"What news? what news, thou silly old woman?

The Council does not interfere with planetary politics when no other planet or system is affected. Optheria could not be approached on an official basis, you know. The FSP had ratified their Charter. With you to explain all about the lack of popular acceptance of the restriction, surely My dear Killashandra Ree, the situation on Optheria cannot be altered by one mans testimony, especially a man who could by planetary laws to which he is now subject under intergalactic regulations, be tried and convicted of treasonous acts. Oh! Killashandras elation drained away quickly. Dont concern yourself with this problem now, my friend for I count you one, Olav said, gripping her on the shoulder. I am grateful for what you have already achieved. He took Larss shoulder in his other hand, smiling with great affection at his son. Ever since we saw the cruiser jet on the screen, Id been wracking my brains on how to protect Lars from interrogation by Torkes. You have scuttled that plan, but do not deceive yourself that all will be fair sailing. It was a superb performance, Killa! When I tell the others Softly, Lars, softly. Olav said, Torkes has had enough to swallow. Give him no more on your peril. Now, Killashandra, we must do the courteous for you, and lavish you with suitable gifts and personal services Teradia, of course, Father. And Ill advise her about our visitors and their preferences. Lars grimaced with distaste. Yes, Ill warn her youre coming up and then Ill organize appropriate festivities. Why waste a barbecue on Torkes? He doesnt eat! Killashandra said in disgust. But you do, Killashandra, and its your return to civilization that were celebrating! Lars squeezed her about the waist. One point, Lars, and Olav laid a restraining, hand on his sons arm as he reached and removed the garland from his neck. I am sorry, but these would bring unwelcome questions. He reached for Killashandras and she hesitated before giving it to him. Not half as sorry as I am. She walked out of the building, Lars following quietly behind her. Chapter 16 Teradias house was situated on one of the upper levels facing North Harbor, and as they hurried up the steep, zigzag stairs that linked the terraces, Killashandra saw that much of the debris occasioned by the hurricane had already been removed. Groups of young people were unhurriedly samsung nv digital camera tracker staking polly trees upright and replanting those young pollys which had been entirely uprooted. Others were pruning bushes or restoring bedding plants. Are there any snakes in this paradise? Killashandra asked when they paused at the first level to let her catch her breath. Snakes? What are those? Lars asked, humoring her. Normally, a long, slender, legless reptile only I meant humans with unpleasant characteristics. She made a weaving, sinuous gesture with her hand, and grimaced with distaste. Surely the Elders make use of informers and spies. Oh, they do. Most of whom report themselves to us and pass back such information as we want the Elders to have. Lars grinned as his fingers caressed her arm. Its not naive of us; islanders stick together. The Elders can give us little that we lack except the freedom to leave the planet. To be sure, not many of us would leave: its having the option to do so. And my father has a small detector so that people posing as tourists can be quickly identified. Father has a theory that only a certain type of personality is attracted to such an infamous occupation, and they often give themselves away. Strangely enough, by not singing! He gave her a mischievous grin. I was relieved to hear you singing lustily at the barbecue. I nearly didnt because, if I could recognize your tenor, you might have spotted me as that midnight soprano. So I sang alto. But, Lars, isnt Nahia in jeopardy for being here? Someone might just slip up and mention her presence? Lars took her by the elbows and pulled her against him, unconcernedly stroking her hair. Beloved Sunny, Nahia would be protected under any circumstances but, as it happens, only my father, you, and the people she came with, know she was on this island during the hurricane. Her partys ocean jet has been secreted in another of the Back caves, unseen by anyone. Its still there and wont emerge until weve had a chance to jam the cruisers surveillance systems. Nahia and Hauness will use the islands to screen them from any possibility of detection when the cruiser takes you all right, and me back to the Mainland. Satisfied? I told you my father is efficient. He is. There will also be no one here tonight from Wing Harbor who might inadvertently remember the girl Lars Dahl had as his partner. But No one in Wing will feel slighted: theyre all too busy with storm