She buried him before the prime;

I should not like to put it to the test and fail. Killashandra turned to Lars. You said something about your father being able to detect Council agents. Does he have a unit? A small one. If we had it, we could test crystal resonance with it. Weve got all those crystal shards, Trag, and you know how interactive white is. First we have to contact my father, Lars said with an ironic laugh, then get him and the device here. Oh, its not large but certainly not something you carry bare-faced through City streets. But, even as Lars spoke in pessimistic terms, it was clear to Killashandra that she had revived his hopes. All the more reason, Trag, for, you to get to Ironwood and make contact with Nahia and Hauness. Theyve got the oceanjet. They could discreetly bring Father and the device as far as Ironwood. There are no other embarkation clearances at the shuttleport? Trag asked. Lars shook his head slowly. No other beside the security curtain has ever been needed. You forget, Trag, that loyal, happy, natural Optherians have no desire to leave their planet. Only tourists, who can buy tickets anywhere, so long as theyve enough credit. Then, and Trag got to his feet, carefully putting the glass down on the nearest surface, patently I must oblige both you and the greedy Elders. Good night. Killashandra watched, wondering if the polly had got to the impervious Trag but his step was as firm and unswerving as ever. She saw that Lars was watching his progress, a very thoughtful expression on his face. If this idea works, Killa, he said, taking her in his arms, his eyes on that distant prospect, is there enough crystal to get six or seven people off Optheria? Dont hope too hard, Lars! she cautioned him, her head against his shoulder, her arms about him. Nor can we schedule a mass exodus on the next liner without giving the whole scheme away. But if crystal resonance fools the scanner, the most vulnerable people will get free. The Festival season hasnt even started. When it does, a few one-way passengers could go out on each flight. She looked up and caught the bleak look on his face. Lars, dance with me? To a distant drum? he asked with a rueful grin, but he shortly sloughed off depression. The next morning Killashandra woke to the second chimes and to an interesting idea. Lars, Lars, wake up. Why? and he attempted to free sewing patter for digital camera pull her back down on the bed, murmuring suggestions. No, Im serious. We responded to the subliminals last night, didnt we? How long are they supposed to be effective? Huh? I dunno. Ive never Oh, I see what you mean! And he sat up, linking his arms about his raised knees and considering the implications. We never took last nights performance into our deliberations, did we? He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then grinned at her. Id say we could work this to our advantage. Security, pride, and sex, huh! Lars began to laugh, a mirth which developed into such a paroxysm that he fell back on the bed and hauled his knees up to his chin to relieve the muscular cramp of uncontrollable laughter. Trag appeared in the doorway, pointed to the ceiling monitor and, when Killashandra pointed to the jammer on the table, he came in and shut the door, regarding Lars expressionlessly. We got conditioned last night, Trag, Killashandra said by way of explanation as she hauled her coverall on. I dont think I should overdo it, but if Lars wants to act disaffected with me, it will lull Ampris and Torkes into thinking their programmings effective. Even on a crystal singer. Trag, I could even stay on here not want to leave Optheria. Im a musician. If last night is the best they can do, just lead me to a keyboard! Ill show em some sensory music thatll knock em in the aisles. Trag shook his head slowly from side to side. Risky for any number of reasons which I shouldnt have to enumerate. Brushing laugh tears from his eyes, Lars was still grinning broadly as he reached for his clothes. So what was so funny? Killashandra asked. Mirbethan as a sex image when I have you! Im not sure I needed to know that! Killashandra stalked into the main room and up to the catering unit. She punched out her selection so hard that the tab stuck and a succession of beverage cups paraded out. Fortunately the mechanism was programmed against excessive use and the emergency panel flashed quota at her as the depressed button snapped out again. Put Ampris in my place and what do you have? Lars wanted to know and his voice was just a shade repentant. Nausea. she handed him a cup from the plentiful supply waiting on the catering facility. Chapter