My name is John Little, a man of good mettle;

waterfront. Thats why your sleep was undisturbed. She lowered her eyes briefly. Olav worked with the cruisers engineers all night, to discover the trouble in our generators which, as you might suspect, had suffered previously undetected damage from the hurricane. All is now restored, except, of course, the units which were overloaded! She pointed out the several char marks where walls met the ceiling. And, of course, the blown chip was discovered to be water damaged. Your father has a genius in that area. But I think you had both better put in appearances shortly. There are suitable garments for you both in the dressingroom and I have been requested to deliver necessities for you to the cruiser, Killashandra. Teradia rose in one lithe movement, hesitated, and then moved to Killashandras side. You can have no idea how I enjoyed seeing an Elder rendered speechless. An excellent strategy on your part. Keep them off balance and guessing. They dont have any experience with that! Then Teradia laid her soft, fragrant cheek against Killashandras and before the crystal singer could react, had glided out of the room and closed the door. You have made an impression, Lars said. Ill tell you about Teradias experience with the Council and youll understand what she meant. I never would have thought of complaining about that sentry nonsense, and Lars gave an exasperated sigh, but then, Im used to it. It must be He searched for the appropriate word, shrugged when he couldnt find it. How remarkable not to need weapons or guards. Is it the case in Ballybran, or did that felicitous state exist on your Fuerte, too? Both. On Fuerte for lack of aggression, and on Ballybran because everyones too busy in the Ranges cutting crystal. We know our place and are secure in it, she paraphrased, mimicking Ampriss voice. Lars, how are we going to fuse the monitors at the Conservatory? Theyll have installed them, I know. You could always throw another tantrum. No thank you. Fits of temper are exhausting. Oh, is that truly why youre tired today? Pleasure never tires me. Now lets eat and dress. Ive just been attacked by a case of circumspection. A few minutes later they emerged onto the reception floor with no further delays. An officer immediately leaped to his feet at their arrival, stammering queries about Killashandras rest, apologies for any inconvenience caused by the power failure, and kodak digital camera reviewed obsequiously requesting Killashandra and Captain Dahl to join the Harbor Master and Elder Torkes in the communications room. Olav Dahl looked tired but there was a merriment in his eyes as he asked if all her needs had been satisfied. She reassured him, then turned to Torkes and affected surprise at his evident fatigue, fussing at him graciously. If the Guildmember is agreeable, I should like to depart immediately, Torkes replied, when the amenities were completed. He eyed her as if he expected her to demur. I left unfinished even unstarted, to be totally candid she said, the task which brought me to Optheria. I am more eager than you can imagine to complete the organs repair and depart. Im sure we will all feel relieved when Im safely homebound. Patently Elder Torkes could not be more in agreement, although he kept throwing skeptical glances at Killashandra as he made his farewells to Olav Dahl. Lars kept in the background. Meanwhile sailors in Council uniform had formed up into a guard of honor all the way from the Residence down to the pier where the cruisers boat awaited its distinguished passengers. Just as she reached the top of the steps, Killashandra looked up at the terraces, at the polly trees, the dwellings, at the old volcano on the Head, at the fishing skiffs serenely clearing the harbor, and she didnt want to leave Angel Island. Someone touched her arm and there was Olav with two garlands in his hand. Indulge me in an island custom, Guildmember. He draped the fragrant blossoms about her neck. Killashandra had just recognized the blooms as those with which Lars had handfasted her, when she saw Olav bestow one on his son. Discharge your duties assiduously to the protection of the Guildmembers person, my son, and return to us only when you have seen her safely to the shuttle port! Before Killashandra could say anything in acknowledgment, Olav had stepped back. So, she could only smile her gratitude for his vote of confidence and proceed to the waiting boat. Impatiently she brushed aside the tears in her eyes before anyone could notice, and took a seat under the awning amidships. She was not surprised when Lars did not elect to join her for she could well imagine that he had been equally astonished by Olavs farewell. She sat staring at the squat bulk of the cruiser, and liked it less the nearer she got to it. Nor did her opinion change during the three-day voyage back to the City. The Captain, a