And needed not a foil of contraries

ten years, theyve been able to warn those they felt could be trusted. Do the Elders know that some escape? Killashandra asked. There is a head check at the concerts which simultaneously registers with the Central Computers. But islanders dont go to concerts, do they? Killashandra said with a chuckle. It was a relief to know that she had occasion to be amused. It had looked very grim for a bit there, with Trag coming on strong as Guildmember. I think it is time to end such pernicious subjugation, Trag said. He took from his biceps pocket a hand-unit of the sort used to check programming systems, and placed it on the nearest cabinet. It should be a simple matter of reprogramming the master sensory mixer to bypass the subliminal generator. That would inhibit the subliminal processor, yet leave no physical trace of alteration. Taking from the same pocket a heavy compound knife of the kind favored by crystal singers for field use, he opened the heaviest cutting blade. He sliced carefully at the plastic cable cover, peeling it back to expose the multicolor flex package. Killashandra watched as Trag set the system checker against the flex, taking a preliminary reading. As he pondered the results, she could not restrain a glance at the subliminal room. The devices were so repugnant to her, abusing every precept of the individual privacy which had been her birthright on Fuerte, that she felt besmirched just looking at them. If theres no power Lars began, his hand half-raised in caution. I have had sufficient experience with this sort of equipment, Lars Dahl. Trag entered instructions on the hand unit, noted the display on the rectangular vdr, and a muscle twitched in his cheek. The subroutine of the subliminal will function on any dummy test, and indicate the programming modes selected under their program listing, but I am placing a security lock, and with those words he put the device firmly against the thick red-coded cable and depressed the main key, on it now. I dont have the equipment necessary to generate a program for propaganda detoxification. Thats too bad, Killashandra said with heartfelt dismay There! Trag said. And unless they know exactly what Ive done to inhibit the subliminal processor, the alterations cant be reversed. Let the Optherians program that computer for whatever images they wish. None will reach the minds of the people they intend to pervert! Trag pulled hard on the casino exilic digital camera review plastic coating and then pressed it firmly back around the cables. Killashandra could not see where the cable had been entered. And youll bear witness to the Federated Council? Lars was taut as he eagerly awaited Trags reply. We shall all bear witness to the Council, young man, Trag replied. Lars nodded but his smile was wry. It will be the crystal singers word that will be credited, Guildmember Trag, not that of an islander whose motivations are suspect. Even if he could leave the planet, Trag, Killashandra said. Remember the arc at the shuttle port? Didnt it glow blue and erupt guards with weapons? Trag nodded. Except when I passed under it. That arc deposits a mineral deposit in Optherian bones, Lars said, and in those of anyone here for more than six months. Which is what caught my father originally. Trag dismissed that difficulty with a flick of his hand. I have a warrant in my possession to arrest the party or parties responsible for the Guildmembers abduction, which would take you past their reprisals. You came well prepared, Trag, Killashandra said with a rueful smile. But youd have to bring the entire population of the Archipelago if you named Lars Dahl abductor. When Trag turned to Lars for affirmation. he nodded. I hadnt planned on leaving Optheria, Lars said, with a slightly embarrassed grin, and Im sure my father is more than willing to, but youd need an entire liner to remove those whod be vulnerable. The Optherian Elders have been waiting for years for an excuse to search and seize the adult population of the islands. Theyd all end up in rehab. Unless, of course, you also have the authority to suspend every government official on this charge. Trag was silent for a long moment, regarding Lars steadily. Then he exhaled slowly. I was given broad powers by the Federated Council but not that broad. His lower jaw jutted out slightly. Had there been any suspicion of this. He paused, his contempt for once visible in his expression. Let us not reveal this knowledge prematurely. Carefully they removed every trace of their entry. Neither man had touched the cabinets or files, so covering their tracks took little time. Meanwhile, Killashandra repositioned herself at the door panel, listening for sounds of approach. Trag reexamined the cables he had clipped, checking from all angles to be sure the incision would escape