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