatly, and slammed the stake in under the sternum. New blood gushed from Dracul
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mouth, and he clutched the stake with both hands, trying to pull it out. Daniel hit the stake with the palm of his hand, and drove it right through the man\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s heart. Dracula fell dead to the floor and the ghouls made a single low sound, like a collecti\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ve sigh. Daniel nodded to them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Bon appetite.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He turned and walked away, and didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t look back. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have to help Tina get the prisoners to safety, but afterwards\~.\~.\~.\~He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d promised her a night of mayhem and murder; and the night wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t over yet.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This st\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ory is set within the world of Simon R. Green\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s September 2021 novel\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/jekyll-hyde-inc.html" \\t "_blank" }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b6c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f006a0065006b0079006c006c002d006800790064006500
2d0069006e0063002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Jekyll and Hyde Inc.}}}
\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Green is the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 New York Times}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 best-selling author of more \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
than sixty science fiction, fantasy, and mystery novels. Simon sold his first book in 1988 and the very next year was commissioned to write the best-selling novelization of the Kevin Costner film\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
From there he went on to write many more series of books including Deathstalker, Nightside, Secret History, Forest Kingdom, and the Ishmael Jones mysteries among others. His books have sold over 3.8 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 over a dozen different language\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Shattered Trus}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 t
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Dave Bara
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The 5 Suns Navy marine was battering on the window of the escape pod with the butt of his rifle. Inside, Jared Clement, former captain of the Rim Confederation gunship\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Beauregard}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, looked to his former XO and lover, Elara DeVore.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I guess there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s nothing to it now,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 We have to blow the hatch or they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll start using their rifles to cut their way in.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 DeVore reached over to him and took his hand reassuringly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No more cards to play,\'94\loch\f51  she said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I love you, Elara.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She squeezed his hand even tighter. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I love you, Jared. Whatever happens from here on out, never forget that.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Instead of replying, he merely nodded, then reached up for the exterior com button. \'93\loch\f51 Stand back from the\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 pod. I am going activate the explosive bolts to release the hatch in thirty seconds.\'94\loch\f51  He could hear muted grumbling at that, but eventually the marines started backing up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The escape pod they were trapped in was the last one from Clement\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s ill-fated gunship, now scuttled on the surface of an ignominious \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 moon\'94\loch\f51 
 of the planet Argyle, capital world of the former Rim Confederation, which if it hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t surrendered yet would surel\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
y do so in the next few hours. He activated the four locking bolts on the hatch and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 then hovered over the firing switch. He counted down from five in his head, not really sure if he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d given the marines more or less time than the thirty seconds he had promised them, then turned away from the hatch and hit the toggle switch.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The hatch exploded out and away from the pod, landing about a meter from it, clanging on the cold metal floor of the Argyle Station landing deck they had been unceremoniously dropped on. A 5 Suns destroyer had grabbed their pod and dragged them into the s
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tation\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s landing\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  bay, bringing an end to a near five-year war between the two governments.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 As the smoke cleared both Clement and DeVore unbuckled their safety clamps. Two huge 5 Suns marines filled the still-smoking hatchway. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Out!\'94\loch\f51 
 demanded one of the grunts, who reached in and grabbed DeVore by the hand, forcefully pulling her out.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hey!\'94\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 protested Clement, only to be met by a rifle butt to the chest by the other marine. The blow knocked the wind out of him and pushed him back into his safety couch.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t you worry, worm. The 5 Suns marines will take good care of her.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Bas-tards\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51  choked out Clement, still trying to catch his breath. That earned him another rifle butt blow, this time to his ribs. He moaned\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
it fucking hurt, and now he was pretty sure a couple of those ribs were broken.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t fight them, Clement! I can take care of my\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 self!\'94\loch\f51 
 called DeVore after him as her voice moved further away from him. She was being led away from the pod by four grunts, leaving just two for him. She glanced back his way one last time, then they rounded a corner and she was gone.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Out!\'94\loch\f51 
 The huge marine grabbed him by the coveralls and literally pulled him out of the pod with one hand. There were only two of them left now, but after the body blows Clement was in no condition to try and jump them, and ultimately, there was no reason
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  to. The war he had f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ought so vigorously was over.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
They marched him down a series of corridors, one grunt in the lead and the other with a firm grip his shoulder. After going down a few decks in an elevator, Clement was deposited in an empty, featureless cell. They locked the door behind him. He went to o
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ne corner of the cell, wondering about Elara, wondering how bad the penalty for his revolt against the ruling power over five star systems would be. He would have plenty of time to think about that.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They fed him twice a day, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 standard 5 Suns military rations. That wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t a problem for Clement, as he been eating those same rations for almost a year. He
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d stolen them in a raid on the nearest 5 Suns outpost, Kemmerine Station. He got water three times a day, and eventually they i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
nstalled a sleeping pad and a toilet. No one questioned him, no one talked to him for three solid days. He wondered if they remembered that he used to be a 5 Suns Navy officer, and thus had been trained on their psychological techniques. He decided it did
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t matter. They were going to do what they were going to do.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Per the Navy book, on what he figured was day four of his captivity, he was taken into another room which had a desk with a 5 Suns officer behind it, rank of major, undoubtedly a psychological warfare specialist. A metal folding chair was pulled out and h
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 e was \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 invited\'94\loch\f51 
 to sit down in it. At that point the psych officer waved the guards out of the room and then he sat there, looking at and shuffling papers, without saying a word.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Finally, he spoke \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 without looking up. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Are your rations adequate, Captain Clement?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The shrimp scampi is a bit spicy for my taste, but otherwise it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s as I expected,\'94\loch\f51  quipped Clement.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The officer looked up at Clement through old fashioned round, wire-rimmed glasses and surprisingly smiled at him. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I see you still have your sense of humor, and irony.\'94\loch\f51 
\hich\f51  Then he looked back down at the papers on his desk, and slid one towards Clement. \'93\loch\f51 Thi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s is your confession to war crimes against the legitimate government of the 5 Suns Alliance
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 , up to and including the murder of innocents and nonmilitary personnel, both onboard navy ships and at Kemmerine Station,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Clement leaned forward and looked at the sheet. There were many pages. He flipped through them. It had the names of sailors and civilians alike, all dead. All killed by his hand. Clement slid it back across the table, where the psych officer let it lie.

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a long list,\'94\loch\f51  admitted Clement quietly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Indeed. More than thirty-two hundred names. And you signed their death warrant\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s. You and your Rim Confederation traitors. Do you know what the penalty is for traitors in the 5 Suns, Clement?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The same as it is in the Rim. Death by hanging.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The psych officer nodded. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t imagine you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll want to be signing that confession, will you, Captain? It would be like signing your own death warrant.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Every war has its casualties, Major.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Does it?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  snapped the major. \'93\loch\f51 Why did\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 choose to fight this war? Why did\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 choose to kill so many innocents?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do you really want to know?\'94\loch\f51  said Cle\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ment, raising his voice in challenge.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes, I damn well do!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Because you were starving us, the Rim. The governor general was stealing all the goods intended for the people on the Rim, and selling them all on the black market. Food. Seeds necessary for planting. Medical supplies. It was a slow-motion, controlled ge
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nocide. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s why we fought you.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The governor general has been dealt with.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Too little, too late, Major.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The major leaned back in his desk chair at that and put his feet up on the table. He looked at some more papers on his desk, took a drink of water, watching Clement\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s face. \'93
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Would you like some water, Captain? I can have a glass brought in for you.\'94\loch\f51  Cleme\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nt was parched, and his next water ration wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t for another three hours. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 After, of course, you sign the confession.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement shook his head. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How about a real meal? A steak perhaps? How long has it been since you had real food?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Probably since the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 war started, Major.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The major slid the confession across the desk again, and turned it to the last page. It had Clement\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s name with a line for his signature above it. \'93\loch\f51 
Just sign it, Captain. Carrying the burden of guilt must be wearing on your conscience. Sign it, and you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  have that water, and a meal, and even a cell with a window. We\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll treat you well if you cooperate.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It took all he had to keep from picking up the pen and signing. \'93\loch\f51 Psychological torture is still torture, Major, and illegal under both \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
the Rim Confederation and 5 Suns military codes of justice.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m the only justice here now, Captain.\'94\loch\f51  He thumbed a red button on the table and two guards came in to take him back to his cell.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
It went on like that for at least six weeks, Clement lost track. Sometimes more than once a day, always trying to get him to sign. In between those sessions they asked him about his military tactics, about how he was able to outwit their own navy commande
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 rs so often. He always replied with the same answer; \'93\loch\f51 Your comma\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nders weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t very good.\'94\loch\f51 
 Eventually though, he just got bored of fighting them, and he began sharing different tricks of the trade he had learned and used. They seemed happy with this information, and his rations improved considerably. He rarely saw the 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 major, but he was there, behind the scenes, guiding the interrogations, no doubt. And then one day he was back, sitting behind the familiar desk.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As Clement sat down he looked to the table, which for once didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have his confession on it. In its place were \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
two single sheets of paper, one facing the major, one facing Clement.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
A final armistice agreement has been reached. Both sides have agreed to prisoner exchanges, a general amnesty, a shutdown of military operations on the Rim, and a restoration of peaceful relations between the two parties. Aid is on the way to the Rim wor
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 lds, where it will be fairly distributed to the people of Argyle, Helios, and Ceta.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Until you appoint a new governor, who will start stealing it again.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The major shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 The Navy ca\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t stay out here forever, Captain. Perhaps we should, but many in the Navy believe that we should just cut you loose, grant you autonomy, let you fend for yourselves. But the politicians, they won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t stand for that. Pictures of starving children would aro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 use disturbing feelings in the Core, and we can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have that.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the paper?\'94\loch\f51  asked Clement, curious.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The major leaned forward. \'93\loch\f51 This? It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s your release. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
re to be transferred to a private mining camp on the surface of Argyle in the morning.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I thou\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ght you said there was a general amnesty?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Oh, there is. Most of your compatriots are being released back to their home planets in the next few days, but we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll be holding on to you. There is a clause in the amnesty for \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 high-value prisoners,\'94\loch\f51  and regrettably for you, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re one of those. If you s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ign the transfer agreement, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll spend six months on the planet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s surface, working for the Argyle Mining Corporation. Then you will be eligible for parole and eventual release to live a normal life again.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So yo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 u sold me as chattel.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The major shrugged again. \'93\loch\f51 If you like. We have to find some way of deferring the costs of this war. Why complain? It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s only six months.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Mining is a dangerous business. It could be my last six months.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Read it.\'94\loch\f51  The agreement was very much as the major had stated, no secret clauses or contract embellishments. But there was one provision that caught his eye.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why am I being banned from seeing my former crew members?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The Navy wants to discourage fraternization by former combatants.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  You won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t be able to meet with former members of your crew for the duration of your work assignment and your parole.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And how long is my parole?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Twenty-four months from the date of your capture, Captain. Then you can renew your old associations.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Except for one.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Except for one. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll never be allowed to see Elara DeVore again.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The major shifted in his chair. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Because she has requested it.\'94\loch\f51  That hit him like a punch to the gut.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Did you really think you\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d be able to marry her? Settle down, buy a farm, have little children running around at your feet? No. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s not for you, Clement. Now sign the release. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m sick of looking at you.\'94\loch\f51  He stuck a pen in Clement\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s face then. Clement looked at it, thinking abou
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t the past, and the future. One was filled with regret, the other with black despair.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He signed.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Six months in a mining camp had hardened Clement\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s body, but had done nothing for his mood. True their word, the Argyle Mining Corporation prepared to let him\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 go after his six months of penal duty, most of which had been administrative. Oh, he did his time of hard labor, working the mines like any other grunt, but they knew who he was and how his talents could be best utilized. They even made him an offer of a
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  new contract at thirty-two thousand crowns a year, not a bad wage, but he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d be stuck to the ground for sure. No, he decided his future was still in space, he just didn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t know what it would be yet.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They cut him loose with a standing offer of employment, but\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 Clement figured (or rather, hoped) that he could make at least that much as a merchant pilot on Argyle Station. He had no love for the planet itself, nor did he think he could go home to Ceta and face both his parents and the people he had failed there. 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Emotionally, he just wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t ready. He took his two hundred crowns severance and bought passage to the station, along with a couple of days of rations. It was all he could afford, all that he had to his name in the universe.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 After arriving on the station he \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
managed to obtain a single berth based on his former navy credit. It seemed Rim currency was still being honored on a one-to-ten ratio, until the end of the next year. He set about aggressively trying to find employment in the merchant fleets running the 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 supplies from the Core 5 Suns worlds out to the Rim, as agreed to by the armistice. There was plenty of work about, but mostly as a seaman, which didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t pay much. Eventually he lucked on to a couple of back-to-back piloting assignments on former Rim freig\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ht\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ers, and then his flight reputation was sealed. It came as no surprise when one of the big import/export companies called up his file.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
He went in for an interview less than three months after arriving on Argyle, and just a year after the war ended. To his surprise, the interview was with Patrick Ngokue, Chairman of the appropriately named Argyle Starfreight Services, or ASS as sailors on
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the station called it. He smiled at that as he was led into the office.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ngokue didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t rise to greet Clement at all when h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e entered, he just motioned for him to take a chair while he sat behind his desk, shuffling papers. It reminded Clement of his meetings with the nameless intelligence major.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The room was spartan and decorated in a style that reflected the Chairman\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s desire to not spend a penny more than necessary. It was filthy. Clement noticed a pest trap under one desk.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ngokue was a huge African man, and he dwarfed the desk as he continued shuffling for a few more moments, then looked up.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I have a job for you, Captain Cl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ement,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m not a captain anymore, sir. Just a \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Mr.\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  will do for now.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Whatever you want, Mr. Clement. Now about this job\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re contact com didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t mention a pay rate. I always start with the pay rate. That way we can find out quickly if we are wasting each other\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s time.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ngokue eyed him for a second, then slid him a piece of paper across the desk. Clement looked down at the paper. Forty thousand crowns. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do we have a deal, Mr. Clement?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 At that rate you could hire me for a year. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re payin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g me this for\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 one}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 trip?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You haven\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t heard what the job is yet.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not likely to care.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Well, that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s why you were top of my list.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ngokue motioned for Clement to read the rest of the bill of lading. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Out loud, please, so there is no confusion.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 One nine-day run to Kemmerine Station aboard the freighter\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, there to pick up supplies of food rations, assorted beverages, and miscellaneous items. Nine days return journey to Helios Station where cargo is to be transferred to Rim Resources Mana\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
gement, Inc. for resale and general distribution.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Seems simple enough. Why is the pay rate so high?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s just say that I need a man with former military experience to guarantee a safe and secure transfer of these goods to their destination. Do we understand ourselves, Mr. Clement?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I think we do. It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s odd, though.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What is?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The name of the ship,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ? It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a bit odd, even for a freighter.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ngokue sat back in his chair. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
s a name that may or may not reflect my personal feelings about some aspects of the war. Before I bought the ship her name was the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Kettering}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . Not really very exciting.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Clement thought about that answer. Was the ship\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s name reflecting his belief that the 5 Suns broke trust with the Rim, or the other way around? His intuition told him to be careful, he was sure the military would be watching him. His training told him to \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
be suspicious of everything.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What are you running?\'94\loch\f51  said Clement flatly.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ngokue stared \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 across the table at him. \'93\loch\f51 That information\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not part of the contract.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Crew?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Just you and a copilot. All the moving of merchandise will be done by private dockworkers.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Private? I see. Now I think I understand why you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re paying so much.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ngokue waved him off. \'93\loch\f51 Enough of this. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve arranged for your copilot to meet you aboard the ship. You depart at noon tomorrow.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d prefer to pick my own copilot.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not in your contract.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement looked down again at the one-page document. \'93\loch\f51 I guess it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Half up front into your credit account, half when you deliver the goods at Helios,\'94\loch\f51  stated Ngokue.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement took a pen off of the desk and signed the contract. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The twenty thousand has to be in my account before noon tomorrow.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Done,\'94\loch\f51 
 said Ngokue. With that Clement got up and left the office without another word, heading for the station bar, there to buy three bottles of Argyle scotch, the best stuff they had. Nine days was a long trip.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He arrived aboard\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ninety minutes before her launch, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 his small duffel bag and the three bottles of liquor in tow. From there he checked out the freighter
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s systems, found them compatible with his skills and experience, and quickly programmed his personal settings into the controls. After that he went to the\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  hold and found that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
was almost as big as a Rim Confederation destroyer. There was a huge amount of empty space in the hull, enough for food to feed a small city. But her size displacement meant she was also slow, thus the nine day journey t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
o Kemmerine. He was surprised nothing was going outward bound on the trip, but he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want to ask questions, and there was no one to answer them anyway.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He went to his cabin next, a berth that said \'93\loch\f51 Captain\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s Cabin\'94\loch\f51 
 in faded, grimy letters. Inside was a simple bed and a small desk and chair. Across from him was another, unmarked berth, and down the hall there was a shared bathroom for two, along with seve\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ral empty cabins, not needed for this trip.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He looked at his watch at 11:45 and made his way back to \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
the bridge. As he walked the metal deck he felt the engines kick in, likely the missing copilot warming things up. When he got back to the bridge the copilot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s seat was occupied. He walked to his seat and plopped himself down in the chair, then turned to \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 look at his copilot.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She had dark hair and dark olive skin; her hair was cut short to almost military regulation. She had a finely featured face, and for moment, just a moment, his mind played tricks on him. She looked remarkably like Elara DeVore, so much 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 so that he felt that it couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t be a coincidence. She was about the same age, in her late twenties, and had a similar complexion and sumptuous body type, like many of the ethnic Brazilian descendants of Helios.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Someone is playing me}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , he thought.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Captain Clement! I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m Tima Morales,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said cheerfully, reaching out hand to him. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll be your copilot on this trip.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He took her hand and shook it. \'93\loch\f51 Please, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t call me \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Captain,\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s just Jared now.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She held on to his hand a bit longer than required, makin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 g their skin contact last beyond a simple business greeting. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Jared, then. Please excuse me if I get a bit carried away with excitement about meeting you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement pulled his hand away, then said, \'93\loch\f51 You shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t think of me as a hero, Miss Morales. We lost the war.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She nodded and smiled a bit less. \'93\loch\f51 I know. But still, you gave so many families in the Rim hope. The first hope we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d had in decades.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Well, thank you, but let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s focus on our mission, uh\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 I mean our assignment,\'94\loch\f51  he said, embarrassed at how quickly he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d slipped back into military jargon. He set about going through a pre-flight check list, which kept her attention on her work, not hi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 m, which was the way he wanted it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They left dock ten minutes late\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, but Clement quickly had them on a bearing for Kemmerine Station running full out. By his way of calculating it, they would get there in just 8.25 days, better than the nine the contract called for.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He socialized with Morales a bit, but for the most part he kept things formal between them. He also kept them physically apart, with him running the \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 day\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 shift and her running the \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 night,\'94\loch\f51  with just two hours of necessary crossover time each day which th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ey used to eat and converse. She was always asking him ab
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 out the war, and he regaled her with a few tall stories, but when she tried to get too personal, he always fended her off.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 On the fourth day out of Argyle, Clement was in his cabin, drinking from his precious scotch supply, trying to forget how much Tima Morales reminded him of Elara DeVore. That fact made him question both her and Ngokue
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s intent. He wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t sure he could tru\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 st her, but he wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t sure he couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t, either.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As he lay on his bunk nursing his third shot of the night and looking disappointingly \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
at his diminishing alcohol reserves, he overheard the sound of the shower running in the shared bathroom across the hall. Morales was supposed to be running the ship. He assumed she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d put the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
on auto-pilot, and he debated getting up and going to the bridge himself to check it out, but ultimately decided to wait patiently with his shot glass in hand. The water ran for almost five solid minutes before she shut it off.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Thirty seconds later there was a knock on his door.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He debated what to do ne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
xt, whether to give in and just let it happen, or to continue to fend her off. She aroused his feelings for DeVore, and those feelings hurt, but it had also been a very long time since he had been with a woman. Too long.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Come in,\'94\loch\f51  he said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She came through the door topless, with beads of water running down her body thanks to the artificial gravity. She only had a small towel around her waist. He was glad he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d let her in.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She stepped closer without saying anything, her dark olive skin glistening in the cour\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 se light of his cabin. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s time,\'94
\loch\f51  she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He sat up. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes, it is.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Their sex was quick and frantic. After the second round of taking pleasure from each other, he \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ordered\'94\loch\f51 
 her back to her station. They carried on like that for the next few days, sometimes on her watch, sometimes on his. He let himself enjoy the moments, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 but emotionally he kept her at a distance, all the way to Kemmerine.

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Just over eight days out from Argyle the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 docked at Kemmerine Station. After clearing station custom\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
s and confirming their Bill of Lading with the station guard, the private dock workers quickly set about the task of loading cargo, all under the watchful eye of station security. It all\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 looked}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
right as they began filling the large cargo bay with the appropriate goods, so much so that Clement decided to head onto the station to pick up some more supplies for the trip back, including better food provisions. Kemmerine had much better cuisine choi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ces than Argyle did.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Morales seemed happy to \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 watch over\'94\loch\f51  the lo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ading process as he did his shopping, using Ngokue\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s credits. When he got back the deck was almost fully loaded, and he let Morales sign off the cargo manifest. Six hours after they arrived, they were back in space, bound for Helios.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The two of them carried on as they had before in bed, but Clement found himself drinking more and more, and wondering what they actually had in their hold. On the second night out from Kemmerine, when he should have been sleeping, he got out of bed, pulle
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d on his coveralls, and\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  checked his bridge monitor. It showed Morales busy at the copilot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s console.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He slipped out of his cabin and went quietly down to the hold. He walked through the columns of cargo boxes, all carefully marked and logged. He wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t sure what he was looking for, until he found it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 In one of the back rows against the outer hull, he noticed a metal container with an electronic lock on it. The cargo bill stated it was \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Quantar Shiraz\'94\loch\f51 
 wine, whatever that was. He tried the lock several times, but ultimately he got\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  locked out. He found another box, smaller, but with the same bill and code box. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d been good with codes in the military, and this lock box certainly looked military grade. This time he pulled the RFID blocker off of the credit chip Ngokue had given him\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and applied it to the code box. It was a trick he
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d used many times during the war to access 5 Suns Navy contraband. The RFID blocker wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t break the code of the box, but if the box was separated from the security network, it might let him reset the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 co\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 de.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Sure enough the code box went to amber from red, indicating it was offline from the rest of the network. He looked at the keypad. Standard commercial security used an eight-entry key, but the military used twelve. He decided to take a gamble, and at the p
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rompt from the box, he entered in his old Rim Navy twelve-entry key. The code box went green. It had reset the pass key. He turned a handle on the coffin-sized box and the lid opened up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Inside was a treasure, for any military man. There were many scatt\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ered rifles and pistols inside, both conventional firearms (antiques, really) mixed in with used military-grade energy weapons. He reached in and pulled a small caliber gun from the pile of weapons. It had a full magazine with six shots in it. He checked 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
the chamber and it was empty. He tucked the gun in his coverall hip pocket, where it was almost unnoticeable. He counted himself lucky and shut the crate, then pulled the blocking chip from the code box. When he did, the room lit up like Christmas. All of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he other crates with code locks were resetting, going from red (locked) to amber to green once they received the new code key. After a few seconds they all returned back to red, indicating they had accepted his new code. He had the keys to the kingdom.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Still curious, he opened up one of the larger containers, and then he knew what\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s cargo really was. Inside were mortars, coil rifles, RPG\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s, enough to start a war with, or a second revolution.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Clement quickly shut the container and scrambled b\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ack to his cabin, hiding the gun he had taken behind his booze. He didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t sleep much for the rest of that shift, and deep inside he began to wonder what was really going on.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And why.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He cut Mora\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 les off from sex after that, saying he wanted to \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 keep things casual,\'94\loch\f51  and locked her out of his cabin. It wasn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t that he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t trust her, it was that he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t trust anyone anymore.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They were still two days out from Helios when Morales called him up to the bridge in the middle of her shift, when he should have been asleep. He went up and sat in his pilot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s chair across from her.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What have you got?\'94\loch\f51  he asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m not sure, but it sounds like a distress beacon.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Let me hear it,\'94\loch\f51  he said, then donned his \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ear phones. It sounded like a standard merchant distress call, a repeating series of long and short radio bursts. \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s an S.O.S., no question,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 he said as he pulled off the earphones. \'93\loch\f51 Can you tell what direction it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s coming from?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She nodded. \'93\loch\f51 It looks like it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s coming from an asteroid field fifty-thousand klicks off of our current course. We can be there in ninety minutes.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re obligated to try and rescue them. Slow the engines and change our course.\'94\loch\f51  Clement made excuses to return to his quarters, an
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d once there he threw on his utility coveralls and placed the gun in his hip pocket, loading a round in the chamber first. If ever he was going to need the gun on this mission, now was the time.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As they closed on the beacon\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s position, the reason for the S.O.S. was obvious. A mid-size freighter, maybe two-thirds the displacement of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, had a gaping hole in its side, the entire cargo bay exposed to space. It was drifting, slowly being pulled in by the weak gravity of the asteroid field\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s biggest\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  rocks.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 See if you can pick up any communications,\'94\loch\f51  said Clement. Morales tried, but there was no response.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d say their coms are down.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m going to try to get them using Morse code.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s that?\'94\loch\f51  she asked.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s an old communications method. We learned it in the military as part of our survival training. Give me the com.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 She did, and he proceeded to send out a signal. After a few tries, he got a response. \'93\loch\f51 Two survivors in the main cabin, nineteen missing \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and presumed dead. They say they have abou
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t an hour of oxygen reserves left.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Lucky we came along when we did. So what do we do now?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 If I can get us close enough, we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll use the docking umbilical and try to lock onto their exterior airlock in the crew cabin. Lucky this ship has one. Most freighters don\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t.\'94\loch\f51  With that he maneuvered the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 to within about ten meters of the drifting freighter. \'93\loch\f51 No time to waste, Morales. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve only got forty-three minutes of O2 left.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll lock the thrusters down. Be there in two minutes.\'94\loch\f51  Clement nod\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ded and headed off to the cargo deck. He had to override several security protocols to deploy the umbilical.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re very skilled at this,\'94\loch\f51  Morales commented after joining him. He nodded.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It comes with my resume.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Of course it does.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Seven minutes later and they had a seal on the umbilical, and he began pressurizing it. Once secure, he picked up a wrench and walked the distance to the freighter\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s airlock and rapped on the door. There was excited pounding on the other side. With that, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the freighter door op\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ened and two very happy looking merchant sailors started to come out of the ship in full EVA suits.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A second later and a blinding flash cut them both down in their tracks, dead. Clement whipped around. Morales was now pointing a coil pistol directly at his chest from just a few feet away.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What shame to waste a man like you, Clement. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d be the most valuable man in the 5 Suns Navy,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said, shaking her head. \'93\loch\f51 You
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re talented, smart, a good flyer, almost as good as me, and you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re even good in bed. Your o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nly mistake was giving me two minutes alone to arm myself. I\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m sorry, but, this is the end of the line.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is this the part where I start talking to you to prolong my life for a few more seconds?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It is. Now raise your hands.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He did as instructed. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drop the wrench.\'94\loch\f51  He did that too.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So do I get an explanation?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She shrugged, but the gun stayed leveled on his chest. \'93\loch\f51 
If you want. My job was to evaluate your usefulness to the 5 Suns, and your true level of threat. I can see now that threat is substantial. You broke the 5 Suns best security protocols. You can fly a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
lmost anything, even this clunky freighter, and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the Rim people see you as a war hero. As I said, a waste of talent.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m going to have an accident?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Yes. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll be written up in the history books as a man who tried to start a new rebellion after the end of the war. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll be dumping all of our cargo here, and when they come to investigate they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll find your body, and the weapons. Case closed.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement let his hands sag lower. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But who ordered me to be killed? Was it the 5 Suns? Ngokue? The Argyle corporations?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Does it really matter? I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve been paid a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  handsome sum to make sure you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t come back from this mission. There are so many people who want you dead. If you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d just stayed in the mining camp, you might have been able to eke out a living for a few years. But they would have got to you, eventually
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement nodded. \'93\loch\f51 They picked you because of how much you look like Elara DeVore. They thought if I was distracted by your looks, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d let my guard down.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Something like that. Now step back onto the freighter, Clement,\'94\loch\f51  she said, waving the pistol at him.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve only made one mistake,\'94\loch\f51  Clement said, slowly backing up.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s that?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You gave me those same two minutes alone down here. It gave me time to prepare.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Prepare for what? If you think I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t know about that gun in your pocket, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re sadly mistaken.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement stood on the threshold of the damaged freighter. He shook his head. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No, not the gun. Just this,\'94\loch\f51 
 he said. He dropped his left arm and a small remote control slid down into his palm. Before she could react, he pressed the control button \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
with his thumb. A charge set at the entrance to the umbilical lit up, and the walkway was suddenly exposed to space. In the same instant, Clement stepped back onto the deck of the derelict freighter, and slammed the hatch control closed. There was just en
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ough time to see Morales being sucked out into the void as the umbilical explosively tore away from both ships. The last thing he heard was her scream, fading quickly into the dark.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Clement sucked in as much air as his lungs could take, kneeling on the deck\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
. The umbilical connection had allowed a small amount of oxygen into the freighter. After a few deep breaths, he said out loud, \'93\loch\f51 If I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have Elara DeVore in my life, it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s not worth living anyway, lady. At least you were a good lay.\'94
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It took him fifteen minutes to tear an EVA suit from one of the dead men, repair the hole Morales had put in it, then open the airlock door and drift over to\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. The two unfortunate merchantmen floated off into space, their bodies unlikely to ever be recovered\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, just like Morales. Once aboard he jettisoned the cargo, all of it, the good and the bad, and set his course for a return trip, not to Helios, but back to Argyle Station.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When he docked he reported that the wreck of the freighter was unrecoverable, and that Morales had been killed trying to help with the rescue of the two merchant men. Things like that happened all the time on the Rim.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Once he was cleared by station security and the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shattered Trust}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was turned over to the port authority, he made his way dow\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n to the Argyle Starfreight Services office where he had met with Ngokue. It was empty, completely cleaned out. At least he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d received the first payment. This had been an extensive covert operation, and that implied that the 5 Suns military had been invol\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ved. He tapped the gun in his pocket just as a reassurance, and determined he\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 d need better protection in the future.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 If}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he had a future.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A day later Clement walked into the Argyle station bar. There was a collection of assorted scruffy looking sailors, and\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 not much else. It looked safe, for the moment. He went to the bar and sat down in a chair, drinking alone.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll it be?\'94\loch\f51  said the bartender.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Argyle whiskey, single malt,\'94\loch\f51  replied Clement.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s our best stuff. It will cost you half a month\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s wages.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Clement eyed the bartender scornfully. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Just pour it, and leave the bottle.\'94\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 The bartender did as instructed, but demanded payment, which Clement gave him from Ngokue\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s still-active credit account.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The bartender stood in front of Clement as he poured his first shot and then drank it before quickly pouring again.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You trying to forget something?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Not\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 something}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 ,\'94\loch\f51  Clement said, pouring a second shot.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Trying to forget a lot.\'94
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574\charrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid3551205 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2115574 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
This story is set within the world of Dave Bara\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s October science fiction novel\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/trinity.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b5c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400720069006e006900740079002e00680074006d00
6c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Trinity}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , the first entry in the Trinity\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s Children series. Bara is the author of The Lightship Chronicles Series including\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Impulse, Starbound}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Defiant}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . His other works include\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Saint Cochrane's World}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 ,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Speedwing}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
and stories in anthologies\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Infinite Stars}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 ,\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/star-destroyers.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b6c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0073007400610072002d00640065007300740072006f00
79006500720073002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Star Destroyers}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/the-chronicles-of-davids.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b7e000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f007400680065002d006300680072006f006e0069006300
6c00650073002d006f0066002d006400610076006900640073002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The Chronicles of Davids}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. Dave grew up as a fan of the Gemini and Apollo space programs and dreamed of being an astronaut one day. Since that time he has restricted his journeys into space to the written word. He lives in the Pacific Northwest. His web page is:\~}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.davebara.info/" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b4e000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e00640061007600650062006100720061002e0069006e0066006f002f000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c
825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid2115574 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 http://www.davebara.info/}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid2115574 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16080144 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 
Echoes of Meridian}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid16080144 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by M. Elizabeth Ticknor
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
For nearly a decade, thousands of original fantasy stories from around the world have been submitted for the Baen Fantasy Adventure Award. This year, the grand prize was taken home by M. Elizabeth Ticknor for her story \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Echoes of Meridian.\'94\loch\f51  Congratulation\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A gust of wind danced between the lean-tos and leather tents of the Wendren camp, carrying the sweet promise of deer and rabbits that lurked in the woods beyond. Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s claws twitched with anticipation. Her tongue flicked, unbidden, across her teeth. T\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 his was the fourteenth anniversary of her adoption into the Wendren tribe and the perfect day for a hunt.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Her adoptive father, Cers, sat in front of the tent they shared, carving spokes for a broken wagon wheel. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him. How could he just sit there, ignoring the enticing scents that beckoned from the horizon? Concentration twis
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ted the tattoos on his head into eldritch patterns as he worked the morning away, oblivious as ever to the call of the wilderness. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d sit there all d\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ay if she let him.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Not that I will.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora slipped behind him, moving on all fours, stealthy as a wildcat. She hunkered down and waited for him to grow used to her supposed absence.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A fresh gust of wind pushed past Cers, carrying the pungent sting of embalming fluid to Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s nostrils. No matter how much Cers bathed, he always smelled of it. Even with thick cloaks and long-sleeved tunics to hide the stitch-like scar patterns and run\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ic tattoos that laced his body, he barely passed for human. Drora wanted to know why Cers looked like that, why \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he smelled that way. He dodged personal questions with such infuriating consistency that she\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d long since given up asking.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  shoulders stooped as he bent over his work, letting down his guard.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Now.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora wound her muscles tight and pounced.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers was easily twice Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s size, but years of practice had taught her where to aim if she wanted to take him down. She planted her weight between his shoulder-blades. The tackle sent him and his work flying. Drora vaulted off his back, tumbled to the g
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 round, and l\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 oosed a playful roar.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers showed no signs of surprise as he stood and dusted off. She hoped she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d caught him off-guard\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 surely he would have ducked if he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d anticipated an attack. He glanced in her direction; his left eyebrow arched in a silent question.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora rocked back on her haunches and gave a razor-toothed smile. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I want to go hunting.\'94\loch\f51 
 The grin was all bluster. Jubilation faded and uncertainty set in. Was Cers feigning stoicism, or had he willingly let her pounce him?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers picked up the wheel and rega\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 thered his tools. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Then go hunting.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Normally Drora appreciated Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 brevity, but today it raised her hackles. Had he forgotten her Finding Day? She grabbed his wrist and used pressure points to loosen his hold on the wheel. \'93\loch\f51 I want\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 us}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 to go hunting. Together.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers scowled. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve no interest in hunting, and Allmother Maela\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s wagon needs repairs so we can continue our travels on the morrow.\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora knocked the wheel away and pulled Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  arm behind his back. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll only be a couple of hours. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll have ple
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 nty of time to fix that stupid wheel. Come on, we used to do it all the time.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers made no effort to escape. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You were younger, then. It was just a game.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t a game for me!\'94\loch\f51  Drora tightened her grip and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 pushed}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers sucked in a sharp breath and stared at her, his expression unreadable. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll go if you promise not to kill anything.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What's the point of hunting if you don't follow through? There's nothing like the taste of fresh meat.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t enjoy it.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s because you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 weird}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94\loch\f51  Drora release\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 arm and shoved it away. He never wrestled with her anymore. Just once, she wished he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d fight back.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  expression darkened. \'93\loch\f51 Go if you want. I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t. I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora bared her teeth and snarled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fine.\'94\loch\f51  If Cers wanted to stay in camp whittling like an old man, that was his problem. Drora wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t going to waste the rest of her day. She stomped off toward the woods.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 On her way out of camp, an age-withered man with chalky hair and worn robes approached her from the direction of the road. He smiled, ba\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ring yellowed teeth, and snatched at her elbow with bony fingers. \'93\loch\f51 Excuse me, young lady. You wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t happen to know a tall fellow, broad shoulders, lots of tattoos?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora jerked away and growled low in her throat; she had little patience for strangers at the best of times. Cers didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t either, come to that.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dad brushed me off. He forgot my Finding Day. He deserves a little extra frustration.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora jabbed a claw-tipped thumb over her shoulder. \'93\loch\f51 He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s back that way.\'94
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers carved one final spoke, set it asi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 de, and pulled Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s Finding Day present from his pocket. Fashioning the puzzle ring\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s individual bands from a single piece of bloodwood had been difficult, but once the shaping and polishing was finished the rings would intertwine perfectly, with heads\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 that combined into a single image: a large hand holding a smaller, clawed one. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d intended to finish Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s gift last night, but the breakdown of Allmother Maela\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s wagon had left the entire camp moored on the edge of the wilderness.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  stomach knotted. He shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have refused Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s hunting invitation, but he needed privacy to finish her gift, and the idea of killing innocent creatures made him uncomfortable. It was too similar to warfare for his tastes. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d never actually hunted w
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hen he accompanied Drora into the woods; he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d simply ensured she wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t become prey for something larger and more toothsome. She was older, now. She\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d learned the wilds\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  dangers. More than that, her teeth and claws had grown sharp enough to rend flesh f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 m bone.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A familiar voice slithered into his ear as he shaved an errant burr of wood off a ring\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s loop. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hello, Cers.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers dropped his knife and looked up slowly, goose-flesh prickling on the back of his neck. His creator, Tirian, stood before him. Age had curved the mage\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s spine and dulled his hair, but his eyes still contained the same feverish spark they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d had when Ce\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rs first gained sentience on his operating table.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers forced his expression to remain stoic and reclaimed his knife with a trembling hand.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  \'93\loch\f51 I expected you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d be dead by now.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Only stupid mages die of old age.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers wished for the wit to concoct a clever response, but he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d never been skilled with words. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why are you here?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I want to speak with you. Privately.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  skin crawled at the idea of being alone with his creator. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll not go anywhere with you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian smirked. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Would you rather I air our grievances publicly? People could get caught in the crossfire.\'94\loch\f51  He pulled an obsidian focus stone from his robes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers tensed. Decades ago, Tirian\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  had used a stone much like that to melt flesh from the bones of enemy soldiers. Cers was capable of crushing it\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
had crushed the last one\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but all Tirian need do was speak a trio of words to send black lightning arcing toward the tribesmen and women workin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
g nearby. In sixty-seven years, only the Wendren had accepted Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  presence without question.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re kind. More than that, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re innocent. They don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t deserve such painful deaths.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers cast his gaze downward. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Privately, then.\'94\loch\f51  He tucked Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s ring bac\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
k into his pocket and gestured to the freshly spoked wheel. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But first I must finish repairs on Allmother Maela's wagon.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 All pretense of amusement vanished from Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s face. He glowered at Cers, eyes narrowed with barely contained rage. \'93\loch\f51 No. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll come with me.\~
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Now}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\loch\f51  His voice carried a weight of command that bound Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  will tighter than any shackles.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora slunk through the forest on all fours. The animalistic posture afforded her both speed and silence. She swiveled her head from side to side, hype\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r-aware of every snapping twig, every rustling leaf.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
A panicked rabbit stopped foraging and dashed toward its burrow. Drora pounced on it, latched onto it with her teeth, and broke its neck with one vicious shake. No point in making the animal suffer unnecessarily. After skinning it with her talons, she bit
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  into the raw, juicy flesh. Rabbits were too lean to satisfy unless consumed whole, and the bones added a satisfying crunch.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Once Drora ate her fill, she caught another brace of rabbits to bring back as a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 peace offering. Her Finding Day could still be salvaged. Cers always seemed happiest when he was focusing on a project; he enjoyed the act of preparing food even more than Drora enjoyed eating it. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d ask him to help her cook the rabbits and see how th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ings progressed from there.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Halfway back to camp, Drora caught a telltale whiff of embalming fluid on the trail. She froze, eyes narrowed.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers had refused to go hunting\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 so why was he here?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She bent low to the ground and sniffed deeply. Someone else had bee\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n walking alongside him\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
someone with an unfamiliar scent. The greasy stench of old age overlaid a sharp, bitter amalgamation of spices, chalk, candle wax, and powdered bone.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Wait.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That man she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d passed on her way out of camp\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d asked after Cers, hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t he? And now Cers was just traipsing off into the woods with some odd-smelling stranger when he should be spending time with her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora growled, tossed the rabbit carcasses aside, and stalked after her father. When she caught up with him, she was going to sh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ow him how unwise it was to anger a feral.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers stood rigid and immobile. Tirian had commanded him to stay still, and the glyphs tattooed on his body glowed white-hot from his struggles to resist. Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s will had strengthened since their last encounter, perhaps magically so\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 every command bit dee\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
p. The mage circled him again and again, lighting candles and tracing arcane symbols at strategic points in the earth.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 At least he didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t forbid me to speak.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers gritted his teeth and asked, \'93\loch\f51 How did you find me\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Patience, research, and attention to rumor. Even among the Wendren tribes, you cut a pretty noticeable figure.\'94\loch\f51  Tirian gestured up and down at Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 hulking frame.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers grunted. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I expected the Rysan government to punish you with impunity.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They started press-ganging convicts. Funny how desperate people can get during wartime. It took a decade of service, but I earned my freedom.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Then you understand how valuable freedom is. Return mine.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 understand}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re a construct. You were designed to obey commands, not to have thoughts or opinions of your own.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers tensed. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m a sentient being\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian spat, \'93\loch\f51 You're a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mistake}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . A fly in the ointment, a spell gone awry. Without my ma\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
gic to command you, you should have collapsed into a pile of smelly corpse-bits within a week. Your continued existence defies seven different rules of spellcraft.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So you intend to dismantle me?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I intend to\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 fix}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A shiver went down Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  spine. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t require fixing.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re in no position to judge.\'94\loch\f51  Tirian drew a final glyph in the earth. The writing around Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  feet started to glow.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Energy flooded Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  body. His mind was engulfed in a blaze of electric agony; it felt as if his very soul were \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
aflame. The pain surged through neurons and nerve endings, dragging his spirit beneath waves of torment\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and all he could do was scream.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Drora skulked through the forest, temper rising, until she found a place where the earth had been scorched. Arcane glyphs stood out black against the undergrowth. The circle reeked of burnt flesh, ozone, and acid, drowning out every other scent in the reg
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ion. The forest was quiet here, as if every insect and animal were holding its breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s small hairs stood on end\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. The strange-smelling man Cers was traveling with must be a mage, but why would he have anything to do with such a man? Drora had begged for him to let her study magic when she was younger. Instead, he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d told her horror stories about the atrocities commi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
tted during the Meridian War, about how her ancestors had been irrevocably altered through the use of spellcraft, about the wild magic storms that could come about from a spell gone wrong.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora had never seen Dad work a ritual spell in his life, and that w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as the form of magic he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d warned most strongly against. Ritual circles served as fonts of mystical power, capable of enhancing any spell channeled through them but prone to explosive volatility from even one misplaced line or sigil.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
After half an hour of frantic searching, Drora tracked the scents to a remote clearing surrounded by old, knotted bloodwood oaks. Cers sat in the center of the grassy expanse, cross-legged. His tattoos glowed blue-white. The mage stood near Cers\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51  shoulder\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , a feverish gleam in hi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s eyes as he said, \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s see how your healing capabilities have held up over the years. Break your arm.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers took hold of his right arm and twisted it sharply. The limb snapped with a loud\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 crack}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . A spike of bone jutted through his wrist.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora bit her hand hard enough to draw blood and choked back the urge to scream. She shrank into the undergrowth, heart hammering in her chest. Why would Dad mutilate himself like that? Why would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 anyone}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  bones snapped back into place. Torn flesh regrew in a matter o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 f moments. The mage applauded and sneered. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Beautiful! Do it again.\'94\loch\f51  Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  grip shifted and his arm cracked just above the elbow. The fresh break healed as swiftly as the first.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora shuddered.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Something\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s very wrong here.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She needed to understand it\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 no, she needed to\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 stop}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 it. This was her fault. She\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 d wanted to annoy her father, not to harm him. Guilt and concern churned in her gut as she paced the clearing\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s perimeter.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A line in the dirt traced along the clearing\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s edge, wreathed in arcane symbols. Drora\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 studied them for a long moment, uncertain of their purpose. For all she knew, anything that crossed them would burst into flame or dissolve in a puff of smoke.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She kicked a stray twig across the line to test it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The mage\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s head swiveled in her direction. He scowled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers! We have company.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers jerked to attention and turned to face Drora. The lack of recognition in his eyes sent a shiver up her spine. It was like he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d become a completely different person.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s got to be in there somewhere. I can still reach him.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She steeled her confidence and stepped forward. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Dad?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t move. The mage laughed. \'93\loch\f51 You can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t seriously consider this\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 thing}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 to be your father.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora blinked. \'93\loch\f51 He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 thing}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t know who you think you are, but you look like your neck would snap if you sneezed too hard
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . Dad could squash you like a bug.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Cers isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t squashing anything unless I tell him to.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What the hells is that supposed to mean?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Allow me to enlighten you.\'94\loch\f51  The mage snapped his fingers. "Cers. Kill her."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers lurched to his feet and stalked toward Drora, fists clenched.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Dad? Dad!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers continued to advance, tattoos glowing, eyes dark.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 An edge of panic crept into Drora's voice as she backed away. "This isn't funny. What's wrong with you?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The mage laughed. "Nothing\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s wrong with him. Quite the opposite\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , in fact. I've improved on his original design."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers lunged at Drora.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora leapt back. Cers' fists pounded the ground where she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d been standing. The impact left a buckler-sized crater in the earth.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora vaulted into a bloodwood oak. Cers hauled a fist back and slammed it full-force into the trunk. Bark splintered; crimson sap spattered everywhere. The entire tree lurched with the force of the hit.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora scrambled to hang onto the branch she had perched on. Her breath seized in her throat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers slammed h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 is full weight against the trunk and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 pushed}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. Roots ripped out of the earth. The tree groaned, swayed, and toppled. Drora kicked away before the falling branches could pin her to the ground. She lurched to her feet.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers backhanded her into the clearing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s legs trembled as she stood again. Cers had barely touched her, yet he'd flung her ten feet. Was this part of the mage's modifications, or had Cers always been this strong?
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Wait. The mage.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He stood in the center of the clearing, watching the fight, ey\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 es sparkling with the same glee a sadistic child got from smashing ants. His guard was down.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora rushed him, tackled him to the ground, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed a talon against his carotid artery. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Call him off or I'll slit your throat.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The mage grinned. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Killing me won't make him stop.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora growled with frustration. She had to find a way to convince the mage to change those orders\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 she couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t let whatever he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d done to Dad become\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 permanent}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . She kicked the mage at Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  feet, h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 oping to slow his approach, but he stepped over the mage without missing a beat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora backed toward the edge of the clearing. \'93\loch\f51 Come on, Dad. You don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want to do this. I know you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re a good man. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 gentle}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve never hurt me in my life.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  tattoos flickered. His movement slowed; he tilted his head to the side.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora stopped retreating. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That's it, calm down. It's me. It's Drora.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers halted his advance. The mage reached into his robes, watching with narrowed eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora approached Cers slowly, as if he were a cornered animal. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 See? We don't have to fight. You don't have to kill me. You don't have to kill anybody.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers remained still. Drora took a shaky breath and pulled him into a hug. Cers hugged Drora in turn. For a moment, everything felt right with the world.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And then Cers started to squeeze.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora's eyes widened. \'93\loch\f51 Dad\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers squeezed harder. Air fled Drora's lungs. Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  arms\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  tightened around her like iron bands. His lips brushed her ear and he whispered, \'93\loch\f51 
\hich\f51 I'm sorry.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tears ran down Drora's face. She didn't have the breath to respond. She struggled, gasping, her movements growing ever weaker until consciousness abandoned her.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers let Drora's body slump face-first to the ground and swiveled away from her limp form. He couldn't afford to see her take a shallow breath. He couldn't even afford the hope that she might be\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 able}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
to breathe. The idea that he was capable of killing someone he cared for as much as Drora seeped through his veins like poison. For the first time since his creation, he was truly a monster.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He seized that thought, held it close, forcibly blackened that part of his soul. Drora\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 must}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 be dead. There could be no doubt in his mind, or he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d be compelled to cave her skull in.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian arched an eyebrow. "Impressive." He took a few steps closer and bent down to study Drora's body.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t believe in any gods, but\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  in that moment he prayed that Tirian wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t look too closely.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Let him think her dead\hich\f51 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No. She\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dead. She had to be. Cers clenched his fists and stared at the ground, driving that certainty back into his mind.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian straightened and gave an approving nod. "Excellent work. I liked how you pretended to warm up to her. That was clever."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t respond. Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s presence had pulled him back from the depths of mindless obedience Tirian had tried to drown him in, but the struggle to maintain his sense o\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
f self was constant. Every word Tirian spoke burned itself into his brain, an indelible rule of the universe. Every command must be obeyed, without question and to the letter.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 To the letter, certainly, but such things were open to interpretation if one paid proper attention.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian walked past Cers and beckoned with two fingers. \'93\loch\f51 Come on, then. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve places to go, research to do, and wars to win.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A knot twisted in Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  chest as he set off after Tirian. Even now, the words burned in the back of his mind in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  an endless loop:\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Kill her. Kill her.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t risk the thought that Drora might yet live, but he hoped that if she\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 had}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 survived, she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have the good sense to stay away.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Drora woke slowly. Every breath raked at her aching lungs. She lay in the clearing for what felt like hours, too sore to move, and picked through her memories in an effort to understand what had transpired before she passed out.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dad tried to kill me. He tried to crush me like an egg.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No. If that were true, she'd never have survived. Ce\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rs could punch holes in trees. If she was still breathing, he'd made considerable effort\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to kill her.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 How\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s the mage controlling him?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora had never heard of a spell that could dominate a person so completely\hich\f51 \emdash \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
but then, Cers had never been like other people.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
She thought back to stories the elders had told around nightly campfires, tales of the warspawn that had been created during the Meridian War. The worst tales spoke of constructs, the only warspawn created from dead humans instead of living ones, soulless
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  beings used as siege weapons. Their terrible strength had caused so much devastation that their creation had been outlawed after war\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s end. The elders claimed they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d all been destroyed, but Drora wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t so s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ure.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She huddled in a ball and shivered as childhood memories warred with primal terror. Constructs were supposed to be mindless beings, little better than statues unless driven by their master\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s orders. Before today, Drora had never seen Cers obey orders with\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 out question. He wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t rude or obstinate; he simply wanted to know\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 why}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Construct or no, he was still a person, with thoughts and feelings all his own. He was still her father\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 more than that, he was the only parent she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d ever known. Her mother had die\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d when she was too young to retain more than instinctive impressions of sound and scent, and she had no idea what had happened to her birth father.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Drora braced herself, then felt at her ribs. They were bruised, but not cracked or broken. They would heal soon enough. She shifted to her hands and knees, reacquired Cers' scent, and followed it with single-minded tenacity.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was almost midnight before she caught them again. The bloodwood oaks grew thick and tall this deep into the forest; trees butted up agai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nst the Dragonspine Mountains\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51  rocky peaks. The mage had made a fresh camp in the mountains\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  shadow. Drora kept to the underbrush and took stock of the situation from a distance, her features knotted into a frown.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Cers sat by a low-burning fire and stared into the woods. The light from his tattoos shone like a beacon, brighter than the moonlight that filtered through the trees. The mage slept on the far side of the fire, his back pressed against the cliff. Another 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 circle had been drawn around the camp\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s per\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 imeter. It had to be some sort of magical alarm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t stand up to Cers in a head-on fight. In order to save him, she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have to get him away from the mage\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s sphere of influence
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 without alerting the mage to her presence. Drora thought back on the lessons Dad had taught her during their old hunti\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ng trips. When taking down larger prey, it was important to manipulate their attention and use their size against them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She filled her pockets with pebbles, then carved four wooden stakes with her claws. Once\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 she felt properly equipped for the task ahead, she hopped into the branches of a fir tree and flung a pebble against a nearby oak. Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 head whipped around to face the sound. Drora threw a second pebble; it bounced off another tree further into the fore\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 st.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Come on, Dad. Take the bait.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Cers entered the woods to investigate, moving with a predatory grace that belied his size. The mage continued sleeping when Cers crossed the perimeter. Drora sighed with relief and followed her father, shifting from branch t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 o branch, baiting him with errant noises until he was well away from the mage\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s camp. Once she was certain they were out of hearing range, she tackled his knees from behind and jabbed one of the wooden stakes into the back of his knee.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She expected him to scream, but he only gave a strangled grunt. Somehow, that seemed worse. Was he muffling himself to protect her, or was he simply inured to pain? Either way it made her heart ache\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 she couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t afford to back down now, she had to see thi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s through.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She ripped\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 into his right elbow with her teeth, tearing at bones and ligaments, and shoved another spike into the wound before it could close. The foreign material should keep him from healing properly, at least in the short term. It wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t kill him\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 she wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t su\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 re he\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
could}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 be killed\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but it should slow him down.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers rolled over and attempted to crush Drora beneath him. Drora leapt away. She swung back into a tree, panting.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers stood on shaky legs. His right arm hung limp by his side. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora?\'94\loch\f51  His voice radiated p\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
arental concern, but his eyes searched the foliage with calculated precision.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Oh, no you don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m not falling for that again.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora kept silent, slipping from branch to branch in an effort to keep out of sight. This wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t like a hunt. There was no playful exhilaration\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 only adrenaline, guilt, and terror.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers reached for the spike in his arm. His tone grew bitter. \'93\loch\f51 You shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t have come back. Now I have to kill you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora vaulted down behind Cers and kicked his right kneecap hard enough to push it out \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 of socket. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Have to catch me first!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers staggered and fell.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora cringed as she jammed her spike into his freshly-injured knee. She skittered away and paced in front of him. \'93\loch\f51 Sorry, Dad. Nothing personal, but I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t help you if you break all my ribs.\'94\loch\f51  She tried to keep the hurt from her voice, but it seeped thro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ugh all the same. \'93\loch\f51 Why didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t you tell me you were a construct?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  expression tightened. \'93\loch\f51 I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t want you to think less of me.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora wanted to claim that his fears were unjustified, but sh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e knew how conflicted she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d felt only a few hours ago\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
how conflicted she felt\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 now}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . No wonder he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d wanted to spare her that confusion. \'93\loch\f51 Who\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the arthritic prick?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 His name is Tirian. He built me during the Meridian War.\'94\loch\f51  Cers lunged forward and grabbed at Drora.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora skipped out of Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  reach and stabbed her final stake through his hand, pinning it to the ground. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How do I stop him?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers looked away, his expression haunted. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora considered taking a rock to Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  skull, but decided again\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 st it. She didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t know if his mind would heal the same way his body did, and couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t bear the thought of causing him lasting damage. \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t worry, Dad. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll figure it out.\'94\loch\f51  She climbed back into the trees and returned to Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s mountainside camp.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian jerked into a sitting position when Drora crossed the circle\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s perimeter, his eyes bleary and wild. Drora flexed her claws and stalked toward him, a predatory grin plastered onto her face. \'93\loch\f51 Let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s try this again.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian scrambled to his feet and backed away, bellowing, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s just you and me now.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s hands slipped into his robes. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve been over this already. If you kill me\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 It won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t solve anything. Yes. I know. But you already told him to kill me, and I'm not dead. Your hold on him i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 sn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 t as strong as you claim.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian scowled. \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s easy enough to fix.\'94\loch\f51  He pulled a black sphere out of his pocket, clutched it tightly, and spat words in a language Drora didn
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t understand. An arc of black lightning surged out of the orb. Drora dodged the main blast, but the hair \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on the right side of her head disintegrated into smoking ash.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora snarled and whipped a rock at Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s hand. She missed. Tirian uttered a fresh spate of dark words. Black energy surged toward her. She was ready for it this 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 time, and vaulted out of the way. The spell connected with a tree branch, which exploded into a swarm of splinters. The branch\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s crown toppled on Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s head and he crumpled with a shriek.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora stalked over to him, kicked the focus orb out of his grasp, and wrapped a hand around his throat. \'93\loch\f51 Why would you need to fix Dad? Why\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
d you decide to come after him in the first place?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Tirian bit back a whimper. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He was my most powerful creation. I've never been able to duplicate him.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers limped into the cleari\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng. He yanked the stake free from his right arm; the elbow popped back into place.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora winced. She watched Cers out of the corner of her eye, but kept her focus on Tirian. \'93\loch\f51 Listen up, you geriatric bag of bones. Maybe killing you won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t keep my dad from hurting me, but it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll keep you from hurting anyone else. Call him off or I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll tear \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 your throat to shreds.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers wrapped his hands around Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s throat. His fingers trembled even as they tightened.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora gritted her teeth. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Make him stop.\'94\loch\f51  She dug her claws\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  into Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s flesh. \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Now.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Blood trickled down Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s neck. He gasped, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers. Stop!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The glow from Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  tattoos guttered out. He released his hold on Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s neck.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s nostrils flared.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was too close.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t let Tirian recant those orders. She couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t let him harm her, or Cers, or anyone else ever again. Her fingers flexed in preparation for the killing blow. Tirian whimpered.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers placed a hand on her shoulder. \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Indignation welled in Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s chest. \'93\loch\f51 He would have killed me! He w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 anted to do worse to you.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Even so. You don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t need his death on your conscience.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora ran her tongue along her teeth. \'93\loch\f51 But he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s dangerous. If we let him go, he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll come right back and do it over again. One way or another, I need to stop him.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers thought for a long moment, then nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Do what you must. But\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 don
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 kill him.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s jaw twitched.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
m going to have to maim him, then.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hold him down.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s eyes widened. \'93\loch\f51 Cers\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora backhanded Tirian. \'93\loch\f51 One more word from you and I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 will}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 slit your throa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t, no matter what Dad says.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian glared at her, his gaze accusatory, but said nothing. Cers knelt opposite Drora, his movements slow but purposeful, and pressed Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s shoulders to the ground. Drora forced his mouth open, pierced his tongue with a claw, and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 pulled}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Tirian screamed and flailed, but Cers held him in place. Once the mage\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s tongue was split, Drora broke both of his hands and severed the tendons in his wrists for good measure.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers snapped, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Are you done?\'94\loch\f51  His voice was cold, his posture te\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nse.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora nodded. She couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t bring herself to look at his face. She didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want to know what she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d see in his eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Cers tore strips off Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s cloak to bandage his tongue and hands. Then he lifted Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s chin so they could look each other in the eye. \'93\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s a village at the base of Ryking Pass. If you follow the mountains north, you should reach it within a day. They have doctors who can tend to your wounds.\'94\loch\f51  He stood, crushed Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s focus orb under
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  his boot, and turned south, toward the Wendren camp. \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t come after me again.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora followed Cers into the woods, arms wrapped around her chest. She didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t feel good about what she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d just done. She felt no joyful rush of a hunt fulfilled
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 only the cold \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 certainty that she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d done what she had to, and the fear that she might have done too much\~.\~.\~.\~or worse, that she might not have done enough.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Dawn encroached on the Wendren camp as Cers and Drora returned home. Drora stumbled into their tent, exhausted. Cers knelt outside while she slept and envied her ability to do so. His carving tools lay scattered, the wagon wheel still unassembled, yet he 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t muster the energy to complete the task. More than once a tribesman approached, brow knitted with concer\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n, only to be warded off by the sternness of Cers
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  glare.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Tirian might be gone, but his shadow still lingered in Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  mind. There was a constant, subtle pull toward the direction he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d fled, as if Cers were a compass needle and Tirian were north. It made focusing on anything else nigh impossible.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 After the sun passed its zenith, Drora exited the tent and sat beside Cers, clutching a strip of dried horse-meat. She gnawed at the makeshift meal for a long while, studying him in silence. Finally, she swallowed 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the last mouthful and asked, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do you think he'll come back?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers stared listlessly into the distance. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I don't know.\'94\loch\f51  He shouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have let Drora mutilate Tirian, but he couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t have done it himself\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the enchantments Tirian had woven refused him the option of harming the mage. Tirian\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eyes had stared into his sou\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l, silently accusing.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Monster.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
It had been all Cers could do to hold Tirian down, to avoid lashing out at Drora for attacking his master.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 No. Not his master. Not anymore.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora punched Cers in the\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  arm. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hey! Stop it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers blinked. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Stop what?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The brooding.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 But\hich\f51 \emdash \'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He paused for a moment as he tried to find the right words. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I nearly killed you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora pulled her arm back, gave him a pointed glare. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do I need to punch you again?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The silence stretched, but Cers found it more comfortable than before. Drora\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s leaned against his shoulder, nibbled at a fresh strip of jerky, and stared up at the stars. Her presence soothed him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers massaged his temples. \'93\loch\f51 I can still feel him in the back of my mi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nd. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s calling for me.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So ignore him.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m trying.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Cers took a shaky breath, then released it slowly. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know how long I can.\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora grinned. \'93\loch\f51 Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t worry. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll keep you distracted. He can't live forever.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Neither can you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Drora tilted her head to look at Cers. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve still got a few decades left in me.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You sleep. I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So keep yourself busy at night. The Wendren always need new tools, and the kids love your toys.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers blinked. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I never finished your Finding Day present.\'94\loch\f51  He reached into his pocket, but found only shards and splinters.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It must have broken during one of the fights.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Drora took Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  hand and squeezed his fingers gently. \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s okay. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re more important than any present.
\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Cers pulled Drora into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Drora smiled, her eyes aglow with affection. \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s better. Now come on, we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re goin
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 g hunting.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Cers frowned. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve caused enough harm today.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s okay. We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have to hurt anythin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 g. Ever hear of catch and release?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A nonviolent solution. The thrill of the chase, but no death in store for their quarry. Yes, that would do. That was a hunt he could participate in. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So long as you're gentle.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I can be gentle.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No claws or teeth.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Take all of the fun out of it, why don't you?\'94\loch\f51  Drora chuckled, then tugged at Cers' arm until he stood. Cers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  large hand wrapped around Drora\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s smaller, clawed one, and they walked into the forest side by side.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16080144\charrsid16080144 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid16080144 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 M. Elizabeth Ticknor is the grand prize recipi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ent of the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/contest-faa" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b5a000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007700770077002e006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0063006f006e0074006500730074002d00660061006100
0000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 2021 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. She lives in Southeast Michigan. Her interests include drawing, painting, and tabletop role-playing. Her preferred gaming systems are\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
World of Darkness}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 ,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pathfinder}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , and 5th Edition\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Dungeons & Dragons}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Here web site can be found\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://ticknortales.com/" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b4c000000680074007400700073003a002f002f007400690063006b006e006f007200740061006c00650073002e0063006f006d002f000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825d
c48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid16080144 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 here}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 .}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid16080144 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16080144 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16080144 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid16080144 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 The Rot
\hich\f1044 \rquote \loch\f1044 s Last Laugh}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Charles E. Gannon
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen nodded encouragement at the sleepy young ur zhog woman who had just finished her thorough account of all the foodstuffs she had eaten while a prisoner in the Under. \'93\loch\f51 
Thank you. That is very helpful. Can you recall anything else, Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 a?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She shook her head, groggy. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I can barely remember my own name. Our flight from the upper tunnels was very tiring.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira, a Lightstrider like her but both older and more formidable, added, \'93\loch\f51 The shaman who held Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
a did not allow much sleep. It is a common tactic that ensures an escaped captive lacks the endurance to get very far.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen nodded, then smiled genuine thanks at the younger Lightstrider. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Rest, then. And do tell me if you remember anything else.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 a waved acquiescence, reclined, and rolled over. Her breathing became heavy and slow within a few seconds.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen arched his back to stretch it. H\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er recounting of foodstuffs had been quite detailed and quite long. He yawned soundlessly, fighting to keep his own eyes open.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Well,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  rumbled an amused voice from over his shoulder, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 you asked for it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen turned to nod at the speaker: Ahearn, the nominal leader of their small group. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That I did,\'94\loch\f51  Druadaen answered, stifling another yawn.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And was it worth it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It was.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 And you really think you can reason your way to the hidden mysteries of the whole world by compiling the bill of fare that prevails\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 among the urzhen tribes of the Under?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not that alone, no. But knowing what they eat tells me something about where they get their food.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ahearn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s old friend Elweyr looked up from his book of thaumancery. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
And if he knows where the food comes from, then he may be able to measure how much they acquire.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen nodded. \'93\loch\f51 And so, I might determine if they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re getting food the way the rest of us do or direct from their gods at the so-called Root of the World.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It is only myth,\'94\loch\f51  Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 a mu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 mbled sleepily without bothering to roll over.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The two urzhen\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 Kaakhag and his recently rescued brother\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
were anything but tired, however. They had leaned close as the young ur zhog huntress had reeled off a long list of what they and their kind\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 self-styled as the Rot\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 considered delicacies.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 For his part, Druadaen considered the foods dubious at best. S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni, the sole aeosti in the group, had a more definitive reaction: she had made a gagging sound even as the urzhen brothers
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  stomachs growled in gustatory \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 longing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As soon as S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni had recovered, she looked over at Druadaen, her expression simultaneously nauseated and sly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
The young Lightstrider omitted an important source of nourishment here in the Under.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen stared at her. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Which is?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She glanced at the Rot then around the group. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Us. All of us.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The two mute brothers glared but offered no negative signs or gestures. Instead, after a short exchange of hand-speak, they crept toward the back of the cave, evidently meaning to get the last of the rat
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s that, like the group, were sheltering in this chamber hidden behind a waterfall.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But Elweyr raised a weary head and muttered at them. \'93\loch\f51 No. Don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Kaakhag, the one whose quest to save his get-brother had brought them all together, frowned and snapped an impatient gesture at the thaumantic.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Elweyr didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t need to wait for a translation from Umkhira. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We need to keep at least one more rat alive. To be sure.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Sure of what?\'94\loch\f51  Kaakhag\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s brother gestured.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re safe,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn hissed back. \'93\loch\f51 Now, be still! We\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
re at the upper reaches of the Underblack, here.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Kaakhag shrugged and made an \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 after you\'94\loch\f51  gesture toward Elweyr, who set Ahearn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s mute wolfhound to work finding the last of the moon-eyed rodents. Within a moment, the dog had flushed one from among a cluster of stalagmites and cornered it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was all Elweyr required; he put out his palm in the direction of the rat. After a few moments, it calmed, then sat, waiting until the thaumancer had tiptoed over and slipped it into a hide satchel.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The wolfhound had begun regarding the remaining rats with the same hungry stare as Kaakhag and Brother\~.\~.\~.\~
but then turned his head sharply toward the sheet of water that fell like soft thunder just beyond the chamber\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s entry. The fur of his ruff rose s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
lowly as he padded stealthily closer to the narrow opening.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 In the same instant that Ahearn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s hand fixed upon the wolfhound\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s collar, S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni hissed, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Quiet! Footsteps!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The glowing patches of lichen they used for illumination were hastily covered, weapon\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s were readied, and the group made sure they were positioned well back from either side of the entrance.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
They could hear footfalls approach, then enter, the main cave beyond the black sheet of water. However, even though this newest batch of pursuers could not be seen, the sounds that slipped through the susurration of the sulfur-reeking waterfall told them 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 much.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Compared to the first band of Bent which had entered the outer cave some time earlier, these pursuers were both fewer in number and less stealthy.\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 Their voices were low rather than hushed, casual rather than urgent: disgruntled urzhen stopping for a break. Probably to eat, drink, relieve themselves, and do what all warriors did when on a dangerous and frustrating mission: complain.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
As they did, the wolfhound remained absolutely motionless and silent. Druadaen wondered how Ahearn had managed to train the dog to maintain such stealthy self-restraint in the proximity of mortal foes. It was an impressive feat, easily rivaling Elweyr
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s m\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ost elegant displa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ys of mancery.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was impossible to make out their pursuers\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 words through the rushing water, but the longer the group listened, the more certain they were of the general tone: boredom, tinged with annoyance at having many more hours of trekking before they reached the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
safer upper tunnels of the Undergloom. Eventually, their exchanges became shorter and were largely supplanted by grunts and groans: warriors reluctantly reshouldering their loads. At last, there was a single weary command, a chorus of resigne
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d grunts, and then thumping footfalls that marked their departure.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A minute after the last of their trudging steps faded into silence, S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni loosed the grip on her shortsword and the wolfhound lay back down, grumbling and bored.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Just as Druadaen\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s heart resumed beating at a normal rate, Ahearn whispered, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hssstt, Elweyr.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The mantic\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yah?\'94\loch\f51  sounded sleepy, almost drunk; he had probably dozed off.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Last act, chum. Time to send out our scrabbly little scout.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yah,\'94\loch\f51  Elweyr agreed, still slurring. Despite\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the dim light and his dark complexion, his face was still visibly ashy.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ahearn took up the bag holding the rat. No longer quieted by mancery, it reacted with violent squirming and chittering. The broad-shouldered swordsman locked a fist around the animal\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s body through the heavy hide before undoing the top flap. Elweyr looked\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  inside, passed his hand over the opening, and the writhing inside ceased.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When Elweyr had completed further thaumantic passes, Ahearn put the bag next to the waterfall. The rat crawle\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d out, its pupils contracting with fearsome suddenness when they encountered the lichen-light. Elweyr, eyelids drooping, swept his fingers at the rat and then away in the direction of the rushing water. The rat hesitated, then waddled into the pool at the
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  edge of the entry, tucking itself tight against the wall, out of the vaporous downrushing torrent. It disappeared around the corner.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 a rose to a sitting position, her voice hushed in awe as she leaned toward her fellow Lightstrider. \'93\loch\f51 The mancer sees\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 through its eyes?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Overhearing, S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni responded with a calculating pout. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Probably not. That is more the domain of a faunamancer. But Elweyr?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 She considered. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He probably used a thaumate that combined weak affinity and attuning.\'94\loch\f51  When the young Lightstrider stared at t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 he last word, the aeosti explained: \'93
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Attuning is a very basic link to the creature, just enough to tell the mancer what it is feeling: scared, curious, hungry, angry. That sort of thing.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 a nodded.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 After about five minutes had pas\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 sed, Elweyr nodded wearily at Ahearn, who gestured for Umkhira to join him near the entry.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Druadaen exhaled, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 it seems that, in the case of the rat, no news is good news.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes,\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni agreed, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 except for the rat.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Why?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 She scowled. \'93\loch\f51 
Do the schools in Dunarra also teach you how to forget the common sense with which you were born? Think: what happens if Elweyr just releases his hold on the rat? It wanders off. And what if the worst of underkin seeking us, the blugner sow,
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  chances upon it while sh\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s roving about, still trying to find our scent? What would she smell?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen nodded. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Us. And so she would backtrack the scent.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And come right back here.\'94\loch\f51 
 The aeosti glanced at Ahearn and Umkhira, who had been having their own muted conversation. The Lightstrider nodded, rose, and slipped through the curtain of water that reflected the faint glow of the lichen back at them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Many thanks and fare well, rat,\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni mumbled through a grim smile as she rustled about in her pack for some dried meat.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 *
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  * *
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira eventually returned with the now-dead rat clutched in one sizeable fist. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
No one was watching for us at the lower intersection. No sound or sign of movement in any direction.\'94\loch\f51  She held the rodent\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s body out to Elweyr, who shuddered. Umkhira shrugged, turned and offered it to Ahearn.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The big warrior considered the small carcass for several moments, but finally demurred. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No, not without a bit of roasting, first,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he murmured. \'93\loch\f51 Guess I
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m getting soft.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Umkhira shrugged and brought the limp remains back to the two Rot, who had no compunctions about quartering the carcass and promptl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y devouring it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni looked quickly away, focused on Elweyr. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 How did you make sure it headed down to the intersection?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It believed something from the higher tunnels was pursuing it,\'94\loch\f51  the mantic murmured, rubbing his eyes and forehead.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What did it think was pursuing it?\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni persisted, clearly determined to keep her focus diverted from the urzhen as they devoured the rat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t know. Neither did it. It was just a certainty of danger from a given direction.\'94\loch\f51  Seeing the curio
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 us faces around him, he explained, \'93\loch\f51 The less specific the control, the less difficult and costly it is to maintain. When the rat reached the intersection, it believed it had reached safety\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 and waited for Umkhira.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Nevertheless,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Umkhira observed, \'93\loch\f51 even casting that \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 simple\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51  spell seems to have exhausted you,
\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr winced at the word \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 spell.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s because of the distance. When a mantic can no longer see the object bound into their thaumate, it costs a great deal of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 manas}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 to maintain any contact with it, let alone exert influence.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded sagely. \'93\loch\f51  \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 Every bit of mancery comes with a cost,\hich\f51 \rquote \'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he recited. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
First thing Elweyr taught me about his craft.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Kaakhagh grunted and began a rapid stream of hand gestures. When he was done, Umkhira translated cautiously, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That is why urzhen shamen are superior to human mancers.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 After several seconds of silence, Elweyr answered, \'93\loch\f51 That didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t seem to be the case when we defeated the shaman earlier today. And you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d better hope I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m at \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 least as good until we get out of the Under.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Kaakhag frowned, but grudgingly answered with a few sharp gestures. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
This time, yes, I do hope that human mancery is mightier than the miracles from our gods. Despite the way it weakens you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen felt tensions rise in response to that oblique denigration and sought to shift the comparison into a productive, rather than contentious, topic. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
And now that the shaman is gone, what do you think will happen to his tribe?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 This time, it was Brother who answered. \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 There will be chaos.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He pointed downward. \'93\loch\f51 In the Undergloom, his allies\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 those with red-dyed eyes\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 cannot even govern their own kind. They act before they think. They only made a truce with each other because of what the shaman offered all of them: a rout
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 e to the surface for when the Red go a-Hordeing.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Brother made a dismissive gesture. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The weak alliance among them surely died when he did.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Kaakhag nodded and began expanding upon his sibling\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s answer, Umkhira struggling to keep up with his gestures. \'93\loch\f51 The \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
Red do not have strategies. They simply follow their hatreds and their thirst for vengeance and blood. And now that the Hordeing is near, those lusts will burst like swollen pustules. And we, the Rot\'94\emdash \loch\f51 he tapped his green-dyed skin
\hich\f51 \emdash \'93\loch\f51 shall feel it first as \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 they push up through our tribes in the Undergloom.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr muttered, \'93\loch\f51 It\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a wonder that any of you live long enough to actually go a-Hordeing.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother shrugged and sent a stream of signs at Umkhira. \'93\loch\f51 For every dozen Red who stop to make war upon the Rot, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
there are a thousand who will not stop moving upward until they reach the surface or die trying. All races of the Under must raid to survive, to feed our tribes, or we will starve and be no more. But the Red, they are as savage as animals. They will eat u
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s and even each other.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Are you saying\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t eat other thinking beings?\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s voice suggested she knew otherwise.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother signed indignantly. \'93\loch\f51 Rot are not kinslayers without cause. And we are never kin-}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eaters}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 .\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen noted that his retort did\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  not address the Rot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s dietary attitudes toward non-urzhen, however.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Aye,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn followed with a sigh, \'93\loch\f51 but the Red have the advantage, then, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t they? For them, everything they kill is a meal.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Which is why we Rot must always ready to fight,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Brother explained with gestures both angry and desperate. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
It is why we are, and must stay, strong and fierce. If we do not match the Red blow for blow, they will consume us all!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Which made it the divil\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s own work trying to lead any of the Bent when Elweyr and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I were trapped down here,\'94\loch\f51 
 Ahearn explained to Druadaen.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni started. \'93\loch\f51 Why? Did your urzhen eat each other when you weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t looking?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The Rot brothers uttered resentful subvocal grumbles.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr shook his head. \'93\loch\f51 Of course not, S\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ythreni. But down here, survival depends far more on fast, violent reflexes rather than deep reflection.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded, adding. \'93\loch\f51 And a willingness to kill not only if you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re threatened, but when you think you can get the jump on anyone who\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 might}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 threaten you one day.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 So you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re saying the Under breeds killers.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Warriors.\'94\loch\f51  Brother\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s corrective gestures were accompanied by an angry growl.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen thought the two labels\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 killer versus warrior\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 were rarely mutually exclusive, and certainly not in this pitiles\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s environment.

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Still,\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni objected doggedly, glancing at Ahearn and Elweyr \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
I would think urzhen with fast reflexes are exactly what you two would have wanted for your war-band, down here.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Elweyr nodded, \'93\loch\f51 but when you are leading fighters who react before they think\~.\~.\~.\~well, you can\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 try}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
to make battle plans, but they usually fall apart in the first half minute. Or less.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded and sighed expansively. \'93\loch\f51 Our urzh were good fighters, but even if we put the steadiest of them in the lea\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d, damned if there wasn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t always one\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or more\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 that couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t stay quiet when they felt a fight coming. Or that couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t remember the plan when they got their blood up.\'93
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The two Rot had become completely still and silent. Druadaen discovered he found it more worrisome than when they had been shifting and snarling.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s faint outline nodded. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
So because the traits that make an urzh a leader are big muscles and quick reflexes, it means they tend to rush in when they should make or follow a plan.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Umkhira \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 translated Kaakhag\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s urgent addition: \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Many of our leaders are cunning as well as bold!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Many are, but their brain is not what puts\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and keeps\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
them in power is it, my big green friend? Particularly not when tribal leadership is decided by challenges. Yes, some chieftains will fall in battle, but most of them die at the hands of\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 warriors they trained themselves.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This time the brothers just shifted where they sat. Druadaen was fairly certain that if they had a rebuttal, they would have offered\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 it. Which meant that they were losing what had become a one-sided debate about the value of urzhen warriors: a sure recipe for resentment and rage.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Apparently feeling her tense, worried stare, Ahearn turned toward Umkhira. \'93\loch\f51 Now, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve learned that you Lightstriders are a whole different kettle of fish. Being hunters and trackers in all kinds of terrain, you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
have}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 to be smart, resourceful, cautious, patient.\'94\loch\f51  He turned toward Druadaen and S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 ythreni. \'93\loch\f51 And just as you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d suspect, their leaders have those qualiti\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 es in equal measure to physical prowess.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira raised her chin. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And because of that, we have the wisdom of our elders until their very last years.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She shook her head sadly. \'93\loch\f51 
Among the Rot and the Red, leaders are challenged more frequently just as the experience of their years offers greater\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  value to the tribe than their physical might. But among us ur zhog, a challenge may only be made if one
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s honor has been offended.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Brother sneered, gestured. Umkhira answered sharply in his own dialect and looked \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 away,\~.\~.\~.\~
which prevented the initiation of a staring duel that might end up being settled with weapons. Druadaen glanced at Ahearn for a translation of their exchange.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The swordsman shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 Brother asked, \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 And what if some old Lightstrider insults a young warrior or his family?\hich\f51 \rquote \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Umkhira\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s chin came up as she repeated her answer. \'93\loch\f51 Then that chief\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s many years have either made him so arrogant that he no longer sees himself and his abilities accurately, or he has entered his dotage. And so, whether he i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s put aside by losing the challenge or the censure of his own clan, his lack of wisdom and prudence leads to his removal as a leader.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Brother sneered, gestured\~.\~.\~.\~and earned a mild cuff from Kaakhag.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Umkhira kept looking away, but her jaw grew rigid.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 When no one translated, Druadaen looked round the group. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What did he say?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 a yawned as she rose up on one elbow. \'93\loch\f51 Brother said that being led by a chief who cannot kill his challengers is typical of the Lightstriders. \hich\f51 \lquote 
\loch\f51 Weak ways for weak urzhen,\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  is\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  how he put it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn sighed. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
And here you see the other problem we always had down here: endless bickering. And none of them could admit to being wrong without losing respect and honor. Our band spent more time swinging at each other than our enemies.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Umkhira\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s voice was as taut as a cocked crossbow string. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 As least for you and Elweyr, the consequences of that bickering and stubbornness was a passing problem.
\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t feel like it at the time!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You miss my point. You and Elweyr were merely interlopers here, which meant that as soon as you escaped, it was no longer your problem. But for Lightstriders, it is lifelong.
\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s voice was quizzical. \'93\loch\f51 How so? Your people don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t even\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 visit}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 down here.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No, but we live close to our dark-dwelling kin. And so, many of their problems become ours.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Brother poked Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ah to start translating his sudden burst of angry signing. \'93\loch\f51 Oh yes, Lightstriders have it so very difficult, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t they? Terribly bothered\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 when we starving Rot come up a-Hordeing every ten years to raid for food, for survival. Better that we should just stay in the Under like the Red, eh? Become kin-eaters and savages, too? Might as well, since you treat us the same way.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira was very still. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I have never said such things. I know very well why you must go a-hordeing; you refuse to feed on your own kind. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She glanced toward him. 
\'93\loch\f51 But you come up to hunt far more frequently, and never do you ask for the right to hunt in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  our lands. You simp\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ly poach.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother rose, quivering with rage. \'93\loch\f51 
And that would make it different between us? Really? Oh, it sounds very nice, what you say. To treat each other as different families within one great tribe. But that\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not really how it is. Because it\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s not what\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 want. \'93
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen frowned. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What do you mean?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother signed dismissively. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Can you not see that the Lightstriders feel toward us the way you thinskins feel toward all urzhen?\'94\loch\f51 
 When he saw the lack of comprehension in Druadaen\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s face, he grimaced. \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Do you know why only\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 outcast}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ur zhog visit us, trade with us, mate with us? No? Then I shall tell you.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Because we live in the Under, the oh-so-noble Lightstriders believe the Rot are dirty and dumb, like animals. And that because we fight just to survive, every day, we are savage and hasty. That we are too primitive and ignorant to work or speak or mate w
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ith\~.\~.\~.\~because our dirt and stupidity would somehow rub off on\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 them}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . Sound familiar, human?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ahearn stared from Umkhira to Brother\~.\~.\~.\~then shouted \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 suddenly: \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So move! Both of you!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Move where?\'94\loch\f51  wondered Umkhira as S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ythreni put her face in her palm.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You Lightstriders should just move further away from the Rot,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn roared. \'93\loch\f51 And you Rot\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
leave the Under! Live on the surface. You could both\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But Druadaen shook his head. \'93\loch\f51 They can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t move. Or at least, it wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t do any good.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Annoyed at the objection, Ahearn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s impatience refocused on Druadaen\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 as he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d hoped it would. \'93\loch\f51 
And why is that? Or is it just some theory you read in that precious Dunarran Arch\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ive?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen sighed. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t need books to tell me that humans make no distinctions among the different urzhen. Most of us don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t even know that there are distinctions to be made, so we never learn that Lightstriders are different. So they are bountied and hu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 nted the same as the rest of their kin.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And your point is?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That the bountying pushes the Lightwalkers to live in the same remote, forbidding lands beneath which the Rot and Red live. But since the Lightstriders are already there, where would the R
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ot live if they moved to the surface?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ahearn opened his mouth to rebut\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 but nothing came out.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother laughed: a guttural hooting sound. \'93\loch\f51 Nothing pleases me so much as watching thinskins bickering the same way we \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 savage and stupid\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51  urzhen do! Yes, you are so much better than us!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ahearn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eyes flashed at the urzhen.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira glanced at him. \'93\loch\f51 The Rot speaks harshly, but there is also some truth in his words. And humans ignore it\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and us\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 at their peril.
\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn glared at her. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is that a threat?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen stood\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  quickly, threw his weapon on the ground with a loud clatter.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The chamber was suddenly very silent\~.\~.\~.\~but also very tense.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He looked around at them in the dimness. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We are about to do what no opponents have been able to: destroy this group.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira nodded slowly and stood beside him. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Are we truly determined to war amongst ourselves, with escape just a day away?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 She aimed her words directly at the two Rots. \'93\loch\f51 Like it or not, you need the rest of us\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 humans, ur zhog, and aeostu\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 to escape.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen turned toward them, adding, \'93\loch\f51 But we need}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 just as much. We cannot escape without your help.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Brother sneered, signing slowly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 More than you know, human.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen frowned, puzzled. \'93\loch\f51 What do you mean by\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Let it be,\'94\loch\f51  Umkhira muttered. She and Zhu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 klu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
a exchanged knowing glances and within seconds had burrowed into their sleeping rolls. Still smirking, the two Rot did the same\~.\~.\~.\~leaving the humans and the aeosti staring at each other in utter bafflement.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
* * *
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They woke a few hours before the start of what Kaakhag assured them was a \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 new day.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 Ahearn was the first to stand, and he immediately uncovered the glowing lichen. The spongelike clumps had grown noticeably dimmer. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Time to go.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ytheni frowned. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Go where ?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 First we make our way to the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Grotto of Stone Bones. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s our shortcut to the back door.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The back door?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The way out of this gods-forsaken place. So let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s be on our way\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 unless some of you want to remain?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen shook his head, but asked, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 This back door: is this the way you escaped from the Under last time?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It is,\'94\loch\f51  answered Elweyr.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Where is it located?\'94\loch\f51  Druadaen asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn smiled at him. \'93\loch\f51 And if I described the path, rattled off one turn after the other, would you have any better idea of where we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re heading?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadae\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n shook his head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Then I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll tell you when we get there.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen shrugged. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Let us go, then.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not so fast,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn objected. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 One last bit of preparation.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Which is?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr produced a hide flask. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Concealing our scent. Here at the edge of the Underblack, there are many large predators. And most of them find prey through scent, at least at first.\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni smiled at the flask. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 And is that some alchemical fluid that will conceal our scent?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Elweyr smiled back. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 In a manner of speaking.\'94\loch\f51  \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He wetted a rag and held it out to her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ythreni had just started daubing her skin when her noise wrinkled and she recoiled. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 This is vinegar!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It most certainly is,\'94\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn affirmed with a chuckle as Elweyr passed out more of the damp rags. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 All of you: get to it.\'94
\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He stared when the two Rot simply grinned at him. A bit malevolently, Druadaen thought. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Here, now!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn exclaimed. \'93\loch\f51 I said\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 all}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 of you.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 They signed briefly while Umkhira translated. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
They say that you will want to keep their scent as it is, since it is typical down here. And at this point, we are no longer concerned with the blugner sow, but basic predators.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Before Ahearn could reply, Elweyr stayed him \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 with an upraised palm. \'93\loch\f51 I think I understand, Umkhira. Now we don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t need to conceal our scent, but rather, make sure we smell like we belong in the Under.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Any scent that is uncommon\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or unknown\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
in these tunnels will attract creatures that are curious. And predators tend to be the most curious species.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn shrugged, nodded. \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s right enough; they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re always looking for a novel tidbit to try. But if the vinegar alone isn\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 t enough, then what do we do?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen was wondering the same th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ing as he put finished wiping down his body with his own sharp-scented cloth\~.\~.\~.\~and heard a grunt behind him. He turned.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Kaakhag was wadding up another wetted rag which, from two yards away, smelled decidedly worse. Much, much worse. He held it out toward Druadaen. With his other hand, the urzh picked up another rag and commenced urinating on it. Profusely. With a grin, Bro
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ther began doing the same thing with another rag.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen stared at the Rot, then at Umkhira. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You are joking.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Do I look like I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 joking?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Ahearn nodded. \'93\loch\f51 Umkhira\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s right; there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s no other way.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He held out a rag toward her. \'93\loch\f51 
Well, given the choice, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 d prefer you do the honors!\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 No, mine is not helpful.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  She gestured toward the two Rot. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It must be theirs.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Theirs}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ahearn grew slightly pale. \'93\loch\f51 Oh, godsblocks\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 have you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 smelled}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not yet, and I have no wish to, but we are going into the Black. My scent would not protect you. Only theirs will.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Druadaen sighed. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is this absolutely necessary?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 It is if we want to live,\'94\loch\f51  Zhuklu\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 a re\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 plied.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira nodded. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Remember: the odors that arise from your flesh are not merely foreign here; they are associated with enemies from the surface.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 In the meantime, Brother had finished gulping down a bowl of water and set about urinating on a second rag. He glanced at S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ythreni and started chortling, which sounded a great deal like rocks bouncing their way down a terra-cotta pipe. The aeosti looked \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 away and shuddered.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Umkhira merely shrugged in response to her glance. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I will have my own turn,\'94\loch\f51  she sai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d bluntly.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You? But you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re\hich\f51 \emdash \'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 
Do you think that because we are both of urzhen blood that our urine has the same smell? We grew up in different places, eating different foods. And the Rot take their name, in part, from the fact that their gut is far more tolerant of spoiled food. They
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  can scavenge and consume meat that a Lightstrider would vomit up in a moment. Our organs work so differently that the scents are quite distinct. But we are still similar enough that I shall use the last rag.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Because, since t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hey\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve been drinking water, the later rags will be the most dilute.\'94\loch\f51  Druadaen shuddered.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 You perceive. Good. Now, wipe yourself with the rag he gave you. Thoroughly.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Kaakhag stopped long enough to make a few hand gestures at her.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What did he say?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Nothing of importance,\'94\loch\f51  Umkhira replied almost evasively, tucking her chin down.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 He said,\'94\loch\f51  S\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 yntheri drawled, \'93\loch\f51 
that since you ate so much fine food growing up in Dunarra, you will smell sweeter than anyone else. So you need to wipe your lips and face carefull\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 y. Repeatedly.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Druadaen glared at Kaakhag.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Who simply shrugged and\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 mimicking human whistling\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 picked up another rag.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And winked.
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid14186579 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Charles E. Gannon\~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 is the author of Compton Crook Award-winning, Nebula-nominated Caine\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2175,1972" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid14186579 {\*\datafield 
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720079002f0069006e006400650078002f00690064002f0032003100370035002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Riordan series}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . He is the coauthor of several novels in best-selling\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2034,1972" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid14186579 {\*\datafield 
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720079002f0069006e006400650078002f00690064002f0032003000330034002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ring of Fire series}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . He has written two novels in John Ringo\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s best-selling\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/2162,1972" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid14186579 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000083000000070000005f0062006c0061006e006b000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b84000000680074007400700073003a002f002f006200610065006e002e0063006f006d002f0061006c006c0062006f006f006b0073002f00630061007400650067006f00
720079002f0069006e006400650078002f00690064002f0032003100360032002c0031003900370032000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Black Tide Rising series}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 . \'93\loch\f51 The Rot\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s Last Laugh\'94\loch\f51  is set in the world of his upcoming epic fantasy novel\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/this-broken-world.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid14186579 
{\*\datafield 
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2d0077006f0072006c0064002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
This Broken World}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid14186579\charrsid14186579 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. A former professor, Gannon lives near Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife and children.
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14186579 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid14186579 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6891387 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 Fire-Bright Rain
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Jane Lindskold
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Leeya-toh, should the egg whites keep shaking after I stop beating them?\'94\loch\f51 
 asked Pippea. Whisk suspended in her upraised right hand, the young apprentice turned her elegant antilopine head toward the senior cook. Pippea\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s enormous, long-lashed brown eyes\hich\f51 \emdash 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 set within snow white hair accented by a dark stripe that ran from eyes to mouth\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
were creased with worry as she stared into her mixing bowl. She ran her free hand over the tips of her newly budding horns in a habitual ner\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 vous gesture.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Leeya slowed her own steady assault on the bowl of egg whites she was frothing into meringue. As she did, she became aware that the floor was trembling under her feet. Her rounded ursine ears twitched, catching the groan of the cottage\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s beams as they com\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 plained beneath some uncommon stress.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And I was just getting the first peaks,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya thought, dropping bowl and whisk on the counter, grabbing Pippea around her trim waist, then swinging them both out the kitchen door into the early evening gre\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
y-light. Once out on the gravel walkway, Leeya dragged Pippea around the cottage as fast as she could, not stopping until they both were clear of anything that could fall on them from overhead.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Earthquakes weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t precisely common in the vicinity of the Library of the Sapphire Wind, but when one worked for a library dedicated to the magical arts, one learned to take precautions first, ask questions later. Thankfully, when Meadow Village had been
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  designed, the buildings had been spaced comfortably apart, ori\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ented on a rounded green from which radiated six streets, each of which were crossed at intervals by another street, so that the village was designed around a series of concentric circles.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As befitted the chief cook, Leeya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s cottage faced the central green. The kitchen, where she directed food services for the entire community associated with the Library of the Sapphire Wind, was across the nearest radial street, a placement that was either\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 very convenient or annoyingly inescapable, depending on Leeya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s att\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 itude toward her job on any given day.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Releasing the still startled Pippea, Leeya plopped down heavily on the bench where she had spent many a pleasant evening visiting with her neighbors. More of Meadow Village\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s inhabitants were spilling out of the cottages, and more still from the dormitori\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 es that lined the second loop road, although not nearly as many as there would have been if this wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t a holiday break, many of the residents gone elsewhere to celebrate.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I suppose,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Leeya thought with exasperation,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
at we have some neophyte to blame for this, some idiot junior researcher who decided to take advantage of so many of the seniors being gone to try an experiment.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Someone bumped against Leeya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s shoulder, and she looked up into the caprine leer of Septi, her neighbor in the next cottage over. Septi was a motley tri-color, mostly black and brown, with just a little white. The hair around his eyes was dark, accenting 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 his yellow irises with their squared pupils. Still grinning at Leeya, Septi flopped down next t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
o her on the bench, lowering his head slightly, as if he might butt her in the shoulder with the neatly curved horns that rose between his drooping ears.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Did the earth move for you, too, sweetheart?\'94\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  he asked, jaw dropping open in a mock pant.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Leeya had yet to figure out why Septi persisted in flirting with her. She was well-over fifty and, having made her living as a cook for at least forty-five of those years, did not possess a fashionably svelte figure. Sure, she was curvaceous, but not in t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he way that word was usually meant as a compliment. Still, her fur\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 a nice brown, the shade of dark honey. Maybe Septi was one of those who liked the fuller-figured types.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Maybe he just likes cadging extra foo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d. He certainly shows up at my kitchen door often enough when I
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m trying a new recipe. What is my problem, thinking about that annoying Septi? We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve got bigger problems than my flirtatious neighbor.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 The earth is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 still}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 moving,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 Leeya snapped, wishing that her small ursine ears could pin back to make as dramatic a statement as those of the larger-eared types. She settled for a touch of lip-curling snarl instead. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Is everyone out of the buildings?\'94

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 To his credit, Septi sobered up immediately. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll grab a few\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  people to help me check. Can you do a headcount? Since you\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 re cooking for the stay-behinds, you have some idea who should be here.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Right!\'94\loch\f51 
 Leeya said, reaching into a pocket of her apron for pencil and pad of paper. Then she remembered that others were at risk. Most of the supplies to feed the Library community were shipped in over the lake, but they kept their own dairy animals and
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  poultry.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Tell Mekhiri to open up the kennels and barns, too. But not the coops. We don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t need poultry all over the place.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Pippea, who was still clinging to her bowl and whisk, said in a shaking voice, \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll go to Mekhiri. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ve been helping collect eggs every morning and bringing back the first cream. I know where to find her.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Go!\'94\loch\f51  Leeya said, starting to scribble. Pippea set down her cooking gear and ran.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Within a few minutes Leeya had two lists going. One was for those who were definitely present in the village; the other was for those who were known to have been working at the Library or one of the associated buildings of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 f the main plaza that day.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 If she had felt like braving the main kitchen\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 which she didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t until the shaking died down\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
Leeya could have gotten the official roster. However, she knew that would only be of limited use. Although everyone who had gone away for the holiday had signed out\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 as required, not everyone who had invited a guest had gone through proper channels, mostly because the Library\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s administration did not care to feed and house unpaying guests. Then there were those who had come to collect those w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ho couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t get away for the entire holiday week but were leaving for the mid-week events.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Trying to get an accurate headcount as the tremors grew worse, and smoke began rising from the vicinity of the main library was an exercise in futility. Some villagers raced toward the central complex, although whether compelled by a sense of duty or that
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  mad curiosity that makes so-called \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 intelligent\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  people run toward what \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 dumb animals\'94\loch\f51 
 flee, Leeya was too busy to conjecture. Then Septi was back.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I think we have \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the village buildings cleared,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said, \'93\loch\f51 but this isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t an earthquake, is it?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 How should I know? I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m a cook,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya retorted. \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re at least a librarian.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 A humble cataloger and scribe,\'94\loch\f51  Septi countered.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya found herself grateful for his attempt at their usual banter, but the rank odor of burning that reached her nostrils when the wind eddied round from the direction of the central library complex\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 ursine types were renowned for their keen sense of smel\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 was not reassuring.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I think this is a catast\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 rophe of the first order,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she admitted, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
and I think that until someone shows up to tell us what to do, we need to keep our little bit of it from getting worse.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Septi nodded. For the first time in the years Leeya had known him, there was no humor in his yellow eyes. \'93\loch\f51 Take charge. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll back you.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
 When Leeya started to protest, he waved her down with a curt gesture of ink-stained fingers. \'93\loch\f51 People are used to listen\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ing to you order them around, at mealtimes, when supplies come in. Jahk\'94
\emdash \loch\f51 the head of village a\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dministration\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 "is gone. Someone has to take over.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s right. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s at his granddaughter\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s wedding,\'94\loch\f51  Leeya said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Septi went on, \'93\loch\f51 Doc Hrutu is already too busy. There were a lot of bumps and scrapes, at least one bad burning when a lamp went over, and a couple of breaks. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s had to risk going back into the infirmary to get out his medical supplies.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Septi-lial is right,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Pippea added. She was breathing hard from her run, but no longer seemed on the verge of panic. \'93\loch\f51 Everyone at least knows who you are, L
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eeya-toh. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s a start.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya drew in a deep, shuddering breath, then nodded.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 All right then,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll do it. My first order. Septi, we need to know what\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s going on at the main facility. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve seen people head over to the central complex, but I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t remember seeing any who have come back. Pippea, much as it pains me, we\hich\f51 \rquote 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 re going to need to stop making lists and get people gathered in one place. Start spreading the word.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Can I help?\'94\loch\f51  The voice was sonorous, almost immediately comforting.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
speaker was Hafyz, who, along with his wife, Neka, was the new manager of the general store. Hafyz was a handsome equine type, with strong black and white stripes, and a bristly mane. Neka was a buff-coated porcine type, with a trim figure and a penchant 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 for wearing elaborate sheaths on her short, curving tusks.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Neka is locking down the security settings on the store,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Hafyz explained. \'93\loch\f51 Thank those who we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve been before that both the mechanical and magical can be set from outside. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s also going to make \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
certain the backups for the outside lights are set. We may be outdoors for a while, although I think the worst of the tremors are subsiding.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good thinking,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said. \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t suppose you feel like taking over organizing what\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 \hich\f51 s starting to feel too much like a mob?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Then she shook her head. \'93\loch\f51 No. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll do it. You two haven\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
t been here long enough. Can you find my assistant, Ankur?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Already here, Chef,\'94\loch\f51 
 came a deep voice. Ankur was a raptor-style avian with pale eyes, dark brown feathers, and a wickedly curved beak. Although he had an alarming tendency to use his beak to snap through joints when butchering, he was otherwise on his w
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ay to becoming an admirable chef. \'93\loch\f51 Before you as\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 k. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve got the security spells up on the kitchens. No one\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s raiding\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 my}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
pantry without permission. If I may suggest, let\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s set up some sort of late snack out here on the green. People will gather around, and there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s nothing like food to make everything seem normal.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Get on it,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya replied. \'93\loch\f51 We just got in several wheels of sharp cheese, and there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s a whole crate of proggies. Serve zinz tea and nemmesu, but nothing alcoholic. I see some of our kitchen crew milling around. Put them to work.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ankur gave h\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 er a quick nod and went off, calling out names as he went.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll spread the word about snacks,\'94\loch\f51  Hafyz said, and hurried off.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya turned to tell Septi that maybe he should get going, too, only to find that he was already gone. She was surprised at the pang of loneliness and fear that followed.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Be safe, Septi. Remember. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re just a cataloger. Okay, and also a scribe. But don\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 t make the mistake of playing the hero.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
* * *
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Septi decided to dare entering his cottage long enough to change into walking shoes an\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
d gather a few hopefully useful items. He dropped these into one of the many-pocketed vests he wore when working, then put it on rather than a jacket. Emerging from his cottage, he glanced over at Leeya, and saw she was talking to Hafyz. He thought about 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 walking over to tell her he was heading out, then shook his head so hard that his ears flapped.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 After all, you have your orders, my boy. What more do you need? Reassurance? A hero\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s send off? Be real. Leeya\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s never seen you as more than an annoyance. Maybe \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 if you could stop being such a smartass, but\~.\~.\~.\~Oh, forget it. Get a move on!}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Skirting the edge of the village green, Septi reached one of the two radial roads that extended beyond the village. One went down to the lake. The other went into the thick forest that served as a buffer between the elite community at the central complex 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and those who made it possible for them to exclusively concentrate on esoteric research.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Septi knew that initially the Library of the Sapphire Wind had been just that, a librar\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
y, founded by a wizard named Dmen Qeres to hold his personal collection of books and artifacts. However, even within Dmen Qeres\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s lifetime, other wizards had asked to have their own collections archived with his. From there it was a small jump to building\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 a residence where visiting researchers and their staff could stay, next a laboratory with associated scriptorium. This last, rather than the Library proper, was where Septi worked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The original Library of the Sapphire Wind had been a single building housin\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 g not only the collection, but also a self-contained community that was hardly more than Dmen Qeres\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 s immediate retainers. However, as the facility expanded, Dmen Qeres had decided that it would be more satisfactory to have the growing support staff live \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
a short distance away, thereby maintaining a rarefied atmosphere of scholarship at the central complex.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Scholars, their assistants, higher level Library staff, and such still lived around the same plaza that held the main library building, but the many peop\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
le who made certain the researchers could do their research without interruption\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
those who did the cooking and cleaning, the laundry and gardening, the grounds maintenance and the handling of supplies, as well as animal handlers, guards, and drivers\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 lived\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  in Meadow Village.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As a cataloger and scribe, Septi could probably have agitated for quarters in the scholars\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
 housing, but the honest truth was, he preferred the livelier community of Meadow Village. His comparatively high status, as someone who worked di\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
rectly with the research staff, meant that he shared a nice cottage with a couple of like-minded individuals.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Both of whom had the good sense to get away for the holiday. Are they ever going to be shocked when they learn what happened.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Although his cottage had a small kitchen, Septi preferred the bountiful offerings in the communal dining hall. The food was as good, if somewhat less elaborately presented, as that served to the wizards and scholars. His laundry was done by the same peopl
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e who washed the wiza\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rds\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51  robes, and the prices at the general store were quite reasonable, comparable to what one could find in a big city like Rivers Meet.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The late Dmen Qeres had apparently possessed a practical streak and knew that the best way to keep his isolated community thriving was to make sure that those who did the mundane labor were comfortable. Even as his successors had expanded the options for 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 scholars, they had not skimped on amenities for the support staff.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The road that led between Meadow Village and the main\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 library complex was very familiar to Septi, given that he traversed it at least twice a day, more often on many. On foot, the trip took about half an hour\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s brisk walk, which he often did in the evening. However, most mornings he opted for the commuter t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ransport, as this was not only faster, but gave him time to finish waking up and enjoy a second cup of nemmesu, the natural dark purple of the brew almost lavender from the cream he had added.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Usually, the road was illuminated by lampposts set close enough \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
to each other that their glow made a comfortable tunnel beneath the overarching foliage of the trees. Today, as Septi had half expected, the lights weren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t working properly. Oddly enough, he found the darkness reassuring. Something was very wrong, and he \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 preferred to see it before it saw him.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Therefore, although he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d brought a light, Septi didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t turn it on, but trusted to the remaining daylight, which proved to be enough for him to almost always avoid getting tangled up in fallen branches.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d forgotten th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at the tremors would have brought down tree limbs,}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he thought, puffing slightly as the road angled up\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
the Library of the Sapphire Wind had been built on higher ground than the lakeside village, enough so that the top of its belltower was visible from the Meadow Village green.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
As Septi drew closer to the central library complex, he realized some of the light by which he was navigating was coming from a source other than the fading daylight. Septi wanted to hope this was because the plaza and building lights 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 were casting their usual steady glow, but the odor of burning and the flickering nature of the light made it obvious that the source had to be a raging fire.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Stepping delicately, Septi picked his way closer, staying to the verge where his feet would make as little noise as possible. Probably because he was thinking about not making noise, he realized how quiet the forest was. At this hour, the diurnal creature
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s should be settling in, the crepuscular ones\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 including a lovely herd of semi-tame kubran\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 should be\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 browsing along the road. Other than the occasional efindon that flapped away overhead, hissing imprecations, Septi saw no wildlife. Nor did he see any of the residents: not a single villager or scholar, which bothered him more the longer he thought about
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  it.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Surely someone should have run back to Meadow Village to report what was going on or to get help. O\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r to get Doc Hrutu. This is very wrong. Could everyone be dead? Am I going to end up dead if I keep going? Maybe I should go back. I was an idiot to come alone. I should at least have brought a messenger xuxu.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Somewhere deep inside, Septi admitted to himself that he hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t enlisted help because he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d wanted to impress Leeya. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d asked him to find out what was going on. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d trusted he could do it.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Maybe Leeya trusted you to have more in the way of common sense, rather than heroic verve. Well, you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re almos\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t to the complex. If you stop before you get there, you will have hiked all this way for nothing. At least get some information. Maybe you can snag a stray riding vikrew, and hurry back to the village and bring help. Maybe, idiot, zinz will brew itself in
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to a tea.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The ground tremors had ebbed to an almost unfelt pulsing by the time Septi reached the central plaza, but their recent severity was evident from the moment he cautiously emerged from the forest and got his first clear look. The entire Library of t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he Sapphire Wind was gone, flames leaping up from where, just this morning, the towering building had calmly dominated the plaza. In the firelight, he could see the statue of Dmen Qeres, undisturbed, maintaining its calm vigil over the plaza.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Across from where the Library had been, the residence hotel, which had stood several stories high, was in flames. Like many such buildings, its architecture had been designed so that each story decreased in size. This meant the rubble had collapsed within
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the outer she\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ll, turning the building into a torch. The structure that contained the laboratory and scriptorium had also semi-collapsed. The fortune in glass that had made the transcription rooms such a delight had doubtless shattered at the first major tremor. This b
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 uilding was also burning, although less vigorously than the residence.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Worse, there was something wrong with the flames, especially those rising from where the Library of the Sapphire Wind should be but, to a lesser extent, from the other structures as well\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. Amid the yellow-orange of the fires were spurts of impossibly brilliant colors, all the shades of the rainbow, as well as some that Septi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s eyes refused to acknowledge, even though somehow he knew that they were no less real than the glittering hoar fro\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
st, sea foam green, variegated ebony, livid mauve, mother-of-pearl indigo, dappled crimson, and other more or less real colors that he saw dodging and dancing among the smoke and flame.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I should know why those spurts scare me so much,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Septi thought, but he \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
was distracted from pursuing the impulse by a sinuous motion, low to the ground. To his utter disbelief, he realized that a sparkling blue fog carpeted the plaza, seemingly having risen from where the Library should be. The fog had sent questing tendrils 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 into both the residence and lab, and was probing within. Occasionally, a tendril would ripple and bulge, disturbingly like a long throat swallowing, then it would resume its probing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 For the first time, Septi realized that he was the only living person in s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ight. Nor did he see any of the Library\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s guardian creatures: neither the domestic animals like xuxu and summiss, nor the unique monstrosities. Worse, there were no bodies, only those probing tendrils of creeping blue fog.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Septi felt a sharp pain in his right hand. Looking down, he realized that his fists were clenched, and that he was biting into his own index finger in an unconscious attempt to muffle a scream of sublime horror and disbelief. During his hike through the d
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 arkness, he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d prepared himself for\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  destruction. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d even braced himself to find heaps of the dead, killed by fire or perhaps poisonous exhalations or even by magical energies released by burning tomes. But this absence of not only the living but also of the dead, with the only purposeful
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  motion coming from that blue fog, was more than he could take.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He edged back into the cover of the battered trees. He wanted to run, to flee whatever doom had come upon the Library of the Sapphire Wind, but he dreaded attracting the creeping blue fog that 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was feeding upon the devastation, sparkling as it digested the missing inhabitants. Moving with great care, Septi managed to get far enough into the forest that he could no longer see the central plaza.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 One of the items he had dropped into a pocket of his vest was the headlamp he wore when working with delicate documents.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Do I put it on? On the one hand, the light will let me move faster. On the other hand, it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s going to make me easier to see. Then again, if I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t have light, I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m going to have to go right\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 down the middle of the road, and that is going to make me more easily detectable by whatever might be out there. So, I might as well be able to see, right?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Not at all certain he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d made the right decision, Septi put the headband on and activated the light. He adjusted it down so that it only provided what he needed to keep from smashing into obstacles\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 his legs already ached from where he\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 d barked his shins ag\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ainst various branches and rocks on his trip out. Then, glad he had put on good walking shoes, he hi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t the road at a steady jog. He kept this up as long as he could, then slowed to a walk until the ache in his ribs eased. Then he jogged again.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The headlamp did keep him from crashing into things, but it also ruined what night vision he had, so that the overhanging forest surrounding him was soon populated with shadowy figures. None attacked him, though, nor even crossed his path. He\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 d convinced \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 himself that they were imaginary when, during one of his increasingly longer stretches of walking, he saw a small \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tetzet scoot across the road.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s when he remembered what he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d forgotten about the color of those flames, and started running again.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
* * *
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ankur\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s impromptu picnic had transformed the budding mob into a community once again: a nervous, high-strung, on the edge of panic community, true, but at least a community. When the headcount was done, the population of Meadow Village was resolved to be 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 thirty-six adults, if one counted the almost grown apprentices like Pippea as adults. Thankfully, there were no sma\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ll children, since any residents with children had been among the first to be given leave for the holiday.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
However, thirty-six was far fewer than there should have been. Even with the Library on holiday hours, it took a fair-sized staff to care for even a handful of scholars and their assistants, since these still needed to be fed, cleaned up after, and the li
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ke. Cleaning crews often worked in the evening, when they would provide less of a disturbance, which meant they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d likely gone back to the Library afte\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 r dinner.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
If the scholars were doing active research, support staff needed to make certain the laboratories were functional and be available to pull materials from the shelves and repositories. Wizards had a tendency to work late, so it was likely some of the missi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng personnel had still been at the main complex when the catastrophe had struck.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Then there was the crew that had refused holiday leave in order to take care of the sort of repairs that were hard to manage when the Library of the Sapphire Wind was\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 in full session. These were missing to a one, and Leeya assumed that at the first sign of trouble, they had gone to the central complex to see what they could do.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Add to that the ones who ran to see what was going on, to assure themselves that friends or co-workers were safe, even just to gawk, and what we have here at the village are the quiet, unadventurous souls who ate their dinner and were settling in for a pl
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 easant evening with nothing more demanding on their minds than, say, teaching an apprentice c\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hef how to make meringue.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
This was not a reassuring thought. Nor was the fact that Septi had not yet returned, nor sent word. Rather than ordering someone else off on what was beginning to look like a one-way trip, Leeya wanted to go herself. However, she let Ankur convince her th
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
at he and Hafyz should go instead, that they would take some messenger xuxu with them, and turn around at the first sign of trouble. Nonetheless, Leeya and Neka walked with them right to where the road entered the forest, as if by 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 doing so they could assure that these latest scouts would come back.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When they heard the sound of stumbling feet pounding against the roadbed, their varied reactions were instructive. The other three jumped back. Hafyz drew a sword, while Ankur pulled a butcher\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s knife. Neka dipped her head as if to bring her silver-sheath\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ed tusks into play. Leeya simply froze, and so she was the one Septi crashed into, collapsing into her arms.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s cooking?\'94\loch\f51  he managed, with a trace of his usual flippancy, then fear wi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
dened his yellow eyes while the squared pupils shrank as if exposed to too much light. \'93\loch\f51 Back! Get back! Away from the forest! I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve seen a tetzet!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
They all obeyed, but it was clear that none of them had the least idea what Septi meant. As Leeya got Septi to a bench, the community drew close, like iron filings drawn to a magnet. Pippea thrust a cup of chilled zinz tea into Septi\hich\f51 \rquote 
\loch\f51 s hand. He gulped it \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 down while, to a background of murmuring consternation, everyone waited for his report.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 When Septi started talking, he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d managed to bank whatever panic had fueled his initial, incoherent warning. His words were as neatly organized as a cross-referenced file
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
. He began with a general description: bad. Moved to the level of destruction, lack of bodies, the blue fog: worse and worse and worse. By the time he drew breath to drain the rest of the zinz tea and hold out the glass in a mute request for more, many of
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  those listening were in tears. The rest were frozen in shock.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 But Leeya knew that neither tears nor shock would roll any dough. When Septi stopped talking, she prompted, \'93\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s more. Go on. Tell us. What\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
\hich\f51 s a tetzet?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Surprisingly, the answer came from Ne\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ka. \'93\loch\f51 
A long-extinct creature. Initially, scholars actually assumed that tetzet were more than one creature, but recent paleontological work has confirmed that the small tentacled form is definitely the juvenile form of the larger, heavily trunked version.
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  The tentacles turn into heavy limbs which the tetzet use to grab their prey.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I saw one,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi said. \'93\loch\f51 Clearly. No doubt. Not a large one, or I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t think I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
d be here. One of the smaller ones.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya wondered if he\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d tease her to make him tell why, after\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 raging fires, collapsed buildings, and creeping fog, the sight of a juvenile tetzet had so scared him, but Septi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s sense of humor had vanished. He went on without prompting.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I saw spurts of color mixed in the flames of the burning buildings, the most from the Library itself, but some from the lab, even a few from the residence. I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t remember right off what they were but colors like that come from magical items being burn\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ed.\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  He peered around until he located one of the lab assistants. \'93\loch\f51 But that many s
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 purts\'85\loch\f51  We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve got a critical magical overload, don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t we, Vrilla?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Vrilla, a black and orange striped feline, who worked in the labs, hissed in dismay. \'93\loch\f51 I think you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re right, Septi. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s the only reason I can think for why you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d have seen an extinct creature in the forest. You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re lucky it was an immature tetzet. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e too small to be dangerous to creatures our size, but a full-sized one\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\f51 And if a tetzet, what else? You saw more than a few of those spurts of color?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Lots,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi said. \'93\loch\f51 I didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t try t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 o count.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t worked at a magical library for these many years without having a vague idea of what a critical magical overload was. As much as she wanted details as to what might happen next, she also knew this was not the time for theory. Most of the flyi
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng vessels had left carrying folk for the holidays. However, there were plenty of boats on the lake.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Xabes,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she snapped, addressing the captain of one of the larger sailing vessels used to transport supplies. \'93\loch\f51 Is there a boat large enough to get
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  us out of here?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Not all of us,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  came the prompt reply, as the gathered crowd parted to let Xabes, a tall, grey-furred lupine, through, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
but I think we can manage to crew several vessels.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mentally, Leeya added the boat crews to her list, realizing she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d overlooked them in her original count.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Xabes asked softly. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Are we giving up on trying to rescue those up at the main complex then?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya nodded crisply, although, thinking of the friends and acquaintances who were missing, her heart wrenched. On a pecul\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
iar level, she loved everyone she fed, even the difficult ones who would insist on eggs done a certain way or very thin toast. Maybe, secretly, she loved those a little extra, because they gave her a chance to show off.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Getting out, but not giving up,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  she said firmly. \'93\loch\f51 If we stay too long, we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ll end up being the ones who need to be rescued. If we leave, then we have a chance of contacting some of the magically skilled staff. They\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re better equipped than we are to handl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
e a disaster of such magnitude.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Her \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 words sounded thin, even to her, but to her astonishment, there were murmurs of agreement.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I know most of you will want to get some of your stuff,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya bellowed as the crowd began to disperse, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 but before you do, look at that.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She pointed back in the direction of the Library of the Sapphire Wind, where usually they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d be able to see the lantern in the belltower. The grey light of evening had given way to full dark but, over the treetops, the glow from the still raging fires lit \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the sky with a lurid glow.
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  The spurts of dense color Septi had reported seeing were merging into the sort of mess one got when a kid got into the food coloring and decided that more was better: blue and red oozed into each other and didn\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 t make purple, but made something angrier; \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
yellow and blue tried and failed to make green. Her stomach lurched and she looked away, because she had a terrible feeling that if she kept looking, she was going to be sucked in.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want any of us to be here when that storm hits, and it looks as if \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s moving this way.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 That got them moving. Leeya felt a tug at her sleeve and Pippea said hesitantly, \'93\loch\f51 
Mekhiri says that most of the animals stayed near their shelters, even after the doors were open. She asked me to ask you, can we take them, too? And the poultry? Mekhiri sa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ys the coops were made to be portable, and because it\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s dark, the birds are all inside.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Leeya nodded. \'93\loch\f51 If they can get gotten aboard a transport, absolutely. Talk to Xabes. He\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll know which ship is best. Get some of the others to hel
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 p. Neka\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s good with animals.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Yes, Leeya-toh.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Impulsively, Leeya reached to wrap an arm around the girl\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s shoulders and give her a hug. \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re doing great.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Pippea\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s ears melted in a smile, then she ran off, intercepted Neka, who grabbed Hafyz. The three hurried off along the radial road that led toward the riverside meadow where the animals were kept.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya was coming back from telling Doc Hrutu to get his patients down to the docks, when Ankur arrived. He thrust a rolled canvas bundle with carrying str\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 aps at her.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Your knives,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  he said. \'93\loch\f51 You wouldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want to leave\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 them}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
re going to need to abandon most of the food, though. Pity. We\hich\f51 \rquote \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 d put some lovely things together for the stay-behinds holiday meals.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t be helped,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said. \'93\loch\f51 Maybe whatever\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s in that storm won\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t care about our preserved taga and pickled proggies, and we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll be able to retrieve the banquet later. Go help move the livestock. I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve seen Neka leading a string of animals, but not any o
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 f the others.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What about the injured?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Hrutu says that most of the injured are ambulatory, and that the ones who aren\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t can be moved by the rest.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ankur nodded and loped off. Leeya was\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 considering what to do next when she saw two people trying to move a large painting, staggering as they walked. Their shoulders drooped beneath overstuffed packs so hastily stuffed that items were falling out, leaving a trail of socks and other small ite
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ms behind them.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Leave the painting, you fools!\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya yelled. \'93\loch\f51 Get your tails on a boat. There isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t time! Can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t you see? There isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t time!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She gestured toward the skies. Overhead, the stars were vanishing, occluded by clouds of something that Leeya was n\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ot at all certain was as natural as water vapor or even smoke. Ruddy light was reflected back from more than one point.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Have fires broken out other than at the central complex? And what is that moving against that fire-bright sky? It seems to be rippling. Is it raining over there?}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Maybe you should take your own advice, sweet cheeks?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi said, coming up beside her, carrying what Leeya recognized with astonishment as her own favorite overnight bag. 
\'93\loch\f51 Where you lead, they\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll follow. As long as you\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re ashore\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , though, folk\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll figure they have time.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Leeya shook her head in dismay at her own shortsightedness. \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 re right. I guess I had some weird idea that the leader should be the last to leave but\~.\~.\~.\~
Let me check on Pippea. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s my apprentice, so doubly my responsibility. Then I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll get aboard.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fine,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi replied with some exasperation. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
How about I tell Xabes to get at least one of the transports loaded and cast off? That should make the stragglers start moving faster.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 You\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 re wicked and wise,\'94\loch\f51  Leeya\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Do it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She took a shortcut across the green, intercepted the radial road that led toward the livestock area, and moved along it, relieved that the artificial lights hadn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t failed. A few times she thought she felt raindrops and was grateful for her thick fur. Alo\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ng the way, she passed Ankur and Hafyz, who had managed to wrestle an entire coop onto one of the large flatbed carts used for moving supplies.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Good job! Get that aboard,\'94\loch\f51  Leeya ordered, jogging around them, doing her best to conceal gasps \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 caused by this unwonted aerobic exercise.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Will do, Chief Chef,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Ankur replied. \'93\loch\f51 Neka\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s already gotten most of the smaller dairy animals aboard. Pippea and Mekhiri should be coming along with the kaut.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 He looked over his shoulder, as if expecting to see the pair, but the only motion was from the gradually heavier rainfall beating against the foliage.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll go get them,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 If we need to leave a couple of stubborn kaut behind, so be it.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But even as she jogged through the rain toward the well-lit \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 barnyard, Leeya wondered if she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
d be able to convince Mekhiri to leave her charges behind. The kaut were her particular pride. These were a type that had been bred so that depending on what they were fed their milk could have radically different flavors, 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 from sweet to tart, even spicy hot.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Much as I liked what that did for my custards and puddings,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya thought,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
if those kaut are too stupid to get to safety then\~.\~.\~.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She had to laugh, at herself, because clearly the stupid one was herself. Feet squelching in the sodden ground, shoes heavy with tacky mud, she trudged forward, wishing she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 d taken Septi
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s suggestion and gotten aboard one of the ships.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Then she saw the kaut barn and forgot about the rain, because the structure was under attack by an assailant at least as impossible as the extinct reborn to life.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 As with supplies for the people, most of the fodder for the livestock was shipped in. However, just as Leeya main\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
tained an herb garden, because sometimes there was nothing like fresh, so Mekhiri grew treats for her animals. One of these was uaftet, a bitter green that most people couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t stand except as baby greens, but that everything from poultry to the haughty k\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
aut devoured with inordinate pleasure. Uaftet grew in bunches out from a central stalk, and Mekhiri harvested the outer leaves when they reached about two handspans from base to tip.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya only recognized the towering leafy figure that was battering the bar\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 n because of the distinctive \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 finger and thumb\'94\loch\f51 
 lobe pattern on the leaves. Otherwise\~.\~.\~.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
ve never heard of uaftet growing taller than a person, nor that it was mobile. I mean, everyone knows there are mobile vegetables, like beti-teneh, but uaftet isn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t one of them.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The gigantic uaftet had curled the \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 hand\'94\loch\f51 
 shape of several leaves into fists and was systematically battering the walls of the kaut barn, not seeming to care that it was shredding its own outer leaves. The barn doors had been pulled shut, b\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ut several sections of wall had been broken out, and through the holes Leeya could glimpse Pippea and Mekhiri huddled near one of the stalls. Behind them could be glimpsed a supernaturally placid kaut, chewing its cud and occasionally stretching its neck 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 as if hoping that it might reach the attacking uaftet and sample a mouthful. Mekhiri\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s eyes showed a white panic line all around, and her large nostrils were flared.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I wonder,\'94\loch\f51  came Septi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s familiar voice from beside Leeya, \'93\loch\f51 if the uaftet wants revenge? Bu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
t I suppose its motivation doesn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t matter, does it? I don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t think it seems open to reason.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got to get Pippea and Mekhiri out of there\'85\loch\f51 \hich\f51  and the kaut,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said acidly. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 m willing to bet my favorite paring knife that Mekhiri refused to leave the animals, and Pippea got trapped trying to help her. Any ideas?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 In reply, Septi shouted, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Hey, Mekhiri, Pippea, if we distract the uaftet can you get the kaut out of there?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Mekhiri called back, her voice tight and thin. \'93\loch\f51 If you can draw it away from the door. That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s the only opening wide enough.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Draw it away?\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said, her voice tight. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Me, be chased by a walking vegetable?\'94\loch\f51  She slid the canvas bundle holding her knives off he
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 r arm and unrolled it, selecting a sturdy cleaver that she knew from experience could chop through bone. \'93\loch\f51 I think we\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll see how it feels about being made into salad.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 m a lover, not a fighter,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi said, accepting her offer of a slightly smaller cleaver, \'93\loch\f51 but I make a terrific salad. Let\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s at it!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It turned out that the uaftet had very strong opinions about being made into salad, all of which were negative. When Leeya cut through the base of one of the leaves it was using to batter against the barn wal
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
l, it loosened the next leaf and made a fist that it brought down at her. The process, thankfully, was slow enough that both Leeya and Septi were able to interpose the cutting edges of their cleavers and use its own momentum to slice right through the lea
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 fy fist.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Spread out,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya called to Septi. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll go for it on two sides!\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Septi responded by angling around in \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 back\'94\loch\f51  of the uaftet\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
assuming that a creature with neither eyes nor face, nor even head, except in the sense that many leafy greens were clust\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 ered into \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 heads,\'94\loch\f51  had a front or back\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 and bringing his cleaver down into a leaf that was still mostly unbattered.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 Wow! That\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s like tanned leather,\'94\loch\f51  he gasped.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya understood what he meant when she next swung. The first leaf had been tenderized by being beaten against the barn. The fresh leaf was much tougher, but not so much that her cleaver couldn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t cut through.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Septi\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s next blow left the cleaver anchored in the central rib of the uaftet\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s leaf. He took a great slogging step back and grabbed a three-ti
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ned hay fork from where it leaned against a fence near a manger. Poking only bent the tines, but the sturdy hardwood handle proved to be so good at pulverizing the leafy matter that Leeya wished she had time to switch to her tenderizing mallet. However, b
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ehind her she could hear the barn door slowly sliding open, and she didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t dare risk the uaftet deciding she was distracted enough that it could go back after its original quarry.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Move along Butterball, Dreamy Cream,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Mekhiri coaxed. \'93\loch\f51 You don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want that n\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 asty uaftet. I\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll give you much better later.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Distracted by this byplay, Leeya took a glancing blow to the side of her head that made her ears ring and nearly knocked her on her tail. Had she been as light and delicate as Pippea, she might have been thrown across the yard, but her sturdier frame not 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 only kept her in place, but upright. In pain and anger, Leeya swung her cleaver in a solid downward chop that went right through the outer leafy layers, to vibrate against the central stalk. At this, the gigant
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ic uaftet wriggled its roots, swimming back through the muddy soil, not precisely quickly, but in definite retreat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Leeya and Septi pursued, also not very quickly, since their legs were weighted with mud to the knees by now, and they had to drag their feet out with every step. However, even when both the prize kaut and their handlers were outside of the barn, the uafte
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t did not alter its course. It bashed through a fence, then slid out into the surrounding, sodden meadow, and made much better time getting w\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ay. In a short time, it had vanished into the surrounding forest.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Seeing it splashing, for the first time, Leeya realized that the lake waters were rising. Meadow Village was on higher ground than the barns, but if they wanted to avoid swimming out to the transports, they\hich\f51 
\rquote \loch\f51 d better get moving. Septi had reached the same \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 realization and was tugging at her arm.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m sorry about your cleaver, but let the uaftet keep it as a souvenir. We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve got to get out of here.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya nodded, suddenly aware how much her head \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hurt. She didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
t shrug away when Septi, leaning on his hayfork, put an arm around her. Together they made it out of the sodden barnyard, onto the road, where they joined up with Mekhiri and Pippea. On the way back to the dock, they met up with Ankur and V
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rilla, who had come to find them.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Proving once again how unintelligent so-called intelligent creatures can be,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya thought with cheerful exhaustion.\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The uaftet knew when to cut its losses. We intelligent people don\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t seem to be able to do the same.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
* * *
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Three months would pass before Leeya would see Meadow Village again, and when she did, she and Septi were aboard the balloon ship,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Double Bubble}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
, high above almost unrecognizable terrain. The volcanoes had stopped actively erupting, but it would be a long time before anyone could even fly over that region. The lake was much larger, the once inviting blue waters now a turgid greenish-brown. Even t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he mountains looked somehow sharper and less inviting.
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Meadow Village was over there,\'94\loch\f51  Xabes said, pointing from\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  where he leaned against\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Double Bubble}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s rudder.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 His heroics in getting survivors ashore\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 including going back to rescue the Library\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s small herd of domestic vikrew and their drivers\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
had assured him of a post with the rescue squad. He had to be retrained to pilot air vessels, though, since the few waterc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
raft that had attempted the lake had been pulled under as soon as they reached deeper waters. A number of over-confident wizards had been drowned then, and those that remained were far less confident.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Leeya l\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 eaned over the rail, as if that would help her see better, but she had to shake her head. \'93\loch\f51 I can\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 t recognize anything.\'94

\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 There\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s not much to see,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Xabes replied. \'93\loch\f51 
After we left, the lake rose and swamped the entire area. When it withdrew, every building was gone. The central complex fared a bit better, being higher up, but what fire didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t get, the weirdnesses released by 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 the conflagration did.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 So I was right,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi said softly. \'93\loch\f51 It wasn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t just fire and water; it was \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
magic out of control that did for the Library of the Sapphire Wind.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 All those poor people,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said softly, pressing up against Septi, who slid an arm around her. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Xabes, how many are unaccounted for?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Somewhere between two hundred and fifty and three hundred is our best estimate,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Xabes said. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
ll never know for sure. Seen enough?\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Too much,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said, shuddering. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll certainly be able to swear to the survivors that there\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 
s nothing to come back to.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Thank you,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Xabes said. \'93\loch\f51 The Library\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s adm\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 inistration\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
I suppose I should say \hich\f51 \lquote \loch\f51 former Library\hich\f51 \rquote \emdash \loch\f51 \hich\f51 has done their best, but almost from the first there were rumors that they were withholding the truth.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Septi nodded. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ve heard the rumors, mostly about the riches that remain and how people are being kept away so that a few can gather up all the treasure. As for me, I
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 m grateful that there was insurance. With the settlement, most of us have been able to\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51  get a fresh start.\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Xabes nodded. \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 ll be moving on to another transport job soon, now that all res\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 cue attempts have been called off.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve settled in Hidden Horizon,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said. \'93\loch\f51 Septi and I have a shop, now: Cards and Cookery. Pippea\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 
s finishing her apprenticeship with me. Ankur\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 s set up a butcher shop.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 What about Mekhiri and those kaut?\'94\loch\f51  Xabes asked, leaning on the rudder so that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Double Bubble}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 turned away from the devastation. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 
The ones that almost got you killed?\'94
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Leeya laughed. \'93\loch\f51 Mekhiri bought them, as well as most of the other animals, cheap. The Library administration didn\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 t want them. She\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 settled not far from us. I still get my eggs and dairy from her.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 I\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ll have to stop by sometime,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Xabes said. \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 I miss your cooking.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 We have just about everything,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Leeya said proudly, \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 on a smaller scale, of course.\'94
\par \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Except for uaftet,\'94\loch\f51 \hich\f51  Septi put in. \'93\loch\f51 We\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 \hich\f51 ve had enough of that to last for the rest of our lives.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Jane Lindskold\~is the award-winning,}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 New York Times}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 \hich\f51 best-selling author of more than twenty-five novels, including the six-volume Firekeeper Saga (aka \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 The Wolf Books\'94\loch\f51 ), the two athanor novels (}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 C\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 hanger}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Changer\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s Daughter}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ), the three volumes of the Breaking the Wall series, the Artemis Awakening series, and many more. Lindskold has also written in collaboration with David Weber (}
{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/fire-season.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid6891387 {\*\datafield 
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2e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Fire Season}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/treecat-wars.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid6891387 
{\*\datafield 
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73002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Treecat Wars}}}\sectd \ltrsect
\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ) and Roger Zelazny (}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Donnerjack}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lord Demon}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ). When she
\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s not writing or reading, she\hich\f51 \rquote \loch\f51 s likely being ordered around by a variety of small animals. Lindskold lives in New Mexico.
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s29\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s28\qj \li-480\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin-480\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 \rtlch\fcs1 \af1998\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af1998\hich\af1998\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \'93\loch\f51 \hich\f51 Fire-Bright Rain
\'94\loch\f51  serves as a prequel story to her upcoming novel\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/library-of-the-sapphire-wind.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid6891387 {\*\datafield 
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\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Library of the Sapphire Wind}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , which, along with\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/aurora-borealis-bridge.html" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid6891387 {\*\datafield 
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61006c00690073002d006200720069006400670065002e00680074006d006c000000795881f43b1d7f48af2c825dc48527630000000085ab0000}}}{\fldrslt {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs36\b\i\f51\fs21\ul\cf19\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aurora Borealis Bridge}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , makes up the\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 HYPERLINK "https://www.baen.com/allbooks/category/index/id/5102" \\t "_blank" }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid12402625\charrsid6891387 {\*\datafield 
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\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Other Where series}}}\sectd \ltrsect\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15806039\sftnbj {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 .
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\af31505\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid2115574 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6891387 \page 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 
From Every Storm A Rainbow}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51 \ltrch\fcs0 \f1044\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af1044\dbch\af31505\loch\f1044 by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit Caylon, delm-elect of Clan Mizel, gazed across the table at Peers dea'Gauss.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers gazed back, face noncommittal. Neither looked at the third member of their party, Sinit's mother, Birin Caylon, who was Mizel-in-Truth\~.\~.\~.
\par .\~.\~.\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
for another four years. Then, by the terms of the agreement signed with Clan Korval, Sinit would take up Mizel's Ring, clan administration, management of its assets, fiscal, physical, and corporeal. Mizel had signed because her hand had been fo
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 rced two Standards ago, but she was not reconciled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The same agreement placed Peers dea'Gauss into Mizel as a consultant, taking up what would, in a less emperilled clan, be the duties of the nadelm. In the proper order of things, Sinit would be nadelm\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 but, no. Sinit Caylon would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 never}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have been nadelm, if Mizel had been in proper order. And, she realized, Peers was waiting for her answer.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I reviewed the precis you gave me," she said, placing her hand on that document where it rested on the table before he\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
r. "In addition, I went back through the accounts to the beginning of my great-grandmother's term of service\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Her mother tapped her fingers on the table, impatient, meaning, perhaps to distract. However, Sinit had been taking lessons in maintaining one's countenance under provocation from a master, and did not allow herself so much as a pause.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 in order to identify the moment of error."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "And did you find the moment, my lady?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit patted the precis gently, as if it were one of La\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dy yo'Lanna's large, indolent dogs.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"I see that my great-grandmother and my grandmother kept diversified portfolios and were aggressive in moving funds from under-performing shares. They both kept reserves in conservative funds, but even those monies might be moved to another location, if t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 he terms were sufficiently lucrative, and the fund itself of a high order."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit took a breath and did not look at the present delm, who had stopped tapping the table, which was in someway\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 more}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 distracting.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I found the \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
error was not a single event, but an accretion; a pattern of behavior that began to have adverse effects on the clan's financial security approximately twelve years into the stewardship of the current delm."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She took a deep breath, embracing inner calm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The previous delm's arrangements had not been altered\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
there was no need; the markets were stable. Mizel's fortunes trended slightly downward, not enough to be thought worrisome. They may have easily recovered, had the markets boomed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There was a collapse i\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
n the fourteenth year of the present delm's service. The old arrangements were no longer viable. A radical change of financial strategy was necessary." Sinit took another breath, and spoke directly to Peers, as if there was no third at their table.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Change was not made, and Mizel's fortunes declined, rapidly."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There, it was said. Sinit reached for her teacup. She sipped, awaiting an outburst of chill rage from her parent, and\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 still\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 her delm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 None came.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Indeed, you have identified t\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
he moment when required action was not taken. From that point, recovery became more difficult every year. Is it your opinion, my lady, that recovery is beyond us?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit knew Peers well enough by now to know that this was a test.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She put her teacup aside.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Not beyond us," she said slowly, "though I do not make the error of believing recovery will be quick or easy. We will need to be canny and flexible. This is where I depend upon you, Ms. dea'Gauss."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was nothing more than the truth. If Sinit was going to rebuild Mizel's foundation and standing\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 as she must!\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
she was going to need someone very like Peers dea'Gauss as an ally. How Mizel would afford her fees once the six year term was up, Sinit hadn'\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t the least notion. She hoped so\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
mething would occur to her\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 well. It would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have to}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , wouldn't it?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Your ladyship is kind," Peers murmured. "Perhaps you see a target upon which I may train my canniness?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit reached for the ledger where all of Mizel's accounts were listed out. Her mother sighed sharply. Sinit did not glance aside.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I believe," she said to Peers, "that we must begin by divesting ourselves of certain properties, not only to increase our treasury, but to lighten the burden of our obligations."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She opened the ledger to the pla\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ce she had marked, and turned the book toward Peers.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "How dare you!" Mizel erupted. "Golindor Manufacturing has been a cornerstone of the clan's wealth since before your great-grandmother took up the Ring! Will you sell our history?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, ma'am," Sinit said, turning to meet the delm's eyes. She had gotten quite good at meeting anger with calm. That had perhaps been Lady yo'Lanna's most useful lesson thus far.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Golindor will always be a part of Mizel's history. Indeed, it must be held up as a lesson to futur\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e delms and nadelms, for the delm's hand was as deft as her eye was sure. Mizel's long-term stability, which serves us even now, may surely be laid to that acquisition."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She looked down at the sad ledger, the profits line near to plunging off the bottom of the page, while the expense line sought the upper margins.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "In present, ma'am, as you can see, expenses far outstrip profits. Mizel cannot make needed upgrades. Now is the time to sell, while there is still some value left."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I do not agree to this," Mize\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 l said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers looked to her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Of course, it is never pleasant to liquidate assets, but in the case, it is the best for the property and for the clan. I will, if you wish, prepare a report to the oversight committee, presenting Lady Sinit's solution, and your disagreement. Your ladysh
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ip surely knows that the committee will debate, but allow the liquidation. Meanwhile, the property will become less attractive."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mizel glared at Peers, her eyes cold.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Certainly, we should not wish to bring ourselves to the noti\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ce of\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
the committee}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . You make your point eloquently, as usual,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dea'Gauss."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She stood, waving a hand that seemed too frail for the burden of Mizel's Ring.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Please, continue with your pleasant plans,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 delm-in-waiting}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . You have no need of me for this."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She left them, closing the study door gently behind her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sat, hands folded tightly in her lap while she examined her actions and intent. After a moment, she was able to admit to herself that she had not acted in malice, nor to cause distress, but f
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
or the best good of the clan, insofar as she could judge. Lady yo'Lanna's brother, Delm Guayar, had been adamant regarding the on-going necessity of such evaluations. "For we are none of us infallible, and it is not beyond us to be petty. It is therefore 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the first duty of we who hold the good of our clans cupped in our palms to be certain of our motives."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My lady?" Peers murmured. "May I ask after your thoughts?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit raised her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I was thinking that my mother looks\~.\~.\~.\~ill," she said, which was no\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t\~.\~.\~.\~wholly\~.\~.\~.\~untrue. "This\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the transition\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
is not easy for her."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, my lady," Peers said. She paused. "Shall we continue?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes," Sinit looked back to the journal page.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Golindor must be liquidated," she said. "I wish to sell quickly, and as advantageously as possible. When it is done, I wish you will review the process with me."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers raised her eyebrows. Sinit felt her face heat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "What I mean to say is that I must look forward to the day when you will not be available to me. I would learn how to make such decisions."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Ah." The\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 inclined her head. "I will be pleased to teach the method, my lady, though I feel I must point out that my canniness is at your service f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
or a few years, yet."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes," Sinit agreed, looking down at the ledger again. "But you and I both know that when I take the Ring, the agreement ends, and Mizel will be in no position to afford you."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 That was rather plainly said, but Peers, improbably, smiled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, my lady, you must allow me to work. It is my goal that Mizel will be very well able to afford me, when the Ring passes."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit frowned, recalling her recent review of Mizel's financials.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I would not have thought that you were an optimist," she sai\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I am a realist, my lady. To the business at hand, you have made a bold and necessary first move to bring Mizel back from the edge. Have you given thought to your follow?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit bit her lip. But, really, if she could not bring this to Peers, who was required by contract hold Mizel's prosperity as her first priority, then who?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I wonder if you will advise me?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Of course, my lady."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit smiled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then I will tell you that I have a goal. I had been used to thinking of it as part and parcel of restoring Miz\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
el's finances, but lately I have been thinking of assets, and I wonder if we might not achieve this thing separately, and sooner, for it will be years before Mizel is restored."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers frowned slightly.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "A few years, my lady. Recall that the agreement has Korval remitting the life-price of a scholar-expert to Mizel when the Ring passes. That is not an inconsiderable sum."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I do recall that," Sinit said. "But this other thing\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 I do not wish to wait four more years to bring Mizel's children home!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers blinked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Well, they're scarcely children any more," Sinit rushed on. "Tiatha\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 my sister Aelliana's heir\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 is very nearly as old as I am, and Ver Non\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
Voni's heir\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 not so many relumma behind. Jes and Zilli are younger, but long out of the nursery. The delm had good rea\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 son to foster them to Lydberg, but\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She paused, realizing that she was out of countenance.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Your pardon. This matter has weighed on me since the delm spoke of marrying Lydberg as the lesser partner. In short, I want our children brought home. They are Mi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
zel's treasures, so much more so than\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " She slapped her hand on Golindor's ledger page.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There was a brief silence. Peers inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I understand, my lady. However, the fosterings were done by Mizel's will. They must be dissolved by Mizel's will."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 And she was not\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 yet\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 Mizel. Sinit sighed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 I think that my mother might be better served, were there people in the house\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 kin. To live here alone\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 with the ghost of her favorite child her only companion}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "I think it cannot be\hich\f51 \emdash \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 good for her."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She paused. Peers waited.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I will speak with her," Sinit said, "when she is in a better frame of mind. I think she might agree to bring them home, if only I can show her the way."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I understand," Peers said. "I will work with your goal in mind."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Despite having been late at Etgora's evening gather, Sinit was up early with her schoolwork. She had completed the basic coursework, and stood within a relumma of finishing the advanced course. Then she would put her name before the Accountant's Guild as 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 an apprentice. Her goal was to have\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 a secure place in one of the established firms before Mizel's Ring was on her hand. The House would need her income, and the expertise she gained could only assist in accomplishing her duties as delm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There came a rap at the door.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit rose, crossed the room, and opened to Ms. pel'Ena, the butler.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This came express, Lady Sinit," said that august person, offering an envelope.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit glanced at it, recognizing Mizel's seal\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the Thundercloud and Rainbow\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and felt her stomach clench. There were only four, now, \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
who would use that seal\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 herself, her eldest sister Voni, her mother, and her delm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Voni was not given to writing, being so very busy with her duties as a hostess at the Middlemarch Mountain Ski Resort.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was equally unlikely that her mother would write\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
but, no, Sinit reminded herself. Her mother had been very sensible during their last talk. Indeed, she had been eager to see Mizel's children brought back to their proper place, going so far as to promis\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
e to consult the delm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This note could be the result of\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  that consultation. It might, Sinit told herself, be good news.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She took the envelope with a small bow.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Thank you, Ms. pel'Ena."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Always of service," the butler replied. "Shall I send a tray up? There's the buffet this morning."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Justus was a busy clan, and breakfast was often a buffet, to accommodate the many diverging schedules.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Please," Sinit said, the letter weighing in her hand. "That would be pleasant."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ms. pel'Ena bowed and went away. Sinit returned to her desk, and broke the envelope's seal.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was\~.\~.\~.\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not\~.\~.\~.\~good news.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She might have thought it a joke, save that neither her mother nor her delm indulged in humor.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The agreement stated specifically that Sinit Caylon would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 receive lessons in administration from Clan Korval. However, the agreement did not forbid her from speaking to her sister, who was, coincidentally, the delmae of Korval.

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The comm signaled twice, bringing Sinit to an awareness of the hour. She moved to cut the connection, but too late.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Good morning, Sinit," came the cool, fir\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 m voice. "Did you enjoy a good sleep?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Aelliana," she said, tears starting to her eyes. "Mizel has gone to Low Port."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "For what purpose?" Lady yo'Lanna asked. She was in the New Garden, trowel in hand, placing seedlings in a fresh-turned bed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit dropped to her knees, so as not to be greater than her host, and met the lady's eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "She says to find the nadelm, and bring him back to fulfill his proper place."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Mizel's nadelm is dead," Lady yo'Lanna stated.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "By the Delm's Word, yes, ma'am. But she never reconciled\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I mean to say," Lady yo'Lanna interrupted, "that Ran Eld Caylon is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 dead}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 in the most physical sense possible\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Low Port is dangerous even to those who reside there. It is inimical to strangers."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I spoke to Aelliana. She assures me of these same things," Sinit admitted, leaving aside the other things Aelliana had said. "She has an\~.\~.\~.\~
associate, whom she will ask to locate Mizel, and return her to her proper location."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lady yo'Lanna bent her head, perhaps recruiting herself, for Mizel's actions must surely horrify so stringently proper a lady.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "And your own plans?" her ladyship asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I am for Raingleam Street,\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  ma'am, with all speed. The House\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Indeed," Lady yo'Lanna said, suddenly brisk. "The House."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She rose, stripping off her gloves. Sinit came also to her feet, extending a hand to the gardening basket.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, leave it, child," her ladyship said. "Let us see you on your way."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The house was empty when she arrived, early in the afternoon. Well, of course it was. The servants had long ago been turned off, for lack of funds to pay them. Aelliana was lifemated, Voni was at her employment, Ran Eld was dead, and Mo
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ther\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit swallowed as she went through the lower floor, opening doors and turning on lights. At the delm's office, she paused with her hand on the door.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Eyes closed, she reviewed her motives. Satisfied that this was a necessary action, she turned the knob\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and entered a scene of chaos.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The delm's desk, usually so tidy, was awash in loose sheets and notebooks, as if the contents of all the drawers had been emptied onto it. There were books on the floor\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the bound set of the\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Liaden Code of Proper Conduct}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , Si\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nit saw, detouring carefully around them on her way to the desk.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She considered the mess, keeping her hands behind her back. The notebooks were sharesbooks, the loose sheets, ledger pages. Sinit bit her lip. Had\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
precipitated this, with her talk of bringing the children home?
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She leaned closer, seeing a gleam of color among the ledger pages, in the style of a clan seal.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Taking hold of the sheet with careful fingertips, she gently pulled it free.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 It was Lydberg's seal. The note was abrupt; apparently in r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 esponse to a letter from Mizel.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
It is gratifying that Mizel has at last recalled its inconvenient baggage. Lydberg is willing to return it, upon receipt of upkeep costs on the order of three cantra. Be this amount received by Trianna Eighthday of the current relumma, the baggage shall b
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e released to Mizel.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
If Mizel remains in default on Zeldra Eighthday, the contracts will be sold at Lydberg's discretion, all wages therefrom coming to Lydberg until such time as the debt has been paid in full.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 This by the hand of Lydberg Herself}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Three cantra! Sinit felt her breath hitch in panic.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But, no. Panic was not an option, not now. She must solve this. When the debt was retired, and the children safe in Mizel's house,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 then}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 she would panic.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Think, she told herself. Lydberg's letter was meant to intimidate, to demonstrate\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  Mizel's weakness and lack of resource while explicitly placing Mizel's children in peril.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 But Mizel\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 had}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 resources.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit placed the letter on top of the chaos that was the delm's desk, and sought the comm in the library. The comm was answered immediately.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Ms. dea'Gauss," Sinit said, stringently calm. "I need you to come to Raingleam Street at your earliest opportunity. It is a matter of some urgency."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She opened the door to the delm's office and stepped back to allow Peers to enter.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 walked \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 carefully, avoiding, as Sinit had, the books on the floor, and standing over the desk with her hands behind her back.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She turned around.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Did you touch anything, my lady?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The letter, there on top, from Lydberg. It had been under that muddle of ledger pages on the right. I saw the clan seal and thought\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
" Embarrassingly, her voice hitched again. "I thought it might provide a clue as to why the delm left us."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Indeed," Peers said dryly. "Forgive me, my lady, but I wonder if you know where Mizel has gone."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Si\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 nit closed her eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The delm has gone to Low Port," she said, pleased that her voice was perfectly even and in-mode. "Her reason was to find Mizel's once-was nadelm and fetch him home."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She took a breath, and opened her eyes. Peers was watching her calmly, waiting.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Lady yo'Lanna states as fact that Ran Eld Caylon is dead to all and everything. My sister\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 has asked grace of an associate, who may, perhaps, be able to locate the delm and\~.\~.\~.\~}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 extract her}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 " that had been Aelliana's exact phrase\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "before she f\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 inds harm."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit spread her hands. "The delm did write to me of her intent. The letter found me this morning. It is why I'm here."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Of course," Peers murmured. "How may I serve you, my lady?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sighed. "Advise me\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 Lydberg threatens Mizel's children. Surely, they must be answered, quickly and firmly."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Surely, they must," Peers said, plucking the letter from atop the pile. "Let us take this to our usual table. First, I will use the comm. The oversight committee must be told."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sighed as they exited \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the room.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes, of course. I should have told them, but I thought it best to first secure the House."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You have the instincts of a delm, and you have done everythi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ng that is proper," Peers said, firmly. "You secured the House, and you called your\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Your\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
will now call the committee, which task is her explicit duty."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit reached around Peers to close the door.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Are they likely to send someone?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "They may, though I cannot say how quickly. In fact, I will make another call. This is an unusual situation, and I would consult with an elder of my firm. If they deem it necessary to send someone,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
person will arrive quickly."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Excellent, thought Sinit, an\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d did\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 think of how Mizel would afford the expense.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "While you make your calls, I will make tea," she said. "Find me at our usual table, when you are able."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Definitely, a threat has been laid here."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The elder from the firm, Etha dea'Gauss, seemed inclined to take a very dark view of this. She had arrived with astonishing quickness, and sat now with a cup of tea by her hand, notetaker to the fore.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My first thought had been to stall," Peers murmured. "My second was that such tactics might create greate\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 r peril. Lydberg's timeline gives us room to work."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"Your second thought is worthy, young Peers. Immediately, we should send a acknowledgment of receipt, which will also inform Lydberg that Mizel is taking counsel from our firm. More than that is not necessary. As you say, the given deadline, while not gen
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 erous, allots us some time to work."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She sipped her tea. "It falls to you as Mizel's\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of record to acknowledge Lydberg. Do so. Lady Sinit and I will begin discovery."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes." Peers rose, bowed, and \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 left them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Etha dea'Gauss finished her tea, and set the cup aside.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Do you have a copy of the contract with Lydberg, my lady?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sighed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I regret. There is no contract."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ms. dea'Gauss inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "One has heard that there has been a certain\~.\~.\~.\~reticence on the part of the current delm with regard to sharing documentation. Perhaps Mizel's former\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
will have a copy among their dead files. If your ladyship does not recall the name, I will query the Guild. Indeed, I should have done so bef\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ore I came to you."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit put her palms flat on the table, and met Ms. dea'Gauss's eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My mentor has long since despaired of my tendency for plain speaking, ma'am. I assure you that I do not mean to be\~.\~.\~.\~unconvenable. I merely wish to be certain that information is conveyed with clarity."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Etha dea'Gauss eyed her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Certainly, my lady. Clarity of information must be our goal in this and all of our of transactions."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Plainly, then\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 if Mizel retained a\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 prior to Peers\hich\f51 \emdash \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I mean to say, Ms. dea'Gauss\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
it was before my birth. As the arrangement we now confront was made\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 after}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 my birth, there is no need to disturb the cellars of the Accountants Guild."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She paused, the elder said nothing. Sinit inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There is no contract with Lydberg, ma'am. However, I\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 can}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 tell you how the arrangement was made."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Please proceed, my lady."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit reached for her cup, and sipped tea to ease her dry throat.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "When my mother was young, she was sent to live for a year with our cousins Clan\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 Lydberg, while a child of Lydberg came to Mizel. It was a done thing, when my grandmother was a girl, and she felt that her heir should also receive the benefit of being fostered into another House. While she was with Lydberg, Mother and Voni pel'Dina be
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 came fast friends. The friendship outlasted the fostering. Mother named the first of her children who remained in-House after her friend, who was said to have done the same."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit paused for another sip of tea.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "When Mizel realized that the House was unabl\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e to care for the nursery, Mother turned to her friend for advice. Between them, they crafted a solution\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
that Lydberg would foster Mizel's next generation. This arrangement was intended to be in force for only a year, perhaps two, until the clan came abou\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She paused; Etha dea'Gauss inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Mizel never recovered sufficiently to bring the children back into the House, and mother's friend continued to keep them safe, in hers."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit turned her palms up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Voni pel'Dina is Lydberg's sister, she ha\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 d his ear and his support. It seems apparent that Mizel offended by writing, yet\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Lydberg's Ring passed twelve days ago," Etha dea'Gauss said gently. "Voni pel'Dina clearly does not have the support of the new delm."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit blinked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 saw the announcement in the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Gazette}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ," she said. "I should have realized that there would be\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 change."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No, how could you?" said the elder, briskly. "Unless you are privy to Lydberg's internal politics?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit laughed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Ms. dea'Gauss smiled. "Exactly. Now, my lady, attend me. T\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 his situation did not grow from the seeds of your errors."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That is true," Sinit said, "it only falls to me to\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 to\hich\f51 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
fix this}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 !" she burst out, which was surely unworthy from one who would be delm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It falls to\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 us}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to fix it\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 yourself, supported by your\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . We\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 will}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 arrive at an equitable solution. May I ask what your plans are, while Mizel is absent?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I will hold the House until the delm returns," Sinit said, wondering what other plans she might have.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Etha dea'Gauss inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "In that case, my lad\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 y, allow me to be of service. You require staff\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
at the least a cook, a butler, and a person of all work. I will contact the agency the firm uses and have them send reliable people. Since it is unlikely that they will arrive before tomorrow morning, I furt\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
her suggest that I have a meal delivered, so that we may continue our work unimpeded.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Also, if you will take an old woman's advice\hich\f51 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 have}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers stay with you until the delm returns."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 These plans were breathtaking, though surely reasonable, Sinit thought, sav\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Ma'am, I\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the former staff was turned off for a reason."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Perhaps they were, and perhaps we may discover what that reason was. In the meanw\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
hile, if you are concerned about expense, my lady, I can assure you that funds are available. The meal is borne by the firm."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit hesitated. It would be pleasant to have staff, but\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "After all," said Etha dea'Gauss, "}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 some}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 one will need to answer the door."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Well, thought Sinit,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 that}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was certainly true.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Thank you, ma'am. You're very good."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Breakfast for Peers and herself was tea and the last biscuits from the last tin in the pantry. She would, Sinit thought, need to go to the market.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The door chimed, interrupting these thoughts. She started to her feet, but Peers was already up and moving.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Finish your breakfast, my lady. I will answer."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There was no arguing with such authority, Sinit thought, and dunked a stale biscuit in her tea. Peers was back by the time she had disposed of it, and resumed her place at the table.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Lydberg has answered," the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 said composedly, taking up her tea cup.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "But, where is the letter?" Sinit asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "At our usual table," Peers answered. "There is no r\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 eason that you should be disturbed at your meal by business, my lady."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit picked up her tea cup. She was unused to having such care taken for her; it was both unnerving and comforting. Also\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think," she said, meeting Peers's eye, "that I should be Sinit. You have already allowed me Peers, after all." She paused. "I feel that our\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 melant'is}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 must be partners, with I the junior."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Straight eyebrows rose. Peers inclined her head.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I am honored, Sinit."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She laughed. "Surely, you are! Now, I will tell you tha\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t this delightful repast we have just enjoyed is the last food in the pantry. I will go to market today, so that we may\hich\f51 
\emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Surely, the cook will do that," Peers interrupted comfortably.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit blinked. "The cook\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You will recall that my Aunt Etha had engaged for you three servants from the firm's usual agency. They should be along\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The door chimed. Peers smiled and rose.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Very soon," she said. "Shall I bring them to you in the library, or the formal parlor?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The library, of your kindness," Sinit said, hastily swallowing the last of her tea. "Thank you, Peers."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lydberg's letter was\~.\~.\~.\~ungracious. The sum owed was reiterated, with a note that only the signature of Mizel Herself would be acceptable upon the agreement letter, Lydberg having no confidence in the guarantees of
\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 delms-in-waiting}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Now, that," Peers said, "is mere spite, my\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 Sinit. Lydberg surely knows that any letter of agreement must be accepted by the oversight committee. Without that, it matter
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s not who places their name on the line for Mizel."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit tapped the letter. "The sum demanded, as payment for expenses in arrears\~.\~.\~.\~"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers moved her shoulders.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "We found the ledger sheets last evening, did we not? The amounts were paid."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No," Sinit said, her meager breakfast a stone in her stomach. "I woke in the night realizing, that\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
it fell to the nadelm to pay the amounts. That does not mean they were paid in fact, though the ledgers tell that tale."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I was told that the nadelm had been a bad mana\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ger," Peers murmured.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "More," Sinit said, swallowing. "He was\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 expensive, and unfettered. He used Aelliana's quartershare as his own. He only required tribute from Voni, as she brought profit to the clan. For myself
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 well. I was fourteen when he died, and not yet grown into a qu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 artershare. However, there had been no funds set aside in an account for my majority."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers took a careful breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I see. Your theory is, then, that the nadelm\~.\~.\~.\~failed to pay the sums recorded to Lydberg."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Most likely, he spent\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  the money on his own pleasure," Sinit said quietly. "My sister Aelliana may know more."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then we will make certain to interview her," Peers said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "In the meanwhile," Sinit said, firmly. "We will settle with Lydberg in good faith."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "If I may," Peers murmured. "We will offer copies of the ledger sheets, and ask Lydberg to show their accounting. This is standard procedure, and so Lydberg's\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 will instruct the delm. In the meanwhile
\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "In the meanwhile," Sinit interrupted. "We must have a plan in place \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 to pay whatever is truly owed, assuming our ceiling is three cantra. Even should Golindor sell today\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That is our other danger," Peers said, interrupting in her turn. "If Lydberg puts it out that Mizel is desperate for cash, we will be seeking to sell at a\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 greater disadvantage."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit wilted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There is another option, my lady," Peers said, after a moment. "Forgive me for noticing that Mizel is thin of adults. Would you be open to buy-ins?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit stared. "Who would\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 buy into}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mizel?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Well\~.\~.\~.\~" Peers met \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 her eyes. "Myself, for one."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Nuncheon was simple, yet worthy of any meal served to Lady yo'Lanna's table. After, Sinit took herself upstairs. There was no need to open the third floor; there were sufficient bedrooms on the second to accommodate all of Mizel. Merely those that had bee
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 n shut up ought to be made ready.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana's former room was stripped to the walls. It was musty, and Sinit crossed to the windows, pushing them open, admitting the sounds of Raingleam Street along with fresh air.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit made a note to explore the storage rooms for furniture\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 or perhaps Tiatha\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 for surely this room ought to go to Aelliana's daughter\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
would like to explore the basements with her aunt Sinit. A shared adventure might ease the awkwardness that must at firs\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 t stand between them.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The next room was Voni's, which Sinit passed by. The on\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e after had been Ran Eld's.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit pushed the door open, expecting that it had been stripped as bare as Aelliana's\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and stood gaping on the threshold.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The room looked as if Ran Eld had left it that morning. The shelves were full of books and ornaments, the floors covered in bright rugs, the wall hung with art, the closet bulging with clothes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The desk\~.\~.\~.\~Sinit turned\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 the desktop was bare; the drawers empty. This, then had been the source of the ledger sheets and sharesbooks they had found on the delm's des
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 k. Suddenly, it made a kind of terrible sense, that Birin Caylon had gone to Low Port, in search of her son, who had all but ruined the clan.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Well.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The room would have to be cleared. It would for Ver Non, who would no doubt also wish to choose his own furnishings.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit closed the door and went downstairs to fetch Mr. pel'Kosta, her staff of all work.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This must be made ready for a new occupant, who will wish to choose his own style," she said, opening the door. "What is here must be boxed, labeled, and tak\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
en to the storeroom in the cellar. Then the room must be cleaned."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mr. pel'Kosta neither blanched nor protested, which Sinit felt he had every right to do. Merely he bowed, and stepped into the room, looking about with what seemed a practiced eye.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The door chimed, and Sinit left him to it to go downstairs.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The caller had just been admitted\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 a slim figure in pilot leathers, pale brown hair pulled away from a beloved face.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Aelliana!" Sinit flung forward, as if she were no more than a halfling. Her sister caug\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ht her in strong arms and they stood for a moment in silent embrace.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Sinit,I have news. Shall we to the library?"
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "What is it?" Sinit asked, when the door was shut.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana stood in the center of the room, her back to Sinit.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Sister? Is the news\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 not good?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana's shoulders lifted, then fell. She turned, reached into a pocket and held out her hand, fingers curled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Shivering, Sinit cupped her sister's hand in both of hers.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Show me."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Slowly, Aelliana unfisted her hand, revealing Mizel's Ring lying in \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the center of her palm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit caught her breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Mother\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My associate was not in time to save her life. Daav is in Low Port with a Scout team, seeing to everything that is needful."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit took a breath. "Surely, I must\~.\~.\~.\~go to her. Bring her home."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana shook her head. "Surely, you must not," she said softly. "My associate sends the Ring with his regrets. He asks me to tell you that he saw what was left of Mizel and that\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 it's nothing a daughter will want to have as the last memory of her mother.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana sighed. "Clarence is Terran, and has sensibilitie\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 s. If it eases you, he refused me, also."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit swallowed. "Which is why Daav is seeing to the needful."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The silence stretched. Aelliana extended her hand, Mizel's Ring glittering in her palm.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Biting back tears, Sinit picked the thing up and slipped it onto her finger.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana moved, sweeping a bow\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 delm-to-delm\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 and straightened, face solemn.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Mizel," she said, her voice strong and sure. "All honor to you."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 There came a sharp rap at the door.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit jerked around.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Come," she said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mr. pel'Kosta enter\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ed the room, offering a book across both palms.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "My lady, I thought you should see this. I began to box the room abovestairs, as you had requested, and this book fell out of the shelf."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit frowned. It was a novel, which was odd, because Ran Eld had not been bookish. The fall had disarranged the pages, so that they were sticking out beyond\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Those are stock certificates," Aelliana said sharply, and looked to Sinit. "Who's room?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Ran Eld's."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Of course." Aelliana took a deep breath. "I may be of some assi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 stance, Sister."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes," said Sinit. She looked to Mr. pel'Kosta. "Please ask Ms. dea'Gauss to join us."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes, my lady."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Here."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana reached to the top shelf and pulled a large bound volume down. She cradled it in one arm and opened the cover, read something and closed it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This is the original bound copy of the Caylon revision of the ven'Tura Tables," she said, her voice stringently calm. "I knew he had taken it; I suspected he had burned it, but, no\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
he would have bragged about that, to make the hurt more poignant."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Take it," Sinit whispered, and Aelliana nodded absently, already back to scanning the shelves.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "There," she said\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  suddenly. "That blue figurine is Voni's. She wept for a relumma after she\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 lost}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 it."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Rapid footsteps came down the hall, and Peers stepped into the room.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Sinit, what\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " She turned her head, and bowed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Lady, your pardon."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "No need," Aelliana said, sparing her a bright green glance. "You are Mr. dea'Gauss's granddaughter?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I am."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then you are the proper person to handle this."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers glanced at Sinit.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit handed her the book. "It fell off the shelf."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers opened it, stared at the crumpled certifi\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 cates, and took a hard breath.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "This room will have to be thoroughly searched," she said. "My lady, and\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 my lady, please step out, and leave everything\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Aelliana may have that book," Sinit said sharply; "it is hers. We will check it for\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 inclusions\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 before she takes it away."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "All else must remain as it is," Peers said. "Lock the door. I will make a call. There is an agency that specializes in this type of room clearing. The firm uses them frequently."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She paused.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The desk\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "The desk," Sinit said, hearing \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the edge in her voice, "was empty before I opened the door."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers pressed her lips together, and strode off toward the stairs.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Aelliana stepped into the hallway, and Sinit locked the door.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Etha dea'Gauss joined them for a short meeting, staying for prime meal. She left them, promising to send the proper notices to the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Gazette}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 .
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit stood in the hallway, feeling rather wilted.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "May I bring you a glass of wine in the library?" Peers asked.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit looked up.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Surely it is not your place to serve me."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Surely, it is my place to offer comfort to my partner after a very long, and absurdly trying day," Peers retorted, and Sinit smiled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You are persuasive. Yes. Bring wine for both."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 They had scarcely settled when the door chimed, a moment later the butler came to the library.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Ma'am, Lady Voni pel'Dina Clan Lydberg asks for a word. I am to say she is a friend of your mother."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers's eyebrows rose. Sinit took a breath, and placed her glass on the tray before rising.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Please show Lady Voni in."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Voni pel'Dina was small, round, and grey-haired. Her eye fell first on Sinit's face, then on her hand.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Her face tightened.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Is Birin gone, then?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Today," Sinit said, and cleared her throat. "The announcement will be in tomorrow's\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Gazette}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You must tell me," the lady said\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "by her own hand?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit stared, leaving Peers to answer.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "She went unguarded to Low Port."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That is\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 yes}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 , then. Lady Caylon\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 I offer my condolences. I came to offer my services in forming a solution to Lydb\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
erg's absurdities, but you are in mourning. I will go. Perhaps you will see me later."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think," Sinit said, rather unsteadily, "that we had best see each other now, my lady. Mizel's children must yet be succored."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Yes," the lady said grimly, and sat in the chair Sinit offered. Peers poured her a glass of wine.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I must ask difficult questions in regard to Mizel's grandchildren."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit inclined her head. "Ask."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lady Voni sighed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "One has heard that Lydberg received a letter of inquiry from Mizel, on the topic of Mizel's grandchildren."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I think that must be so," Sinit admitted. "I had spoken to my mother regarding my desire to re-clan Mizel's treasures. She was\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
much in favor, and I believe the delm wrote to Lydberg after we spoke." She took a breath. "There was a letter from Lydberg, in\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  reply."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Hah." Lady Voni looked sour. "An\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 invoice}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 was sent, is what\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 I}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 heard."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "A demand, rather," Peers said. "Lydberg states that Mizel is arrears\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 in maintenance payments. Three cantra is required to balance the debt, which would be done by a date, else Lydberg will sell the children's contracts in order to recoup its loss."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That woman is a fool," Lady Voni said savagely. She had recourse to her glass, and set it aside, empty. Peers rose to refill it.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "One had heard," Sinit murmured, "that Lydberg's Ring has recently passed."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Indeed it has. The new delm has long been opposed to keeping\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 non-kin}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 close. Thus, her first act as delm\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 ungracious and unsup\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 ported by fact. I will tell you how it was."

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She took her glass from Peers, sipped, and set it aside.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Birin was the sister of my heart," Voni pel'Dina said. "When we were children, we swore that, when we had each fulfilled our duties to our clans, we would live together forever."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She sipped her wine, lowered the glass, and met Sinit's eyes.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "When Mizel's finances became complicated, Birin came to me. Between us, we agreed that the best course was to foster the grandchildren to me, and so it was done. It wa\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
s to only have been a year or two, that it went longer made no matter. I cared for Birin's children as if they were my own\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 indeed, my heart insists that they\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 are}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
my own! They were raised with Lydberg's children, but it was I who gladly bore the expense of their support, their education, their pleasures. My brother, Lydberg-who-was, granted them space in the clanhouse\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 
there was no reason not to do so, we have room \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 for more than we are, even now."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She sent Sinit a sharp look.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You want them, you said. Why?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "They are Mizel's treasures," Sinit said. "It has\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 long troubled me, that they were kept apart from us, though it may have been for the best. One's elder brother\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "

\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
The lady raised her hand. "Speak no more of your elder brother. I understand what you would say. Birin knew, I think, but she would hear nothing against him. It was your elder brother drove us apart, and I daresay it was your elder brother who drove her t
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 o her death!"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She raised her glass.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "If I may ask, your ladyship?" Peers said.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Whatever you must,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . I would see this solved properly."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You testify that you supported the children. We have journals detailing payments made to Lydberg, for maintenanc\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 e."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Birin had made some representation that Mizel ought to pay a stipend, but I put her aside. There was no need."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "And yet\~.\~.\~.\~"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Her ladyship sighed sharply. "Yes,\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \loch\af51\dbch\af31505\hich\f51 \emdash }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 and yet}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . May I suppose it was the boy who recorded those payments to Lydberg?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "In fact."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then there you have it," she said. "Whatever those amounts were, they went directly into his pocket."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 She turned back to Sinit.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I regret that I must ask another hard question, lady. Do you\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 know}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 the children?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sighed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "To my sorrow, I do not. I wish to rectify that."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I see that you do." She lapsed into silence, sipping her wine, and looking at some point beyond the bookshelves.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit looked to Peers. Peers raised an eyebrow.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Lady Voni spoke.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I believe we may assist each other," she said slowly. "I will provide a full accounting of my financial support of Mizel's treasures to the\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 of Mizel and Lydberg. I will further 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 provide a statement that there is no repayment necessary. Mind you, Lydberg may still demand room and board, but I believe that amount will be found to lie\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 well}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 below three cantra.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "If you allow, Lady Caylon, after the House has mourned, I will come again, and talk to you of the children."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I would be grateful," Sinit said, and her ladyship smiled.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "It will be my very great pleasure. In the meanwhile, I will put one more thing before you and then decently take my leave. It is in my mind that it were best if\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
 I found another House to shelter me. Though Birin is gone, I would honor her by coming into Mizel."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit blinked. Lady Voni raised her hand.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"There are many things to consider. I am employed as a traffic controller at Chonselta Spaceport; that income would of course come to Mizel. I have been accustomed to assisting the delm in administrative matters. That experience would of course be placed 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 at Mizel's service.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "However, you may not wish to have the foster-mother with the children. There could be repercu\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
ssions, given existing alliances, and the fact that I am many years your elder, and have raised for you a brilliant and strong-willed foursome."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Good," Sinit said, and her ladyship laughed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Excellent! We will talk again, soon." She rose, and Sinit with her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Thank you," she said. "I am very glad you came."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "As I am, Lady Caylon. As I am."
\par }\pard \ltrpar\qc \li0\ri0\sb240\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 #

\par }\pard \ltrpar\qj \fi480\li0\ri0\sb135\sa135\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 \cbpat8 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Voni Caylon came home for the twelve days of mourning, returning to her employment on the morning of the thirteenth day, taking most of her things with her.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit was \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 confirmed as Mizel before the Council of Clans.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 for Clans Mizel and Lydberg settled upon a figure due Lydberg to cover room and board for four fosterlings. The sum was paid from the proceeds of the sale of Golindor Manufacturing.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Voni pel'Dina was provisionally admitted to Clan Mizel, pending a review at the end of six years.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Korval's payment for a scholar-expert, due when Sinit became delm, had been deposited to Mizel's account.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The financial papers found in Ran Eld's room were under examinati\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 on by the Accountants Guild.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Bedrooms had been made ready for the return of Mizel's treasures.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Mr. orn'Verz, the cook, was preparing a feast, and the children\hich\f51 \emdash 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The children were due very soon now, with their foster-mother.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit sat in her favorite chair in the library. Mizel's Ring glowed on her hand, the motto bright:\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
From every storm, a rainbow.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 A familiar step sounded and she turned to smile at Peers.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "You were right," she said. "Mizel\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 can}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 afford you."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers smiled. "Did I not say that I was a realist? But I wonder\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 "
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "What do you wonder, my friend?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I wonder if you have thought any further about allowing me to buy in to Mizel. Your membership is still thin of\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  adults, and I would be an asset to the House."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Peers, you cannot be serious."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
"But I am! My clan has my heir, and I am inconvenient to clan administration, even as I am valued for my gifts. My grandfather has spoken to me several times about the notion of starting my own business, but that does not solve the issue of the clan, whic
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 h surely does\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 not}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 need two delms. As a member of Mizel, I would support the delm, and bring the House a trade."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "A trade?"
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Certainly! You have completed your coursework. How if\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51  we set up as\~}{\rtlch\fcs1 \ai\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 
\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 qe'andra}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \f51\fs21\cf1\insrsid6891387\charrsid6891387 \~\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
at hire, serving those clans who cannot afford the larger firms? We would maintain our ties with the firm, and I daresay some elders like my aunt Etha would be eager to help out occasionally\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 " She grinned\hich\f51 \emdash 
\loch\f51 "for a fee."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit laughed. "You have thought this through, I see."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "I have. Please, my lady. Have me."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Sinit looked up at the woman who had become her very dear friend, and extended a hand. Peers caught it between both of hers.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Let us meet tomorrow at our usual table and discuss th\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 is in depth," Sinit said. "For the moment, I am\hich\f51 \emdash \loch\f51 interested."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers's eyes glowed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "Then we are half-way to an accord, my lady."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The door chimed.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 "That will be the children," Sinit said, rising, and shaking out her dress. She took a breath to steady her nerves.
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 Peers bowed. "Mizel."
\par \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 The absurd gesture gave her heart, and she swept out of the library with her head high and a smile on her face, to welcome Mizel's treasures home.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11498235 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \insrsid6891387 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6891387 {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f51\fs21\cf1\chshdng0\chcfpat0\chcbpat8\insrsid6891387 \hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 
Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller first teamed up in the late 1980s\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Since then, the husband and wife have written dozens of short stories and twenty plus novels, most set in their star-spanning\~}
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\hich\af51\dbch\af31505\loch\f51 . Sharon and Steve passionately believe that reading fiction ought to be fun, and that stories are entertainment. They maintain a web presence at\~}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af51\afs21 \ltrch\fcs0 
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