Those fields sparse-planted, rendering meagre sheaves;

and fade, strengthening, deepening, climbing with the passing of every moment. At first it was no more than a lightening in the sky, but already it was beginning to take form, and faint colours beginning to establish themselves in definite patterns. "The Aurora, Mr Zagero," I said. "The Northern Lights. First time you've seen it?" He nodded. "Yeah. Amazin' spectacle, ain't it?" "This? This is nothing. It's just starting up. It's going to be a curtainyou get all sorts, rays, bands, coronas, arcs and what have you, but this is a curtain. Best of the lot." "Get this sort of thing often, Doc?* "Every day, for days on end, when the weather is like thisyou know, cold and clear and still. Believe it or not, you can even get so used to it that you won't bother looking." "I don't believe it. It's amazin'," he repeated, "just amazin'. Tired of it, you say -1 hope we see it every day." He grinned. "You don't have to look, Doc." "For your own sake you'd better hope for something else," I said grimly. "Meanin'?" "Meaning that radio reception is hopeless when the aurora is on." "Radio reception?" He crinkled his brows. "What we gotta lose, with the radio set in the cabin smashed and your friends in the trail party gettin' further away every minute? You couldn't raise either of them anyway." "No, but we can raise our Uplavnik base when we get a bit nearer the coast," I said, and the next moment I could have bitten my tongue off. I had never even thought of the matter until then, but as soon as the words were out I realised that I should have kept this piece of knowledge to myself. The chances of Uplavnik listening in at the right time and on the right frequency were remote enough, but it was always a chance: we could have sent out a warning, summoned help long before the killers would have thought of making a break for it. But, now, if Zagero were one of the killers, he would make good and certain that the set would be smashed long before we got within radio range of the Uplavnik base. I cursed myself for a blundering idiot, and stole a quick glance at Zagero. In the light streaming out from the gap in the curtain and in the fainter light of the aurora, his every feature was plain, but I could tell nothing from his expression. He was playing it casual, all right, but not too stupidly casual. The slow nod, the pursing of the lips, the little shots digital camera review thoughtful lifting of the eyebrows could not have been improved upon. Not even the best professional actor could have improved on it, and hard on the heels of that came the second thought that there were a couple of extraordinarily fine actors among us. But, then, if he hadn't reacted at all, or had reacted too violently, I would have been doubly suspicious. Or would I? If Zagero were one of the guilty men, wouldn't he have known that too much or too little reaction would have been the very thing to excite suspicion, and taken due precaution against registering either? I gave it up and turned away. But in my mind there was growing a vague but steadily strengthening suspicion against Johnny Zagero: and on the basis of the success and validity of my previous suspicions, I thought bitterly, that just about guaranteed Zagero's innocence. I turned and touched Margaret Ross on the shoulder. "I'd like to have a few words with you, Miss Ross, if you don't mind the cold outside." She looked at me in surprise, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. I jumped down, reached up a hand to steady her, then helped her aboard the big sled as it passed by a few seconds later. For a short time we just sat there, side by side on a petrol drum, watching the aurora while I wondered how to begin. I stared almost unseeingly at the tremendous sweep of the developing aurora, the great folded, fluted curtain of yellow-green with red-tipped feet that seemed almost to brush the surface of the ice-cap, a translucent transparent draperyfor even at its brightest the stars still shone faintly throughthat waved and shimmered and pulsed and glowed, a pastel poem in insubstantia-lity, like the ethereal backdrop to some unimaginably beautiful fairyland. Margaret Ross sat there gazing at it like one lost in a trance. But she might have been looking at it with the same uncaring eyes as myself, lost not in wonder but in the memory of the man we had left behind in the ice-cap. And when she turned at the sound of my voice, and I saw the glow of the aurora reflected in the sad depths of the wide brown eyes, I knew I was right. "Well, Miss Ross, what do you think of the latest development?" "Mr Mahler?" She'd slipped up her snow-maskin her case just a gauze and cotton-wool pad with a central breathing aperture -and I had to lean forward to catch her soft voice. "What can

As hee went over the plain.

approval, and shock, at their conversation. Why, then, Captain Dahl, if you have studied to use the organ, are you sailing about in the islands? Because, Guildmember, my composition was ah not approved by the Masters who pass judgment on such aspirations, so I returned to my previous occupation. To be sure, I am selfishly glad, Captain for who would have rescued me had you not been in those waters? Killashandra sighed deeply just as they turned the corridor into the hall she did recognize . Mirbethan? The woman whirled, her expression composed though she was breathing rather rapidly. By any chance, I mean, I know Ive been gone a good while, but I do hope that those beverages Your catering facility has been completely stocked with the beverages of your choice. And the chimes have been turned off? Mirbethan nodded. And the catering unit instructed to supply proper-size portions of food without requiring additional authorization? Thank you. I, for one, am starving. Sea air, you know. With a final smile, Killashandra swept through the door Lars held open. By the time he had shut it, she had discovered four ceiling surveillance units in the main salon. I am quite weary, Captain. With due respect, Guildmember, you did not eat much of the evening meal, perhaps a light supper The variety on the catering unit seems geared to student requirements unless you, having spent time here, can make a suggestion. Indeed I would be delighted to, Guildmember. Lars located several more as they moved through the suite to the two bedrooms. He peered into the first bathing room and grinned broadly at her. May I draw you a bath? An excellent idea. She strode to what was evidently the one room that had been left unmonitored. Lars began filling the tub, having turned the taps on full. He reached into his tunic and extracted an innocuous metal ball. A deceiver, Father calls it. It distorts picture and sound we can be quite free once its operating. And when we leave the suite, he grinned, miming the device returned to his pocket itll drive their technicians wild. Wont they realize that the distortion only works when were here? I suggest that tomorrow you complain about being monitored in the bedroom. Can we cope with just one free room? He began to undress her, his expression intense with anticipation. digital camera lens printing Two, Killashandra corrected him with a coy moue as the bright and elegant overall Teradia had chosen for her fell in a rainbow puddle at her feet. It was, of course, thoroughly soaked with the water displaced when Lars overbalanced her into the tub. When they had sated their appetites sufficiently, Killashandra idly described wet circles on the broad expanse of Larss chest. I think that with the best motives in the world, I have placed you in an awkward situation. Beloved Killashandra, when you sprang that, and he aptly mimicked her voice, I have no fear of being assaulted with Captain Dahl beside me, I nearly choked. I felt you quaking, but I didn t know if it was laughter or outrage. And then suggesting that someone else had instigated the attack to implicate islanders Killashandra, I wouldnd have missed that for anything. You really got mine back on the flatulent fardling. But watch him, Killa. Hes dangerous. Once he and Torkes start comparing notes They still have to get that organ fixed in time for all those lucky little composers to practice their pieces. Im here and even if a replacement is coming, its the old bird-in-the-hand. Yes, and theyve got to have done all the Mainland concerts to ensure a proper Optherian attitude toward visitors. Proper attitude? Mainland concerts? What do you mean? Lars held her slightly away from him in the capacious bath, reading her face and eyes. You dont know? You dont really know why that organ is so important to the Elders? Well, I do know that the set-up will produce an intense emotional experience for the listener. It verges on illegal manipulation. Lars gave a sour laugh. Verges? It is. But then you would only have seen the sensory elements. The subliminal units are kept out of sight, underneath the organ loft. Subliminals? Killashandra stared at Lars. Of course, ninny. How do you think the Elders keep the people of Optheria from wanting any of the marvels that the visitors tell them about? Because theyve just had a full dose of subliminal conditioning! Why do you think people who prefer to exercise their own wits live in the islands? The Elders cant broadcast the subliminals and sensories. Subliminals are illegal! Even the sensory feedbacks border on illegality! Lars, when I tell the FSP this Why do you think my father was sent

And Robin Hood he laught, and begun to smile,

couch had been comfortable, the days unusual exercise exhausting, and watching the weather screen soporific. It was the lack of storm noise that woke her. And a curious singing in her body which was her symbionts reaction to drastic weather changes. A quick glance at the screen showed her that the eye of the storm was presently over Angel Island. She rubbed at her arms and legs, sure that the vibration she felt might be discernible. However, Nahia had curled up on the end of the long couch, Hauness, one arm across her shoulders, was also asleep, head back against the cushions. Theach was still diddling, but Erutown and Lars were absent. She heard voices and steps on the circular stair and made a dash for the toilet. She distinguished Larss distinctive laugh, a bass rumble from his father, and a grunt that could be Erutown, and some other voices. Until the eye had passed and the symbiont had quieted, Killashandra wanted to avoid everyone, especially Lars. Carrigana? Lars called. Then she heard him approach the toilet and rap on the door. Carrigana? Would you mind fixing some hungry storm watchers more of those excellent sandwiches? Under ordinary circumstances, Killashandra would have had a tart rejoinder but catering would solve the more immediate problem. Just a moment. She splashed water on her face, smoothed back her hair, and regarded the blossoms about her neck. Strangely enough they were not dead, their petals were still fresh despite the creasing. Their fragrance scented her fingers as she opened the crushed flowers and spread them back into their original shapes. When she opened the door, Nahia and Hauness were making their way toward the catering area. They only want to talk weather, Nahia said with a smile. Well help you. The others did talk weather, but on the comunits to other islands, checking on storm damages and injuries, finding out what supplies would be required, and which island could best supply the needs. The three caterers served soup, a basic stew, and high-protein biscuits. In the company of Nahia and Hauness, the work was more pleasant than Killashandra would have believed. She had never met their likes before and realized that she probably never would again. The respite at the storms eye was all too brief, and soon the hurricane was more frightening in its renewed violence. Though it was a zephyr in comparison to Ballybran turbulence, Killashandra rated it a respectable storm, and slept through the rest of it. A touch on her shoulder woke her, a digital camera iso sensitivity light touch that was then repeated and her shoulder held in a brief clasp. That was enough to bring Killashandra to full awareness and she looked up at Nahias perplexed expression. Killashandra smiled reassuringly, attempting to pass off the storm resonance still coursing through her body. As Lars was draped against her, she moved cautiously to a sitting position and took the steaming cup from Nahia with quiet thanks. Killashandra wondered how the man had been able to sleep with her body buzzing. Other storm watchers had disposed themselves for sleep about the room. Outside a hard rain was falling and a stout wind agitated the rain forest but the blow had become a shadow of its hurricane strength. We had orders to wake people as soon as the wind died to force five, Nahia said and extended a second hot cup to Killashandra for Lars. Has there been much damage? Many injuries? Sufficient. The hurricane was unseasonably early and caught some communities unprepared. Olav is preparing emergency schedules for us. Us? Killashandra stared at Nahia in surprise. Surely youre not going to risk being seen and identified here? These are my own people, Carrigana. I am safest in the islands. Serenely confident, the beauty returned to the catering area. Lars had awakened during that brief interchange although he hadnt changed his position. His very blue eyes were watching her closely, no expression gave her a hint of his mood. Lazily he caressed her leg. Gradually his lips began to curve in a smile. What he might have said, what thoughts he held behind those keen eyes he did not share with her. Then he touched the garland she still wore, carefully unfolding a crushed petal. Will you be crew for me? We wont have much time together southbound. Tanny, Theach, and Erutown sail with us, and well be dropping off supplies here and there Of course Ill come, Killashandra said eagerly. She wouldnt miss the trip for the world. Only how would Lars take her deception? Would she lose him? Well, she didnt have to admit that she was the crystal singer they had incarcerated on the island! The winds out of the Back Harbor were brisk enough to be dangerous, but the well laden Pearl settled down to her task like the splendid craft she was. Erutown was the nonsailor among them and took to a bunk in the forward cabin until the motion sickness medication had taken effect. Theach had appropriated the small terminal,