"Now this being done, away he did run

look embarrassed. Then she gave Lars a penetrating look which he returned with an impudent wink. And Im hungry. We didnt eat any lunch in order to get the installation completed. Mirbethan was full of apologies and, when both Trag and Lars said they were sure the Infirmary was of the same high standard as the rest of the premises, she led them back to their quarters. Once inside, Lars ostentatiously activated the jammer and Killashandra heaved a sigh of relief. She hadnt realized how tense shed become. Im hungry, thats all, Im hungry, she told herself as she made her way to the caterer. Where did you find the subliminal unit, Trag? Lars asked, pausing at the drinks cabinet. Under the stage, but keyed by the same motif. For clever men, the Elders can be repetitive. Killashandra gave a contemptuous snort. Probably cant remember anything more complicated at their advanced ages. Dont make the mistake of underestimating them, Killashandra, Trag said solemnly as he poured himself a blew. Let them have that privilege, Lars added. Sententious bastards. Were down to Bascum, Killa. Well, that goes well with the fish, which seems the only thing left on todays menu. Lars guffawed. It always is. Take the soup instead, he said in a tone that suggested dire experience. And dont, Killa, play my music again in the Conservatory, he added, waggling a finger at her. Balderol heard me practice often enough. I won t say Im sorry, Killashandra replied. It just happened to develop from the previous chord. Its probably the most original music ever played on that organ if what we heard last night is standard. They dont want originality, Killa, Lars said with a twist to his smile. They want more of the same that they can orchestrate to mind-penetration. Trag, what did Ampris say about your doing the provincial organs? I havent suggested it. Yet. There has been no opportunity. Lars looked anxious. Im the one whos greedy now. Disabling their program in the City is a big step forward because so many provincials make the trek here in order to say theyve heard the Festival Organ. But theyre not the ones whod be recruited to Ampriss punitive force. So theyre the ones we want to keep unaffected this year. Who else has access to the organ lofts? Trag asked. Only Ah! Larss expressive face altered to triumph. Comgail never got the chance to make his annual inspection of the other philips key chain digital camera facilities. And maintenance is Ampriss responsibility, not Torkes. Hell have to use you and Killa, Trag. He hasnt anyone else. And he certainly wouldnt entrust maintenance to the puff heads youre supposed to initiate into the art of crystal tuning. Especially not you, Lars, said Killashandra with a laugh. Lets not continue that part of the farce. Killa, Lars said. Why not? asked Trag. I think you must realize that we will not leave you on this planet, no matter how cleverly you could hide yourself amid your islands, Lars Dahl. Crystal tuning is a universal skill. So is sailing, Trag. But let us continue as we have started. Farce or not, it keeps you in our company and safe. Trag, are you recruiting? Even to herself, Killashandra sounded unnecessarily sharp. Trag turned his head slowly to look at her, his heavy features expressionless. Recruiting is not permitted by the FSP, Killashandra Ree. She snorted, Neither is subliminal conditioning, Trag Morfane! Lars looked from one to the other, grinning at this evidence of unexpected discord. Here, here, whats this? An old controversy, Killashandra replied quickly. If all the provincial organs need at least basic maintenance, then you and I, Trag, are the only qualified technicians on Optheria. Ampris will have to ask you, for I cant see him asking me, and that solves that problem, doesnt it? It should, Lars replied, grinning at her for her change of subject and the facile solution. We shall see. Trag added, rising to refill his glass. I need a bath, Killashandra said, rising. After a morning spent with Ampris, I feel unclean! Now that you mention it, Lars murmured and followed her. A stolid security man drove the small ground vehicle that evening. Its plasglas canopy gave her an unobstructed view of the City in its tortured sprawl as she was driven sedately down from the Conservatory prominence. The spring evening was mild and the sky cloudless. Quite likely, Killashandra thought, she was seeing the City at its best, for spring growth hazed most of the vegetation with a delicate green, gold, or fawn brown, providing some charm to the otherwise sterile