And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,

out. I dont think theres a concert tonight. Ill find out. Im not a prisoner here. I should hope not, Corish said stiffly. Look, where can I reach you? The Piper Facility, Corish replied as if there were no other suitable place in the City, where you said, and he emphasized the word, that youd leave a message for me. I was concerned when thered been no word at all from you. Foods not bad here but they wont serve anything drinkable. Typical traveler hostel. Ill see if they can recommend some place a little more Optherian. This isnt a bad world, you know. Ive met some sterling people, very helpful, very kind. Then his expression brightened. You check and leave word at the Facility only if you cant make it. Otherwise, come here at seven thirty. You have enough funds for ground transport, dont you? Now he was the slightly condescending, well traveled adult, older sibling. Of course I do. You sound just like my brother, she replied cheerfully. See you! And she broke the connection, turning to Trag and Lars. That sort of solves one problem, doesnt it? Does it? Trag asked darkly. I think so, Lars replied. Corish has an unlimited travel pass, issued by Elder Pentrom. His credentials must have come from very highly placed Federationists for that kind of assistance. More likely, his uncle is due to inherit a sizable hunk of credit of which the Optherian government will get its own share. Killashandra suggested. Lars nodded. And if his cover has been that good, its unlikely the Elders have tumbled to his true identity so he could get in touch with anyone we need, including Olav Dahl! Or Nahia or Hauness. What concerns me, Lars said, his eyes clouded with anxiety, is why hes getting in touch with you right now. He must have come back to the City from Ironwood and Nahia and Hauness. Maybe theyre in jeopardy. So many people were picked up on the search and seize Killashandra put a reassuring hand on Larss arm. I think somehow Corish would have managed to intimate that. I think he did by not admitting to finding his uncle. If he admitted to having found his uncle, Trag said, unexpectedly joining forces with Killashandra to reassure Lars, he would no longer have any need to use that travel pass, and if hes as good a Council agent as he seems to be, he wouldnt surrender that option. Lars kodak camera digital camera parts accepted that interpretation with a nod of his head and pretended to be reassured. Well know soon enough, Killashandra said kindly. Well, when you meet Corish this evening, Lars said, walk to whichever restaurant hes been recommended. That way you have some chance of open talk. The Piper is certain to recommend The Berry Bush or Frenshaws. Neither are far from the Piper, but both restaurants are run by Optherians, loyal and true to the Elders, so youll be under observation. The foods pretty good. Lars gave her an encouraging grin. Then Im taking the jammer, too. Got to keep them thinking its me that causes the static. Well, they should have had enough time to digest Corishs innocuous conversation. So Killashandra tapped out a sequence on the comunit. Mirbethan, is there a concert tonight? I shouldnt want to miss any but von Mittelstern has invited me to dinner tonight, and Ive accepted. I dont want him to come charging up here and discover Im more than the simple music student he thinks me, so Ill settle his doubts. Whatever Mirbethan thought was disguised by her reassurances that no concert was scheduled. Then please arrange transport for me this evening. By the way, when is the next concert? Im fascinated by the organ effects. Fabulous concert last night. The most unusual one Ive ever attended. Tomorrow evening, Guildmember. Mirbethans reply was gracious, but Killashandra noticed the slightly smug turn to the womans faint smile. Good. Killashandra broke the connection. Offense is the best defense, Guildmember, she added, turning to Trag. You didnt have to promise the Elders that youd discipline me for my emotional aberration, did you? Well, then, its business as usual for me in a normal fashion which means I come and go, whether they trail me or not. Right? And since Im disaffected with you, and Killashandra kissed Larss cheek, Ill go alone. Unless, Trag, you want to come and meet Corish. I might, at that, Trag said, half-closing his eyes a moment. That gives me the chance to moon after Mirbethan, Lars said slyly. Killashandra guffawed and wished him luck. Now let us attend our duties, Trag said, gesturing for Killashandra to precede them to the door. When they reached the Festival Auditorium, a large contingent of security