To have, when the original is dust,

verdict. Well, well, whats his name? Corish von Mittelstern. He says that he met you on board the Athena. Mirbethan obviously doubted this. Indeed he did. A pleasant young man who knows nothing of my Guild affiliation. Put him through. Corishs image immediately replaced Mirbethans. He was frowning but his expression cleared into a broad smile once he saw Killashandra. Thank Krim I got you, Killashandra. I was beginning to doubt that you ever existed, with that Conservatory playing it so cozy. I never heard of a Conservatory monitoring the calls of a student. Theyre very careful and they prefer your complete dedication to your studies here. You mean, youve been allowed to play on one of those special organs? Killashandra affected a girlish giggle. Me? No. But I heard the most marvelous recital on the Conservatorys two-manual sensory organ last night. You wouldnt believe how versatile it is, how powerful, how stimulating. Corish, youve simply got to get to one of the concerts before you leave. The public ones will be starting soon, they tell me, but I could see if its possible to get you to one here at the Conservatory. You really have to hear the Optherian organ, Corish, before you can possibly understand what its like for me. Someone pinched her arm. Well, maybe she was overdoing it a trifle but enthusiasm was not out of order. Have you found your uncle yet? Corishs expression altered from the skeptical to the dolorous. Not yet. Oh, dear, how very disappointing. Yes, it is. And Ive only two more weeks before Im scheduled to leave. The family is going to be upset about my failure. Look, Killashandra, I know youre studying hard, and this is a chance of a lifetime for you, but could you spare me an evening? Killashandra gave Corish full marks for a fine performance. Oh, Corish, you sound so discouraged. Yes, Im sure I can wangle an evening out. I dont think theres a concert tonight. Ill find out. Im not a prisoner here. I should hope not, Corish said stiffly. Look, where can I reach you? The Piper Facility, Corish replied as if there were no other suitable place in the City, where you said, and he emphasized the word, that youd leave a message for me. I was concerned when thered been no word at best sr digital camera all from you. Foods not bad here but they wont serve anything drinkable. Typical traveler hostel. Ill see if they can recommend some place a little more Optherian. This isnt a bad world, you know. Ive met some sterling people, very helpful, very kind. Then his expression brightened. You check and leave word at the Facility only if you cant make it. Otherwise, come here at seven thirty. You have enough funds for ground transport, dont you? Now he was the slightly condescending, well traveled adult, older sibling. Of course I do. You sound just like my brother, she replied cheerfully. See you! And she broke the connection, turning to Trag and Lars. That sort of solves one problem, doesnt it? Does it? Trag asked darkly. I think so, Lars replied. Corish has an unlimited travel pass, issued by Elder Pentrom. His credentials must have come from very highly placed Federationists for that kind of assistance. More likely, his uncle is due to inherit a sizable hunk of credit of which the Optherian government will get its own share. Killashandra suggested. Lars nodded. And if his cover has been that good, its unlikely the Elders have tumbled to his true identity so he could get in touch with anyone we need, including Olav Dahl! Or Nahia or Hauness. What concerns me, Lars said, his eyes clouded with anxiety, is why hes getting in touch with you right now. He must have come back to the City from Ironwood and Nahia and Hauness. Maybe theyre in jeopardy. So many people were picked up on the search and seize Killashandra put a reassuring hand on Larss arm. I think somehow Corish would have managed to intimate that. I think he did by not admitting to finding his uncle. If he admitted to having found his uncle, Trag said, unexpectedly joining forces with Killashandra to reassure Lars, he would no longer have any need to use that travel pass, and if hes as good a Council agent as he seems to be, he wouldnt surrender that option. Lars accepted that interpretation with a nod of his head and pretended to be reassured. Well know soon enough, Killashandra said kindly. Well, when you meet Corish this evening, Lars said, walk to whichever restaurant hes been recommended. That way you have some chance of open talk. The Piper is certain to recommend The Berry Bush or Frenshaws.