Truly that hour foretold

and gestured her into the lift. The door slid shut on Killashandra and Lars and, with an exaggerated sigh of relief, Killashandra leaned against him. He made a quick sign with his hand, his eyes busy on the ceiling pane. I am totally exhausted, Captain Dahl. So, Torkes had had the area monitored. That would make it exceedingly awkward for her and Lars. The lift made a brief, noiseless descent and then the door slid open to a scene that caught her breath. The wide window gave onto moonlit harbor. An aureole of bright light illuminating the ancient stratovolcano as a second moon rose behind it. Of one accord, they stood for a long moment in appreciation of the beauty. As Lars led her down to the short corridor toward two doors at its end, he glanced at the chrono on his wrist. Killashandra had time to notice the grin on his face before all the lights went off. Simultaneously she saw three short blue flashes, two along the corridor and a third one at the first door. What she began in alarm, but then the lights came on and Lars took her in his arms. Now were safe! You blew the monitors? And his ships systems. Fathers got a way with electronics and he swung her into his arms and impatiently strode toward the first door, which slid open to their approach. Im about to have my way with you. Which, of course, was exactly what Killashandra had been hoping for. Chapter 17 A breakfast tray in hand, Teradia appeared early next morning. Killashandra found she was in a large room brightly lit by sunlight reflected from the surface of the harbor. How the woman maintained her perfect grooming and serene composure Killashandra would have given much to know. Perhaps it had something to do with the experiential tranquillity of advanced years, although old in the physiological sense did not seem to apply to Teradia. And what of the day, oh bringer of delights? Lars asked, settling pillows behind Killashandra. Olav didnt miss a trick last night, did he? Hes still playing them this morning. Teradia smiled faintly. May I compliment you on last nights performance, Killashandra? You were spectacular. I dont think anyone on Torkess staff had ever witnessed its like. I was consumed with righteous wrath, Killashandra replied. Imagine, someone digital cameras for landscape pointing a weapon at me! A crystal singer! Lars soothingly stroked her arm and poured out the steaming morning beverage. Whats Olav up to today then? Teradia seated herself on the edge of the wide bed, folding her hands together in her lap, the faint smile still tilting the corners of her full lips. As you surmised, the power failure effectively crippled the cruiser, since Olav had so courteously suggested that they hook up to the land facilities and spare the cruisers batteries. Then it went, Torkes was quite upset, worrying about you, Guildmember, and thinking this was another attempt on your safety. Of course. the lift wouldnt operate, and an inspection party quickly discovered that this apartment cannot easily be scaled from the ground, so they posted guards on the 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