The misted early mornings will be cold;

But youd have to bring the entire population of the Archipelago if you named Lars Dahl abductor. When Trag turned to Lars for affirmation. he nodded. I hadnt planned on leaving Optheria, Lars said, with a slightly embarrassed grin, and Im sure my father is more than willing to, but youd need an entire liner to remove those whod be vulnerable. The Optherian Elders have been waiting for years for an excuse to search and seize the adult population of the islands. Theyd all end up in rehab. Unless, of course, you also have the authority to suspend every government official on this charge. Trag was silent for a long moment, regarding Lars steadily. Then he exhaled slowly. I was given broad powers by the Federated Council but not that broad. His lower jaw jutted out slightly. Had there been any suspicion of this. He paused, his contempt for once visible in his expression. Let us not reveal this knowledge prematurely. Carefully they removed every trace of their entry. Neither man had touched the cabinets or files, so covering their tracks took little time. Meanwhile, Killashandra repositioned herself at the door panel, listening for sounds of approach. Trag reexamined the cables he had clipped, checking from all angles to be sure the incision would escape all but the most critical inspection. He gave the room a thorough survey and then, apparently satisfied, looked expectantly at Killashandra and Lars. Well, close it! Killashandra gave a burst of puzzled laughter, more shrill than amused. How? Lars chuckled as he took the hammer from her nerveless hand. Find something he likes He tapped out the Beethoven sequence again. The wall immediately responded by closing, giving the barest thunk as the panel met the ceiling. Trag gave the cable housing a final glance and dismissed it with a shrug. I suggest you eat something, Killashandra. Youre too pale. Probably the effect of combining both assignments for your Guild. Lars Dahl, set the next bracket. Chapter 21 It was well that they had completed their investigations, for Elder Ampris returned twice, the first time issuing an unrefusable invitation to a quiet dinner with several of the Elders who were most anxious to meet the Guildmember. Which means youd better eat before you go, Killashandra told Trag when Ampris had left them. Especially if Elder Pentrom, a medical man with interesting views on motion detector for digital camera nutrition, is attending. She made a very small circle thumb and forefinger overlapping to indicate the size of the portion. Trag, do you drink? Trag peered up at her. Why? The worthy Elders, Pentrom in particular, are currently under the impression that members of our profession must daily consume alcohol in substantial quantities to assist their unusual metabolism. Trag slowly straightened from the manual. His expression bordered on the incredulous. Oh? They are so frail, these Elders of Optheria Lars made a derogatory comment that I should dislike causing any of them distress. Prematurely, that is. Or exposing yourself as a calculating fraud! Lars suggested. Occasionally it is useful to spawn a helpful myth about our profession. Otherwise well be stuck with water which, despite its high mineral content, is not purified because of the Optherian lust for nature untampered. It tastes as if it was decanted from the tank of the first long-range starship. The beer here is not bad. A flicker crossed Trags usually inscrutable face. Yarran beer? Unfortunately no. Trags preference raised him further in her estimation. The Bascum brew is potable while the better beer is illegal. She shot a knowing glance at Lars who grinned back at her. They generally are. Your advice is timely, Killashandra, Trag said, then appropriately sounded the B-flat. Thirty-four crystals were in place when Elder Ampris appeared for the second time late that afternoon. There was no disguising the elation in his eyes at their progress. He was seething with the most excitement she had yet seen an Elder exhibit. Had he despaired of running up this years dose of indoctrinal conditioning on his subliminal program? We will finish this tomorrow, Trag told Elder Ampris, with a further day to tune the new manual into the system, and to check the other three manuals for positive feedback. One minor detail on which Killashandra was unable to reassure me: Was the organ in use when the manual was destroyed? I believe it was, Ampris replied, his lids dipping to conceal his brown eyes. I will of course confirm this. After the deplorable desecration, I myself conducted an inspection of the other manuals to be sure they were undamaged. Elder Ampris,