C.JCherryh

ThePrideofChanur

Therehadbeensomethinglooseaboutthestationdockallmorning,skulkinginamongstthegantriesandthelinesandthecanisterswhichwerewaitingtobemoved,lurkingwherevershadowsfellamongtherampwayaccessesofthemanyshipsatdockatMeetpoint.Itwaspale,naked,starved-lookinginwhatfleetingglimpseanyoneonThePrideofChanurhadhadofit.Evidentlynoonehadreportedittostationauthorities,nordidThePride.Involvingoneselfinothers’concernsatMeetpointStation,whereseveralspeciescametotradeandprovision,wasill-advised-atleastuntilonewaspersonallybothered.Whateveritwas,itwasbipedal,brachiate,andquickatmakingitselfunseen.Ithadsurelygottenawayfromsomeone,andlikeliestwerethekif,whohadathievingfingerineverything,andwhowerenotabovekidnapping.Oritmightbesomelarge,bizarreanimal:themahendo’satwereinclinedtothekeepingandtradeofstrangepets,andStationhadbeendispleasedwiththeminthatrespectonmorethanoneoccasion.Sofarithaddonenothing.Stolennothing.Noonewantedtogetinvolvedinquestionandanswerbetweenoriginalownersandstationauthorities;andsofarnoofficialstatementhadcomedownfromthosestationauthoritiesandnonoticeofitslosshadbeenpostedbyanyship,whichitselfarguedthatawisepersonshouldnotaskquestions.Thecrewreporteditonlytothecaptainandchasedit,twice,fromThePride’sloadingarea.Thenthecrewgottoworkonnecessaryduties,havingsettledtheannoyancetotheirsatisfaction.

Itwasthelastmatteronthemindofthenoble,thedistinguishedcaptainPyanfarChanur,whowassettingoutdownherownrampwayforthedocks.Shewashani,thiscaptain,splendidlymanedandbeardedinred-gold,whichreachedinsilkencurlstothemiddleofherbare,sleek-peltedchest,andshewasdressedasbefittedahaniofcaptain’srank,blousingscarletbreechestuckedupatherwaistwithabroadgoldbelt,withsilkcordsofeveryshadeofredandorangewrappingthatabout,eachknottedcordwithapendantjewelonitsdanglingend.Goldfinishedthebreechesatherknees.Goldfiligreewasherarmlet.Andarowoffinegoldringsandalargependantpearldecoratedthetuftedsweepofherleftear.Shestrodedownherownrampwayinthesecurityofownership,stillhigh-bloodedfromaquarrelwithherniece-andyelledandbaredclawsastheintruder

bloodedfromaquarrelwithherniece-andyelledandbaredclawsastheintrudercamebearingdownonher.

Shelandedoneraking,startledblowwhichwouldhaveheldahaniintheencounter,butthehairlessskintoreandithurtledpasther,tallerthanshewas.Itskiddedroundthebendingofthecurvedramptubeandboundedrightintotheship,trailingbloodallthewayandleavingabloodyhandprintontherampway’swhiteplasticwall.

Pyanfargapedinoutrageandpeltedafter,clawsscrabblingfortractionontheflooringplates.“Hilfy!”sheshoutedahead;herniecehadbeeninthelowercorridor.Pyanfarmadeitintotheairlock,hitthebarofthecompanelthereandpunchedallship.“Alert!Hilfy!Callthecrewin!Something’sgottenaboard.Sealyourselfintothenearestcompartmentandcallthecrew.”Sheflungopenthelockernextthecomunit,grubbedapistolandscrambledinpursuitoftheintruder.Notroubleatalltrackingit,withthedottedredtrailonthewhitedecking.Thetrackledleftatthefirstcross-corridor,whichwasdeserted-theintrudermusthavegoneleftagain,startingtoboxthesquareroundtheliftshafts.Pyanfarran,heardashoutfromthatintersectingcorridorandscrambledforit:Hilfy!Sheroundedthecornerataslideandcameupshortonatableau,theintruder’shairless,red-runningbackandyoungHilfyChanurholdingthecorridorbeyondwithnothingbutbaredclawsandadolescentbluster.

“Idiot!”PyanfarspatatHilfy,andtheintruderturnedonherofasudden,muchcloser.Itbroughtupshortinastaggeredcrouch,seeingthegunaimedtwo-handedatitself.Itmighthavesensenottorushaweapon;might…butthatwouldturnitrightbackatHilfy,whostoodunarmedbehind.Pyanfarbracedtofireontheleastmovement.

Itstoodrigidlystillinitscrouch,pantingfromitsrunninganditswound.“Getoutofthere,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“Getback.”Theintruderknewabouthaniclawsnow;andguns;butitmightdoanything,andHilfy,anindistinctioninhervisionwhichwastunneledwhollyontheintruder,stayedstubbornlystill.“Move!”Pyanfarshouted.

Theintrudershoutedtoo,asnarlwhichalmostgotitshot;anddrewitselfuprightandgesturedtothecenterofitschest,twice,defiant.Goonandshoot,itseemedtoinviteher.

ThatintriguedPyanfar.Theintruderwasnotattractive.Ithadabedraggledgoldmaneandbeard,anditschestfur,almostinvisible,narrowedinalinedownits

maneandbeard,anditschestfur,almostinvisible,narrowedinalinedownitsheavingbellytovanishintowhatwas,legitimately,clothing,aragalmostnonexistentinitstattersandobscuredbythedirtwhichmatchedtherestofitshairlesshide.Itssmellwasrank.Butastraightcarriageandawild-eyedinvitationtoitsenemies…thatdeservedasecondthought.Itknewguns;itworeatleastatokenofclothing;itdrewitslineandmeanttoholditsterritory.Male,maybe.Ithadthatover-the-brinklookinitseyes.

“Whoareyou?”Pyanfaraskedslowly,inseverallanguagesoneaftertheother,includingkif.Theintrudergavenosignofunderstandinganyofthem.“Who?”sherepeated.

Itcrouchedslowly,withasullenscowl,allthewaytothedeck,andextendedablunt-nailedfingerandwroteinitsownbloodwhichwasliberallypuddledaboutitsbarefeet.Itmadeapreciserowofsymbols,tenofthem,andasecondrowwhichbeganwiththefirstsymbolprefacedbythesecond,secondwithsecond,secondwiththird…patiently,withincreasingconcentrationdespitethegrowingtremorsofitshand,dippingitsfingerandwriting,madfixationonitstask.

“What’sitdoing?”askedHilfy,whocouldnotseefromherside.

“Awritingsystem,probablynumericalnotation.It’snoanimal,niece.”

Theintruderlookedupattheexchange,-stoodup,anabruptmovewhichprovedinjudiciousafteritslossofblood.Aglassy,desperatelookcameintoitseyes,anditsprawledinthepuddleandthewriting,slippinginitsownbloodintryingtogetupagain.

“Callthecrew,”Pyanfarsaidlevelly,andthistimeHilfyscurriedoffingreathaste.Pyanfarstoodwhereshewas,pistolinhand,untilHilfywasoutofsightdownanothercorridor,then,assuredthattherewasnoonetoseeherlapseofdignity,shesquatteddownwiththeguninbothhandsandlooselybetweenherknees.Theintruderstillstruggled,proppeditselfupwithitsbloodybackagainstthewall,elbowpressedagainstthatdeeperstarting-pointofthescratchesonitsside,whichwasthesourceofmostoftheblood.Itspaleblueeyes,foralltheirglassiness,seemedtohavesenseinthem.Itlookedbackatherwarily,withseemingmadcynicism.

“Youspeakkif?”Pyanfaraskedagain.Aflickerofthoseeyes,whichmightmeananything.Notawordfromit.Itstartedshivering,whichwasshocksettingin.Sweathadbrokenoutonitsnakedskin.Itneverceasedtolookather.

in.Sweathadbrokenoutonitsnakedskin.Itneverceasedtolookather.

Runningbrokeintothecorridors.Pyanfarstoodupquickly,nottobecaughtthusengagedwiththecreature.Hilfycamehurryingbackfromherdirection,thecrewarrivingfromtheother,andPyanfarsteppedasideastheyarrivedandtheintrudertriedtoscrambleoffinretreat.Thecrewlaidhandsonitandjerkeditskiddingalongthebloodypuddle.Itcriedoutandtriedtograpplewiththem,buttheyhaditonitsbellyinthefirstrushandablowdazedit.“Gently!”Pyanfaryelledatthem,buttheyhaditthen,gotitsarmslashedatitsbackwithoneoftheirbelts,tieditsanklestogetherandgotoffit,theirfurasbloodyastheintruder,whocontinuedafeeblemovement.

“Doitnomoredamage,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’llhaveitclean,thankyou,watered,fed,andhealthy,butkeepitrestrained.Preparemeexplanationshowitgotfacetofacewithmeintherampway,andifoneofyoubleatsawordofthisoutsidetheshipI’llsellyoutothekif.”

“Captain,”theymurmured,down-earedindeference.Theyweresecondandthirdcousinsofhers,twosetsofsisters,onesetlargeandonesmall,andequallychagrined.

“Out,”shesaid.Theysnatchedtheintruderupbythebindingofitsarmsandpreparedtodragit.“Careful!”Pyanfarhissed,remindingthem,andtheyweregentlerinpullingitalong.

“You,”PyanfarsaidthentoHilfy,herbrother’sdaughter,wholoweredherearsandturnedherfaceaside-short-maned,withanadolescent’sbeginningbeard,HilfyChanurpresentlyandwithaairofmartyrdom.I’llsendyoubackshavedifyoudisobeyanotherorder.Understandme?”

Hilfymadeabowfacingher,dulycontrite.“Aunt,”shesaid,andstraightened,contrivingtomakeitallthoughtfullygraceful;-lookedherstraightintheeyeswithoffendedworship.

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid.Hilfybowedasecondtimeandpaddedpastassoftlyaspossible.Incommonbluebreecheslikethecrew,wasHilfy,buttheswaggerwasallChanur,andnotquiteludicrousonsoyoungawoman.Pyanfarsnorted,fingeredthesilkofherbeardintoorder,lookeddowninsoberthoughtatthewallowedsmearwheretheOutsiderhadfallen,obliteratingallthewritingfromtheeyesofthecrew.

So,so,so.

Pyanfarpostponedhertriptostationoffices,walkedbacktothelowerdeckoperationscenter,satdownatthecomboardamidallthetelltalesofcargostatusandlinesandgrapplesandtheroutineoperationsThePridecarriedonautomatically.Shekeyedinthecurrentmessages,sortedthroughthoseandfoundnothing,thendelvedintoThePride’srecordingofallmessagesreceivedsincedocking,andallwhichhadflowedthroughstationcommunicationsaimedatothers.Shesearchedfirstforanythingkif-sent,arapidflickeroflinesonthescreeninfrontofher,alloperationalchatterintranscription-averygreatdealofit.Thenshequeriedfornoticeofanythinglost,andafterthat,foranythingescaped.

Mahendo’sat?shequeriedthen,stayingconstantlytoherownship’srecordsofincomingmessages,ofthesortwhichflowedconstantlyinabusystation,andinnowisesendinganyinquiryintothestation’scompsystem.Sherecycledthewholerecordlastofall,ranitpastateye-blurringspeed,lookingforanykeywordaboutescapesorwarningsofalienpresenceatMeetpoint.

Soindeed.Noonewasgoingtosayawordonthetopic.Theownersstilldidnotwanttoacknowledgepubliclythattheyhadlostthisitem.TheChanurwerenotlack-witted,toannouncepubliclythattheyhadfoundit.Ortotrustthatthekiforwhoeverhadlostitwerenotatthismomentturningthestationinsideoutwithasurreptitioussearch.

Pyanfarturnedoffthemachine,flickedherearssothattheringsontheleftonejangledsoothingly.Shegotupandpacedthecenter,thrustherhandsintoherbeltandthoughtaboutalternatives,andpossiblegains.ItwouldbeadarkdayindeedwhenaChanurwenttothekiftohandbackanacquisition.Shecouldjustifiablymakeaclaimonitregardinglegalliabilitiesandtheinvasionofahaniship.Publichazard,itwascalled.Buttherewerenooutsidewitnessestotheintrusion,andthekif,almostcertainlytoblame,wouldnotyieldwithoutawrangle;whichmeantcourt;,andprolongedproximitytokif,whosegray,wrinkle-hidedpersonssheloathed;whosenaturallydolorousfacessheloathed;whosejeremiadofmiseriesandwrongsdonethemwasconstantandunendurable.AChanur,instationcourtwithahowlingmobofkif…anditwouldgotothatextremeifkifcameclaimingthisintruder.Thewholebusinesswasunpalatable,inallitsramifications.

wasunpalatable,inallitsramifications.

Whateveritwasandwhereveritcamefrom,thecreaturewaseducated.Thathintedinturnatotherthings,atcogentreasonswhythekifmightindeedbeupsetatthelossofthisitemandwhytheywishedsolittlepublicityinthesearch.Shepunchedinintraship.“Hilfy.”“Aunt?”Hilfyrespondedafteramoment.“Findouttheintruder’scondition.”“I’mwatchingthemtreatitnow.Aunt,Ithinkit’she,ifthere’sanyanalogyofformand-”“Nevermindzoology.Howbadlyisithurt?”“It’sinshock,butitseemsstrongerthanitwasamomentago.It-he-gotquietwhenwemanagedtogetananestheticonthescratches.Ithinkhefiguredthenweweretryingtohelp,andhequitfighting.Wethoughtthedrughadgothim.Buthe’sbreathingbetternow.”

“It’sprobablyjustwaitingitschance.Whenyougetitsafelylockedup,youtakeyourturnatdockwork,sinceyouweresoeagertohavealookoutside.Theotherswillshowyouwhattodo.TellHaraltogetherselftolowerdeckop.Now.”“Yes,aunt.”Hilfyhadnosulkinginhertone.Thelastreprimandmustnothavewornoff.Pyanfarshutdownthecontactandlistenedtostationchatterintheinterim,wishinginvainforsomethingtoclarifythematter.

Haralshowedupontherun,soakingwet,blood-spatteredandbreathless.Shebowedshortlyinthedoorway,straightened.Shewasoldestofthecrew,wasHaral,tall,withadarkscaracrossherbroadnoseandanotheracrossthebelly,butthosewerefromherrashyouth.“Cleanup,”Pyanfarsaid.“Takecashandgomarketing,cousin.Shopthesecond-handmarketsasifyouwereonyourown.TheitemIwantmaybedifficulttolocate,butnotimpossible,Ithink,insuchaplaceasMeetpoint.Somebooks,ifyouwill:amahendo’satlexicon;amahendo’satversionoftheirholywritings.ThephilosopherKohboranuaoranotherofthatilk,I’mcompletelyindifferent.Andamahendo’satsymboltranslator,itsmodulesandmanuals,fromelementaryup,asmanylevelsasyoucanfind…aboveallthatitem.Therestisallcover.Ifquestioned-aclient’stakenareligiousinterest.”

Haral’s,eyesflickered,butshebowedinacceptanceoftheorderandaskednothing.Pyanfarputherhanddeepintoherpocketandcameupwithamotleyassortmentoflarge-denominationcoinage,awholestackofit.

“Andfourgoldrings,”Pyanfaradded.

“Captain?”

“ToremindyouallthatThePridemindsitsownbusiness.Saysowhenyougivethem.It’llsalveyourfeelings,Ihope,ifwehavetomisstakingalibertyhere,aswellwemay.Buttalkandrousesuspicionaboutthoseitems,HaralAraun,andyouwon’thaveaneartoweariton.”

Haralgrinnedandbowedathirdtime.

“Go,”saidPyanfar,andHaraldartedoutinzealousapplication.

So.Itwasarisk,butaminorone.Pyanfarconsideredmattersforamoment,finallywalkedoutsidetheoproomanddownthecorridor,tooktheliftuptocentrallevel,whereherownquarterswere,outofthestenchandthereekofdisinfectantwhichfilledthelowerdeck.

Sheclosedthedoorbehindherwithasigh,wenttothebathandwashedherhands,seeingthatthereremainednoshredoffleshintheundercurveofherclaws-checkedoverherfinesilkbreechestobesurenospatterofbloodhadgottenonthem.Sheappliedadashofcolognetoclearthememoryfromhernostrils.

Stupidity.Shewasgettingdullasthestsho,tohavemissedagripontheintruderinthefirstplace:oldwasnotawordshepreferredtothinkabout.Slowofmind,woolgathering,thatshestrucklikeayoungsteronherfirstforage.Lazy.Thatwasmorelikeit.Shepattedherflatbellyanddecidedthattheyear-oldcomplacentoutlettingofherbelthadtobetakeninagain.Shewaslosingheredge.HerbrotherKohanwasstillfitenough,planetboundashewasandnotgiftedwiththetimestretchofjump:hemanaged.Inter-malebickeringandacoupleofsonstothrowoutofthedomicilekepthisbloodcirculating,andtherewasusuallyatrioofmatesinthehouseatanyonetime,withoffspringtochastise.Abouttime,shethought,thatsheputThePrideintohomedockatAnuurnforathoroughrefitting,andspendalayoverwithherownmateKhym,highintheKahinhills,intheMahnestates.Getthesmellofthehomeworldwindinhernostrilsforafewmonths.Doalittlehunting,runoffthatextranotchonthebelt.CheckonherdaughterTahyandseewhetherthatsonofherswasstillrovingaboutorwhethersomeonehadfinallybrokenhisneckforhim.SurelytheladwouldhavehadthecommoncourtesytosendamessagethroughKhymorKohanifhehadsettledsomewhere;andabovealltoherdaughter,whowas,godsknew,grownandgettingsofthangingaboutherfather’shouse,amongadozenotherdaughters,mostlybrotherless.SonKarashouldsettlehimselfwithsomeunpropertiedwifeandgivehissistersomegainfulemploymentmaking

someunpropertiedwifeandgivehissistersomegainfulemploymentmakinghimrich-aboveall,settleandtakehimselfoutofhisfather’sandhisuncle’sway.Ambitious,thatwasKara.LettheyoungraketrytomoveinonhisuncleKohanandthatwouldbethelastofhim.Pyanfarflexedclawsatthethoughtandrecalledwhyallhershoreleaveswereshortones.

Butthisnow,thisbusinesswiththisbitoflivecontrabandwhichhadstrayedaboard,whichmightbekif-owned…thehonorablelordKohanChanurherbrotherwasgoingtohaveawordtosayabouthisship’scarelessnessinlettingsuchanincidentreachtheirdeck.AndtherewasgoingtobeamajorrearrangementinthehouseholdifHilfygothurt-brotherless;Hilfy,whohadgottentobetoomuchChanurtogofollowingafterabrotherifeverhermothergaveherone.HilfyChanurparFaha,whowantedthestarsmorethanshewantedanything;andwhoclungtoherfatherastheonewhocouldgivethemtoher.ItwasHilfy’slifelongwaitedchance,thisvoyage,thisapprenticeshiponThePride.IthadtornKohan’sdotingsoultopartfromhisfavorite;thatwasclearintheletterwhichhadcomewithHilfy.

Pyanfarshookherheadandfretted.Deprivingthosefourrag-earedcrewofhersofashoreleaveinthepursuitofthismatterwasonething,buttakingHilfyhometoAnuurnwhileshesortedoutamajorquarrelwiththekifwasanother.Itwasexpensive,curtailingtheirhomewardrouting.More,Hilfy’spridewoulddieadeath,ifshewerethecauseofthatrerouting,ifsheweremadetofacehersistersinhersuddenreturntothehousehold;andPyanfarconfessedherselfattachedtotheimp,whowantedwhatshehadwantedatsuchanage,whomostlikelywouldcometocommandaChanurshipsomeday,perhapseven-godspostponethehour-ThePrideitself.Pyanfarthoughtofsuchalegacy…someday,somedaythatKohanpassedhisprimeandshedid.OthersinthehouseofChanurwerejealousofHilfy,waitingforsomechancetousetheirjealousy.ButHilfywasthebest.Thebrightestandbest,likeherselfandlikeKohan,andnoonesofarcouldproveotherwise.WhateveryoungmaleonedaywontheChanurholdingfromKohaninhisdeclinehadbestwalkwarilyandpleaseHilfy,orHilfymighttakeherselfamatewhowouldteartheearsofftheinterloper.ThatwasthekindHilfywas,loyaltoherfatherandtothehouse.

AndruiningthatspiritorriskingherlifeoverthatdraggledOutsiderwasnotworthit.Maybe,Pyanfarthought,sheshouldswallowthebittermouthfulandgodumpthecreatureonthenearestkifship.Sheseriouslyconsideredit.Choosingthewrongkifshipmightaffordsomelivelyamusement:therewouldberiotamongthekifandconsternationonthestation.Butyieldingwasstill,atbottom,distasteful.

distasteful.

Gods!sothatwashowsheproposedteachingyoungHilfytohandledifficulties.Thatwastheexamplesheset…yieldingupwhatshehad,becauseshethoughtitmightbedangeroustoholdit.

Shewasgettingsoft.Shepattedherbellyagain,decidedagainstshoreleaveatvoyage’send,anotherlying-upandanotherMahnoffspringtomuddlethingsup.Decidedagainstretreat.Shedrewinagreatbreathandputonagrimsmile.Agecameandtheyounggrewold,butnottooold,thegodsgrant.Thisvoyage,youngHilfyChanurwasgoingtolearntojustifythatswaggershecutthroughthecorridorsoftheship;so,indeedshewas.

Therewasnoleavingtheshipwithmattersaboardstillinflux.Pyanfarwenttothesmallcentralgalley,upthestarboardcurvefromherquartersandthebridge,stirredabouttotakeacupofgfifromthedispenserandsatdownatthecounterbytheoventoenjoyitatleisure,waitinguntilhercrewshouldhavehadampletimetohavedealtwiththeOutsider.Shegavethemabitmore,finallytossedtheemptycupinthesterilizerandgotupandwanderedbelowdecksagain,wherethecorridorsstankstronglyofantisepticandTirunwasloungingabout,leaningagainstthewallbythelowerdeckwashroomdoor.“Well?”Pyanfarasked.

“Weputitinthere,captain.Easiesttoclean,byyourleave.Haralleft.ChurandGeranandkerHilfyareoutdoingtheloading.Thoughtsomeoneoughttostayawhilebythedoorandlisten,tobesurethecreature’sallright.”

Pyanfarlaidherhandontheswitch,lookedbackatTirun-Haral’ssisterandasbroadandsolid,withthescarsofyouthwell-weathered,thegoldofsuccessfulvoyageswinkingfromherleftear.ThetwoofthemtogethercouldhandletheOutsider,shereckoned,inanycondition.“Doesitshowanysignofcomingoutofitsshock?”

“It’squiet;shallowbreathing,staringsomewhereelse-butawarewhat’sgoingon.Scaredusamoment;wethoughtit’dgoneintoshockwiththemedicine,butIthinkitjustquieteddownwhenthepainstopped.Wetriedwiththewaywehandledit,tomakeitunderstandwedidn’twanttohurtit.Maybeithasthatfigured.Wecarrieditinhereanditsettleddownandlaystill…movedwhenmadetomove,butnotsurly,morelikeit’sstoppedthinking,likeit’sstoppeddoinganythingitdoesn’thavetodo.Wornout,I’dsay.”

doinganythingitdoesn’thavetodo.Wornout,I’dsay.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarpressedthebar.Thedarkinteriorofthewashroomsmelledofantiseptictoo,thestrongesttheyhad.Thelightsweredimmed.Theairwasstiflinglywarmandcarriedanoddscentundertheantisepticreek.Hereyesmissedthecreatureamoment,searchedanxiouslyandlocateditinthecorner,aheapofblanketsbetweentheshowerstallandthelaundry…asleeporawakeshecouldnottellwithitsheadtuckeddowninitsforearms.Alargecontainerofwaterandaplasticdishwithafewmeatchipsandcrumbsleftrestedbesideitonthetiles.Well,again.Itwasthencarnivorousandnotsodelicateafterall,tohaveanappetiteleft.Somuchforitscollapse.“Isitrestrained?”

“Ithaschainenoughtogettotheheadifitunderstandswhatit’sfor.”

Pyanfarsteppedbackoutsideandclosedthedooronitagain.“Verylikelyitunderstands.Tirun,itissapientorI’mblind.Don’tassumeitcan’tmanipulateswitches.Nooneistogointherealoneandnoone’stocarryfirearmsnearit.Passthatordertotheotherspersonally,Hilfytoo.-EspeciallyHilfy.”

“Yes,captain.”Tirun’sbroadfacewasinnocentofopinions.Godsknewwhattheyweregoingtodowiththecreatureiftheykeptit.Tirundidnotask.Pyanfarstrolledoff,meditatingonthescenebehindthewashroomdoor,theheapofdeceptiveblankets,thefoodsohealthilyconsumed,theavowedcollapse…nolackwit,thiscreaturewhohadtwicetriedhership’ssecurityandonthethirdattempt,.succeededingettingthrough.WhyThePride?shewondered.Whyhership,outofalltheothersatdock?Becausetheywerelastinthesection,beforethebulkheadofthedocksealmightforcethecreaturetohaveleftcoversomewhat,anditwasthelastavailablechoice?Orwastheresomeotherreason?

Shewalkedthecorridortotheairlockandtherampway,andoutitscurvingribbedlengthintothechillairofthedocks.Shelookedleftasshecameout,andtherewasHilfy,canister-loadingwithChurandGeran,rollingthebigcargocontainersoffthestationsidedollyandontothemovingbeltwhichwouldtakethegoodsintoThePride’sholds,paidfreightonitswaytoUrturandKuraandTouinandAnuurnitself,stshocargo,commoditiesandtextilesandmedicines,ordinarystuff.Hilfypausedatthesightofher,pantingwithhereffortsandalreadylookingclosetocollapse-stoodupstraightwithherhandsathersidesandherearsback,bellyheaving.Itwashardwork,shiftingthosecansabout,especiallyfortheunskilledandunaccustomed.ChurandGeranworkedon,smallofstatureandwiry,knowingthepointsofbalancetoanexactitude.Pyanfaraffectednottonoticehernieceandwalkedonwithwidestepsand

Pyanfaraffectednottonoticehernieceandwalkedonwithwidestepsandnonchalant,smilingtoherselfthewhile.Hilfyhadbeenmightilyindignant,barredfromrushingouttostationmarket,toroamaboutunescorted,sightseeingonthisherfirstcallatMeetpoint,wherespeciesdockedwhichnevercalledathomeworld…sightsshehadmissedatUrturandKura,likewisepentaboardshiporheldclosetoThePride’sberth.Theimphadtoomuchenthusiasmforherowngood.SoshegotthelookatMeetpoint’sfamousdocksshehadarguedtohave,now,thisveryday-butnotthesightseeingtourofheryoungimaginings.

Nextstation-call,Pyanfarthought,nextstation-callherniecemighthavelearnedenoughtoletlooseunescorted,whenthewild-eyedeagernesshadwornoff,whenshehadlearnedfromthisincidentthattherewerehazardsondocksideandthatalittlecautionwasinorderwhenprowlingthefriendliestofports.

Herself,shetookthedirectroute,notwithoutwatchinghersurroundings.

II

AcallonMeetpointStationofficialswasusuallyaleisurelyandpleasantaffair.Thestsho,placidandgraceful,ranthestationofficesandbureausonthissideofthestation,whereoxygenbreathersdocked.Methodicaltoafault,thestsho,tediousandfullofendlesssubtlemeaningsintheirpastelornamentandthetattooingsontheirpearlyhides.Theywereanotherhairlessspecies-stalk-thin,tri-sexedandhanilikeonlybythewildeststretchoftheimagination,ifeyes,nose,andmouthinbiologicallyconvenientorderwassimilarity.Theirmannerswerebizarreamongthemselves.Butstshohadlearnedtosuittheirmethodicalploddingandtheirceremoniousnesstohanitaste,whichwastohaveasoftchair,areadycupofherbaltea,aplateofexoticediblesandanindividualaspleasantaspossibleabouttheformsandthestatistics,whocouldmakeitalllikeasocialchat.

Thisstshowasunfamiliar.Stshochangedofficialsmorereadilythantheychangedornament-eitheradifferentindividualhadcomeintocontrolofMeetpointStation,Pyanfarreckoned,orastshoshehadonceknownhadenteredaNewPhase,-newdoings?Pyanfarwondered,atthenudgeofasmallandpricklyinstinct-newdoings?LooseOutsidersandstshopowershuffles?Allchangesweresuspectwhensomethingwasoutofpocket.Ifitwasthesameasthepreviousstationmaster,ithadchangedthepatternofalltheelaboratesilverfiligreeandplumes-azureandlimenow,notazureandmint;andifitwerethecase,itwasnotatallpolitetorecognizetherefurbishedperson,evenifahanisuspectedidentity.

Thestshoproffereddelicaciesandtea,bowed,foldedupgtststalklikelimbs-he,she,orevenit,hardlyappliedwithstsho-andseatedgtst-selfingtstbowlchair,acushionedindentationintheofficefloor.Thenecessarytableroseonapedestalbeforeit.Pyanfaroccupiedthefacingdepression,loungedonanelbowtoreachforthesmokedfishthestsho’slesser-statusservanthadplacedonasimilartableatherleft.Theservant,ornamentlessandnoone,satagainstthewall,kneestuckedhigherthangtsthead,armsaboutbonyankles,waitingusefulness.Thestshoofficiallikewisetookasampleofthefish,pouredtea,gracefulgesturesofstshoeleganceandhospitality.Plumedandcosmeticallyaugmentedbrowsnoddeddelicatelyovermoonstoneeyesasgtstlookedup-whitebrowsshadingtolilacandazure;azuretracingsonthedomedbrowshadedtolimeoverthehairlessskull.Anotherstsho,ofcourse,mightreadthepatternswithexactitude,

hairlessskull.Anotherstsho,ofcourse,mightreadthepatternswithexactitude,thestationinlife,thechosenMoodforthisPhaseofgtstexistence,theaffiliationsandmodesandthereby,gtstapproachability.Non-stshowereforgiventheirtrespasses;andstshoinRetiringmodewerenotlikelyfillingpublicoffices.

PyanfarmadeoneattemptontheOutsidertopic,delicately:“Thingshavebeenquiethereabouts?”

“Oh,assuredly.”Thestshobeamed,smiledwithnarrowmouthandnarroweyes,acarnivorehabit,thoughthestshowerenotaggressive.“Assuredly.”

“Alsoonmyworld,”Pyanfarsaid,andsippedhertea,anaromaofspiceswhichdelightedallhersinuses.“Herbal.Butwhat?”

Thestshosmiledwithstillmorebreadth.“Ah.Importedfrommyworld.Weintroduceithere,inouroffices.Dutyfree.Newcultivationtechniquesmakeitavailableforexport.Thefirsttime,youunderstand.Theveryfirstshipmentoffered.Veryrare,atasteofmyverydistantworld.”

“Cost?”

Theydiscussedit.Itwasoutrageous.Butthestshocamedown,predictably,particularlywhentemptedwithacaseofhanidelicaciespromisedtobecartedupfromdocksidetotheoffices.Pyanfarleftthenecessaryinterviewinhighspirits.Barterwasasgoodtoherasbreathing.

Shetooktheliftdowntodocklevel,straightdown,withoutgoingtheseveralcorridorsoverinlateralwhichshecouldhavetaken.ShewalkedthelongwaybacktowardThePride’sberth,strolledcasuallyalongthedocksidewhichhorizonedupwardbeforeandbehind,unfurlingasshemoved,officesandbusinessesontheonehandandthetallmobilegantriesontheother,towerswhichaimedtheirtopstowardthedistantaxisofMeetpoint,sothatthemostdistantappearedinsanelyatiltonthecurvinghorizon.Displayboardsatperiodicintervalsgaveinformationofarrivals,departures,andshipsindock,fromwhatportandbearingwhatsortofcargo,andshescannedthemasshewalked.

Acarshotpastheronthedock,frombehind:globularandsealed,itwovealongavoidingcanistersandpassersbyandlineswithgreaterspeedthananautomatedvehiclewoulduse.Thatwasamethane-breather,morethanlikely,someofficialfrombeyondthedividinglinewhichseparatedtheincompatiblerealitiesofMeetpoint.Tc’aranthatsideofthestation,sinuousbeingsandleatherygold,

Meetpoint.Tc’aranthatsideofthestation,sinuousbeingsandleatherygold,utterlyalienintheirmultipartitebrains-theytradedwiththeknnnandthechi,keptgenerallytothemselvesandhadlittletosayortodowithhaniorevenwiththestsho,withwhomtheysharedthebuildingandoperationofMeetpoint.Tc’ahadnothingincommonwiththissideoftheline,notevenambitions;andtheknnnandthechiwerestrangerstill,evenlessparticipantwithintheworldsandgovernmentsandterritoriesoftheCompact.Pyanfarwatchedthevehiclekitealong,upthehorizonofMeetpoint’sdocks,andthesectionsealcurtaineditfromviewasitjitteredalonginzigzaghastewhichitselfarguedatc’amindatthecontrols.Therewasnotroublefromthem…nowaythattheycouldhavedealtwiththeOutsider:theirbrainswereasunlikeastheirbreathingapparatus.Shepaused,staredupatthenearbyregistryboardswithawrinklingofhernoseandastrokingofherbeard,sortingthroughtheimprobableanduntranslatablemethane-breathernamesformorefamiliarregistrations-forpotentialtrouble,andforpossiblealliesofuseinacrisis.TherewasscantpickingamongthelatteratthisapogeeofThePride’sramblingcourse.

Therewasoneotherhanishipindock,Handur’sVoyager.SheknewafewoftheHandurfamily,remotely.TheywerefromAnuurn’sotherhemisphere,neitherrivalsnorcloseallies,sincetheysharednothingonAnuurn’ssurface.Therewerealotofstshoships,whichwastobeexpectedonthisvergeofstshospace.Alotofmahendo’sat,throughwhoseterritoryThePridehadlatelycome.

Andonthesideoftrouble,therewerefourkif,oneofwhichsheknew:Kut,captainedbyoneIkkkukkt,anagingscoundrelwhosestylewasmoretoallowanothership’scanisterstoedgeupagainstandamonghisondockside;andtobluffdownanyeasilyconfusedownerswhomightprotest.Hewasonlysmalltrouble,alone.Kifingroupscouldbedifferent,andshedidnotknowabouttheothers.

“Hai,”shecalled,passingamahendo’satdockingarea,atashipcalledMahijiru,wheresomeofthattall,dark-furredkindweremindingtheirownbusiness,cursingandscratchingtheirheadsoversomedifficultywithaconnectioncollar,alock-ringdisassembledinorderalloverthedeckamongtheirwaitingcanisters.“Youfarewellthistrip,mahe?”

“Ah,captain.”Thecentermostscrambledupandothersdidthesameasthisonesteppedtowardher,treadingcarefullyamongthepiecesofthecollar.Anywell-dressedhaniwascaptaintoamahendo’sat,whohadrathererrbycomplimentthanotherwise.Butthisonebyhisgiltteethwaslikelythecaptainofhisown

thanotherwise.Butthisonebyhisgiltteethwaslikelythecaptainofhisownfreighter.“Youtrade?”

“Tradewhat?”

“Whatgot?”

“Hai,mahe,whatneed?”

Themahendo’satgrinned,abrilliantgoldenflash,sharpedged.Nooneofcoursebegantradebyadmittingtonecessity.

“Needafewlesskifonstation.”Pyanfaransweredherownquestion,andthemahendo’satwhistledlaughterandbobbedagreement.

“True,true,”Goldtoothsaidsomewherebetweenhumorandoutrage,asifhehadapersonaltaletotell.“Whiningkifwewishyouendofdock,goodcaptain,honestcaptain.Kutnogood.Hukanmorenogood;andLukkursame.ButHinukkumakenewkinddealnogood.Waitatstation,waitnogetsameyoucoursewithHinukku,goodcaptain.”

“What,armed?”

“Likehani,maybe.”Goldtoothgrinnedwhenhesaidit,andPyanfarlaughed,pretendeditafinejoke.

“Whendohanieverhaveweapons?”sheasked.

Themahethoughtthatafinejoketoo.

“Tradeyoutwohundredweightsilk,”Pyanfaroffered.

“Stationdutytakeallmyprofit.”

“Ah.Toobad.-Hardwork,that.”Shescuffedafoottowardtheailingcollar.“Icanlendyouverygoodhanitools,finesteel,twoverygoodhaniwelders,FahaHousemake.”

“Ilendyougoodqualityartwork.”

“Artwork!”

“Maybesomedaygreatmahenartist,captain.”

“Thencometome;I’llkeepmysilk.”

“Ah,ah,Imakeyoufavorwithartwork,captain,butno,Iaskyoutakenochance.Ihaveinsteadsmallnumberveryfinepearllikeyouwear.”

“Ah.”

“Makeyousecurityforlendtoolsandwelders.Mymanhecomebyyousoonborrowtools.Showyoupearlsametime.”

“Fivepearls.”

“Weseetoolsyouseetwopearls.”

“Youbringfour.”

“Fine.Youpickbestthree.”

“Allfourifthey’renotofthebest,mygood,mygreatmahecaptain.”

“Yousee,”hevowed.“Absolutebest.Three.”

“Good.”Shegrinnedcheerfully,touchedhandtohandwiththethick-nailedmaheandstrolledoff,grinningstillforallpassersbytosee;butthegrinfadedwhenshewaspasttheringoftheircanistersandcrossingthenextberth.

So.Kiftroublehaddocked.Therewerekifandkif,andinthathierarchyofthieves,therewereafewshipcaptainswhotendedtoserveasringleadersforhighstakesmischief;andsomeelectwhowereverygreattroubleindeed.Mahendo’sattranslationalwayshaditsdifficulties,butitsoundeduncomfortablylikeoneofthelatter.Stayindock,themahendo’sathadadvised;don’tchanceputtingouttillitleaves.Thatwasmahendo’satstrategy.Itdidnotalwayswork.ShecouldkeepThePrideatdockandrunupamonstrousbill,andstillhavenoguaranteeofasafecourseout;orshecouldpulloutearlyandhopethatthekifwouldnotsuspectwhattheyhadaboard-hopethatthekif,atminimum,werewaitingforsomethingeasiertochewthanamouthfulofhani.

Hilfy.Thatworryrodehermind.Tenquietvoyages,tenvoyagesofaching,bone-wearytranquility…andnowthisone.Thedockslookedallquietahead,

bone-wearytranquility…andnowthisone.Thedockslookedallquietahead,upwhereThePridehaddocked,herpeopleworkingoutbytheloadingbeltastheyshouldbedoing,takingaboardthemailandthefreight.Haralwasback,workingamongthem;shewasrelievedtoseethat.ThatwasTirunoutsidenow,andHilfymusthavegonein:theothertwowereGeranandChur,slightfiguresnexttoHaralandTirun.Shefoundnocausetohurry.Hilfyhadprobablyhadenoughbynow,retreatedinsidetoguarddutyovertheOutsider,godsgrantthatshestayedoutsidethedoorandrefrainedfrommeddling.

Butthecrewcaughtsightofherasshecame,andofasuddenexpressionstookondesperatereliefandearsprickedup,sothatherheartclenchedwithforeknowledgeofsomethingdirelywrong.“Hilfy,”sheaskedfirst,asHaralcamewalkingouttomeether:theotherthreestayedattheirloading,alltoobusyforthoselooksofanxiety,playingthepartofworkersthoroughlyoccupied.

“KerHilfy’ssafeinside,”Haralsaidquickly.“Captain,Igotthethingsyouordered,puttheminlowerdeckop,allofit;buttherewerekifeverywhereIwent,captain,whenIwasoffinthemarket.Theywereprowlingabouttheaisles,staringateveryone,buyingnothing.Ifinishedmybusinessandwalkedonbackandtheywerestillprowlingabout.SoIorderedkerHilfytogooninandsendTirunouthere.Therearekifnosingabouthereofasudden.”

“Doingwhat?”

“Lookbeyondmyshoulder,captain.”

Pyanfartookaquicklook,ashiftofhereyes.“Nothing,”shesaid.Butcanisterswerepiledthereatthesectionseal,twenty,thirtyofthem,eachastallasahanianddouble-stacked,coverenough.ShesetherhandonHaral’sshoulder,walkedhercompanionablybacktotheothers.“Haral,there’sgoingtobeasmallstshodeliveryandamahendo’satwithathree-pearldeal;botharetrue…watchthemboth.Butnoothers.There’soneotherhanishipdockedfararoundtherim,nextthemethanedocks.I’venotspokenwiththem.It’sHandur’sVoyager.”

“Smallship.”

“Andvulnerable.We’regoingtotakeThePrideout,withalldecenthaste.Ithinkitcanonlygetworsehere.Tirun:asmalltask;gettoVoyager.Idon’twanttodiscussthesituationwiththemovercom.Warnthemthatthere’sashipindocknamedHinukkuandthewordisoutamongthemahendo’satthatthisoneisuncommonlybadtrouble.Andthengetyourselfbackherefast-No,wait.Agood

uncommonlybadtrouble.Andthengetyourselfbackherefast-No,wait.Agoodtoolkitandtwogoodwelders-dropthemwiththecrewoftheMahijiruandtakethepearlsinahurryifyoucangetthem.Seventhberthdown.They’lldeservethatandmoreifI’veputthekifontothembyaskingquestionsthere.Go.”

“Yes,captain,”Tirunbreathed,andscurriedoff,earsback,uptheservicerampbesidethecargobelt.

Pyanfarcastasecondlookatthedouble-stackedcanistersinturning.Nokifinsight.Haste,shewishedTirun,hurryit.Itwasaquicktripinsidetopullthetradeitemsfromtheautomateddelivery.Tiruncamebackwiththeboxesunderonearmandsetoutdirectlyinthekindofreasonablehasteshemightuseonhercaptain’sorder.

“Huh.”Pyanfarturnedagainandlookedtowardtheshadow.

There.Bythecanistersafterall.Akifstoodthere,tallandblack-robed,withalongprominentsnoutandhunchedstature.Pyanfarstaredatitdirectly-wavedtoitwithenergeticandsarcasticcamaraderieasshestartedtowardit.

Itsteppedatoncebackintotheshelterofthecanistersandtheshadows.Pyanfardrewagreatbreath,flexedherclawsandkeptwalking,roundthecurveofthecanisterstacksandsoftly-facetofacewiththetoweringkif.Thekiflookeddownonherwithitsred-rimmeddarkeyesandlongnosedfaceanditsdustyblackrobesliketherobesofallotherkif,ofonetonewiththegrayskin…abitofshadowcometolife.“Beoff,”shetoldit.“I’llhavenocanister-mixing.I’montoyourtricks.”

“Somethingofourshasbeenstolen.”

Shelaughed,helpedbysheersurprise.“Somethingofyoursstolen,masterthief?That’sawondertotellathome.”

“Bestitfinditswaybacktous.Bestitshould,captain.”

Shelaidbackherearsandgrinned,whichwasnotfriendliness.

“Whereisyourcrewwomangoingwiththoseboxes?”thekifasked.

Shesaidnothing.Extrudedclaws.

“Itwouldnotbe,Captain,thatyou’vesomehowfoundthatlostitem.”

“Itwouldnotbe,Captain,thatyou’vesomehowfoundthatlostitem.”

“What,lost,now?”

“Lostandfoundagain,Ithink.”

“Whatshipareyou,kif?”

“Ifyouwereascleverasyouimagineyouare,captain,youwouldknow.”

“IliketoknowwhoI’mtalkingto.Evenamongkif.I’llreckonyouknowmyname,skulkingaboutouthere.What’syours?”

“Akukkakkismine,Chanurcaptain.PyanfarChanur.Yes,weknowyou.Knowyouwell,captain.Wehavebecomeinterestedinyou…thief.”

“Oh.Akukkakkofwhatship?”Hervisionsharpenedonthekif,whoserobesweremarginallyfinerthanusual,whosebearinghadpreciouslittlekifishstoopindealingwithshorterspecies,thathunchofshouldersandthrustingforwardofthehead.Thisonelookedatherthelongway,fromallitsheight.“I’dliketoknowyouaswell,kif.”

“Youwill,hani.-No.Alastchance.Wewillredeemthisprizeyou’vefound.Iwillmakeyouthatoffer.”

Hermustache-hairsdrewdown,asatsomeoffensivearoma.“InterestingifIhadthisitem.Isitroundorflat,thisstrayedobject?Ordidoneofyourowncrewrobyou,kifcaptain?”

“Youknowitsshape,sinceyouhaveit.Giveitup,andbepaid.Ordon’t-andbepaid,hani,bepaidthentoo.”

“Describethisitemtome.”

“Foritssafereturn-gold,tenbarsofgold,fine.Contriveyourowndescriptions.”

“Ishallbearitinmind,kif,shouldIfindsomethingunusualandkif-smelling.Butsofarnothing.”

“Dangerous,hani.”

“Whatship,kif?”

“Whatship,kif?”

“Hinukku.”

“I’llrememberyouroffer.IndeedIwill,masterthief.”

Thekifsaidnothingmore.Towerederectandsilent.Sheaimedadryspittingtowarditsfeetandwalkedoff,slowswagger.

Hinukku,indeed.Awholenewkindoftrouble,themahendo’sathadsaid,andthissurlykiforanothermighthaveseen…ortalkedtothosewhohadseen.Gold,theyoffered.Kif…offeredransom;andnocommonkif,either,notthatone.ShewalkedwithapricklingbetweenhershoulderbladesandamultiplyingapprehensionforTirun,whowasnowasmallfigurewalkingoffalongtheupcurvingdocks.Nohopethatthestationauthoritieswoulddoanythingtopreventamurder…notonebetweenkifandhani.Thestsho’sneutralityconsistedinretreat,andtheirlawinarbitratingafterthefact.

Stshoshipswerethemostcommonvictimsofmaraudingkif,andstillkifdockeduncheckedatMeetpoint.Madness.Abristlingranupherbackandherearsflicked,jinglingtherings.Hanimightdealwiththekifandteachthemalesson,buttherewasnoprofitinit,notuntilmomentslikethisone.Diverteveryhanishipfromprofitabletradetokif-hunting?Madnesstoo…untilitwasThePrideinquestion.

“Packitupouthere,”shetoldherremainingcrewwhenshereachedthem.“Getthoselastcansonandshutitdown.Geteverythingreadytobreakdock.I’mgoingtocallTirunbackhere.It’sworsethanIthought.”

“I’llgoafterher,”Haralsaid.

“DoasIsay,cousin-andkeepHilfyoutofit.”

Haralfellback.Pyanfarstartedoffdownthedock-oldhabit,nottorun;areserveofpride,ofcaution,ofsomeinstincteithergoodorill.Stillshedidnotruninfrontofwitnesses.Shewidenedherstridesuntilsomebystanders-stsho-didnotice,andstared.ShegainedonTirun.Almost,almostwithinconvenientshoutingdistanceofTirun,andstillafar,nakeddistanceupthedock’supcurvingcoursetoreachHandur’sVoyager.HinukkusatatdockforTiruntopassbeforesheshouldcometothehaniship.Butthemahendo’satvesselMahijiruwasdockedbeforethat,ifonlyTirunhandledthatextraneouserrandon

Mahijiruwasdockedbeforethat,ifonlyTirunhandledthatextraneouserrandontheway,thelogicalthingtodowithaheavyloadunderonearm.Surelyitwasthelogicalthing,evenconsideringtheurgencyoftheothermessage.

Ah.Tirundidstopatthemahendo’satberth.Pyanfarbreathedagaspofrelief,brokeherownruleatthelastmomentandsprintedbehindsomecanisters,stroderightintothegatheringwhichhadbeguntocloseaboutTirun.Sheclappedastartledmahendo’satspectatoronthearm,pulleditaboutandthrustherwaythroughtoTirun,grabbedherarmwithoutceremony.“Trouble.Let’sgo,cousin.”

“Captain,”Goldtoothexclaimedfromherright.“Youcomebackmakenewbiggerdeal?”

“Nevermind.Thetoolsareagift.Comeon,Tirun.”

“Captain,”Tirunbegan,bewildered,beingdraggedbackthroughthegatheringofmahendo’sat.Mahendo’satgavewaybeforethem,theircaptainstillfollowingthemwithconfusedchatteraboutweldersandpearls.

Kif.Ablack-cladhalfringofthemappearedsuddenlyontheoutskirtsoftheswirlofdark-furredmahendo’sat.PyanfarhadTirun’swristandpulledherforward.“Lookout!”Tiruncriedsuddenly:oneofthekifhadpulledagunfrombeneathitsrobe.“Go!”Pyanfaryelled,andtheydivedbackamongcursingandscreamingmahendo’sat,outagainthroughameleeofkifwhohadcircledbehindthecanisters.Firepoppedafterthem.Pyanfarbowledoverakifintheirpathwithastrikethatshouldsnapvertebraeanddidnotbreakstridetofindout.Tirunranbesideher;theysprintedwithfirepoppingsmokecurlsoffthedeckplatesaheadofthem.

Suddenlyashotcamefromtherighthand.Tirunyelpedandstumbled,limpingwildly.Morekifalongthedockfrontoffices,oneverytallandfamiliar.Akukkakk,withfriends.“Earlessbastard!”Pyanfarshouted,grabbedTirunafreshandkeptgoing,draggedherbehindthecanistersofanothermahendo’satshipinahailoflaserpopsandthereekofburnedplastic.Tirunsaggedinshock-acurseandajerkonthearmgotherrunningagain,desperately:theburnrupturedandbled.Theydartedanopenspace,havingnochoice:shrillharooingrangoutbehindandontheright,kifonthehunt.

Asecondshoutroaredoutfrombeforethem,anotherflashfromguns,multicolor,atThePride’sberth:ThePride’screwwasreturningfire,highfortheirsakesbutmeaningbusiness.Stationalarmsstartedgoingoff,bass-tone

theirsakesbutmeaningbusiness.Stationalarmsstartedgoingoff,bass-tonewhooping.Redlightsflashedonthewallsandupthecurvetilltheceilingvanished.Higherupthecurveofthedock,stationfolkscrambledinpanic,huntingshelter.Iftherewerekifamongthem,theywouldcomechargingdownfromthatdirectiontoo,atthecrew’sbacks.

AndHilfywasoutthereatthataccess,fourthinthatlineoftheirownguns-layingdownaberserkpatternoffire.PyanfardraggedTirunthroughthatlineoffourbythescruffoftheneck.TiruntwistedandfellontheplatesandPyanfarhelpedherupagain,notwithoutawildlookback,atadocksidewhereenemiesfiredfromcoverathercrewwhohadpreciouslittle.“Board!”sheyelledattheotherswiththelastofherwind,andherselfskiddedonthedeckinginturningfortherampway.HaralretreatedandgrabbedTirun’sflailingarmfromtheothersideandHilfysuddenlytookPyanfar’s.Pyanfarlookedbackagain,willingtoturnandfight.GeranandChurwerefallingbackinorderlyretreatbehindthem,stillfacingthedirectionofthekifandfiring-thekifhadbeenpinnedbackfromadvanceintobettervantage.HilfypulledatherarmandPyanfarshookfreeastheyreachedtherampway’sfirstdoor.“Comeon,”sheshoutedatGeranandChur;andthemomenttheyretreatedwithin,stillfiring,shehitthedoorseal.Themassivesteelclangedandthumpedshutandthepairstumbledbackoutoftheway;Hilfydartedinfromacrossthedoorandrammedthelock-leverdown.

PyanfarlookedroundthenatTirun,whowasonherfeetthoughsagginginHaral’sarms,andholdingherupperrightleg.Herbluebreechesweredarkwithbloodfromtheretothefurofhercalfandthreadingdowntoherfootinapuddle,andshewasmutteringasteadystreamofcurses.

“Move,”Pyanfarsaid.HaraltookTirunupinherarmsandoutrightcarriedher,nosmallload.Theywithdrewuptherampwaycurveintotheirownlock,sealedthatdoorandfeltsomewhatsafer.

“Captain,”Chursaid,businesslike.“Alllinesarelooseandcargorampisdisengaged.Incase.”

“Welldone,”Pyanfarsaid,vastlyrelievedtohearit.Theywalkedthroughtheairlockandroundthebendintothemainlowercorridor.“SecuretheOutsider;sedateitalltheway.You-”shelookedasideatTirun,whowastryingtowalkagainwithanarmacrosshersister’sshoulders.“Getawraponthatlegfast.Notimeforanythingmore.We’regettingloose.Idon’timagineHinukkuwillstandstillforthisandIdon’twantkifpassingmytailwhilewe’renose-to-station.

stillforthisandIdon’twantkifpassingmytailwhilewe’renose-to-station.Everyonerigformaneuvers.”

“Icanwrapmyownleg,”Tirunsaid.“Justdropmeinsickbay.”

“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,collectedhernieceassheheadedforthelift.“Disobedient,”Pyanfarmutteredwhentheywereclose.

“Forgive,”saidHilfy.Theyenteredthelifttogether;thedoorshut.Pyanfarfetchedtheyoungsteracuffwhichrockedheragainsttheliftwall,andpushedthemainlevelbutton.Hilfyrightedherselfanddisdainedeventoclapahandtoherear,buthereyeswerewatering,herearsflattenedandnostrilswideasifshewerefacingintosomepowerfulwind.“Forgiven,”saidPyanfar.Theliftletthemout,andHilfystartedtorunupthecorridortowardthebridge,butPyanfarstalkedalongatamoredeliberatepaceandHilfypausedandmatchedherstride,walkedwithherthroughthearchwayintothecurved-deckmainoperationscenter.

Pyanfarsatdowninhercushioninthecenterofabankofvidscreensandstartedturningonsystems.Stationwassquallingstsholanguageprotests,objections,outrage.“Getonthat,”Pyanfarsaidtoherniecewithoutmissingabeatinswitch-flicking.“Tellstationwe’recuttinglooseandthey’llhavetocopewithit.”

Adelay.Hilfyrelayedthemessageinlimpingstsho,ignoringthemechanicaltranslatorinherhaste.“Theycomplainyoukilledsomeone.”

“Good.”Thegrapplesclangedlooseandatelltalesaidtheyhadretractedalltheway.“Tellthemwerejoicetohaveeliminatedakifwhostartedfiringwithoutprovocation,endangeringbystandersandpropertyonthedock.”Shefiredtheundockingrepulseandtheywereloose,suddenlossofgandreacquisitioninanotherdirection…firedthesecondarieswhichsentThePrideoutofplanewithstation,aredirectionofupanddown.Ship’sgstartedup,aslowtugagainstthethrustaft.

“Stationismightilyupset,”Hilfyreported.“Theydemandtotalktoyou,aunt;theythreatennottoletusdockatstsho-”

“Nevermindthestsho.”Pyanfarflickedfromimagetoimageonscan.Shespottedanothershiploose,inabouttherightlocationforHinukku.Abruptlythescanacquiredallkindsofflitteronit,chaffmorethanlikely,asHinukku

scanacquiredallkindsofflitteronit,chaffmorethanlikely,asHinukkuscreeneditselftodosomething.“Godsrotthem.”ShereachedmadlyforcontrolsandgotThePridereorientedgentlyenoughtosavethebonesofthoseaboardwhomightnotyetbesecuredformaneuvers…warningenoughforthosebelowtodiveforsecurity.“Iftheyfireonusthey’lltakeouthalfthestation.Gods!”Shehitgeneralcom.“Brace;we’rebackinghard.”

Thistimethingscameloose.Anotebooksailedacrossthesectionandlandedsomewhereforward,missingcontrols.Hilfyspatandcursescamebackfromcom.ThePridewasnotmadeforsuchmoves.Norforthenext,whichhammeredagainstthatbackwardmomentumand,nosedipped,shotthemnadirofstation(thenotebookflewbacktoitsorigins)andbraked,anothercareerofflutteringpages.

“Motherlessbastards,”Pyanfarsaid.Shepunchedcontrols,linkedturrettoscan.Itwouldswiveltoanysighting,anythingmassive.“Nowletthemputtheirnosedownhere.”Herjointsweresore.Alarmswereringingandlightswereflashingonthemaintenanceboard,cargohavingbrokenloose.Sheranhertongueoverthepointsofherteethandwrinkledhernoseforbreath,worryingwhatquadrantofthescantowatch.SheputThePrideintoaslowaxisrotation,gamblingthatthekifwouldnotcomeundersideofstationinsoobviousaplaceastheoneinlinewithlast-known-position.“Watchscan,”shewarnedHilfy,divertingherselftomonitortheopboardhalfaheartbeat,toseeallthetelltaleswhattheyoughttobe.“Haral,getuphere.”

“Aunt!”Hilfysaid.Pyanfarswungherheadaboutagain.Alittledusthadappearedonthescreen,someofthechaffspinningtheirwayfromabove.Shehadthescanlinkedfirecontrolsetlooserthanthatandthearmamentdidnotreact.Theliftbackdownthecorridorcrashedandhummedinoperation.Haralhadnotacknowledged,butshewascoming.“Wefireonanythingthatshowssolid,”Pyanfarsaid.“Keepwatchingthatchaffcloud,niece.Andmind,itcouldbeoutrightdiversion.Idon’ttrustanything.”

“Yes,”Hilfysaidcalmlyenough.Andthen:“Lookout!”

“Chaff,”Pyanfaridentifiedtheflutter,herheartfrozenbytheyell.“Bespecifictoquadrant:number’senough.”

Runningfeetinthecorridor.Haralwaswiththem.Hilfystartedtoyieldherplaceatscan;Haralslidintothethirdseat,adjustedtherestraints.

“Didn’tplantodosomuchmoving,”Pyanfarsaid,nevertakingthefocusofhereyesfromscan.“Anyonehurt?”

“No,”saidHaral.“Everything’ssecure.”

“They’rethinkingitoverupthere,”Pyanfarsaid.

“Aunt!4/2!”

Turretwasswiveling.Eyetrackedtothenumberfourscreen.Energywashedoverstation’srim:morechafffollowed,largerdebris.

“Captain,theyhitstation.”Haral’svoicewasincredulous.“Theyfired.”

“Handur’sVoyager.”Pyanfarhadtheoriginmappedonthestationtorusandmadetheconnection.“Ogods.”Shehitrepulseandsentthemhurtlingtostationcoreshadow,tiltedtheirnosewithasecondburstandcutinmainthrust,shootingthemnadirofstation,noseforinfinity.Pyanfarreachedanduncappedaredswitch,hitit,andThePriderockedwithexplosion.

“Whatwasthat?”Hilfy’svoice.“Arewehit?”

“Ijustdumpedourholds.”Pyanfarsuckedair,anexpansionofhernostrils.Herclawsflexedoutandinonthetogglegrip.Gwashaulingatthembadly.ThePrideofChanurwasinfullrout,havingjustalteredtheirmass/driveratio,strippedforrunning.“Haral,getusacourse.”

“Working,”Haralsaid.NumbersstartedcominguponthecompscreenatPyanfar’sleft.

“Goingtohavetofindusaquietspot.”

“Urtur’sjustwithinsinglejumprange,”Haralsaid,“strippedasweare.Maybe.”

“Hastobe.”BeyondMeetpointintheotherdirectionwasstshospace,withagreatscarcityofjumppointstohelpthemalong,thosemassesbywhichThePrideoranyotherjumpshipsteered;andonothersideswerekifregions;andknnn;andunexploredregions,uncharted,withoutjumpcoordinates.Jumpblindintothoseandtheywouldnevercomebackagain…anywhereknown.

Shelivenedanotherboard,bringingupjump-graphs.Urtur.Thatwastheway

Shelivenedanotherboard,bringingupjump-graphs.Urtur.Thatwasthewaytheyhadcomein,twojumpsandloaded-averylargesystemwheremahendo’satdidalittlemining,alittlemanufacture,andlicensedothers.Theymightmakethatdistanceinonejumpnow;kifwerenotfollowing…yet.Didnothavetofollow.Theycouldfigurepossibledestinationsbydumpedmassandthelogicofthesituation.Omybrother,shethought,wonderinghowshewouldfaceKohan.Hewouldbeaffectedbythisdisgrace,thisoutrageoflostcargo,offlightwhileahanishipperishedstationboundandhelpless.KohanChanurmightbebrokenbyit;itmighttemptyoungmalestochallengehim.Andiftherewereenoughchallenges,andoftenenough….

No.NotthatkindofendforChanur.Therewasnogoinghomewiththatkindofnews.Notuntilkifpaid,untilThePridegotthingstorightsagain.

“Markfifteentojumppoint,”Haralsaid.“Captain,they’lltraceus,noquestion.”

“Noquestion,”shesaid.BeyondHaral’sscarredfaceshecaughtsightofHilfy’s,unmarredandscant-bearded-frightenedandtryingnottoshowit.Pyanfaropenedallship:“Rigforjump.”

Thealarmstarted,aslowwailingthroughtheship.ThePrideleaptforwardbyhergenerationpulses,borrowedvelocityattheinterface,severalwrenchingflickers,whippedintothebetween.Pyanfardugherclawsin,decadesaccustomedtothis,didthatmentalwrenchwhichtoldliestotheinnerears,andkeptherbalance.Comeon,shewilledtheship,asifintentalonecouldtakeitthatcriticaldistancefarther.

III

ThePridecamein,sluggish,nightmarearrival,pulsedoutandinagain,aflickeringofjump-distortedinstrumentswhichshowedthemfaroutontheUrturrange,notcloseenoughtopickupmorethananindicationofastellarmass.

Nearmiss.Theyhadstretcheditasfarasitcouldbestretched.Pyanfarstruggledtomoveinhercushion,fightingtoaimthefingersofherhand,toshutdownallscan,runninglights,theweaklocationalandIDtransmission,everyemissionfromtheship,forgettingnothinginthementalconfusionwhichwentwithemergence.Thenshestartedthesequencetobleedofftheirvelocity,anuncomfortableride,evenasnightmare-slowastheyweremovingontheiremergence.Shekepthermindfocused,tryingnottoletherthoughtsstraytothehorroratthebackofit,howfinetheyhadcutit.

Hilfythrewup,notanuncommonreactiontotheshift.ItdidnothelpPyanfar’sownstomach.

“We’redumpingdowntosystemicdriftvelocity,”Pyanfarsaidonallship.“Possiblythekifstayedtosortthroughwhatwejettisoned,butthey’llbehereinshortorder.Orthey’realreadyhere…withlikelymorekifheretohelpthem.I’llbeverysurprisedotherwise.We’veshutdownalltransmission,allscanoutput.Nouseofthemainengineseither.Everyonestillallrightdownthere?”

Therewasprolongeddelayinresponse.“Lookstobe,”Tirun’svoicecamebackfromlowerdeckop,whichhadlostmostofwhatitwasprimarilydesignedtomonitorwhentheholdsblew.“ChurandGeranarestartingacheckbyremote,butitlookslikeitwasacleanseparationwhenweblewitout.Allworkingsystemsareclean.”

Thevelocitydumpwenton.Hilfymovedabout,cleaningupinshame.Haralstayedherpost.Pyanfaroccupiedherselfwithfeverishcalculationsandsortedandcalculatedonthatonearrivalimagetheyhadgottenbeforescanshutdown,andonwhattheyhadonpassiverecept.Shedidadelicateattitudeadjustment,trimmeduprelativetotheflowtheyweretryingtoenter,topresenttheleastsurfaceandtheleastdelicateportionofthemtohazard-putThePrideintosynchwiththegeneralrotationofthesystem,onewiththedebrisandtherockandgaswhichmadeUrtur,spreadoutovertheorbitsoftenplanetsandfifty-sevenmajormoonsanduncountedplanetoidsandsmallerhazards,oneofthemoredifficult

moonsanduncountedplanetoidsandsmallerhazards,oneofthemoredifficultsystemsfortherapidpassageofanyshipintoitscentralplane.ThePridewaspickingupdecayedsignalfromamahendo’satinstallationfartherin…atleastthatstationshouldbetheoriginofit,chattermeaninglessnotonlyinthedistancebutinelapsedtimesinceitssending.Somemightbescatterfromshipsoperatinginthesystem,traders,countlessminersinshipsofallsizesfromthegreatorecarriersdowntosingleseatskimmers.Induecoursetheythemselvesoughttoannouncepresenceandidentity,butshehadnointentionofdoingso.Therewasanexcellentchancethattheirarrivalhadbeenfarbeyondthecapacityofthelongestscanfromoutsystemrelay,andshesawnoprofitinbringingthemahendo’satofUrturinonaprivatequarrelwiththekif.Thekifcouldhavearriveddaysago,bypassingtheminthebetween,whichcouldhappenwithamorepowerfulship-systemchattermightrevealthat.Shekeptlisteningtoitwithoneear,finishedupthedump,pullingthemfinallyintotrim,countingtoherselfandhopingherpositionwaswhatshethoughtitwas.

ThePridedriftedthen,stillmaintainingrotationforg,butnothingelseofmovement.Shekeptcounting.Debrissuddenlyrangofftheunshieldedhull,distantbattering,afewcrashesandsquealsoflargerobjects.Targetdeadon:shehadit,amobofrocksalittleofftheirvelocity,coldmassswarmingaboutthem,ascreenbetweenthemandthekifspossiblearrival.Shefeathereddirectionaljetsandtrimmedupagain.Thebatteringdiminishedtoanoccasionalpatterofdust.Hilfy,standingbythecomconsolecounter,lookedaboutherasifshecouldexpecttoseetheimpactswithalltheirsensoreyesdark;metPyanfar’sfaceandlookedthenatHaral,whogrimlysatherpostandkepttryingtoplottheirposition;andHilfycomposedherownface,managednottoflinchwhenanotherrockshrilleddowntheforward-thrustingbow.

Pyanfarheavedherachingbodyoutofthecushion,staggeredinwalkingaroundthedividingconsoletoputherhandonthebackofHaral’scushion.“Putthepagersinlink,”shetoldHaral.“Keepitchanneloneandseethatsomeone’salwaysonit.Tieintolowerdeckop:they’llbeworkingdownthereawhileyet.Thekifwillshow,neverdoubtit.Soweliestill,restup.Wereceivesignal;wedon’tsend;wedon’tmaneuver.Wedon’tdoanythingnowbutdrift.”

“Aye.”Haralstartedmakingthelinks,shuntingoversomeofcomfunction,anoperationwhichHilfyshouldhavedone.Herbroad,scarredfacewaswithoutdisturbanceatthisinsanity.Haralknewthegame;theyhaddoneitatimeortwo,thisprolongeddarksilence,waitingoutakiforanunknown-butnotinUrtur’sdebris-clutteredfield,notwhereothershipswerelikelyandcollisionwas

debris-clutteredfield,notwhereothershipswerelikelyandcollisionwaspossible.Haralknew.ItwasHilfyforwhomsheofferedinstructions.

PyanfartookherownpagerfromthewallbytheexitandwentbacktogiveonetoHilfy,whowasleaningagainstthecounter,nostrilsslittedandearslaidback.Pyanfarclappedherontheshoulderandthrustthepagerintoherhand.“Out.Go.Everything’sabouttogounderautomatichere,andthere’snothingyoucando.”ShepassedbyHilfyandheadedoutherownwaydownthecorridoroutside,withafoulheadache,aworryinhergut,andanobsessivedesireforabath.

Herquarters,leftunsecured,werenotasbadastheymighthavebeen.Thespringcovershadheldontheroundbed,andtheonlycasualtywasapileofchartsnowrandomized.Shegrittedherteethagainstthethrobbinginherskullandpickedthemup,straightenedtheedgesandslappedtheunsortedpilebackontothedesk,thenstrippedoffherbloodyclothes,brusheddriedbloodfromherfurandacloudofshedfur,too.Shealwaysshedinjump…sheerfright.Hermusclesweretight.Sheflexedhercrampedshouldersandanarmstrainedfromfightingg,astitchallthewayintoherribmuscles;andshepickedupthepageragainandtookitwithherintothebath,listeningtoit,whichhadnothingbutstatic-setitonthebathroomcounterbeforegettingintotheshowercabinet.

Theshowerwaspuredelight,warmandsoothing.Sheliftedherfacetoit,loweredears,shutnostrilsandsquinchedhereyesshut,lettingthestreamfromthejetcombhermaneandbeardintoorder,steppedbackandwipedhereyesclear,turnedherbackandletthespraymassagethepainoutofhertiredshoulders.

Thepagerwentoff,emergencybeep.Shespatacurseandflungtheshowerdooropen,skiddedonthefloorandranoutofthebathandoutofherquartersnakedanddrippingasshewas.ShemetHaralandHilfyontheirseparatewaysbackandbeatthemtothecentralconsole.

Ashipwasoutthereallright,somewaysdistant,wherenoshiphadbeenpreviously-anarrivaloutofjump.Pyanfarleanedovertheboard,wipedabitofwateroffthescreenandwipeditdownherchest,holdingherbeardandtryingtoavoiddripping.ThenewcomerwasclosertoUrturthanthey,agooddistanceinwardandzenith-hadactuallyarrivedawhileago:passivereceptpickeditupfromitsinherentnoise.

“Betterpartofanhourbacktime,”Haralcalculated.“Icanfineitdown.”

‘Dothat.”

Theywatcheditawhile,whilePyanfardrippedacoldpuddleonthedeckingandthecounter.“Goinginward,”shepronouncedfinallyonthefiguresHilfypassedher,checkedagainstcurrentreception.“Ifthat’sthekif,theyoverjumpedusandnowthey’vegotabitofhuntingtodo.Wehaveawavejustgettingtothem,butit’sgotnothingforthem,nothingthey’regoingtoknowfromalltherestofthejunkouthere.Good.”Sherecalledherconditionandstraightenedfrombendingovertheboard.“Mopthat,”shesaidtoHilfy,whowasjuniormost.Shestrodeoff,pricklishinherdignity.

“Captain,”Haral’svoicecameoverthepager,andPyanfarcrossedthecabinintwostridestoreachthecombyherbedside…puncheditwithaforefinger,combclenchedinthesamehand.“Receivingyou.”

“Gotsomechatterthatdoesn’tsoundgood,”Haralsaid.“Ithinktherearekifhere,allright.Whatcameintothesystemawhileagoisn’tcertain,butitcouldbemahendo’sat;andI’mgettingkifvoicesandkifsignaloutofsystemcenter.

“Doesn’tsurpriseme.Pitythemahewhodroppedintothispond,ifthat’swhat’shappened.Butitmightcoveranynoisewemadeinentry,ifthat’swhatitis.”

“Mightdo,”Haralsaid.“Gods,captain,notellinghowmanykiftheremayhavebeenatUrturtostartwith.They’regoingtoswarmalloverthemahendo’sat.”

“Godsknowhowmuchkiftroublethey’vealreadyhadhere.ThatbunchfromMeetpointcouldhavegottenasmuchasfive,sixdays’jumponus.Forgetit.Letitrest.Ourbusinessisourownbusiness.”

“Aye,”Haralsaidreluctantly.

“Shutitdown,Haral.Untiltheycomeafterus,we’resnug.”

“Aye,captain.”

Thecontactbrokeoff.Pyanfardrewalongbreathandletitgo,stoodinfrontoftheunitandafteramomentpunchedintheimagetheycouldget,fromthe

theunitandafteramomentpunchedintheimagetheycouldget,fromthetelescopeintheobservationdome.Urturwasaglorioussight…atadistance,asaucerofmilkylight.Ashadowpassedtheimage,abitofrock,doubtless,partoftheswarmwithwhichtheytraveled.Sheshutitdownagain.Theyrolledalongblind,gettingataponthehullnowandagainfromdebris,mutedthisfarintoThePride’score,astheyplayedtheirpartasamoteinUrtur’svastlens.Thissilencewasanoldtrick.Itworked…sometimes.

Shecontinuedhercombing,andfinally,peltdried,maneandbeardcombedandsilkyagainintheirringlets,changedtoherthird-besttrousers,ofblacksilk,withgreenandgoldcuffingandbelt,around-the-hipsdangleofrealgoldchains.Shechangedherpearlearringforanemerald,inspectedherclawsandtrimmedaroughness.Atiphadbroken.Hard-skinned,thekif.Butshehadgothim,thatbastardonthedock.ThatwasatleastsomeconsolationforthelostcargoandTirun’smisery.Forhanilives-thatwasyettocollect.

Shestrolledoutagain,intocontrols,whereHilfywasstandinglonewatch.Theyhadfarmoreroomwhentheywereunderrotation,withtheship’sgmakingthecrew’sprivatequartersandagreatdealofstorageaccessible,aswellasthatlargeforwardellofthecontrolareaitselfwhichwasoutofreachduringdock.Someofthecrewoughttobeoffshiftnow,eating,sleeping:theyarrangedsuchdetailsamongthemselveswhenthingsweretight,knowingbestwhentheyneededrestandbalancingtheship’sneedsagainsttheirown.HilfyhadabruisedlookwhensheturnedtofacePyanfarasshecameupbehindherinthesemishadowofthebridge,amiddeadscreensandvirtuallylightlesspanels.Shestoodthereasiftherewassomethingshecouldhopetodo,earsprickedupandeyeswide-irisedwithhergeneraldistress.

“Haralleftyouonwatch,imp?”

“Haralsaidshewasgoingbelow.”

“IthoughtIdismissedyou.”

“Ithoughtitwouldn’thurttobehere.Ican’trest.”

“Can’trestisacheatontheship.Can’trestissomethingyoulearntoremedy,imp.It’sgoingtobetoolongawaittowearourselvestoragsuphere.Nothingwecando.”

“Comkeepscomingin.It’sthem-it’sthesamekif.They’reaskingthe

“Comkeepscomingin.It’sthem-it’sthesamekif.They’reaskingthemahendo’satshipswhereweareandthey’remakingthreats.Theycallusthieves.”

Pyanfarspatdrylyandchuckled.“Whattenderhonor.Whatarethemahendo’satdoingaboutit?”

“Nothing.Itisamahendo’satstation,afterall;thereareotherships…allovertheplace-there’shelpforthem,isn’tthere?I’dthinkthey’ddosomething,notjustletthekifdowhattheyplease.”

“Theremaybealotofkif,too.”Pyanfarleanedforwardandcheckedtheboardsherself,thelittledatathecomputergotoffpassiverecept.Arockhitthem,aslowscreamdownthemetal;ascreenflickeredtostaticandcorrecteditself,animpactononeoftheantennae.“Iwon’ttellyou,imp,justhowclosewecametolosingourreferentsinthatjump.Ifthatkifshipdidgethereaheadofus,it’sconsiderablymorepowerfulthanweare.Allpowerandpreciouslittlecargoroom.Thattellyouanything?”

“It’snotafreighter.”

“Kifrunner.Gotafewfalsetanksstrappedon,allshellandnomasstospeakof,maskingwhatsheis.Youunderstand?Shipslikethatdothekill;thecarrioneaterscomeafter,realfreighters,thatsuckupthecargoesanddothedocksidetradingwhentheydogettosomeport.That’swhatwe’relikelyupagainst.Arunner.Ahuntership.Theyoverestimatedourcapacity…overjumpedus,morethanlikely,andincomingtrafficmayhavebeengoodenoughtoconfusetheissuefurther.Ifthat’sthecasewe’vejustusedupalltheluckwe’reentitledto.”

“Arewejustgoingtosithere?”Hilfyasked.“Shipaftershipisgoingtocomeintothissystemnotknowingwhatthey’rerunninginto…allthoseshipsfromMeetpointthatdon’tgothestshoroute-”

“Imp,we’reblindatthemoment.We’vedumpedvelocity…andmaybesomeofthosehuntingushaven’t;andmaybesomeareyettocome.Youknowwhatkindofsituationthatputsusin.Sittingtarget.”

“Iftheyallstaytocenterward,”Hilfysuggestedcautiously,“wecouldjustjumpoutagain…begonebeforetheycouldcatchus,takethepressureoffthesemahebeforesomeoneelsegetshurt.Maybewecouldgetawaywithitagainatthenextjumppoint,gettoKirdu…afterUrtur,couldn’twemaybemakeKirduin

nextjumppoint,gettoKirdu…afterUrtur,couldn’twemaybemakeKirduintwojumps?Getoutofhere.Afterthisplace,thereareotherchoices.Aren’tthere?”

Pyanfarstaredather.“Beendoingsomeresearch,haveyou?”

“Ilooked.”

“Huh.”Itwasasensibleidea,andoneshehadhadevenbeforethejump;buttherewereloosepiecesinthisbusiness.Movesnotyetcalculated.Itremainedtomeasurehowupsetthekifwere.Andwhy.“Possible.”ShejabbedafingeratHilfy.“Firstwetakeaccountofourselves.Wegodown,shallwe,andseewhatwehaveleftofcargo.”

“Ithoughtwedumpeditall.”

“Oh,notwhatthekifwant,notthat,niece.”Sheleanedovertheconsole,checkedthepagerlink.“Ithinkwecanleaveitawhile.Comealong.It’sallbeingrecorded,allthecomandscanuphere.We’llcheckit.Can’tliveuphere.”ShesetherhandonHilfy’sshoulder.“Wegoasksomequestions,that’swhat.”

Theiruninvitedpassengerhadsettledafterjump-cocoonedinblanketsandsedatedforthetrip,nowletgoagain,tohuddleinthatheapofblanketsinthecornerofthewashroom.Ithadcurledupinaknotandthrownoneoftheblanketsoveritshead,showingnothingbutthemotionsofitsbreathingtoproveitwasunderthere.

“Theanklerestraintisbackonit,”Chursaidastheywatcheditfromthedoorway.“It’sbeendocileallalong…butletmecallGeranandwe’llbesureofit.”Churwassmallestofthecrew,smallerthanGeranhersister,whowasherselfofnogreatstature-withathinbeardandmaneandayellowishtinttoherfur:delicate,onemightsay,whodidnotknowChur.

“Therearethreeofus,”Pyanfarsaid,“already.Let’sseehowitreacts.”Shewalkedintothewashroomandcamenearthatheapofbreathingblankets.Coughed.Therewasmovementintheblankets,theliftingofacorner,afurtivelookofapaleeyefrombeneaththem.Pyanfarbeckoned.

Itstoppedmoving.

Itstoppedmoving.

“Itquitewellunderstandsme,”shesaid.“Ithink,Chur,you’regoingtohavetogetGeran.WemayhavetofetchitoutandIdon’twanttohurtit.”

Churleft.Hilfyremained.Theblanketsstirredagain,andthecreaturemadeafalteringefforttogetitsbackintotheangleofthecornermadebytheshowerstallandthelaundry.

“It’sjusttooweak,”Hilfysaid.“Aunt,it’sjusttooweaktofight.”

“I’llstandhere,”Pyanfarproposed.“There’samahendo’satsymboltranslatorandsomemanualsandmodules-Haralsaidsheputitinthelowerdeckop;Iwanttheelementarybook.Here.Godsforbidsomeoneputitintocargo.”

Hilfyhesitated,castalookattheOutsider,thenscurriedoffinhaste.

“So,”Pyanfarsaid.Shedroppedtoherhaunchesasshehadbefore,putoutaforefingerandtracednumbersfromonetoeightontheflooring.Lookedupfromtimetotimeandlookedatthecreature,whowatchedher.Itreachedoutofitsnestofblanketsandmadetentativemovementsofwritingonthefloor,drewbackthearmandwatchedwhatshewasdoinguntilshestoppedatsixteen.Ittuckedtheblanketsmorecloselyaboutitselfandstared,frombleak,blueeyes.Washed,itlookedbetter.Themaneandbeardwereevenbeautiful,silken,pollen-gold.Butthenakedarmoutthrustfromtheblanketsboreuglybruisesoffingeredgrips.Therehadbeenalotofbruisesunderthedirt,shereckoned.Ithadareasonforitsattitude.Itwasnotdocilenow,justweak.Ithaddrawnanotherline,stakedoutitscorner.Theblueeyesheldapeculiarexpression,analysis,perhaps,somethoughtproceedingatlength.

Shestoodup,hearingChurandGerancoming,theirvoicesinthecorridor-turnedandmotionedthemtowaitamomentwhentheyarrived.ShewatchedtheOutsider’spaleeyestakeaccountofthereinforcements.AndHilfycamebackwiththemanual.“Itwasinthe-”Hilfybrokeoff,inthegeneralstillnessoftheplace.

“Giveithere,”Pyanfarsaid,holdingoutherhandwithoutlookingawayfromtheOutsider.

Hilfygaveit.Pyanfaropenedthebook,turnedthepagestowardtheOutsider,whoseeyesflickeredwithbewilderment.Shebent,discardingherdignitya

whoseeyesflickeredwithbewilderment.Shebent,discardingherdignityamomentintheseriousnessofthematter,andpushedthemanualacrossthetilestotheareathecreaturecouldreach.Itignoredtheopenbook.Anotherployfailed.Pyanfarsatstillamoment,armsonherknees,thenstoodupandbrushedhersilkbreechesintoorder.“Itrustthesymboltranslatormadeitintact.”

“It’sfine,”Hilfysaid.

“Solet’strythat.Canyousetitup?”

“Ilearnedonone.”

“Doit,”Pyanfarsaid;andmotionedtoGeranandChur.“Getitonitsfeet.Begentlewithit.”

Hilfyhurriedoff.GeranandChurmovedincarefullyandPyanfarsteppedoutoftheway,thinkingitmightturnviolent,butitdidnot.Itstoodupdocilelyastheypatteditandassistedittoitsfeet.Itwasnaked,andhewasareasonableguess,Pyanfarconcluded,watchingitmakeasnatchaftertheblanketsaboutitsfeet,whileChurcarefullyunlockedthechaintheyhadpaddedaboutitsankle,Geranholdingontoitsrightarm.Pyanfarfrowned,disturbedtobehavingamaleontheship,withallthethoughtsthatstirredup.ChurandGeranwerebeinguncommonlycourteouswithit,andthatwasalreadyahazard.

“Looksharp,”Pyanfarsaid.“Takeittotheoproomandmindwhatyou’redoing.”Shestoopedandgatheredupthesymbolbookherselfastheyleditouttowardthedoor.

TheOutsiderbalkedofasuddeninthedoorway,andChurandGeranpatteditshairlessshouldersandletitthinkaboutitalongmoment,whichseemedtherighttacktotake.Itstoodaverylongmoment,lookedeitherwaydownthecorridor,seemedfrozen,butthenatanewurging-“Comeon,”Geransaidinthesoftestpossiblevoiceandtuggedveryslightly-theOutsiderdecidedtocooperateandletitselfbeledintothehallandontowardoperations.Pyanfarfollowedwiththebookunderherarm,scowlingforthecosttheOutsiderhadalreadybeentothem,andwiththedespondentfeelingthatshemightyetbewrongineveryassumptionshehadmade.Theyhadpaidfartoomuchforthat.

Andthenwhat?Giveitbacktothekifafterall,andshrugandpretendithadbeennothing?

TheOutsiderbalkedmorethanonceinbeingmoved,lookedaboutitatsuchintervalsasifthingsweremovingtoofastforitandithadtogetitsbearings.ChurandGeranletitstopwhenitwould,neverhurryingit,thencoaxeditgently.Itwalkedforthem-perhaps,Pyanfarthoughtsourly,bidingitstime,testingtheirreflexes,memorizingthecorridors,ifithadthewittodoso.

Theybroughtitintotheoproom,infrontofalltheboardsandtheglowinglights,anditbalkedagain,hard-breathing,lookingabout.Now,Pyanfarthought,theymighthavetrouble;butno,itletitselfbemovedagainandletitselfbeputintooneofthecushionsatthedeadcargo-monitorconsole,nearthecounterwhereHilfyworkedoverthetranslator,runningaseriesoffiguresoverthescreen.TheOutsiderslumpedwhenseated,dazed-lookingandsweatingprofusely,tuckedinitsblanketwhichitclutchedaboutitself.Pyanfarwalkeduptothearmofthecushion;itsheadcameupinstantlyatherpresenceandthewarinesscamebackintoitseyes.Morethanwariness.Fear.Itrememberedwhohadhurtit.Itknewthemasindividuals,pastaclothingchange.Thatatleast.

“Hai,”Pyanfarsaidinherbestfriend-to-outsidersmanner,patteditshairless,sweatingshoulder,sweptHilfyasideinherapproachtothetranslator,acheap,replaceablestickeredkeyboardunitlinkedbycableintooneoftheirnonesocheapscanners.Shepushedwipe,clearingHilfy’sfigures,thentheBipedalSentientbutton,withastickfigureofalong-limbedbeingspread-eagledonit.Thesamefigureappearedonthescreen.Shepushedthenextwhichshowedahaniinphotographicimage,andindicatedherself.

Itunderstood.Itseyeswerebrightwithanxiety.Itclutcheditsblankettighterandmadeafalteringattempttogetitsfeetbackonthefloorandtostand,reachingtowardthemachine.“Letitloose,”Pyanfarsaid,andChurhelpeditup.Itignoredthemall,leanedonthecounterandpoisedatremblinghandoverthekeyboard.Thewholearmshook.Itpunchedabutton.

Ship.Itlookedup,itseyesseekingunderstanding.

Pyanfarcarefullytookitsalienhand,oh,socarefully,butitallowedthetouch.Sheextendeditsforefingerandguidedittothewipebutton,backtotheshipbuttonagain.Itfreeditshandandsearched,thehandshakingviolentlyasitpassedabovethekeys.FigureRunning,itkeyed.Ship.FigureRunning.Shipagain.Hani.Wipe.Itlookedaboutather.

again.Hani.Wipe.Itlookedaboutather.

“Yes,”shesaid,recognizingthestatement.Motionedforittodomore.

Itturnedagain,madeanothersearchofthekeys.FigureSupine,itstated.Itfoundthepictorialforkif.Thatlong-snoutedgrayfacelitthescreenbesidetheFigureSupine.

“Kif,”Pyanfarsaid.

Itunderstood.Thatwasveryclear.“Kif,”itechoed.Ithadavoicefullofvibrantsounds,likepurring.Itwasstrangetohearitarticulateafamiliarword…hardtopickthatwordoutwhenthetonguemanagedneitherthekifclicknorthehanicough.Andthelookinitseyesnowwasmorethanapprehensive.Wild.Pyanfarputherclawsoutanddemonstrativelyrestedherhandovertheimage.Pushedwipe.Sheputthehanisymbolbackon,punchedinvoice-record;hani,theaudioproclaimed,inhanimode.ShepickedUpthecheapmikeandspokeforthemachine’sstudy-tape,withthemachinerecordinghervoice.“Hani.”Shecalledupanotherimage.“Stand.”Athird.“Walk.”

Ittookalittlerepetition,buttheOutsiderbegantoinvolveitselfintheprocessandnotinitstremblinghysteriaoverthekifimage.Itstartedwiththefirstbutton…workedatthesystem,despiteitsphysicalweakness,recordeditsownidentificationforallthesimplesymbolsonthefirstrow,soberly,withnojoyinitsdiscovery,butnotsluggishlyeither.Itbegantogofasterandfaster,jabbedkeys,spoke,oneaftertheother,madlyrapid,asifitwereprovingsomething.Therewereseventy-sixkeysonthatunitanditranthroughthelot,althoughtowardtheenditshandwashardlycontrollable.

Thenitstoppedandturnedthatsamesullenlookonthemandreachedfortheseatithadleft.Itbarelymadeit,sankdowninthecushionandwrappeditsblanketupaboutitsshoulders,paleandsweating.

“It’sgoneitslimit,”Pyanfarsaid.“Getitsomewater.”

Churbroughtitfromthedispenser.TheOutsideraccepteditone-handed,sniffedthepapercup,thendrainedit.Itgavetheemptycupback,pointedatitself,atthemachineonthecounter,lookedatPyanfar,correctlyassessingwhowasincharge.Itwanted,Pyanfarreadthegestures,tocontinue.

“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“themanual,onthecounter.Giveithere.”

Hilfyhandeditover.Pyanfarsearchedthroughtheopeningpagesfortheprecisesymbolsofthemoduleinthemachineatpresent.“Howmanyofthosemodulesdowehave?”

“Ten.Twomanuals.”

“Thatoughttocarryusintoabstracts.GoodforHaral.”ShesettheopenedbookintotheOutsider’slapandpointedatthesymbolsithadjustdone,showedithowfarthesectionwent.Nowitmadetheconnection.Itgatheredthebookagainstitselfwithbotharms,intentonkeepingit.“Yes.’Pyanfarsaid,andnoddedconfirmation.Maybenoddingwasagesturetheyshared;itnoddedinreturn,neverlookinghappy,buttherewaslessdistressinitslook.Itclutcheditsbookthetighter.

PyanfarlookedatHilfy,atGeranandChur,whoseexpressionswereguarded.Theywellknewnowwhatlevelofsentienttheyhadaboard.Howmuchtheyguessedoftheirdifficultieswiththekifwasanothermatter:alot,shereckoned-theypickedupthingsoutoftheair,assembledthemthemselveswithouthavingtoask.“Apassengercompartment,”shesaid.“Ithinkitmightlikeclothes.Foodanddrink.Itsbook.Cleanbeddingandabedtosleepin.Civilizedfacilities.Thatdoesn’tmeanyoushouldn’tbecarefulwithit.Let’smoveit,shallwe,andletitrest.”

ItlookedfromChurtoGeranasthetwoclosedin,grewdistressedwhenChurtookitsarmtogetitonitsfeet.Itpointedbackatthemachine…wantedthat,itschancetocommunicate.Perhapstherewasmoreitplannedtosay,inthesymbols.Surelyitexpectedtogobacktothewashroomcorner.Pyanfarreachedandtoucheditsshoulderfromtheotherside,touchedthebookitheldandpresseditshandthetighteragainstit,indicatingitshouldkeepthebook,thebestpromiseshecouldthinkofthatmighttellittheywerenotdonewithtalking.Itcalmeditself,atleast,letitselfbedrawntoitsfeetand,oncesteadied,ledout.

Pyanfarlookedatthemachineonthecounter,walkedoverandturneditoff.Hilfywasstillstandingthere.“Movethewholerig,”Pyanfarsaid.“We’llrisktheequipment.”Sheunpluggedthekeyboardmodule,whichwasnoburdenatall,butawkward.“Bringthescreen.”

“Aunt,”saidHilfy,“whatarewegoingtodowithhim?”

“Thatdependsonwhatthekifhadinmindtodowithhim.Butwecanhardlyaskthem,canwe?”ShefollowedaftertheOutsiderandChurandGeran,down

askthem,canwe?”ShefollowedaftertheOutsiderandChurandGeran,downthesidecorridortooneofthethreeroomstheykeptforThePride’soccasionalpayingpassengers,upthecurveintotheareaofthecrew’sprivatequarters.Theywerenicelyappointedcabins.TheoneChurandGeranhadselectedwasinfreshgreenswithwovengrassforthewallsandwiththebedandchairsinpalelimecomplement.Pyanfarcountedthedamagepossibleandwinced,buttheyhadsufferedfarworseinthecausethantornupholstery.

AndtheOutsiderseemedtorecognizeamajorchangeinitsfortunes.Itstoodinthecenteroftheroomclutchingitsbookanditsblanketandstaringaboutwithalesssullenexpressionthanbefore…seemedratherdazedbyitall,ifitsnarrowfeatureswereatallreadable.“Bettershowitthesanitaryfacilitiesfirst,”Pyanfarsaid.“Ihopeitunderstands.”

Churtookitbythearmanddrewitintothebath,carefully.HilfybroughtthescreeninandPyanfaraddedthemoduleasshesetitonthecounterandpluggeditintotheauxiliarycom/compreceptacle.Fromthebaththerecamebrieflythesoundoftheshowerworking,thenthetoiletcycling.ChurbroughttheOutsiderbackintothemainroom,bothlookingembarrassed.ThentheOutsidersawthetranslatorhookupsittingonthecounter,anditseyesflickeredwithinterest.

Notjoy.Therewasneverthat.

Itsaidsomething.Twodistinctwords.Foramomentitsoundedasifitwerespeakingitsownlanguage.Andthenitsoundedvaguelykif.Pyanfar’searsprickedupadshedrewinabreath.“Sayagain,”sheurgeditinkif,andmadeanencouragingmotiontowardherear,standarddocksidehandsign.

“Kif…companion?”

“No.”Shedrewadeeperbreath.“Bastard!Youdounderstand.”Andagaininkif:“Whoareyou?Whatkindareyou?”

Itshookitshead,seeminghelpless.Evidentlywhowasnotpartofitsrepertoire.PyanfarconsideredtheanxiousOutsiderthoughtfully,reachedandsetherhandonChur’sconvenientshoulder.“ThisisChur,”shesaidinkif.Andinhani:“Youdomeagreatfavor,cousin:yousitwiththisOutsideronyourwatch.Youkeephimgoingonthoseidentifications,changemodulestheminuteyou’vegotonefullyidentified,theaudiotrackfilled.Keephimatitwhilehewillbutdon’tforcehim.Youknowhowtoworkit?”

“Yes,”Chursaid.

“Youbecareful.Noknowingwhatit’sthinking,whatit’sbeenthrough,andIdon’tputdeviousnessbeyonditsreacheither.Iwantitcommunicative;don’tberoughwithit,don’tfrightenit.Butdon’tputyourselfindangereither.-Geran,youstayoutside,doyouroperationsmonitorbypagersolongasChur’sinside,hear?”

Geran’sears-therightonewasnotched,marringwhatwasotherwiseaconsiderablebeauty-flickedindistress,awinkingofgoldringsontheleft.“Clearlyunderstood,”shesaid.

“Hilfy.”Pyanfarmotionedtohernieceandstartedoutthedoor.TheOutsiderstartedtowardthem,butChur’soutflungarmpreventeditanditstopped,notwillingtoquarrel.Churspoketoitquickly,gingerlytoucheditsbareshoulder.Itlookedfrightened,forthefirsttimeoutrightfrightened.

“Ithinkitwantsyou,aunt,”Hilfyobserved.

Pyanfarlaidherearsback,abhorringthethoughtoffendingoffagrabatherperson,walkedoutwithHilfyunhurriedallthesame.Shelookedbackfromthedoorway.“Becarefulofit,”shetoldChurandGeranagain.“Tentimesitmaybegentleandagreeable…andgoforyourthroatontheeleventh.”

Shewalkedoff,theskinofhershoulderstwitchingwithdistaste.Hilfytrailedher,butPyanfarjammedherhandsintothebackofherwaistbandandtooknonoticeofhernieceuntiltheyhadgottentothelift.Hilfypressedthebuttontoopenthedoorandtheygotin.Pressedcentral;itbroughtthemupandstillwithoutawordPyanfarwalkedoutintothebridgewardcorridor.

“Aunt,”Hilfysaid.

Pyanfarlookedback.

“Whatshallwedowithit?”

“I’msureIdon’tknow,”Pyanfarsaidtartly.Herearswerestillback.Shepurposelyputonabetterface.“Notyourfault,niece.Thisoneismyownmaking.”

“I’dtakesomeoftheslack;I’dhelp,ifIknewwhattodo.Withthecargogone-”

“I’dtakesomeoftheslack;I’dhelp,ifIknewwhattodo.Withthecargogone-”

Pyanfarfrownedandtheearswentdownagain.Youwanttorelievemeofworry?shethought.Thendon’tdoanythingstupid.Buttherewasthatface,youngandproudandwantingtodowell.MostthatHilfyknewhowtodoontheshiphadgonewhencargoblewandscanshutdown.“Youngster,I’vegottenintoalargergamethanIplanned,andthere’snogoinghomeuntilwe’vegottenitstraightenedout.Howwedothatisanotherquestion,becausethekifknowourname.Haveyougotanideayou’vebeensittingon?”

“No,aunt-beingignorantabouttoomuch.”

Pyanfarnodded.“Sowithmyself,niece.Letitbealessontoyou.Mysituationprecisely,whenItooktheOutsiderin,insteadofhandingitrightbacktothekif.”

“Wecouldn’thavegivenhimtothem.”

“No,’Pyanfaragreedheavily.“Butitwouldcertainlyhavebeenmoreconvenient.”Sheshookherhead.“Gorestwhelp,andthistimeImeanit.Youweresickduringjump;you’llbelaggingwhenIdoneedyou.AndneedyouIwill.”Shewalkedon,intothebridge,pastthearchway.Hilfydidnotfollow.Pyanfarsatdownatherplace,amongallthedeadinstruments,listenedtothesometimewhisperoflargerdustoverthehull,calledupalltherecordwhichhadflowedinwhileshewasgone,listeningtothatwithoneearandthecurrentcomflowwiththeother.

Badnews.Asecondarrivalinthesystem…morethanoneship.Itmightbekif,mightbesomeoneelsefromthedisasteratMeetpoint.Ineithercaseitwasbad.Theonesalreadyherewereonthehuntbeyondquestion-kifwereupsetenoughtohavedumpedcargotogetherefromMeetpoint:noothershipshadcausetohuntThePride,ortocallthemthief.Theywerethesamekif,beyonddoubt,upsetenoughtohavebandedtogetherinahunt.Badnewsalltheway.

UrturStationwasintothecomflownow…bluster,warningthekifofseverepenaltiesandfines.Thatwasveryoldchatter,fromthebeginningofthetrouble,awavefrontjustnowreachingthem.Threatsfromthekif-thoseweremorecurrent.Themahendo’satship…harassed,madeitswaystationward.Thekifturnedtheirattentiontothenewarrivals,tootherthings.TheywouldbegintofiguresoonthatthefreighterslastarrivedhadjumpedbehindThePride.ThatThePridehadtohavetrickedthemandgoneelsewhereintostshoterritories,or

ThePridehadtohavetrickedthemandgoneelsewhereintostshoterritories,orhadtobehere…doingpreciselywhattheyweredoing;andveryprobablyanervouskifwouldplaythesurmisehehadalreadystakedhisreputationon.Theywouldstarthuntingshadowsoncetheyreachedthatconclusion,havingquestionedafewfrightenedmahe.Theywouldfanout,prowlthesystem,stopminerships,askclosequestions,probablycommitsmallpiracyatthesametime,nottowasteanopportunity.Thestationcoulddonothing-alargeronemight,butnotUrtur,whichwasmostlymanufacturingandscarcelydefended.Nomahendo’satshipwouldbewillingtobestopped-buttherewasnohopeforthemofoutrunningthathypedkifship,nochanceatleastwhichanordinarymahendo’satcaptainwasequippedtotake.

AndtherewasnochancethatoneofthoseshipsincomingfromMeetpointwouldturnouttobehani,andrelievethemallofthatweightofguilt.Handur’sVoyagerwasgone,beyondhopeandhelp.NotevenproximitytoMeetpointwaslikelytohavesavedanyoneinthatattack.Thekifwerenothingifnotthorough:theypracticedbloodfeudthemselves,andleftnosurvivors.

Kif-hadsomehowmissedkillingoneanotheroffintheirriseofftheirhomeworldandintospace.Theyhaddoneit,hanihadalwayssuspected,inmutualdistrust;inoutrighthatred.Theyhadcontestedthemselvesintospace,andhuntedeachotherthroughituntiltheyfoundeasierpickings.

NotThePride,sheswore,andnotPyanfarChanur.

Thatkifwhowasincommandoutthere-shewascertainbeyondquestionthatitwasAkukkakkofHinukku,whohadcomeaheadtostakeoutUrturtobewaitingforthem-oncethatkifknewtheyhadgottenthrough,hewouldbecheckingallhisbacktimerecords,sniffingthrougheverythinghopingtocatchsomemissedtraceofThePride’sarrival.Theyhadleftverylittleofawavefrontghosttodetect;buttheremightbesomething,somesmallmissedflicker.

Running-now-haditshazards.Aslongassomeofthekifshuttledthesystematrelativelyhighvelocity,thoseshipscouldrundownonthemwhiletheyweretryingtobuildtheirsbackfromvirtualdeadstop.Theirchancesofbreakingcoverandrunningdependedonthepositionofthekifships,whethertheyhadthatcriticaltimetheymightneedtogettheirreferentandtocomeuptopositiontojump.Blindastheyhadmadethemselves,theonlywaytofindoutwherethoseshipswerewastotrysomething;andtheonlywaytofindouthowmanytherewere,wastokeepaneartothekifchatterandseeiftheycouldpickoutindividualships.

individualships.

ThisAkukkakkwouldnotlikelybesocareless.ItwascertainenoughtheywerenotoutputtingIDsignal,whichitselfbroughtprotestsfromthestation;noIDsignalandnolocationalsignalfromanyofthem.Onlyfromminersandlegitimateresidents-ifthosesignalswerewhattheyoughttobe.

So,so,so.Theywereinabottle,anditwastoomuchtohopethatthekifwouldnotultimatelycoercemahendo’sathelpinthehuntforthem.Stationandminerscouldbeintimidatedasthekifputthepressureon.Whatwasmore,hanishipscameandwentatUrtur,andthoseshipswouldbevulnerabletothekif,unsuspectingofatrocitysuchasthekifhadcommittedatMeetpoint.Theywouldcomeintoconfrontationwiththekifhavingnoideaofthestakesinvolvedhere.Thekifmightactagainstthemwithoutwarning,todrawThePrideout.Suchtacticswerenothanipractice;butshehadbeenmanyyearsoffAnuurnandamongoutsiders,andsheknewwellenoughhowtothinklikeakif,eveniftheprocessturnedherstomachandbristledthehairsonhernape.

AndthenwhatdoIdo?shewonderedtoherself.DoIcomeoutmeeklytodie?Orletothers?Hercrewhadnomoreorlessrighttolifethanthecrewofanyotherhanishipwhichcamestrayingintothetrap.Thereweretheirlivesinvolved.TherewasHilfy’s.Andthereby-allofChanur.

Nexttimehome,shevowed,/getthatothergunbatterymoduledin,whateveritcosts.

Nexttimehome.

Shefrowned,cutofftherecording,whichhadcometothepointatwhichshehadcomein.Thepresenttransmissionswerefewandterse.Someoneshouldbeupheredirectlyandconstantlymonitoringthecomflowandtherest:Hilfywasrightonthatscore.Buttheywerenotafightingshipandtheyhadnopersonneltospareforsuch.Sixofthem,withordinarydutiesandaprisonertowatch:therewascoursetoplot,therewerecheckstoberunaftertheirjumpunderstress,systemstheyhadtobesureof;andtherewasthechancethattheymighthavetomove,defendthemselvesandrunatanymoment,whichmeantthreecrewmembershadtobementallyandphysicallyfittotakeactionatanyinstant,whateverthehour.TheautomationswhichranThePrideinhernormalworkadaybusinesshadnothingtodowiththeirsituationnow,systemsoverstressedfromajumptheshipwasneverdesignedtomake,makeshiftsecurityonanalienandpossiblylunaticpassenger.Gods.Shedouble-checked

securityonanalienandpossiblylunaticpassenger.Gods.Shedouble-checkedthepageroperation,whichwastransmissionactivated,advisedthecrewonwatchthatshewastakingovermonitorforawhile,togivethemrestfromtheresponsibility.

“He’sallright,”GeranreportedontheOutsider.“Restingawhile.”

Itwasgood,shethought,thatsomeonecould.

Shewentfinallytothegalley,upthecurve;thereasonofthatlargeellinthecontrolsection-noappetiteinparticular,butherlimbswereweakfromhunger.Sheheatedupamealfromthefreezer,forceditdownagainstherstomach’searnestcomplaints,andtossedthedishintothesterilizer.Thenshewalkedbacktoherprivatequarterstotrytorest.

Shefrettedtoomuchforsleep,pacedthefloorpointlessly,sortedthestackofchartsintoorderandsatdownandplottedandreplottedpossiblealternatives,whichshealreadyguessed,againstoddsshealreadyknew.AtlastsheshovedallthatworkasideandusedtheconsolebyherbedtolinkinontheOutsider’sterminal,viamaincompandaccesscodes.Itwasactiveagain:sheheardtheOutsider’svoiceaswellassawthesymbolscalledupbythetranslatorkeys.Hewasusingthemoneaftertheother,andwhenshekeyedinoncomaswell,shecouldpickupChur’svoiceintheroom,quietassistance-soundswhichmightgowithpantomime.Occasionallytherewasapairingofsymbolsthemachinedidnotdo-Chur’sinterference,perhaps,tryingtogetapointacross.Pyanfarcutoffcomandthetranslatorreception,staredatthedeadscreen.ThechatterfromUrtursystemcontinuedfromthepageratherbelt,subduedanddepressingincontent.Mahendo’satshipswerebeingadvisedbytheirownstationnottorun,tosubmittosearchifsingledoutbythekif,tohugstationiftheywerealreadythereandhopeforsafety.

Ahanivoiceobjectedaquestion.

Hani!

Pyanfarsprangfromthebedside,thewallsofhercabinimmaterialbeforehervisionofthatstationwithahanishipatdock;withkifabletomoveonitatwill.Thehanispoke…hadspokenlongago,inthetimelag.Whateverwouldhappen…hadlongsincetakenplace.TimeaswellasspacelaybetweenThePrideandthathanishipandthekif,andtherewasnothingshecoulddo,blind,fromadeaddrift,tohelpit.

drift,tohelpit.

“Gods!”shespat,andhurledthedeskchairforwardonitstrackwithacrash.ItwasaFahavesselinport;Faha’sStarchaser,andthatwasahouseandacompanyalliedtoChanur.HerbrotherKohan’sfirstwifewasHuranFaha.Hilfy’smother,forthegods’sakes!Therewerebonds,compacts,agreementsofalliance….

AndHilfy.

Themahendo’satatUrturStationurgedthehanishiptokeepcalm.Themahehad,theyavowed,nointentionofbecominginvolvedinakifquarrel,andtheywerenotgoingtoletarashhaniinvolvethem.

Thehanidemandedinformation;kifhuntedaChanurship:theFahahadbeenlisteningandfrettingunderrestraintthislong,andwantedanswers-knewthiswasgoingoutovercom,asthestationknewwhattheFahaweredoing,makingvocaltrouble,makingsureinformationgotoutintothedarkwhereChanurearsmightpickitup.

Ogods,ogods.Therewasanally,doingthebestforthemthatcouldbedoneatthemoment…andtheywerebothhelplesstocomeattheenemy.

Pyanfarpulledthechairoutagain,satdown,lostinlisteningforawhile.Therewasnofurtherinformation.Theyhadgottenthatspurtonthestation’slongrangeoronStarchaser’s…informationlikeabeaconfiredoffintooutsystem,deliberately.IftheyhaditfiguredThePridewashere…thensodidthekif.

Therewereechoes,repetitionsofthemessage:comwassortingthemout,transmissionsofdifferingdegreesofclarity,andthehairprickledonPyanfar’sneck,sudden,gratefulrealization:shipsalloverthesystemhadbegunrelayingthatmessage,lettingitofflikemultipleripplesinstillwater,massivedefianceofthekif-andthekifhadnotorderedsilence…onthistimeline.Theycouldnotenforcesuchademand,atthepresentlimitsoftheiraggressionatUrtur:butthoselimitscouldchange.Theinformationwasgoingoutlikeamultipliedshout…hadgoneout,longago,andwasstilltraveling.

ShefoundHilfyforoncewhereshewassupposedtobe,inherownquarters,asleep.Shehesitatedwhenthesleepyvoiceansweredthedoorcomhail,nomore

asleep.Shehesitatedwhenthesleepyvoiceansweredthedoorcomhail,nomorethanhesitated.“Up,”shesaidintothecom.“I’vesomewhattotellyou.”

Hilfywasquicktothedoor.ItwhippedopenedandHilfyhungthere,disheveledfrombedandgrimacinginthefulllightofthecorridor.Shehadnotpausedforclothes.

Pyanfarwalkedinpasther,waitedwhileHilfybrightenedtheinteriorlighting,andhelduparestraininghand,thatthebrighteningneednotbepermanentorfull.ItwasaroomHilfyhadmadeherown,agreatdealofChanurstyleinthiscabin,morethaninherownquarters,mementoesaffixedtothewalls,picturesofhomeworld’smountainsandthebroadplainsoftheChanurholdings…theHoldingitself,goldstone,shadedwithvines.Pyanfarlookedabouther,andlookedatHilfy.“Briefly,”Pyanfarsaid,“Ihavetotellyouathing;andthere’snothingcanbedoneaboutit,I’lltellyouthatfirst.We’vepickedupsignalfromaFahashipdockedatstation.They’reinthemiddleofthekif,andtheyfiredamessageoffforstationthatIthinktheymeantweshouldhear:noisychatter.Ithinktheyknowwe’reouthereandinwhatkindoftrouble.Butthere’sthekifbetweenus,andthere’snowaywecandomuchforeachother.Youunderstand?”

Hilfy’seyeshadstoppedflinchingatthelight.Shestared,amber-rimedabouttheblack,andherearsflattenedandprickedupagainwitheffort.Forayoungwomanandrousednakedoutofsleep,sheacquiredaquietdignityingettingherwitscollected.“Doyouknowwhichship,aunt?”

“Starchaser.That’sLihanFahaincommand.”

Hilfynodded.Theearsflinched,ringless.Herfacestayedcomposed.“They’llbeindanger.LikeVoyager.Andtheywon’tknowit.Noonewouldexpectthatkindofattack.”

“Lihan’snotyro,imp,believeit.Wedon’tplaytheirhand;theydon’tinterfereinours.Can’t.Nothingwecandoouthere.”

“Wecouldthrowthemawarningandrun.”

“Idon’ttakethatasanoptionatthemoment.WesenditfromdistanceandthekifwillhaveitbeforeStarchaserhasachance.Andpublicdefiance,involvingStarchaserinourleaving-thekifwouldbeobligedtoreact.Revengeispartoftheirmindset.Youhavetocalculatethatintoit.No.Starchaser’sridingherown

theirmindset.Youhavetocalculatethatintoit.No.Starchaser’sridingherownluck.Idon’tplantopushitforher.Sogobacktobed,hear?”

Hilfystoodamomentwithoutmoving.Noddedafteramoment,herdignitystillabouther.

“Good,”Pyanfarsaidtightly,andwalkedout.Sheheardthedoorcloseafterher,andwalkedtheupcurvingcorridorwhichledfromHilfy’squarterstoherown,acrossthemaintopsidecorridoranddownashortdistance.

SoshemighthavecostHilfyhersoundsleep,andthemealshehadeatenlaylikeleadatherownstomach;butFahainvolvementinthehazardwasnotsomethingforHilfytofindoutlater,likeachild,sparedadultunpleasantnesses.Hilfy’sfacestayedbeforeher;thepagerunitatherhipkeptupitsstaticbabble,dyingechoesofthemessage,occasional-spurtsofclosertransmission,butrarerandrarer.Astshoshiphadcomeintothesystem.Thekifdisdainedtoharassit;itbeggedinstructionsofUrturStation,anxioustoscudinbeforethestorm.

Alotofmaheinthesystemmighthavethesameidea,minerswhohadalreadyreckonedittimetoheadforport,gettingthemselvesoutofthewayofthekifshunt.

Itwasavastsystemoutthere.Mostoftheshipsinitwereincapableofjump,insystemoperatorsonly.Sofar,everyonewaskeepingremarkablycalm,eventhehaniattheeyeofthatstorm.

Godsgrantagreatmanyshipspulledinward…andaffordedthekifahardertargetiftheywantedtoraidStationinsearchofonehaniship.Thatwasonehope.LihanFahaofStarchaserwastooold,toowarytorushouttomismatchedbattle.LihanwouldnotexpectstupidityofThePride.TheFahawouldexpectthemtofendforthemselvesandaboveallnottouchanythingoffprematurely.TheFahaneededtime:therewasachancethattheycouldoffloadcargoandstripthatshipdownforspeed,giventime,shedmasswithouttheneedtoloseacargo.Theywouldnotexpecthelpmorethanthat.

Thatwaslogicspeaking.

Butithurt.

IV

Shesatandlistenedatimeinhercabin,finallycontactedGeranbelowdecksandturnedoverthemonitoringtoher.“Faha,”wasGeran’sonlycomment.

“Hilfyknows,”Pyanfarsaid.

“So,”Geranmurmured.Andthen:“I’mon.I’vegotit.”

Pyanfarsignedoffandsighedheavily,sittingontheedgeofherbed,armsonherknees-finallytookamildsedativeandundressedandcurledupinthebowlshapedbedforapreciouswhileofoblivion,tryingnottothinkofemergenciesandcontingenciesandthehordeofkifprowlingaboutthesystem.

Thatdidnotwork,butthesedativedid.Shewentunderlikeastoneintoapondandcameoutagainstartledbythealarm-butitwasonlythetimergoingoff,andshelayinthebedclotheswithherheartslowlysteppingbackdowntonormal.

“Anydevelopments?”sheaskedlowerdeckopbycomfromherbedside,notevenhavingcrawledfrombeneaththesheets,butthrustinganarmouttopushthebottomontheconsole.“AnythinghappenedwhileIwasoff?”

“No,captain.”Haral’svoiceansweredher.Ashiftchangehadoccurredinherofftime.“Thesituationseemstobetemporarystalemate.Stationisbroadcastingonlyoperationalchatternow.Wearen’tgettingmuchfromthekif.Nothingalarming.We’dhavewakedyouiftherewasnews.”

Sotheirordersran.Interpretationsofemergencyvaried;butHaralwasthewisestheadinthecrew,thecanniest.Pyanfarlaytherestaringattheceilingamomentandfinallydecidedshemighttakehertime.Therewasnowheretorush.Theribmusclesshehadstrainedingforcehadstiffened.“Whataboutsystemscheck?Hasanyonehadtimetogettothat?”

“We’restillrunningtheboard,captain,butitlooksgoodalltheway.Theblowoutwasabsolutelycleanandtherecalibrationwasrightalmosttothehair.”

“Betterluckthanwedeserve.What’stheOutsiderupto?”

“Backatworkatthekeyboard.ChurandGeranareoffnow,andTirun’son,but

“Backatworkatthekeyboard.ChurandGeranareoffnow,andTirun’son,butIdidn’tfeel,byyourleave,captain,thatTirunbelongedintherewithhiminhercondition,andI’vehadallIcandowithvisualchecksontheseparationreadouts-againbyyourleave.”

“Youwereright.”

“He’ssleptabit.Hehasn’tmadeanytrouble…gods,heworkedtillhenearlydroppedover,Chursaid;andhe’sbackatitagainthisshift,shakyasheis.Wefedhimrightawaywhenhewokeup,andheateitallandwentbacktohisdrills,politeasyouplease.I’vegothisroomcomandhiscompmonitoredfromtheopstation,sowe’veatleastgotaneartowardhim.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarranahandthroughhermaneandscowledupatthebrighteningroomlight.Thealarmhadstartedthedaycycleintheroom.“LettheOutsiderwork;ifitfallsover,thenletitrest.How’sTirunmakingit?”

“Limping,sore,andworkingwiththelegproppedup.She’sstillwhitearoundthenose.”

“I’mallright,”Tirun’svoicecutin,usurpingthesamemike.

“Yougooff,”Pyanfarsaid,“anytimeyoufeelyououghtto.We’redeaddrifting,andsomeoneelsecantakeuptheslackifthosefirstchecksarerun.Youseetoit,Haral.AnythingelseIshouldknow?”

“That’sthesumofit,”Haralsaid.“We’reallrightsofar.”

“Huh,”shesaidagain,gotoutofthespring-heldsheetsandcutthecomoff,pulledonherblacktrousersandputonherbelt,herbracelet,andherseveralearrings-shooktheeartosettlethemandgavehermaneandbeardaquickcombintoorder.Vanitybehanged.Sheleftthecabinandpaidashortvisittothegalley,ateasolitarybreakfast,feelingsomewhatbetter.Sheturnedthepagertothemonitorchannelinthemeanwhile,listenedtothechatterwhichwasreachingthemandfounditmuchwhatHaralhadsaid,alullineventswhichinitselfcontainedworrisomepossibilities.Bynowthekifhadsurelyfiguredoutwhathadhappened,andbynowtheywouldbehuntinginstealth-hencethequiet.ThePridehadundergoneagreatdealoflateraldriftfromtheirentrypoint,butifshewerethatkifcaptain,tryingtoreckonthearrivalpointofacargolessfugitiveonajumpalmosttoomuchfortheship…shewouldcalculateafringeareajumponastraightstringfrom

Meetpoint’smasstothatofUrtur.Andthatwouldfinethehuntingzonedownconsiderably,fromthevasttractsofUrtur’slenslikesystem-toaspecificzoneonthefringe,andthedirectionofsystemicdrift,andcertainplaceswhereashipseekingcovermightmove.Timewastheotherfactor;timedefinedthesegmentofspaceinwhichtheymightlogicallybedrifting,twopoints-within-which,whichthenmightbefineddowntighterandtighter.

Time,time,andtime.

Theywererunningoutofit.

Sheshutoffthepager,wentbacktohercabin,spreadoutthechartsofthelasteffortandpickedupacomplinkofherown,startedasprecisecalculationsasshecouldmakeontheoptionstheyhadleft.

Fromthehaniship-sheinterruptedherselftoqueryHaralandTirunonthepoint-therehadbeennothingduringthepastwatch.Notransmissionatall.Starchaserwouldbefeverishlybusyatherownbusiness,strippingdown,notprovokinganythingatthisjuncture.

Waiting.AllincomingtransmissionindicatedthatshipsofallkindsweremovingtowardUrturStationwithallpossiblehaste,ajourneyofdaysforsomeships,andofweeksforothersoftheinsystemoperators…buteventhegesturespoketothekif,thatthemahewoulddefendUrturStationitself,abandoningotherpointstowhateverthekifwishedtodo.Theincomingjumpshipshadlongsincemadeitin,snuggedclose:armedships,those…butoneatleastwasstsho,anditsarmswereminoranditswilltofightwasvirtuallynonexistent.

Again,shereckoned,ifshewerethatkifincommand,thoseinsystemshipswouldnotgoinunchallenged.Forallthoseincomingfromthesuspectvectorwhereahanishiplayhidden,therewouldbecloserscrutiny-tomakesureacleverhanididnotdriftindisguisedwiththerestoftheinboundtraffic.IDtransmissionwouldbechecked,identificationsrunthroughcomp;shipsmightbeboarded…allmannerofunpleasantness.Mostofthemwouldpassvisualinspection:therewaspreciouslittleresemblancebetweenagut-blownjumpfreighterwithitshugevanes,andalumpyminer-processorwhosepropulsionwasallinsystemandhardlyenoughtomoveitalongwithitstowfull.

OnlytheminerswhomighthavehadthebadlucktocomeinfromthefarthestedgeofThePride’spossiblelocation…theymightbestopped,havetheirrecordsscanned,theircompstripped-theirpersonssubjectedtogross

recordsscanned,theircompstripped-theirpersonssubjectedtogrossdiscomfortsuntiltheywouldvolunteerinformation,ifthekifweretruetonature.

“Someone’sjumped,captain.”

Tirun’svoice,outofthecomunit.Pyanfardumpedacomplexcalculationfromhermindandreachedforthereplybar,twistinginherchair.“Who?Where?”

“Justgotthecharacteristicghost,that’sall.Idon’tknow.Itwasfarsideofsystemandlongago.Nofurtherdata;butitfitswithinourtimeline.Thatclose.”

“Givemetheimage.”

Tirunpasseditontothescreen.Nadirrangeandbadlymuddledpickup:therewastoomuchdebrisintheway.

“Right,”shesaidtoTirun.“Noknowing.”

“Out?”Tirunasked.

“Out,”Pyanfarconfirmedher,andkeyedouttheimageaswell,staredmoroselyatthechartsandthefigureswhich,nomatterhowtwisted,keptcomingupthesame:thattherewasnowaytosinglejumpbeyondUrtur,howeverreducedinmasstheywerenow.

Thatjump-ghostwhichhadjustarrivedmighthavebeensomeonesuccessfullyrunningforit.Moreshipsthanthatonemighthavejumpedfromhere,lostinthegasanddebrisofUrtur’senvirons.

Butquite,quitelikelythatshipwaskif,asurplusshipmovingontoarrangeambushatthemostlogicaljumppointthattheymightuse.

RotAkukkakk.Sherecalledtheflatblackeyes,red-rimmed,thelonggrayface,thevoiceverydifferentfromthewhiningtoneoflesserkif.Abittertastecameintohermouth.

Howmanyofthem?shewondered,andpulledthescatteredchartstowardheronthedeskandagainthoughtlikeakif,wonderingjustwherehemightstationhisshipsremainingatUrtur,havingfigurednow,ashemusthavefigured,whattheywereupto.

Thatinwardflightwhichwasmakingthestationsafer-wasalsogivingthisAkukkakkafreefieldinwhichtooperate.TherewereafinitenumberofopacitiesinthequadrantwherethesweepofdebrismightbeconcealingThePride.Adiminishingnumberofotherfugitivestoconfusehim…justthemandhim,finally,alongwithwhateverotherkifshipshehadcalledin.

FourkifshipshadbeenatMeetpoint.Someorallmighthavecomewithhim.TheremighthavebeenasmanymoreatUrturwhenHinukkucamein.Eightships,say.Notbeyondpossibility.

Shemadehercalculationsagain,flexedanachefromhershoulders,andpushedbackfromthedesk,combedherbeardwithherfingersandflickedherearsforthesoothingsoundoftherings.

Huh.So.Sheatleastknewtheiroptions-orthelackofthem.Itwasathoroughlybadgametohavegotteninto.Sheleveredherachingbodyoutofthechairithadoccupiedtoomanyhours,stretchedagain,calculatingthattheymustbeaboutdueforChurandGerantocomeonagain.AndHilfy:therehadnotbeenawordoutofher.Possiblytheimphadbeenlategettingtosleepafterthenewswhichhadbrokeninonherrest.Ifshehadbeensleeping,somuchthebetter.

Pyanfarwalkedoutintothecorridoranddownit,intothedimzoneofthebridge,beyondthearchway,wheremostofthelightswereoutandthedeadscreensmadeareasdarkwhichshouldhavebeenbusywithlights.Therewasoneunexpectedbrightspot,acounteralightinthatellnookofthebridgearoundthemaincompbank.Someonehadcomebackandleftiton,shethought,walkinguponittoturnitout;andcameonHilfythere,seatedwithherattentionfixedonthetranslator,lefthandproppingherforeheadandherrighthandpoisedoverthetranslatorkeyboard.Thescreeninfrontofherwasalivewithmahendo’satsymbols.AudiobroughtinapatheticOutsider-voicedattemptatspeech.Pyanfarfrowned,walkedcloser,andHilfysawthemovementandhalfturned,turnedbackinhastetocloseofftheaudiofromthebridge.Pyanfarleanedonthebackofherchairtoobservethestringsofsymbolsonthescreen,andHilfygotupinhaste.

Go,theOutsiderwastryingtosay.Thatwasthesymbolonthescreenatthemoment./go.

“Ithoughtyouweresupposedtoberesting,”Pyanfarsaid.

“Igottiredofresting.”

“Igottiredofresting.”

Pyanfarnoddedtowardthescreen,wheretheFigureWalkingwasdisplayed.“How’sitdoing?”

“He.”

“It,he,how’sitdoing?”

“Notsogoodonpronunciation.”

“You’vebeencuttinginonhislessons?Talkingtohim?”

“Hedoesn’tknowmefromthemachine.”Hilfyhadherhandslockedbehindher,earsflat,waryofreprimands.“Youcan’tworkthesecondmanualwithouthelp:it’ssentences.Hehastohaveprompts.I’vegotmorevocabularyfilledinwithhim.We’rewellintoabstractsandI’vebeenabletofiguresomethingaboutthewayhisownsentencesarebuiltfromwhathekeepsdoingwrongwithours.”

“Huh.Andhaveyouperchancegottenanameoutofhimamidthesemistakes?Hisspecies?Anindicationwhathecomesfrom?Alocation?”

“No.”

“Well.Ididn’texpect.Butwelldone,allthesame.I’llcheckitout.”

“Sevenhundredfifty-threewords.Heranthewholefirstmanual.Churdemonstratedchangingthekeyboardandthecassetteandheranitall,justlikethat;andgotintothesecondbook,tryingtodosentences.Buthecan’tpronounce,aunt;itjustcomesoutlikethat.”

“Mouthshapeisdifferent.Can’tsaywecaneverdomuchwithhislanguageeither;liketryingtotalktothetc’aortheknnn…maybeevenadifferenthearingrange,certainlynotthesameequipmenttospeakwith-gods,noguaranteeingthesamelogic,butthelatterIthinkwemayhave.Somethingshedoesmakehalfsense.”Sheloweredherselfintothevacatedchair,reachedandlivenedasecondscreen.“GotalkTirunoutofherworkdowninop,imp;she’sbeenondutyandsheshouldn’tbe.I’mgoingtotrytorunatranslatortapeonyoursevenhundredfifty-threewords.”

“Ididthat.”

“Ididthat.”

“Oh,didyou?”

“WhileIwassittinghere.”Hilfyuntuckedherhandsfrombehindherandhastilyreachedforthecounter,indicatedthecassetteintheslotofthetranslatorinput.“Ipulledthebasicpatternandsortedthewordsin.Sentencelogictoo.It’sfinished.”

“Doesitwork?”

“Idon’tknow,aunt.Hehasn’tgivenmeasentenceinhisownlanguage.Justwords.There’snooneforhimtotalkhisownto.”

“Ah,well,so.”Pyanfarwasimpressed.Sheransomeoftheaudioofthetapepast,cutit,lookedupatHilfy,wholookeduncommonlyproudofherself.“You’resureofthetape.”

“Themasterprogramseemedclear.I-learnedthetranslatorprinciplesprettythoroughly;fatherdidn’tconnectthatsomuchwithspacing.Igottostartthatstudyfromthefirst;but/knewwhatIwanteditfor.Likecomp.I’mgoodatthat.”

“Huh.-Whydon’twetryit,then?”

Hilfynodded,moreandmoreself-pleased.Pyanfarroseandsearchedthroughthecomboardcabinets,pulledouttheboxofsanitarywrappedaudioplugsanddroppedahandfulofthoseintoHilfy’spalm,thenlocatedasparepagerfromthesamesource.Shesatdownatmaincomandranthedoublechannelsofthetranslatorthroughbandstwoandthreeofthepagers.Shetookherownplugandinserteditinherear,testeditoutlinkedtotheOutsider’sroomcomforamoment,andgotnothingbackbutburstsofwhitesound,whichweremangledhaniwordsthatpartoftheschizoidtranslatormindrefusedtorecognizeaswords.“We’retwo,he’sthree,”shesaidtoHilfy,shuttingtheaudiodownforthemoment.“Bringhimuphere.”

“Here,aunt?”

“YouandHaral.ThisOutsiderwhotriestoimpressuswithhissevenhundredfifty-threewords…wefindoutonceforallhowhispublicmannersare.Takenochances,imp.Ifthetranslatorfails,don’t;ifhedoesn’tactstable,don’t.Go.”

“Yes,aunt.”Hilfystuffedtheaudiounitsandtheotherpagerintoherpockets,hastenedoutthearchwayinaparoxysmofimportance.

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaidafterher,stoodstaringinthatdirection.Herearsflickednervously,ajanglingofrings.TheOutsidermightdoanything.Ithadchosentheirshiptoinvade,outofanumberofmoreconvenientchoices.It.He.Hilfyandthecrewseemedunshakeablyconvincedofthehe,onanalogytohanistructure;butthatwasstillnoguarantee.Therewere,afterall,thestsho.Possiblyitmadethecreaturemoretragicintheireyes.

Gods.Naked-hided,blunt-toothedandblunt-fingered.…Ithadhadlittlechanceinhand-to-handargumentwithaclutchofkif.Itshouldbegratefulforitspresentsituation.

No,sheconcluded.Itshouldnot.Everyonewhogothandsonitwouldhaveplansforthiscreature,ofonekindandanother,andperhapsitsensedthat:henceitsperpetuallysullenanddolefullook.Shehadherownplans,tobesure.

He,Hilfyinsistedateveryopportunity.Herfirstvoyage,atragic(andsafelyunavailable)alienprince.Adolescence.Gods.

Fromthemainsectionofthecomboard,outsidetransmissionbuzzed,whined,lapsedintoalongconvoluteseriesofwailsandspine-rufflingpipings.Shejumpedinspiteofherself,satdown,keyedinthetranslatoroncom.Knnn,thescreeninformedher,whichshealreadyknew.Song.Norecognizableidentity.Nonumericalcontent.Range:insufficientinput.

ThatkindfrequentedUrturtoo,minerswhoworkedwithoutlifesupportinthemethanehellofthemoonUrojiandfoundithome.Oddfolkinallsenses,many-leggednestsofhair,blackandhatingthelight.Theycametoastationtodumporesandoddments,andtosnatchfurtivelyatwhatevertradewasinreachbeforescuttlingbackintothedarknessesoftheirships.Tc’amightunderstandthem…andthechi,whowerelessrational…butnoonehadevergottenaclearenoughtranslationoutofatc’atodeterminewhetherthetc’ainturnmadeanysenseoftheknnn.Theknnnsang,irrationally,pleasedwiththemselves;orlovelorn;orspeakingalanguage.Nooneknew(butpossiblythetc’a,andthetc’aneverdiscussedanytopicwithoutwendingoffintoathousandothertangentsbeforeansweringthecentralquestions,proceedingintheirthoughtsassnake-fashionedastheydidintheirphysicalmovements).Noonehadgottentheknnntoobservepropernavigation:everyoneelsedodgedthem,havingnootheralternative.

propernavigation:everyoneelsedodgedthem,havingnootheralternative.Generallytheydidgiveoffnumericalmessages,whichthemechanicaltranslatorshadthecapabilitytohandle-buttheywereacodeforspecificsituations…trade,orcomingin,ablinkcode.Therewasnothingunusualinknnnpresencehere,acreaturestrayingwhereitwould,oblivioustooxygen-breatherquarrels.TherestillcametheoccasionalpingorclangofdustandrockagainstThePride’shull,theconstantrumblingoftherotationalcore,thewhisperofairintheducts.Thedeadnessoftheinstrumentsdepressedherspirits.Screensstaredbackintheshadowofthebridgelikesomanyblindedeyes.

Andtheywereoutheredriftingwithkifandrocksandaknnnwhohadnoideaofthemattersatissue.“Captain,”Tirun’svoicebrokein.“Hearingyou.”“Gotaknnnoutthere.”

“Hearingthattoo.WhatareHilfyandHaraldoingabouttheOutsider?”

“They’vegoneafterhim;I’mpickingthatup.He’snotmakinganytrouble.”

“Understood.They’reontheirwayuphere.Keepyoureartotheoutsidecomflow;goingtobebusyuphere.”

“Yes,captain.”

Thelinkbrokeoff.Pyanfardialedthepagertopickupthetranslatorchannel,receivedthewhite-soundofhaniwords.Everythingseemedquiet.Eventuallysheheardtheliftinoperation,andheardstepsinthecorridorleadingtothebridge.

Hecamelikeanapparitionagainstthebrightercorridorlightbeyond,tallandangular,withtwohanishapesclosebehindhim.Hewalkedhesitantlyintothedimnessofthebridgeitself,clearnowtotheeyes…startlinglypalemaneandbeard,paleskinmottledwithbruisesandtherakingstreaksofhiswound,sealedwithgelbutangryred.Someone’sblueworkbreeches,drawstringwaistedandloose-kneed,accommodatedhistallstature.Hewalkedwithhisheadalittlebowed,underthebridge’sloweroverhead-notthathehadto,butthattheoverheadmightfeelalittlelowerthanhewasaccustomedto-hestopped,withHilfyandHaralbehindhimoneitherside.

“Comeahead,”Pyanfarurgedhimfarther,androsefromherplacetositbracedagainstthecompconsole,armsfolded.TheOutsiderstillhadasicklylook,wobblyonhisfeet,butshereachedbacktokeythelockoncomp,whichcouldonlybecodedfreeagain,thenlookedbackagainattheOutsider…whowas

onlybecodedfreeagain,thenlookedbackagainattheOutsider…whowaslookingnotather,butabouthimatthebridgewithanexpressionoflonging,of-whatfeelingsomeonemighthavewhohadlatelylostthefreedomofsuchplaces.

Hecamefromaship,then,shethought.Hemusthave.

Hilfystoodbehindhim.Haralmovedtotheotheraisle,blockingretreatinthatdirectionshouldheconceivesomesuddenimpulse.Theyhadhimthatwayinaprotectivetriangle,her,Hilfy,Haral;butheleanedunsteadilyagainstthenumber-twocushionwhichwasnearesthimandshowednodispositiontobolt.Heworethepagerathiswaist,hadgottentheaudioplugintohisear,howeveruncomfortableitmightbeforhim.Pyanfarreachedupandtightenedherown,dialedthepagertoreceive,lookedbackathimfromherperchagainstthecounter.“Allright?”sheaskedhim,andhisfaceturnedtowardher.

“Youdounderstand,”shesaid.“Thattranslatorworksbothways.Youworkedveryhardonit.Youknewwellenoughwhatyouweredoing,I’llreckon.Soyou’vegotwhatyouworkedtohave.Youunderstandus.Youcanspeakandmakeusunderstandyou.Doyouwanttositdown?Pleasedo.”

Hefeltafterthebendofthecushionandsankdownonthearmofit.

“Better,”Pyanfarsaid.“What’syourname,Outsider?”

Lipstautened.Noanswer.

“Listentome,”Pyanfarsaidevenly.“Sinceyoucameontomyship,I’velostmycargoandhanihavedied-killedbythekif.Doesthatcomethroughtoyou?Iwanttoknowwhoyouare,whereyoucamefrom,andwhyyourantomyshipwhenyoucouldhavegonetoanyothershiponthedock.Soyoutellme.Whoareyou?Wheredoyoucomefrom?Whatdoyouhavetodowiththekifandwhymyship,Outsider?”

“You’renotfriendstothekif.”

Loudandclear.Pyanfardrewinabreath,thrustherhandsintoherwaistbandbeforeherandregardedtheOutsiderwithapursed-lipsmile.“So.Well.No,we’vesaidso;I’mnotworkingforthekifandI’mnofriendoftheirs.Negative.Doesthewordstowawaycomethrough?Illegalpassenger?Peoplewhogoonshipsanddon’tpay?”

shipsanddon’tpay?”

Hethoughtthatover,asmuchofitasdidcomethrough,buthehadnoanswerforit.Hebreathedindeepbreathsasifheweretired…jumpedasaburstofknnntransmissioncamethroughtheopencom.Helookedanxiouslytowardthatbank,handsclenchedonthecushionback.

“Justoneoftheneighbors,”Pyanfarsaid.“Iwantananswer,Outsider.Whydidyoucometousandnottoanothership?”

Shehadgottenhisattentionback.Helookedatherwithathoughtfulgnawingofalip,amovementfinallywhichmightbeashrug.“Yousitfarfromthekifship.Andyoulaugh.”

“Laugh?”

HemadeavaguegesturebacktowardHilfyandHaral.“Yourcrewworkoutsidetheship,theylaugh.Theytellmeno,go####noweaponstowardme.###Icomeback###.”

“Intotherampway,youmean.”Pyanfarfrowned.“So.Whatdidyouplantodoinmyship?Tosteal?Totakeweapons?Isthatwhatyouwanted?”

“#####no####”

“Slower.Speakslowerforthetranslator.Whatdidyouwantontheship?”

Hedrewadeepbreath,shuthiseyesbrieflyasiftryingtocollectwordsorthoughts.Openedthemagain.“Idon’taskweapons.Iseetherampway…herewithhani,smallafraid.”

“Lessafraidofus,wereyou?”Shewashardlyflattered.“What’syourname?Name,Outsider.”

“Tully,”hesaid.Sheheardit,liketheoccasionalcomsputter,fromtheotherear…anamelikethenaturalflowofhislanguage,whichwaspurrsandmoanscombinedwithstrangersounds.

“Tully,”sherepeatedback;henodded,evidentlyrecognizingtheeffort.Shetouchedherownchest.PyanfarChanurismyname.Thetranslatorcan’tdonamesforyou.Py-an-far.Cha-nur.”

Hetried.Pyanfarwasrecognizable…atleastthathepurredtherhythmintohisowntongue.“Goodenough,”shesaid.Shesatmoreloosely,linkedherhandsinherlap.“Civilized.Civilizedbeingsshoulddealwithnames.Tully.-Areyoufromaship,Tully,ordidthekiftakeyouoffsomeworld?”

Hethoughtaboutthat.“Ship,”headmittedfinally.

“Didyoushootatthemfirst?Didyoushootatthekiffirst,Tully?”

“No.Noweapons.Myshiphavenoweapons.”

“Gods,that’snowaytotravel.WhatshouldIdowithyou?Takeyoubacktowhatworld,Tully?”

Hishandstightenedonthebackofthecushion.Hestaredatherbleaklypastit.“Youwantsametheywant.Idon’tsay.”

“Youcomeontomyshipandyouwon’ttellme.Haniaredeadbecauseofyou,andyouwon’ttellme.”

“Dead.”

“Kifhitahaniship.Theywantedyou,Tully.Theywantedyou.Don’tyouthinkIshouldaskquestions?Thisismyship.Youcametoit.Don’tyouthinkyouowemesomeanswers?”

Hesaidnothing.Meanttosaynothing,thatwasclear.Hislipswereclamped.Sweathadbrokenoutonhisface,glisteninginthedimlight.

“Godsrotthistranslator,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.“Allright,sosomebodytreatedyoubadlytoo.Isitbetteronthisship?Dowegiveyoutherightfood?Haveyouenoughclothes?”

Hebrushedatthetrousers.Noddedunenthusiastically.

“Youdon’thavetoagree.Isthereanythingyouwant?”

“Wantmydoor#.”

“What,open?”

“Open.”

“Open.”

“Huh.”

Hisshoulderssagged.Hehadnotexpectedagreementonthat,itwasevident.Hemadeavaguemotionofhishandabouttheirsurroundings.“Wherearewe?Thesound….”

Thedustbrushingpastthehull.Ithadbeenbackgroundnoise,amaddeningwhispertheylivedwith.Downinlowerdeck,hewouldhaveheardalotofit.“We’redrifting,”shesaid.“Rocksanddustoutthere.”

“Wesitatajumppoint?”

“Starsystem.”Shereachedandcutonthetelescopeintheobservationbubble,bringingtheimageontothemainscreen.ThescopetrackedtoUrturitself,theinfernoofenergyinthecenterofthedustylens-shapedsystem,aringedstarwhichflungouttendrilsthemovementofwhichtookcenturies,ropyfilamentsdarkagainsttheblazeofthecenter.TheimagecastlightontheOutsider’sface,amomentofwonder:Urturdeservedthat.Shesawhisfaceandrosetoherfeet,movedtothesideofthisshaggy-manedOutsider-acalculatedmove,becauseitwasherart,totrade,toknowthemomentwhenaguardwasdown.“Itellyou,”shesaid,catchinghimbythearm-andheshivered,buthemadenoprotestatbeingdrawntohisfeet.Hetoweredaboveherasshepointedtothecenteroftheimage.“Telescopeimage,yousee.Abigsystem,ahordeofplanetsandmoons-Thedarkringsthere,that’swheretheplanetssweepthedustandrocksclear.There’sastationinthatwidestband,orbitingagasgiant.Thesystemisuninhabitedexceptformahendo’satminersandafewknnnandtc’awhothinktheplaceispleasant.Methanebreathers.Butalotofminers,alotofpeopleofallkindsareindangerrightnow,inthere,inthatcenter.Urturisthenameofthestar.Andthekifareintheresomewhere.Theyfolloweduswhenwejumpedtothisplace,andnowalotofpeopleareindangerbecauseofyou.Kifarethere,youunderstand?”

“Authority.”Hisskinwascoldunderherfingerpads,hismuscleshardandshivering,whetherfromtherelativecoolnessofthebridge’sopenspacesorfromsomeothercause.“Authorityofthissystem.Hani?”

“Mahendo’satstation.Theydon’tlikethekifmucheither.Noonedoes,butit’snotpossibletogetridofthem.Mahendo’sat,kif,hani,tc’a,stsho,knnn,chi…alltradehere.Wedon’talllikeeachother,butwekeepourbusinessto

alltradehere.Wedon’talllikeeachother,butwekeepourbusinesstoourselves.”

Helistened,silent,forwhateverhecouldunderstandofwhatshesaid.Comsputteredagain,thewhistlesandwailingoftheknnn.

“Someofthem,”Pyanfarsaid,“arestrangerthanyou.Butyoudon’tknowthenames,doyou?Thiswholeregionofspaceisstrangetoyou.”

“Farfrommyworld,”hesaid.

“Isit?”

Thatgotamisgivinglookfromhim.Hepulledawayfromherhand,lookedatherandattheothers.

“Whereveritis,”Pyanfarsaidinnonchalance.ShelookedbackatHaralandHilfy.“Ithinkthat’saboutenough.Ourpassenger’stired.Hecangobacktohisquarters.”

“Iwanttalkyou,”Tullysaid.Hetookholdofthecushionnearest,resistinganyattempttomovehim.“Iwanttalk.”

“Doyou?”Pyanfarasked.Hereachedtowardher.Shestoodstillwithdifficulty-buthedidnottouch.Hedrewthehandback.“Whatisityouwanttotalkabout?”

Heleaned,standing,againstthecushionwithbothhands.Hispaleeyeswereintentandwild,andwhateverthepreciseemotionhisfaceregistered,itwasdistraught.“You####me.Work,understand.IstaythisshipandIworksamecrew.Allyouwant.Whereyougo.#giveme####.”

“Ah,”shesaid.“You’reofferingtoworkforyourpassage.”

“Workonthisship,yes.”

“Huh.”Shethrustherhandswithinherwaistbandandwouldhavelookeddownhernoseathim,butitwasamatteroflookingup.“Youmakeadeal,doyou?Youworkforme,Outsider?YoudowhatIsay?Allright.Yourestnow.Yougobacktoyourcabinandyoulearnyourwordsandyouthinkhowtotellmewhatthekifwantwithyou-becausethekifstillwantthisship,youunderstand.They

thekifwantwithyou-becausethekifstillwantthisship,youunderstand.Theywantyou,andthey’llcomeafterthisship.”

Hethoughtaboutthatamoment.Almosthelookedasifhemightspeak.Hislipsshapedawordandtookitbackagain,andclampedshut.Andsomethingsealedinbehindhiseyeswhenhedidthat,ableaknessworsethanhadeverbeenthere.

Itsentaprickledownherspine.Thiscreatureisthinkingofdying,shethought.Itwasthelookfromagainstthewall,fromthecornerinthewashroom,butcolderstill.“Hai,”shesaid,inherbestdocksidemanner,andsetherhandonhisbowedshoulder,roughlybutcarefulwiththeclaws.Shookathim.“Tully.Youaren’tstrongenoughyettowork.Enoughthatyourest.You’resafe.Youunderstandme?Hanidon’ttradewithkif.”

Therewasaglimmeringthen,asuddenbreakinthatseal.Hereachedoutquiteunexpectedlyandseizedherotherhand,hisbluntfingersbothholdingandexploringit,thefurredwebhelacked,thepadsofthetips.Pressurehitthecenterofherhandandtheclawscameout,onlyslightly:shewascareful,thoughherearsflattenedinwarning.Toherfurtherdistresshesethisotherhandonhershoulder,thenletgobothholdsandlookedaboutatHaralandHilfy,thenbackatheragain.Crazy,shejudgedhim;andthenshethoughtaboutkif,andreckonedthathehadlicenseforalittlestrangeness.“I’lltellyousomething,”shesaid,“forfree.KiffollowedyouacrosstheMeetpointdocktomyship;theyfollowedmyshipheretoUrtur,andrightnowwe’resittinghere,justtryingtobequietsothekifdon’tfindus.Tryingtodecidehowbesttogetoutofhere.There’sonekifinparticular,incommandofashipnamedHinukka.Akukkakk.…”

“Akukkakk,”heechoed,suddenlyrigid.Thesoundcameasnamesmust,fromtheotherear,hisownvoice.Hiseyesweredilated.

“Ah.Youdoknow.”

“Hewanttakemehisship.Bigone.Authority.”“Verybig.Theyhaveawordforhiskind,doyouknowit?Hakkikt.Thatmeanshehuntsandotherspickupthescrapsheleaves.IlostsomethingatMeetpoint:ahanishipandmycargo.Sodidthisgreathakkikt,thisgreat,thispowerfulkif.Youescapedhim.Youranfromhim.Soit’smorethanprofitthathewantsoutofthis.Hewantsyou,Tully,tosettleaccounts.It’shisprideatstake,hisreputation.Forakif,that’slifeitself.He’snotgoingtogiveup.Doyouknow,heItriedtobuyyoufromme.Heofferedmegold,alotofgold.Hemightevenhavekeptthedealstraightandnot

offeredmegold,alotofgold.Hemightevenhavekeptthedealstraightandnotdelayedforpiracyafterward.He’sthatdesperate.”Tully’seyesdriftedfromhertotheothersandbackagain.Youdealwithhim?”

“No.Iwantsomethingfordeadhaniandlostcargo.Iwantthisgreathakkikt.Youhearme,Tully?”

“Yes,”Tullysaidsuddenly,“/wantsame.”

“Aunt,”Hilfyprotestedinafaintvoice.

“Youwanttowork,”Pyanfarsaid,ignoringherniece’sdisquiet.“There’llbethechanceforthat.Butyouwait,Tully.Yourest.Atshiftchange,I’llcallyouagain.Youcomeeatwithus.Meal,understand?Butyougetsomerestfirst,hear?Youworkonmyship,youtakeordersfirst.Followinstructions.Right?”

“Yes,”hesaid.

“Go,then.HaralandHilfywilltakeyoubackdown.Go.”

Henodded,deliveredhimselfovertoHaralandHilfytogether:notabackwardlookfromeitherofthemastheytookhimout.Orfromhim.Shewatchedthemgo,foundherselfrubbingthehandthathehadtouched.

Theknnnsongwailedoutagain.Neighborstothekif,theknnn.Thatboreremembering.Thatonewasuncommonlytalkative.Noonewaseversurewhatknnnsenseswere,orwhatmotivatedtheirmigrationsfromstartostar.

Sheturnedtothecombank,pushedRecord,andsentthesongagaintothetranslator.Itgavehernomoreinformationthanthelasttime.Thesongceased,andthereremainedonlythewhisperofthedust.Urtursystemeverywherehadgrownverystill.

Thetranslatorstillcarriedwhitesound,Haral’svoiceorHilfy’s.TheOutsiderwassayingnothinginbeingtakenbacktohisquarters.Shewasmarginallyuneasyabouthavinghimoutofsight.Perhapshewasmadafterall.Perhapshewouldsuicideandleavethemwithnothingtoshowfortheencounterbutafeudwiththekif.Uptoapointshecouldnotpreventhimkillinghimself,exceptbytakingmeasureswhichwouldnotencouragehisgoodwill.

Butrevengewassomethingofpurpose,somethingtomakelifeworthwhile.Shehadofferedhimthat.

hadofferedhimthat.

Shethoughtofhisfacecloseathand,lively,crazedeyes,ahandascoldassomethinganhourdead-acreature,sheremindedherself,whohadbeenfightingaloneanenemywhichwouldhaveturnedastshotojelly.

Shegrinnedsomewhat,adrawingbackofthelipsandwrinklingofthenose,andstaredthoughtfullytowardthetelescopeimage.

Nodisengagementpossible.Notwiththiskifprince,thishakkiktAkukkakk,whosepersonalsurvivalrodeonthisOutsiderbusiness.Hisownsycophantswouldturnonhimifhelostfaceinthismatter.HehadlostthisOutsiderpersonally…likelybysomesmallcarelessness,theoldkifgameoftormentingvictimswithpromisesandthreatsandshreddingsofthewill.Anoldgame…onewhichhaniunderstood;irresistibletoakifwhothrivedonfearinhisvictims.

AkukkakkhadtomakeupthatembarrassmentatMeetpoint.Hewouldhavebeenobligedtorevengeifitweresomuchasabaublestolenfromhimatdockside.ButthisOutsiderTullywasfarmorethanthat.Acommunicative,spacefaringspecies,hithertounknown,inapositiontohavecomeintokifhandswithoutpassingthroughmorecivilizedregions.Thekifhadnewneighbors.

Possibledangertothem.

Possibleexpansionofkifhuntinggrounds…indirectionswhichhadnothingtodowithhaniandmahendo’sat.Thosewerehighstakes,impossiblyhighstakestoberidingononepoorfugitive.

Urturwouldswarmwithkif,beforeallwassaidanddone.

Shedelvedintothecomstorageandstartedhuntingcomponentsforatransmitterofsomepower,rousedoutChurandsentherhuntingthroughthedarkerareasofThePride’scircumferenceforothersupplies.

V

Itwasamonster,likeTully,thisthingthattheyconstructedinthespotlit,chillbowelsofThePride’sfarrim.Ithadstartedouthani-shaped,apatchedandhazardousEVA-podwhichtheyhadstrippedforpartsandneversucceededinfoistingoffonanotherhaniship.Itslimbshadjustgrownlonger,sectionedoffandsplicedwithtubing,anditwasriggedwithawheezinglifesupportsystem.

“GetTully,”Pyanfarsaidapplyingherselftothelastoftheweldingwhichshouldgetthesysteminorder.“Rousehimout.”AndChurwent,bedraggledasherselfwiththedustandthegrimeofThePride’ssalvagestorage.

Pyanfarworked,splicedandcursedwhenthesystemblewinanotherfrustratingcurlofsmoke,unhitchedthatcomponentandrummagedforanewone,sealedthatinandcongratulatedherselfwhenitworked,avibrationandaflickerofgreenlightsonthebeltandinsidethehelmet.Shegrinned,wipedherhandsontheblueworkbreechesshehadputonforthisgrimytask…alongtimesinceshehadpracticedsuchthings,alongtimesinceshehadwornblueroughspunandgottenblistersonherhands.Inheryouth,underanotherofThePride’scaptains,shehaddonesuchthings,butonlyHaralandTiruncouldrecallthosedays.Shelickedaburnonherfingerandsquattedonthedeck,contentwiththeoperationoftheunit.Letitrunawhile,shedecided:seeifitwouldgoonworking.Thesuitstaredback,stiffandganglingonitshugefeet,reflectingherindistantminiatureoffitscurvedfaceplate.Itstoodlikesomemahendo’satdemon,twolimbsshyofthatdescription,butghastlyenoughinitsexposedhosesanditsmalproportionedheight,againstthedarkofthesurroundingmachine-shop.Areekofbloodmingledwiththesingedsmellofthewelding.Abucketonthedeckcaughttheoccasionaldripfromtheskinnedcarcasswhichhungbeyonditunderthelight.

Itwasalittlemorethanhani-sized,chaineduptothehoist-trackabove,long-facedheadadrooponalongishneck,tothawanddrain.Ithadbeguntoreekunderthelights.Thelonglimbswerecominguntucked,andthebellygaped.Uruus.Sweetmeatandafatone:thebeststeakshadalreadyheadedgalleyward,inthisraidontheirprivatelarder.Ithadwoundsthiscarcass,butthatonlylengthenedthelimbs,lettingthehaunchesdrop.

Thedoorunsealedandsealedinthedarkdistance;stepswhisperedalongthemetalflooring.Pyanfaradjustedhertranslatorandgotnothing,butshecouldsee

metalflooring.Pyanfaradjustedhertranslatorandgotnothing,butshecouldseethelightsgooninthefardarkexpanse,illusionlikeandhighbecauseoftheupwardcurveofthedeckinthevaststoragechamber,pickingouttwofigures,oneganglingtallandpale.Shesatandwaitedasthelightsturnedthemselvesonandoffinsequencealongthewalkway,bringingthetwonearerandnearerwhereshesat.

TullyandChur,ofcourse.TheOutsidercamewillinglyenough,buthestoppeddeadwhenhecameclose,andthelightwentoutonhim,leavinghimandChurinthedarkoutsidetheareawherePyanfarsat.Shestoodup,makinghimoutclearlyenoughintheshadow.“Tully,it’ssafe.Comeon.it’sallright,Tully.”

Hedidcome,slowly,alienshadowintherestofthestrangeness,andChurhadholdofhisarmincase.Helookedatthevacantsuit,andatthehangingcarcass,andkeptstaringatit.

“Animal,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Iwantyoutoseewhatwe’redoing.Iwantyoutounderstand.Hear?”

Heturnedtowardher,eyesdeepintheirshadowedsockets,theangledlightglancingoffapalemaneandplanesoffeaturedecidedlyun-hani.“Youputmeinthis?”

“Putthatinthesuit,”Pyanfarsaidcheerfully.“Transmittersendingsignalhardasitcan.Wetellthekifthatwe’rethrowingyououtandwegivethemthat,youunderstand,Outsider.Makethemchasethat.Andwerun.”

Itbegantogetthroughtohim.Hiseyesflickeredoverthebusinessagain,thevacantsuit,thefrozencarcass“Theirinstrumentsseeinit,”hesaid.

“Theirinstrumentswillscanit,yes;andthat’swhatthey’llget.”

Hegesturedtowardthecarcass.“This?This?”“Food,”shesaid.“Notaperson,Tully.Animal.Food.”

Ofasuddenhisfacetookonanalarminggrin.Hisbodyheavedwithachokingsoundsherealizedfinallyforlaughter.HeclappedChurontheshoulder,turnedthatconvulsedfacetowardherwithmoisturestreamingfromhiseyesandstillwiththatmahendo’satgrin.“You#thekif.”

“Putthatinside,”shetoldhim,motioningtowardthecarcass.“Bringit.You

“Putthatinside,”shetoldhim,motioningtowardthecarcass.“Bringit.Youhelp,Tully.”

Hedid,withChur,hisrangybodystrainingagainstthehalf-frozenweight,anoccasionalgrimaceofwhatmightbedisgustatthelookorthefeelofit.Pyanfarshutdownthepod’slifesupport,openeduptheirworkofart,andwrinkledhernoseastheOutsiderandChurbroughtthereekingcarcassover.Therewastrimworktodo.Sheabandonedfastidiousnessanddiditherself,havingsomenotionhowitmightfit.Theheadcouldbegottenintothehelmet,abitofthenecktostuffthevacantbodycavityofthecarcass,andalittlescoringandbreakingoftheribcage,asectioningandstraighteningofstifflimbs.

“Goingtosmellgoodifthatdriftsawhilewiththeheateron,”Churobserved.Tullylaughedhisownchokinglaughandwipedhisface,smearinghismustachewiththemuckwhichcoatedhisarmstotheelbow.Pyanfargrinned,suddenlystruckwiththeincongruityofthings,squattinghereinthedarkwithacrazedalienandasuitfullofuruuscarcass,thethreeofthemininsaneconspiracy.“Holdit,”sheorderedChur,tryingtogetthebellyseamfastened.ChurheldthesidestogetheratthebottomandTullyhelpedatthetop,andthereitwas,sealedandTully-shaped.

“Come,”Pyanfarsaid,takingthefeet,andTullyandChurenergeticallygotpurchaseonitsshoulders,lumberingalongwithitasthelightsrecognizedtheirpresenceandbegantogoonandoffastheytraveled.

“Cargodump?”Churasked.

“Airlock,”Pyanfarsaid.“Shouldpassengersleaveashipbyanyotherroute?”

Itwasnolightweight.Theystaggeredalongthewalkwiththebodyofthepoddraggingatthisandthatpoint,gotitontoacargocarrieratthenextsectionandbreathedsighsofreliefasitlaycorpsewiseonthecarrier,mirroredfaceplatestaringupattheoverhead.Tullywaswhiteandtremblingfromtheexertion:sweatstoodonhisskinandheheldontothecarrier’sendrail,panting,butbrighteyed.

“You’rePyanfar,right?”heaskedbetweenbreaths.“Pyanfar?”

“Yes,”sheowned,wipedanitchonhernosewithadirtyhand,reckoningshecouldgetnodirtier,noddedatChurandgavehimChur’snameagain.

“I#,”hesaid,noddingaffirmative.Hepushedenthusiasticallywhentheypushed,andtheygotthethingmovingeasilydowntheaislethroughinteriorstorage,pastthehulkingshadowsofthetanksandthecirculatingmachinery,outagainintothenormallightedsectionsofbelowdecks,underalowerceiling,andthroughordinarycorridorstothelock.

“#hego#?”Tullyasked,staggeredashehelpedthemoffloadthepod,lookedanxiouslyleftwardasthelock’sinnerhatchopened.“Goquickout?”

“Ah,no,”Pyanfarsaid.ShecarriedthefeetthroughandbracedthemasChurandTullygottheupperbodythroughandupright.“There,againsttheouterhatch.Weblowthat,andhe’llgorightnicely.”Shesetthefeetdownandaddedherweightastheyheavedandbracedit,stoodbackandsurveyedherhandiworkwithagrinandathoughtofthekif.Shepoweredupthelifesupportwithatouchofthebuttonsonthebelt,anditstoodalittlestiffer,onminimummaintenance.Sheshutitdownagain,nottowasteagoodcylinder.

AndforthemomentTullystoodstaringatittoo,pantingandsweating,armsathissidesandahaggardlooksuddenlyinplaceofthelaughter,anexpressionwhichheldsomethingofashudder,asifafterallhehadbeguntothinkaboutthatthingandhissituation,andtoreckonquestionshehadnotasked.

“Out,”Pyanfarsaid,motioningChurfromthelock,includingTullywiththatsweepofherarm.Hehesitated.Shemovedtotakehisarminhisseemingdaze,andhesuddenlyhunghishandonhershoulder,oneandthentheother,andbowedhisheadagainsthercheek,briefgesture,quicklydropped,handswithdrawnasswiftlyasherearsflattened.Shecaughtherselfshortofahiss,deliberatelypattedhishairlessshoulderandbroughthimonthroughthelockintothecorridor.

Thankyou,thatactseemedtosignify.So.Ithadsubtlerunderstandings,thisTully.Sheflickedherears,alookwhichgotaquicklyturnedshoulderfromChur,andshovedtheOutsiderleftwardinChur’sdirection.“Gocleanup,”shesaid.“Getshowered,hear?Wash.”

Churtookhim,indicatedtohimthatheshouldhelpherwiththecarrier,andtheywenttrundlingitpastanddownthecorridortoputthatbackwhereitbelonged.Pyanfarblewashortbreathandclosedtheinteriorlock,thenheadedforthecommonwashroomwhereshehadleftherbetterclothes-didasmallshudderoftheskinwheretheOutsider’shandhadrestedonhershoulder.

theskinwheretheOutsider’shandhadrestedonhershoulder.

Butithadunderstoodwhattheyweredoing,verywellunderstoodwhattheywereuptowiththedecoy,andthatinfactitwasnotallamatterofhumor.

Godsrotthekif.

Andthenshethoughtoftheuruus’solemnlongface,sobenignlystupid,andofthedeadlyprideofthegreathakkiktofthekif,andhernosewrinkledinlaughterwhichhadnothingtodowithhumor.

Supperwason,adeliciousaromafromthegalleytopside,HilfyandGeranhavingstirredaboutforsometimeinthatquarterandinthelargerfacilitiesbelow.Itwasarealmealthistime,oneofthedelightsomeconcoctionsGeranwasskilledat,thepenultimatecontributionoftheuruustotheircomfort,preparedwithallthecaretheylavishedonfoodonmoreordinaryvoyages,whenfoodwasanobsession,apreciousvarianceinroutine,anarttheypracticedtodelighttheiroccasionalpassengersandtoamazethemselves.

Nowdinnercamewithasgreatawelcome,aromaticcouragewaftingtheairflowfromthatcorridor,andPyanfarsethercomlinkstothebridgeanddidwhatwanteddoingtheretosecuretheplace,atthelastwithherhandsallbuttremblingfromhunger,andwithanachinggreathollowinthemiddleofher.Therehadbeennothingdiresofar,onlynuisancecomingovercom,noindicationoftroublemorethantheyalreadyhad;andthesuiteduruuswaitedinthelock,meltingandstill…shecheckedtheairlockvid…onitssomewhatalteredfeetagainsttheouterhatch.Shecutthatimageandcheckedthegalley/commonroomlinkagain,pickedupHilfy’svoiceandshuntedtheflowtheotherway,vowedagreatcurseonanykifwhomightinterruptsuchanhourastheyhadearned.Butthelinkwasthereifneededandtheunitinthecommonroomwouldcarryanybusinessithadto.ShegotthewordfromGeranandpasseditoverallship,finallyleftthebridgeandwalkedonroundtodinner,cleanagainandfullofanticipation.

Shegrinnedinsideandoutatthesight,thetablelengthenedsothatithardlygavethemroomtoedgearoundit,thecenterspreadwithfantasticalculinaryartistry,plattersofmeat,bythegods,nostalefreeze-driedchipsandjerkyandsuchlike;graviesandsaucesinwhichtidbitsfloated,garnishedwithherbsandcracklingbitsoffat.Thesterilewhitecommonroomwastransformed,andHilfyandGeran

bitsoffat.Thesterilewhitecommonroomwastransformed,andHilfyandGeranhastenedabouttolaycushionswithbrightpatterns,Chanurheraldry,redandgoldandblue.

“Wondrous,”Pyanfarpronouncedit,inhaling.Placesforseven.Sheheardtheliftandlookedtowardthecorridor.InshortordercameHaralandChurwithTullyintow,andTirunlimpedalongbehindthem,usingherpipe-cane.“Sit,sit,”PyanfarbadethemandTully,andtheysortedthemselvesandedgedalongastheyhadtointhenarrowconfines,tookthen-placesshouldertoshoulder.Pyanfarheldtheendmostseatbridgeward,Haraltheendmostgalleyward,andTirunandChursandwichedTullybetweenthem,whileHilfyandGerantooktheotherside.Itpresentedabizarresight,thiswhitegoldmanebetweentworuddygoldones,hairlessshouldersnexttoredbrowncoatedones,andTullyhunchingslightlytotrytokeephisganglinglimbsoutofhisseatmates’way…Pyanfarchuckledingoodhumorandmadethehealthwish,whichgottheresponseoftheothersandstartledTullybyitsloudness.Thenshepouredgfifromherownflaskbyhercup;thewholecompanyreachedfortheirsanddidthesame,Tullyimitatingthembelatedly,andforamomenttherewasnothingbuttheclatterofknivesandcupsandplatesasGeran’sandHilfy’smonumentsunderwentswiftdemolition.Tullytooksnatchesofthisandthatasthedishesrotatedpasthimonthetable’srotatingcenter,smallhelpingsatfirst,asifhewerenotsurewhathehadarightto,andlargeronesashedartedfurtiveglancesatwhatotherstook,andladledonsaucesandlaidbysmallpuddlesofthisandthatintheevidentcaseitmightnotcomeroundasecondtime.Noquestionsfromhim.

“Uruus,”Chursaidwickedly,crookingaclawontohisarmtocatchhisattention,gesturedatthesteaks.“Samething,this,theanimalwegivethekif.”

Tullylookedmomentarilyuncertain,pokedatthesteakwithhisknifeandlookedupagainatChur’sgrin.“Same,this?”

“Same,”Churconfirmed.Tullytookonanoddlook,thenstartedeating,laughedtohimselfafteramomentinacrazedfashion,shouldersbowedandattentionturnedwhollytothefood,dartingonlyoccasionalglancestotheirhands,tryingtohandletheutensilshani-style.

“Good?”Pyanfarbrokethegeneralsilence.Tullylookedupatonce,dartedlooksatthemingeneral,helplesstoknowwhohadspoken.Thetranslatorspeakingintohisearhadnopersonality.

“I,Pyanfar.Allright,Tully?Thisfood’sallrightforyou?”

“I,Pyanfar.Allright,Tully?Thisfood’sallrightforyou?”

“Yes,”hesaid.“I’mhungry.”Hungry,thetranslatorsaidintoherear,dispassionately;butthelookonhisfaceforamomentputagreatdealmoreintoit.Thebruisesshowedstarklyclearinthecommonroom’swhitelight;theangularityofbonesreachedthesurfaceonhisshouldersandabouthisribs.

“Sayshe’scoldmostofthetime,”Chursaid.“Hedoesn’thaveournaturalcovering,afterall.Itriedajacketonhim,buthe’stoobig.Hestillwantsit,askstocutit.MaybebettertostartwithsomethingofHaral’sinthefirstplace.”

“Stilltoosmallforthosearms,”Haraljudged.“ButI’llseewhatIcanfind.”

“Cold,”Tullysaid,inhislimitedunderstandingofthediscussion.

“We’retrying,Tully,”Chursaid.“IaskHaral,understand.Maybefindyousomething.”

Tullynodded.“#”hesaidforlornly,andthenwithabrightexpressionandagestureatthemeal:“Good.Good.”

“Notcomplaining,areyou?”Pyanfarcommented.“Don’t-Gods.”

Thecombrokein,aknnn-song,andTullyjumped.Everyonelookedupreflexivelytowardthespeaker,andPyanfardrewadeepbreathwhenknnnwasallitturnedouttobe.Tullyalonekeptstaringthatway.

“That’snothing,”Pyanfarsaid.“Knnnagain.It’llshutupinamoment.”Shelookedsoberlyattheothers,nowthatbusinesswasonhermind.“Gotourselvesacourselaid,incase.It’sinthecompwhenweneedit.Andwewill.Gotourselvesadecoyriggedtoo,ChurandTullyandI-agiftforthekifthat’sgoingtocostthemcriticalspeediftheywanttopickitup;gotitfixedsoit’lllookgoodtotheirsensors.”

Therewasamoment’ssilence.

“Allrighttotalk?”Hilfyasked.

Pyanfarnoddedwithoutcomment.

“Where?”Hilfyasked.“Ifwe’rerunning-where?Meetpointagain?”

“No.Iconsideredthat,tobesure,throwingthekifoffbythat.Butfiguringitandrefiguring-wecamecloseenoughnotmakingitwhenwecameinwithallUrtur’smasstofixon;andthere’snotaprayerofdoingitinreversewithonlyMeetpoint’slittlemasstobringusup.I’veworkedpossiblecoursesoverandoveragain,andthere’snothingforit-twojump,toKirdu.It’sabigstation;andthere’shelppossiblethere.”

“Thekif,”saidGeran,“willhaveitfiguredtoo.They’llinterceptusatKita.”

“Sowestringthejumps,”Pyanfarsaid,takingasipofgfi.“Nootherway,Geran,absolutelynoother.”

“Gods,”Churmutteredundiplomatically.Hilfy’sexpressionwastroubled,quickdartsoftheeyestowardtheothers,whoweremoreexperienced.Tullyhadstoppedeatingagainandlookeduptoo,catchingsomethingoftheconversation.

“Consecutivejump,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“Nodelayforrecoverytime,novelocitydumpintheintervalandgodsknow,ahazardwherewe’regoing:we’reboundtoboostsomeofthisdebristhroughwithus.Buttheriskisstillbetterthansittingherewhilethekifpopulationincreases.There’sonejumppointwehavetomake:Kita.PastKitaPoint,thekifhavetotakethreeguesseswherewewent-Kura,Kirdu,MaingTol.Theymightguessrightafterall,buttheystillmightdispersesomeshipstocoverotherpossibilities.”

“We’regoinghome,”Hilfysurmised.

“Whosaidgoinghome?We’regoingtosortthisout,that’swhat.We’regoingtoshakeafewofthem.Getourselvesaplacewherewecanfindsomeallies.That’swhatwe’redoing.”

“ThentheFaha-wecouldwarnthem.”

“What,spillwherewe’rebound?They’llfiguretoo…thebesthope’sKirdu.They’lllikelygothere.”

“Wecouldwarnthem.Here.Givethemachancetogetout.”

“Theycantakecareofthemselves.”

“Afterwebroughtthetroublehere-”

“Mydecision,”Pyanfarsaid.

“I’mnotsayingthat;I’msaying-”

“Wecan’thelpthembyspringingintheirdirection.Orhowdoyouplantogetwordtothem?We’llmakeitworseforthem,wecanonlymakeitworse.Youhearme?”

“Ihear.”Theearswentback,prickedupwithalittleeffort.Therewasasilenceattable,exceptfortheknnn,whowailedonalone,raptinwhateverimpulsemovedknnntosing.

Andstopped.“Gods,”Haralmutteredirritably,shotaworriedlookthelengthofthetable.Pyanfarreturnedit,pastHilfy,pasttheOutsider.

“Pyanfar.”Tullyspoke,satholdinghiscupasifhehadforgottenit,somethingobviouslywellingupinhimwhichwantedsaying,withalookclosetopanic.“Italk?”heasked.AndwhenPyanfarnodded:“Whatmovemakethisship?”

“Goingclosertohometerritory,tohanispace.We’regoingwherekifwon’tfollowussoeasily,andwherethere’stoomuchhaniandmahendo’sattraffictomakeiteasyforthemtomoveagainstus.Betterplace,youunderstand.Safer.”

Hesetdownthecup,madeavaguegestureofaflatnailedlong-fingeredhand.“Twojump.”

“Yes.”

“#.Need#,captain.#.”

Hewassorely,urgentlyupset.Pyanfardrewinabreath,madeacalminggesture.“Again,Tully.Sayagain.Newway.”

“Sleep.Needsleepinjump.”

“Ah.Likethestsho.Theyhaveto,yes.Iunderstand;you’llhaveyourdrugs,then,makeyousleep,neverfear.”

Hehadstartedshaking.Ofasuddenmoisturebrokefromhiseyes.Hebowedhisheadandwipedatit,andwasquietforthemoment.Everyonewas,recognizingaprofounddistress.Perhapsherealized:hestirredinthesilenceandclumsily

aprofounddistress.Perhapsherealized:hestirredinthesilenceandclumsilypickeduphisknifeandjabbedatabitofmeatinhisplate,carriedittohismouthandchewed,allwithoutlookingup.

“Youneeddrugstosleep,”Pyanfarsaid,“andthekiftookyouthroughjumpwithoutthem.That’swhattheydid,wasit?”

Helookedupather.

“Wereyoualonewhenyoustarted,Tully?Werethereotherswithyou?”

“Dead,”hesaidaroundthemouthful,andswalloweditwithdifficulty.“Dead.”

“Youknowforsure.”

“I’msure.”

“Didyoutalktothekif?Didyoutellthemwhattheyaskedyou?”

Ashakeofhishead.

“No?”

“No,”Tullysaid,lookeddownagainandupunderhispalebrows.“Wegivewrong#totheirtranslator.”

“What,thewrongwords?”

Hestillhadtheknifeinhishand.Itstayedtherewithitsnextmorsel,thefoodforgotten.

“Hefouledtheirtranslator,”Tirunexclaimedindelight.“Gods!”

“Andnotours?”Pyanfarobserved.

Tully’seyessoughttowardher.

“Ithoughtyouranthatboardtooquickly,”Pyanfarsaid.“CleverOutsider.We,yousaid.Thenthereweremoreofyouinthekifshandsatthestart.”

“Thekiftakefourofus.Theytakeusthroughjumpwithnomedicine,awake,youunderstand;theygiveusnogoodfood,notmuchwater,makeusworkthistranslatorkeyboardsameyouhave.Weknowwhattheywantfromus.Wemake

translatorkeyboardsameyouhave.Weknowwhattheywantfromus.Wemakeslowwork,makewedon’tunderstandthekeyboard,don’tunderstandthesymbols,workallslow.Theystandsmalltime.Theyhitus,bad,pushus,bad-makeusworkthismachine,makequick.Weworkthismachineallwrong,makemanywrongwords,thiswordforthatword,long,longtape-someright,mostwrong.Oneday,two,three-allwrong.”Hisfacecontorted.“Theyworkthetapeandwemakemistakemore.Theyunderstandwhatwedo,theytakeoneofus,killher.Hitusall,much.Theygiveusagainsamework,makeatapetheywant.Wemakenumbertwotapewrong,differentmistake.Thekifkillsecondonemyfriends.I-mannameDickJames-wetwoontheshipcometostation.TheymakeusknowthisAkukkakk;hecomeaboardshipseeus.He-”Againacontortionoftheface,agesture.“He-takemyfriendarm,breakit,breakmanytimetwoarms,leg-Imakefighthim,donogood;hehitme-walkoutside.Andmyfriend-heask-Ikillhim,youunderstand.Idoit;Ikillmyfriend,#kifnomorehurthim.”

Thesilenceaboutthetablewasmortal.Pyanfarclearedherthroat.Others’earswereback,eyesdilated.

“Theycome,”Tullywentonquietly.“Findmyfrienddead.They#angry,hitme,bringmeouttowardthissecondship.Outside.Docks.Irun.Run-longtime.Icometoyourship.”Heduckedhishead,lookedupagainwithawan,mahendo’satsmile.“Imakethekeyboardrightforyou.”

“Thatkifwantskilling,”Haralsaid.

“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Iunderstandwhyyou’recarefulaboutquestionsaboutwhereyoucomefrom.ButI’lllayoddsyourspaceisnearthekif-youjustlistentome.Ithinkyourshipgotamongkif,andnowtheyknowthere’saspacefaringspeciesneartheirterritories,eitheronetheycantakefrom-oronethey’redesperatelyafraidisadangertothem.Idon’tknowwhichyouare.Butthat’swhatthekifwantedwithyou,I’mbetting-toknowmoreaboutyou.Andyouknowthat.Andyou’rereluctanttotalktouseither.”

Tullysatunmovingforamoment.“Myspeciesishuman.”Shecaughtthewordfromhisownspeech.

“Human.”

“Yes,theytryaskme.Idon’tsay;makedon’tunderstand.”

“Yourship-hadnoweapons.Youdon’tcarrythem?”

“Yourship-hadnoweapons.Youdon’tcarrythem?”

Noanswer,

“Youdidn’tknowtherewasdanger?”

“Don’tknowthisspace,no.Jumplong.Twojump.#weheartransmission.”

“Kif?”

Heshookhishead,hismannerofno.“Ihear-”Hepointedtothecom,whichremainedsilent.“That.Makethatsound.”

“Knnn,forthegods’sake.”

Hetouchedhisear.“Sayagain.Don’tunderstand.”

“Knnn.Aname.Aspecies.Methanebreather.Youwereinknnnterritory.Worseandworsenews,myfriend.Knnnspaceisbetweenstshoandkif.”

“Captain,”saidGeran,“I’dlaybetswithachithestshohadafingerinthistoo.Theirstation,afterall…wherethekiffeltfreetomovehimaboutthedockinpublic…Idaresaythekifdidn’tgetanyquestionsatallfromthestsho.”

Pyanfarnoddedthoughtfully,recallingthestshoofficial,thechangeinthatofficeorthatofficer.Asmilingwelcome,impassivemoonstoneeyesanddelicatelavenderbrows.Acertaincoldwentupherback.“Stsho’dturnablindeyetoanythingthatlookedliketrouble,that’ssure-Imp,”shesaid,seeingHilfy’slaidbackearsanddilatedeyes,“payattention:thisisthewayofourfriendsandalliesouthere.Godsrotthem.-Eatyourdinner.”

Tullystirredhisplateabout,turnedhisattentionbacktothat,andPyanfarchewedanotherbite,thoughtful.

Knnn,kif,stsho…gods,thewholepothadbeenstirredwhenthisOutsider,thishuman,droppedintothemiddleofit.Anuncomfortablefeelingpersistedatthebackofherneck,likeacoldwindofbelatedreason.ThewholedockatMeetpoint,zealouslytryingnottohearorseeanythingamiss,withafugitiveonthelooseandthekifonthehunt….

Therewasnoparticularevilinthestsho-exceptthedesiretoavoidtrouble.Thathadalwaysbeenthewayofthem.Buttheyweredifferent.Nohanireadpastthe

hadalwaysbeenthewayofthem.Buttheyweredifferent.Nohanireadpastthepatterns.Nohaniunderstoodthem.And,gods,iftheknnnwerestirredup-alongwiththekif.…

Sheswallowedthedrymouthfulandwasheditdownwithadraughtofgfi,pouredherselfanothercupful.Tullyatewithwhatlookedlikeappetite.Fooddisappearedallroundthetable,andtheplatesrotatedforsecondhelpings.

“I’mgoingtoputTullyonlimitedassignment,”shesaid.“Hecan’tread,sureenough.Butsomethingshecando.”Hehadlookedup.“Niece,”shesaid,“you’renolongerjuniormostonThePride,thisrun.Oughttomakeyouhappy.”

Hilfy’sbrownstudyevaporatedintodisquiet.“He’sjuniormost?”

“Awillingworker,”Pyanfarsaid,withawrinkingofhernose.“Yourresponsibilityinpart,now.”

“Aunt,I-”

“Itoldyouhowitwas,niece.Hear?Youknowwhatwe’redealingwith,andwhatstakesareinvolved?”

“Ihear,”Hilfysaidinafaintvoice.“No,Idon’tknow.ButI’mfiguringitout.”

“Kif,”Geranspat.“They’redifferent,whentheoddsgoagainstthem.”

“Once-”Haralsaid,andwinced.Theknnnsongwasbackagain,shriller.“Rotthat.”

“Close,”Pyanfarjudged.Itwasexceedinglyclearreception.ShemetHaral’seyesfacingherdownthelengthofthetable,moreandmoreuneasy.Thesongcontinuedforamoment,tooloudtotalkaboveit,thenwailedaway,gibberingtoitselfintolowertones.

“Toorottedclose,”Haralsaid.“Captain-”

Pyanfarstartedtopushherselfbackfromtable,surrenderingtoanxiety.

“ChanurCaptain,”comsaidfarmorefaintly,aclickingvoicespeakingthehanitongue.“ChanurCaptain-don’ttroubletoacknowledge.Onlylisten.…”

Pyanfarstiffened,lookedtowardcomwithabristlingathernapeandalowering

Pyanfarstiffened,lookedtowardcomwithabristlingathernapeandaloweringofherears.Everyonewasfrozeninplace.

“ThebargainyourefusedatMeetpoint…isnolongeravailable.NowIofferotherterms,equaltothesituation.Anewbargain.Asafedeparturefromthissystem,foryourselfandfortheFahashipnowatdock.Iguaranteethingswhichproperlyinterestyou,inreturnforonewhichdoesn’t.Jettisontheremnantofyourcargo,hanithief.Youknowourways.Ifyoudothewisething,wewillnotpursueyoufurther.Youknowthatwearetherightfulownersofthatmerchandise.Youknowthatweknowyournameandthenamesofyourallies.Werememberwrongsagainstus.Allkif…remembercrimescommittedagainstus.Butpurgeyourname,PyanfarChanur.More,saveliveswhichwerenotoriginallyinvolvedinyouractofpiracy.Giveusonlyourproperty,PyanfarChanur,andwewilltakenofurtheractionagainsttheFahaandyourself.Thatismybestoffer.AndyouknownowbyexperiencethatImahenoemptythreat.IsthismatterworthyoursuredestructionandthatoftheFaha?Orifyouthinktorunawayagain,desertingyourally,willyouhopetorunforever?Thatwillnotimproveyourtrade,ormaheyouwelcomeatstationswhowilllearnthehazardofyourcompany.Giveitup,thief.It’ssmallgainagainstyourloss,thisthingyou’vestolen.”

“Akukkakk,”Pyanfarsaidinalowvoicewhenithaddone.“So.”

“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,carefullyrestrained.“They’regoingtogoafterStarchaser.First.”

“Undoubtedlytheyare.”Themessagebegantorepeat.Pyanfarthrustherselftoherfeet.“Godsrotthatthing.Downit.”

Churwasnearest.Shesprangfromherseatandturneddownthevolumeofthewallunit.Othershadstartedworkingthemselvesoutoftheirplaces,Tullyamongthem.Sweathadbrokenoutonhisskin,afine,visibledew.

“Sealthegalley,”Pyanfarsaid.“Secureforjump.We’removing.”

Hilfyturnedalast,pleadinglookonher.Pyanfargloweredback.AndwithGeranurginghimtomoveon,Tullydelayed,puttingoutahandtotouchPyanfar’sshoulder.“Sleep,”Tullypleaded,remindingher,paniclargeinhiseyes.

“Forthegods’sakeputhimout,”Pyanfarsnarled,turnedandthrustherown

“Forthegods’sakeputhimout,”Pyanfarsnarled,turnedandthrustherownplateandsomeofthenearerdishesintothedisposal,shovedothersintothehandsofHaralandTirunandChur,whowerethrowingthingsinasfastastheycouldsnatchthem.Hilfystartedtohelp.“Out,”PyanfarsaidtoChur.

“Thatbusinessintheairlock…getitslifesupportgoing.Moveit!”

Churscrambledoverthetopofthetableandranforthedoorwayinascrabblingofclaws.Pyanfarturnedwithfineeconomyandstalkedoutinherwake,towardcontrols.Tirunlimpedafterher,butPyanfarhadnodispositiontowait.Anxietyprickledupanddownhergut,disturbingthemealshehadjusteaten,suddendistrustofallthechoicesshehadmadeuptillnow,includingtheonethathadaslightlycrazedOutsiderlooseontheshipinacrisis;andknnnnearthem;andtheireyesblindedandtheirearsdeaftotheoutside….

Shewalkedintothedarkenedbridge,slidintothewellworncushionwhichknewherbody’sdimensions,settledinandbeltedin,heardthestirofothersabouther,Tirun,Hilfy,Haral.Thekifvoicecontinuedovercom.ElsewheresheheardTullypleadingwithGeranoversomething,tryingtogetsomethingthroughthetranslatorwhichhecouldonlyhalfsay.Shestartedrunningperfunctoryclearchecks,allinternal,threwalooktowardhercompanions.HaralandTirunweresettledandrunningpersonalchecksontheirposts,roughandsolidandintentonbusiness.Hilfyhadherearsback,herhandsvisiblyshakingingettingherboardsready.So.Itwasonething,toridethroughkiffireatMeetpoint…quiteanothertofaceitafterthinkingaboutit.

“Please,”amahendo’satvoicecamethrough,relayedsuddenlyfromHilfy’sboardtohers.“Standofffromstation.Weappealtoallsidesforcalm.Wesuggestarbitration.…”

Theyhadthrownthatoutonlongrange,pleatoallthesystem,toalltheirunrulyguests,thisstationfullofinnocents,whereallwhocouldinthesystemhadtakenrefuge.

Andamongthem,Starchaser.

“Thathadtoantedatetheothermessage,”Pyanfarsaidmorosely.“It’salloldhistoryatstation.”ThatforHilfy,togethermindstraight.Tullywasstilltalking:shetookthetranslatorplugfromherear,shuttingdownallcommunicationfromthatquarter,trustingGeran’snotinconsiderablerightarmifallelsefailed.

ifallelsefailed.

“Captain.”ThatwasChuronallship.”Lifesupport’sonandthelock’ssealedagain.”

“Understood,Chur,”shemuttered,plyingthekeyboardandcallinguphercourseplottings.“Takestationinlowerdeckop.”ShewouldratherChuronthebridge;buttherewasTullyloose;therewasakifloose,andtimerunningonthem-itwasgettinglatetorisksomeonemovingaboutinthecorridors.Shespunhalfabout,indecisive.Hilfy,theweaklink,satatcom,scanbackup.“What’sthekifdoing?Anypickup?”

“Negative,”Hilfysaidcalmlyenough.“Repeatofmessage.I’mgettingagarbleoutofshipsinsystem,nosignyetofanydisruption.Theknnn.…”

Thatsoundmoanedthroughmaincomagain,atransmissionincreasinglyclearanddistinct.Closertotheminthismaelstromofdustanddebris.Pyanfarsuckedinabreath.“Standbytotransmit,fullsensors,allsystems;Iwantalookoutthere,cousins.”Shestartedthrowingswitches.ThePride’snervoussystemcamealiveagaininflaresofcolorandlight,busyripplingsacrosstheboardsassystemsrecalibratedthemselves.Shehitpropulsionandreoriented,reachedforthemaincomp.

“Gods,”Tirunmuttered,throwingtohernumber-onescreenthescanimagewhichwascomingin,adustysouppockedwithrocks.“Ship,”Haralsaidsuddenly,number-onescan,andoverrodewiththatsectorizedimage.PanichitPyanfar’sgut.Thatwasclosetothem,andmoving.

“Resolution,”shedemanded.ThePridewasaccelerating,withouthershieldsasyet.Thewhisperofdustoverthehullbecameashriek,ascream:theyhitarockanditshrilledalongthehull;hitanotherandascreeneruptedwithstatic.“Gods,thismuck!”

“Shields,”Haralsaid.

“Notyet.”

“Noresolution,”Tirunsaid.“Toomuchdebrisoutthere.We’restillblind.”

”“Godsrotit.”Shehittheairlockcontrol,blewit.“Welostsomething,”Tirunsaid;“Beeperoutput,”Hilfysaidatonce.“Loudandclear.Aunt,isthatour

said;“Beeperoutput,”Hilfysaidatonce.“Loudandclear.Aunt,isthatourdecoy?”

Pyanfarignoredthequestions,harried.“Longrangecomtomyboard.Now.”

Itcamethroughunquestioned,alightonherpanel.Sheputthemikein.“ThisisPyanfarChanur,Hinukku.We’vejustputapodoutthelock.Callitenough,hakkikt.Leaveoff.”

Andbreakingthatcontact,toHilfy:“Getthatonrepeat,imp,twiceover;andthencutallsignaloutputandIDtransmissionandoutputthesignalontranslatorchannelfive.”

Halfasecondofparalysis:Hilfyreachedfortheboard,frozeandthenpunchedsomethingelseover,static-riddensnarl,ahanivoice.“Chanur!Go!We’removing!”Itrepeated,arisingshriekofurgencylikethatofthedebrisagainstthehull.

“It’snotourtimeline,”PyanfarsnappedatHilfy,butHilfywasalreadymovingagain,outputtingonetransmission,thenclearing,reachingwithearsbackandapanickedlookafterwhatrecordingshehadbeenordered,howeverinsane.

“Primecourselaid,”Haralpronouncedimperturbably.“Referentbracketed.”

“Standby.”Theiraccelerationcontinued:thedustscreamedoverthehull.Anotherscreenbrokeupandrecovered.

“Aunt,”Hilfyexclaimed,“we’reoutputtingknnnsignal.”

“Rightweare,”Pyanfarsaidthroughherteeth.SheangledThePrideforsystemzenith,wherenooutgoingshipbelonged.Aprickleofsweatchilledhernose,sicklycold,andthewailoverthehullcontinued.“Readoutbehindus,”Geransaid,“confirmedknnn,thatshipbackthere.”Godsrotit,nothingwasevereasy.Differentialcomwassuddenlygettinganothersignalinthesputterofdust.“Chanur!Go.…”

Andakifvoice:“Regrettabledecision,FahaCaptain.”

Pyanfarspatandgulpedairagainstthedragofg,visiontunneledwiththestressandwithanger.Houroldsignal,thatfromtheFaha;atleastanhourold,maybemorethanthat.

“Secondship,”Tirunsaid.“3/4by32ourreferent.”

“GetmeStarchaser’scourse,”Pyanfarsaid.

“Beentrying,”Haralsaid.“BearingNSRstation,bestguessuncertain.”Figuresleapedtothenumbertwoscreen,aschematiccoveringaquarterofUrtur’sdust-barrieredsystem,belowthem,systemreferent.

“Knnnship,”Hilfysaid,“movingonthebeeper.-Aunt,they’regoingtointerceptit.”

Pyanfarhesitatedhalfabeatinturning,aglanceatscanwhichflashedinterceptprobableonthatshiptrailingthem.Knnn,bythegods,knnnweremovingonthedecoy,andtheywerenotknownforrescues.Somethingclenchedonherheart,instinctiveloathing,andinthenextbeatsheflungherattentionbacktowardthesystemschematic.

NowaytohelptheFaha.None.Starchaserwasonherown.Knnnhadthedecoy;kifwerenotgoingtolikethat.Ifthereeverhadbeenknnn.MorethanThePridecouldplaythatdangerousgame.Thescreamonthehullroseinpitch-

“Screens,”shesnappedatHaral.Shereachedfordrivecontrol,uncappedswitches.“Standby.Goingtothrowournavigationalltoblazes;I’llkeepAlijuunoffournosewhenwecycleback.”Shepulsedthejumpdrive,once,twice,threetimes,microseconddaringsofthevanes.Herstomachlurched,pulsequickeneduntilthebloodcongestedinhernoseandbehindhereyes,narrowingvisiontoahazedpinpoint.Theywereblindathirdtime,instrumentsrobbedofregainedreferents,velocityboostedinmajorincrements.Dead,ifHaralfailedthemnow.ButtheywereoldhandsatUrtur,knewthesystem,hadasensewheretheywereevenblinded,fromaknownstart.

Downthethroatofthekifssearchpattern,fromzenith…shepulsedthevanesagain,anotherincrement,swallowedhardagainstthedinnerwhichwastryingtocomeupagain.Differentialcomgotthemakifhowl,andamahendo’satyammeringdistress.

That,forwhatevertheyhaddoneagainstStarchaser,skintheirbacksidesforthem,astreakingsearchforatarget.

“Ai!”Haralyelped,andinstrumentsflared,nearcollision.“Chanur!”sheheard:thenamewouldbeinfamyhereasatMeetpoint.Thereweresurgesandflaresall

thenamewouldbeinfamyhereasatMeetpoint.Thereweresurgesandflaresallovertheboard.Shepulsedoutandinagainandtheinstrumentswentmanic.“Gods,”Haralmoaned,“Ialmosthadit.”

“Now,Haral!forthegods’sakefindit!”

Instrumentsflickeredandscreensstatic-madsortedthemselves,manifoldlyoffended.Analienscreameruptedfromtheirowncom.Tully,Pyanfarreckonedsuddenly:hisdrugswerenotquickenough.Theyhadbetrayedhimlikethekif.

Imageappearedonhernumberonescreen:Alijuun.ThestarwassightedandbracketedandtheIDwaspositive.

“Hail”sheyelled,purestrelief,andhitthejumppulseforthelongone.Hervoicewoundinandoutinadozencolors,coiledandrecoiledthroughthelatticeswhichopenedforthem,andthestomach-wrenchingsensationofjumpswallowedthemdown.…

VI

…andspatthemupagain,adizzyingperceptofelsewhere.Ashimmerbeforehereyes,thatwasthescreen,andtheautomatedinstrumentsweresearching.Keepconscious,don’tgoout,notnow,keepthehandoncontrols….“Working,”Haral’slowvoicedriftedtoheroutofinfinity.“Ogods.”Thatwassomeoneelse.Hilfy?Astarcameintobracketsonthescreenandwobbledoutagain.“Checkreferent,”Pyanfarsaid.Herblurringeyessoughtinstruments.Aredlightwason.“Gotaproblem,”Haralsaid,sendingcoldchillsalongherback.“NopositiveIDonreferent.”

“Brace.”Shestartedabortingtheproposedsecondjump,dumpingspeedsufficientforthescanningsensorstomaketheirfix.Therewasamoannearherwhentheshiftslammedin.Herhandshooklikepalsyoverthecontrols,hoveringoverthebutton.“Gods,we’vemissed,”Haralmoaned;andthenTirun:“Abort!we’revectoredmassward!”

Darkmasswasaheadofthem,themasswhichhadpulledtheminfromjump,comingupintheirfaces.Sensorsrealizedit:alarmswentoff,dinningthroughtheship.Pyanfardumpedagain,hard,flinchedasscreenswentstaticandonewentdead.Somethinghadgivenway.

“Turning,”shewarnedthecrew.ThePrideveeredinhernextskip,andbloodstartedinPyanfar’snose,internalorgansandjointsandfleshhauledinindependentmotion.Shespatandstruggledwiththemusclesofhereyestokeepfocused,foughtastrainedmuscletokeepherhandatthecontrols.Scanshowedhairbreadthmissnowandshetrimmedshipandletitride,hurtlingforavirtualskimoftheobstacle.

Akifvoicecameinovercom.“Identify:urgent.”Someonewaswaitinginthisplace,stationedtoguard,anotherofAkukkakk’slongarms.

“Aunt,”Hilfy’svoicecameweakly,bubblingliquid.“Kif…”

“Gotit.”Pyanfarsniffedbloodorsweat,lickedsaltfromhermouth,staringatthescreenswhichshowedthedarkmasshovingupatthem…tightskim,incrediblytight.Theirownoutputwasstillknnn-song,wailingupanddownthescale,tickingsandwhines…thathadtoputthekifoff.HaralandTiruntalkedfranticallytoeachother,searchingwiththesensorsfortheirwayout.

franticallytoeachother,searchingwiththesensorsfortheirwayout.

“Gotit!”Haralexclaimedsuddenly;astarshowedupinthebracket.

“Can’tdoit,”Pyanfarsaid:themasswastooclose.Theyhadnochoicenowbuttoskimpastandhope.

“Identify,”thekifvoiceinsisted.

Instrumentsflaredofasudden,screensgoingstatic.“Thatwasfire,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy,“ontoourformervector,thankthegods.”

Asecondflaring:ThePridehadreturnedashot,automaticresponse.Ofasuddenthealarmswentagain,crescendoofmechanicalpanic.

“Massproximity,”Pyanfarsaidintoallship,forthoseridingitoutbelow.“We’regoingtomissit.”

Thesoliditywasthere,asuddenjumpineverymass/driveinstrumentonthebridge,lightsflaringred,astaticwashoutonthenumberfourscreen:KitaPointmass,achunkofrock,acinderradiatingonlythedimmestwarmthintothedark,lightless,lonely,andfar,fartoobigforThePridetodragwithherintojump….

Vidpickedupflaresoflight,massivespotsliketheglowofasuninthatdark,illuminingthesurfaceofKitamass.RockboostedintheirfieldoutofUrturhadnotchangedvector.Ithitthedarkmassatnearc,pyrotechnicswhichfloweredthedark.

Theypassedinthatflareofimpact,slingshottedwithawrenchwhichbroughtanewfloodofbloodtoPyanfar’sthroat…grayout…

…backagain.“Haral!”

Afranticmoment.“There!”Then-referentwasbackinbracket.Akifvoiceclickedandchatteredoutofphasewithwhattheyshouldbegetting:thatwasthenasecondship,lyingoffKitazenith.

Firehitthem.

Pyanfarslammedthedrivebackin,withthehowlofthekifinherears,thestaticspitofinstrumentstrainedonthechaosintheirwake.Shetriedwithallherwitstokeeporiented,a.slowreachofasorearmwhilemattercameundoneabout

tokeeporiented,a.slowreachofasorearmwhilemattercameundoneaboutthem,whiletheywerenakedtothebetweenandtimeplayedgameswiththesenses.Nowaythatthekifcouldhavefollowed.Theyhadrunthegauntlet.Theywerethroughtheworst.AfterKitaitwasoneofthreedestinationsandafterthenext,oneoftwomore;andthechoicesmultiplied,andthekifhadharderandhardershifttobringnumberstobearagainstthem….

“We’refading,”Haralsaid,wordswhichstretchedthroughinfinity,emotion-dulled,nowhere:thiswasthewayitwentwhenshipslostthemselves,whentheyjumpedandfailedtocomeoutagain…perhapssomemathematicallimbo…orstraightintomahendo’sathell,wherefour-armeddemonsinventedhorrors…Pyanfardraggedherwitstogether,watchedforanothersuchwobble.Damagetheyhadtakenunderfirecouldhavedonesomethingtothevanes,robbedthemofcapacity,mightlosethempermanently….

…secondarrival,ablurringdowndropofthesensesintohereandwhenagain.Pyanfarreachedforthepanelandorderedscansearch.Differentialcomwasalreadygettingsignal:itwasthemarkerofKirduSystem,wondrous,beautifulmahendo’satvoice,thebuoyofthejumprange.

“We’rein!”Hilfycried.“We’rein.”

“Clearandintherange,”Pyanfarsaid,smug.Shehitthejumppulsetothrowoffvelocityandthesmugnessevaporatedsomewhat:thepulsewasqueasy,lesspowerfulthanitoughttobe.

“Captain?”Haral’svoice.

“Ifeelit.”

“Maintainknnnoutput?”Hilfyasked.

“Yes.”Pyanfarkepthereyesonthereadout,hitthepulseagain.“Plotentryvector,”sheorderedTirun.“Wemighthavetrailedsomedebriswithus.”

“ReckonwedumpedmostoftherocksonKita,”Tirunmuttered.Shestartedsendingtheschematicover,firedoffacomp-signalwarningforwhatgooditwoulddoaslowshipinthepathoftheirdebris-attendedentry.Thedumpwenton,sicklypulseswhichfinallybegantocount.

“That’sbetter,”Pyanfarsaid,swallowingagainstthestress.“Hilfy,gotalag

“That’sbetter,”Pyanfarsaid,swallowingagainstthestress.“Hilfy,gotalagestimate?”

“Approximate,”Hilfysaidinathinvoice.“Thirty-minuteroundtriptostation,estimate.”

Close,bythegods,tooclose.Pyanfarkeptthedumppulsesgoingattheclosestpossibleintervals,kepthereyesnowherebutthecenterscreennow,therelayedscanfromthestationbuoywhichplottedthelocationofshipsandplanetsandlargeobjectsinthesystem.AutomationhadaddedinthewarningThePridehadsentout,ahazardzoneinaconeheadedtranszenithofsystem.

“Gettingrefinementoncourse,”Haralsaidasaschematiccameuponnumbertwoscreen.Ittookonlyalittlebending:checkvelocity,thewarningkeptflashing.PyanfarcoaxedanotherdumpoutofThePrideandmadetheslightcorrection,hersensesswimmingnowwiththeprolongedstrainofhigh-velocityreckonings,withstringinghermindalongthosedistancesandspeedswhichtheship’sowncomphandledinspecialconflict-dumpingmode.

“Downtheslot!”Tiruncriedasthelinesmatched.

Theyweredeadonatlast,freeandsafeandheadeddowntheapproachpathstationhadpreassignedthenextincomerinthatareaoftherange.Pyanfaraffordedherselfalighterbreath,stillwithhereyesfixedonthescan,tryingtofigurehowmuchmoretheycoulddumpandhowfast.Letoneminerbewhereheoughtnottobe,letoneskimmerhavegoneoffforsomeprivatereasonwithoutadvisingstationinadvance,someidiotcrossingtheentrylanes,somemadknnnorchi,withwhomtherewasneveranyreasoning,navigationhazardswherevertheyoperated….

Sweatran,orblood.Shesniffedandwipedathernose,eyesstillfixedandhandonthebutton.Theyrodetheodds;theycameinlikeashot,countingonstatisticsandblindluckandtrafficbeingexactlywhereitought:onecoulddothatafewtimesinalifetimeandnotrunoutofluck.

“Acquiringstationsignal,”Hilfysaid.“That’stc’atalkingnow,Ithink.It’sthisknnnsignalofours….”

“Cutthesignal.GivestationourproperID.Relaypirateattack;damageandemergency,andprobableaccompanyingdebris.”

“Gotit,”Hilfysaid.

Pyanfarhitthedumpagain,forcedthemalittlemoretowardasanespeed,andaboardredlighted.Shecycledinabackup.

Haralunbeltedandleanedintothepitbesideherconsole,franticreadjustments.

TheremightbekifindockatKirdu…gods,wouldbekifhere,byalltheodds,andjustpossiblyoneofthemhadcomethroughfromUrtur.ButthiswasKirdu:mahendo’sathere,intheirownterritory,hadteeth,andtooknoargumentsfromvisitors.Theywoulddemandexplanationsforsuchanentry.GodsgrantwhateverremainingdebristheyhadboostedthroughwiththemfromUrturfoundnomahendo’sattargets,ortherewouldbemorethananexplanationdue.

“Something’sleftstation,”Tirunsaid.Theimageshoweduponthenumbertwoscreen.Shipswereoutbound,fourofthem,oneaftertheother,movingonintercept,doppleringintotheirpath.“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“signalgeneralalert,allhanishipsinsystem.”

“Done,”Hilfysaid,movingtodoit.Haralslidbackintoplace,settoworkinhasteatthecomp.Thenumberonescreenstartedacquiringestimates,locationalshiftsontheoncomersandeverythingelseinthesystem.Thatwasstationguardwhichhadjustputout,morethanlikely:ThePridehadbrokenregulationsfromentrytothismoment,heapsandpilesofregulations.Somemangymahestationofficialwaslikelyelbowdeepintherulebooksthismomenthuntingpenalties,Pyanfar’snosewrinkledatthethoughtofthefines,thelevies,thearguments.

“Gettingsignalontheshipsoutcoming,”Hilfysaid.“They’remahendo’sat,allright.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarblewasighofrelief.Worsehadbeenpossible,worseindeed.“Geran,”shesaidoverallship.“Chur.Areyougettingthisdownthere?We’reallright;station’sendingusanescort.”

“Cominginclear,captain.”

“Iseverythingsecuredownthere?How’sTully?Haveyougotamonitoronhim?”

“He’shereinopwithus,”Geransaid.“Drugsarewearingoff.He’smuzzybutfollowingwhat’sgoingon.”

followingwhat’sgoingon.”

“Nomorerisks,rotyou;whoclearedthat?-Takescanonnumberfourforapproach;giveussomereliefuphere;andgethimsecure.”

“Ifriend.”Tully’svoicecamebacktoher,haniwords.Andothers,hisowntongue,afloodofwords.“Shuthimdown,”Pyanfarhissed;andtherewassilence.“Working,”Chur’svoicereported,andTirunpausedinherfranticpace,droppedherheadintohandsandwipedthembackoverhermane.Shetookthechanceforadrink,fromaplasticbottlefromunder-counter,passedittoHilfyandthentoTirunandthentoHaralandHaraltoPyanfar.Theremnantwentdown,awelcomecoolingdraught.Pyanfartookthechancetocallupcomptolocatethedamage,gnawedherupperlipastheinformationcamethroughincomplete.Shelookedright,attheothers,atHilfy,whowaslisteningtosomething,withabruised,exhaustedlookonherface.“ShuntthatbelowwhentheygettheOutsidersettled,”Pyanfarsaidtoher,andlookedatHaral,whowasstilldoingupdates.“Damageindeterminate,”shesaidtoHaralprivately.“Idon’tfeelanylagintheinsystemresponses,atleast.Itshouldbeanormaldock,butwe’regoingtohavetogetahurryuponthatrepairandIdon’tknowhowtothegodswe’regoingtofinancethebribe.”

“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,“stationison,wantstotalktoyoupersonally.Itoldthem-”

“Captain.”Lowerdeckoverrode,sentupanimageonscan.

Shipinthejumprange,incoming,ontheirtail.

“Gods,”Pyanfarhissed.“Godsrotallkif-Hilfy:ID,fast.”

Hilfyhesitatedhalfabreath:Tirunwasalreadyoverreachingalongarmontoherterritory.Wailingcamethrough,andPyanfargrimacedatthehigh-pitchedsqueal.

“Knnn,”Tirunsaid.“Captain,it’sthatrottedknnn.”

“Wedon’tknowit’sthatknnn,”Pyanfarspatback,snatchingthemike-wavedanangrygesturewithitatHilfy.“Station.Station,andgetyourwitsworking,niece.”

Thereadylightcameon.“Go,”Hilfysaid,distraughtandJwild-eyed,andsubduedtheknnnpickup.

subduedtheknnnpickup.

“ThisisKirduStation,”themachine-translatedvoicecamethrough.“Wemaheurgentsevereprotestthisentry.Goslow,hanicaptainincoming.”

“ThisisThePrideofChanur,PyanfarChanurspeaking.We’reincomingwithanunidentifiedonourtailandwithdamage,butwehavemaneuverability.Theshipbehindusmayposeathreattostation;Isuggestyourescortdirectitsattentiontowhat’sfollowingus.”

Comstayeddead,longerthanlagtimedictated.

“Escortispassingturnoverpoint,”Geran’squietvoicecamefromtheotheropcenter.“Captain,they’regoingtopassus,goingtogooutandlookthatbastardover.”

Pyanfarlooked,saw,returnedherattentiontocomp,wherenewestimatewascominguponthepositionoftheincomingship.Itwasclose,movinghard,nodumpofspeed.

“Gotahanicontact,”saidHilfy.“Tahar.”

“Godsandthunders.”ThiswasnotafriendlyhousetoChanur.Pyanfarpickedupthecontactonherboard.“Taharship,thisisPyanfarChanur.Standreadyfortrouble.Don’tbecaughtatdock.”

“Chanur,thisisDurTahar.Isthisyourtrouble?”

“Ithasnopatent,Tahar,notsofar.Standoutfromstation,Iwarnyou.Incase.”

“Chanur,”thetranslatedvoiceofstationbrokeinonthem.“TaharCaptain.Againstregulation,this.“Usestationchannel.Andthisstationorderstay.Nomovingout.”

“We’recomingin,station.Weadviseyoushipsaredestroyedandliveslost.Ifthatshipbackthereisknnn,well;butifitisn’t,Kirduhastrouble.”

Anothervoice,clickingandharsh.Kif.

“That’sfromadockedship,”Hilfysaidquickly.“Gotitonstationdirectional.”

“Captain.”ThatfromTirun.“Incomer’sjustbegundump;they’rechecking

“Captain.”ThatfromTirun.“Incomer’sjustbegundump;they’recheckingspeed.”

Pyanfarblinked,thesuspicionofgoodnewshittingdullyonadazedbrain.Shedrewawholebreath.“Godsgrantitisknnn,”shemuttered.“Station,youshouldbegettingthatnow:we’llmakeafullexplanationassoonaswegetinandgetourmechanicalproblemsinorder.Westronglyurgeyoutakefullprecautionsandgetapositivevisualonthatso-namedknnnarrival.Wehaveseriouschargestolodge.”

Silencefromstation.Theywerenot,mostlikely,overjoyed.

Pyanfarbrokethecontact.“Bastards.”Shewipedhermouth,straightenedherbeardwithherfingers.“Cowards.”Theescortpassedandheadedouttotheincomingshipbehindthem.Shesettledbackinhercushionandlistenedtothereports.

“Aunt,”Hilfysaidfinally,“mahendo’satreportvisualconfirmation:itisaknnnship.”

“Thankthegods,”Pyanfarmuttered,andthrewopentherestraintonhercushion,leanedforwardmorecomfortably.Stationwascomingup.Aflurryofdockinginstructionswasarrivingonthenumberthreescreen.

Notkifbehindthem,onlyavastlyconfusedknnn.Shegaveawrypursingofthemouth,imaginingthechagrinoftheoddcreatures,whohadarrivedtofarmorecommotionthanknnnwerewonttostirunderanycircumstances.Coincidence,perhaps;shipscameandwentfromeverywhere-gods,raretohavetwoshipscomeintoajumprangethatclose,butnotthatrare.KirduhadagreatdealmoretrafficthanthatgeneratedbyThePride.Thiswascivilization,hereatKirdu,civilization,afterall.

Shedrewaseriesofquieterbreaths.Watchedtheschematicwhichshowedthemthewaytowarddocking.Tired.Indeedshewastired.Sheachedinherbones.Ittookamoralefforttosettleinfordockingmaneuvers,todoitbymanualbecauseshewantedthefeelofit,nottobesurprisedbysomefurthermalfunctionunderautomatic.

ShewasalreadymentallysortingthroughpossibleargumentswiththeTahar,aloan,anythingtogetThePride’srepairsmadeandpaid,togetoutofthisplace:theyneedednomoredamagesthantheyhad,andmostofalltheydidnotneedprolongedresidencehere.

prolongedresidencehere.

Iftheywerevery,veryfortunate,thekifweresortingmattersoutwithacertainknnnwhohadpickedupabitofsalvageatUrtur;andthatknnnmightnotbeamusedbyahanijoke.ThegreathakkiktAkukkakkwouldbeevenlessamused…buthewouldhaveahardtimenegotiatingwiththeknnnforalookatitsprize;andahardertimewithhisfellowkif..indeedhewould.Shefelt,inall,satisfied.

Butaknnnhadhappenedthroughjumpwiththem;hadhappenedtocrowdthem.Gods…didtheyhaveapparatuswhichmadetrackingpossible?

Itsvoicewasback,distantandeerie,likethatwhichshehadduplicatedatUrtur,touseaknnnvoiceasshieldanddisguise.

Godsknewwhatmessagetheyhadbeentransmittingtoknnnhearing:followme?Helpme?Somethingfarlessfriendly?

Tc’amightknow;buttherewasnoqueryingthatsideofKirduStation.

Theycameupondock,movinginnexttheTaharship:Kirduwanteditshaniproblemscollected,apparently,givingthemberthsnexteachother.Insomepartthatwasgood,becauseitgavethemprivateaccesstotalkwithoutwitnesses;andinanotherpartitwasnot,becauseitmadethemonesingletarget.

“Wherearethekif?”sheaskedstationbluntly,stallingontheapproach.“I’mnotputtingmynoseintostationuntilIknowwhatberthstheyhave.”

“Numbertwentyandtwenty-one,”stationinformedher.“Maheandstshointhebetweennumbers,notrouble,notrouble,hanicaptain.Youmakeeasydock,please.”

Shewrinkledhernoseandcommittedthem,notwithoutcontrarythoughts.

VII

ThePride’snosewentgentlyintodock,thegrapplesclangedtoandaccessesthumpedopen,andPyanfarthrustbackfromthepanelwithasuddenwateryfeelingaboutthejoints.Stationchatteredatthem,requestsforroutinecooperations.“Shutdown,”shesaidcurtly,wavedawearysignalatHaralandpushedthecushionroundtheslightbititcouldgo.“Hilfy:tellstationoffices.Tellthemwe’vegotsomeshakeup.I’lltalkwiththemwhenwegetinternalbusinesssettled.”

“Aye,”Hilfymurmured,andrelayedthemessage,withmuchflickingoftheearsintalkingwiththeofficialandafinalflatteningofthem.Pyanfarshortenedherfocus,onTirun,whowasrunningherlastfewchecks.Herhandsmadesmalluncertainmovements;herearsweredrooping.“Tirun,”Pyanfarsaid,andTirun’sfacewhenshelookedaroundshowedthestrain.“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.“Now.”

Tirunstaredatherhalfamoment,andordinarilyTirunwouldhavemusteredargument.Shelookedonlynumb,andpushedbackfromherplaceandtried,afalteringeffortwhichgothertoherfeet,andareachwhichgothertothenextconsole.Theyallscrambledforher,butHilfywasquickest,flunganarmabouther.“Shegoestoquarters,”Pyanfarsaid.“Aye,”Haralsaid,andtookchargefromHilfy,replacingTirun’ssupportonthatside.

Hilfystoodamoment.Pyanfarlookedonherback,onthebacksofTirunandHaralasTirunlimpedawaytryingnottolimp;andHilfystraightenedhershouldersandlookedback.

“I’llstayonthecom,”Hilfyoffered.

“Leaveit.Letstationwonder.Cleanup.”

Hilfynoddedstiffly,turnedandwalkedout,quite,quitewithoutswagger,withahandtosteadyheragainstthecurvature-feelingofthedeckwhentheyweredocked.ItoccurredtoPyanfarthenthatHilfyhadnotbeensick,notthistime.Pyanfardrewadeepbreath,letitgo,turnedandleanedoverthecom.“Lowerdeck,who’satstation?”

“Geran,”thevoicecameback.“Allstablebelow.”

“Geran,”thevoicecameback.“Allstablebelow.”

“Cleanup.AboveallgetTullystraightenedupandpresentable.”

“Understood.”

Pyanfarbroketheconnection.Therewasanothercallcomingovercom.

“Chanur,thisisTahar’sMoonRising.Privateconference.”

“Tahar,thisisPyanfarChanur:wehaveamedicalsituationinprogress.Standbythatconference.”

“Doyourequireassistance,PrideofChanur?”

Therewas,infinitesimalinthetone,,satisfactioninthatpossibility.Pyanfarsweetenedhervoicewithprodigiouseffort.“Hardly,MoonRising.I’llreturnthecallattheearliestpossible.Chanur’srespects,Tahar.Out.”

Shebrokeoffwithabruptness,pushedbackandstrodeoff,withoutswaggerinherstrideeither.Allherjointsseemedrearranged,herheadsittingprecariouslythrobbingonabodywhichcomplainedofabuses.Hernapebristled,notatkifpresence,butatanenemywhosatmuchclosertohome.

Gods.BegoftheTahar?

OfahousewhichhadpresentedformidablethreattoChanurduringKohan’sholding?ThesatisfactionintheTaharwhelp’svoicehardlysurprisedher.Itwasaspectacle,ThePridewithhergutmissingandhertailsinged.TherewouldbehissinglaughterinTahar,thevidimagecarriedhomefortheedificationofKahiTaharandhismatesanddaughters.

AndfromTaharitwouldgooutoverAnuurn,sothatitwouldbesuretocometoKohan.Therewouldbechallengesoverthis,beyonddoubttherewouldbechallenges.SomeTaharwhelpwouldgethisneckbrokenbeforethedustsettled,indeedhewould:youngmaleswerealwaysoptimists,alwaysreadytosetoffatthesmellofadvantage,theleastedgeitmightaffordthem.

Theywouldtry.So.Theyhaddonethatbefore.

ThatwaswhatDurTaharhadwindof.

“She’swellenough,”Haralreportedatthedoorofthecrew’squartersonthelowerdeck.PyanfarlookedbeyondandsawTirunsnuggeddowninbedandoblivioustoitall.“Legswelledabitunderthestress,butnoworry.”

Pyanfarfrowned.“Goodmedicalfacilitieshereonstation.Butitmightbewe’dhavetopulloutabruptly;Idon’twanttoriskleavinganyofusbehindforalayover,not…underthecircumstances.”

“No,”Haralagreed.“Noneedforthat.Butwe’rewearingthin,captain.”

“Iknow,”shesaid.

“Youtoo,beggingyourleave.”

“Huh.”ShelaidherhandonHaral’sshoulders.Walkedawaytothelift,pausedthereandlistenedinthedirectionofChurandGeran’spost.Shewalkedbackthatwayandleanedinatthedoorofop,whereGeransatwatch,washedandincleanbluetrousers,butlookingontheworldwiththedulllooksomeoneoughttohavewhohadgonefromoneon-shifttothenextwithoutsleep.“Right,”Pyanfarsaidsimply,recallingthatshehadgiventhemorderstheywerefollowing,andleanedanarmagainstthedoorframe.“Tullymadeitallrightdownhere,didhe?”

“Notroublefromhim.”

“I’mgoingtohavetotakehimuponthatworkoffer.YouandChurtradeoffwithhim,oneonandoneoff.Tirun’sailing.”

“Bad?”

“Gstressdidn’tfavorthatleg.We’llresthereasmuchaswecan.I’mgoingtoseewhatcharityIcangetoutofTahar.Needtofindoutwhatdamagewe’vegot,firstoff.”

“Gotaremoteonit,”Geransaid,turnedaboutandcalledituponthenearestscreen.Pyanfarcameintotheroom,lookedattheexteriorcameraimage,whichwasfromtheobservationblister,andsufferedaphysicalpangatthesight.Numberonevanehadamooringlinesnakingloose,driftingaboutunderstation’srotation,andtherewerepanelsmissing,darkspotsonthelongsilver

station’srotation,andtherewerepanelsmissing,darkspotsonthelongsilverbar.“Thatwasourfade,”Pyanfarsaidwithabelatedchill.“Gods.Couldhavelostitallcominginwiththatloose.Goingtotakeaskimmercrewtogetthatlinkedbackup,nowaythesixofuscandoit.”

“Money,”Geransaiddismally.“Mighthavetoselloneofustothekifafterall.”

“Badjoke,”Pyanfarsaid,andwalkedout.

Tully,shehadthought,withanimpulseofwhichshewasheartilyashamed.

Butshekeptthinkingofit,allthewayuptoherownquarters.

Shestrippedandshowered,shedamassoffurintothedrain;driedandcombedandarrangedhermaneandbeard.Itwastheredsilkbreechesthistime,thegoldarmlet,thependantpearl.Shesurveyedherselfwithsomesatisfaction,aliftinherspirits.Appearancesmeantsomething,afterall.Themahendo’satweresensitivetothematter,quiteasmuchasthestsho.

Offendedprosperity,thatwasthetacktotakewiththem.TheyknewThePride.AslongasitseemedthatChanur’sfortuneswereintactandthatChanurwasstillapowertoreckonwithamonghani,thatlongtheymightholdsomehopeofmahendo’sateagernesstoserve.

Andtherewas,shereckoned,smilingcoldlyatthesplendidhanicaptaininthemirror,therewasdeadlyearnestinthishaste.

TherewasAkukkakk.

Godsrotitall.

Possiblyshehadembarrassedhimenoughthathisownwouldturnonhim.Thatwouldtaketimetoknow.Alongtimeoutfromhomeport,keepingherearalertforrumor.

GetridoftheOutsiderTully…wouldthatthedisentanglementwerethateasy.

Shestaredintoherowneyes,earsflat,andmeditatedthevillainythatanytraderseeingtheOutsiderwouldthinkonnaturallyasbreathing;andafteralittlethinkingherlipspursedinagrimlysmugsmile.

So,so,so,PyanfarChanur.Therewasawaytosettlemorethanoneproblem.

So,so,so,PyanfarChanur.Therewasawaytosettlemorethanoneproblem.LikelyTullywouldnotlikeit,butanOutsiderwhocamebeggingpassagecouldtakewhathecouldget,anditwasnotinhermindtobegfromTahar.

Shecheckedcom,foundtheexpectedclutterofmessageswaitingattention.“Nothingreallyurgent,”Geransaid.“Station’sstillupset,that’sthesumofthem.”

“Chur’sgotTully,hasshe,cleaninghimup?”

“Alittleproblemthere.”

“Don’ttellmeproblem.I’vegotproblems.Whatproblem?”

“Hehashisownideas,ourTullydoes.Hewantstobeshaved.”

“Godsandthunders.Washroom?”

“Here,now.”

“I’mcomingdownthere.”

Shestartedforthedoor,wentbackandpickeduptheaudioplugforthetranslatorandheadeddowninhaste.Shaved.Herearsflattened,prickedagaininaforcedreckoningthatcustomswerecustoms.

Butappearances,bythegods….

Shearrivedinopindeliberatehaste,foundthetriothere,Geran,Chur,Tully,allcleanlyandhaggardanddrowningtheirmiseriesinaroundofgfi.Theylookedup,Tullymostanxiousofall,stillpossessed,thankthegods,ofallhismaneandbeardanddecent-lookinginafreshpairoftrousers.

“Pyanfar,”hesaid,rising.

“Captain,”shecorrectedhimsternly.“Youwantwhat,Tully?Whatproblem?”

“Wantstheclippers,”Chursaid.“Itrimmedhimupabit.”Shehad.Itwasagoodjob.“Hewantsthebeardoff.”

“Huh.No,Tully.Wrong.”

Tullysankdownagain,thecupofgfiinhistwohands,lookedchagrined.“Wrong.”

Pyanfarheavedasigh.“That’sreasonable.YoudowhatIsay,Tully.Youhavetolookrightforthemahendo’sat.Youlookgood.Fine.”

“Same#hani.”

“Likehani,yes.”

“Mahendo’sat.Here.”

“You’resafe.It’sallright.Friendlyfolk.”

Tully’smouthtightenedthoughtfully.Henoddedpeaceablyenough.Thenhereachedahandbehindhisheadandknottedthepalemanebackinhisfingers.“Right,that?”

“No,”Pyanfarsaid.Thehand.dropped.

“Idoallyousay.”

Pyanfarflickedherears,thrustherhandsintoherwaistband.“Doall?”Shefeltpricklishintheareaofherhonor,andtheOutsider’spaleeyesgazedupatherwithdisturbingconfidence.“Itmightfrightenyou,whatIwant.Imightasktoomuch.”

Someofthatgotthrough.Theconfidencevisiblydiminished.

“Imakeyouafraid,Tully?”Shegesturedwide,towardthebow.“There’sastationoutthere,KirduStation.Mahendo’satspeciesistheauthorityinthisplace.There’sahanishipdockednexttous.Stshospeciestoo,downthedock.”

“Kif?”

“Twokifships,notthesameones.NotAkukkakk’s,notlikely.Traders.They’retroubleifwelingerheretoolong,buttheywon’tmakeanysuddenmove.Iwantyoutogooutside,Tully.Iwantyoutocomewithme,outintheopen,onstationdock,andmeetthemahendo’sat.”

Hedidunderstand.Amusclejerkedinhisjaw.“I’mcrewofthisship,”hesaid.

Hedidunderstand.Amusclejerkedinhisjaw.“I’mcrewofthisship,”hesaid.Itseemedaquestion.

“Yes.Iwon’tleaveyouhere.Youstaywithme.”

“Icome,”hesaid.

Thatsimply.Shestaredathimamoment,deliberatelyheldoutherhandtowardthecupinhis.Helookedperplexedforamoment,thensurrenderedittoher.Shedrank,subduingacertainshudder,handeditbacktohim,

Hedrankaswell,glancedather,measuringherreactionbythatlook,finishedthecup.Noprejudices.Nosqueamishnessaboutotherspecies.Shenoddedapproval.

“Gowithyou,captain,”Churoffered.

“Comeon,then,”Pyanfarsaid.“Geran,youstay;can’tleavetheshipwithnoonewatchingthings,andtheothersareoff.We’regoingjusttostationofficesandback,anditshouldn’tbetrouble.Idon’texpectit,atleast.”

“Right,”Geransaid,notwithoutaworriedlook.

PyanfarputahandonTully’sshoulder,realizedthechillofhisskin,theperpetuallyhunchedposturewhenhewassitting.Hestoodup,shiveredabit.“Tully.Thetranslatorwon’tworkoutsidetheship,understand.Onceouttherampway,wecan’tunderstandeachother.SoItellyouhere:youstaywithme;youdon’tleaveme;youdoallthatIsay.”

“Gototheoffices.”

“Offices,right.”Shelaidonesharpclawedfingertipamidhischest.“I’lltrytogetitthroughtoyou,myfriend.Ifwegoaboutwithyouaboardinsecret,ifweleavemahendo’satterritorywithyouandgoontoAnuurn,toourownworld-thatcouldbetrouble.Mahendo’satmightthinkwekeptsomethingtheyshouldhaveknownabout.Sowemakeyoupublic,letthemallhavealookatyou,mahendo’sat,stsho,yes,eventhekif.Youwearclothes,youtalksomehaniwords,yougetyourselfregistered,properpapers,allthethingsagoodcivilizedbeingneedstobealegalentityintheCompact.I’llgetitallarrangedforyou.There’snowayafteryouhavethosepapersthatanyonecanclaimyou’renotasapient.I’llregisteryouaspartofmycrew.I’llgiveyouapaperandwhereItellyou,youputyournameonit.Andyoudon’tgivemeanytrouble.Doesenough

you,youputyournameonit.Andyoudon’tgivemeanytrouble.Doesenoughofthatgetthrough?It’sthelastthingIcantellyou.”

“Don’tunderstandall.Youask.Idoit.”

Shewrinkledhernose,threwanimpatientwaveofherhandatChur.“Comeon.”

Churcame.Tullydid,blindlytrusting,atwhichshescowledandwalkedalonginfrontofthembothtothelock,handsthrustintothebackofherwaistband,wonderingwhetherstationofficeshaddetectorsandwhethertheycouldgetawaywithaconcealedweapon,goingwheretheyweregoing.Shedecidedagainstit,whatevertheotherrisks.

Awatcherstoodbytherampwayoutside,amahedockworkerwhoscamperedoffquicklyenoughwhentheyshowedoutside,andwhoprobablymadeacalltohissuperiors…themahendo’satwerediscreetlyperturbed,politeintheirsurveillance.Buttheywerethere.Pyanfarsawit,andChurdid;andTullyturnedafrightenedlooktowardthesuddenmovement.Hetalkedatthem,butthetranslatorwashelplessnow,outsidetherangeoftheinshippickup,andPyanfarlaidareassuringhandonhisshoulderandkepthimmoving.“Justaprecaution,”shesaid,aquiettone,andlookedbeyondtotherampwayaccessofMoonRising,whereafarmorehazardouswatcherstood,ahanicrewwoman.

“Bettertakecareofthatbusiness,”PyanfarsaidtoChur,anddivertedheircoursediagonallyamongthecanister-carrierstowardMoonRising.

Anotherhanishowedupoutside,ontherun:secondcrewwoman,doubledreflectionoftheother,samewidestanceandsteadystare.AtacertaindistancePyanfarstopped,andwaited,andmadeasubtlesigntoChur,whostrodeforwardtomeettheothers.

Therewasanexchangetooquietforherears…nofriendlinessinthepostures,butnoovertunpleasantness.Churcameback,notinhaste,notdelayinganyeither,earsflat.

“Theircaptain’sasleep,”Churreported.“SheproposestocomeaboardThePridewhenhernap’sdone.Answer,captain?”

“WhyshouldI?Iwasn’tadvised.ButImaylethercome.Itsuitsme.”Sheturnedwithoutaglanceattheothers,putahandonTully’shairlessbackandsteeredhimawaywiththem.

AndiftheTaharcaptainwasinfactsleeping,shewouldnotbebythetimethosetworag-earsgotbackinside,toreporttheChanurcaptainhadacompanionofunknownspecies,headedforstationoffices.TheTaharhadgottencaughtintheirownarrogance,andChanurfailedtorisetotheinsult,simplywalkedoff.Pyanfarthrewalittleswaggerintothedeparture,fortheTaharandforthegapingmahedockworkers,someofwhomfledinhastetoreporttosuperiorsortogathercomrades,adark-furredandscantlycladcrowd.

“Theynoticed,”Chursaid.

“Thattheyhave.”Pyanfarlockedherhandsbehindherandtheystrolledalongincompany,onetallhanicaptaininscarlet,onesmallishhanicrewwomaninroughspun(blue,andimprobablybetweenthem,atoweringwide-shoulderedOutsiderwithnakedskinandabeautifulgoldenmane,excruciatinglyconspicuous.Pyanfarsufferedanirrepressiblerushoftheblood,atighteningofthelipsasacrowdbegantogather,farmorepeoplethanthosewhoworkedthedocks.Mahendo’sat,dockersandmerchantersandminersandgodsknewwhatelse;andascatterofstsho,paleandpastelamongthecrowd,theirwhitisheyesroundasmoons,holdingeachothers’handsandchatteringtogetherinshock.Ofthekif…nosignasyet,buttherumorwoulddrawthem,shewaswellsureofthat,andwishedinthatregardthatshehadthatgunshehadthoughtoftaking.

They,reachedthelift,pushedthebutton,mahegivingwayaboutthemandcrowdingbackagainateveryopportunity,aroarofcrowd-noiseaboutthem.“Captain,”someoneasked,oneofthemahendo’sat.“Whatisthisbeing?”

Sheturnedaboutwithagrinwhichlackedallpatience,andmahendo’satwhoknewhanibackedup,buttherewashumorinittoo,satisfactionattheturmoil.Theliftarrived,andahalfdozenstartledmahedecidedtovacateit,whetherornottheyhadplannedongettingoutonthislevel.TheyedgedoutthedoorinhasteandPyanfarseizedTullybythearmandputhiminside.Churdelayedwhileshesteppedin,andcamelast,lacingthecrowd.Thedoordelayed,timeenoughforanyoneelsewhothoughttheywantedtorideupwiththem,butnooneentered.Thedoorclosed,andtheliftshotupward.PyanfarletgoofTully’sarmandputherhandonhisback,readytoindicatetohimtomoveout.Hewassweatingdespitethechillintheair.

sweatingdespitethechillintheair.

OntheothersideofhimChurpattedhisarm.Theliftstoppedonce.Thosewaitingdecidedagainstentering,eyeswide;andtheliftwentonup.

“Friend,”Tullysaidnervously,outofhisscanthanirepertoire.

“Mahendo’satandstsho,”Pyanfarsaid.“Friend.Yes.”

Thecarstoppedasecondtime,aquietercorridorintheofficecomplex.Tullywalkedwiththem,outanddownthehall,startlingothermaheworkers.

Andstopped,abruptly.Akifcamefromtheofficesahead,stoppedandstared,anonymousingrayrobesanddolefulkifishface.PyanfarseizedTully’sarm,pulledtheclawsinwhenhewinced,butthestinggothimmoving.Theypassedthekifandthekifturned;Pyanfardidnotreacttoit,butChur,crewandunburdenedwithcaptaincy,facedaboutwithearsflatandasnarlonherface.Likelythekifkeptstaring.PyanfarwhiskedTullythroughthewelcomeofficedoorsaheadandonlythenturnedtocastalookback;butthekifwasonitsway,robesaswirlinitshaste,andChur,earsstillflat,joinedtheminsidetheregistryoffice.Tullysmelledofsweat.Veinsstoodoutinhisarms.Pyanfarpattedhisshoulderandlookedroundthegaudycoloredroomatafrozenofficefulofmahendo’sat,moststanding.

“I’mPyanfarChanur.Yourequestedaninterview.”

Therewasageneralflutter,theforemostoftheofficialsditheringaboutlettingthemthroughthegeneralregistryareatothemoresecludedcomplexbehindthedoors,withadozenlooksatTullyintheprocess.

“Comealong,”Pyanfarurgedhimsoftly,keepingahandonhiselbow,andnowshesweated,reckoningtheshocksTullyhadenduredthusfar,akifinthehall,closespaces…oneirrationalmomentandhecouldbolt;orstrikeatsomeone-“Friend,”shesaid,andhestayedbyher.

Theofficialletthemthroughintoaluxuriouswaitingarea,thickcarpetandpillowlikecouchesinbrightcolors,hastenedaboutprovidingthemrefreshmentastheysettledonafacinggroupofcouches.“Sit,sit,”Pyanfarsaid,providingTullytheexample,legstuckedandanklescrossed,andChurwaiteduntilTullyhadsettlednervouslyonthefacingcouch.Chursankdowninrelief.Theofficialsetthewelcomingtrayonaportabletableintheirmidst.Hisdarkmaheeyeswerealivewithcuriosity.“Begunderstanding,hanicaptain…thisis-

werealivewithcuriosity.“Begunderstanding,hanicaptain…thisis-passenger?”

“Crew,”Pyanfarsaidwithaprimpursingofthelips.Sheacceptedtheglassthesquattingmahefilled,two-handedmahestyleinherholdingofit;andsawtohersatisfactionthatthemahehadinfactprovidedthreeglasses.HefilledthesecondandgaveittoChur,whosemannerswereimpeccable,andwithsomediffidence,offeredtoTully.

Tullytookhisafterthesamefashion,keenmimic.Pyanfarsmiledtoherselfandsmotheredthesmileinasipofmahendo’satliquor.Theofficialpatteredoutwitheffusiveandanxiousbows,leavingthemalone;andwhateverTullythoughtoftheliquorhehadtheself-possessionnottoflinchfromit.

“Friend,”Tullysaidagain,lookingworried.Chur,besidehim,putahandonhiskneeandheseemedtotakereassurancefromthat.Panic,notquite,buthisskinglistenedwithsweat,hismusclesweretaut.Stepssoundedjustoutsidethedooratthesideoftheroomandhewouldhavelookedaround,butChurpattedhiskneeandherefrained.

Thedooropened.Ahandfulofmahendo’sat,importantwithelaboratebrightkiltsandcollars,cameinonthem,oneofthemattendedbyasmallbrownandwhitefluffwhichscurriedabouttheflooratitsfeetandbristledatthescentofhani.Ithissedandhadtobescoopedupintheofficial’sarms;andPyanfarkeptawaryeyeonitallthesame,risinginrespecttothevisitors.ChurandTullyfollowedherlead,andshebowedandsufferedthemahendo’sat’sfranklyappraisingstareatTully.Theychatteredamongthemselves,nolittledisturbed,andsomeofthatshecaught,exclamationsofcuriosity:thefluffgrowled,anditsowner-anelderlymahewhosedarkfurwasgrayingandwhoseflatfacehadalltheotherattributesofage-lookedtowardherwithaloweringoftheears.

“Chanurcaptain?”

“Thesame.HaveIthehonortoknowyou?”

“AheStasteburana-to,I.”

Thestationmasterinperson.Shemadeanotherbow,andthestationmasterdidthesame,keepingtheequilibriumofthepamperedcreatureinhisarms,soothingitsgrowlsunsuccessfullyashestraightenedagain.AndwithapparentdistractionStasteburanastrolledoff,whileanotherofthecompanymadeastifferbowand

Stasteburanastrolledoff,whileanotherofthecompanymadeastifferbowandlaunchedintothem.“Youpay,Chanurcaptain,finesforrecklessapproach.Finesforbringdebrisboostedthrough,dangertoallinnocent.Finesforrecklesshastenearstation.Forbringhazardoussituation.”

“Ispitatyourcharges.IdumpedthedebrisatKitaandwarnedyouonlyintheremotechancetherewasstillsomewithme,dumpedit,Imightadd,andsustaineddamageprotectingyourworthlessstationfrominjury.Asforfines,you’rebrigands,bloodsuckers,topreyoffafriendlyshipwithalong-standingaccountatthisstation,whenforthepreservationofourlivesandtheprotectionoftheCompactwehadtocomeinforshelteragainstpiracy.Ahani,ahani,mind,asksshelter,andwhenhaveweeverdonesuchathing?Areyoublindanddeafaswellasgreedy?”

“Wehaveoutrage.Wehaveknnnactcrazyoutthere.Wehavereport-”

ThePersonageStasteburanahelduphisagedandmanicuredhand.HisVoicesilencedherselfandbrokeoffwithabow,whileStasteburanastrolledback,strokinghisballoffluff,whichhadneverceasedtogrowl.“Youmakelargecommotion,honorableChanur,greathanicaptain,yes,weknowyou-longtimeabsent;maybetradeourrivalAjir,butweknowyou.Goodfriend,we.Maybemakedealonfines.Butseriousmatter.Wherecomefrom?”

“MeetpointandUrturviaKita,wisemahe.”

“Withthis?”Anears-flatlookatTully.

“Anunfortunate.Abeingofgreatsensitivity,wiseandgentlemahe.Hisshipwaswrecked,hiscompanionsgone…hecasthimselfonmycharityandprovesofconsiderablevalue.”

“Value,hani,captain?”

“Heneedspapers,wisemahe,andmyshipneedsrepairs.”

AgainStasteburanawalkedaway,alooffromtheVoice.“Yourshipgotnocargo,”theVoicespat.“Youcomeemptyhand,makebigtroublehere.Younearaskcredit,hanicaptain;whatcredit?Wemakeyoufines,yousendAnuurngetcargo,maybetwo,threehanishippayoffdamages.Yougotusknnn.Yougotuskif.Weknowthis.Yougotalkhaniatnextberth,askshepayyourfines.”

“Trivial.Ihavecargo,betterthanMoonRising.Imakeyouadeal,indeedIshall,inspiteofyouruncivilizedbehavior.Imakeadealallmahendo’satwillwant.”

TheVoicelookedatTully,andthePersonageturnedabout,movedinwithaleisurelygrace,handedthesmallnoisyanimaltotheVoice,andfrowned.Stasteburanamadeafurthersigntohisotherthreecompanions,andoneofthemcalledtosomeoneinthehall.

Itwasnoteasytomakedistinctionsofmahendo’satofthesameageandsexandbuild;butaboutthelargeandrelativelyplainfellowwhoansweredthatsummons…therewasaninstantandqueasyfamiliarity-particularlywhenheflashedabroadgilt-edgedsmile.Pyanfarsuckedinherbreathandtuckedherhandsbehindher,pullingtheclawsbackin.

“CaptainAnaIsmehanan-minofthefreighterMahijiru,”Stasteburanasaidsoftly.“Acquaintancetoyou,yes.”

“Indeed,”Pyanfarsaid,andbowed,whichgestureGoldtoothreturnedwithaflourish.‘

“Thiskifbusiness,”saidStasteburana,foldinghiswrinkledhandsathismiddle.“Explain,haniCaptain.”

“WhoamItoknowwhatakifthinks?Theyletthisunfortunatebeingsliptheirfingersandexpectedmetosellhimback,plainlyillegal.Thentheyattackedahanishipwhichwas

Completelyignorantofthematter.AHandurshipwascompletelydestroyedunlessthecaptainofMahijiruhasbetternews.”

“Nogoodnews,”Goldtoothagreedsadly.“Alllost,hanicaptain.All.Igetawayquick,comeheretellstorymyport.”

ThePersonageturnedandtappedGoldtoothontheshoulder,spoketohiminoneofthoseobscuremahenlanguagesoutsideherreckoning.Goldtoothbowedprofoundlyandbackedaside,andPyanfarlookedwarilyatthePersonage.“Youknow,”shesaid,torecovertheinitiative,“whatthekifwanted;andyouknowthatthere’snochanceofhidingsuchaprize,nothere,notonAnuurneither.Nogoodhidingitatall.”

“Imakeyou-”Therewasabeepfromsomeone’spager.Avoicefollowed,andoneoftheattendantscameforwardinconsternation,offeredtheinstrumenttothehandofthePersonageStasteburana.Therewastalkofknnn:thatmuchpastthelocaldialect;andthePersonage’sdarkeyesgrewwider.“Whereisit?”Pyanfarcaughtthatmuchoftheconversation,andsawdistressamongtheothers.“Youcome,”saidStasteburanahimself,notusinghisVoiceforinstruction,andsweptagesturetothedoorwayfromwhichthemahendo’sathadcomeintotheroom.

“Come,”PyanfarechoedtoChurandTully,andwalkedalongamidthemahe,theattendantsandtheVoiceandthecaptainofMahijiru,allinthewakeofthePersonage,whowas-hasteningwithsomeevidentalarm.

Thecorridordebouchedonanoperationscenter.TechniciansintheaislesmeltedasideforthePersonageandhisentourage.TheVoicehissedorders,andthefluffhissedtoo,ingeneralmenace.Ontheairatc’aspoke,asoundlikestaticburstsandclicking.

“Screen,”Stasteburanaorderedinhisowntongue.

Themainscreenlivenedinfrontofthem,meterswideandshowingadimlylitdockside.Bluesandviolets,ahorridlight,likenightmare,andascuttlingshapelikeasnarlofhairpossessedofanindefinitenumberofthinblacklegs.ItdartedthisIwayandthat,draggingwithit,clutchedinjaws-appendages—underthehair?-somethingwhichglitteredwithmetalandhadthelookofalong-limbedhanibody.

WithasinkingfeelingPyanfarrecognizedit.ItwasagoodJbetthatChurandTullydid,whohadconspiredinitsconstruction.

“That’saknnn,”PyanfarsaidtoTully.HesaidsomethingIback,shortandunhappy.OnthescreenthecreaturescurriedIthiswayandthatwithitsburden,eludingtheattemptsofwrithingshapesintheshadowswhichtriedtodealwithit:thoseweretc’a.Somethingstiltlikejoinedthecommotion,dartedattheflittingknnnandtuggedattheprize,skitteredoffagain.CM,bythegods:thosemanicbeggars;thelimbsglowedphosphorescentyellow,leftconfusingtrailsonthescreeninitshaste.

Ofasuddenapairoftc’awrithedintotheknnn’sway,physicallydispossessedtheknnnofitsburden;andtheknnndartedabouttheharder,wailingwithrageordistressorsimplytryingtocommunicate.Thescenewascompletechaos;and

ordistressorsimplytryingtocommunicate.Thescenewascompletechaos;andsuddenlymoreknnnpouredin.Thesolitarychifled,ablurofyellow-glowingsticks;andinthemahendo’satcontrolcenter,technicianswhohadbeenseatedstooduptowatchwhathadbecomeriot.Hissesandclicksandwailscamefromtheaudio.Theknnnbegantogiveground,aphalanxofhairysnarledmasses.

Suddenlyonedartedforward,seizedoneoftheleathery,serpent-shapedtc’aanddraggeditoffintotheirretreatingline.Therewasafrantichissingandclickingfromthemassoftc’a;butapartfromamillingabout,awrithingandtwiningofdozensofserpentinebodieslikesomanyfingerslacingandunlacingindistress…nothingNottheleastattemptatcounterattackorrescue.Pyanfarwatchedthekidnappingwithherearslaidback.

Sotheknnnhadtraded,afteritsfashion,dartedontostationandlaiddownitsofferedgoods-madeoffwithsomethingittookforfair;andnowanotherspecieshaddescendedtotradinginsapients.

“Whatisit?”amaheaskeddistressedly,andfellsilent.Themainbodyofthetc’amanagedtodragtheknnn’stradegoodsalong,agrotesqueflailingofsuitedarmsandlegs.Acommunicationcamethrough,andatechnicianapproachedthePersonageStasteburana.“Hani-makeeva-pod,”thatonesaid,andStasteburanaturnedadisturbedglanceonPyanfar,wholiftedherearsandassumedhermostcarelessexpression.

“Ishouldn’twanttodisturbyou,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allyou’llfindinthatsuit,wisemahe,isaveryspoiledlotofmeatfromourlocker;I’dadviseyoutakedecontaminationprecautionsbeforetakingthatpodhelmetoff.”

“Whatyoudo?”StasteburanaspokeinangerwithouthisVoice,andwavedhisVoiceoffwhensheattemptedtointervene.“Whatyoudo,Chanurcaptain?”

“Theknnnseemstohaveinterceptedagiftofminemeantforthekif.It’sconfused,I’msure.Probablyit’llreturnthetc’a.-Itwas,atthetime,amatterofnecessity,reveredmahe.”

“Necessity!”

“Onlyspoiledfood,Iassureyou.Nothingmore.-Wewereonthepointofdiscussingrepairstomyship…whichareurgent.You’llnotwantmesittingatyourdockanylongerthanyouhaveto.AskthehonestcaptainofMahijiru.”

“Outrage!”theVoiceproclaimed.“Extortion!”

“Shallwediscussthematter?”

Thefluffballsufferedanothertransfer,tothenearestofthedignitaries,andtheVoicelookedtobepreparingforverbalcombat;butthePersonageliftedaplacidandsilencinghand,motionedthegroupbackdownthecorridor,delayingtogiveaninstructionregardingthetc’a.ThenthePersonageledthewaybackintothecomfortableroomdownthecorridor.

“Profit,”Pyanfarsaidquicklyandsoothinglywhentheeldermaheandhisentourageturnedtofaceherandhers.

“Troublefirstwithkifandnowwithknnnandwithtc’a.Deceptionsandhazardstothisstation.”

“Anewspecies,reveredmahe.That’stheprizethathasthekifdisturbed.Theyseethehopeofprofitthelikeofwhichthey’venotknownbefore;andIhavethesolesurvivingmemberofhiscompany,aspacefaringpeople,communicative,civilized,wisemahe,andfittotiltthebalanceoftheCompact.ThiswastheprizeatMeetpoint.ThiswasthereasonofthelossoftheHandurship,andthiswasthepartofmycargoIrefusedtojettison.Surelyweagree,reveredmahe,whatthekifmeanttodoiftheyhadgottenthisinformationfirst.ShallItellyoumoreofmysuspicions…thatthestshoknewsomethingaboutwhatwasgoingon?Thatkifmeanttoannexalargeportionofadjacentspace…havingintimidatedthestsho?Thathavingdoneso,theywouldthenbeinapositiontoexpandtheiroperationsandrearrangethemapoftheCompacttosuitthemselves-anacquisitionfromwhichtheothermembersoftheCompactwouldbepositionallyexcluded;onlythestsho…whowouldlickthekifsfeet.AndwhatfuturefortheCompactthen?WhatofthisCompactwhichholdsallofourveryprofitabletradetogether?Whatofthebalanceofthings?ButIshalltellyouwhatIhave:atape,atape,mygood,mygreatandfarsightedmaheelder,forasymboltranslator.…atapewhichthekifspentsapientlivestoobtainandfailedtoget.Wearen’tselfish;Imakethistapeavailabletomahendo’satasfreelyashani,intheinterestsofspreadingthisknowledgeasfaraspossibleamonglikemindedpeople.ButIwantmyshiprepaired,thefinesforgotten,theassurancethatChanurwillcontinueinthefriendshipofthisgreatandpowerfulstation.”

ThePersonagelaidhisearsback,hiseyesdilated.Heturnedaway,leavinghis

ThePersonagelaidhisearsback,hiseyesdilated.Heturnedaway,leavinghisVoicetofacethematter.“Wherecomethiscreature?Howweknowsapient?Howweknowfriendly?”

“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid,andputahandonhisarmanddrewhimforward.“Tully,thisistheVoiceofthestationmaster..friend,Tully.”

Foraterriblemomentthatarmwastense,asifTullymightbolt.“Friend,”hesaidthenobediently.TheVoicefrowned,peeredthiswayandthatatTully’sface…onalevelwiththemahe’sown.“Speakhani?”theVoiceasked.

“IgoonPyanfarship.Friend.”

Gods.Asentence.Pyanfarsqueezedthearmandputhimprotectivelybehindher.TheVoicefrowned;andbehindtheVoicethePersonagehadturnedbackwithinterest.“You

bringthistroubletous,”Stasteburanasaid.“Andknnn…whyknnn?”

“AresidentofUrtur.Iclaimnounderstandingofknnn.It’sbecomedisturbed…butnotofmydoing,noblemahe.ThesafestthingforKirduStationinalleventsistohavemesafelyonmyway…andtohavethat,Ifear,there’samatterofcertainessentialrepairs-”

Theelderflaredhisnostrilsandpuffedbreathsbackandforth.HeconsultedwithhisVoice,whospoketohimrapidlyinvolvingkifandknnn.ThePersonageturnedbackyetagain.“Thistapedeal-”

“-keytoanotherspecies,reveredmahe.Mahendo’satwillhaveaccesstothisdevelopment;meetshipsofthiskind-assuredpeacefulmeeting,fullcommunication.Andmind,youdealwithnostranger,noonewhowillcheatyouandbegone.ChanurexpectstobebackatKirduinthefuture,expects-mayIspeaktoyouinconfidence-todevelopthisnewfind.”

StasteburanacastanervousglanceatTully.“Andwhatyoufind,a?Findtrouble.Maketrouble.”

“Areyouwillingtohavethekifdothemovingandthegrowingandthegetting?Theyassuredlywill,goodmahe,ifwedon’t.”

ThePersonagemadenervousmovesofhishands,walkedtotheoneofhiscompanionswhoheldtheangryballoffluffandtookitback,strokingitand

companionswhoheldtheangryballoffluffandtookitback,strokingitandtalkingtoitsoftly.Helookedup.“Repairsbegin,”Stasteburanasaid,andwalkednearTully,whostoodhisgrounddespitethegrowlingcreatureinthemahe’sarms.Thegrowlinggrewlouder.Themahestoodandstaredalongmoment,gaveavisibletwitchoftheskinofhisshouldersandliftedahandfromhispettosigntohisVoice.“Makepapersthissapientbeing.Makerepairs.Allhanigo.Goaway.”HelookedsuddenlyatPyanfar.“Butyougivetape.Wesaynothingtokif.”

“Wisemahe,”Pyanfarsaidwithallhergrace,andbowed.ThePersonagewaggledfingersanddismissedtheminthecompanyoftheVoice,andthefluffgrowledattheirbacks.

So,Pyanfarthought,astheydelayedatthedesksoutside,asnervousmahendo’satofficialswentthroughthemechanicsofidentificationswithTully.Sotheyhadpromises.Shekeptherearsup,herexpressionpleasant,andsmiledwithextraordinarygoodwillatthedeskdwellers.ChurkeptherhandhoveringnearTully’sarm,athisback,constantlyreassuringhimatthisandthatstep,answeringforhim,keepinghimcalmwhentheywantedhispicture,urginghimtosignwhereappropriate.Pyanfarcranedforward,gotaglimpseofasignatureofintricateregularitywhichcouldnotbeanilliterate’smarkinanyone’seyes.

“Good,”shesaid,pattedTullyontheshoulderasthedocumentwentbackintothehandsofmahendo’satofficials-lookedaboutagain,nosewrinklingtoascentofperfume,fortwostshohadjustcomeintotheoffices.Theystoodtherewiththeirjeweledpallorlookingoutofplaceinmahendo’satmassivearchitecture,thehugeblockydesksandthegarishcolors.MoonstoneeyesstaredunabashedlyatTullyandatthem.Capaciousstshobrainsstoredupawealthofdetailforgossip,whichstshotradedlikeothercommodities.Pyanfarbaredherteethatthemandtheywiselycamenocloser.

Thepaperscameback,plasticizedandpermanent,withTully’sfacestaringbackfromthem,specieshandwritten,classificationgeneralspacersemiskilled,sexmale,andmostoftheothercirclesunfilled.TheofficialgavethefoldertoPyanfar.ShegaveittoTully,clappedhimontheshoulder,facedhimaboutandheadedhimforthedoor,pastthegawkingstsho.

Elsewhere,shetrusted,orderswerebeingpassedwhichwouldgetarepairskimmerprioritiedforThePride.Themahendo’sat’sprimeconcernhadbecome

skimmerprioritiedforThePride.Themahendo’sat’sprimeconcernhadbecomegettingridofthematutmostspeed:shedidnotdoubtit.

Therewouldbeamaheofficialdemandingthattapebeforeallwasdone:thatwasbeyonddoubttoo.Therewouldbesomelittlequibblewhichcamefirst,repairsortape;repairs,shewasdetermined.Themahehadlittlechoice.

Theywalkedthecorridortotherightfromtheofficedoorway,towardthelift,thethreeofthem,pastoccasionalmahendo’satofficeworkersandbusinessfolkwhoeitherfoundreasontoduckbackintotheirdoorwaysoranxiouslytriedtoignorethem.

Butthethreewhowaitedbeforethematthelift…Pyanfarstoppedhalfastep,madeitawiderone.“You,”shesaid,stridingforward,andtheforemostmahestoodoutfromhistwocompanions,giltteethhiddeninablackscowl.

“Bringtrouble,you,”saidthecaptainofMahijiru.

“Howyoulive,mahe?A?Sellinformationeveryportyoutouch?”

“Myport,Kirdu.Youmaketrouble.”

“Huh.Troublefoundme.Gotcrewshotgettingyouyourrottedwelderstokeepourdeal.DoIsayanythingaboutpearlsyouoweme?No.Igiveyouagift,bravemahe.Iasknoreturn.”

Goldtoothfrownedthemore,lookedatChurandwalkedclosertoTully,tiltedhisroundchinandlookedTullyupanddown,butkepthishandsoffhim.ThenhethrewaglanceatPyanfar.“Thisyoupickuponthedock.”

“YouaskquestionsforthePersonage?SameyougatherinformationatMeetpoint?”

Forthefirsttimethemaheflashedthatsharpedgedgoldgrin.“Youclever,hanicaptain.”

“YouknowthisAkukkakk.”

Thegrindied,leavingdeadlyseriousness.“Maybe.”

“Youreallymerchant,mahecaptain?”

“Longtime,honesthani.Mahijirulongtimemerchantship,me,mycrew,longtimemerchanter,sonsanddaughtersmerchanters.ButweknowthisHinukku,yes.Longtimebadtrouble.”

Pyanfarlookedintothatbroaddarkfaceandwrinkledhernose.“Sweartoyou,mahecaptain-Ididn’tthinktobringtroubledownonyou.Igiveyouthetradegoods,makenoclaimforreturn.Yousavedourhides,putusontothatkifbastard.Oweyouplentyforthat.”

Themahefrowned.“Deal,hani.Theymakeyourepair,yougetquickleave…danger.Tellyouthatfree.”

“MahijirutooknodamagegettingoutofMeetpoint?”

“Smalldamage.Youtakeadvice,hani.”

“Itakeit.”Shepressedtheliftbutton,tookasecondlook,torememberthefaceofthismahebeyonddoubt.“Come,”shesaidastheliftarrivedempty.SheshepherdedChurandTullythroughthedoorandturnedonceinside.Goldtooth/Ismehananandhiscompanionsshowednoinclinationtogowiththem.Thedoorclosedbetweenandtheliftstarteddown.Shelookedback,atTullyandatChur,andgatheredTullybytheelbowasthecar,unstoppedthistimebyotherpassengers,madethewholetripdownandletthemoutonthedocks.

Thecrowdhaddispersedsomewhat,thankthegods;butnotenough.Itgatheredquicklyenoughastheycrossedthedock,andPyanfarwatchedonallsides,flickingquickglancesthiswayandthat,reckoningthatbynow,troublehadtimetohaveorganizeditself.

Anditwasthere.Kif-bythegantries,watching.Thatpresencedidnotatallsurpriseher.Tullyfailedtospotthem,seemingdazedintheswirlofbodies,noneofwhichpressedtoocloselyonthem,butstayedaboutthem.

Therampwayaccessgapedahead.Agroupofmahendo’satlawenforcementstoodthere,sticksinhand,andthecrowdwentnofarther.Pyanfarthrusthercompanionsthroughthatline,withherownlegstremblingunderher-wantofsleep,gods,wantofrest.Churwasinthesamecondition,surely,andTullywashardlysteadyonhisfeet,unfitmentallyandphysicallyforthiskindofturmoil.Shesightedontherampwayandwent,hard-breathing.

Butamongthegantriesbesidethem…hanishadows.MoonRising’sfolk,none

Butamongthegantriesbesidethem…hanishadows.MoonRising’sfolk,noneofherown,hadspilledoverfromthenextberth,behindthesecurityline.“Comeon,”shesaidtoChurandTully.“Ignorethem.”

Sheheadedintotherampway’sribbedandlightedgullet,hadledthetwoofthemupthecurvingcoursealmosttothesecurityoftheirownairlockwhensheheardsomeonecomingbehind.“In,”shesaidtohercompanions,andturnedtobartheintruderwhoappearedaroundthecurve.Herearswereflat;shereachedinstinctivelyfortheweaponshehadleftbehind-butthefigurewashani,silk-breechedandjeweled,stridingboldlyrightuptherampway.

“Tahar,”shespat,wavedadismissinghand.“Gods,doweneedcomplications?”

“I’vedonenapping.”TheTaharcaptainstoppedjustshortofher,tookherstance,handsatherwaist,alargefigure,withatornleftearberingedwithprosperity.Broadfaced…ablackscarcrossedhermustache,makingitscantontheleftside,andgivingDurTaharnopleasantexpression.Herbeardwascrisplyrippledandsowashermane,characteristicofthesoutherners,darkbronze.Twoofhercrewshowedupbehindher,likeasetofclones.

“We’vemanaged,”Pyanfarsaid,“withouttroublingyourrest.”

DurTaharignoredher,lookedbeyondhershoulder-atwhatsight,Pyanfarhadnotroubleguessing.“What’sthatthing,Chanur?Whatcreatureisthat?”

“That’saproblemwe’vegotsettled,thankyou.”

“Bythegods,settled!We’vejustbeenorderedoffthestation,andit’salloverthedockaboutthispassengerofyours.Abouthaniinvolvedwiththekif.Aboutadealyou’vemade-bythegods,I’llreckonyou’vesettledthings.-Whatareyou,tradinginlivebodiesnow?You’vefoundyourselfsomethingspecial,haven’tyou?Thatfracasthatsentyoukitinginherewithyourtailsinged-involvedwiththat?”

“That’senough.”Herclawscameout.Shewastired,gods,shakingonherfeet,andshestaredatDurTaharwithadarktunnelclosingabouthervision.“Ifyouwanttotalkaboutthis,youaskmebycom.Notnow.”

“Ah.Youdon’tneedourhelp.Areyouplanningtostayhereindockwithyourtailhanging…ordidyouandthemahendo’satcomeupwithadeal?Whatkindofgameareyouproposing,Chanur?”

ofgameareyouproposing,Chanur?”

“I’llmakeitclearenough.Later.Getclearofmyairlock.”

“Whatspeciesisit?Wherefrom?Therumorflyingthedockssayskifspace.Orknnn.Saysthere’saknnnshipherethatdroppedahanibody.”

“I’lltellittoyouonce,Tahar:wegotthisitematMeetpointandthekiftookoutHandur’sVoyagerforspite,nosurvivors.Caughtthemsittingatdock,andtheyandwehadn’tevenbeenincommunication.WedumpedcargoandranforUrtur,andthekifwhofollowedusstruckatFaha’sStarchaserwithnobetterreason.WhetherStarchasergotawayornotIdon’tknow,buttheyAtleasthadarunatit.Thekifwantthisfellowbadly.Andit’sgottenbeyondsimpleprofitandlosswiththem.There’sahakkiktinvolved,andthere’snostoppingthisthingtillwe’vegothim.Maybewedid,atUrtur.Helookedbad,andthatmaysettleit.Butifyouwanttomakeyourselfuseful,you’rewelcometorunourcourse.”

“Supposeyoumakeyourselfgenerous.Givethisthingintomyhands.I’llseeitgetssafetoAnuurn.”

“No,thanks.”

“I’llbetnot.Youcandealwiththemahendo’sat,afterall,butnotwitharival.Well,Chanur’snotgoingtositonthisone,I’llpromiseyouthat,PyanfarChanur.Andifthisturnsouttobethefiascoitpromisestobe,I’llbeonyourheels.Thatbrotherofyoursisgettingsoft.Backhome,theyknowit.Thisshoulddoit,shouldn’tit?”

“Out!”

“Givemetheinformationyoutradedthemahendo’sat.Andwemayviewthingsinabetterlight.”

“IfyouweremaheI’dtrustyoumore.Lookhimover,DurTahar.Butanythingelseyouwanttoknow…I’lldecideonwhenI’vegotthisstraightenedout.Neverfear;you’llgetthesamedataIgavethemahendo’sat.Butifyouleavethisinourlaps,thenbythegods,we’llsettleitourwaywithoutyourhelp.”

DurTaharlaidherearsbackandstartedtogo,lingeredforonepoisonouslookbeyond,towardtheairlock,andafocussnappedbackoncenter.“I’llaskyouatAnuurn,then.Andyou’llhaveanswers,godsrotyou.You’llcomeupwiththem.”

them.”

“Nothingpersonal,Tahar.Youalwaysdidlackvision.”

“Whenyoubegmyhelp-Imightgiveit.”

“Out.”

DurTaharhadmadeheroffer.Perhapssheexpectedadifferentanswer.Sheflinched,managedalazyindifference,smoothedherrippledbeard,turnedandlookedbacktowardtheairlockalasttime,slowly,beforeshestalkedout,gatheringhertwocrewwomenasshewent.

“Gods,”Pyanfarmutteredthroughherteeth,putahandwearilytotherampwaywallandturnedabouttotheairlock,feelingsuddenlyolder.Thatwasmuffed.Sheshouldhavebeenquickeronhermentalfeet,sloweroftemper.TheTaharmighthavebeentalkedintoit.Maybewantedtobetalkedintoit.IfaTaharcouldbetrustedattheirbacks.Shehatedthewholeofit,mahe,Tahar,Outsider,allofit-wincedunderChur’sstare.NotawordfromChurthewholewayback,regardingthebusinessshehadconducted,thistape-selling,trust-selling.

AndTully’sface…ofasuddenhejerkedawayfromChur’sgripandwentintotheairlock,Churhasteningtostophim.Pyanfarbrokeintoarunintothehatchway,butChurhadgothim.Tullyhadstoppedagainsttheinsidewall,hisbackagainstit,hiseyesfullofanger.

“Captain,”Chursaid,“thetranslatorwasworking.”

Pyanfarreachedintoherpocketandthrustheraudioplugintoherear,facedTully,wholookedsteadilytowardher.“Tully.Thatwasnotafriend.Whatdidyouhear?What?”

“You’resamelikekif.Wantthesamemaybe.Whatdealwiththemahendo’sat?”

“Isavedyourmiserablehide.Whatdoyouthink?ThatyoucantravelthroughCompactterritorywithouteveryonewhoseesyouhavingthesamethoughts?Youdidn’twanttodealwiththekif-goodsense;butbythegods,youhaven’tgotachoicebutusorthekif,myfriendTully.Allright.Itradedthemthetapeyoumade-butnotthatIcouldn’thavegottentheshiprepairwithoutthat:they’reanxioustogetridofus;they’dhavecomeroundtapeornotape,youcanbettheywould.Butnoweveryone’sgoingtoknowaboutyourkind;gods,letthe

theywould.Butnoweveryone’sgoingtoknowaboutyourkind;gods,letthemahendo’satmakecopiesofit;letthemsellitinthestandardkit.It’sthebestdealyoucanget.I’mnotsellingyou,yourag-earedbastard;canImakeyouunderstandthat?Andmaybeifyourshipsmeetourships…there’llbeatapeinthetranslatorsthatmaykeepusfromshootingateachother.Wemeetandtrade.Understand?Betterdealthanthekifgiveyou.”

Atremorpassedoverhisface,expressionsshecouldnotread.Theeyesspilledwater,andhemadeamoveofhisarm,jerkedatChur’sgriponitandChurcautiouslylethimgo.

“Youunderstandme?”Pyanfarasked.“DoImakemyselfunderstood?”

Noresponse.

“You’refree,”Pyanfarsaid.“Thosepapersletyougoanywhere.Youwanttowalkouttherampway,ontothedock?Youwanttogobacktostationofficesandstaywiththemahe?”

Heshookhishead.

“That’sno.”

“No.Pyanfar.I#.”

“Sayagain.”

Hereachedtohiswaistanddrewoutthepapers,offeredthemtoher.

“Yourpapers,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allinorder.Goanywhereyoulike.”

Hemighthaveunderstood.Hepointedtowardthedoor.“Thishani-wantmegowithhim.”

“Her.DurTahar.Nofriendofmine.Ortothisship.Nothingthatconcernsyou.”

Hestoodamoment,seemingtothinkitover.Finallyhepointedbacktowardtheinnerhatch.“Igositdown,”hesaid,shouldersslumping.“Igosit.Right?”

“Go,”shesaid.“It’sallright,Tully.You’reallright.”

“Friend,”hesaid,andtouchedherarminleaving,walkedoutwithhishead

“Friend,”hesaid,andtouchedherarminleaving,walkedoutwithhisheaddownandexhaustioninhisposture.“Followhim?”Churasked.

“Notconspicuously.Docking’sgothisquartersoutofcommission.Getapropercotforthewashroom.”

“Wecouldtakehimintocrewquarters.”

“No.Idon’twantthat.There’snothingwrongwiththewashroom,forthegods’sake.Justgethimasedative.Ithinkhe’shadenough.”

“He’sscared,captain.Idon’tmuchblamehim.”

“He’sgotsense.Go.TellGeranifshedoesn’thearsomethingaboutthatrepaircrewwithinhalfanhour,comegetme.”

“Aye,”Churmurmured,andhastenedoffinTully’swake.

So.Done,forgoodorill.Pyanfarleanedagainstthewall,achinginallherbones,hervisionfuzzing.Afteramomentshewalkedout,downthevacantcorridortowardthelifts,hopingtoallthegodsGerancouldfindnoincidenttoputbetweenherandbed.

Noonestoppedher.Sherodetheliftup,walkedasleep-drunkencoursedownthecentralcorridortoherowndoor.

“Aunt,”Hilfy’svoicepursuedher.Shestoppedwithherhandagainstthelockplateandlookedaboutwithasourandforbiddingstare.

“Repaircrew’sonitsway,”Hilfysaideversoquietly.“Ithoughtyou’dwanttoknow.Messagejustcame.”

“You’vebeensittingwatchtopside?”

“Gotalittlerest.Ithought-”

“IfGeran’son,it’swastetoduplicateeffort.Getyourselfbacktoquartersandstaythere.Sleep,godsrotyou;amIsupposedtocoddleyoulater?Takesomethingifyoucan’t.Don’tcomecomplainingtomelater.”

“Captain,”Hilfymurmured,earsback,andbowed.

Pyanfarhitthebarandopenedthedoor,walkedinandpuncheditclosedbeforetheautomaticcouldfunction.BelatedlythelookonHilfy’sfaceoccurredtoher;andthelongdutyHilfyhadspentatcomthroughtransit,andthatshehadintendedtosaysomethingapprovingofthat,andhadnot.

Godsrotit.Shesatdownonthesideofthebedanddroppedherheadintoherhands.Gods,thatshehadstaggeredthroughtherequisiteinterviewwiththemahendo’sat,bargainedwiththem,offendedtheTahar-andTully…shehadtradedoffwhatthreeofhisshipmateshaddiedtokeeptothemselves.

Insuchaconditionshegambled,withChanurandTully’swholespeciesontheboard.

Shedroppedherhandsbetweenherknees,finallyreachedforthebedsidedrawerwhereshekeptaboxfulofpills.Sheshookoneintoherhandandputitintohermouth-spatitoutinsuddenrevulsionandflungtheopenboxfulacrossthecabin.Pillsrattledandcircledandlaystill.Shelaydownonthebedasshewas,drewthecoverletoverherself,tuckedher;armsaboutherheadandshuthereyes,flingingherselfintoanextendedcalculationabouttheirroutingoutofhereandrefusingtolethermindoffthattechnicalproblem.ShebuiltthenumbersinfrontofhereyesandfendedofftherecollectionofTully’sfaceorHilfy’s,orthescuttlingfigureoftheknnnwithitsprize,orthekifwhichskulkedandwhisperedtogetheroutonthedocks.

VII

“Aunt.”

Itwasnotcom;itwasHilfyinperson,leaningoverherbed,shakingather.“Aunt.”Pyanfarcameoutofsleepwithawildreachtogetherelbowunderher,shookherself,staredintoHilfy’sdilatedeyes.“It’sStarchaser,”Hilfysaid.“They’vecomethrough.They’reintrouble.Theycan’tgetdumped.Thewordjustcamein-”

“Ogods.”Pyanfarkickedthecoverletoff,scrambledoutdressedasshewasandseizedHilfybythearmonherwayoutoftheroom.“Talk,imp:hasanyonescrambled?”

“Station’scalledminersinthepath…somementionofanoutboundfreighterbeingabletochangecourse.…”Hilfyletherselfbepulledthroughthedoorwayintothecorridorandlopedalongkeepingupwithheronthewaytothebridge.“They’retwentyminuteslagout,crossingLijahantrackzenith.”

“Twentynow?”

“About.”

Haralwasonthebridge,standingbyscan,withthearea-lightonherface,andherexpressionwasgrimwhenshelookedaroundattheirarrival.“They’vegottogettothepod,”Haralsaid.“Nowayanyonecangettoherintime.Nowayanyrescuecanhaulthatmassdown,evenifshe’sstripped.”

“What’sourstatus?”

“Wecan’tgetthere,”Hilfyobjected,plainlogic.

“Notforrescue,”Pyanfarsaidquietly.

“Repairsunderway,”Haralsaid.“Vane’sunsecured.Ifthey’rerunningaheadofcompany-we’reintrouble.”

Tiruncamelimpingin,lopinghaste,andtherewasaqueryfromlowerdeck.“You’regettingallwe’vegot,”HaralrelayedtoGeranandChurbelow.“Can’ttellanythingyet.”

tellanythingyet.”

“Comeon,”Pyanfarmutteredtothebliponsystemicimage.“Doit,Faha.Getoutofthere.”Shesankdownintothecomcushion,aneyestilltowardthescreen,andpunchedthroughthestationopcode.“ThisisThePrideofChanur.Urgentrelaythestationmaster,PyanfarChanurspeaking:warnyouofpossiblehostilepursuitontailofincomingemergency.Repeat:warnyouofpossiblehostilepursuitofincomingemergency.”

“Thismessagereceiveclear,PrideofChanur.Mahenshipsansweremergency.Pleasestandby.”

Shewatchedscan,restedaknuckleagainstherteethandhissedabreath.Shipsshowedintheschematic,trafficatdeadstandstillcomparedtotheincomingstreakthatwasStarchaser,motionslowedenoughtoseeonlybecauseofsystemwidescale.Everythingwashistory,theimagesonthescope,thevoicesfromthezoneofemergency.Unabletodumpvelocity,Starchaserwouldstreakhelplesslyacrossthesystemandloseherselfonanunaimedvoyagetoinfinity.Itwasalongwaytodie.

“Lostthetransmission,”Haralsaid.Hilfyedgedin,lookingdesperate,triedtheswitchesherselfpastHaral’sside.Pyanfargnawedtheundersideofa^clawandshookherhead.Thebusinessofgettingajump-mazedcrewontheirfeetandheadedtotheescapepod-inStarchaser’stype,highupontheframe-andgetitaway,allthiswithintheminutestheyhadleft…

Thentheycouldonlyhope,iftheycouldmakeitthatfar,thatthepod’senginescouldhammerdownthevelocity,givesomejumpshipthechancetomatchvelocitiesandlockontothepod’ssmall,manageablemass,sothattheycouldbedumpeddown.Thatfreighterouttherewasthebestchancethecrewhad,ifonlytheycouldgetloose.

“Pod’saway!”Haralexclaimed,andTirunandHilfywerepoundingeachotherontheback.Pyanfarclenchedhertwohandstogetherinfrontofhermouthandstaredflatearedatthescan,whereanewschematicindicatedtheprobablecourseofthepodwhichhadnowpartedcompanywithdoomedStarchaser.Bothdotsadvancedalongthetrack,butagapdeveloped,thepod’sdecelerationfarfromsufficienttoriditselfofajumpship’svelocitybeforeitgaveout,butdoingwhatitcould.Thecrewwouldlikelyblackoutinthestress:thatwasamercy.Nowitwasaracetoseeifthefreightercouldoverhaulthepodorwhetherthepod

wasaracetoseeifthefreightercouldoverhaulthepodorwhetherthepodwouldleavethesystem.

“Mahefreighter?”Pyanfarasked.

Haralnodded.

ThePridewasonstation-fedtransmission;andstationhadtobeusingthefeedfromshipsfartherout,theLijahanmines,whateverwasinapositiontohavedata,andrelativetimewashardtocalculatenow.Thefreightercameupbymajorincrementswhiletheminutespassed,boostingitselfonitsjumpfield.Thegapstillnarrowedwithagonizingsluggishness,asscanshifted,keepingupwitheventswhichwerenowlongdecided.

Comsputtered,awailingtransmission.Knnn.“Gods,”Tirunsaid.“Aknnn’soutthereinit.”

Stationcommandresponded,atc’avoice.Therewereothertransmissions,knnnvoices,morethanone,adissonanceofwails.

“Chanur,”saidahanivoice,clearandcloseathand.“Isthisalsoyourdoing?”

Pyanfarreachedforit,punchedinthecontact,retractedtheclawwithamoraleffort.“Tahar,isthataquestionoracomplaint?”

“ThisisDurTahar.It’saquestion,Chanur.Whatdoyouknowaboutthis?”

“Itoldyou.Let’skeepitoffcom,Tahar.”

Silence.TheTaharwerenoalliesoftheFahacrew.ItwasaChanurpartisanintrouble,butifanyshipatstationcouldhavemovedintime,MoonRisingwouldhavetried:shedidnotdoubtit.Itwasapainfulthingtowatch,whatwashappeningonscan.Closetoher,Tirunhadsettled,andHilfy,simplywatchingthescreenwhileherFahakinswomenandthewreckagethathadbeenaFahashiphurtledcloserandclosertotheboundariesofthepickup.Aftersuchapointinsystemscancouldnotfollowthem.Stationwasgettingtransmissionnowfromadifferentsource,fromthemerchanterHasatso,thefreightertrackingStarchaser,theonlyshipinrange.TheblipthatwasStarchaseritselffinallywentoffthescreen.

“Chanurship,”stationsent.“Taharship.AdviseyoumerchanterHasatsohavemakecargodump;doallpossible.”

makecargodump;doallpossible.”

“ChanurandFahawillcompensate,”Pyanfarreplied,andharduponthatMoonRisingsentthankstoHasatsoviastation.“Godslookonthem,”Haralmuttered-acargodumped,toclosethegap,tocloseonanemergencynotoftheirspecies.

Knnnwailed.Elsewheretherewassilence.ForalongwhilethereseemedonlyonerhythmofbreathsonThePride,aboveandbelow.

“They’renearlyonit,”Hilfybreathed.

“They’vegotthem,”saidTirun.“Nowaytheycanmissnow.”

Itwentslowly.ThetransmissionsfromHasatsobecamemoreandmoreencouraging;andatlonglasttheyreportedcapture.“Hanisignal,”HasatsotoldKirduStation,“inpod.Live.”

Pyanfarbreathedoutthebreathshehadbeenholding.Grinned,reachedandsqueezedHilfy’sarm.Hilfylookeddrained.“Tahar,”Pyanfarsentthen,“didyoureceivethatreport?”

“Received,”Taharsaidcurtly.

Pyanfarbrokeitoff,satamomentwithhandsclaspedontheboardinfrontofher.Ashiplost;atradition;thatdeserveditsownmourning.HomeandlifetotheFahacrew,andthatwasgone.“Station,”shesentafteramoment,“advisetheFahacrewthatChanursendsitsprofoundsorrow,andthatkerHilfyChanurparFahawilloffertheresourcesofThePrideofChanur,suchastheyare.”\

“Advisethem,”anothervoicesentdirectly,“thatDurTaharo/Tahar’sMoonRisingalsooffersherassistance.”

Thatwascourtesy.Pyanfarleanedbackinthecushion,finallyturnedandrosewithastretchofhershoulders.“Whatcanbedone’sdone.Gofetchsomethingtodrink,Hilfy;ifI’mrousedout,someoneowesmethat.Drinkforallthatwantit.Breakfast.I’llhearreportslessurgentduring.-Haral,who’ssupposedtobeonduty?”

“Iam.”

“So.Thenclosedownlowerdeck.Tirun,backyougo.”

“Aye’Tirunmuttered,andleveredherselfupstifflyandlimpedoffinHilfy’swake.PyanfarsettledagainstthecompostcounterandlookedatHaral,seatedatthenumbertwospot.

“Thatknnn’sfallenintopatternaboutLijahan,”Haralsaid,payingattentiontothescreens.“Stillmakingcommotion.Awondertheydon’ttryforthecargosalvageoutthere.”

“Huh.Onlygranttheyallstayput.”

“Skimmer’sstillworkingoutthereatourtail.They’vegotacrewoutsideworkingtheconnectors.Thecable’sreadytosecure.Butfourteenpanelsweremissingandsixloose,andtheyestimateanothertwentyhoursworkingshiftonshifttogetthenewoneshookedup.”

“Gods.”Pyanfarranahandoverherbrowandintohermane,thinkingofkif-ofattackwhichhadchewedStarchasertoscrap.Therewereothersbesidestheknnnwhomightbeexpectedtorushtothatsalvageoutthere;thereweretheonstationkif…whoshowednosignofmoving.Thatwasunnatural.Noonewasmoving,exceptmaybeafewminersouttherewithambition.Noonefromstation.

Wordwasout;rumor…hadawindupeveryone’sback.

“TheTahar,”Haralsaidfurther,afteramoment,“appealedthatordertoputoutwithanappealtofinishcargooperations.Itwasallowed.”

“Helpful.Atleastthey’rehere.”

“HelpfulastheTaharingeneral.Beggingyourpardon.”

“I’lltalktothem.”

“YouthinkTahar’dmovetoguardourtail?”

“No,”shesaid.“Idon’t.Notunlesstheyseeprofitinit.Whataretheydoing?Nottakingcargo.”

“Offloading.Strippingtorun.Canisterspouringoutlikemaggots.”

Pyanfarnodded.“Stationwantsthatcargosafethen;andTahar’sgoingtodump

Pyanfarnodded.“Stationwantsthatcargosafethen;andTahar’sgoingtodumpthatoutfastdowntothebitsheusestostallwith.ThePersonagehasbackeddown,that’swhat;gotafewofhisonstationcompanieswailingaboutlosses,andTahar’llstayhereaslongasshelikes.That’llgivemetime.”

“Gods,thebillonthis.”

“Expensive,ourOutsider.Inallsenses.”ShelookedaboutasHilfycamethroughthearchwaywithalargetray,twocupsandtwobreakfasts.“Thanks,”Pyanfarsaid,takingplateandcup…pausedtolookatHilfy,whohadstoppedtolookatthesituationonthescreen.TheywerestillgettingtransmissionrelayedfromHasatso,withoccasionalbreakupwhichindicatedvelocitydump.“Goingtobeawhile,”Pyanfarsaid.“Unlessthey’vegotamedicalemergencyIdoubtthey’llboostupagainafterturnover,justrideitslowin.Hoursfromnow.Goonbacktoquarters.Imeanit.”

AfewportsagoHilfymighthaveargued,mighthavelaidherearsbackandsulked.Shenoddednowandwent.PyanfarslidaglanceatHaral,whostaredaftertheretreatingyoungsterandthennoddedonce,thoughtfully.

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid,diggingintothebreakfast,andforsomelittletimesheandHaralsatandwatchedthescanandate.“Tellyou,cousin,”Pyanfarsaidfinally,“yougooff-watchandI’lltakeit.”

“Notneedful,captain.”

“Don’tbenoble.I’vegotsomethingstodo.Onethingyoucandoforme.Whenyougodown,lookinonTully.Makesurehe’sallright.”

“Right,”Haralsaid.Shestoodupandgatheredthedishesontothetray.“Buthe’sallright,captain.Chur’sbeddeddowntokeepaneyeonhim.”

Pyanfarhadbeenfinishingherlastsipofgfi,tosurrenderthecup.Shebangeditdownonthetray.“Godsblast-DidIordidInotorderhimseparate?”

Haral’searsdroppedindismay.“Chursaidhewasupset,captain;madeherselfapalletinthewashroomso’shewouldn’twakeupbyhimself.Shesaid-yourpardon,captain-sedated,helookedsobad-Youwereinbed,captain.Itwasmydiscretion.”

Pyanfarexhaledshortly.“So.Well.Depressed,ChurSays.”

Haralnodded.“We’dtakehim,”Haralsaid.I

“Chursaid.”

“Um.”Haralfiguredthattrainofthingsofasuddenandhermustache-hairsdrewdown.“Sorry,captain.”

“Him,forthegods’sake.”

“Notasifhewashani,captain.”

“Notasif,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.“Allright.Puthimwhereyouwant;that’screwbusiness,noneofmine.Workhim.Heclaimstobeascantech.Lethimsitwatch.Who’sonnext?”

“KerHilfy.”

“Withsomeoneoftheexperiencedcrew.Someonewho’smadetheirmistakes.”

Haralgrinnedandrubbedtheblackscarwhichcrossedhernose.“Aye.Oneofuswillsorthimout.”

“Offwithyou.”

Haralwent.Pyanfarsliddownoffthecounterandtransferredtheactivitytoherownboard,satdowninherowndeeplypaddedcushionandrantheincomingmessagesofhourspast.TherewasnothingtherebutwhatHaralhadsaid,Tahar’sargumentaboutstayingandthebeginningsofStarchaser’scrisis.Sporadicinformationstillcamein:Hasatsosentwordoffoursurvivors….

Four.Acolddepressionsettledoverher.

Fouroutofsevencrewonthatship.ItwasmorethanthephysicalbodyofStarchaserlostoutthere,moreeventhanalifeortwoinacrewkin-close.Fouroutofsevenwastooheavycasualtiesforagrouptorecoveritself-notthewayithadoncebeen.Gods,tostartover,havinglostthatheavily-

“Station,”shesent,“thisisPyanfarChanur:confirmthattransmissionfromHasatso.Namesofsurvivors.”

Hasatso.Namesofsurvivors.”

“PrideofChanur,”stationsentbacktoher,“Hasatsotransmitfoursurvivorsgoodcondition.Nomoreinformation.Werelayquery.”

Shethankedstationabsently,satstaringatthescreenamoment.Therewaslagtimetocontendwithonthatrequest,nothingtodobutwait.Shebestirredherselftoruncheckswiththeshipsatrepairontheirowndamages,tocontactstationmarketandtoarrangeafewpurchasesanddeliveriesviadocksidecourierservices.Therewasdelayonthecommunications:everyoneatstationseemedmuddle-wittedintheconfusion,downtothejobbersincommodities.

“Station,what’skeepingthatanswer?”shesentmainop.

“Crewrefusereply,”theanswercameback.Communicationfailuretheretoo.Nerves.Possiblyshaken-uphaniandmaherescuerswereatodds.Shiplost,cargoeslost,liveslost.Anuglybusiness.

Andoneoftheknnnhadputoutfromstation,puttingoutwailingtransmissionandwallowinguncertainlyaboutstation’speripherieslikeaglobeofmarshfire,touchingofftickingobjections/accusations/pleas?fromthetc’acontrol.

Gods.Theoxygen-breathercommandwentsilentforthemoment.Tc’achatteredandhissed.Pyanfarreachedfortranslationoutput,butitfailed:tc’atranslatedbestwhenitwassimpledockinginstructionoroperationswhichwerecommontoallships.Thiswassomethingelse,godsrotthem.

Therewassilencefinally,evenfromthetc’a.Theknnnmovedoutfartherandstayedthere.Hasatsocontinueditsslowinwardprogress.Atlastthemahendo’satsideofstationcameonagain,quietoperationaldirectionsfortheincomingfreighter,nothinginformational.

Pyanfarsentthemnoquestions.Noonedid.

ThenewscamewhenHasatsoenteredfinalapproach:foursurvivors,afifthdeadinthestressofthepodeject,ofwounds,andallowedtogowiththepodwhenHasatsoreleasedit,notahanichoice,butmahehonor.TwowentwithStarchaser,deadintheattackorunabletogettothepod-theinformationwasnotclear.Therewasaname:firstofficerHilanFaha,survivor;andanother:LihanFaha-thecaptain,thethirdcasualty.

Faha-thecaptain,thethirdcasualty.

“Aunt,”Hilfysaid,whenPyanfarcalledhertothebridgeandtoldher,“I’dliketogodowntothedockwheretheyare.Iknowit’sdangerous.ButI’dliketogo.Byyourleave.”

PyanfarsetherhandonHilfy’sshoulder.Nodded.“I’llgowithyou,”shesaid,atwhichHilfylookedbothrelievedandpleased.“Geran,”shesaid,turningtoleanoverthecomboard,puttingitthroughonallship.“Geran.”

Theacknowledgmentcameback.

“Geran,takewatchagain,lowerdeckop.Newword’scomein.Starchasercaptainislost,andtwoofthecrew.HilfyandIaregoingtomeettherescueship;we’llbringtheFahabackaboardifthey’resoinclined.Nosensethemhavingtoputupwithmahequestionsandforms.”

Therewasamoment’sdelay,asorrowfulacknowledgment.

“Come,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfythen,andtheywalkedouttowardthelift.Hilfy’sbearingwasstraightenough,herfacecomposed…notgoodnews,whenshehadgonetosleepthinkingthatthingswerebetterthantheywere;buttheyhadsomething,atleast,oftheFahacrew,somethingsaved;andthatwasstillmorethantheyhadoncehoped.

Anothermattertothekifaccount,whenitcametoreckonings.Butiftherewerekifouttherenow-andtheremightbe,hoveringatthesystem’sedges,thesamegamethattheythemselveshadplayedatUrtur-thentheywerewaitingsomemomentofadvantage,somemomentwhentherewerenotfivearmedmahendo’satpatrolshipscruisingapatternoutthere.

AllshiphadwakedmorethanGeran.Tirunwasup,sittinginopwhentheycamedowntowardthelock;andGeran,whohadbeenassignedtheduty;andChurwasstandingaboutwithTully,wholookedvaguelydistressedinthisdisturbancehelikelyfailedtocomprehend.Haralshowedupinhastefromfartherdownthecorridor.“Goingwithyou,byyourleave,”Haralsaid,andPyanfarnodded,notsorryofit.“Kifoutthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’mnotgettingcaughttwicethesameway.”

“Takecare,”Tirunwishedthemastheywent,andintheairlock,whileHaralopenedtheouterhatch,Pyanfardelayedtotakethepistolfromitssecureplaceinthelockerbycomandtoslipitintoherpocket.

“Nodetectorstopass,”Pyanfarsaid.“Comeon.”

Thehatchwaystayedopenbehindthem;theywalkedouttheribbedrampwayanddownontothedockside.Engineswhinedontheirleft:MoonRisingwasstillaboutheroffloading,andcanisterswerecomingoffintothehandsofmahendo’satdockworkers,nothanicrew.

“TheymayhavegonetomeettheFahatoo,”Pyanfarjudged,markingthetotalabsenceofahanisupervisoroutside.Itwasacourtesytobeexpected,politicsasideinahani-ship’smisfortune.

“Notmuchstirring,”Haralsaid.

Thatwasso.Wherenormallythevastdockswouldhavehadabusypedestriantrafficupanddownthevastcurve,therewasadearthofcasualstrollers,andtheactivityaboutMoonRisingwastheonlyactivityofanymeasureinsight.Dockworkers,serviceworkers,mahewithspecificbusinessunderwaypausedtostareatthemandafterthemastheywalked.Stshohuddledneartheiraccessesandwhisperedtogether.Thekifwereoutabout,predictably,clusteredtogetherneartheaccesswayofoneoftheships,amassofblackrobes,seven,eightofthem,wholoungedneartheircanistersandclickedinsultsafterthem.

AndatoneofthoseinsultsPyanfar’searsflicked,andshestoppedtheimpulseinmid-twitch,tryingtomakebelieveshehadnotheardorunderstood.Heknows,hanithief.Howmanymorehanishipswillyoukill?

“Captain-”Haralmurmured,andHilfystartedtoturnaround.“Front,gods-”PyanfarhissedandseizedHilfybythearm.“Whatdoyouwanttostart,atwhatodds?”

“Whatdowedo?”Hilfyasked,walkingobedientlybetweenthem.“Howcanheknow?”

“Becauseoneofthosekifshipsishis,imp;cameinherefromKita;andnowAkukkakk’senlistedothershipstohelphim.They’llscatteroutofherelikesporeswhenwego,andgodshelpus,we’restucktillwegetthatrepairdone.”

“TheyasgoodashitStarchaserthemselves.I’dliketo-”

“We’dallliketo,butwehavebettersense,Comeon.”

“Iftheycatchusonthedock-”

“Allthemorereasonwegetthesurvivorsaboardandgetoffthedocks.Afraidyou’renotgoingtogetthatstationlibertyhereeither,imp.”

“ThinkIcandowithout,”Hilfymuttered.

Theykeptwalking,downamongthegantries,pastidlecrews,asfarasnumberfifty-twoberth,whereasurplusofbystandersgathered,adarkcrowdofmahendo’sat,sleek-furred,tallbodieswhichmadeitdifficulttoseeanything.Medicalpersonnelwereamongthem;andstationofficials,conspicuousbytheircollarsandkilts.

Andhani,tobesure.Elbowingthroughthegathering,Pyanfarcaughtsightofbronzemanesandaglitterofjewelsonahaniear,andshemadeforthatgroupwithHaralandHilfybehindher..

“It’shightimeyoushowedup,”DurTaharsaidwhenshearrived.

“Mindyourself,”Pyanfarsaid.“MyniecebehindmeisFaha.”

DurTaharslidaglanceinthatdirectionwithoutcomment.“Hasatso’sduetotouchanymoment,”shesaid.

“We’vegotsomekifgettingtogetherdownthedock.I’dwatchthatifIwereyou.”

“Yourproblem.”

“Awarning,that’sall.”

“Ifyoustartsomething,Chanur,don’tlookforourhelp.”

“Godsrotyou,yougivemenoencouragementtobecivil.”

“Idon’tneedyourcivility.”

“Amutualhazard,Tahar.”

“Amutualhazard,Tahar.”

“What,areyouaskingfavors?”

Theclawstwitched.“Askingsense,rotyou.”

“I’llthinkonit.”

Hasatsotouched,acrashingoflocksandgrapples.Gantriesslidupandcrewsopenedstationportsoneafteranotherinresponsetotheship,connectedlines,startedtherampwayouttomeetthelock.Itwasanagonizinglyslowprocessfromthespectatorranks,andonlythemahendo’satfoundoccasiontochatter.

Andfinallyadistantwhineandthumpannouncedthebreachingofthefreighter’shatch,firstinprocedure:stationreciprocated,andthemahecrewescortedofffourhani,exhaustedhani,onewithanarmbandagedandboundtoherchest,allofthemlookingasiftheyweredoingwelltobewalkingatall.Necessarilythemahendo’satofficialsmovedin:therewassigningofpapers,maheandhani;andPyanfartookHilfybytheshoulder,workedforwardwithher.Hilfywentthelastonherownandofferedanembracetotherefugees,anembracewearilyreturnedbytheFaha,oneaftertheother.

“Mycaptain,”Hilfysaidthen,“myauntPyanfarChanur;mycrewmateHaralAraunparChanur.”

Therewereembracesdowntheline.“Ourshipisopentoyou,”Pyanfartoldthefirstofficer,whosehaggardfaceanddazedeyestookherinandseemedatthemomenttohavetoomuchtotakein,withthemaheofferingmedicalassistance,stationwantingimmediatestatements.PyanfarlefttheFahamomentarilytoHilfyandtotheTaharwhohadmoveduptooffertheirowncondolences,andherselftookthehandsofthemaherescuecrewoneaftertheother,andthoseoftheapparentcaptain,atallhulkingfellowwholookedasbruisedandbewilderedastheFaha,whowasprobablyatthemomentreckoninghislostcargoandthewrathofcompaniesandwhatcomfortallthisgratitudewasgoingtowinhimwhentheshoutingdieddownandthebillscamein.

“You’recaptain,mahe?”Pyanfarasked.

Asignofthehead.

“I’mPyanfarChanur;ChanurhasfiledareportinyourbehalfatKirdu;Chanur

“I’mPyanfarChanur;ChanurhasfiledareportinyourbehalfatKirdu;ChanurcompanywillgiveyouhanistatusatAnuurn:youcomethere,understand?MakerunstoAnuurn.Notax.”

Darkmaheeyesbrightenedsomewhat.“Good,”hesaid,“good,”andsqueezedbothherhandsinacrushinggrip,turnedandchatteredathisownfolk-likelyoneofthosemahewhocouldscarcelyunderstandthepidgin,andgoodmightbeabouthalfhisspeakingvocabulary.Heseemedtomakeitcleartotheothers,whobrokeoutingrins,andPyanfarescapedthroughthecrushtowardHilfyandtheothers,gotherarmaboutHilfyandgotthewholehanigroupmovingthroughthepressureoftallmahendo’satbodies.TheTaharmadeawedgewiththem,andtheybrokeintotheclear.

“Thisway,”Pyanfarsaid,andfirstofficerHilanFahatooktheotherelbowofherinjuredcompanionandmadesureoftheothertwo,andtheystartedwalking,escapingtheofficialswhocalledafterthemaboutforms-Chanur,Faha,andTaharinonegroupupthedock,towardtheupcurvedhorizonwhereThePrideandMoonRisingweredocked.

“Howfar?”theFahaofficeraskedinashakingvoice.

“Closeenough,”Hilfyassuredher.“Takeyourtime.”

Thewaybackseemedfarlonger,slowerwiththeFaha’space;Pyanfarscannedthedarkplacesalongtheirroute,nottheonlyonewatching,shewassure.Inevitablytherewerethekifships;andthekifwerethere,tenofthemnow…callingoutinmockingclickstheirinsultsandtheirinvitationtocomeandshipwiththem.“Wetakeyoutoyourport,”theyhowled.“Weseeyougetyourreward,hanithieves.”

AwildlookcameintoHilanFaha’seyes.Shestoppeddeadandturnedthatstareonthem.“No,”Pyanfarsaidatonce.“We’rehereonstation’stolerance.Thisisn’tourterritory.Notonthedocks.”

Thekifhowledandchirredtheirabuse.ButtheFahamoved,andtheymadetheirwayfartherwiththekifvoicesfadinginthedistance,pastthestsho,whostaredwithlarge,paleeyes,uppastacomfortingnumberofmahendo’satvessels,andvirtualsilence,dockcrewsandpassersbystandingquietlyandwatchingandrespectfulsympathy.

“Notsomuchfarther,”Pyanfarsaid.

“Notsomuchfarther,”Pyanfarsaid.

TheFahahadnotthebreathtoanswer,onlykeptwalkingbesidethem,andfinally,atlonglast,theyhadreachedtheareaofThePride’sberth.“Faha,”DurTaharsaidthen,“MoonRisinghasnodamage,andThePridedoes.Weofferyoupassagethat’sassuredlymoredirectandquickerhome.”

“We’llaccept,”HilanFahasaid,toPyanfar’sconsternation.

“Cousin,”Hilfysaidinavoicecarefullymodulated.“Cousin,ThePridewillputoutquicklyenough;andweneedthehelp.Weneedyou,cousins.Youmightfindcommoncauseinthecompany.”

“Tamun’shadallshecanstand,”HilanFahasaid,withaprotectivemoveofherhandonherinjuredcomrade’sshoulder.ShelookedtowardtheTahar.“We’llboard,byyourleave.”

“Come,”DurTaharsaid,andtheTaharfellaboutthefourandescortedthemacrosstotheirownaccess.Hilfytookacoupleofstepsforward,earsflat,stoodthere,handsfallentohersides,andtookagoodlongmomentbeforesheturnedaboutagain,withherkinswomendisappearingupwardintotherampwayofMoonRising.Mortificationwasineverylineofherstance,ayoungster’shumiliation,thatsetherdownaswellassetheraside,andPyanfarthrusthandsintoherwaistbandtokeepthemfromawkwardness-noreachingouttotheimpasifshewereachild,nocomforttobeoffered.ItwasHilfy’saffair,totakeithowshewould.“They’vehadashock,”Hilfysaidafteramoment.“I’msorry,aunt.”

“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid,noddingtowardtheirrampway.Therewasaredwashaboutherownvision,aslowseething.ShewasboundtotakethematterasitfellforHilfy’ssake,butitrankled,allthesame.ShewalkedupfirstandHarallast,leavingHilfyhersilenceandherdignity.

Cowards,Pyanfarthought,andswallowedthatthoughttooforHilfy’ssake.Theydesperatelyneededtheaddedhands:thatthoughtalsognawedather,lessworthy.TheyneededtheFaha.ButtheFahahadhadenoughofkif.

Andtherewerekifshipsoutthere,waiting.Shewasincreasinglycertainofit-ifnotactuallyonthefringesofKirduSystem,whichtheymightbe,atleastscatteredallabout,waitingthemoment.Moreandmorekifships,agatheringswarmofthem,unprecedentedintheircooperationwitheachother.

Shepassedtheairlockintothecorridor,andChurandTirunwhohadturnedoutwiththeevidentintentionofwelcomingtheirFahaguests-stoppedintheirexitfromtheoproom,

simplystopped.

“Ourfriendschangedtheirminds,”Pyanfarsaidcurtly.“They1decidedtotakepassagewithTahar.Somethingaboutaninjuryaoneofthemsuffered,andtheTaharpromisedthemamoredirectroutehome.”

ThatputatleastanacceptablefaceonmattersforHilfy’ssake.TheyretreatedasPyanfarwalkedintotheoproom,lookedatGeranandTullywhosatthere,GeranhavingwellunderstoodandTullylookingdisturbed,catchingthetemperintheair,nodoubt,butnotunderstandingit.“Nothingtodowithyou.”Pyanfarsaidabsently,settlingintoachairatthefarcounter,lookingatthesystem-imagewhichGeranhadbeenmonitoring.HilfyandHaralcameintogether,andtherewasastrainedsilenceintheoproom,allofthemgatheredthereandHilfytryingtokeepagoodfaceon.

“Well,goodlucktothem,”Tirunmuttered.“Godsknowthey’veseenenough.”

“Therearekifoutthereonthedock,”Pyanfarsaid,“whoknowtoomuch.Gettingcheekyaboutit.They’vecomeinfromKitaaheadofus,partofthebunchfromMeetpointorUrtur-Urtur,I’llreckon,sinceIcheckednamesandtheyweren’tthesameasthere.Justpassingthemessagefromonekiftothenext.It’sgettingtighthere.”

“There’llbemoresoon,”Haralsaid.“I’llbetthere’ssomeoutsystem.Captain,thinkwecantalkthemahetorunusescorttoourjumppoint?Surelywe’vegotleverageenoughforthat.”

“Thatstorywillgofromstationtostation,”Pyanfarsaidbitterly.“Gods,butIdon’tthinkwe’vegotmuchchoice.Getthemtoshepherdusoutofhere.”

“Whenwecangetourtailputtogetheragain,”Tirunsaidglumly.

Therewasanoisefromdownthehall,afootstepintheairlock.EveryheadturnedforthedoorwayandPyanfarreachedfortheguninherpocketandthrustherwaypastTirungettingtotheoproomdoorandthecorridor,clickingthesafetyoffthegun.

safetyoffthegun.

Itwashani-HilanFaha,whoflungupastartledhandandstoppedatthesightofher.Pyanfarpunchedthesafetybackonwithaclawtipandthrusttheweaponbackintoherpocket,awareofothersofhercrewnowbehindher.

“Changedyourmindofasudden?”sheaskedtheFaha.

“Needtotalktoyou.Tomyyoungcousin.”

“Toyourcousin,rotyou;andtome.Comeoninside.NeithershenorI’lltalkoutherelikedocksidepeddlers.”

“KerPyanfar,”theFahamurmured,mannerswhichinnowisemollifiedhertemper.Pyanfarwavedthelotofthembackintotheoproom-onlythenrecalledTully,whowastrappedthereinthecorner,buttherewasnothingofsecretinhispresenceontheship,andnocausetosendhimslinkingoutpastthemall.LettheFahatalkinfrontofhim;letherdeliverherexcusesunderanOutsider’sstare-servedherright.

AndHilanFahastoppedinthedoorwayatthesightofTully,thisnaked-skinnedcreaturehani-styledandhani-dressedsittingatthecounteramongthecrew;andHilan’searswentflat.“This,”shesaid,roundingonPyanfar,“thisisthatitemthekifwanted-isn’tit?”

“HisnameisTully.”

Hilan’smouthtightened,amominousfurrowingofthenose.“Aliveitem.Bythegreatergods,wherehaveyoubeen,Chanur,andwhat’sgoingonwiththisbusiness?”

“IfyouweretravelingonthisshipyoumightaskandImightanswer.Asthingsare,youcanlearnwhentheTahardo.”

“Rotyou,Starchaserdiedinyourcause,forthis-”Shespat,swalloweddownasurplusofwordswhenPyanfarstaredathersullenly.“Itwasthecaptain’sdecision;weoffloadedeverythingatUrturandtriedtoruntogiveyouabreakforit.Butwherewereyouthen?Wherewasourhelp?”

“Blind,HilanFaha-offinthedustandstarkblind.Wetried,believethat;butatthelastwehadtojumpforitorriskcollision;wehopedyoucouldgetoffinwhatconfusionwecreated.”

whatconfusionwecreated.”

Hilandrewaquieterbreath.“Thecaptain’sdecision,notmine.I’dnothavebudgedoutofdock:knowthat.I’dhavesatthereandletyousortitoutwiththekif,thisso-namedtheftofyours….”

“Youtakekifwordabovemine?”

“IfyouhaveanexplanationI’llbegladtohearit.Mycousinsaredead.We’rebroken.We’llnotgetanothership,notsolikely.GreatChanurmakesplans,butthelikesofus-we’llgoonotherFahaships,whereverwecangetaberth.I’llreckonyouknowwheretheprofit’stobefound,and,godsrotyourconnivinghide,you’vestirredupwhatalotofshipsaregoingtobleedfor.Whatalotofsmallcompaniesaregoingtogounderfor.Theygavemeamessagetogiveyou,PyanfarChanur-thekifgavemethistotellyou:thatwhatyou’vedoneistoomuchtoignoreandtoogreattoletpass.Thatthey’llcomeafteryouwhereveryouareinwhatevernumbersittakes-eventoAnuurn.Thatthey’llmakeitcleartoallhanithatthisprizeofyoursisnoprofittoyou.Thisfromtheirhakkikt.Akukkakk.HimfromUrtur.Hiswords.”

“Kifthreats.I’dthoughtyouhadmorenerve.”

“Noemptythreats,”Hilansaid,eyesdilated,hernostrilsflaredandsweat-glistening.“Tellallhani,thisAkukkakksays-desertthisPyanfarChanurorseedesolation…eventoAnuurnspace.”

“Andwheredidyouhearallthis?Fromascatteringofshipsandakifwhonevercaughtus-whofailedtocatchyou.HilanFaha;andifwe’dgottentogetheratUrtur-”

“No.-No.Youdon’tunderstand.Theydidcatchus,Chanur.Didoverhaulus.Killedtwoofmycousinsdoingit.AtKita.Andtheyletusgo…butwebrokedowninthejump.Theyletusgotodeliverthatmessage.”

TheFaha’sshamewasintense.Therewasasilenceintheroom,nooneseemingtobreathe.

“So,”saidPyanfar,“doyoubelieveallyourenemiessay?”

“Iseethis,”Hilansaid,gesturingatTully.“Andallofasuddenthegamelooksalotlargerthanbefore.AllofasuddenIseereasonthatthekifmightgather,and

lotlargerthanbefore.AllofasuddenIseereasonthatthekifmightgather,andwhytheymightnotstop.Chanur’sambition-hasgonetoofarthistime.Whateveryou’reinto,Idon’twantpartofit.Mysister’salive;andtwoofmycousins;andwe’regoinghome.-Cousin,”shesaid,lookingatHilfy,“toyou-Iapologize.”

Hilfysaidnothing,onlystaredwithhurtinhereyes.

“Hilfycanleavewithyouifshelikes,”Pyanfarsaid.“Withoutmyblame.Itmightbeaprudentthingtodo…asyoupointout.”

“I’dbepleasedtotakeher,”Hilansaid.

“Istaywithmyship,”Hilfysaid,andPyanfarfoldedherarmsoverastomachmoilingwithwishesonewayandtheotheratonce.Andpride-thattoo.

“So,”Pyanfarsaid,“Iwishyousafejourney.Bestweshouldtraveltogether,butI’msurethat’snotintheTahar’smindnow.”

“No.It’snot.”TheFahalookeddown,andupagain,inTully’sdirection,adarkeningoftheeyes.“Ifyouconsideredyourrelationstoothers,youwouldn’thavedonethisthing.You’vetakenontoomuchthistime.Andotherswillthinkso.”

“WhatItookonmyself,arrivedonourshipwithoutabyyourleaveormyknowledgeitexisted.Whatwouldyoudowitharefugeewhoranontoyourship?Handhimovertothekifattheirasking?Idon’tselllives.”

“Butyoudon’tmindlosingthem.”

“Youthrowawaywhattheydid,”Hilfysaidsuddenly,“withyoursmallness.”

TheFaha’searsflattened.“Whatareyoutojudge?Talktomewhenyou’vegotsomeyearsonyou,cousin.This-”ShecamedangerouslynearTully,andChurwhohadbeensittingonacountersliddowntoplantbothfeet,barringtheway.Tullygotoutofhischairandstoodasfarbackinthebendofthecounterashecouldget.TheFahashrugged,acarelessgesturethrowingawayherintent.“I’veanotherword,”theFahasaid,lookingstraightatPyanfar.“Whetherornotyouintendedwhatyou’veinvolvedyourselfin-itjustmaybethefinish.Youralliesmighthavestoodbyyou,butit’sallgottentootangled.It’sgottentoorisky.Howlongsinceyou’vebeenhome?”

Howlongsinceyou’vebeenhome?”

“Somefewmonths.”Pyanfardrewinabreathandthrustherhandsintoherbelt,withthetasteofsomethingbadcoming-thatillfeelingofahouseatitsheight,inwhichanybreathofchangewastrouble;andofasuddenshemislikedthatlookontheFaha’sface,thattruculencewhichmeltedintosomethingofdiscomfort,adecentshame.“Maybemorethanthat,”Pyanfarsaid,“ifyoucountthatIdidn’tgodownworldlastcall.Whatisit,Faha?Whatisityou’reburstingtotellme?”

“Asonofyours-hastakenMahnfromKhymMann.He’sneighbortoChanurnow.Hehasambitions.TheoldMahnisinexile,andKohanChanurisfindingsuddenneedofallhisallies.”HilanFahashrugged,down-earedandwhiteaboutthenoseandlookingaltogetherasifshewouldwishtobeelsewhereatthemoment,insteadofbringingsuchnewstoaChanurship.“Mycaptainwouldhavebackedyou;butwhatarewenow,withoneofourshipsgone,oneoutofthethreeFahaowns;andwhatdowethinkwhenyoutakeonsomethinglikethiswhenyoualreadyhaveasmuchasChanurcanhandle?You’velostyourcargo;you’vegottenyourselfafeudwiththekif,andkifthreateningtogointoAnuurn/ones,forthegods’sake-howcanChanurholdontoitsotherallieswhenthatstarts?I’velostmyship,mycaptain,someofmycousins-andIhavetothinkofmyfamily.Ican’tinvolvemyselfwithyou,notnow:Ican’tmakeFahapartofthisandgetourshipsafeudwiththekif.You’reabouttoloseeverything.Otherswilldecidethesame,andChanurwon’tbethereevenifyougetback.I’mgoinghome,KerPyanfar,ontheTaharshipbecauseIhaveto,becauseI’mnottanglingwhat’sleftofusinChanurfortunes.”

“You’reyoung,”Pyanfarsaid,lookingdownhernose.“Theyoungalwaysworry.You’reright,yourcaptainwouldhavebackedme.Shehadthenerveforit.Butgoyourway,HilanFaha.I’llpayyourdebtsbecauseIpromised;Chanurwillrewardthemahewhopulledyouout.AndwhenI’vesettledwiththatwhelpKaraI’llbeinbetterhumor,soImayevenforgetthis.Soyouwon’tworryhowtomeetmeinfuture-don’tfeartoomuch.I’llnotregardyoutoobadly…theyoungdogrow;butbythegodsI’llneverregardyouthewayIdidyourcaptain.You’renotLihan,HilanFaha,andmaybeyouneverwillbe.”

TheFahafairlyshookwithanger.“Tobepaidthewayyoupaidher-”

“She’dcursemetoamahehellifshewerehere,butshe’dnotdowhatyou’vedone.She’dnotrunoutonafriend.Goon,HilanFaha,leavemydeck.Asafevoyagetoyouandaquickone.”

ForamomenttheFahamighthavestruckout;butshewaswornthinandhopelessandthemomentandthecouragewent.“Hercurseonyouthen,”shesaid,andturnedandstalkedout,notsostraightintheshoulders,notsohighofheadasshehadcomein.PyanfarscowledandlookedatHilfy,andHilfyherselfwasvirtuallyshaking.

“KohanneversaidanythingaboutthisMahnbusinessinhisletter,”Pyanfarsaid.“Whatdoyouknow,niece?”

“Idon’t,”Hilfysaid.“Iwon’tbelieveit.IthinktheFaha’sbeenlisteningtorumors.”

“Howmuchdidyouknowabouttheestateswhenyouwereathome?Wherewasyourheadthen,butonThePride?Isitpossiblesomethingwasbrewingandyoudidn’thear?”

“Therewasalwaystalk;KaraMahnwasalwayshangingaboutthedistrict.HeandTahy.There-wassomecallingbackandforth;IthinknaKhymtalkedtofatherdirect.”

“Rothishide,Kohancouldhavesaidsomethinginthatletter.”

“Hesentme,”Hilfysaidinasmall,strickenvoice.“WhenThePrideturnedupinsystemIaskedtogo,andhesaidhe’dneverpermitit;andthen-thenextnighthegavemetheletterandputmeintheplaneandgods,Iwasofftotheportlikethat.Hardlyachancetopack.SaidIhadtohurryorThePridewouldleaveportandI’dmissmychance.Likethat,atnight;butIthought-Ithoughtitwasbecauseshipsdon’tcalculatedayandnight,andthatshuttlewasgoingupanyway.”

“Ogods,”Pyanfargroaned,andsatdownagainstthecounter,lookedupatalltheringofanxiousfaces.“Notyetthatsonofminedoesn’t.Godsblightthekif;we’llsettlethem,butwe’regoingtotakecareofthatsmallbusinessathome;that’sfirst.”

Earspricked.“We’rewithyou,”Haralsaid.“Gods,yes,home.GoingtoshakemesomescruffswhenIgetthere.”

“Hai!”Geranagreed,andTirun;andTullyvisiblyflinched,calmedagainasChurpattedhisshoulder.HesettledandHilfysatdownbesidehim,putherhandonhisothershoulder,twodisconsolatesoulswhosharednotmuchatallbut

onhisothershoulder,twodisconsolatesoulswhosharednotmuchatallbuttheirmisery.

“We’llstraightenitout,”PyanfarsaidtoHilfy.“We’lldoitonourterms.Agreed,niece?”

“Hegotmeoutofthere,”Hilfysaid.“Icouldhavehelpedandhesawitcomingandhemovedmeout.”

“Huh.You’renotoldenoughtoknowyourfatherfrommyview,withallrespectforyourown.Hethinks,sometimebeforeaproblemcomesonhim-notmuchmeditationduring,godsknow,buthesetsthingsuplikepiecesonaboard.Toorottedproudtocallmedownworld,ah,yes;toorottedsmarttohaveyoungHilfyChanurathandtogetherselfinatanglewithherMahncousinsandtopitchforkthattemperofKohan’sintoit…don’tgetyourearsdownatme,imp;we’refamilyhere.Thesunrisesandsetsonyourshouldersofarasyourfather’sconcerned,andthatblastedsonofminewouldgorightforthegreatestirritancehecouldgiveyourfatherifhewantedtotakeonChanur-yourpreciousinexperiencedself.No,Kohanjustclearedthedeck,that’sall.Chancesarehewaswrong;he’snotimmunetothateither.I’dsoonerhavehadyouthere;Ithinkyou’dhavehandledyoungKararightenough;andTahywithhim.ButifMoonRising’sgoinghome,it’stocarrythekindofnewstheTaharhavegottenhere;it’sgoingtomaketrouble,nothankstotheFaha:andthere’satimepastwhichKohan’sgoingtobehardput.He’sgot-whatmatesinresidence?Yourmotherandwho?”

“AkifyandLilun.”

“Hopeyourmotherstandsbyhim,”Pyanfarsaidheavily:theKihanandtheGaraswereornaments.Shewalkedovertothecounterandstaredatthescanamoment.“Nomatter.Whatever’sgoingon,we’llputitinorder.”

“Pyanfar-”

Tully’sstrangevoice.Sheturnedaboutandlookedathim,recalledthepagerandturneditonbroadcast,notbotheringwiththeplug.

“Question,”Tullysaid,andmadeavaguegesturetowardthedoorwheretheFahahadleft.“Hefight.”

“She,”Pyanfarsaidimpatiently.“Allshe.”Tullybithislipandlookedconfused.

“She,”Pyanfarsaidimpatiently.“Allshe.”Tullybithislipandlookedconfused.“It’snothingtodowithyou,”Pyanfarsaid.“Nothingyou’dunderstand.”

“Igo.”heoffered,startingtoslidefromhisplaceonthecounter,butChurheldhisshoulder.“No,”Chursaid.“It’sallright,Tully.Noone’sangryatyou.”

“You’renotthecause,”Pyanfarsaid.“Notofthis.”Shewalkedtothedoor,lookedbackatthecrew.“We’llsettleit,”shesaidtothecrew,andturnedandwalkedout,downthecorridorandalonetowardthelift.

Khymoverthrown.Dead,maybe.Attheleastinexile.Thelossofhermateoppressedhertoasurprisingdegree.MahninyoungKara’shandswouldnotbewhatithadbeeninKhym’s.Khym’sstylehadbeeneasygoingandgraciousandadmittedlylazy:hewasacomfortablesortoffellowtocomebackto,wholikedfinethingsandlovedtositintheshadeofhisgardenandlistentothetalesshecouldspinoffar“portshewouldneversee.Boundlesscuriosity,gentlecuriosity.ThatwasKhymMahn.Andthesonhehadindulgedandpardonedhadcomebackandtakenhisgardenandhishouseandhisname,whilepoorKhym-godsknewwherehewas,orinwhatmisery.

Sherodetheliftuptomainlevelandenteredherownquarters,shutthedoorandsatdownatthedesk…forboreforalongtimetopulloutthefewmementoesshebotheredtokeep,keepinghomemoreinhermindthaninobjects.Finallyshelookedatwhatshehad,apicture,asmoothgraystone-oddhowpleasantabitofstonefelt,andhowalieninthissteelworld;stonethatconjuredtheKahinHills,thelookandthesoundofgrassinthewind,andthewarmthofthesunandtheslickcoldoftherainontherockswhichthrustupoutofthegrassyhillsides.

Herson…castKhymout:movedinnexttoChanurtothreatenKohanhimself,tobreakapartallthatshehaddoneandbuiltandallthatKohanheld.SmallwonderKohanhadwantedHilfyoutofharm’sway-outofasituationinwhichtemperscouldbetriggeredandreasonlost.

Putsomeexperienceonher,Kohanhadasked.And:Takecareofher.

Sheputthethingsaway,andsatthinking,becausewhilerepairsproceeded,therewaslittleelseshecoulddo.Theysatherelockedintostation’sembraceandhopingthatthekifstayedofftheirvulnerablebackside.Satherewhiletheirenemieshadtimetodowhattheyliked.

StrikeatAnuurnitself-Akukkakkcouldnotbesorash.Hehadnotthatmany

StrikeatAnuurnitself-Akukkakkcouldnotbesorash.Hehadnotthatmanyships,thathecoulddosuchathing.Itwasbluster,ofthesortthekifalwaysused,hyperbole…ofthesorttheyalwaysflungout,hopingformoregainsfromanenemy’spanicthanforcecouldwin.Unlessthehakkiktwasmad…adefinitionwhich,betweenspecies,lackedprecision.Unlessthehakkiktcommandedfollowersmoreinterestedindamagethaningain.

Nohakkiktonrecordhadeverstirredaswideadistance,involvingsomanyships.Noonehadeverdonewhatthisonehaddone,attackingastshostation,harassingandthreateninganentirestarsystemandallitstrafficashehaddoneatUrtur.

Shesatandgnawedatherlipandreckonedthatthethreatmighthavesubstancetoitafterall.Shecheckedscanfinally,onherownterminal.Nothingshowedbuttheexpected.Theknnnstillhoveredofffromstation:whenshesearchedaudiothesingingcameback,placidnowandwaveringoverthreediscordanttones.Thetc’aweresilent,butone,whichbabbledstaticintonesasslowastheknnn’s.Theprisoner?shewondered.Lamentingitsfate?Beyondthosevoicestherewasonlynormalstationnoise,andtheclose-inchatteroftheskimmercrewswhohadneverceasedtheirworkonThePride’sdamage.Normallysomeofthesejumpfreighterswouldhaveputout:Hasatso’sventureoutonlytomeetemergencyhadfrozeneverything.NoteventheminerswerestirringoutfromtheirberthswiththeorehaulersandthoseweresnuggedintoorbitaboutMalaorKilaunan.

Shepatchedacallthroughtostationservices,complainedaboutthelatedeliveryonorderedgoods:thecourierserviceissuedpromisesafterthetime-honoredfashion,andshetookthem,reckoningontheusualcarrierarrivingaboutthetimetherampwaywasabouttoclosedown.

Stasteburana-tousedsense,atleast;andthepatrolsstayedout,shuttlingthesystem,alertagainsttrouble.Themahekeptfaith.

SheexpectedlessoftheTahar.

IX

MoonRisingpulledoutintheoffshift,adeparturewithoutwordtothem,inPyanfar’snight.Sheignoredit,snarlinganincoherencyfromoutthebedclothestothecomatbedsidewhenshewasadvised,andpullingthecoverbackoverherself;itwasnotworthgettinguptosee,andshehadnocourtesiestopaytheTahar,whodesertedanotherhanitostrangers,crippledastheystillsat.Shewashardlysurprised.Watchhadtheirstandingorders,andtherewasnoneedtowakeupanddealwithit.Hilfyslept:therewasnoneedtorouseheroutforwhatHilfyalsoexpected.Pyanfarburrowedintosleepagainandshedthematterfromhermind…nogettingheradrenalinuptorobherselfofrest,nothinkingabouthere,orhome,oranythinginparticular,onlymaybetherepairswhichwerestillproceeding,whichoughttobevirtuallyfinishedbythetimeshewaked,allthepanelsinplacenow,andmaheworkingoutontheirtailcheckingallthesorrylittleconnectionsonwhichtheirlivesrelied.

Thedarktookherback.Shesnuggeddownwithafeelingofrareluxury.

“Captain.Captain,hatetodisturbyou,butwe’regettingsomemovementoutoftheknnn.”Shethrustanarmabout,feltafterthetimeswitch.Anhourandahalffromwakeup.Shekeptmoving,swingingherfeetout.

“Captain.”ThatwasTirunonwatch.“Urgent.”

“I’mwithyou.Feedithere.What’shappening?”

Thescreenlitinthedarkenedcabin.Pyanfarblinkedandrubbedhereyesandfocusedontheschematic.Shipmarkerswereblinkinginhazardwarning,tooclosetoeachotherforsafety.“Everyknnnatdock,”Tirunsaid.“They’rebreakingdockandthegeneraldirection-”

“AfterMoonRising?Querystation.What’sgoingonwiththem?”

“Did,captain;officialnocomment.”

“Rottheirhides.Putmethrough.”

Ittookamoment.Pyanfarrummagedinthehalflightfromthescreenafterherbreeches,pulledthemonandjerkedtheties.

“Station’sstillrefusingcontact,captain:theyinsistcommunicationbycourieronly.”

Pyanfartiedtheknotandswalloweddownarushoftemper.‘Myregardstothem.Whatarethekifdoing?”

“Sittingstill.Ifthey’retalkingtoeachotherit’sbyrunnerorbyline.”

“Justkeepwatchingit.I’mawake.”Shewenttothebath,turnedonthelightsandwashed,walkedoutagainandtookalookatthesituationonthescreen.Tenshipsoutofdocknow,allchasingoutafterMoonRising,asifthatsamerottedknnnhadgottenutterlymuddledwhichhaniwaswhichandconvincedalltheothers-ludicrous,absolutelyludicrous;buthumorfailedher-therehadbeenmisunderstandingsintheolddays,beforestshohadgottentheideaoftheCompactacrosstothetc’a,andthetc’ainturnhadgottentheknnnandchitocomprehendCompactcivilization…enoughtocomeandgoinitwithouttrouble;totradewithit;toavoidcollisionsandprovocationsandsometimestocooperate.Themethane-breathersweredangerouswhenstirred.Shefrownedovertheimage,combed,cutoffthecomandheadedoutdownthecorridorforthelift.

“Nochange?”sheaskedwhenshewalkedinonTiruninop.

“Nochange,”Tirunsaid.Herinjuredlegwasnotpropped,thoughthrustoutatanangleassheleanedtotapthescreen.“They’reallinastring,alltenofthem,allaftertheTahar.”

“Gods,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Amess.”

“They’vegotidsignals-theyhavetoknowthat’snotus.”

Pyanfarshruggedhelplessly.Shewalkedbacktothedoor.“I’mgoingtogettheothers.Abouttimeforyoutogooff,isn’tit?”

“Halfanhour.”

“Who’supnext?”

“Haral.”

“Sowestartearly.”Pyanfarwalkedoutanddownthecorridortowardthelargecabinthatwasin-dockcrewquarters,pushedthebartoopenthedoorandinside,theonethatstarteddawn-cycleonthelights.“Up.Gotalittledisturbance.Knnnhavegoneberserk.Idon’twantusabediftheycomethisway.”

Therewasageneralstirringofblanketedbodiesinthehalflight,onarowofbunksundertheprotectivenettingoftheoverhead;bunksandcots-Tullywasattheleft,curtainedoff,butnotfromhervantage,atousledheadandbewilderedstarefromamongtheblankets-andHilfy…Hilfywasontheothersideoftheroom,stirringoutwiththerest,nakedastherest,asTully,whowasgettingoutofbedonhissideofthecurtain.Gods.Angercoursedhernerves,adistasteforthisupsetinorderwhichhadsweptThePride.Theyvoyagedcelibate.InhermindshecouldhearTahargossip-somethingelsethatwouldbetoldonAnuurn.Andgods,shecouldseethelookinKohan’seyes.Shescowled.“Hilfy.Breakfastonwatch,halfanhour.Move!”

“Aunt.”Hilfystoodupandjerkedupherbreecheswithdispatch.

Pyanfarstalkedout,headedbacktotheoproom,shookoffherdistasteinself-reproach.SoHilfyhadresignedtheprivilegeofguestquartersandsnuggedinwiththecrew;sheguessedwhy-withthepartingofwayswiththeFaha.Andthecrewhadinvited:thatwasterritoryinwhichtheinvitationcamefrominsideandshedidnotintervene.Intheireyes,

Ihen,Hilfybelonged.

AstheyhadtakenTullyin.

Gods.Hernapeprickled.

“Breakfastandreliefiscoming,”shetoldTirunasshearrived.

“Nochange,”Tirunsaid.“Samecourses,allinvolved.Notamovefromthekif,notaword.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarsatdownsidewaysonthecounter.“Confusedlikewise.Ihope.”

“Theycouldn’tbeincommunicationwiththem.”Tirunturnedadisquietedstaretowardher.

towardher.

“I’moutoftheassumptionmarket.”

Theroutprogressed,MoonRisingproceedingoutsystemwithiimaheescortatgreatdistanceandamanicfloodofknnnbehind.

“They’remad,”Tirunsaid.

Pyanfarsatandwatched,glaringatthescreen.

Haralarrived,withHilfyandbreakfast;theothersshoweduphardontheirheels,aprocession,GeranandChurandTullycarryingtheirowntrays.“What’sgoingonoutthere?”Haralasked.

“Tahar,”Tirunsaid,“leadingeveryscatterwittedknnnatthestation-”

Thescreenhadchanged,thedotspartingonthescan,thatwhichwasTahargoingon,theknnn….

“They’restopping,”Hilfysaid.

“Wonderful,”Pyanfarmuttered,tookuphercupofgfiandsippedit,watchingasthegapwidened.Turnovereventually,shereckoned;theknnndevelopedotherplans.Tullyspoke,afloodofalienbabble,butshehadleftthepagerinhercabin.Churturnedherstobroadcast.“Enemyship,”itrendered.

“Knnn,”Haralsaid.“Notanenemy.Neutral.Buttrouble.That’sMoonRising.Theknnnfollowedthem;nowthey’vequit.”

“Why?”

“Don’tknow,Tully.”

MoonRisingmadejump,asuddenwinkoffstationscan-knnnless.“Gods,”Hilfyexclaimed,astheknnnbentaturn.

“Knnnmaneuver,”Tirunsaid.“Thebastardsareshowingout.Theycanjumpboostandturnlikethat.It’dkillahani.Anyoxygenbreather.Can’toutmaneuverthem.Godsforbid,ifweshouldhavetoshootatone-compplottingcan’thitone:notprogrammedfortheirmoves.”

“Theydon’tshootatus.Theyaren’tarmed.”

“Intheolddays,”Haralsaid,“theynevercaughttheknnnshootingeither.Butshipsturnedupgutted.Beforemytime.ButIheardthey’dswarmaship,jumpitelsewhere-haulitsmassoffwherethey’dopenitattheirleisure-”

“Haulitbetweenthem?”Hilfy’sfacemirroreddisbelief.

“Amongthem.Adozen.Allsynched.SoIheard.Haniships’dteareachothertojunk;butknnncansynchlikethat.”

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid.Itwasanoldbunkyarn,likeghostships.LikealiensoutsidetheCompact.ShestaredatTullyandthoughtaboutthat.Ateherdriedchipsandwasheditdownwithgfi.Oncom,stationsentinstructionstoitspatroltostayoutofthewayoftheknnn.Atc’awenton,presumablytalkingtotheknnn.

Andamessagelightblinkedontheirownboard,somethingdirectedatthem.

Reviseestimate,theletterscreptacrossthescreenwhenTirunkeyedit.75hoursrepairadditional.Regret.Mahemoreworkerthisjob.Twoteam.Repeat…

“Godshelpus.”Pyanfarsnatchedthemikeandpunchedinstationop.“Whatkindoftroublethis?Whatfifteenhours?Fifteenmorehours?”

Stationroutedthecomplaint,onetothenext,tothealmostincomprehensiblemaheskimmersupervisor.“Allskimmerstationwork,”wastheanswer,threetimesrepeated,inrisingvolume,asifloudnessimprovedcommunication.“Thanks,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Out.”Sheranahandthroughhermane,putthemikedown,lookedaroundatstaringeyesandmanagedabetterface.

“Well,”Haralsaidinaquietvoice,“atleasttheyfounditbeforetheysentusoutwithit.”

“I’llgoouttheaftlock,”Geransaid,“andcheckthemoutonit.”

“No,”Pyanfarsaid.“Idon’tdoubtyou’llfinddamage.Longshotitfromtheobservationdome.Andbythegods,ifthere’ssomethingnewIwanttoknowaboutit.”Shecomposedherselfamoment.“No,godsrotthem,themahe’dgougeusonfinesandcharges,butifI’vegotthemeasureofthatforemanshe’snotthetype.Still…Dothecheckanyhow.”

notthetype.Still…Dothecheckanyhow.”

“Right.”Geransnatchedupthetrayandheadedout,downthecorridorforthebubbleaccess,acoldtriptotheframe.Pyanfarthoughtofgoingherself,delayedtofinishherbreakfastandwatchedtheknnn,whohadstoppedagain,hoveringoffinutterviolationoflanesandregulations.Stationoperationsreportedashipcomingin,amahendo’satfreighterarrivinginthezenithrange:theyhadtheirownproblems.Sodidthemahenfreighter,comingintowhatshouldbeasafehavenandfindingtrafficsnuggeddownandknnngoneberserk.

“I’mgoingtomain,”shesaidfinally.“Gooffdownhere.Rest.Haral,I’lltakeit,upthere.I’llkeyyou.”

“Captain-”Haralstartedtoobject,swallowedit,havingasenseaboutsuchthings.“Right.”

Pyanfarwalkedout,hitchedupthetrouserswhichhadgottentoolooseinrecentdays,headedforthelift.Goinpersontostationofficesandtaketheplaceapart?Ittempted.Atthemomentshewantedsomethingbreakablewithinreach.Butitwouldhardlymendmatters.Fifteenhours.Itwashardlysurprising;repairsforalloftimeandtoallendsoftheCompactranbehindscheduleandoverestimate.Andthenitwassixteenandseventeenandanothertwenty-Shetooktheliftup,ensconcedherselfinhercushiononthebridgeandsentrapidinquirythroughallappropriatechannels.Defectvaneyoke,theanswercamebackfromthestationoffice,andharduponthat,fromGeran:“Gotcloseup;they’veswarmedinonthevanecollar,butIcan’ttellmuch.”Theimagecamethrough,twoskimmersandthreeworkersineva-Ipodsgrappledontotheafflictedvanewhereitattachedtothestrut,cablesandvaneandstrutstrungwithredhazardlightstopreventaccidentsinshadow.Itwasaplausiblerepair,gods-nothingcheap;thedamagethathadblownthepanelsloosecouldhavestressedit…oneofthosesystemsforwhichtherewasnobypass,throughwhichathirdofthepowerofthejumpdrivepassed.“Yoke,”PyanfarsenttoGeran,whowaslikelyshiveringherteethlooseinthebubble.“Comeoninship;there’snomorewecando.”

Itwasafifteenhourjob.Agnawingsuspicionworkedathergut.Thedefectshouldhaveshownupontheboard:therewerereasonswhyitmightnot-thatithadblownastheycamelin…somethinghadredlighted,somanythingshadredlightedatoneinstantandgonebacktonormalstatus.possibly,possiblyitwasreal.Possiblytooitwasoneofthosedemontouches,themahendo’satcalledthem,thatlostships,somethingloosethatcontactedinstressesandkilled.Itwasfivetofivetheyowedthemahendo’satcrewprofoundthanks;ortheywere

fivetofivetheyowedthemahendo’satcrewprofoundthanks;ortheywerebeingstalled,conned,setup.Checkitnowandillwasboundtoredlight:thecasingwasoff.Shesatstaringatthevidscreenwithherbloodpressureupandasmoldering]ragewithnowheretosendit.

“Haral,”shesaidintocom.

“Captain?”

“Thatproblemyoufixedaswewerecomingin.Wasthenumberoneyokeinvolved?Couldyoutell?”

Alongmomentofsilence.“Captain,wewerelosingtheinput;Iputinanewboardandwegotitcleared.Butthatfadehadstressedeverything;thewholeboardwasfouled.Icouldn’tsaybeyonddoubt.Itwaseverywhere.Ithoughtitwasthepanels.I’msorry,captain.”

TherewasmiseryinHaral’svoice.Haralwasnotaccustomedtobewrong.Ever.“It’soneofthosethings,”Pyanfarsaid,“thatwouldredlightifthepanelswereoverloaded;I’mnotsosureyouwerewrong,Haral.I’mnotatallsureyouwerewrong.”

“I’llgooutthere,”Haralsaid.

“Anddowhat?They’vegotitinamessittakesskimmerstoputback.Mahenskimmers.No.Wesititout.”

“Suppliesarriving,”Churinformedhereventuallyviacomfrombelowdecks.ThatwasfrozenfishoffKirduIIsonworldponds;andsomestshogoodsforTullyandsomemoretranslatortapes.Shecheckedthetime;aftertheiroriginallyscheduleddeparture.Thecourierservicehadbeeninformedofthedelayasquicklyastheyhadbeen,whichinsolencesentherbloodpressureupanotherseveralpoints.“Captain?”Churasked.“Noted,”Pyanfarsaidcoldly,andChurbrokethecontact.

Anotherhour.Thevidshowedcontinualactivityaboutthevane.Pyanfardivertedherselfintoboardmaintenance,burrowedintounder-consolespaces,

divertedherselfintoboardmaintenance,burrowedintounder-consolespaces,checkedandrechecked,surfacednowandagaintodartajaundicedlookatthevidortolistentosomecommunicationcomingin.Thestationwasgettingbacktonormal;onlytheknnn…stayedout,fellintosystemicdrift,wailingstilltoeachother.

Theliftdownthecorridorhummedandopeneddoors:Pyanfarheardthatandworkedherwayoutofafinishedjob,stoodupandwipedherhandsandstraightenedhermane-softquickfootfallsinthecorridor.“Aunt?”

Shesatdownonthearmrestofherowncushion,scowledatherniece.Hilfystoodinthearchwaywithapaperinherhand,cameandofferedit.“Justcame.Couriered.Securityseal.”

Pyanfarsnatchedit,hookedaclawinit,rippeditopen,nosewrinkling.Stasteburana’ssignature.Greetings,respects,andtheassuranceallpossiblewasbeingdone.“Thestationmaster’scompliments,”Pyanfartranslatedsourly.“Wegetescorttoourjumppointwhenwego;departure’sfirmforthatfifteenthhour.Rotthem,theyknewaboutthis,orthey’dhavebeenhereaskingforthattape.Theywantit,tobesure-beforethejob’ssealedoff.Isthecourierwaiting?”

“No.”

“Rotthemall.”

“Tully’stape,youmean.”

ShelookedupatHilfy,whoseadolescent-beardedheldahintofafrown.“Isthatacomment?”

“No,aunt.”

“ItoldtheOutsiderwhy.”

“Tully,aunt.”

Pyanfarsuckedinabreath.“Tully,ifyouplease.Itoldhimwhy.DidIgetthrough?”

“He-talkedtoChuraboutit.”

“Whatdidhesay?”

“Whatdidhesay?”

“Thatheunderstood.”

“Andtherestofyou?”

Hilfytuckedherhandsbehindunderherbrow.“Hesensesmuchtrouble’sgoingon.Lastoffshift,hetriedtotalktoallofus,gods,howhetried.Finally-”Herearswentdown,asecondglanceatthedeck.“FinallyheputhisarmsaroundChurandthenhewentjfromonetothenextofusallanddidthesame,not-male-female,notlikethat.Justlikehehadsomethingtosayandhe’didn’thaveanyotherwaytosayit.”

Pyanfarsaidnothing,jawset.

“He’sstartedanothertape,”Hilfysaid.“Thenewmanual.”

“Ishe?”,

“Wegaveittohim;hesatdownwithitinopandhe’sfeedingthewordsinasfastashecango.”

Pyanfarfrowned,takenaback.

“Helikedthestshoshirtsyoucameupwithtoo.Warm,says,nevermindthefancywork.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarthrustherselftoherfeet,pokedanextendedclawatHilfy.“Nicefellow,thisTully,sounderstandingandgratefulandall.I’vebeenbackandforththisrouteafewvoyages,imp,andI’veseenmyshareofconartists.Inthe1firstplace,sincewebringitup,Idon’tliketheOutsiderbeddingdownwiththelotofyou.Ipermitteditinamomentofsoft-headedness,becauseIdidn’tlikehismopingaboutandIdidn’twanthimselfkillinghimselftheway,markyou,imp,thewayheadmitstokillingacompanionofhis-forfriendship’ssake.”

“It’snotfairtosaythat.Itwasbrave,whathedid.”

“Granted.Andmaybehe’sgotafewmorebravenotions.Thecrew’susedtoalienwaysandIfiguredthey’dkeeptheirjudgment,butIdon’tlikeyoudownthere.Godsknowyou’veearnedtherighttobedownthere-that’swhereI’dratheryouwere,allthingsequal,buttheyaren’t;there’sthatrottedOutsiderinthecompany,andhemakesmenervous,niece,thewaythingsmakemenervous

thecompany,andhemakesmenervous,niece,thewaythingsmakemenervousthatjustmayblowupwithoutwarning.Idon’tlikeyounearhim.”

Hilfy’searswereplasteredflattoherskull.“Pardon,aunt.Ifyouordermetogobacktomyquarters,Iwill.”

“No,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’lldoyouoneworse.I’llrelyonyoursense.I’lljusttellyoutothinkwhatgetsblowntoruinifsometrivialitysetsourguestoffatthewrongmoment.Chanur,niece.Youunderstandthat?”

Theearscameup.Hilfy’snosewrinkledallthesame,theshotgonehome.“IknowIwanttogetbacktoAnuurn,aunt;butIknowtoothatIwanttobeproudofonesideofthefamilywhenIgetthere.”

Pyanfarraisedherhand-gotthatfarwithit,andstoppedtheblowandturneditintoagestureofdismissal.“Out,imp.Out.”

Hilfyturnedonherheelandwent.Pyanfarslidintothecushionandcrumpledthestationmaster’smessagewiththeotherhand,punchedclawsthroughit.Godsrotit,tohaveleanedontheyoungsterinthatmatter…andtonopoint:tonopoint;underway,theywouldbebacktowiderspaces,to-godsknewwhattheywouldbeupagainst.

Shereachedandkeyedthroughthetranslatorchannel,heardTully’ssteadyinput,jabbeditoutagain.

Afteramomentsheshookherhead,smoothedoutthepaperandfileditinfax.PunchedthetranslatorkeyonagainandlistenedtoTully,aquiet,familiarvoice,puttingwordafterwordintomemory.

Sixhours;nine;twelve;thirteen.Thedaypassedinmeals-at-station,inchecksandcounterchecks;inenforcedrestandsecure-for-jumpproceduresandmostofallinmonitoringscanandcom.Pyanfarreachedthestageofpacingandfrettingbythetwelfthhour,fedandnappedbeyondendurance-woreoffclawtipsontheflooringanddisguisedtheanxietywhenanyofthecrewcamenearonerrands.

ButHilfymanagednottocome.Stayedbelow,inwhatframeofmindorwhatunderstandingPyanfarcouldnotfindawaytoask.

“Courier’shere.”Chur’svoicecrackedoutofthesilenceonthebridge,comfromlowerdeck.“Askingthetape,captain.’

“Askthecourier,”Pyanfarsaid,“thefinishtimeontherepair.”

Adelay.

“Thecouriersayswithinthehour,captain.”

“Understood.”Pyanfarcaughtherbreath,lookedleftwhenshehadlaidthetapeshehadprepared,reachedandpocketedthecassetteandheadedoutforthelift,insuchafeverthatitwasnottillshehadstartedtheliftdownwardthatshehadthoughtagainwhatitwasshewentdowntotrade:awayfromthisplacewasallthethought;andthetapewasameanstogetfree;andthesheddingofthewholeuglynecessitysomethingshewasonlytoogladtohavedone,togetThePridefreeo:mahendo’satandlooseandonherway.

ButHilfywasdownthere.Thatrecollectionhither.Theliftstopped,thedooropened,andshehesitatedhalfaheartbeatinwalkingout,suckedupabreathshewantedalltoomuchtospendonthemaheforthedelay,andstrodeoutquitebereftofthebreathandtheangershewantedtoloose.

Tully.Yegods,Tullywasinoptoo,offthecorridorwhereanyvisitortotheshipnotconfinedtotheairlockwouldbebroughtasamatterofcourse.

Sheroundedthecornerandfoundagatheringindeed-adignified-lookingmaheinajeweledcollarandkilt;amaheattendant;Haral,Tirun,andHilfy.Shewalkedintothegroupsuddenlyconsciousofherowninformalattire,scowledanddrewherselfuptoallherstature-nonetootallinmahendo’satreckoning.

“Badmess,”therankingmahespatather.“Bigtroubleyoucause,hani.Allsamewefixship.”

TheVoiceofthestationmaster,primedwithaccusationsandbluster.TheVoicelookedherupanddown,withgrandhauteur.Jeweledandperfumed.Pyanfarflexedherclaws,pointedlyandwithgrandercoolnessturnedhershoulderandlookedtowardherown.“Tully.Where’sTully?Ishestillinop?”

“Youendangerthestation,”theVoicerailedonherdutifully.“Bigtroublewithtc’a;knnnbastardkidnapandextortion.Youwanttakewithyoutheeva-podtheknnnbringfortradeforgoodtc’acitizen,hah?Gotyournameonit,haniPride

knnnbringfortradeforgoodtc’acitizen,hah?Gotyournameonit,haniPrideofChanur,clearletters.”

“Tully!Getyourrottedselfouthere.Now!”

“Theydon’tcomeintostationnow,theknnn,no,makenavigationhazardallthissystem.Alldisturb.Miningstop.Tradestop.Allbusinessstanddeadstill.Youuseknnnsignal,a?Upsettheknnn;takekifproperty,upsetthekif;gettc’akidnap,tc’aupset;getfightstshostation,stshomakecharge;hanidon’tspeaktoyou;-whatforwedealwithyou,hani,a?”

Tullycameoutoftheoproom,Churattendinghim.Hehadonhisnewstsho-madeshirt,whitesilkandblueborders-lookedimmaculatelycivilizedandnolittleupsetintheshouting.“Thepapers,Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Showthemtothiskindmahe.”

Hefishedinhispocketforthefolder,paleeyesanxious.

“Igotnoneedcursedpapers,”theVoicesnapped.Tullyhadthemallthesame,heldthemopeninfrontofthemahe,whowavedthemaside.

“Youissuedthem,”Pyanfarsaid.“Propertyofthekif.Propertyofthekif,yousay.Youlookatthisfine,thishonest,thisdocumentedmemberofanintelligentandcivilizedspacefaringspeciesandyoutalkabouthimwithwordslikepropertyofthekif?Icalldownshameonyou;Iaskyouexplaintohim,you,inyourownwords,explainthisproperty.”

TheVoiceflattenedherears,lookedasideatherattendant,whoprofferedascentbottle.InelaborateindirectiontheVoiceunstoppeditandinhaled,recollectingherselfinretreat.Herfacewhennextshelookeddownatthemwastolerablymild.

“Thetapes,”theVoicesaid.“Thetapesyoumakedealcoversomedamage.”

“Allthedamages.Nofines.Nocharges.Nocomplaints.”

‘‘Starchaserrescue.”

“Aseparatematter.ChanurandFahatogetherwillstandgoodforitwhenwereachhome.Asforthecaptainoftherescueship,hehasmyguarantee,whichisworthmorethanhislosses.It’ssettled.”

TheVoiceconsideredamoment,nodded.“Thetape,”shesaid,holdingoutherhand.“Thisgive,repairfinish.Giveyousafeescort.Fairdeal,Chanur.”

Pyanfartookitfromherpocket,anuncommonwarmthaboutherears-lookedasideatTully.Shethrustitathim.“Yougiveit.Yours.”

Hilfyopenedhermouthtosaysomething,andshutit.Tullylookeddownatthecassette,lookedupattheVoiceandhesitantlyhandedthetapetowardher.“Friend,”hesaidinthehanitongue.“Friendtomahe.”

Thedark-furredhandclosedonthecassette.TheVoicelaidbackherearsandpursedhermouthinthoughtfulconsideration.Tullystillhadhishandout-hisownkindofgesture,whowasalwaystouching;keptitout.Slowlythemahereachedout,alienprotocolbeinghercalling,andgamelysufferedTullytoclaspherhand,tookitbackwithoutvisibleflinching…butwithasubduedquietunlikeherself.Shebowedherheadthatslightestdegreeofcourtesy.“Icarryyourword,”shesaid.

AndwithascowlandaglanceatPyanfar:“Undockonehour,firm.KirduStationgiveyouallpossiblehelp.Urgeyougiveuslocationofthisgoodfellowhomeworld-dangertoloseyou,him,all,thistrip.”

“Beyondthekifisthelocationwepresentlysuspect.Haven’thadthetimetolearn,honorable.”

“Stupid,”theVoicesaidwithherprofessionallicense.

“Ourunfortunatefriendwasdraggedthroughmiserablecircumstanceswiththekif;hurt;notstupid-toowisetotalkwithoutunderstanding.Nowthere’stoolittletime.Youhelpusgetoutofhereandwe’llsettlethekifsoonerorlater.”

“Thishakkikt….Akukkakk.Weknowthisone.Badtrouble,Chanurcaptain.”

“Whatdoyouknow?”Pyanfarasked,suddenlyandnotforthefirsttimesuspiciousofeverymahe.atKirdu.“Whatdoyouknowaboutthiskif?”

“Youundockonehour.Skimmersgonow.Youmakegoodquickvoyage,Chanurcaptain.”

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthekif?”

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthekif?”

“Goodvoyage,”theVoicepronounced,andbowedonceandgenerally,collectedherattendantandwalkedfortheairlock.

“Hai,”Pyanfarsaidinvexation,andwithawaveofherhandsentHaralstridingaftertheVoiceandhercompanion.ShelookedaboutatHilfy,whoseearsweresomewhatdown;andatTirunandChurandTully.Tullylookeddisquieted.“Good,”Pyanfarsaidtohim,clappinghimonthearm.“Goodtouch,that‘friend.’Youlaidtheburdenonher,youknowthat?That’stheVoicethatspeakstoandforthePersonagehimself,thestationmasterofKirdu;andbythegodsyoudidit,myclever,mymannerlyOutsider,youthrewthatonerightinthestationmaster’slap.”

Tullyglanceddown,madeasmallshrug,nolesstroubled-looking.Shewasnotwearingthetranslatorplug.“Anhour,hear?”shesaidtotheothers,toTirunandHilfyandChur-andGeran,whowouldbekeepingwatchintheoproomwithstrangersrunninginandoutoftheship:nowayitwasunattended.“Anhourandwe’reunderway,outofhere.Home.”“Howarewedoingit?”Gerancalledfromoutoftheroom.“Stringingthejumpslikebefore?”

“Closeaswecancutit,”Pyanfarsaid,andlookedleftasmovementcaughthereye,Haral’sreturnfromthelock,asfarasthebeginningofthecorridor.

“Sealusup,captain?”Haralshouteddownthecorridor.

“Sealusup,”Pyanfarconfirmed,andstoppedinmid-waveasatalldarkfigureappearedinthecorridorbehindHaral“Ware!”

Mahendo’sat.Haralhadalreadyspunabout,andthelanky,dark-furredmahewalkedoninasifhebelonged,flashingagilt-edgedgrin.

“Ismehanan-”Pyanfarshouted.“-Goldtooth,godsrotyou,slinkingintomycorridorswithoutabyyourleave-Wholetyouin?”

Thegrininnowisediminished.Themahegaveasweepingbowandstraightenedasshestrodeuptohim.“Gotsuddenbusiness,Chanur,maybesameyoucourse.”

“Whosebusiness?”

“Maybesameyoubusiness.”

“Maybesameyoubusiness.”

Sheswelledupwithabreathandlookedupathim,handsinthebackofherwaistband.“Maybeyoutalkstraight,captain.Once.”

“Whereyougo?”

“MaybeIshouldbroadcastitonthedock.Forthekif.”

“Home,maybe?Ajirroute?”

“Guessasyoulike.”

“GotMahijiruweaponsfirstrate;friendminemakeporttoday,alsogotnumber-onerig.Waitover,Chanur.”

“Bastard!”

Hesteppedback,heldahandup,blunt-nailed;hers,lifted,wasnot.Hegrinnedwiththefendinggesture.“Necessity,timemaheshedcargo.”

“Youegg-suckingliars.WhereI’mgoinghasnothingtodowithyou;hanibusiness,youhearthat?Privatebusiness.Youwantaquarrelwiththekifyougofindyourown.”

“Gohome,doyou?”

“Privatebusiness,I’mtellingyou.”

“Warnyou,”Goldtoothsaid.“Once.Maybenowgomakedealhaniport;lotstrade.Youtalkforyourgoodfriendthere,yes?”

“Goldtooth,whatgameareyouplaying?”

Hegrinnedandturnedonhisheel,walkedofftowardthelock,whereHaralstoodinscowlingindignation.

“Goldtooth!”

Hepausedtowave.“Mahijiruyouescort,captain.Yougotnumberonebest.”

“Rotyourhide,I’mnotplayingdecoyinsomemahengamewiththekif!”

“Rotyourhide,I’mnotplayingdecoyinsomemahengamewiththekif!”

Hewasgonewhiletheechoeswerestillringing.Haral,lackingorders,lookedbackather,andPyanfarslungherarmstohersides,notreckoningongivingany.Itwasthemahe’stermsandtherewasnothingtheycoulddotostophimfromfollowing.“Sealthatlock,”shesaid.“Godsknowwhatelsemightgetin.”Haralwentontherun.Pyanfarlookedaboutattheothers,atTully,andChurandHilfyandTirun;andGeran,whohadsteppedoutofop.

“Mahijiru’son,”Geransaid.“Someone’sjusthookedupashieldedlineandwe’regettingtransmission.Theyclaimthey’vegotordersandthey’reaskingdata.”

“We’regoinghome,”Pyanfarsaidshortly.“Home,bythegods.They’vecostustime.IfStasteburana’sgotnotionsofusingus,rothim,twocanplaythatgame.I’llgivethemourcourse;I’llgivethemaleadininsidetheAnuurnperimeter.”

“Chanur-”Tirunobjectedquietly.

“MorethanChanur’sgotastakeinthis.MaybeAnuurnneedstoseethat.We’vegotourselvestrouble.Widespreadtrouble.Wedon’tknowhowfaritstretches.Thereoughttobehanihere,doyoumarkthat?Lotsofhanishipscomingandgoinghere,notjustTahar.Hereweareatoneoftheprimestopsonourrivals’route…andnohanishipsbutthatone.Homebound.I’lllayyouodds,cousins,they’vebeenstayinghomewhenthey’vecometoport.That’swhat’svacatedthetrackwe’vebeenon.Starchaserknew;word’sbeenpassing,ateveryport,everycontact.”

“Aye,”Churmurmured.“Aye.Gods.Sixmonthstheycouldhavehadatthis-”

“I’mgoingtothebridge.Bridgecrewthispassage-Haral;

Geran;Chur.Therestofyoutakeopstation;andgetTullyhissedative,now,beforesomeoneforgets.”

“Aunt!”Hilfycalledafterher.Pyanfarstoppedandturned.“Captain,”Hilfysaidinaquietervoice.

“Question?”Pyanfarasked,scowling.Hilfy’schinwentup.“No,captain,”Hilfysaidquitesteadily.Pyanfarnodded,withasmalltighteningofthemouth,lookedsatisfactionintoHilfy’scleareyes,thenturnedagainandstrodeofftothelift.

lift.

Downthecorridor,thelockboomedshut.ThePridehadbegunherseparation.

X

“Gettingpickuponthecompanion,”Chursaid,snuggedincomstation.“Theyswearit’sasecureline.”

“Huh.”Pyanfarfinishedupthechecksandreachedforthecontactflashingonhercommodule.“Chanurhere.”

“Introduceyou,”Goldtooth’svoicecamebacktoher.“CaptainPyanfarChanur,gotlinktoAjaJin.CaptainNomesteturjai.”

“Chanur,”avoicerumbledback.“NameJik,here.”

“Numberonefellow,Jik,”Goldtoothsaid.“Honestsameyou,PyanfarChanur.”

“Honestlikestallmeoff;likedelayme.Chanur’sfightingforitslife,yourag-earedbastard,doesthatgetthroughyourhead?Challenge;andI’mnotthere.Inyourspyingabout,doyouknowwhatthatmeans?”

“Ah,”Goldtoothsaid.“Knowthistrouble.Yes.”

Pyanfarsaidnothing,forcedtheclawsbackin.

“KnowwherethisAkukkakktoo,”Goldtoothsaid.“Interested,hanicaptain?”

“AfterI’vesettledmyownbusiness.”

“Sameplace.”

“Anuurn?”

“Keepyoualive,hani.Wemakeslowmaybe,butyoumakedealwewant.Morebigthanpearlsandwelders,a,hani?”

“Youfollow,rotyou.”Shekeyedthroughthecourseandthegraphoncomp.“There’stheway.”

Amahenhisscameback,throatyandrueful.“Yousteerbyluck,hani?Youcrazymad,thatcourse?”

“Doitallthetime,mahe.Scareyou?”

“Hanijoke,a?”

“Gottwokifdockeddownthere.Wego,they’llgo.Yougotthatpatrolalerted?”

“Got,”camethatsecondvoice.

“Ha,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Yougotyourdata;gotallyouwant.Enough.We’regettingoutofhere.”

“A.”

Assent.PyanfarflungaglancetowardHaral,acrosstheseparatingconsole,andthecontactwentout.Churflickedsignalstothedockcrew.“Gotusprioritiedout,”Churreported.“Noproblem.”Thelineswerecomingloose.Telltalesbegantoflash,wantingportssealed.Haralputthesealsinfunction,straightdownthesequence.Screensinfrontofnumberonepostlivened,Geranroutingthroughthestationscanimage.Theairlockgrappleclangedintounlock,andthelastoftheseal-portswasfirm.“Movingout,”Pyanfarwarnedoverallship,andclearedThePride’sowngrapples,hergriponstationindependentofthestation’sgriponher:thoseboomedintothehousing,andundockingjetseasedthemclear.

Itwasasmoothparting,aneasypushclearandanosingtowardanuntraffickednadirasgstartedup,awhineoftherotationalengines.Compflashedthemtheirlane,andscanshowedMahijiruandAjaJinmovingdownbelowthestationrimoffportside.ThePridegatheredmomentum,asolidgandahalfnow,outbound.

“Kifarebreakingfree,”Chursaid,commonitor.“Stationadvises.”

“Noscanconfirmation,”Geransaid.

Pyanfarwasalreadyreachingfortheshieldedweaponsswitch,uncappeditandflickediton:arippleoflightsadvisedthegunportswereclearing.“Stayonthat,”shetoldHaralwithouttakinghereyesoffherownbusiness.“Nocompsynch,notwiththemaheintheway.Can’tbetakingoneofthembymistake.”

“Hopethey’reasconsiderate,”Haralmuttered.

“Huh.”

“Huh.”

“Kifaremovingout,”Geransaid.“Numbertwoscreen.”

“Where’sourescort?”Pyanfarwonderedglumly.“-Opdeck,staybraced.Listeninandtakeyourcues.”

“Escortmoving,”Chursaid.“They’reonintercept;station’sgotthemscan-blanked.”

“Understood.”Shedartedalookatstationsentscan,onwhichtheythemselvesshowedasanoversizedwedge,massedblipofshipsinsynch.Geransentanotherimage.Gcontinued,draggingatthegut,strainingherarmbackagainsttheelbowbrace.Thekifwerenotgaining,weremaintainingasedateaccelerationintheirwake.

GoldtoothandthisstrangerJik:escort.Shedidnot,sheadmittedtoherself,understandthemahenorderofthings,nomorethanoutsidersunderstoodthestsho.Tradingwiththemwasonething.FiguringoutthelimitsofamahelikeStasteburanawasanother.Goldtoothandthismahefriendofhis,thisshipwhichhadcomekitingintosysteminthehourofTahar’sexit-merchanters,maybe;butwhatshesawofMahijiruandAjaJinonvidwasominouslylean,ominouslytrimwiththeircargoholdsstrippedoff;alotofspacegiventothepowerassemblyonthosetwo,aprofligatelotofjumpcapacitymaskedbythosemissingholds,odd-shapedcoresswellinginsuchfashionthattheywouldcutintoanyreasonablegeometryoftankswhichhadbeenstrappedon.Vaneswithstrangedarkinterstices,likefoldingjoints,vaneslargerthanshipsoftheirmassoughttocarry.Itwasacuriousthing,thatshipsneversaw“achother;thattheynoseduptostationandstayedinvisiblebehindstationwalls;thattheyexistedasblipsanddotsandfiguresincomp,movingtoofastforvidtopickup.Onlynowthattheywereinsynch,apackagemovingatthesamevelocityandinsightofeachother-

“Runnerships,”PyanfarmutteredtoHaral.“Lookatourescort,cousin.”

“Gotthat,”Haralsaidquietly.“Gotthat,Captain.”

Somethingnewamongthemahendo’sat.Somethingwhichhadtohavebeenveryquietforalongtime.Shipslikethekifrunners.Hunterships.Hermustache-hairsdrewtautasifhernosehadpickedupsomething.Gods:Mahijiru,outprowlingaboutMeetpoint,outonthefringesofstshospace-

Mahijiru,outprowlingaboutMeetpoint,outonthefringesofstshospace-Huntingrumors?Acrewloungingonthedock,loudandvisiblewithrepairtheycouldhavedoneinsideaswell.Twosetsofhuntersonthedocksbesidesthekifthemselves,andtheyhadcomesniffingroundeachother,eachsocleverlyassayingtheother,sheandthemahe-

“Thatgoldtoothedbastardknewsomething,”Pyanfarsaid.“Fromtheverystartheknew.KnewthisAkukkakk;knewthosekifships;knewwhatwasstirringouthere.”

Haralshotheradisquietedlook.

“Knnn,”Geransaidsuddenly;andvidwentoffandanotherimagecamein,sectorizedonthemassofknnnships,whichwerenolongerstationary.

“Gods,”Churmuttered,“herewego.”

“Nevermindtherottedknnn,”Pyanfarsaid.“Watchthekif;op,takethatsectorizedimageandkeepusposted.”

Itvanishedfromherscreen;Tirunacknowledgedreceptbelow.Behindthem,ontheimagewhichturnedup,thekifstartednowtomove.

“Gotusknnn,”Goldtooth’svoicecutin,transferredfromChur’sboard.

“Nuisance,”Pyanfarsaid.“Youknowmorethanthat,mahe?Whatmoredoyouknow?AbouthowyouwerehuntingtroubleatMeetpoint?”

“Gotnoneedhunt.Haniinport.”

“Captain.”Tirun’svoice.“Decreasedinterval.”

Shewaswatchingit.Flexedherclawscarefullyonthetogglegrip.“Movingout,”shetoldthemahe.“Goingtoboostupandtest;clearmyfield,understand?Nomoretimehere.”

“A.”

Shemovedthecontrol.ThePridekickeduptowidentheintervalbetweenherselfandthemahe.Thenumberonescreenflickedfromscantoabracketedstar;theimagesshiftedonescreenoveranddumpedthevidentirely.Onscanthekiffellfartherandfartherbehind,chancingnothingwiththepatrol.

kiffellfartherandfartherbehind,chancingnothingwiththepatrol.

Andtheknnn-theknnnstreamedalonginamanicflood,acceleratingastheywent,afewpointsofftheircourse.

“Intervalachieved,”Haralsaid.

“Boostingup,”Pyanfarwarnedtheothers.Shehitthejumppulse,lightly,swallowedagainstthequeasinessandsawtheinstrumentssortingthemselvesoutatthenewvelocity.

“Clear,”Haralsaid.“Allstable.Cominguponjump.”

“Standbythelongone,”Pyanfaradvisedthecrewbelow.Castalastandfranticlookatscan,whereMahijiruandAjaJinhadfallenbehindonestimated-position.Nocommunicationpossiblenow:theyweretoomuchlagapart.Itwasthepositionshewanted,themaherunningattheirtail:theirnosetheycouldtakecareofthemselves.Besttoflarethroughanyambushwheretheyweregoingandnotbethesecondorthirdshipin,asStarchaserhadbeenatKita,afterthenesthadbeenstirredandthekifwakened.

Luck,shewishedthemahe.Inspiteofotherthings.Inspiteofdeceits;inspiteofmahenpurposeswhichhadnothingtodowithhers.Luck,shethought;and:connivingliar.

Thecoursewasflashingonthescreen,ajumpfirstforAjir

System,andthroughittoAnuurnitself,thestraightestcourseandthemostvulnerabletoambush;buttheywereoutoftimeforfinesse.

“Ready,”shewarnedthecrew.

Theyreachedtheirpoint.Mahijiruwouldbeafterthem,glidingontheirtail;andAjaJin,thatotherofGoldtooth’silk.…

…alltheway.

Awailfromcomastheycameup,abuoy,Ajirmarkerdoppleredintononsense.Mahendo’sat/hanicooperative,thisstation,fulloftrafficandhazardsinthejumprangeforalunaticchasetocomestreakingthrough,velocityunchecked:a

rangeforalunaticchasetocomestreakingthrough,velocityunchecked:asecondtimetotrythemaneuverthathadfailedatKita,hadfailed,withdamagetotheship.Godshelpanyotherincomerwhochancedtobeintheway.

ALERTALERTALERT,ThePridewailed,capsuledtransmission:maheescortbehind.Likelyhostileaction.Bewareofkifinsystemandout.Launchallsystemdefense.Takeprecaution.Twoshipsfollowingusareescort.Nextistrouble.Casualtiesinpreviousattacks:Handur’sVoyager;Faha’sStarchaser.Kifattackonnon-Compactunarmedship,threealiencasualties.ALERTALERTALERT….

ChaoswouldbreaklooseatAjir:kifatdockmighttakeexceptiontoit;Handurmightbeheretohearit;andFaha.

Ifthekifwerenotwaitinghere,inambushalready…

ThemassthatwasAjir,ayellowsun,loomedahead:Ajir,askewfrommoststarsoftheregion,wearingitsbeltofworldsanddebrisrakishlyaslant-hazard,Pyanfar’smemorykeptwarningher,distantandfoggedinthemuddleofpostjump,ofextremevelocitiesandinstrumentsfeedingthemonlytheskimofreality,toofast,toofast….

“Whereisit?”sheaskedofHaral-forthegods’sakes,homestar…ablindnewborncouldsenseitfromAjir,couldfeelit,headforithowevershakeninjump:theirbowwastowardit.

“Lockedon,”Haral’sslowvoicepurredthroughthemadness,slow,whentheywerepushingcandthesystemwaswhippingpastinunreality,movingwhiletheydriftedthroughmovements:onedoppleredstarwasclearforthem,zeroedinthebrackets,andalltheresthadgonemad….

Home.

Weeks,inthetime/notimeofjump.…

Theywerein.Hardtothink,tobeginthedumpsequences.Theshipwouldtakeoverwhenmanualinterventionfailedutterly;woulddumpvelocityandglidethemtoanoutsystemhalt,stillwithinreturnrange.Easiertoletitslide,letthesystemblurpast,letthemachinerytakeover—

systemblurpast,letthemachinerytakeover—

No.Theywereonmanualoverridefromthelastone.Machine-ruleswerealreadyviolated.Pyanfarliftedthearm,sawwithherdazedvisionHaral,whohadbegunthesamedesperatestruggle,slowandsicklyintheaftermathoftheirarrival.Awarninglightwasblinking,notthesamemalfunction,butoutsidealert:comrecept-beacon-Theydumpeddownandwenttotallyblindforaninstant.Anuurnbeaconwelcomedthemoutofit;theirownalertwasstillgoing,cryinghavocwheretheywent.Shegotherhandup,signaledChurwithablinker;afteraninterminablemomentitwentout.

Seconddump.TherewasTully’svoiceovertheopencom;andHilfy’scomfortinghim-Hilfy,whonotsolongagohadriddensicklythroughthejumps,andnowsteadiedtheirpassenger.

“Gettingimage,”Geransaid.“Thereareshipsouthere.”

Noneintheirway:Geranwouldnotbesocalm.Theywerezenithofeverythingandeveryone.

“Gettingcourseinput,”Haralsaid;andthescreenshifted,linesblinkingandcallingformatchup,thelaneassignmentfromthebuoy.

Thirddump.Pyanfarswallowedheavilyandlookedatscanagainasitsorteditselfout.“Imageaft,”Geransaid:itwenttonumbertwoscreen.Mahijiru.Thewavefrontwasrunninguptheirbacksides,wherethatshipanditspartnerwereaimediftheydelayeddump.

“Tooclose,mahe,”Pyanfarmuttered.

Finaldump.Theyhitcourse,downtheslotandtrue,onKilanStation’sguidance.“TransmitintenttodockatGaohn,”Pyanfarsaid:thatwastheinnermostofthetwostationsofAhrSystem,thataboutAnuurnitself.Thesignalwentout:theacknowledgmentflashedbackfromoneoftherobotbuoys,automaticrouting,approachasroutineasanyincomingmerchanter.

“Dumpbehindus,”Chursaid.“Secondarrival;bothourIfriendsarein.”

“Transmitinstructionstoignoreroutingandstayonourtail.Givethemasignal.”

“Stationscan,”Geransaid,“isshowingalotofships.Alotofships.”

“Stationscan,”Geransaid,“isshowingalotofships.Alotofships.”

Pyanfarlooked.SixmajorplanetsaboutAhr:Gohin;Anuurnitself;Tyo;Tyar;TyriandAnfas-withassortedmoons,ringsandplanetoids.Anuurnalonewascomfortablyhabitable;andGaohnStationcircledit;andtherewasKilanStationwhichsupportedthelittlecolonyonTyo.Therewasalwaystraffic.Haniwerenotthecoloniststhatmahendo’sat”andstshoandevenknnntendedtobe:buthere,inhome-system,therewasalwaystraffic,fromlittleshipswhichpliedthesystemtothegreateroneswhichjumpedinfromotherstars;therewasthehugenull-gshipyardofHarnStation,whereallhanishipswerebornandwheretheycameforrefittingandrepair.

Butthereweretwicetheusualnumber,easilytwice,shipsinofflanespositions,waiting;shipsinclusters;shipsbygroupsoffourandfive.“Idon’tlikethat,”Haralsaid.

“Notallours,”Pyanfarsaid.Andafteramoment:“He’shere.Goldtoothsaidit;thekifatKirdusaidit.Hinukku’scomehere.Afterrevenge.”

Noonesaidanything.Theminutescreptuponthechronometer.ThePridewassendingherownsignal,computertalkingtocomputer.Atelltaleflashedandasignalcameovercom.“Mahijiru,”Chursaid.“AjaJin,Bothmovinguponourtrack.”

“Blinkthemacomeahead,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tightbeam;nothingmore.”

“Permissiontomoveabout,”Tirunsentfromlowerdeck.“Denied.Gotasituationhere.Stayput.”“Understood,”Tirunanswered.

Churleaneddown,openedthecabinetbyherpostandbroughtoutabottle,suckedabitfromitandpassediton;itwenttoGeranandtoHaral;finallyintoPyanfar’shandwithanexactquartervisiblethroughtheopaqueplastic.Shesippedatit,hermouthlikepaperandtastingdaysstale;herhandleftshedfuronthemoistbottlewhenshedroppeditintothewasteholder.Thesaltandthemoisturehelped,tooksomeoftheshakesfromherlimbs.Therewasstillamiseryinherbackandinherjoints,atendencyforhereyestoblur.Noteasyonthebody,double-skipping.Bodieswerenotdesignedforsuchabuses.Shethoughtofdocking,ofhavingtowalkabout,todealwithpossibletrouble-Togetashuttleandtogetdownworldwithallelsehoveringaboutthem….

Somethingclenchedabouthergut,protesting.Shelookedatscan,theirown,

Somethingclenchedabouthergut,protesting.Shelookedatscan,theirown,tightscan,numberfourscreen,whereafriendlyblipwasmovingupintointercept.Anotherblipshowedontheedgeofthescreen.

“Gotsynch,”Goldtooth’svoicecamethrough.“Jikcomeupotherside.”

“Gottoomanyships,”Pyanfarsaid,signalingChurtoputthetransmissionthrough.“Wantyouwhereyouare,mahe.”

Amahenchuckle.“A.”

“Rotyourhide.”

Sheshutitdown.

“Gotstationcontact,”Chursaid.“Theydon’tsayanythingoutoftheway;normalapproachinstructions.”

“Threeberths,”Pyanfarsaid.“Together.Tellthemtoclearsomethingiftheydon’thaveit.Talkthemintoit.”

Itwasalonginterval.Theystillhadlagtimefromstation.“Stationmaster,”Chursaidfinally,“intervenedtograntit.We’vegottwentythroughtwenty-two.”

“Comment?”

“Nothing,”Churreported.

Trouble.Pyanfar’searsflicked.Iftheycoulddemandshipsshuntedaboutandgettheirrequestitwasbecausetheyhadarighttoit;andiftheyhadarighttoit,thentherewasanemergencyinprogress.Homecomingkinhadright-of-way…insituationsofdeath;ofchallenge;ofdisasters.

“System’squiet,”Churreported.“I’mnotgettingidlechatter.They’renotvolunteeringanyinformation,captain.”

“Kif,”Pyanfarsaid.“Outsiderspresent.”

Tullysaidsomethingfrombelowdecks.Wentsilent.Hilfy’svoicefollowed,talkingtohim,lowandurgent.

“Let’snothaveanypanicdownthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Quiet.Takeorders,

“Let’snothaveanypanicdownthere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tully.Quiet.Takeorders,hear?”

“Understand,”Tullysaid.

Theminutescrawledpast.Jik’sAjaJincameintoposition,sothatThePridewentflankedbythemahe.“Goldtooth,”

Pyanfarsaid.“Youcomeonstationwithme;wantyourfriendstayoutofdockandwatch,a?”

“A,”theanswercameback,shortandsweet;fromJiknoword.Hewoulddoit,Pyanfarthought.Stationwassendingspecificinstructions:Haralwasattendingthat,inputtingitforcomp.ShehittheshuntwhichdumpedthedataontoHaral’sscreens,withablinkingwarningthatcontroloftheshipcamewithit:Haralnodded,acceptingitwithoutmissingakeystroke.Pyanfarloosedherrestraints,swunghercushionaboutandassayedtogetherfeetunderher.

“Gettothebridge,”shetoldthosebelow,leaningovercom.“Aye,”Tirunsentback.Pyanfarwalkedaboutabit,unsteadyonherfeet,bentdownenoughtogetsomeofthedriedfoodoutofstoragebyherownconsole.Chipsandbottlesofsalts.Sheopenedthem,puttheminreachofHaralandGeranandChur,chewedonabitofdriedmeatandwasheditdownwithhalfabottleoftheliquid.Dehydrated.Thejumpstooksometimeoffbodies.Shewalkedabouttryingtogettheneedlingpainsoutofherjoints,heardtheliftinfunctionandthenstepscomingdownthecorridors.

“Captain.”

Knnn-songwailedoutofcom.

“Godsandthunders!”Pyanfarspat.“Locationonthat.”

“Aheadofus,”Geransaid.“Oneofthoseshipsmovinguponstation.”

TirunandHilfyandTullyhadarrived,stoodtogetherinthearchwaywhichopenedontothebridge,silentinthegratingsoundwhichranthescale.

KnnnnevercalledatAnuurn.Never,tillnow.

“Itoverjumpedus,”Pyanfarsaidwith-shereckoned-commendablecalm.“Ifthat’sourknnn,itjustoverjumpedusbyatleastanhour.”

that’sourknnn,itjustoverjumpedusbyatleastanhour.”

“Fastbastard,”Tirunmuttered.

“Mahijiru,”Chursaid,“asksifwenotice.”

“Cutthatthingoff,”Pyanfarsaid.“TellMahijiruyes,wedidnotice.”Sheprickedupherearswithaneffort,flickingtheringsintoorderontheleft.“Hilfy.Tully’schannel.”Hilfyturnedherpagerontobroadcast.“Tully-we’rehomenow.Anuurn.Gottroublehere.”

“Kif,”Tullysaid.“Ihear.Hani-makedealwiththem?”

“Papers,”Pyanfarsaidsharply,andwhenTully’shandwenttohisleftpocket:“Youkeepthosewithyou.You’reregistered;you’vegotanumberintheCompact.No.Nowaythekifcantakeyoubylaw.Goingtohaveonelotofmadkif,maybe;maybesomemadhani.Buttheycan’ttakeyou,exceptbyforce.”

“Fightthem.”

“Youtakemyorders.Mycrew,myorders.”

“Pyanfar.”Tullythrustouthishandtostopherfromturningaway.“Idon’tgofromyou.”

Pyanfarflattenedherears,staringupintoTully’spale,distraughteyes.“Idon’tneedsomeonemakingmeconditions.YoudowhatItellyou.”

“Do.Yes.Igoonthisship.Withyou.####give###haniIquickdead.”

“We’vegottroublesenough,Outsider.Hanitroublesaswellaskif.Letbe.”

“Withyou.Longtimevoyage.Withyou.”

“I’mnotyourkin,rotyou.Youcomeonmyship,youmakemetrouble-whatinaMahenhelldoIoweyou?”

“Dead,outside.Needyou.”

“Huh.”Male.Theshoutleftaquietafterit.Alienmale,butallthesameshesawthelinedrawn,theedgepastwhichtherewasnothinking…theirpatient,docileOutsider.Shecuffedhisarm,clawsnotquitepulled.“Youlisten,friendTully;

Outsider.Shecuffedhisarm,clawsnotquitepulled.“Youlisten,friendTully;youthink,rotyourhide.Wegooffthisship;we;you;wecomeback,youcomebackwithus.Hear?”

“Comewithyou?”

“Isayit.”

Heflunghisarmsabouther;sweaty,reekingashewas,astheybothwere,hehuggedherwithabandon.Shefreedonearmandtheotherandshovedhimoffinindignation,whichinnowisechangedthelookinhiseyes.

“Doallyousay,”hesaid.

“Bythegodsyou’lldoit.YoudosomethingwrongandI’llnotchyourearsforyou.YoukeepthatbrainofyoursworkingorI’llrattleitlikeagourd.Canyoudothat?Canyoulookatakifandnotgocrazy?”

Thattookamoment’sthought.Henoddedthen.“Getthemothertime,”hesaidconfidently,wavedahandtowardthewideinfinite.“Wegofindkifothertimepulltheirheadsoff.”

Themangledextravaganceappealedtoher;hedid,withhisclear-eyedinsanity.Shecuffedhimharderandgotamoment’sshock,nottemper-likeKhym,likeherowneasygoingKhym,whereKohanwouldhaveswungandcursedatthesting.Shewasreassured,thathewascapableofrestraint,thatacuffontheearsstoodachanceofgettinghisattention;thatblunt-fingeredandslenderashewas,acoupleofthemcouldholdhimiftheyhadto.“Ifwegetoutofthis,”shepromisedhim,“wegoskinsomekif.Nexttripout.Itakeyouwithme.”

Thatwaspremature.Theyownednothingtogiveaway,leastofallthedispositionoftheOutsider.LoseChanur,shethoughtwithachill,andtheycouldmakenomorepromisesatall;butconfidenceburnedinTully’seyes,atrustthathewastheirs.

Gods.Theirs.Theirsformanaging,forusing,forfindingthelocationofhisdistantpeoplebeforethemahendo’satorthekifcoulddoso,andmakingawedgeforChanurtrade.ButitwasHilfy’skindofalookhegaveher.Worship…notquite.Absolutebelief.ShelookedatHilfytobesureandfoundthesame.Lookeddisquietedlyattheothers,atHaralandGeranandChurandTirun,whohadtheirownrightsonthisshipwhichwastheirsaswellashers,whohadbeen

hadtheirownrightsonthisshipwhichwastheirsaswellashers,whohadbeenherelongerandknewbetterandhadtoknowwhattheoddswere.Itwastheretoo-quieter,butascrazilytrusting.Shetalkedaboutgoingkif-huntingandtheygaveherthatkindofstare.

“Keepitsaneinhere,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtocleanup.Tully,forthegods’sake,bathe.”

Shestalkedout.ThePridestreakedontowardstation.Shehadnoleastdoubtthatsomeofthoseshipsouttherewerekif,andthattherewasatleasttheremotepossibilitythatthekifmightfaceaboutandstartarunattheminsomeberserknotionofrevenge.

IfthisAkukkakksawnootherpossibility,hemight.Buthispresencehere,beforeher,indicatedthatheknewthatshehadtocomehere;andwhy;andthathehadachanceofrevengefarwiderthanoneship,ahandfulofdeaths.

ItwasChanurhewasaimingat.Hisinformationwasaccurateenoughtohavebroughthimhere.Somewhere,hanihadtalked;andheknewwheretoputthepressureon.

Faha,shethoughtunworthily,butthesuspicionnaggedather.IfnottheFaha,others,whohadtalkedtoofreelyatsomedockor-godshelpthem-Handurprisoners,takenaliveatMeetpoint.Shedoubtedthelatter:thedestructionhadbeenthorough:andGoldtoothdeniedthechanceofsurvivors.Butsomeone,somewhere-hadsaidenoughinthewronghearing.Sheputthethoughtaway.Itwastoobitter.

Sheworetheredthistime,redsilkbreechesandthebestofherringsandthependantpearl.Appearances.Shecombedandbrusheduntilhermaneandherbeardgleamedredgoldhighlights.Shesplashedonperfume,reckonedthatsomesweeterscentwouldhardlyhurtTully,andpocketedoneofseveralvialsinthedrawer.

ForHilfyshepocketedsomethingtoo.Shewentbacktothebridgethen,distractedherselfwithcurrentreportsontheirapproach-Hilfywasnotthere,norwereTullyorGeranorChur,butTirunhadtakenthenumberthreecushionnextHaral.“Notrouble,”Pyanfarobserved.

“Routinesofar,”Haralsaid.

“Routinesofar,”Haralsaid.

“I’lltakeit.Yourturn.”PyanfarslidinatherplaceandHaralslidoutofhers,wearyandstaggeringintheuseofcrampedmuscles.

“Gettingsomekiftransmission,”Tirunsaidafteramoment.“Operational.Theyknowwe’rehere.Nothingmoresaid.”

“Howmanyofthem,doyoureckon?”

“Station’sgivenusanaccuratecount.Seven.”

“Godshavemercy.”

“Aye.”

Pyanfarshookherheadandcalledupthevariousimagesavailabletoherscreens.Theywerecominginunderautomaticatpresent,lockedonstation’sguidance.Vidimagefilledonescreen,Anuurnitself,blueandmarbledwithcloud.Beautiful.Itwasalwaysbeautifulonapproach,neversospectacularasUrtur,butfulloflife.Itconjuredblueskies;andgrassy\plainsandbroadriversandvastseas;itconjuredcolors;andscents;andtextures;andagutfeelingwhichwasdifferentthanallotherwords…forhani.

Shewatchedatherleisure:withThePrideunderautomatictherewaslittleelsetodo.Asweepoftheirsecondvidcamerashowedtheirmahenescortsridingslightlyaft,twosleekkillers,sopreciseinpositiontheymighthavebeenonesingleship.

“AjaJinadviseshe’lldropbacktoguardaswegoin,”Tirunsaid.

“Understood.”

“Stillpickingupsignalfromthatknnn.Triedthetranslatoronit.Igetnothingbutadockingmatchup,asidefromthesinging.”

“Theydocked?”

“Quarterhourago.Godsknowwhatstation’sgoingtodowiththem.Nofacilitiesexcepttheemergencyhookup.Idon’tgetanyoutsidetransmissiononthatproblem.”

“Huh.”

“Notawordfromanyoneelseinsystem.Unnaturalquiet.”

“Kifdocked?”

“Allseven.”

“Thankthegodsforthat.Yousure?”

“Station’swordonit.”

Pyanfarlaidherearsback,scowled.Itwastoocooperativeallround,kifwhoputintostation…somethingwascrookedhere.Badlyoutoftrim.Itwasfartoolatetoturnabout.AndtherewasKohanandallofChanurbelow,whohadnosuchoptionstoturnandrun.ThereforeThePridedidnot.

“Stationrequestsallweaponsshielded.”

Pyanfarconsideredamoment,reachedtotheboardandcomplied.“Done,”shesaid,wishingotherwise.PresumablyMahijirudidthesame.AjaJinhaddroppedbehindthemnow,inadefensivepositionattheirvulnerabletails.

“Gotplan?”Goldtooth’svoicereachedherearsthen,transferredfromTirun’sboard.

“Wantyouwithmewhenwegoout,”shesaid.“Youunderstandhanistationrules.Knowthemall?”

“All,”Goldtoothconfirmed.

“Seeyouonthedock.”

Weapons,shemeanttosay:hanistationsobservednoweapons-rules.Itwasnotathingshewantedtodiscussoncom.Shetrustedthatthemahewouldturnuparmed.Itwascertainthekifwould.

XI

Automationtookthemintothelast,truedtothecone.Itwasaneasydock.Thegrapplestouchedandlockedonbothsides.Theinstructioncameuptoaccessthelineports;declined,shesentback,refusingthatmandatedservice.Itwasnotlikely,consideringthecircumstances,thatstationwouldquibble.Noobjectioncameback,onlyapressurereadingforthestationitselfandarecommendationtousetheah-shuntinthelock.

“Theyknowit’strouble,”Pyanfarmuttered.“Tirun,someone’sgottostayaboard.You’reit;youandGeran.Sorry.”

“Aye,”Tirunmutteredunhappily.Nodiscussion.“ShallIpageGeranandadviseher?”

“Dothat.”

“Wantbothofyoufit.Ifwecan’tgetback,takecommand,yourowndiscretion.Taketheshipandgetoutofhere,pickupcrewatKirdu-mahendo’satoranythingelse;andmakeitcount,hearme?”

Tirun’searswentdown.“You’renotplanningonit.”

“Godsno,I’mnotplanningonit.Butif,if,oldfriend.Ifwelose-inanysense-neitherhaninorkifsetshandtoThePride.That’sfirm.”

“That’sfirm,”Tirunsaid.“Tully-ourproblemoryours?”

“Mine,”Pyanfarsaid.“He’swalkingevidence.Andmoreproblemthanyouneed.You’vegotthattape;you’vegotanallyintheKirdustationmasterifitcomestothat.Idon’tleaveyouanyinstructions.Ifsomethinggoeswrong,makeupyourownrules.”

“Right,”Tirunsaid.

Theordersplitthesister-teamsdownthemiddle.Ifitcametothat-TirunandGeranwouldbeawoundedhalf.Butthatwasthewayitwent:shewantedHaral’ssizeandstrengthwithher,andTirunwashardlyfitforafight.Churwasthesmallestofthelot,butofthetworemaining,themeanesttemper.Pyanfar

thesmallestofthelot,butofthetworemaining,themeanesttemper.Pyanfarextendedherhandinrising,pressedTirun’sshoulder.Practicalities.Tirunknew.

Theygatheredbelowdecks,allofthem,cleanandcombed,exceptingTirun,whohadnevergottenherturnatwashingup:Tullyworeawhitestshoshirtbeltedhiplengthabouthim,andabetterpairofbluebreeches-Haral’slikely,whohadbeensharingclotheswithhim.Pyanfarlookedthepartyover;andrememberingtheperfumeinherpocket,tookitoutandtosseditatTully.“Allthingshelp,”shesaid.Tullyunstoppeditandsniffed,wrinkledhisnoseandlookeddoubtful,butwhenshejmimedputtingiton,hesplashedsomeonhishandandwipedIhisbeardandhisthroat.Hecoughed,andthrustthebottleintohisownpocket.

“Anothermatter,”Pyanfarsaid,andtookafinegoldringfromthedepthofherlefthandpocket,offeredittoHilfyandhadthesatisfactionofseeingthelookinHilfy’seyes.“Iwon’ttakeyouanywhereringless.Ifwemeetsomekif,orevenpolitercompany-you’dbetterlooklikewhereyoucomefrom,hear,imp?”

“Thankyou,”Hilfysaid,lookeduncertainwithit,andflustered;butGerantuggedherheadoveronthespotandbitaIneatplaceforit,deftlythrusttheearringthroughforherandfastenedit.“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid,therebeingherniecewithIherfirstgoldshininginherearandprideglowinginhereyes,j“Comeon.Let’sfindoutwhat’swaitingoutthere.-Tirun,Geran,youkeepthatlocksealedforeveryonebutus,nomatterhowbaditgetstosound,nomatterwhattheyofferyou.Getonthecominop.TellGoldtoothtogetmoving.”

“Aye,”Tirunsaid.NeitherTirunnorGeranwaspleasedwiththeunshipassignment-Geranwastryingtobecheerful,andnotwellsucceeding:“Takecare,”Geransaid,pattedChur’sshoulder.“Luck,”Tirunsaid,last,andPyanfarnoddedtotheothersandwalkedwiththemdownthecorridor,leavingTirunandGerantogettobusiness:sheandHaralandChur,andHilfy;andTully,wholookedback,whennoneoftherestofthemdid,withaforlornexpression.

Pyanfarwentfirstintotheairlock,waitedforTully,handonthehardnessofthepistolshehadinherpocket-asallofthemhadbutTully;hehurriedinwiththemandHaralclosedtheinnerhatch.OnefurtherinsanemomentPyanfardebatedwithherself,thenmadeuphermindandopenedthelockerbytheouterhatch,tookoutthepistoltheykeptthereandgaveittoTully.“Pocket,”shesaidwhenhelookedanxioussurpriseather.“Pocket.Don’ttouchit.Don’tthinkaboutit.If/fire,youcan,hear?Ifyouseemeshoot,thenyoushoot.ButIwon’t.It’s

If/fire,youcan,hear?Ifyouseemeshoot,thenyoushoot.ButIwon’t.It’scivilizedhere.Hanidon’ttakenonsensefromthekifandkifknowthat.Ifthekifgetnastytheyfindthemselvesmorehanithantheyknowhowtorunfrom.Promiseyou.YoudrawthatatthewrongtimeandI’llskinyou.”

“Understand,”Tullysaidfervently.Hethrustthepistolintohispocketandputhishandsdemonstrativelyinhisbeltathisback.“Itakeorders.Idon’tmakemistake.”

“Huh.”Shetouchedthebar.Theairlock’soutersealopenedforthemandherearspoppedwiththepressurechangeasthecoldairofdocksidesuckedthroughtheaccesstube.Soundsoutsideechoed,nothingoutoftheordinary.Pyanfarledthewayontotherampwayplates,aroundthecurveanddowntowardthegraynessofthedockside,withallitsmetalandmachinery.

Thetranslatorwasoutofpickuprangenow:Tullybecameeffectivelydeafandmute.Pyanfarlookedaskanceathimastheywalkedoutthearchofthefarsidelock,ontothedocksideitself.HewasstickingclosetoChurandHilfy,ortheytohim,whileHaralbroughtuptherear,tallandsolidandlookinglikebusinesswithherscarsandherberingedleftear.HaralhadinstinctivelyplantedherselfbacktheretoguardtherearandquitepossiblytoheadoffTullyifheshouldlosehishead.Thelatterwasnotlikely,Pyanfarthoughtwithsomeassurance.Oldhunterthatshewas,shehadsomesensewhichwaythingswoulddartinacrisis,andshehadTullyfiguredfortheotherdirection.Shedirectedherattentionsharplyahead,wheredockworkershadsetupcordbarriers-whereastationofficial,LlunhouseoroneofhalfadozenotherProtectedfamilieswhichkeptthestation,madeherbodythegateway,guardenoughforahanistation,wherecivilizedfolkknewwhattheywouldtouchoffiftheyharriedawarderrepresentingherfamilyandherfamily’spost.

Llun,thatguard,ifthesetoftheearswasanytrueindication,amaturehaniintheblackbreechesofofficialdomimmemorial.TheLlundrewapaperfromherbeltastheyapproachedher,andofferedit,notwithoutanears-downlookatTully:buttheLlunkeptherdignityallthesame.“Ker

Chanur,you’rerequestedforGatheringinthemainmeetingarea.You’reheldresponsibleforalltheothersofyourparty;it’sassumedthemahenshipisunderyourescort.”

“Accepted,”Pyanfarsaid,takingthepaper.TheLlunmovedasidethentoletthempass,impeccableinherneutrality.Alittledistanceaway,atthenextberth,

thempass,impeccableinherneutrality.Alittledistanceaway,atthenextberth,asimilarbarrierwassetupaboutMahijiru’saccess.“Come,”Pyanfarsaidtotheothers,andwalkedinthatdirection,tookthechancetoscantheofficialsummons.“Chargesfiled,”shesaid.“Compactviolationsandpiracy.”

“Rotthem,”Churmuttered.

“We’regoingtogetthatshelved,”Pyanfarsaid,lookedupagainandletherjawdropasGoldtoothledagoodnumberofmahedownontothedock,aGoldtoothresplendentindarkredcollarandkilt,glitteringwithmahendecorations.“Bythegods,lookathim.”

“Merchanter,”Haralspat.“AndI’mkif.”

“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaidtohercompany.Goldtoothofferedhispaperstothehanionguard,buttheguardwavedhimthroughunquestioned;themaheandhiscrewwalkedouttojoinherinthewalktowardthemaindocksideentry,atoweringdarkcrowdofmahendo’sat.Sidearms,openlycarried,businesslikeheavypistolsstrappedtotherightleg.Decorations,wornbymorethanoneofthegroup.

“Wherewego?”Goldtoothasked.

“Gathering.Ihi.Placewherewesortthingsout.Hanilawhere,mahe.Civilized.”

“Gotkifhere,”Goldtoothmuttered.“GotJikwatchourtail.”

Theyenteredthecorridor.Itstretchedahead,polished,clean,uncommonlyvacant.Noyoungonesabout,preciousfewofanyoneexceptofficialsinuniform,averyfewhanidressedlikespacers,whowatchedinsilenceandsteppedwellaside.

“Toofew,”oneofthemaheobserved.Goldtoothmadealowsound,uninformative.

“Toorottedfew,”Pyanfarsaid.Sheturnedanecessarycorner,sawthedoorsofthemeetinghallahead,double-guarded.Shetooknomorethoughtofhercompanionsthen,ofmaheorOutsiderorkinswomen,flickedherearstosettletheringsinplaceandwavedagrandgesturetotheblack-trouseredhaniwhostoodthere.

“Chanur,”onesaid.Thedoorswhiskedopen,andamilling,noisycrowdofhani

“Chanur,”onesaid.Thedoorswhiskedopen,andamilling,noisycrowdofhaniweregatheredbeyond-acrowdwhichretreatedingrowingquietastheysweptintotheroom.Pyanfarstoppedinthemidst,handsinherbelt,lookedtowardtheCardinalpointoftheroom,atthestationauthoritieswhogatheredthere,atLlunandKhaiandNuurun,SahanandMauraandQuna,evidentbytheirpositionandbythepostedColorsinfrontofwhichtheystood.

Andkif,totheirright,aclusterofblackrobes.Apairofstsho.Pyanfar’snosewrinkledandherearsflattened,butsheliftedthemagainasshefacedtheLlun,whostoodcentermostandprominentamongthestationfamilies.SheheldupthepaperandproffereditforapagewhoretrieveditandtookittotheLlunsenior.

“Chanurrequeststransportdownworld,”Pyanfarsaidquietly.“Ourclaimhasprecedenceoveranylitigation.”

TheLlunsenior-KifasLlunherself,broadandsolidandunmistakableinhergoldandherdignity,unhurriedlytookthepaper,thrustitintoherbelt,andlookedagainatPyanfar.“AcomplaintofpiracyhasbeenfiledbyCompactlaw;bytreaty,thisstationhasobligationswhichhaveprecedence.”

“Therightsofafamilywhenquestionedbearontreatylawanddefinethehan.Ourplaceisinquestion.”

TheLlunhesitated,mouthtaut.“Challengehasn’tyetbeenissued.”

“Yet.Butitwillbenow-won’tit,herKifas?Youknowit;andIknowit;andtherearethosehereflatlycountingonit.Pointofequity,herKifas.Pointofequity.”

Therewaslongsilence.TheLlunsenior’searsloweredandlifted.Hernosewrinkledandsmoothedagain.“Pointofequity,”shedeclared.“Thecompositionofthehanisinfactinquestion.Familyrighttakesprecedence.ThehearingispostponeduntilChanurrightsandMahnhavebeensettled.”

“No,”saidafamiliar,kifishvoice.Amongthetall,black-robedfigurestherewasastirring,andPyanfarmovedherhandstoherhipsandclosetoherpockets.Moreofthekifmoved-totheoutrageofthehall,thewholekifishcontingentlefttherimofthemeetinghallandcameouttothecenterofit.Thestshomovedwiththem,ganglingpalefigures,sorrowfullygaunt,theirpastelpatternsasymmetricanderraticontheirwhiteskins,theirpersonsindisarrayandtheirheadsdrooping.Andonekifstoodtallerthantherest,hisstancethatofauthority

headsdrooping.Andonekifstoodtallerthantherest,hisstancethatofauthorityamongthem.Pyanfarpursedherlipsandslowlydrewthemback,eyesbroadfocusedonallthekif,welltowardadozenofthemand,godsknew,armedbeneaththoserobes.

“Akukkakk,”shesaid.

“Weprotestthisdecision,”thekifsaidtotheLlun.Notwhining,no:hedrewhimselfupwithborderlinearrogance.“Wehavepropertyinquestion.We’vesuffereddamages.ThisOutsiderandthesemaheareinquestion.IclaimthisOutsiderforkifjurisdiction;andIclaimthesemaheaswellforcrimescommittedinourterritories.They’refromtheshipMahijiru,whichiswantedforcrimescontrarytotheCompact.”

“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid.“Papers.”

Hemovedupbesideherandgavethemtoher,rigidlyquiet.Sheofferedthepaperstothepage,whotookandreadthem.

“Tully.ListedbyKirduStationauthorityascrew,ThePrideofChanur,withamahenregistrationnumber.”

“Theconnectionisobvious,”thekifsaid.“IchargethisOutsiderwithattackonakifshipinourterritories;withmurderofkifcitizens;withnumerousatrocitiesandcrimesagainsttheCompactandagainstkiflawinourterritories.”

Pyanfartiltedherheadbackwithasmall,unfriendlysmile.“Fabrications.IstheLlungoingtotoleratethismove?”

“Inwhichacts,”Akukkakkcontinued,“thisChanurshipandallitscrewintervenedatMeetpoint,withtheprovocationofashootingincidentonthedocks,thekillingofoneofmycrew;withtheprovocationofahaniattackinthevicinityofthestation,inwhichwedefendedourselves.Inwhichattackthismaheintervenedandtookdamage,arecklessactofpiracy-”

“Lie,”Goldtoothsaid.“Gotherepapersmygovernmentchargethiskif.”

“Awide-reachingconspiracy,”Akukkakksaid,“inwhichChanurhasinvolveditself.Ambition,wisehani.Don’tyouknowtheChanur…forambition?Iamkif./haveheard…theChanurhavemaintainedatightholdoverthefartherterritorieswhereyourshipsgo,privateforthemselvesandtheirpartisans.Now

territorieswhereyourshipsgo,privateforthemselvesandtheirpartisans.Nowtheydealwiththemahe,ontheirown;nowtheymakeseparatetreatieswithOutsiderforces,contrarytotheCompact,fortheirownprofit.Kifrelationswiththemahearenotfriendly;weknowthisparticularcaptainandhiscompanionwhohoversarmedandwaitingjustoffthestationperimeter,threateningourshipsandyours.Thisisyourlaw?ThisisrespectfortheCompact?”

“Llun,”saidPyanfar,“thiskifisdisregardingthestation’sdecision.Idon’tneedtospecifythegamehe’sengagingin.Thelawprotectsthehanfromsuchoutsidemanipulations.Thesechargesareatactic,nothingmore.”

“No,”saidavoicefromthegallerybehind.Ahanivoice.Avoiceshehadheard.Pyanfarturned,earsflattened,prickedthemupagainasshesawawholearrayoffamiliarfacesontheothersideofthehall.DurTaharandhercrew;andtheFahabesideher.

“Thisisnot,”theLlunsaid,“ahearing.Thekifdelegationhasitsrighttolodgeaprotest;butthematterisdeferred.”

DurTaharwalkedforward,plantedherselfwidelegged.“WhatIhavetosayhasbearingontheprotest.ThekifsrightthattheChanur’sgonetoofar,rightthattheChanur’smadedealsonherown.AskaboutatranslatortapetheChanurtradedtomahendo’satanddeniedtous.AskaboutthisOutsidertheChanurclaimsascrew.AskaboutdealsworkedoutinKirduofficeswhichexcludedotherhaniandcreatedincidentsfromtheretoMeetpoint.”

“Bythegods,ambition!”Pyanfaryelled,andcrookedanextendedclawattheTahar’sperson.“Ambition’saspacercaptainwho’dsidewithahani-killingkiftoserveherhouse’sgrabforpower.Gods!”sheshouted,lookingabouttheroomatstrangefaces,atunknowns,insystemcrewsandlandlessonAnuurnforthemostpart.“IsthereanyoneherefromAheruun?Anyonefromthatsideoftheworld,someoneheretospeakfortheHandurshipthiskifkilledatMeetpoint,whiletheywerenose-to-dockandhadnoideatherewasanytroubleinthesystem?Ambition-istheTahar,wholeftusatKirducrippledandaloneandcamerunninghometousetheinformationtoTaharadvantage,whosideswiththekifwhohitthreehanishipsandafourthshipfromoutsideourspace,akifwho’sterrorizedthesewretchedstshointocomingherewithgodsknowwhatstory,akifwho’screatedacrisisinvolvingthewholestructureoftheCompact.Bythegods,IknowwhatblindstheTahartothefacts-butyou,you,Faha-greatgods,theykilledyourkin,andyoustandtheretakingthepartofthehakkiktwhohadyouboarded?What’shappenedtoyournerve,HilanFaha?”

hadyouboarded?What’shappenedtoyournerve,HilanFaha?”

Hilanopenedhermouthtoanswer,steppingforward,earsback,eyeswild.Thekifhowledandclicked,drowningwhatevershetriedtosay,andhowleduntilAkukkakkhimselfliftedabonygrayarmandshouted,turningtotheLlun.“Justice,hani,justice.ThislyingthiefChanurwasinvolvedfromthebeginning,privateallyofthemahendo’sat,anagentoftheirsfromthebeginning,involvedwiththeminattacks,recklessattacksintoourterritorywhichwedonotforget.”

“Thiskif,”Goldtoothroared,louderstill,“hakkikt.Killer.Thirtyshipshis.Makeallkiftogether,thishakkikt.MakemovenewkindtroubleinCompact,gotnocareCompact,spitatCompact.”Hestrodeforward,pulledawalletfromhisbeltandslammeditintothehandsofthepage.“Paperssayfrommygovernmenttruth.Haniandmahehuntthisone,yes.Gotkifrunfrommahe,moveintoterritorythisnewOutsider,thisTully.Bigterritory.Bigtrouble.Imaketruthforthehan;ImakeliarthisAkukkakkHinukkui.IwitnessatMeetpoint;thiskiflie.”

“Dangerourstation,”thestshostammered,thrustforwardbythekif.“Weprotest-weprotestthisincident;demandcompensation-”

“Enough,”theLlunsaidoveralltheuproar,andhaninoisediedquickly;kifcommotionsankawaylikewise.-“Llun.”HilanFahasaidinthatnewquiet.

“Enough,”theLlunsaid,scowling.“Thekifhashisrighttoprotestandtoadvanceaclaim.Butsincethatclaimexists,allsideshavearighttobeheard.There’safurtherstatemententeredinthiscause.”

Shetookacardfromherbelt,thrustitoutfortheharriedpage,whotookitinhasteandthrustitintothewallslotwhichcontrolledthehallviewingscreen.Itflaredtolife,rapidprintout.

stshokifknnn(*)hanimahetc’a

stationshipshipshipshipshipself

tradekillseehererunwatchknow

fearwantseehaniescapehelpknnn

violationviolationviolationviolationviolationviolationselfCompactCompactCompactCompactCompactCompactCompact

helphelphelphelphelphelphelp

Tc’acommunication,matrixcommunicationofamultipartitebrain,simultaneousthought-chains.Pyanfarstudiedit,tookadeeperbreath,andGoldtoothlooked,andthekif,andallthehani.

“It’sourshadow,”Haralmurmured.“It’sthetc’awiththatrottedknnn.”

“Itgotitselfaninterpreter,bythegods,”Pyanfarmuttered,andavastgrinspreadacrossherface.“Gotitselfthattc’aoffKirduandit’stalkingtous,godsprosperit-Seethat,kif?Yourneighborsdon’tlikeyourcompany,andsomeoneelsesawwhathappened,someoneyoucan’tcorrupt.”

“We’vegotamajorcrisisthankstoyou,”DurTaharcried,thrustingherselfbetweenherandtheLlun.“Godsblastyou,Chanur,thatyoucanfindanythingencouraginginknowingthetc’aareinvolvedinthismess.KnnnmobbedmyshipoutboundfromKirdu,knnn,likeintheolddaysofdeadcrewsandstrippedfreighters.Areyouproudofthat,thatyou’vegottentheminvolved?IcallforthedetentionofthisOutsiderpendingjudicialaction;suspensionofthismahe’spermitandpapers;forthecensureofthecaptainofThePrideofChanuralongwithallhercrewandthehousethatsponsorshermeddling.”

“Butnothingforthekif?”Pyanfarreturned.“NothingforakifadventurerwhomurderedhaniandmaheandprovokesapowerfulOutsiderspecies,withallthatmightmean?Ambition,Tahar.Andgreed.Andcowardice.Whathaveyougotfromthekif?ApromiseTaharshipswillbesafeifthisdiesdown?Iturneddownakifbribe.Whatdidyoudowhentheymadeyoutheoffer?”

Itwasachanceshot,awildshot;andtheTahar’searswentbackandhereyeswentwideasifshehadbeenhithardandunexpectedly.Everyonesawit.Therewasasuddenhushintheroom,theTaharvisiblyataloss,thekifdrawingeversoslightlytogether,thestshoholdingontoeachother.Itwasbittersatisfaction,thesightofthatretreat.“Bastard,”Pyanfarsaid,withasuddenrushofsorrowfortheTahar,andfortheFahawhostoodthereinthatcompany,earsfallen.Akukkakkstoodwithhisarmsfolded,kifishamusementdrawingdownthecornersofhismouthandlengtheninghisgray,wrinkledface.

cornersofhismouthandlengtheninghisgray,wrinkledface.

“He’slaughing,”Pyanfarsaid.“Athaniweaknesses.Atambitionthatmakesusforgetwedon’ttradeinallmarkets,inallcommodities.Andathisreckoningwe’lltradeagaintogetourshipsmovingagainoutsideourownhomesystem-becausetherearemorekifouttherethanyousee,andhaniwon’tallfight.Hanineverdo.Hanineverhave.AndI’vebeenstalledlongenough.IwaspromisedtransportdownworldandI’mtakingit.I’mgoinghomeandI’mcomingback,masterthief,masterkiller-andI’llseeyouinthatfullhearing.”

Akukkakknolongerlaughed.Hisarmswerestillfolded.Thekifwereallveryquiet.Thewholeroomwas.PyanfarmadeastiffbowtotheLlun,turnedandwalkedforthedoor,butGoldtoothandhiscrowdlingered,facingthekif.Tullyslowedandlookedback,andPyanfardid,scowling.

“Goldtooth.Youcome.I’mresponsibleforyou,hear?AstheTahar’smadeherselfresponsibleforthiskifonstation.Comeon.”

TheTaharsaidnothingtothegibe.Thatwasthemeasureoftheirdisarray.

“Gotfriend,”GoldtoothsaidtoAkukkakk.“Thistime,gotfriend,andnotatdock.Youdockedgood,kif,gotyounosetostation.Maybeyouaskhanigiveyousafeescort,a?”

Akukkakkscowled.“Perhaps.AndperhapsChanurwillbesokindastodothatherself.WhenshecomesbackfromAnuurn.”

AchillwindwentwanderingacrossPyanfar’sback.Shestaredamomentatthekif,thinkingovertheodds.TheLlunandtheinsystemmerchanterswerethinkinglikewise,surely,whattheymightlogicallydowithsevenkifshipsandtwomahehunters.

“Giveme,”Akukkakksaid,“theOutsider.Orthetranslationtape.It’snotsomuch.Icangetitfromthemahe,soonerorlater.”

“Ha,likeyougetfromhani?”Goldtoothmuttered.

“Whathanigive,”Pyanfarsaiddarklyandwithdistaste,“isamatterforthehan.Consensus.Maybe,hakkikt.Maybewe’lltalkthisthingout,withassurancesonallsides.BeforeitdamagestheCompactmorethanithasalready.”

Thequietpersisted,onallsides.Thestshostaredbackatherfromhauntedpaleeyes,thekiffromred-rimmeddarkones,hanifromamber-ringedblack.Kiffaith.Sheturnedherback,retreatedasfarasthedoorofthechamber,andthistimeGoldtoothandhiscrewwerewithher-andTully,whosefacewaspaleandbeadedwithsweat.

Thedooropenedandsealedagainattheirbacks.TheypassedLlunguards.Thecorridorstretchedahead,empty.

“Goingtomyship,”Goldtoothsaid.“Goingtobackoffandkeepwatchthesekifbastard.”

“Goingtotheshuttlelaunch,”Pyanfarsaid.“Gotbusinesswon’twait.GotstupidsonandtroubleinChanurholding.Lifeanddeath,mahe.”

“Kiffindyougo,makeoneshotyoushuttle.Jikmakeyouescort,a?Runcloseyouside,makeorbit,getyoubacksafe.”

Shestaredupatthemahe’sverysoberface,reachedandclaspedhisdark-furredandmusculararm.“Youwanthelpafterthis,mahe,yougotit.Numberonehelp.Thiskiflies.Youknowit.”

“Knowthis,”Goldtoothsaid.“Knowthisalltime.”

Theirwayspartedattheintersectingcorridor.Pyanfarpointedthewaybacktothedock,astraightwalkonward,andGoldtoothtookit,hiscrewwithhim,adark-furred,tallbodymovingoffdownthehall.Pyanfarmotionedherowngrouptheotherway,whichcurvedtowardtheshuttlelaunch.

Stepshurriedafterthem,clawedhanifeetinundignifiedhaste.Pyanfarlookedaboutastherestofherpartydid,sawayoungandblack-trouseredstationercomepantingtowardher.Theyoungstermadeahastybow,lookedupagain,earsdownindiffidence.“Captain.AnaKhai.Thestationbegsyoucome.Allofyou.Quicklyandquietly.”

“Stationgavemeleaveformyownpressingbusiness,youngKhai.I’mdueashuttledownworld.I’mnotstoppingforconferences.”

“Iwasonlygiventhatword,”theKhaibreathed,hereyesshiftingnervouslyoverthem.“Ihavetobringyou.TheLlunisthere.Quick.Please.”

Pyanfarglaredattheyoungwoman,noddedcurtlyandmotionedtheothersabouttofollowthemessenger.“Quickaboutit,”Pyanfarsnapped,andtheyoungsterhurriedalongatthelimitofherstrides,hardlykeepingaheadofthem.

Itwas,astheKhaihadsaid,notfar,oneofthesecondarymeetingroomsatwhichdoorawholehostofstationersandnofewinsystemspacershovered,acrowdwhichpartedattheirapproachandswarmedinafterthem.

TheLlunindeed.Theoldmanofthestation,sittinginasubstantialcushionedchairandsurroundedbymates/daughters/niecesandafewunderagesons,withoutmentioningtheclientfamiliars,theblack-trouseredofficials,thescatteringofspacercaptains.KifasLlunwasthere,firstwife,standingnearhim,andtherewereothersofotherhouses.AProtectedhouse;theLluncouldnotbechallenged,holdingtoosensitiveapost,likeotherholdersofportsandwaterwaysandthingsallhaniusedincommon,andhehadslidpasthisprime,buthewasimpressivewhenhegottohisfeet,andPyanfarexchangedherscowlforarespectfulnodtohimandtoKifas.

“Thistrouble,”hesaid,andhisvoiceshooktheair,abassrumbling.“ThisOutsider.Letmeseehim.”

PyanfarturnedandgatheredTullybythearm.TherewasapanickedexpressioninTully’seyes,areluctancetogoclosertotheLlun.“Friend,”shesaid.“He.”

Tullywent,then,andPyanfarkeptherclawsclenchedintohisarmtoremindhimofmanners.Tullybowed.Hehadthatmuchsenseleft.“Male,naLlun,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,andtheLlunnoddedslowly,hisheavymaneswingingashedidsoandhismouthpursedwithinterest.

“Aggressive?”theLlunasked.

“Civilized,”Pyanfarsaid.“Butmahe-like.Armed,naLlun.Thekifhadhimawhile.Killedhisshipmates.Hegotawayfromthem.That’swherethisstarted.Wehaveatranslatortapeonhim.We’llprovideitwithnoquibbles.Iwantitonrecordhegaveitfreely,forhisownreasons.IntheTaharmatter-that’sahanquestion.Ididn’ttrusttheTaharasacourier.Godswitness-I’llbesorrytoberight.Andbyyourleave,naLlun,I’llbebacktoansweryourquestions.There’samatteroftimeinvolved.Iwasgivenleavetogo.”

“Challengehasbeengiven,”KifasLlunsaid,andPyanfardartedherahardlook.“Onlynowthewordcameup.”

“Onlynowthewordcameup.”

PyanfarthrustTullybacktoHilfy’skeepingandstartedawaywithoutaword.

‘KerChanur,”Kifassaid,andshecastaburninglookback.“Aquickerway:listentome.”

“I’llwantacomlink,”Pyanfarsaid.“Now.”

“Listen,kerChanur.Listen.”Kifascrossedtheroomtoherandtookherarmtostopher.“Ourneutrality-”

“Godsrotyourneutrality.Keepthekifoffmyback.I’vegotbusinessdownworld.”

“Gotaship,”oneoftheinsystemcaptainssaidunbidden,ahaniofHaral’sbuild.“She’sold,kerChanur,butshecansetdowndirectonChanurland,thatnoshuttlecando.Tyofreightlander:Rau’sLuck.I’mwillingtosetherinthewayoftroubleifChanur’sminded.”

Pyanfardrewinabreathandlookedattheagingcaptain.Rauwasnodownworldhouse.Insystemhani,landlessandunpropertiedexceptforashiportwo,unlesstheywereTyo-based,colonials.

“Yourwordisworthsomething,”Kifassaid,“PyanfarChanur.We’reboundbytheCompact.Wecan’tdomorethanpinthesekifatthestation.You’vegotthemaheforhelp.Youcandomorethanwecan.Chanurhastwomoreshipsinthatmightbeofuse.Tahar-”

Kifasdidnotfinishthestatement;herearsflickedindiscomfort.

“Yes,”Pyanfarsaid.“Tahar.I’mnotsosureI’drelyontheirshipseitheratthemoment.”

“Wecan’tmusteradefense,”Kifassaid.“Yourcaptainsaredownworldwithmostofthecrews.Soareothers.We’vegotkifatdockforaslongaswecankeepthem,butyousaidyourself-theremaybeothers.”

“You’vegottheinsystemcaptains.”

“Againstjumpshipvelocity-”

Pyanfarlookedabouther,atthespacerspresent.“Gotothejumpshipsyoucanreach;youcanfilloutcrews.Takeorders.Nomatterwhathouse.Getthoseshipsableandready.I’llgettheChanurcaptainsbackhere;andanyothersIcanfind.Inthemeantime,keepingthoseshipsreadytogowillbethebestactionwiththekif.”ShelookedatKifasLlun,grimsobriety.“Yourneutralityisinrags.Givemeoneofyourpeople.Tobringwitnessdowntheretowhat’sgoingon.Ihavetogetmoving.Now.MahijiruandAjaJinwillkeepthekifpinnedandthewayopen.-IfIdon’tmove,kerLlun…theupheavalinthehanisgoingtomakedifferences,differencestomorethanChanur.Tahar’sdownthere,Idon’tdoubttheyare.Standinginlinetogetashareofthespoils.You’realreadyinit.I’mnotgoingtoletChanurgounder.”

“Rau,”KifasLlunsaid.“You’rereadytogo?”

“Ontheinstant,”theRaucaptainsaid.

“Ginas,”Kifassaid,withagesturedsignaltooneofherpeople.“GowiththeChanur.Talktothem.Answerwhatyou’reasked.You’reatherorders.”

Theonesingledoutbowed.Kifasofferedthedoor,asweepofherhand.“Llun,”PyanfarmurmuredinaquickbowofcourtesytowardKifasandtowardnaLlun,whohadseatedhimselfagain.Thensheturnedandsweptherowncompany,theLlunmessengerincluded,towardthedoor,followingtheRaucaptain.“Thisway,”theRausaid,indicatingaturnwhichwouldtakethemtowardthesmall-craftdocks.

Kohan,Pyanfarpersuadedherself,wouldnothavetakenchallengeimmediatelyasitwasoffered,notknowingthatshehadreachedthesystem;andsurelyheknewbynow:itwasroutinethatahousewasnotifiedwhenashipbelongingtoitmadeport.Thetimingofitarguedthathisenemiesknew;andsurelyKohandid.Hewastoowisetobecatapultedintoanysuchthingwithoutsomepreliminaries:shereliedonthat,withallherhopes.

TwohoursbyplanefromtheshuttleporttotheairportthatservedChanurandFahaandthelesserholdingsofthevalley:withtheRau’sproposaltheysavedthatmuchtime:andonthattoosherelied.

Andonapairofmahe.

AndgodsgrantAkukkakksawsomehopeforhimself.Ifoneofthosekifships

AndgodsgrantAkukkakksawsomehopeforhimself.Ifoneofthosekifshipsgotastrikesignaloff,ifthekifwasbentonsuicide-hemightaccomplishit,ifthereweremorekifshipslyingoffoutofscanrange.Maybefive,sixhourslagtimeformessageandstrike.Withluck,thekifdidnotknowthatthehanishipsgatheredinsystemwereonskeletoncrew;withluckthekifwouldregardthemasathreat…ifnoonehadtalked.

“Thatshipofyours,”PyanfarsaidtotheRau.“Armed?”

“Gotafewriflesaboard,”theRausaid.

XII

Therewasnoaccessrampforaninsystemworkhorse,onlyadarktubeintoachillanddimlylitinteriordirectlyoffthedock.TheRaudivedinfirstandshoutedtohercrew,athunderingandboomingoffeetontheuncushionedplates.Theairwasfoul,stingingtothenose.PyanfarcameaboardsecondsafterthecaptainoftheLuck,putahandonthehatchwayasshestoopedtoenteranddrewthehandbackdampwithcondensation-sealsleakedsomewhereintherecyclingsystems.Godsknewwhatthemarginwasonlifesupport.Sheworkedherwaypastlockerstothecontrolpitoftheprobe,trustingHaralandChurtogeteveryoneelseaboardandsettled.

“Name,”sheaskedoftheRaucaptain,droppingdownintothethree-cushionpit,waist-high,andduckingundertheoverheadscreens.“Nerafy,”thecaptainsaid,noddedbacktowardherpresumedcopilotandnavigatorwhoweredroppingintothepitontheotheraide.“Tamy;Kihany.”

“Gotusanescort,”Pyanfarsaid.“Mahe’sgoingtoseewegetthereandback;moveit.Nogroundlingsinthislot.Willyougivemecom?”

“We’regoing,”Nerafysaid,sinkingintohercushion.Thehatchboomedshut,deafening.“Kihany:it’sAnuurnwe’reheadedfor;getthecaptainthatlink.”

Repulsecutin.Pyanfarhand-over-handedherwayaroundthebackofthecushionstothecom/navigationboardandbracedherselfwithfeetandahandontherimtoleanovertheboard.“Iwant,”shesaid,ignoringthecontraryslamsofgagainstwhichsheshiftedwithoutthinking,“relaytoAjaJin.Mahe.Getthatshipfirst.”

Ittookamoment.Amahevoicecamecracklingthrough.TheylostgasRau’sLuckexecutedawallowingmaneuver,acquireditagain.“AjaJin.Haveyougotusinwatch?Trackthissignal.”

“Got,”thecomfortinganswerreturned.“Got.Wewatch.”

“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.Shebrokeitoff,notanxioustohavelongconversationswithkiftopickthemup.Themikeinhand,shetappedtheharriednavigatorontheshoulder.“Nextcall:satellitetogroundstationEnafyregion,area34,localnumber2-576-98;speaktoanyonewhoanswers.”

number2-576-98;speaktoanyonewhoanswers.”

Thenavigatorthrewheradesperateglance,shuntedherfunctionstothecopilotandstartedworking,noquestions,noobjections:“Whatlanding?”thecopilotwasasking;“Firstwegetthere,”Narafysaid.“Gotourselvesarescuerun.Speedcounts.”

“MapCoordinates54.32/23.12,”Pyanfarsaid,listeningtotheone-sidedcom.TheywereincontactwithEnafy.Inamomentmorethenavigatorheldupafingerandshetuckedtheplugintoherearandappliedherselftothemike.“Chanur,”shesaid,shaking;butthatwasfromthecold.“IsChanuranswering?”

“Here,”saidavoicefromtheworld,distantandobscurebyabadpickup.“ThisisChanurHolding.”

“ThisisPyanfar.We’reonourwayin.Who’sspeaking?”

Therewasamoment’ssilenceinwhichshethoughtthecontactwaslost.“It’sauntPyanfar,”thatvoiceontheotherendhissedwithinthemike’spickup.“Forthegods’sake,tellJofanandhurry!”

“NevermindJofan,whelp!GetKohanonandhurryup,youhearme?”

“AuntPyanfar,it’sNifas.IthinkkerJofan’scoming…TheTahararehere;theMahnhavechallenged;KaraMahnhas;andFaha’sgoneneutralexceptHuran’sstillhere;andAraunandPyruunhavecalledthatthey’recoming.Everyone’sgatheredhere.Theyknew-AuntJofan,it’s-”

“Pyanfar.”Anothervoiceassumedthemike.“Thankthegods.Gethere.”

“GetKohanon.Gethim.Iwanttotalktohim.”

“He’s-”Jofan’svoicetrailedofforstaticobscuredit.“I’lltry.Holdon.”

“Holding.”Pyanfarrestedthebackofthehandwhichheldthemikeagainsthermouth,shiftedherbodyinpain:theywereunderaccelerationnow.Therimofthepitwascuttingintoherback.Sheachievedalittlerelief,foundallherlimbsshakingagainstthestrain,thephysicaleffortofthepositionshemaintained.Shewatchedthescreens,seeingsomethingelsemovingonscan.AjaJin,shehoped.Ithadbetterbe.

“Pyanfar.”Thedeepvoice,static-ridden,explodedinherear.Kohan,beyond

“Pyanfar.”Thedeepvoice,static-ridden,explodedinherear.Kohan,beyondmistake.“Pyanfar.”

“Kohan.I’mintransit.I’mcoming.Howmuchtime,Kohan?”

Alongsilence.

“Kohan.”

“I’llwaittillyougethere.IthinkIcanstallitthatlong?”

“I’mcominginonadirectlanding.Iwantyoutostayinsideandhearnothingandseenothing.Ihavesomethingwithme.Somethingyou’llfindofinterest.”.

“ThisOutsider.”

“Newshasgotthere.”

“Tahar-makechargesagainstyou.”

“Alreadysettled.Settled.Youunderstand?”

Therewasanotherprolongedsilence.“Ihavemywitsaboutme.Iknewyouwereonyourway.Hadtobehereifthiscrowdshowedupinsuchgracelesshaste.”

Sheletgoalongbreath.“Good.Goodforyou.Youkeepatit.”

“Where’sHilfy?”

“Fine.Fineandsafe.I’monmyway.Now.Nomoretalking.We’vegotbusiness.Hear?”

Abreathcrackledthroughthestatic.“I’llworkthatMahnwhelpintoafitofhisown.”Itbegantosoundlikeareassuringchuckle.“I’llsitinsidesippinggfiandenjoyingtheshade.-Move,Pyanfar.Iwantyouhere.”

“Out,”shesaid.Shehandedthemikeback,astrainofherarmagainstacceleration,letthearmfallbackandshiveredasitsankinhowlongthatconversationhadbeen,howclearitwaswhowasspeakingfromthisshellofaship.Theywereondirectionaltothesatellite:perhapsnoonehadpickeditup.

“Gotitsetup,”Narafysaid.

“I’mgoingbacktomycrew,”Pyanfarsaid.Sheedgedherwayoutofthepit,onefootagainstthebulkhead.“Safetyline,”thecaptainadvisedher;shesawit,andtuckeddown,gainedthebrakingcliponthelineandwrappedherhandintoit.Launchedherselfdownthelongpitofthecentralcorridor,pastmoisture-dewedmetalandagedplasticlightingpanels,herownweightandahalfonherarm.ShereachedthebarrieredrecessofcushionswheretheothershadsnuggedinandHaralsnaggedher,hauledherwithdifficultyoverthepaddedsafetyarmwhichclosedoffthecompartment,andinseveralhands,onepairalien,sheletherselfcollapseintothecushionswiththerestofthem.“GotcontactwithKohan,”shebreathed,sortingherlimbsoutfromamongtherestofthem.“He’sgoingtostall.”

Hilfy’sface.Shesawthattight-lippedreliefandfeltalittledismayforthegirlwhohadcomeontoThePrideavoyageagojandthewomanwhostaredbackather,self-controlledandreckoningtheodds.

“Gotcontactwiththemahetoo,”Pyanfarsaid.“They’rewithus.”ShecastalookpastChurandHaraltotheLlun,Ginas,whonodded,aflatearedandanxiousstareinreturn“Youdon’t,”Pyanfarsaid,“havetomakethereturntripThere’snoreasonforyouto,kerLlun.Wejustgetyoudownsafetheonetime,that’sall.”

“Appreciated,”theLlunsaidtautly.

“Captain.”Haralthrustapackageofchipsintoherhands,andabottleofdrink.Pyanfarbracedthebottleinherlapandhookedaclawintothepackage,handstremblingwiththeprolongedstrain,usedtheclawtopunchdoubleholesonthe.,;plasticbottlecapandspout.Thefoodhelped,howeverdifficulttoswallowintheaccelerationstress.Sheofferedtotheothers.1

“We’vehadours,”Chursaid.BodiessquirmeddowntheIline,everyonesettling.Tullytriedtotalk,handsignsandmangledwords,andHilfyandChurcommunicatedwithhimasbesttheycould,speakingslowly,somethingtodowiththeshipandatmosphere.Hewascold;theyheldontohimandsettledfinally.PyanfarrolledastrainedglanceatHaralandthenclosedhereyes,numbedbymisery.

Therewasnomorethatshecoulddoforeithersituation,theoneonthegroundortheoneonstation.Kohan’snerveswouldbeontheraggededgebynow.This

ortheoneonstation.Kohan’snerveswouldbeontheraggededgebynow.Thisgo-and-stop-againpsychingforchallengewouldwearathimbythehour.Likenervingoneselfforajumpandwalkingbackfromit.Thesecondeffortwasaharderone.Afrom-the-hearteffort.GodsknewhowlongthesituationhadbeensawingatKohan’snerves.Months.SincethenightHilfyleft.Sincebeforethat-whenhesawKhymMahnlikelytofalltochallenge.Therewasapointpastwhichhewouldheaveupanyfoodhetriedtoeat,awakeallnight,wearinghisstrengthdownwithpacing,withtheconstantadrenalinhighwhichwouldwearhimtoskinandbonewithindays.Huranandsomeoftheothermateshadstayed.Therewerehisyoungestcoupleofsons,whohadrunforthebordersiftheyhadanysense,nottolingerwithinhisreach.Therewereascoreofdaughters,whomightmusterworthenoughtoseeheateandsleptasmuchaspossibleapproachingthistime.Daughters,mates,andwiththecaptains%in,severalmorehalf-sisters,whoweremostreliableofthelot.ButthereweregrownChanurmaleswhomightcomestrayingbackfromexiletokeyupthesituationfurther-returnedfromHermitage,fromwandering,fromgodsknewwhatoccupationswhichfilledthelivesofmalesinthesanctuaries.Always,atchallenge,therewerethose,hopeless,keyedup,anddangerous,hangingaboutthefringes.

AsforyoungKaraMahn,hewasprobablygood.HehadtakenKhym,whohadsurvivedthusfarmorebywitthanbystrength.Karahadpromisedbothsizeandintelligence,thelasttimeshehadseenhim.Chanurblood,afterall,Chanurtemperament.Shecursedherownstupidity,inseekingafteramatelikeKhym,aquietandpeacefuldomicile,amountainhideawayandKhym,arestingplace,agardenlikeadream.Khymhadlistenedtoherstories,soothedhernerves,madeherlaughwithhiswit;anidealmate,withoutthreattoChanur’sinterests.Butgods,shehadneverthoughtwhatsheleftbehindinthatplace,herownChanur-bloodedoffspring,largerthanKhym’sdaughtersandsonsoflocalwives;larger;andstronger;and-ifsuchthingscouldbeinherited-quarrelsomeanddemanding.

Nothinglikefamilyloyalty.HersonyearnedafterhisChanurheritagesomuchhewantedtotakeitforhisown.

Bettermentofthespecies,haniphilosophershadcalledit.Churrauhanim.Thedeathofmaleswasnothing,nothingbutchangehappening:thehanadjusted,andtheyounggotsiredbythesurvivors.Onemanwasasgoodasanother;andservedhispurposewellenough.

Butbythegodsitwasnottrue;thereweretheyoungandtherecklesswho

Butbythegodsitwasnottrue;thereweretheyoungandtherecklesswhomight,onabetteropponent’soffday,win;therewerechallengesliketheoneshapingupagainstChanur,whichinvolvedmorethanoneagainstone.

Andsometimes-gods-onelovedthem.

Shesleptsomewhat,inthesteadyacceleration,insensationssouncomfortablenumbnesswasthebestrefuge;andintheconfusionofjumpandtime,herbodywaspersuadeditwasoffshiftorperhapstheshiftpastthat.

Anewsensationbroughtheroutofit,weightlessnessandsomeonehaulingheroutofadriftasalightflashed.“Abouttomakedescent,”Haralsaid,andPyanfarreachedforasecureholdinpreparation.

Itwasaroughdescent:sheexpectednothingelse.Shehadnoideaoftheshapeofthelander,butitwasnotoneofthewinged,glidingshuttles.Thelanderhammereditswaydownafterthemannerofitskind,vibratingstressintothemarrowoflivingbonesandvibratingskinandtissuesandeyesintheirsockets,sothattherewasnothingtodobutrideitdownandwishdesperatelythattherewasasightofsomething,somethingtodowiththehands,somesequencewhichwantedthinkingaboutandmanaging.

Therewasatimeshesimplyshuthereyesandtriedtocalculatetheirprobableposition;shehad,shedecided,noloveofridingasapassenger.Thenthesoundincreasedandthestresseschanged-gods,thenoise.Sheheardwhatsheferventlyhopedwasthelandingpodsextending.

Theywereinstraightdescentnow,avibrationofarhythmicsort.

Touch,onepodandthentheothers,ajoltandaseriesofsmallerjolts,andsilence.

Pyanfarflickedherearswiththesuddenfeelingthatshewasdeaf,lookedaboutherathershakencomrades.Downwasdifferentthanbefore:thegimbaledpassengersectionhadreorienteditselfandthecentralcorridorwasflatandwalkable.“Out,”Pyanfarsaid.“Let’sseewheretheysetusdown.”

Hilfyunlockedthepaddedsafetybarrier,andtheywent.Hydraulicsoperatednoisilyandwhentheyhadcomeasfarasthecontrolpit,daylightwasfloodinginontothemetaldeckingfromtheopenlock.

inontothemetaldeckingfromtheopenlock.

Theothersdescended.Pyanfardelayedforaninstant’scourtesy,athanksfortheRaucrewwhowereclimbingoutoftheirpit,theirshipsecured.“Ifyoucome,”Pyanfarsaid,“well;you’rewelcomeinChanurland.Orifyoustayhere-we’llbebringingmorepassengersasquicklyaswecan.”

“We’llwait,”NerafyRausaid.“Weputyouclose,Chanur.We’llhavetheshipreadyforlift;we’llbewaiting.”

“Good,”shesaid.Thatwasherpreference.Sheduckedundertheconduitsandswungdownontotheextendedladder,scrambleddowntotherockyflatwheretheyhadlanded,inthegenerallywedge-shapedshadowofthelander.Theairsmelledofscorchandhotmetal;theshippingedandsnappedandsmokecurledupfromthebrushnearby.

Midday,groundtime.Theshadowsshowedit.PyanfarjoinedtheothersandlookedwhereChurpointed,tothebuildingswhichshowedonagrassyhorizon:ChanurHolding;andFahawasfartherstill.Andthemountainswhichhoveupbluedistancesontheirright-therelayMahnHolding.Closeindeed.

“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid.Shehadmadeherselfdizzywiththatoutwardgaze,andshortenedherfocustotherockystretchbeforeher.Horizonswentthewrong.way;andthecolors,gods,thecolors….Theworldhadagarishbrightness,aplenitudeoftextures;andthescentsofgrassanddust;andthefeelofthewarmwind.Onecouldgetdrunkonit;onehadenoughofitinahurry,andthesightfilledherwithamoment’sirrationalpanic,aslippingfromonerealitytotheother.

“Notsofar,”Hilfypanted,latestfromtheworld.“They’llhaveheardthatlanding.He’llknow.”

“He’sgotto,”Haralagreed.

Sowillothers,Pyanfarthought,deliberatelyslowingherpace.Rushingupexhausted-no;thatwasnotthewisethingtodo.Tullycheckedhislongstridesastheydid;theLlunwhohadtrailedbehindthemcaughtup.Maneswerewindblown,Tully’smostofall.Thesunbeatdownwithagentleheat:autumn,Pyanfarrealized,lookingaboutherattheheavy-headedgrasses,thecolorsoftheland.Insectsstartedupinpanic,settledagain.

“They’llsurelysendacar,”Chursaid.“Ifthey’vespottedus.”

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaid;itwasherownhope.Butnonehadshowedthusfar,noplumeofdust,nothingofthesort.“Theymay,”shesaid,“havetheirhandsfull.Nogoodanyofthemleaving,notifthingsareheatingup.”

Nooneansweredthat.Itcalledfornothing.

Shekeptwalking,outtotheforeoftheothers.Familiarground,this.Shehadknownitasachild.Theyreachedabrookandwadeditankledeep,cameuptheotherside,andbynowTullywaslimping-“He’scuthisfoot,”Chursaid,supportinghimwhileheliftedittoexamineit.“Youcome,”

Pyanfarsaidunforgivingly,andhenodded,caughthisbreathandkeptgoing.

Notsofarnow.Theyjoinedtheroadthatledtothegates,easiergoingforTully,forallofthem.Pyanfarwipedhermanefromhereyesandsurveyedthewayahead,wherethegoldstoneouterwallsofChanurHoldingstretchedacrossthehorizon,nodefense,butabarriertogardenpestsandthelike-theopenplainslappedupagainstitingrassywaves.Beyondit-morebuildingsofthesamegoldstone.Therewouldbecars…theairportwasbehindthem,downtheroad;theywouldhavecomeinfromthere,alltheinterestedpartiesandthehangers-on,saveonlytheadventurersfromthehills,fromHermitageandsanctuaries,whowouldcomeoverlandandskulkaboutthefringes;vehicleswouldhavedriveninalongthisroad,gonethroughthegates,parkedonthefieldbehindthehouse…thatwaswheretheyalwaysputvisitors.

WhentheirunclehadfallentoKohan—

Theyearsrolledbackandforwardagain,apulselikejump,leavingherasunsettled.Homeward…withallthemindsetwhichtookthingssoeasily,sogods-rottedeagerly.

Nature.Naturethatmademalesuseless,toohigh-strungtogooffworld,toholdanypositionofresponsibilitybeyondtheestates.Naturethatrobbedthemofsenseandstability.

Oranupbringingthatdid.

Thegrillworkgateswerepostedwide,flungopenonahedgeofrusset-leavedernafya,musky-fragranteveninautumn,thatstretchedtowardtheinnergates

ernafya,musky-fragranteveninautumn,thatstretchedtowardtheinnergatesandthehouse,anunbrokenandhead-highcorridor.Shepassedthegate,lookedbackastheothersovertookher,andinturning-

“Pyanfar.”Someonecamefromamongthehedge,arustlingoftheleaves;amalevoice,deep,andshespunabout,handtoherpocket,thinkingofsomeoneoutofsanctuary.Shestoppedinmid-reach,frozenbyrecognitionaheartbeatlate-avoicesheknew,abentfigurewhichhadrisen,bedraggledanddisfigured.

“Khym,”shemurmured.Theothershadstopped,ahazebeyondherfocus.Thesighthurt:impeccableandgracious,thathadbeenKhym;buthisrightearwasrippedtoribbonsandhismaneandbeardweremattedwithawoundwhichranfromhisbrowtochin;hisarmswerelacedwitholderwounds,hiswholebodyamapofinjuriesandhurts,oldandnew.Hesankdown,squattingonthedusthalfwithinthehedge,hiskneesthrustingoutthroughtheragsofhisbreeches.Hebowedhisfilthyheadandlookedupagain,squintingwiththeswellingofhisrighteye.

“Tahy,”hesaidfaintly.“She’sinside.They’veburntthedoorsdown…Iwaited-waitedforyou.”

Shestareddownathim,dismayed,herearshotwiththewitnessofhercrewandoftheLlun-onthiswreckagewhichhadbeenhermate.Whohadlostthatnametoo,whenhelostMahntotheirson.

“They’vesetfiresinthehall,”Khymstammered,even*hisvoiceashadowofitself.“Chanur’sbackedinside.They’recallingonnaKohan-buthewon’tcomeout.Faha’slefthim,allbut-allbutkerHuran;Araun’sthere,still.They’veusedguns,Pyanfar,toburnthedoor.”

“Kohanwillcome,”Pyanfarsaid,“now.AndI’llsettleTahy.”Sheshiftedherweighttomove,hesitated.“HowdidyougettoChanur?Kohanknows?”

Thewholeeyelookedupather;theotherranwater,squintedalmostshut.“Walked.Longtimeago.Forgethowlong.NaKohanletme…stay.KnewIwashere,butletmestay.Goon,Pyanfar.Goon.There’snotime.”

Shestartedaway,downthatroadwhichledtothehouse,notwithoutlookingback;andHilfywalkedbesideher,andChurandtheLlun,butTully-Tullyhadlingered,stareddownatKhym,andKhymreachedoutahandtostayhim,onlylooking….

looking….

Khym,whohaddelightedinthetalesshebroughthim,ofstrangeportsandOutsiders,andhehadneverseenaship,neverseenanOutsider,untilnow-^-

“Tully!”shecalled,andHaralcaughthimbythearmandbroughthimquickly.Andthen:“Khym-”shecalled.Fornoreason.Forshame.Kohanhadbeenassoft…whenKhymhadstrayedhereinhisexile,huntingsomebetterdeaththanstrangers.

Helookedupather,aslowgatheringofhope.Shenoddedtowardthehouse,andhepickedhimselfupandcameafterthem:thatmuchshewaitedtoknow.Sheturnedontheinstantandsetagoodpacedownthedustyroad,eyeingthehedgeswhichfolloweditsbending.Ambush,shethought;butthatwasanOutsiderway,somethingforkifandmahe,nothanionGathering.

Still.…

“Scatter,”shesaid,withawaveofherarmtohercrew.“Thegardenwall:getthereandwe’llsettlethisdaughterofmine.Hilfy:withHaral;Tully-Chur,youtakehim.KerLlun,youandIaregoingthroughthegate.”

GinasLlunnodded,herearsflatwithdistress,andwhiletheothersscatteredinoppositedirectionsthroughthehedge,Pyanfarthrustherhandsintoherbeltandstrodealongatagoodpacearoundthebendingoftheroadandtowardtheinnergates.Astepscuffedbehindher,andthatwasKhym:sheturnedtolook,toencouragehimwithanodofherhead,herselfingaudyredsilk;hercompanioninofficialblack;andKhym-grimyragsthatmightoncehavebeenblue.Hecamenearher,besideher,limpingsomewhat;andgods,thewaftofinfectioninhiswounds-buthekepttheirpace.

Theycouldhearitnow,themurmurofvoices,theoccasionalshoutofavoicelouderthantheothers.Pyanfar’searsflattenedandprickedupagain;asurgeofadrenalinhitfatiguedmusclesandthreatenedthemwithshivers.“It’snotchallenge,”shemuttered,“it’sriot.”

“Tahar’shere,”Khymsaidbetweenbreaths.”NaKahiandhissisters.That’ssecondtrouble.It’ssetup,Pyanfar.”

“Icanbetitis.Where’sourson’sbrains?”

“Belowhisbelt,”Khymsaid.Andafewstepslater,withthesoundsofdisorder

“Belowhisbelt,”Khymsaid.Andafewstepslater,withthesoundsofdisorderclearerintheair:“Pyanfar.GetmepastTahyandhercrowdandIcanmakeadifferenceinthis…taketheedgeoffhim.Thatmuch,maybe.”

Shewrinkledhernose,gavehimasidelongglance.Itwasnotstricthonor,whatheproposed.NeitherwaswhatTaharintended.Theirson-toendhimbysuchamaneuver-

“IfIcan’tstopit,”shesaid,“-takehim.”

Khymchuckled,athroatyrattle.“Youalwayswereanoptimist.”

Theyroundedthelastcurve,thegateahead,wideopentowardthegardens,theagedtrees,thevine-coveredgoldstoneoftheHoldingitself.Acrowdsurgedaboutthefrontofthehouse,tramplingtheplantingsandthevines.Theyshouted,tauntsandderisiontowardChanur;theyrattledthebarsofthewindows.

“Rotthem,”Pyanfarbreathed,andheadedforthegate.AhandfulofMahnspottedherandsetupanoutcry,andthatwasallshewanted:sheyelledandbowledintothemwith/Khymatherside,andtheMahnretreatedforreinforcementsinthegarden.“Hai!”sheyelled,andofasuddentherewereHilfyandHaralatopthewall,andapepperingofshotsintothedirtinfrontoftheMahn,whoscrambledforcover.

“Getthedoor,”Pyanfaryelled,wavingatthem,andtheyjumpedandstartedrunning:moreoftheMahnandsomeoftheirhangers-onwereonthecolonnadedporch,andofasuddenChurandTullywereonthelowgardenwallwhichflankedthat,Churyellingasifencouragingawholebandofsupporters.TheMahndartedthiswayandthat,herdwise,andscatteredfromthedoorinthefaceofthethree-waycharge.PyanfarracedupthestepsandconvergedwithHaralandChur,guninhand,burstthroughthedoorwayhalfastepaheadofthem,intodimmerlightandachaosofbodiesandthereekofsmoke.Itwasahugeroom,litfrombarredwindows,thewreckageofdoubledoorsattheend:hanithereturnedandfacedtheirrushinasuddenparalysis,ahundredintruderswhostaredatleveledChanurguns.

Somemoved;youngwomenputthemselvesintotheforeofthings.Othersshiftedaboutthefringes,carefully.Voicesechoeddeepwithinthehalls.Pyanfarkeptthepistolbracedinhertwohands,hereyeswide-focused,takinginallthemovements.

Thatyoungwoman-herownimage,red-goldmaneandstaturemorethanherMahnsisters:Tahy.Herfocusnarrowed.Theyoungman-gods,tallandstraightandbroad-shouldered…yearssinceshehadseenthem.Longeryearsforherplanetbounddaughterandson,growing-upyears;andtheyhadallies…ascoreofMahnyouths,maleandfemale;andaboutthewallsoftheroom-KahiTahar,naKahi,theoldman,Chanur’ssouthernrival;andothers-seniorwomenofholdsshesuspectedasEnauryandothersofTahar’shangers-on,hereforthescavenging.

“Outofhere,”Pyanfarsaid.“Outofhere,allofyou.”

“Guns,”Tahyspat.“Isthatthewayofif?Wehaveourown.Isthatwhatyouchoose,whilenaKohanhidesfromus?”

“Putthemaway,”Pyanfarsaid.Shepushedthesafetybackon,pocketedhers.InthetailofhereyeHaraldidthesame,andtheothersfollowedsuit.“Now,”Pyanfarsaid.“You’resomewhatstrayedfromthefield,sonofmine.Let’swalkthisbackoutwhereitbelongs.”

“Here,”Karasaid.

AmovementinthecorridorbehindtheMahn:Pyanfarnoteditanddrewinherbreath.Chanur.Agoodscoreofthehouse.AndKohan,aheadtallerthantheothers.

“Holdit,”Pyanfarshouted,movedsuddenlytotheside,distraction:theinvadersshiftedinconfusionandhandsreachedforweapons,amoment’sfrozenconfusionandsuddenlyChanurattheMahn’sbacks.TheMahnretreatedinhaste,backingtowardthewallthathadbeenattheirleft,butTahyandhercompanionswhothrustthemselvesbetweenKaraandKohanquickasinstinct;Pyanfardivedfortheotherside,HaralandChurandHilfymovingonthesameimpulse,interposedthemselves.ShetouchedKohan’soverheatedarm.Hewastrembling.“Back,”shesaid.“Backoff,Kohan.”AndtoTahy:“Out.Noonewinshere.IfKohandelayed-itwasmydoing;andI’mhere.WithGinasLlun,who’llbackupwhatIsay.WithanOutsider,who’sproofenoughwe’vegottrouble.We’vegotkifatthestation:they’vecalledthecaptainsin…todefendGaohn.It’slikethatupthere.Wecan’taffordasplitinthehan.”

Tahygaveanegativetossofherhead.“Wehearadifferentstory-alltheway.No.Youwanttosettlesomethingonourown-we’llobligeyou.Kohanneedhelp,thatyouhadtodraghimupoutofthebrush?We’llsettlethat.”

help,thatyouhadtodraghimupoutofthebrush?We’llsettlethat.”

“Station’sfallen,”avoicesaidoutofChanurranks,andoneofthecaptainsthrustherselfforward,Rhean,withcrewinherwake.“Word’sonthecom:they’vecalledforhelp-it’snolie,kerMahn.”

Noisebrokeoutintheroom,arippleofdismaythroughallthosepresent.TheLlunstrodeintoit,neutralityabandoned.“Howlongago?Chanur…howlong?”

“Messageisstillgoing.”Kohananswered,self-controlled,thoughhisbreathwascominghard.“KaraMahn.Iforgetallthis.It’sover.Leavenow.We’llnottalkaboutit.”

Karasaidnothing.Therewasaglassylookinhiseyes.Hisearswereback.ButTahylookedlesssureofherself,motionedtheothersback.

“You’vegotyourchance,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,evenly.“Listentome:you’vegotMahn.Tahar’snotyourally.Yougoonwiththischallenge,andTahar’sheretotakeonthewinner:worndown,youunderstandme.TotaketwoHoldings.Theirambition’smorethanyours.TheLluncantellyouthat-aTaharcaptain,dealingwiththekif-”

“Rotyourimpertinence,”KahiTaharshouted,andoneofhissistersinterposedanarm.“Alie,”thatonesaid.

“Perhaps,”Pyanfarsaidlevelly,“amisunderstanding.An…excessofzeal;acarelesstongue.Backoutofhere.Wemaynotpursueit.-Tahy…outofhere.TheCompact’sclosetofracturing.It’snotthemoment.Getoutofhere.”

”NaMahn,”Kohansaid.“It’snottoyouradvantage.”

“You’llloseMahn,”Khymsaidsuddenly,thrustingpastHilfy.“Hearme,whelp-you’llloseit…toKohanortoKahi.Useyoursense.”

Karawaspastit.Theeyeswerewideanddark,theearsflat,nostrilswide.Ofasuddenhescreamedandlaunchedhimself.

AndKhymdid.Pyanfarflungherselfabout,bodilyhurledherselfatKohanashercrewdid,asHilfyandHuranFahaandRheanandhercrew.Hebackedup,shookhimself,inpossessionofhisfaculties:Pyanfarsawhiseyeswhichwerefixedonthescreamingtanglebehindher-herselfspunabout,sawKhymlosing

fixedonthescreamingtanglebehindher-herselfspunabout,sawKhymlosingthegripthatwouldkeepKara’sclawsfromhisthroat.

“Stopit,”sheyelledatTahy,andherselfwadedintoit,tryingtogetapurchaseoneitherstrugglingbody,topushthemapart.AnelbowslammedintoherheadandShestumbled,hurledherselfbackintoit,andnowothersweretryingtopartthetwo.“Tully!”Hilfyshouted;andsuddenlyafluidspatteredthem,straightintoKara’sface,andoverher,stingingtheeyesandchokingwithitsfumes.Karafellbackwitharoarofoutrage;andshedid,wipinghereyes,coughingandsupportedbyfriendlyhands.ChanurhadholdofTully,shesawthatthroughstreamingeyes-hisarmspinnedbehindhim,andKhymwasdown;andKarawasrubbinghiseyesandstrugglingtobreathe,Shecaughtherbreath,stillcoughing,shookoffthehandswhichhelpedher,Sheknewthearoma;sawthesmallviallyingemptyonthefloor-thesmellofflowersgotpastherstingingnasalmembranes.“Tully,”shesaid,stillchoking,reachedoutahandandpulledhimtoherbythebackoftheneck,shookhimfreeoftheChanurwhohadseizedhim-pattedhisshoulderroughlyandlookedacrossatherson,whoseeyeswerestillrunningwater.“Breakitoff,naKara.YouhaveMahn.Callitenough.”

“Offmyland,”Kohansaid.“Tahar.Beglad/don’tchallenge.GetclearofChanurHolding.NaKara:apoliterleave.Please.Priorities.I’llnotcomeatyounow.Icould.Thinkofthat.”

Karaspat,turned,stalkedout,wipinghiseyesandflingingoffofferedhelp,dispossessedofhisimpetus,hisdignity,andhisadvantage.Tahyremained,lookeddownatKhym,whohadleveredhimselfuponhiselbows,headhanging.Shemighthaveflungsomefinalinsult.Shebowedinstead,toPyanfar,toKohan,lastofalltoKhym,whoneversawit.Thenshewalkedout,theotherMahnbeforeher.

Taharlingeredlast,naKahiandhissisters.

“Out,”Kohansaid,andtheTahar’searsflattened.Butheturnedandwalkedoutofthehall,outthedoor,andtookhissistersandhispartisanswithhim.

Kohan’sbreathsighedout,agustyrumble.HereachedforHilfy,laidhisarmabouthershouldersandruffledhermane,touchedtheringwhichhungonherleftear-lookedatPyanfar,andatKhym,whohadstruggledtohisknees.Khymflinchedfromhisstareandgatheredhimselfup,retreatedheaddownandslouching,withoutlookingathim.

“Gotnotime,”Pyanfarsaid.“Welldone.Itwaswelldone.”

Kohanblewasigh,nodded,madeagesturewithhisfreehandtowardtherest.Noddedtowardthedoor.“KerLlun.”

“NaChanur,”theLlunmurmured.“Please.Thestation-”

“Goingtobefightingupthere?”

“Nosmallbit,”Pyanfarsaid.

“Youhandleit?”

“Mightusesomeofthehouse.”

“I’llgo,”Kohansaid.“/’//goupthere.”

“AndleaveTahartomoveinontheboys?Youcan’t.GivemeRheanandAnfyandtheircrews;whoeverelsecanshoot.We’vegottomove.”

Kohanmadeasounddeepinhisthroat,nodded.“Rhean;Anfy;Jofan-choosefromthehouseandhurryit.”HepattedHilfyontheshoulder,wentandtouchedHaralandChurinthesameway-lingeredstaringatTully,reachedandalmosttouched…butnotquite.Heturnedthenandwalkedback.“Hilfy,”hesaid.

“Myship,”Hilfysaid.“Myship,father.”

Itcosthim,asmuchastheotheryielding.Henodded.Hilfytookhismassivehand,turnedandtookthehandsofHuranFaha,whonoddedlikewise.

“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid.“Comeon,allofyou.Move.-I’llgetherback,Kohan.”

“Allofyou,”hesaid.Theothersgatheredthemselvesandheadedforthedoorinhaste,somedelayingtogobackafterweapons.Pyanfarstayedaninstant,lookedatKohan,his:eyes,hisgolden,shadowedeyes;hisearswereprickedup,hemanagedthat.“Thatmatter,”shesaid,“thisOutsiderofmine-I’llbebackdowntoexplainit.Don’tworry.GetChanurbackinorder.We’vegotanedgewehaven’thadbefore,hearme?”

“Go,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llgetitsettledhere.Gettoit,Pyanfar.”

“Go,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llgetitsettledhere.Gettoit,Pyanfar.”

Shecamebackandtouchedhishand,turnedforthedoor,crossingtheroominadozenwidestridesandheadedofftheporch,wherenosignremainedoftheattackbutthetrampledgardenandapassingofvehiclesheadeddowntheroadbeyondthewall,clearingoutinhaste.

AndKhym.Khymwasthere,bythegate,crouchedtherewithhisheadonhisfoldedarms.Freshwoundsglistenedonhisredbrownshoulders.Hesurvived.Hewentonsurviving,outofhistimeandhisreasonforliving.

“Khym,”shesaid.Helookedup.Shemotionedtowardthesideofthehouse,thatpathwaywhichtheothershadtakentotheback,wheretheycouldfindtransport.Hestoodupandcame,limpinginthefirststepsandthennotlimpingatall.“I’mfilthy,”hesaid.“Nopolitecompany.”

Shewipedherbeardandsmelledherhand,sneezed.“Gods,Ireekforbothofus.”

“Whatishe?”

“OurOutsider?Human.Somethinglike.”

“Huh,”Khymsaid.Hewaspanting,outofbreath,andthelimpwasback.Theycamealongthesideofthehouse,downthepathbythetreesattheback,andlatecomersfromthehousereachedthemandfellinattheirpace,carryingrifles.Khymlookedbacknervously.“It’sallright,”Pyanfarsaid.“Youwanttogo,Khym?Wanttohavealookatstation?”

“Yes,”hesaid.

Theyreachedthebottomofthehill,whereHaralandChurhadstarteduptwoofthetrucks,whereagreatnumberfromChanurwereboarding,agoodthirty,fortyofthem,besidesthosetenorsobehind.Tullywasbythesideofone,withHilfy.PyanfarreachedandcuffedTully’sarm.“Good,”shesaid.“Up,Tully.”

Hescrambledupintothebed,surprisinglyagileforclawlessfingers.Hilfycameupafterhim,andKhymvaultedupwithaweightthatmadethetruckrock.Othersfollowed.

Pyanfarwentaroundtothecab,climbedin.“Go,”shesaidtoHaral,andthetrucklurchedintomotion,aroundthecurveandontotheroad,towardtheouter

trucklurchedintomotion,aroundthecurveandontotheroad,towardtheoutergates,flingingupacloudofdustastheycareenedbetweenthehedges,joltingintonear-collisionwiththefarpostoftheoutergatebeforetheyheadedoffacrossthefieldonthedirectcoursetowardthewaitingship.

Godshelpus,Pyanfarthought,lookingbackattheassortmentwhichfilledthebedofthetruck,youngandoldChanur,armedwithrifles;andaone-timelord;andTully;andtheLlun,whohaddecidedtocomebackwiththemafterall.

Theshipshadgottenoffstationtokeepthekifthere,andthekifwerestillthere,indeedtheywere;wererunningthehallsofstation-kifloosewithrevengeinmind,ahakkiktwhomightseehisownsurvivaldoubtfulandrevengeverymuchworthhaving.

Shefacedaboutagain,feetbracedagainstthejoltsasthetrucklurchedoverunevenground.Haralfoughtthewheelwithdesperateturnsandreverses,followingthetracktheyhadwalkednow,thebeatenlineoftheirownprintsinthetallgrass,wheretherewouldbefewerhiddenpitsandhummocks.

“HopeAjaJin’sstillinplace,”Haralmuttered.

“HopeHinukkuandtherestare,”Pyanfarsaid,bracingherhandagainstthedash.“Ifwe’vegotmorekifthanwehad-ifthey’vegottenacalloutforreinforcements.…”

“Lagtime’sonourside.”

“Somethinghadbetterbe,”Pyanfarsaid.“Gods,foracom.”

Haralshookherheadandgaveallherstrengthtothewheel,slowedastheyjoltedtowardtheslopeofthestream.Thetrucklumbereditswayoverthegrassybank,claweditswayovermuddybottomandrocks,slewedaboutandfoundpurchaseontheotherbank,headedupagain,withtheungainlywedgethatwasRau’sLuckgrowingcloserandcloser.

Alightwasflashing,sun-brightagainsttheship.Pyanfarpointedtoit,andHaralnodded.TheRausawthemcoming.Runninglightsbegantoflash,redandwhite,blinkcode.

Itwasthemessagetheyalreadyhad.Haralflashedtheheadlights,adesperatesnatchbackatthewheel.

snatchbackatthewheel.

Planetaryspeeds.Inthetimeithadtakenthemtogetthisfarfromthehouse,ajumpshipcouldcrossaninterworlddistance.Andperhapssomeweredoingthat.Thehanwasintact,thestructureofHoldingswhichcoulddecidepolicies;butthelossofGaohnStation—

Shecursedherself,tohaveassumedanyrevengewouldbetoogreatforAkukkakk’spride;tostrikeatstations-hehaddonethat;noonestruckatworlds,notinthewholehistoryofthecivilizedpowers.

Exceptthekif…itwasrumoredthattheyhaddoneso,intheirownriseofftheirnativeworld,inthecontestsforpower.Theyhadoncestruckattheirown.

XIII

Theenginesputonthrust,ahollowroarofthedownworldjets,andtheLucklifted.Pyanfardroppedintotherearofthedarkcontrolpitasthedeckcameup,hitheavilyandcrouchingandtuckeddown,straighteningtheblanketandpillowshehadgottentopadherbackinthatnook,onthepitfloorbehindtheRau’sthreecushions.Thecaptainliftedherhand,signalthatherpresencewasnoted,andreachedatoncebacktotheboardinfrontofher.TheLuckwentonrising;thegearthumpedupintothehousingsandthepressuremounted.Pyanfardiscoveredapaininhershoulderandstruggledalittleagainsttheblankettorelieveit.

Notsosteepaliftcomparedtotheangleatwhichtheyhadlanded:thelanderflew,ofsorts,verticalliftatfirst,andthenanangledflightwhichstillhadaftfordownside,g-wise.Theprimariescutinwithathrustwhichsettledallhergutdifferentiallytowardherspine.

Someoftheircompanywerewelloff,aft,inthepaddedpassengershell:TullyandKhymandGinasLlunweresettledthere,inthickcushions;andHaral,tokeepthemcompanyandsettleproblems.Theunluckyrestrodetheboards,tiltingcushionedpartitionsexpandedfromthenextbulkhead-blind,darkmisery,packedinlikefish,fouracross,thebackofthenextcushiontiltingbackandforthalmostinone’sface…gods,gods,toridelikethatwiththeshipgoingintotroublealoft-shefeltguiltforbeingwhereshewas,inwhatrelativecomfortshehad.

Thecopilotletanobjectfalltoher.Shereachedwithdifficultyandgatheredtheplastic-wrappedarticlefromtheangleofthepitwhereitstayedfast,unwrappedtheearplugandthrustitin.Noinformationwascominginduringtheirascent,onlystatic,buthavingthecontacthelped.

Stationhadgottenthatonemessageoff,hadstillbeensendingitoutwhenascentbegan,whichmeantthatthestationcentralcommandhadbeeninhanicontrolandthatstationershadtheirhandsfull,sparingnoonetoanswerquestions.Itkeptgoing,meaningthatthekifhadnotgottentoittosilenceit-orthattheyhadhadnocriticalinterestindoingso.

Butthedocks-Shepicturedtheworkersfledinpanic,disorganized,havingnopreparationagainstsuchanactionasthekifhadtaken.Attackingstationswas

preparationagainstsuchanactionasthekifhadtaken.Attackingstationswasnotathinghaniwoulddo;thereforeitwasnotreasonable;thereforetherewasnocontingency.

Godsblastsuchthinking,andthecomplacencywhichfedit.Godsblastherown;andhaninature,thattheyraneachfortheirownfragmentedconcerns,becausealltheworldwassetupthatway.ShehadhadnochoiceingoinghometoChanur,becauseahaniwouldgoonwithchallengewhilethehousecaughtfire,untilthefiresingedhisownhide.Hanialwayswenttheirownway,disdainingOutsideconcerns,pricklishaboutadmittingtheywouldnotbeinspaceatallbutforthemahendo’satexplorerswhohadfoundthem-butthatwasso.Andhaniwentondoingthingstheoldway,thewaythathadworkedwhentherewerenocoloniesandnooutsidetrade;whenhaniweretheunchallengedownersoftheworldandhaniinstinctsweresuitedtotheworldtheyowned.

But,gods,therewereotherecosystems.Theyhadanotheronegoing,intheCompactitself;andtheydealtwithdistanceswiderthanthegrassyexpansesofAnuurn’splains;andwithcreaturesofinstinctswhichhadprovenequallycapableofbeingrightinotherways.

Inoneunimaginedhell,thekifwayhadworkedbest;andgods,eventhechiwayhadworkedsomewhere,lunaticastheyseemed,incomprehensibletoOutsiders.AndTully-whosometimesmadehalfsense,andatothertimesmadenoneatall.

HadGoldtoothdespisedherforherdesertion,becausebeinghanishehadhadnochoicebuttogo,inthefaceofeveryreasontothecontrary?Shameprickedather,thesuspicionthatallhani-kindhadfailedamahenhope,thathopewhichhadlentthosetwoships;andthatsomewhereupabovemightbethewreckageofhermahenalliesandThePrideitself,withakifwaitingtoblowthisshellofalandertovaporandjunk,alongwiththehanibrainwhohadjustfiguredoutsomethingcriticaltothespecies,fartoolate.

Madness.Theanglehadherbrainshortofoxygen.Therewasagraynessabouthervision.Shefeltnothinganylongerinherbacksideandherarmsandherlegs,andthepressurekeptjonbuilding.

Enginesoundchanged.Theywereleavingthe-envelopeofIair,stillaccelerating.Sheblinkedandstruggledtomoveherneck,sawthroughablurtelltaleswinkinginthedarkness,sawjaflareoflightasthescanscreencleared.Sheblinkedagain,tryingtoseepastthesilhouettedarmofthecopilot,makingoutsomethinglargeandclosetotheirposition.

outsomethinglargeandclosetotheirposition.

“…Luck,”avoicesnappedthroughtheplugintoherear,I“thisisThePrideofChanur.We’llmatchwithyouandlockon.”

Tirun.

IfshecouldhaveleapedupandshoutedforjoyshewouldIhavedoneso.Pinnedbythegforce,itwasallshecoulddotosmile,astrainedanddifficultsmile,withherhearthammeringagainstherribsandthebloodbringingpaintoherextremities.

ThentheLuck’senginesstopped,andshegaspedareflexivebreathinthesuddenrelief.Theinvisiblehandwhichhadpressedhertothedeckwasgone,andshereachedinapracticedhand-over-handtothecomboard,driftingfeettowardtheoverheadandtuckingdownagaintoreachthemike.“Hurryit,Tirun,forthegods’sake.AndtotheRau:“Wherearethekif?Canyoupickthemup?”

“Station’sscan’soff,”theRaunavigatorsaid.“NotjustGaohn’s:HarnandTyotoo,completelydown.We’vegotourown,that’sall.”

“Putontherescuebeeper,”Pyanfarsaid,thrustingthatdirenewstoafarrecessofhermind.“ThePridecanhomeonit.Letherautomaticstakeyou.”

“Advice,”thecaptainsaid.“Yourjobnow,herChanur.Godshelpus,we’restoneblindtoanyjumpshipsmovingoutthere.”

“Keephertrimmedandconstantandwatchoutfortheshock.”Pyanfaraimedherselfbacktotheshelterofherpaddednestinhaste.“Thosegrappleswilldothefinematching,don’ttrythejets.She’smovingundercomp.”

“Gods,it’sonus,”thecopilotsaid.

“Closing,”Geran’svoicesoundedthroughthecomplug.“Standby,Luck.”

Aproximityalarmstarted,quicklysilencedfromtheboard.Scanbrokeup.

“Ogods,”saidthenavigator.

Pyanfartucked,clenchingthecushionsupportwithallherstrength.

Impact.TheLuckrangandleaptandherbodyleftthedeck,gripscarcely

Impact.TheLuckrangandleaptandherbodyleftthedeck,gripscarcelyholding;hititagain,shovedbackasthegrapplesgrated,shifted.

Held.Therewasacomfortingsilence.Weightlessness.

“Gottrouble,”Tirun’svoicesaid.“Blowthatlockout;we’vegotatubetheotherside.Forthegods’sakeboard,abandonship.Wecan’tdefendyou.”

“Haral!”Pyanfaryelleddownthecorecorridor.“Everyone!getforward!”

“Captain,”NerafyRausaid.

“Comeon,”Pyanfarsaid,hauledherselftothecaptain’scushionandhungthereone-handed,staringdownather.“Allofyou…gods,comewithus.We’llgetyoubacktoyourshipifthere’sachanceofit.Ifnotthat,there’skiftosettlewith,andthosepeopleonthestations-willyoudieherewithnoshotfired?”

“No,”theRaucaptainsaid,andstartedunbuckling.Theothersdid.Pyanfarcompletedthesomersaultandlookedaftdownthecorridor,atawhite-shirtedhumansailingupitnarrowlyinadvanceofafloodofarmedhani.TheRaucaptainhandedherwayupfromthepitandheadedforthenearbylockandPyanfargrabbedfortheboardandthemikeasthecrewleftit.“Tirun!Wherearethekif?”

“Godsknow.Mahijiru’srunningfar-guard;tellyoutherestwhenyougethere.”

Thebodiesofhercompanionstumbledabouther.Thelockpoweredinwardandairshockrammedthroughinacoldgust.“Coming,”Pyanfarsaid,andletthemikego,kickedatthenearestconduitandflungherselfintothestreamofbodies,intothedarkandnumbingcoldofThePride’sship-to-shipgrapple-tube.Extremitieswentnumb.Breathstunginthelungsandmoisturethreatenedtofreezehereyeballs.Ithurt,gods,ithurt.AlightglowedgreenasshearrivedinThePride’snull-gouterframe,asafetybeacon,aguidancestarfaracrossthedark,markingthelocationofthepersonnellift.Abluechainofglowlightsdottedacrosstheblacknesstowardit,thesafetyline.“Khym!”Pyanfarshouted,thinkingofhisinexperience,“blue’stheguideline,Khym…Tully!gotothebluelights!”

“Gothim,”Hilfy’syoungvoiceshoutedupahead.“Gotthemboth.”

Adooropenedontothelift.Someonehadgottentoit.Adistantrectangle

Adooropenedontothelift.Someonehadgottentoit.Adistantrectangleopened,blindingwhite,withascoreofdarkbodieshurtlingandstrugglingalongthebluedottedcoursetowardit,largeandsmallwithdistance,somelikeswimmersintheair,someusingtheropeandpropellingtheswimmersalong.Bodiescollidedandcaughteachotherandkeptgoing,oneaftertheother,intothatliftchamber,wheretheytookoncolorandidentity.Pyanfarfoundherselfslungalongthefinaldistance,hauledintothelift;andamongthelastcametheRau,intothatblindingglare.

“We’rein,”Churwasshoutingintocom.Haralshoutedawarningandclosedtheliftdoor,andsuddenlyallthefloatingbodiestendedfloorwardasthecarmoved.“Brace!”Pyanfarsnappedatthenovices,butexperiencedspacersgrabbedthem,andofasuddenthecarthunderedandslammedintosynchwiththerotatinginnercylinder.Therewasfullg,andtheliftslammedupwardagain,withaqueasyrear-of-the-caraccelerationstressasThePrideputonagingerlymovement.Somethingbangedinthedistance.-“Grapple’sclear,”Haralsaid.Theliftwentonrising,pastlowerdeck,tomain.Feetfoundthefloor;bedraggledgroundlingshuggedthosewhohadaholdonthem,earsflatandeyeswild.

Thecarstoppedandopenedonmain.Pyanfarthrustherselfthroughandout,raceddownthemaincorridorforthearchwayofthebridge,clawsscrabblingonthedeckingagainstthegentlethrust.Haralwashardonherheels.“Lowerdeck,”Churshoutedbehindthem.“Rideitbackdownwherethere’ssecurespace.”Thedoorclosed;thelifthummedintofunctionagain.Pyanfardidnotlookback.Shehurledherselfthelastdifficultdistance,pastGeranandTirunatthenumberthreeandtwopostsasHaralfoundherplaceandslidintoit.Pyanfarreachedherownvacantcushionandflungherselfintoitwithoutaword.Scanimageswerecominguponherscreens,theirpositionrelativetotheworldandthestationadotthatwasknnn-symboled,hoveringoffapartfromthechaosofotherdots,twomarkedmahe,andthehorridhazardnearthestation,ahordeofunidentifieds,debrissweepsthatmarkedthedeathofshipsandthecourseoftheirremains.

“AjaJintookdamage,”Tirunsaidsteadily.“Kifinvadedtrafficcontrolonthestationandknockedthescanout.Llunhadtheirhandsfull;everyonewasboardinganyshipatall.Webrokeoutofdockandranwiththerest…figuredtheywerescreeningincomingships.Strikecameinthreequartersofanhourago.Outboundnow.We’reheadedbackintostation,presentcourse:Fortunegotalandingpartyin.Severalothersgotinafterthem.Proceed?”

“Keeptalking.Goaswebear.”Shereachedandhitthemotionwarning.“We’removing,”shesaidoverallship.“Brace;I’mgoingtokeepthecomopenfromour

moving,”shesaidoverallship.“Brace;I’mgoingtokeepthecomopenfromourend.We’vegottroublesandIdon’twantanystirringaboutdownthere.-Tirun,what’sthecomponthatkifmovement?Gotacourseplotting?”

Thedataflashedtothescreen.“Allstationshavekilledscanoutput.Someofthekifareoutofdockbutwedon’tknowwhich.Onlygoodthinginit,withstation’sscanstoppedagoodbitbeforethestrike,theyhadonlyourlast-knownpositiontogoonandtheattackmissedmostofus.AjaJingotit,beingpostedstationary;atleastonefreighterwashitandwethinksomeofthekif,butwedon’tknowwhogothit,becausenoone’soutputtingmuchchatterandalotofthefreightersarescan-blankedandhiding.Ifigurethey’llgoforthefixedtargetsonthenextpass-thestation,AjaJin’slastposition…”

“Anuurn,maybe.”

Tirunthrewheranears-flatlook.

“You’vegotitgoing,”Pyanfarsaid.“I’llgowithit.Givemetherestofyourreckoning.WheredoyoureckonAkukkakkis?”

“Ithinkhewasonethatgotoffstation;andhecan’thaveboostedfastenoughtohaverunwiththestrikers.Ifigurehe’soneofthoseshipsoutthere,quietlikealltherestofthem.Andwefindoutjustwhichoneheiswhenthatstrikeforcecomessweepingbackin.”

Pyanfarnodded.Totakethemaneuvertheyhadhandedhim-theundockingofthefreighters-andtoturnittohisownadvantage…thatwasveryprobable.ThatwasAkukkakk’sstyle,forwhichshehadbeguntoacquireasense:apatternofmovements,atendencytoupthestakeswhenchallenged.

“He’sgoingtogoonsendingtheminagainstthestation,”shejudged,“hammeritintojunk.That,foralessonforus.Butheknowsrottedwellwhichoneweare,cousins:we’realltooconspicuous,andI’veanotionwhichwayhe’llgowhenhecan-evenoddsbetweenusandMahijiru.AndsinceMahijiru’sgotJikbyhim…”Shecastaglanceatscan,wherethemaherodeasadoublebliphardbythekifpositionatstation.“They’llbeoverridingtheirownscan,thatstrikeforce,butAkukkakk’sgoingtohaveagoodidentifiedimageforthem.Godsrothim.”

“Wedropourpeopleatstation,”Haralsaidfromthefourthcushion,“andpullatightturn,maybe;gosortthatcrowdout.”

“Gottodosomething,that’ssure.-Tirun:toyou.”Sheshuntedbackwhatactivityherboardhadreceived.“Takeusin.I’mgoingtotalktotheothers.-Goingtoneedalltherestofyouuphere.Stayput,Haral.”

“Right,”Haralmuttered.

Pyanfarturnedthecushion,slidoutofit,headedoutofthebridgeatadeadrunintothedirectionofthrust,digginginfortraction.Sheskiddedtoacollisionwiththewallatthelift,hitthecallbuttonandcaughtherbreathwhileitcame.

Itarrived;shesteppedinandwaitedwhileitspedhertothelowerdeck,tremorsinhermuscles,atendencytoshiverinwhatoughtnottobeachill.

Lowerdeckmaincorridor.ShefoundtheChanurgatheredthere,bracedsittinginthepassage,riflesinlaps,thebestsecuritytheycouldfindneartheirexit.Theyscrambledupasshecame…andtherewasChuramongthem,andKhym;andTully,withHilfy;andtheLlunandtheChanurcaptainsandtheircrews.Shewentamongthem,caughtChur’sarmandlookedattheothers.“You’veunderstood?”

“Understood,”RheanChanursaid.“Wetrytogetthestationersroundedupandifwehavetoridethroughanotherstrike-wegettocoreandtrytowaityourpickupafterit’spast.Godshelpus.”

“ThePridewillbeback,Rhean;that’syourshipthatforcedthebreach:yourcrew,godslookonthem.Idon’tknowwhatdamageshemayhavetaken:you’dbetterplanforanypickupthatcomesforyou.-Anfy:samegoes;anyship.Gotin-systemersfillingjumpshipposts,anythingwecanget.Godsknowwho’swhere.-Therestofyou:ifyouusethoseguns,youpairupwiththecrewsandgivebackupfire.Hitthewrongtargetandyou’llkillyourownallies,hear?Orblowaseal;keepyourwitsstraightandknowwhat’sbehindwhatyou’reshootingat.Yougoshootingonastation,hearme,youputyourshotsonthedeckingandworkuptheirlegs.”

Youngearsloweredindistress;eyesstared,black-centered.Hilfy’slookwassomethingelseagain,earspricked,sober.Pyanfarstaredather,atoncepleasedandheartsick.Nowaytopullheroutofit.Noneed.ThosewhowentontostationandthosewhostayedwithThePridewereinequaldanger.Maybemore,forthemontheship.Akukkakkwouldseetoit,giventhechance.

“Approachingdock.”comsaid.“Standbyforbraking.”

“Approachingdock.”comsaid.“Standbyforbraking.”

“We’llnotwastetime,”Pyanfarsaidquietly,tothoseabouther.“Chur;Hilfy;you’reallThePridecansend:doitrightandgetback;allofyou-Khym…gowithmycrew,hear?”

Henodded.Therewasapricklishnessintheair.Nooneelsewouldhavebeengladtotakehim.InChur’sandHilfy’seyestherewasnoflinching.Heglancedtowardthemandtheremnantofhisearsliftedinthelooktheygavehim.

Forhersake,shethought.Godshelpthem-ifhegotoneofthemkilled,rushingintosomethingblind-crazy.

Brakingstarted.Theybracedagainstthecorridorwall-hardthrust,andmiserablefortheapproach.Pyanfarshuthereyesamoment,sliddowntoacrouchwiththerestofthem,contentforthemomenttobewhereshewasandwishingtoallthegodsshecouldgowiththem.

Tully-squatteddownclosetoHilfy;Pyanfarturnedherhead,tightenedhermouthinconsideration.Thatwastheonewhomightbolt.Thatwastheone,deaftoinstructions,crazywithanger.Khymcrouchedfartherdown,shamed,sheknew,byhiscondition;bythedistrustabouthim,theexpectationthathewouldbemoredangerthanhelptohisownside,pronetotakehisownway,pronetomaletemperandinstability-Khym,whohadsavedalltheirnecksandgiventhemthechancetogetaloftintime.LikeKohan,frettinginagonydownworld,becausehewastrappedinChanurHolding;andgods,hehadwon.

Theylostg,madetheshifts,suchthatbodiesleanedagainstoneanotherinthenudgingsofthedockingjets,andthosewhohadaholdbracedthosewhodidnot.

Contact.Thelastdirectionofgconfirmeditselfandthegrapplesclangedhome,theaccessthumpedintoposition.“Gotcontactwithahaniforceoutthere,”Geransaid.“You’vegotaclearexit.-Lucktoyou.”

“Havesomeyourself,”Churcalledupatthecom.“Hai,upthere,”Hilfyshouted,andthelotofthemscrambledupinreadinesstorushtothelock.

Pyanfarrosewiththerestofthem.‘“Tully,”shesaid,andbeckonedhim.Hisfacewhichhadbeeneagertookonanapprehensionofwhatshewanted;shebeckonedasecondtime,withtheChanurforcesbeginningtoheaddownthe

beckonedasecondtime,withtheChanurforcesbeginningtoheaddownthecorridortowardthelock,andwhenhedidnotcomeshewentafterhimandtookhimbythearm,whileChurandHilfydelayed.

“Go,”Pyanfarsaidtothetwo.“Takecare.”

Theywent,inorderlyhaste,withtheothers,downthecorridortowardthelock.Pyanfarlaidherearsback,feltTullypullatherhand.

“Ask,”hesaid.“Fightthem,Pyanfar.”

“No,”shesaid.“Youcan’thearordersoutthere,understand?Comewithme.Comeuptothebridge.”

Ifhispatheticsmallearscouldhavemovedtheywouldhavelaindown,shethought;itwasthatkindoflook.“Yes,”hesaidinasmallvoice.“Understand.”

Thelockopenedandshutagainshortlyafter.“Comingup,”shecalledtotheopencom.“Easyontheundocking.”

Tullycamewithher,runningbesideher.Shegothimintotheliftandheleanedagainstthewallwithhiseyesonhers,withpaininthoseeyes,likeKohan’spain-shadowedeyes,hisbrightmanetangled,hiswholebodyshrunkenwithexhaustionandunhappiness.

“Wego,”shesaidastheliftopenedontothebridgewardcorridor.“Wegetthekif,friend,findAkukkakkandsettleascore,shipandship.”

“There?”Hemadeawidegesture,infinity.

“Thissystem.Alltooclose.”Shestrodethroughthearchwayontothebridge,grabbedTully’sarmandthrusthimfortheauxiliaryseatnextHaral’spost,nonesosafethere,butnothingwas.Sheslidintoherownwell-worncushionandfastenedtherestraintswhileTirunungrappled;tookthecontrolsasThePrideacquiredherowng,sentthemoutnarrowerthanshewouldhavecutitwithstationauthoritiesinapositiontoprotest.

“Situationas-was?”sheaskedTirun.

“Figurewe’vegotalittleunderahalfhouronthatstrike,”Tirunsaid.

“Haral:toallships;gotkifamongus;broadcastID’s,now-houseandorigin-and

“Haral:toallships;gotkifamongus;broadcastID’s,now-houseandorigin-andgetourownsignalgoing.”

“Right.”Sheputthemoverstation.Vidshowedthetwomaheshipsclearenough,ascatteringofshipswhichhadnevermadeitawayfromdock,somewrecked,sometrailingdebristhatstreamedinthestation’srotation.

Kifships,threeofthem,stillatdock,withtheirtailssinged:Mahijiruhaddonethatmuch.

Fromthemahe…nothing,neithersignalnoroutput.Buttheystartedtomove,oneaftertheother.

“We’vestirredsomething,”shesaid.“Ourfriendshavesomenotionthey’renottalkingabout.”

“GettingIDinput,”Geransaid.“

Scanstartedacquiringdata,positiveID’sonhaniships.Theknnnziggedanddartedatsomevelocity,throwingoffsmallghoststhatindicatedboosts.Pyanfarranhertongueoverherteeth,refusingthatdistraction,watchingthepatternofthoseshipsasyetunidentified,asmoreandmoreidentificationscameinandThePrideincreasedherownspeed.Anothershipwasmovinginondock,andanotheronebehind,insystemhaulers,atastandstillcomparedtotheirownbuildingvelocity.Shipsweremovinginrandomdirections,nottobecaughtwhenthestrikecamein-atleastthatwastheirhope.

“Rotthem!”Haralexclaimed.“Crippledeven-lookatthatspeed.”

Jik,Haralmeant.AjaJintraileddebris;butthetwomahekeptacceleratingwithnoapparentimpairment…straightintothethickestconcentrationofships.

Sheeasedup,shutdownaltogether.Themahehadgivenupflexibility,launchedthemselvesintotheheartofthings,deliberateandlessandlessabletoveeroffandhandleaturn.“Maintainouroptions,”shesaidquietly.

Suddenlyafreighterdesignatedhaniblossomedintochaff.

“Captain,”Tirunsaid.Threeunidentifiedsinthevicinityacquiredtheenemydesignation.MahijiruandAjaJinswepttowardthegroup.

“Keepoutofourway,rotyou,”Pyanfarmuttered.Haralwasoncom,advisingallshipsintheareatoheadoffthekifmovement.

“Goingtohavethemaheinlineoffireiftheydoastraightturnover,”Geransaid.“Fireheadon-”

“Goingtoletthekifpassourzenith,”Pyanfarsaidgrimly.“That’sourbestsideanyway.”

“I’vegotit,”Tirunadvisedher,throwingthesafetyoffthearmamentsoftheupperframe.

“Knnn’scomingup,”Geransaidsharply,andtheproximityalarmbeepedasthehigh-velocityshiprippedfromtailtobow,nadir,goneintothedevelopingmahe/kifconfrontationsofastscandevelopedthemalineoflikelycourse.

“Mahijiru’scompliments.”Haralrelayed.

Scanshoweddebris,hani,mahe,orkifwasuncertain:positionsweretooclose.Dotscoincidedandsplitasthekifmovedtowardthem.Someonewashit;andsuddenlythefightwasheadedThePride’sway.

“Akukkakk’sthere,”Pyanfarsaid,beyonddoubtwhatkifwouldrateThePridehisprimetarget,disregardingthemahewhohadjustattacked.

“Twoshipnow,”Tullyexclaimed.Scanshowedthemahestillpaired,nolongeracceleratingandprobablybrakingfortheirreturn;showedhanimovingonthekiffrompointsofthesphere;andtwoactivekifships.Thethirdwasinvolvedwithadebris-track,neartheknnn’serraticblip.“Thatkiftheyget.”

“Thispairwegot,”Tirunmuttered.Thedoubleimagewasclosingwiththem,lessandlessinterval,withtheirownimpetusaddedtothekifsoncomingvelocity.Theknnnwasonthereturnnow,streakingoutofthevicinityofthedebris-track.MahijiruandAjaJinwerefartherandfartheraway,obligedtolosevelocitybeforetheycouldmakewayonthekifsheading,tooclosetotrafficforjumppulsestoassist.

“Whichone?”Tirunasked.

“Takethebesttarget,”Pyanfarsaid.“Ican’ttell.”Hanijumpshipswereonthenear-scannow,severalofthem,hammeringtowardinterceptwiththekif,butnot

near-scannow,severalofthem,hammeringtowardinterceptwiththekif,butnotintimeforThePride,Noplaceforafreighter,aracewiththeswifthunter-ships,evencargo-dumped.Nowaytowin.

“Now!”

Thekifrippedpastthem,zenith,andtheyfired.Screensbrokeup.ExplosionslammedThePrideaskewandredlightedtheboards.Pyanfarreachedinanadrenalintimestretch,foughtthepitchandwobble.Inthescreen’sclearinganewrapidimageboredownonthem,ahighknnnwailincom.

Itwentpastthem,zenith.PyanfarspunThePrideonehundredeightydegreesinatailroll,anticipatingakifturnoverandreturnpass,hopingtogetashotoff.MahijiruandAjaJinwouldcome;werecoming;mightgetbackintime.ThePridefiredbackasthegunscameinline:thekifhadproceededintoturnoverastheirrespectivemomentumseparatedthem,andfirecameback,brokeupscreens,redlightedremainingclearboards.

“Gotone,”Geranyelled.“Lookatthatbastardwobble.Bythegodswegothim!”

Firefromtheotherkeptup.Theintervalwasstillincreasingbetweenthem,butataslowerrate.Itwouldbecomingback…soon.

“Goldtooth,”Pyanfarsaid,punchinginthecom,“rotyou,hurryitabit,someoneouttherehurryit.”

Theknnnwaspullingaboutinatightturn,oneofthosemaneuversaknnncouldsurviveandhanicouldnot.Itziggedintotheinterval,intothelineoffire.

“Goodjob,”Goldtooth’svoicereachedThePride.“Got-”

Combrokeup.Scansuddenlywentberserk,allthesensorsblind…

…jumpfield.Gods,ajumpfield-incrowdedspace.

“Captain!”Tirunyelled,farawayandsuddenlycloseasthefieldletthemgo.Tullycriedout,amiserablewail.

Somethingwasthere-wherenothinghadbeen;amassivepresence,avastbliponscanasitcleared,amonsterlocatedtostarboardzenith.Theywereofftheirheading,displaced.Everyonewas.Compwasflickeringwildlytryingto

heading,displaced.Everyonewas.Compwasflickeringwildlytryingtocompensate.Pyanfarkeyedintothesystem,tryingtogetsenseoutofit.Gods,thenewcomerwashuge.Scanhadtheotherblips,thatwerethekifandthemaheandthehaniandthesolitaryknnn-

“Captain.”Haral’svoice.Cornwentonbroadcastagain,awailingchoruswhichoverburdenedtheaudio,noisevibratingaboveandbelowhearing,woundingtheears.

Thehugeblipbrokeapart,fragmented,notdebris,butdiscretepartsofwhichonestayedcentralandtherestspedoutward.

“Knnn,”Pyanfarbreathed.“Travelinginsynch.Godshelpusall.”

“Hani-”Comcrackledthroughthestatic,afamiliar,kifishvoice.“PyanfarChanur-”

Theknnnshipsmovedtogether,acloudofthem,headedforthekif;andallatoncethekifsoutgoingvelocitybegantoshowincrease-Akukkakkhadwayandhewasthrowingeverythinghehadintoit.Retreating.Unabletoboostup:theknnnweretooclose,andcloseryet.

Thesolitaryknnnshipziggedanddartedandjoinedthechase.

“Chanur!”Goldtoothsaid.

Pyanfarwatchedthescreens,frozeninplace.Hanivoicescameovercom,panicked,questioning.Thechaseonscangatheredmoreandmorevelocity.

Ofasuddencameanotheroutput,asignalwhichmadenosensetocomp:scanstartedblinkingontheship-sizedobjecttheknnnhadleftbehind,askingoperatorintervention.

Analienvoicecameovercom,Tully-likeandfrightened.

PyanfarcastaglanceatTully,whoclungsweatingandjump-shockedtotheedgeofthecomcounter,whoseeyesstaredwildlyasthevoicekeptgoing.

“##ship,”translatorrenderedthetransmissionfromthenewcomer.“##ship##you.”

“Com!”PyanfaryelledatHaralandgotit.Herheartpoundedagainstherribs.

“Com!”PyanfaryelledatHaralandgotit.Herheartpoundedagainstherribs.“ThisisthehanishipThePrideofChanur.You’reinhanispace.Friend,hear?”

“Captain,”Tiruncried,“Captain,theknnn-”

Thetranslatorresponsedronedinherears.Pyanfarstaredatthescreen,atanarrowerandnarrowergapbetweentheknnnandthefleeingkif.“Tully,”shesaidwithoutlookingaround.“Haral-givehimcom.Giveittohim.”

Thetranslatorvoicewentout,cut.Sheflunganinstant’slookback,atTully,whohadgottenhimselftogether,whohadthemikeinhandandtalkedawild-eyedrapidpatteratthesecreatureswhohadarrivedinknnnsynch,inashipwhichhadcomeinhauledlikesomuchfreight,unabletocommunicatewiththeknnn-

“Captain-”

Shelookedaboutagain.KnnnclosedwithHinukku,surroundedthekif,becameonemassaboutit,astheyhadbeenmassedabouttheOutsidershipatitsarrival.

“Gods,”Tirunmuttered.

“They’retrading,”Pyanfarsaidincredulously.“LikeatKirdu-gods,they’remakingatrade.AnOutsidership-forHinukku.ForAkukkakk.”

“Pyanfar!”Goldtooth’svoicecameovercom.“Yougotsensethesebastard?”

“Humanship,”Pyanfarsaid,punchinginherstill-activelink.“Theknnnjustdroppedalivecargoonus.Tully’skind.-They’restillgoing,bythegods,theknnnarestillgoing,outbound.”

“Kifshipleavestation,”Jikcutin.“Hego.”

Asolitarykif,ofthecrippledthreeatstation…itwasso:alamekifwithoutatail,headedoutonthecourseoftheotherlamekif,inchinghiswayintoretreat.“Rightdowntheincomingstriketrack,that’stheircourse,”Pyanfarsaid,fairlyshakingwithexcitement.“Bythegreatandlessergods,they’repullingout,they’regoingtorun.”

Therewasasuddenandmajorvacancyonscan,thecharacteristicscatter-ghostofashipdepartedintojump-wherethemassofknnnhadbeen,enveloping

ofashipdepartedintojump-wherethemassofknnnhadbeen,envelopingHinukku.Avastghost,arippleinspace-time;andhardafterit-asmallerghost,theirownknnn.Vanished.

Thetworemainingkifkeptgoing,realspaceandrealtime,headedforthefardarkandsendingoutasteadysignal,tellingofdisaster.

Runningfortheirlives.

“Wegot,”Goldtoothsaid.“Got,Pyanfar.”

“Got.-Godsknowwhatwe’vegot.”SheheardTullystillchatteringbackandforthwiththenewcomer,heardliltsandtonesinhisspeechshehadneverheard.Shelookedbackathim,whohadallbutusurpedHaral’scomboard.Hesawher.Hisfacewaswet.“Friend,”hesaidtoherinherownlanguage.“Allfriend.”

Godsknewwhattherewastosaytothenewcomersthatthetranslatorcouldconveywithoutfoulup.GodsknewhowtocopewithadozenotherTullysequallyconfusedandupsetashehadbeeninhisarrival.

“Theycome,”shesaidslowly,distinctly.“Tellthemtheycometostation.”

“Come,yes.”

Shespunaboutagain,towardthescreens,startedputtingonthrustforastationwardcourse.Othershipswereproceedingonthatheading,thehanijumpshipswhohadneverslackenedspeed;haniwhohadkinonstation;haniwhohadcrewfromstationorwhohaddroppedlandingpartiesonthedockstotrytoassisttheLlun.

Anythingmightbehappeningthere,evennow,withkifelsewhereinrout.

AhundredOutsidersplatedingoldcouldnothaveinterestedheratthemoment.

“Captain-”Geransaid;andofasuddennewdatacameuponthescreens,andafamiliarsteadysignalcameoveraudio.“Station’sbroadcastingagain,captain.”

Sheheardthemaheadvisethemoftheobvious,heardthealienchatterfromtheOutsider,whomusthavepickeditup,andthevoicesofhanisendinganxiousqueriestostation.

“Stationisentirelysecure,”theanswercameback.“ThisisKifasLlunspeaking;

“Stationisentirelysecure,”theanswercameback.“ThisisKifasLlunspeaking;resistancehasendedandthestationisentirelysecure.”

Pyanfarkeptupthethrust,recklessofthelightswhichadvisedofdamage.Thatrottednumberonevanewashitagain;godsknewwhatelsewasgone,butthefinecontrolwasstillthere;andlikewisetheirabilitytobrake:nolimpingin;nolanesestablishedyet:theywereallsee-and-avoid.

Othersignalscamein.HarnStationwasbackonoutput;andthenTyo,reportingminordamage,minorcasualties.

Hilfy,Pyanfarkeptthinking;andChur.

AndKhym:atthebottomofherthoughts,Khym,forwhomshehadnohope.

Butthatwaswhathehadcomelookingfor,afterall.

Asweatprickledonhernose.Breathcamehardundertheacceleration.Themahetraveledwiththem,andforitsownreasonsandinitsownpurpose,theOutsidershipcame,outstrippingslowerinsystemhaulersforwhomthatvoyagewastheworkofhours.

Bythetimetheycouldgetthere,GaohnStationmighthavesomereckoningofthecasualties.

XIV

ThePrideopenedaccesseswhileMahijirueasedintodockbesideher,andJik’sAjaJinstoodwatchtowardthatquarterofthesystemoutofwhichsomestraykifmightstillcome…notexpected,buttheytookprecautions.

TheOutsidershipcameinmoreslowlystill,permitteddocking,buthavingtoaccomplishitwithoutunderstandingthelanguage,theprocedures,andwithoutcompatibleequipment:“Besideus,”Pyanfarhadtoldthemsimply.“Yougotvid?Youseefourgrapples:airlockplacedincenter,understand?Yougoslow,verycareful.Youhavetrouble,youstop,wait,backoff:smallshipcancomefromstation,helpyoudock.Allunderstood?”

“Understand,”theanswerhadcomebackthroughthetranslator.AndtheOutsiderarrived,cautiously…wondering,doubtless,attheholedcarcassesofkifshipsnearby;atthesignsoffirewhichpittedtheadjacentsectionofthestationtorus.

Someoneonthedockgotadirectlinehookedup.“Captain,”Gerancried,hereyesshiningamber.“Captain,it’sChurandHilfy.They’rethere,bothofthem!”

“Huh,”Pyanfarsaidjudiciously,becausetherewasadockingOutsiderchatteringinherotherearatthemoment;butreliefjelliedhergut,sothatsheheardverylittleoftheOutsider’sbabbleatall.Shelookedathercrew,andatTully,whoseeyeshadlightedatthenews.

“They’resafe,”heasked,“ChurandHilfy?”

“We’regoingoutthere,”Pyanfarsaid,thrustingbackfromthecontrols.“Allofus,bythegods.”Shestoodup,rememberedthetapetheyhaddupedonthewayinandpocketedit.“Comeon.”

Theycame,offthebridgeandlong-stridingdownthecorridor,Tullytoo,rodedowntheliftandmarchedoutthelock.Iftherewaseve1-atimeforrunningforjoy,itwasthatlastwalk

downtherampway;butPyanfarheldherselftoasedatewalkdowntheramp,intothewide,fire-scarreddockwherehastoodwithweapons.

ChurandHilfyandsomeoftheotherChanur-ogods,Hilfy,withabloodstainedbandageroundhersideandleaningonChurwhohadonearminasling.Theysmiled,inshapetodothat,atleast.ChurhuggedGeranone-armed,andPyanfartookHilfybybothshoulderstolookather.Hilfywaswhiteaboutthenose,withpaininthesetofhermouth,butherearswereupandhereyeswerebright.

“Wegotthem,”Hilfysaidhoarsely.“Gotbehindthematthedocksidewhileotherscamethroughthecoreandpushedthemouttous.AndthenIthinktheygotsomekindoforderbecausetheywentfrantictogettotheirships.Thatwasthebigtrouble.Onegotaway.Therest-wegot.”

“Khym.”

Hilfyturnedwithsomeevidentstiffness,indicatedafigure*,crouchedagainstthefarsideofthedock,smallwithdistance“NaKhymgottheonethatgotme,aunt,thankthegods.”

“Hitthemhandtohand,hedid,”Chursaid.“Saidhenever*couldshootworthanything.Hecameacrossthatdockandhi1thatkif,andgods,fiveofthemnevermorethansingedhisfurIdon’tthinktheyeversawahaniofhissize-gods,itwassomething.Theybailedoutofcoverandwegottheleftovers.”

Pyanfarlooked,atonceproudandsad,atthatquiet,with’drawnfigure.Proudofwhathehaddone-Khym,whohadneverbeenmuchforfighting-andsadathisstateandhisfuture.,

Gods,iftheycouldonlyhavekilledhim-givenhimwhathersonhadnothadthegracetogive….

OrperhapsKarahadsensedhecouldnotkillhim;it*KhymMahnbackedtothewallwasadifferentKhymindeed.

“I’llseehim,”shesaid.“We’regoingtogetyoutwotostationhospital.”.

“Beggingpardon,”Hilfysaid,“stationhospital’sgotitshandsfull.Rhean’sgotsomeonehitbad;andGinasLlun-she’snonetoogoodeither;andalotofothers.”�

“HilanFaha,”Chursaid,“andhercrew-they’redead,captain.Allofthem.Theyledthewayinforthecorebreak-through.Theyinsistedto.Ithinkitwasshame-forthecompanythey’dkept.”

forthecompanythey’dkept.”

“Godslookonthem,then,”Pyanfarsaidafteramoment.

“TheTahar-”Hilfysaidbitterly,“gotMoonRisingoutandranforjump.Ranforit.That’swhatthey’resayingonstation.ButtheFahawouldn’tgowiththem.”

“That’llbetheend,”Pyanfarsaid.“WhenthattalegetsbacktoEnafyprovince,KahiTaharandhislotwon’tshowtheirfacesinChanurlandorelsewhere.”

“Hani,”amahenvoicebellowed,andherecameGoldtoothandcrew,adozendark-furred,rifle-carryingmahendo’satfloodingtowardthem,toweringoverthem.GoldtoothgrabbedPyanfar’shandandcrushedittillclawsremindedhimtocaution.Hegrinnedandslappedherontheshoulder.“Gotnumberonehelp,whatItellyou?”

Haniwerestaringatthismahe-hanifamiliarity.Hercrewwas.Pyanfarlaidherearsbackinembarrassment,recalledthenwhattheyowedGoldtoothandhisunrulylotandprickedtheearsupatonce.More,shelinkedarmswiththetallmahe,andgavethehawkersondocksidesomethingpropertostareat.“Numberonehelp,”shesaid.

“Gotdeal,”saidGoldtooth.“GotfriendJikrepair,sameyougetatKirdu.Chanurfix,a?”“Rotyou-”“Gotdeal”

“Got,”sheadmitted,andsufferedanotherslapontheshoulder.ShelookedatTully,thinkingofChanurbalancesheets,debitsandcredits.Lookedathimlookingatherwiththoseoddpaleeyesfullofworship.Behindhimanaccesswayhadopened.Hisownkindhadcome,gods,abewilderingassortment,paleonesanddarkonesandsomeshadesinbetween.“Tully,”shesaid,signedwithhereyesthatheshouldlook,andhedid.

Hefrozefortheinstant,thenranforthem,hani-dressedandhani-looking,rantohisassortedcomrades,whowereclippedandshavedandclothedtopandbottominskintightgarmentsshodbesides.Handsreachedouttohim;armsopened.Heembracedthemallandsundryandtherewasababbleofalienlanguagewhichechoedofftheoverhead.

Sohegoes,Pyanfarthoughtwithastrangesadness-andwithacertainanxietyaboutlosingavaluablecontacttoothers-toLlun,bythegods,whowouldbeeagertogettheirown-clawsin;andKananmandSanuumandsomeoftheother

eagertogettheirown-clawsin;andKananmandSanuumandsomeoftheothercompetitorsinport.PyanfarshedGoldtooth’sarmandcrossedthedocktowardtheknotofhumans,herowncompanionsfollowingher.Tullybroughthispeopleatleasthalfwaywhenhesawher,camerushingupandgrabbedherhandwithfeveredjoy.

“Friend,”hesaid,hisbestword,anddraggedherreluctanthandtowardthatofawhite-manedhuman,whosenakedfacewaswrinkledasakif’sandtawny-coloredlikeahani’s.

Thecaptain,shethought;anoldone.Shesufferedthehandclaspwithclawsretracted,bowedandgotacourteousbowinreturn.Tullyspokeinhisownlanguage,rapidly,carryingsomepoint-indicatedoneafteranotherofthemandsaid”theirnameshisway-HaralandTirun,GeranandChurandHilfy;andthemahendo’satatleastbyspecies.

“Wanttalk,”Tullymanagedthen.“Wantunderstandyou.”

Pyanfar’searsflickedandlifted,thechanceofprofitwithinherreachafterall.Shepuckeredhermouthintoitsmostpleasantexpression.Gods,someofthemwereodd.Theyrangedenormouslyinsizeandweightandthereweretworadicallydifferentshapes.Females,sherealizedcuriously;ifjTullywasmale,thentheseoddtypeswerethewomen.

“Wetalk,”Goldtoothinterposed.“Mahemakedealtoo.”

“Friend,”PyanfartoldthehumansinherbestattemptatIhumanlanguage.Tullystillhadtotranslateit,butithaditseffect.“Icometoyourship,”shesaid,choosingTully’ssmalljhanivocabulary.“Yourship.Talk.”

“Icometoo,”Goldtoothsaiddoggedly,nottobeshaken.Tullytranslated.

“Yes,”Tullyrenderedtheanswer,grinning.“Friend.Allfriend.”

“Dealslikeamahe,”Pyanfarmuttered.Butthatarrangementwaswellenoughwithher.Shesuddenlyconceivedplans-forthefurtherloanoftwomahehuntershipsonaprofitablevoyage.

“Captain,”Haralsaid,touchingherarmandcallingherattentiontoaclusteroffigurescomingoutofthedocksidecorridor.

Llunwereontheirway-KifasLlunherselfintheleadofIthatgroup,cometo

Llunwereontheirway-KifasLlunherselfintheleadofIthatgroup,cometoanswerthisuncommoncallatGaohnStation,ascoreofblack-trouseredofficialdomtrailingafterher.

Theywoulddemandthetranslatortape,thatwassure.Pyanfarthrustherhandsintoherwaistband.“Friends,”sheassured

Tully,whogavetheapproachinggroupanxiouslooks,andheinturnreassuredhiscomrades.

“Hilfy,”Pyanfarsaid,“Chur,noneedforyoutostandthroughthis.Gototheship.Geran,yougoandtakecareofthem,willyou?”-“Right,”Geranagreed.“Comeon,youtwo.”

Noprotestsfromthem.ChurandHilfystartedawayinGeran’skeepingandTullydelayedthemtotaketheirhandsonebyoneasifheexpectedsomethingmightkeephimfromfurthergood-byes.

Gods,shehadnodesiretodealwiththeLlunoranyoneatthemoment.Herkneesached,herwholebodyached,fromwantofsleepandfromstrain.ShefeltaspanshorterthanshehadcomeacrossthatblinkfromKirdu.’Theyallmust.Tullytoo.Shewanted—

Shewantedtohavetime…totalktoherown;tofindoutwhoelseofChanurwashurt;tocallKohan.…

Andsomehow-totalktoKhym.Todosomething,anythingforhismisery,inspiteofwhatothersthoughtandsaid.

“Geran,”shecalledoutattheretreatinggroup.“Khymtoo.Gethimaboardandtendtohim.TellhimIsaidso.”

Asmallflickoftheears.“Aye,”Geransaid,andwentoffinKhym’sdirectionwhileChurandHilfymadetheirownwayback.PyanfarturnedtothearrivingLlunwithadazzlinglycheerfulsmile,fishedthetapefromherpocketandturneditovertoKifasatoncewithneverafadeofgoodhumor.

“WeregisterthesegoodOutsiders,ourguests,atGaohnnation,”Pyanfarsaid,“underChanursponsorship.”

“Allies,herChanur?”TherewasafrownofsuspiciononKifasLlun’sface.

“Allies,herChanur?”TherewasafrownofsuspiciononKifasLlun’sface.“NothingtheTaharsaidweighsherenowwithus…butdidyousendforthem?”

“Godsno.Theknnndidthat.Knnnwhogotabellyfulofkifinterventionintheirspace,I’dguess;whofoundtheseOutsidersneartheirspaceanddecidedintheirowncuriousfashiontoseetoitthattheymetreputableCompactcitizensofasimilarbiology-snatchedthem,upinsynch,theydid,andtheytookthehakkiktoutthesameway,maytheyhavejoyofhim.They’retraders,youknow,kerLlun,aftertheirownlights.I’llwagerourhumanfriendsheredon’tknowyetwhat’shappenedtothemorhowfartheyarefromhomeorhowtheygothere.They’llhavedruggeddownandriddenoutthejumpsittooktogetthemhere;andgodsknowhowmanythatwasorfromwhere.”

“Introduceus,”theLlunsaid.

“I’llremindyou,”Pyanfarsaid,“thatweandtheyhavegonethroughtoomanytimechanges.We’renotuptoprolongedformalities.They’reChanurguests;I’msponsoringthemandIfeelitincumbentonmyselftoseethattheygettheirrest…butofcoursethey’llsigntheappropriatepapersandregister.”

“Introductions,”theLlunsaiddryly,toooldandtoowisetobeputoffbythat.

“Tully,”Pyanfarsaid,“yougottoorottedmanyfriends.”

Itwaswhatsheexpected,grueling,astrainoneveryone’sgoodhumor,andentirelyover-long,thatvisittostationoffices.Therewassomerestraintexercised,inrespecttofamilylosses,inrespecttofrayedandlatelyhightempers;inrespecttothefactthatforonetimeoutofahundred,hanihadworkedtogetherwithoutregardtohouseandprovince,andthecooperativespirithadnotentirelyfaded.

TherewasgratitudetoGoldtoothandthemaheshipswhogotstationprivilegesandrepair.GaohnStationwasalltooanxioustosharethebillwithChanur,achingtogetAjaJinintothehandsofHarnShipyards,tobestudiedandanalyzedduringthecourseofthework.Themahendo’satwereevidentlysatisfiedwiththesituation-smugbastards,Pyanfarthought,bristlingsomewhatasallhanidid,attheunhappytruththatthemahendo’satwerealwaysaheadofhani,thatmahendo’sattechnologywhichhadgottenthemintospaceinthefirstplacewasresponsibleforkeepingthemthere.Themahendo’satwereapparently

placewasresponsibleforkeepingthemthere.Themahendo’satwereapparentlyreadyfortheiralliestoseethehunter-ships,atleast.RotthePersonageandhissmallfluffwithhim.

Stationwaseagertooforalookatthehumanship;anddoubtlessthehumansentertainedsomesuspicionsaboutthatandeverythingelse,butitwasafairquestionwhattheyhadintheirpowertodoaboutit.

Theywere,atleastforthemoment,effectivelylost

“Wefindhome,”Tullysaid,“notfarfromMeetpoint.Knowthis.Yourrecord,yourshipinstruments-helpus“

“Notdifficultatall,”Pyanfarsaid.“Allwehavetodoissendyourrecordsthroughthetranslatorandgetourchartstogether,right?Wecomeupwiththeanswerinnotime.”

“Mahendo’sat,”Goldtoothsaid,“gotnumberonegoodreckoninglocationhumanspace.Numberonegoodcharts.”

Alltoomanyfriendsindeed,Pyanfarreflected.

Tullywenttohisown,notwithouthuggingherandHaralandTirun,andshakinghandsenergeticallywithGoldtoothandwithKifasLlunandothers-animportantfellowamonghispeoplenow,thisTully,surely;apersonwhoknewthings;apersonwithvaluableandpowerfulfriends.Goodforhim,shethought,recallingthewretched,nakedcreatureunderthepileofblanketsinthewashroom.

ShemadethecalltoKohan,aquick’call-hervoicewasgettinghoarseandherkneeswereshaking;butitwasgoodtohearthatthingsontheworldhadsettleddown,thatKohanhadgottenhimselfagoodmealandthatthehousewasbackinsomeorder.

Whiletheworldhadbeenunderkifguns,theyhadtidiedupthehouse,cookeddinner,andstartedreplantingthegarden.Pyanfarloweredherearsatthethought,howlittlerealthelargeruniversewastodownworldhani,whohadneverthoroughlyimaginedwhathadalmosthappenedtothem;whoheardabouttheterribledamagetothestationastheymighthearaboutsomeearthquakeina

theterribledamagetothestationastheymighthearaboutsomeearthquakeinaremoteareaoftheglobe,shakingtheirheadsinsympathyandregrettingit,butnotpersonallytouched-worriedfortheirownkin,ofcourseworried;andtherewouldbehuggingandsympathyathomecoming.ButtheysettheworldinorderbyreplantingthegardenandseeingKohanfed.

Godslookonthemall.

Shewentonthelastofherstrengthtothehospital,tovisittheChanurwounded,becauseshewasfirstinChanuranditmeantsomethingtothem;becausesheowedcourtesytoRhean,whosatwithhermendingcrewwoman;becausethenewsfromhomewoulddothemgood,thesedownworldChanurnotoftheshipcrews,whounderstoodthenecessityofplantinggardens.

Shecheckedwithstationcommand,thattheRauhadfoundawaybacktotheirship,whichanothermailfreighterhadmanagedtosecureforthem.

AndthensheandHaralandTirunwalkedthelongwaybacktoThePride,allofthemhoarseandexhaustedandfindingthelimitoftheirenergysimplyinputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.Shelimped,realizedshehadsomehowbrokenaclaw;thoughtwithlongingofabath,andbed,andbreakfastwhensheshouldwake.

ButonThePride,onethingmoreshedid:shestoppedbysickbayandlookedinonGeran’scharges,foundHilfyandChurcomfortablyasleeponcotsjammedsidebysideintothesmallcompartment,andGerandrowsinginthechairbythedoor.

Geranwokeashershadowcrossedherface,murmuredbleary-eyedapology.Pyanfarmadeashrug.TirunandHarallookedinatthedoor,leanedthereintheframe,twowornghosts.

“Khym,”Pyanfarsaid,missinghim.

“Cotinthewashroom,”Geransaid.“Byyourleave,captain.Hewouldn’tacceptHilfy’squarters,butshetriedtoinsist.”

“Huh.”SheedgedthroughtoseetoChurandHilfy,sawtheirfacesrelaxedandtheirsleepeasy,walkedout.“Orders?”Haralaskedinapparentdread:“Sleep,”

theirsleepeasy,walkedout.“Orders?”Haralaskedinapparentdread:“Sleep,”shesaid,andthesisterswenttheirwaygladlyenough.

Forherself,shewalkedondownthecorridortothewashroomandopenedthedoor.

Khymwassafelytuckedinbed,nestedinblanketsonacomfortablecot.Oneeyewasbandaged.Theotheropenedandlookedather,andhemovedtositup-clean,hispoorearsplasmedtogethersuchastheycouldbe,theterriblescratchesonhisarmsandshoulderstreated.Patchesofhiscoatweregonewherethescabshadbeen;hisbeardandmanewerehaggledup,doubtlesswheresnarlshadhadtobesnippedout.

“Better?”sheasked.

“KerGeranshotenoughantibioticsintome,Ishouldliveforever.”

Ruefulhumor.Shesankdownontheendofthecot,refusing,asKhymrefused,toabandonacheerfulfaceonthings.Shepattedhisknee.“Ihearyouputawindupthekifsbacks.”

Heshrugged,flickedhisearsindeprecation.

“Yougotyourlookatstation,”shesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkofit?”

Earsprickedup.“Worththeseeing.”

“ShowyoutheshipwhenyouandIgetsomesleep.”

“Ican’tstayuphere,youknow.You’regoingtohavetofindmeashuttledowntomorrow.”

“Whycan’tyoustayuphere?”

Hegaveasurprisedchuckle.“TheLlunandotherswillsay,that’swho.NotmanylordsastolerantasnaKohan.”

“Sostation’stheirterritory.So,well.Ithoughtyoumightconsidertakingaturninmine.OnThePride.”

“Gods,they’d-”

“-dowhat?Talk?Gods,Khym,ifIcancarryanOutsidermalefromoneendoftheCompacttotheotherandcomeoutaheadofit,Icanrottedwellsurvivethegossip.Chanurcandoanythingitpleasesrightnow.GotourselvesaprizeinthisOutsider;gotourselvesacontactthat’sgoingtotakeyearstoexplore.IcandealwithTully;andwiththemahendo’sat-awholenewkindofdeal,Khym.Who’stoknow-ifyoustayontheship;who’stoquestion-whenwe’renotinhometerritory?Whatdoyouthinkthemahendo’satcareforhanicustoms?Notathing.”

“NaKohan-”

“What’sittoKohan?You’remybusiness,alwayswere;heletyoustayonChanurland,didn’the?Ifhedidthat,he’dcarelessaboutyoulightyearsabsentonaChanurship.Andrightnow,whatIwant-Kohan’sgoingtohavealotofpatiencewith.”

Hewaslistening,earsupandallbuttrembling.“Thinkso,doyou?”

“What’sdownworldgotto.offeryou?Sanctuary?Huh.Thinkyou’dgocrazyonaship?Unstable?Maketroublewiththecrew?”

“No,”hesaidafteramoment.Andthen:“Oh,godsrotit,Pyanfar,youcan’tdosomethinglikethat.”

“Afraid,Khym?”

Earswentdown.“No.ButIhaveconsiderationforyou.Iknowwhatyou’retryingtodo.Butyoucan’tfightwhatis.Time,Pyanfar.Wegetold.Theyounghavetheirday.Youcan’tfighttime.”

“We’rebornfightingit.”

Hesatsilentamoment.Theearscameupslowly.“Onevoyage,ifthecrewdoesn’tobject.Maybeone.”

“Beawhileinport,gettingourtailputbacktogetheragain.Gettingnavigationaldetailsworkedout.Thenwegooutagain.Alongvoyage,thistime.”

Helookedupunderhisbrow.

“It’sdifferentoutthere,”shesaid.“Nothaniways.Noonespecies’way.Right

“It’sdifferentoutthere,”shesaid.“Nothaniways.Noonespecies’way.Rightandwrongaren’tthesame.Attitudesaren’t.I’lltellyousomething.”Shecrookedaclawandpokeditathim.“Hanidownworldwanttheirhousesandtheirwaysunquestioned,that’sall.Theydon’taskmuchwhatwedowhilethegoodscomeinanddon’tcostoutlandishmuch;theydon’tcarewhatwedoeither,solongaswedon’tvisiblyembarrassthehouse.Kara’sgoingtobeupset.Buthe’lllivewithit…whenThePride’slightyearsoutofsightandmind.Mightstartafashion.Might.”

“Dreamer,”Khymsaid.

“Huh.”Shegotup,flickedherearsandwaitedtoseehimsettledagain.Shewalkedoutthen,weavingabitinherstepsandfiguringshehadaboutstrengthenoughtogettoherowncabinandherownbathandherownbed,inthatorder.

Tullycameandwent,amonghishumancomrades,andonThePride.Hedidnot,toPyanfar’ssurprise,cuthismaneandshavehisbeardandwalkaboutinhumanclothes:hedidgoshod,butnomorechangethanthat.

Forthesakeofappearances,shethought;inrespectofherone-timeadviceandtheopinionoftheLlun(andofChanurtoo,thatbrieftimetheypaidadownworldvisit,toaffordKohantimewithhisfavoreddaughterandaviewoftheirsponsoredguests).Tullyflourished-grinnedandlaughedandmovedwithaspringinhisstepquitestrangeinhim.HebroughtasolemntrioofhumansofftheirshiptotakenotesaboardThePride-Goldtoothattendedwithhisownrecords-toaskquestionsandtoexchangedatauntiltheyhadsomenavigationalreferentsincommon.

Theyfrownedsuspiciously,thesehumans,buttheystoppedfrowningwhentheylearnedpreciselywherehomewas-somedistancebeyondknnnspaceandkif.

“Gotbetween,”Tullysaidenthusiastically,jabbingthechartwhichshowedhaniandmahendo’satterritory,cuppingonehandonthehani-mahendo’satsideandonehandonthehumanside,withthekifneatlybetween.Thehandsmovedtogetherslowly,clenched.“So.”

So,so,so,Pyanfarthought,andherlipsdrewbackandhernosewrinkledcheerfully.

Intime,hewent,backtohisown…thatlastsealingofthelockwhichmarkedtheseparationofthehumanshipfromGaohn.Ulysses,itsnamewas,whichTullyhadsaidmeantFar-Voyages.Nearlyfiftyhumanslivedonit,andwhethertheywererelatedornot,shecouldnotdetermine.

Theypreparedtogo.ShestartedbackacrossthedockstoThePride,tofollow-withasmallishcargo,nothingofgreatmass,butitemsofinteresttohumans.TheremightbeachancetoseeTullyatvoyage’send,butitwouldhardlybethesame.Hebelongedwithhisown,thatwaswhat,andshedidnotbegrudgehimthat.

Sheplannedtohaveuseofthatacquaintance,Tully-andthecaptainofthisFar-Voyages.So,ofcourse,didGoldtooth,withhissleekrefittedship,goingwiththem,whileJikcarriedmessagesbacktothePersonage,nodoubt,andthemahendo’sattriedtofigureouthowtocheatanhonesthanioutofexclusivearrangements.

Buttheoddsinthatencounterwereeven.