Lest wee thy sides do baste."

welfare of the Guild, she said demurely. In a matter affecting the Guild reputation, I am, too? incorruptible, Trag replied, neatly parrying her thrust. So tomorrow are Lars and I permitted to continue with the Festival organ? Trag nodded. And you will reorganize the second instrument? In the best interests of the guiding precepts of the Federated Sentient Planets Council, yes, I certainly shall. Otherwise I assure you that these Elders would not receive unreimbursed and gratuitous services from the Heptite Guild. Bravo! Lars called. Their greed blinds them, Trag said. So, following a recent example, we shall take the opportunity that is presented, he added, nodding toward Lars who returned the compliment. Basically they have trite minds. Security, pride, and sex! Imagine! Inflicting such prurience on tonights audience. Killashandra regarded Trag with mild astonishment. The man was positively garrulous, volunteering comments not to mention uncontracted services. Or was he simply responding to the backlash of that maladroit rendition of the Bolero? Shed have thought Trag made of sterner stuff, especially since hed been forewarned of the subliminals. Oh, thats a common diet for the Conservatory, Lars said. For the masses, they have other themes, sometimes so indigestible I wonder how they can be swallowed, even conditionally. Mainlanders are often subjected to a spectrum ranging from xenophobia, Lars began ticking the subjects off on his fingers, a fear of races in their own territories, to claustrophobia to nip any budding interest in space-faring, to fear of disobedience, fear and disgust of acts that are unnatural, fear of committing an illegal action, rational or not. Theyve even constructed a negative-feedback loop to inhibit thinking along lines the Elders have suddenly decided are subversive. A dislike of the color red was achieved a year or so ago. Then, and Lars was really warming to his subject, the tourists get a different menu: love of the simple life, very little eroticism which would follow, wouldnt it? All sorts of nebulous goodnesses to be obtained by staying on here. Immense credit balances are constantly flashed luringly at the most bizarre moments. Naturally the disadvantages arent mentioned at all. No lecture on Full Disclosure? Killashandra shot Trag a glance but he ignored her. Have you a reliable contact in the Conservatory, Lars? Trag asked him. I wouldnt dare digital camera movie frame rate contact any of them after tonights subliminal messages. I could try the marketplace Trag shook his head. It was politic to agree with Ampris and Torkes that you, Killashandra, have undoubtedly fallen under this young mans insidious spell. He raised his hand at Killashandras guffaw. Neither of you are to be allowed to leave the Conservatory without escort. For your safety, of course, Killashandra. Of course! What works in your favor, though, in this infatuation Trag! Im not Ballyblind, Killashandra, Trag said in a stern voice, and, if the Elders consider you two self-absorbed to the exclusion of other, more treacherous activities, it is a safeguard, however tenuous. At least while we are still on Optheria. Trag turned to Lars. Once we leave, Lars Dahl, you are in grave jeopardy. Lars nodded and, when Killashandra closed her fingers about his, he smiled down at her. All I need is a half-days start on any pursuit; no one will ever find me in the islands. Trag managed to look skeptical without changing a muscle in his face. Not this time, I think. This time the islanders are to be disciplined to a final and total obedience to the Optherian Council. They have to catch us first, Lars said calmly, although anger flared in his eyes and his fingers tightened on Killashandras. In an abrupt change he shrugged. The threat of wholesale reprisal is scarcely new. Trag has that warrant Killashandra suggested but caught the obstinate set of Larss face. May I remind you, Killashandra, Trag said, that a Federated Council warrant is not a writ one exercises with impunity. If I am forced to use it, Lars, and whoever else it includes, would be charged with your abduction and subject to the authority of the FSP Council. If I dont press charges, once theyre off Optheria If you perjure yourself in a Council Court, Killashandra Ree, not even the Heptite Guild can rescue you from the consequences. I repeat, and listen to me this time. Lars interrupted firmly, jiggling Killashandras arm for her attention, I only need a head start and there isnt a captain on this planet who could catch me. Look, Trag, its not your affair, but if youre willing to disorganize the Conservatory projector, would you consider doing others? There are quite a few two-manual organs