Each lucid interval of thought

ever have the need to display In one long stride Teradia reached the room, and scooped up a pair of blue briefs that had evidently fallen to the floor. She flourished them under his nose and then pushed him back into the room. Well, if thats the case Killashandra stifled her giggles. You only wanted to take the limelight He poked his head around the door. Not when I know Torkess proclivities. Then again, he paused in the act of withdrawing his head, he probably has the cruiser packed with his boys so Im safer here than in City. Who needs the bodyguard then? Shall we have a mutual assistance pact? I read those were once very popular. Done! Lars slammed open the door, strode across the room, and gathered her into her arms, beaming down at her. If you spoil her dress or make-up Teradias mock anger subsided as she became aware of the atmosphere between them. Lars ached to kiss Killashandra as badly as she wanted to have his lips on hers. He sighed deeply and let her go. You look regal, Killashandra! But I think I liked you even better on the beach at Wing! Then you were mine alone to enjoy! His voice was low, his words meant for her, his sentiment unhindered by his grandmothers presence. You have outdone yourself, Teradia. He pulled the woman close, and kissed her cheek. Killashandra felt relief that there would be another sane and well-adjusted person to help Lars when she had returned to Ballybran. Now we had better go, Killashandra. The cruiser will have docked! Killashandra thanked Teradia as warmly as she could, wishing that the woman did not dismiss so casually her genuine gratitude. As they started to retrace their steps to the Harbor Masters residence, Killashandra was instantly aware of an alteration in the ambiance. Far below the squat bulk of the cruiser jet did much to explain the change, looming as it did, gross and menacing, its white ovoid hull diminishing the graceful fishing vessels. The slanted superstructure, the little nodules of its armaments, and the sprouting whiskers of its communications and surveillance equipment added to its menacing presence. Killashandra unconsciously hugged Larss arm. That is a very deadly looking machine. Do they have many of those? Enough! Can power winding feature in digital cameras Nahia and Hauness escape it? Lars chuckled, relieving his own tension and reducing hers. The Yellowback is smaller and faster, highly maneuverable and could slip through reefs that would ram the cruiser. Once theyre away, theyre well away. Killashandra could see the coming and going on the ramp leading to Olavs people bearing tables, chairs, seating cushions, baskets of fruit, bowls of fruit, jars, several men staggering under loads of provender. Killashandra had been expecting another beach barbecue, with its pleasant informality. It had not occurred to her that there might be no beach at North Harbor, nor would the Elder have been entertained in the casual setting she had so much enjoyed at Wing. She groaned. Lars squeezed her hand. Whats wrong? She gave a gusty sigh. State occasions! Formality! Scrapes and smiles and total boredom. Lars laughed. Youll be surprised. Pleasantly. How will your father get away with it? Lars grinned at her. Youll see. What she first saw was the disposition of guards, lining the route up from the harbor, spaced neatly and stiffly about the Residence, and armed. She had seen very few stun rifles in her life but she could recognize them. What was he expecting? Civil war? Elders usually travel with a considerable entourage. Especially in the islands. We are so aggressive, you see. Lars spoke with deep sarcasm and she took in an anxious breath. Oh, dont worry, Killa. Ill be circumspect. Youll not even recognize me as your impetuous lover. She cocked an eyebrow at him. Ill expect a return of that lover as a reward for my evening with Torkes. And why is it Torkes? I thought he was in charge of Communications. Lars choked back a loud laugh, for they had neared the first sentry. Elder Pedder is afflicted with motion sickness. The sentry who had been watching them approach from the corner of his eye suddenly pivoted, ported his weapon, and stared with impartial malevolence at them. Who goes there? The crystal singer, you fool, Killashandra replied in a loud and disgusted tone. With her bodyguard, Lars Dahl. When Killashandra would have