We madly smile when we should groan;

stopped but now began flashing again.. "My, they got a lot to say to each other," Miller said admiringly. "How long do the exchange of courtesies last, boss?" "I should say they are just about finished." Mallory moved back quickly to the wheelhouse. They were less than a hundred feet from the harbour entrance. Brown had confused the enemy, gained precious seconds, more time than Mallory had ever thought they could gain. But it couldn't last. He touched Brown on the arm. "Give her everything you've got when the balloon goes up." Two seconds later he was back in position in the bows, Schmeisser ready in his hands. "Your big chance, Dan'l Boone. Don't give the searchlights a chance to line upthey'll blind you." Even as he spoke, the light from the signal lamp at the harbour mouth cut off abruptly and two dazzling white beams, one from either side of the harbour entrance, stabbed blindingly through the darkness, bathing the whole harbour in their savage glarea glare that lasted for only a fleeting second of time, yielded to a contrastingly stygian darkness as two brief bursts of machine-gun fire smashed them into uselessness. From such short range it had been almost impossible to miss. "Get down, everyone!" Mallory shouted. "Flat on the deck!" The echoes of the gunfire were dying away, the reverberations fading along the great sea wall of the fortress when Casey Brown cut in all six cylinders of the engine and opened the throttle wide, the surging roar of the big Diesel blotting out all other sounds in the night. Five seconds, ten seconds, they were passing through the entrance, fifteen, twenty, still not a shot fired, half a minute and they were well clear, bows lifting high out of the water, the deep-dipped stern trailing its long, seething ribbon of phosphorescent white as the engine crescendoed to its clamorous maximum power and Brown pulled the heeling craft sharply round to starboard, seeking the protection of the steep-walled cliffs. "A desperate battle, boss, but the better men won." Miller was on his feet now, clinging to a mounted gun for support as the deck canted away beneath his feet. "My grandchildren shall hear of this." "Guards probably all up searching the town. Or maybe there were some poor blokes behind these searchlights. Or maybe we just took 'em all by surprise." Mallory shook his head. "Anyway you take it, we're just plain damn' lucky." He moved aft, into the wheelhouse. Brown was at the wheel, Louki almost crowing with delight "That was magnificent, camera digital compact flash review Casey," Mallory said sincerely. "A first-class job of work. Cut the engine when we come to the end of the cliffs. Our job's done. I'm going ashore." "You don't have to, Major." Mallory turned. "What's that?" "You don't have to. I tried to tell you on the way down, but you kept telling me to be quiet." Louki sounded injured, turned to Casey. "Slow down, please. The last thing Andrea told me, Major, was that we were to come this way. Why do you think he let himself be trapped against the cliffs to the north instead of going out into the country, where he could have hidden easily." "Is this true, Casey?" Mallory asked. "Don't ask me, sir. Those twothey always talk. in Greek." "Of course, of course." Mallory looked at the low cliffs close off the starboard beam, barely moving now with the engine shut right down, looked back at Louki. "Are you quite sure . . ." He stopped in mid-sentence, jumped out through the wheelhouse door. The splashthere had been no mistaking the noise-had come from almost directly ahead. Mallory, Miller by his side, peered into the darkness, saw a dark head surfacing above the water less than twenty feet away, leaned far over with outstretched arm as the launch slid slowly by. Five seconds later Andrea stood on the deck, dripping mightily and beaming all over his great moon face. Mallory led him straight into the wheelhouse, switched on the soft light of the shaded chartlamp. "By all that's wonderful, Andrea, I never thought to see you again. How did it go?" "I will soon tell you," Andrea laughed. "Just after" "You've been wounded!" Miller interrupted. "Your shoulder's kinda perforated." He pointed to the red stain spreading down the sea-soaked jacket "Well, now, I believe I have." Andrea affected vast surprise. "Just a scratch, my friend." "Oh, sure, sure, just a scratch! It would be the same if your arm had been blown off. Come on down to the cabinthis is just a kindergarten exercise for a man of my medical skill." "But the captain" "Will have to wait. And your story. Ol' Medicine Man Miller permits no interference with

Then did he shake hands with his merry men all,

afternoon. There was no disguising the elation in his eyes at their progress. He was seething with the most excitement she had yet seen an Elder exhibit. Had he despaired of running up this years dose of indoctrinal conditioning on his subliminal program? We will finish this tomorrow, Trag told Elder Ampris, with a further day to tune the new manual into the system, and to check the other three manuals for positive feedback. One minor detail on which Killashandra was unable to reassure me: Was the organ in use when the manual was destroyed? I believe it was, Ampris replied, his lids dipping to conceal his brown eyes. I will of course confirm this. After the deplorable desecration, I myself conducted an inspection of the other manuals to be sure they were undamaged. Elder Ampris, Killashandra Ree and I would consider ourselves derelict in our Guild obligation to Optheria if we failed to assure ourselves, and you, that your Festival organ is in full and complete working order. Of course, Ampris managed through clenched teeth. Then, in an abrupt alteration, he smiled tightly. Most thorough of you. Can we turn on the main organ console from here? Killashandra asked, wondering what had caused Ampriss sudden change. I admit that I am quite eager to hear it in all its glory. Ampris regarded her for a long moment before his thin lips widened in the original smile. For you to appreciate fully the versatility of the Festival Organ, you need some measure of comparison. Therefore I am delighted that you are able to attend this evenings concert which will be performed on the two-manual Conservatory instrument. Yes, of course. Killashandra let pleased affability ooze through her voice. Now that this installation is nearly completed, and with Trag here, I realize how much tension Ive been under. It is always so much easier to share responsibilities, isnt it, Elder Ampris? she added gaily. He murmured something and withdrew. Trag looked at her expectantly. When the inevitable can no longer be avoided, it is always wise to accept it gracefully. She grimaced. Though I have to admit I despise student concerts. Lars grinned. Oh, you wont be getting the students tonight, Killa. And in view of what you told me of the origin of Ampriss party piece, I eagerly await your critical appraisal. Are you at all musical, Guildmember? he asked Trag. Frequently. Trag carefully replaced the tools in their case, gestured for Lars to close the crystal container. Killashandra covered the manual, and digital camera reviews samsung taking a hair from her head, wet it and laid it carefully across one corner of the lid. Trag gave a snort that she translated as approval. Hair of the dog that bit? Lars asked. Where do you get these sayings? Killashandra demanded, rolling her eyes in exaggerated dismay. Then she pointed to his pocket. Id like to have a close look at that device, Trag said. Lars withdrew the little jammer. Trag, Im trying to get them to believe that its me distorting their monitors. Trag surprised Killashandra by placing his hand flat against her shoulder blade. Not any more. But I would qualify. Sensible of you. How many of the myths about crystal singers are derived from sensible precautions? she asked Trag. Or survival techniques? Trag shrugged indifferently. Lars deactivated the device as Killashandra opened the door panel and the three left the loft. Killashandra watched Trag to see if the acoustics of the Festival auditorium affected him. Trag did not so much as alter his firm stride or respond to the echoes his vigorous pace produced. The guards had to scurry to keep up with them. Once inside the guest suite which Trag was to share with them, Lars switched on the jammer before he passed it over to Trag. Theyve been replacing the monitors in the organ loft every day but a trill of crystal and they shatter. Killashandra told Trag as she made her way to the beverage counter. A cold glass of the Bascum, Trag? Please. Trag returned the jammer to Lars. What sort of detector do they have at the shuttleport? Isotope scanner. Lars said with a grimace. The popular theory is that the detector is set off by a rare isotope of iron peculiar to Optherian soil. Once the residue of the isotope builds up in the bone marrow, it tends to be self-perpetuating. Thereve been unsuccessful attempts to neutralize the isotope and jam the scanners but nothing works. Then he scowled. All the guards are rehabs and never miss. Trying to get past them is an effective form of suicide. There is also a stun field that operates in the event that another concerted attempt is ever made to gain entry to the port. I was met by four Optherians Trag began. Who had been passed in. Oh, authorized personnel come and go but they are very careful to display their authorization to the guards. Killashandra had

Sick, and going to die,

What Nahia knows, Hauness does, and safe enough in both their hands. But then what? Hard copy on the suicide files is rapidly available. But I should insist that you meet with other groups to prove unquestionably that the arbitrary restriction to Optheria is not popularly acceptable. Im glad you agree to that. In doing that, you will also need to avoid the Elders. It wouldnt do for them to discover you blithely treading the cobbles at Ironwood or the terraces of Maitland. You never told them youd kidnapped me, so why couldnt I visit other communities? Because youve now been missing for five weeks. How would you explain such an absence, much less why you havent repaired their precious Festival organ? Idve done that if that wretched security officer hadnt been in his flatulent dotage! My absence is easy to explain. I just dont explain it. She shrugged diffidently. Lars sniggered. You dont know how much our Elders dislike mysteries You have seen me playing a humble island maid, Lars. Try seeing me as a highly indignant and aristocratic member of the Heptite Guild. As she spoke, her voice became strange, disdainful, and Killashandra pulled herself arrogantly erect. Lars started to remove his arm from her shoulders in reaction to the transformation. Im more than a match for Ampris or Torkes. And they need my services far too much to annoy me again. Im obliged to mention that theyve sent for a replacement I know that. How could you? Killashandra grinned at him. Crystal singers have preternaturally acute hearing. You and your little band of conspirators were only across the room from me. I heard every word. Lars momentarily let the tiller slip but Killashandra grabbed it and steadied the helm. A second crystal singer might be all to the good, depending on who they send. But weve time to spare itll take nearly ten weeks to get another singer here. I happen to need the contract money so Ill repair their damned organ. Maybe this time, Ill get the kind of help I need. A thought suddenly struck Killashandra. By all thats holy, Ill get you! She prodded Larss chest with her forefinger. Lars snorted with derision. Im the last person welcome in the Conservatory! Ah, but wide angle ultra compact digital camera you will be welcome as the man who rescued this poor abandoned crystal singer from durancevile! What? Well, that would answer why Ive been absent. But, of course, I never set eyes on my abductor so I cant say who it might be. Killashandra fluttered her eyelashes in mock horror. There I was, taking a stroll to compose myself after that horrible confrontation with an officious oaf and wham! bung! Im coshed on the head and wake up, all alone, on a desert island, heavens know where! Killashandra got into the part with a faked swoon. Im less of a ham with a properly respectful audience, I might add. But there I am. Lost! Who knows who the dastards are using a plural will suggest a whole group of conspirators, you see And then you Killashandra laid a delicate hand on Larss arm. His eyes were bright with mirth and he had his lips pressed together against distracting laughter. You loyal despite your terrible disappointment and Killashandra put her hand to her breast and breathed hard rescued me and insisted on returning me to the safety of the City, to install the crystal manual so that the priceless organ will be ready for the Summer Festival. Thus currying favor with the powers that be which, in view of your subversive activities, is a very good idea and saving them the cost of another expensive crystal singer. We are very expensive to hire, you see. And I have the impression that the Elders are credit-crunchers. Lars began to chuckle, rubbing his chin as if he was visualizing those moments of triumph. If you can be trusted not to overact he ducked as she shook her fist at him you know, it might work. Of course it will work! I was able to gauge audience reactions to a pico. And more than just give you a well-deserved return for their meanness and chicanery to you, Ill pretend that Im so very nervous about a repetition of assault and battery that Ill need you by my side all the time. I think, Lars began, slowly, thoughtfully, Father and the others will like this plan. Lars gave a rueful snort. I got rather soundly told off for acting in a unilateral fashion when I abducted you, you know. My father is a mild mannered man most of the time Then let us by all means present this idea to him them. And by the way, speaking of mild-mannered men, what do you know about Corish von Mittelstern? The man looking for his uncle? Thats