by F. M. Busby
"Let me see if I remember," said Rissa. "You are freely allied, with nothing owed?"
"He told it right, I see." Coming from so small a body, the deep voice surprised Rissa. "Yes. Bernardez and I-if he gets here-we're in it because it needs doing. Like poor Hoad-ex-cept that he was obligated and we're not. Of course if Tregare pulls it off. we'll all profit." She motioned. "Here, let's sit down. There's coffee and things. Now-I hear you've married this great beast. Nothing wrong with that, if your tastes run so. He tells me you're a match for anything on two feet." She sniffed. "Can't say you look it, but looks can fool a person.
"Peace, Ilse Krueger! So many quick words-give us a chance to know each other. I am not that difficult to know." Tregare laughed. "I told you, Ilse. Didn't I?"
"You've told me a lot of things-mostly true, I grant." Then, to Rissa; "All right- you talk for a while."
"What is to say? My life, until now? Very well. I am Earth-born, was Welfared as a child, and am Escaped. I am trained in combat and have needed to kill three. Tregare and I have married; when it is time, I go with him on Inconnu. What else would you know?"
"You don't like me, do you?"
"I have no dislike. If someone pushes, I push back. Nothing more."
Ilse Krueger paused, then said, "We're different, that's all."
"Lots different," said Tregare. "And both valuable to me, different ways." The small woman laughed, "All right, Tari-we're both working for the same maniac. I think we can get along." But Rissa found neither words nor tone convincing.
"I hope so," she said, "though I do not entirely under-stand."
"Don't worry about it," said Tregare. "Time to go, any-way."
He stood. Ilse Krueger said, "Wait a minute. It just struck me-I've heard the name Tari Obrigo before, earlier today."
Tregare's brows rose. "So? She's known here."
Krueger shook her head. "No. It was one of my passengers, fresh out of freeze but young and strong enough to start mov-ing right away. He was asking for you groundside, Tari-for you and two or three other names." UET? "What did he look like?" Rissa waited.
"I barely glanced at him. Slim, about Tregare's height-white face, dark hair. That's all I remember." Rissa frowned. "Do you know his name?" Though if he were UET, it hardly mattered....
"Just a minute. The list should be under these papers." Krueger found it, ran a finger down the margin and turned the sheet so Rissa could read it. "This one."
The name meant nothing to Rissa; she repeated it and shook her head. "I do not recognize it, but I thank you for the in-formation. I will be on guard."
"Both of us," said Tregare. "Well, Ilse, you can be at Base Two in three days? We'll have the crews ready to start convert-ing."
"Good enough, Tregare. I have cargo to dicker off-I'm already set for refueling-and that's all."
"Then I'll see you next, probably, across the Hills." He shook hands-Rissa did not-and they went downship and outside.
Krueger's manner still bothered Rissa. "I do not dislike her ... yet. Is there some reason she should resent me?"
"She doesn't. Ilse just has to crowd everybody a little. You got off easier than most; I think she likes you."
"I felt no communication, no rapport. But I suppose that is not necessary, to exchange information over a viewscreen."
"Forget it-I guarantee there's no problem. Now, then-what happened at the Hatchery?" She told him; he said,
"Good. They get the ovum from you day after tomorrow-right?" She nodded. "We'll stay at Maison Renalle that night
-have Norden to dinner, and maybe Ressider-even Ilse, if you don't mind. And-"
She touched his arm. "Yes, Bran. But we will be there first for a time, before the rest. Then you may invite anyone you wish."
Hand in hand, arms swinging together, they walked toward the aircar. Pointing at it, he said, "I've ordered out a couple more of those-newer models but not much different. As things are, we're running too low on mobility."
"Who pilots the third one? I mean-through the pass?"
"No hurry. Two will hold us for a while. Hawkman's due back soon; likely he'll visit us and can bring it then."
"That is feasible. And what are we to do now?"
"Wait. Get the word to some people I know, to be on the lookout for Mr. Nosy Stranger. And catch up on some business in the city. Is Maison Renalle all right with you?"
She nodded. "Although I shall not stay hidden-it is not practical-assured safety in our own quarters will be wel-come."
"Sure. Too bad we're stuck, for now, with the need to fill that peace-jangling zoom-womb!"
"I am no fonder of the restriction than you are. But it is necessary."
tregare carried their luggage into Maison Renalle-then, after checking them in, up to a room Rissa recognized as security quarters. Relaying through the Lodge and the scout, he caled Limmer and gave him the news. "So paint two more landing circles. Expect Valkyrie- Kile Ressider's acting cap-tain until Zelde gets here-two days from now. Krueger with Graf Spee the day after. I may be one day later, maybe not-either way you can go ahead with the hul plates."
As Limmer cut circuit, Sparline's face appeared on the screen. "So you're in town! Why didn't you stop by?" She smiled and shook her head. "Never mind-I know you're busy, Bran. But, Rissa-I'm coming in tomorrow myself. Can we meet?" They arranged it for mid-morning at the Maison, and for Tregare to join them for a noontime meal. When the cal was done, Rissa said, "Bran-what do they, at the Lodge, know of what has happened with us? I have not spoken of your business to any, even Liesel."
"I've sent in progress reports every day or two-on the work, though, nothing about Peralta's caper and al that."
"Then how much may I tell Sparline?"
"All you want. This is family-social. My reports were business."
"Good." She looked out the window. "The-sun is still high, but it seems much later; I am hungry." Then she laughed. "No wonder-I am used to our early sunsets, behind the Hils!"
They had dinner served in the room. Afterward, Tregare made a few calls, then studied papers at a small desk. For a time Rissa watched an entertainment channel on the view-screen, sound turned low. Then she switched it off and read for a while. Tired from the previous night's excesses, they went to bed early.
tregare was up and gone early the next morning, leaving without breakfast. Rissa woke in time to kiss him good morn-ing, then could not get back to sleep. She ordered breakfast and ate, then showered and washed her hair. She was still dry-ing it when Sparline arrived. The two embraced; Rissa stepped back and said, "I suppose I could have clothed myself before welcoming a guest. Would you like coffee or anything?"
"Coffee's fine." Rissa ordered it, put on a robe, and sat.
Before conversation got far, a boy brought the tray. Rissa poured, and said, "I have not kept in touch well, I know."
"Reading between the lines of Bran's reports, I'm not sur-prised. Rissa, what in the flaming name of peace has been, happening over there, across the Hills?"
"Well, so that I do not waste your time, what do you know?"
Sparline summarized. Rissa said, "You have not heard the matter of Jimar Peralta, who commanded No Return." She told the story, but could not bring herself to speak of Osallin. "It will not happen again, that sort of thing. We have bor-rowed Ami Gustafson's truth field equipment and checked everyone at Base Two. And of course Bran will interview the people of the new ships the same way. You know of those two?"
"Yes. I played the tape off the relay last night. But, Rissa -Bran's all right now?"
"It has been-about two weeks, I think. A few spots are still scabbed, but he dispensed with bandages several days ago."
Sparline nodded. "He heals fast-he always did." She touched Rissa's hand. "You're definitely going with him, are you?"
"I-" Rissa laughed. "I am to be Third Hat on Inconnu!" Seeing Sparline's puzzled look, she said, "Oh, it is not nepo-tism-he convinced me the appointment is valid, or I would not have accepted it."
"Sure-I know that-about both of you. Just seemed quick."
"To me, also. And now, Sparline-what occurs at the Lodge?"
"Well, Hawkman's due soon on the packet. Liesel's eager as a bride, but never tell her I said so! Ernol, now-for a while there, trying to learn more than he could in such a short time, he really wore himself out. But now he's on top of the job, and not even Liesel can shake him. He and I, we're all but mar-ried-I think Liesel's waiting only until we can all be together, to announce it." Sh.e put a hand to Rissa's shoulder. "You and Bran-you will visit the Lodge before you leave, won't you?"
"Of course. We would not depart without seeing all of you first. And not only once, with any luck." She smiled.
"I'm glad. Rissa-it's a short time you've been here. But I feel I've known you a lot longer." Not smiling now, Rissa said, "I know. I feel much the same."
they were talking of other things-business matters, the con-duct of Rissa's local holdings in her absence-when Tregare entered. He hugged Sparline, then Rissa, and said, "Let me order us lunch. I came in the back way, past the kitchen, and saw something-brought in fresh-I haven't had for a long time." He spoke on the intercom, then said, "Just wait-you'll see."
When the meal came, Rissa ate with enjoyment. "You were right, Bran-this is delicious. A marine creature, is it not?
But at what stage of evolution? Not fish-the texture is different -yet not the equivalent of mammal. Reptile?
Amphibian?"
He shook his head. "No Earthly analogue-here, evolu-tion's taken some sidetracks. This critter's scaled and cold-blooded, but has a four-chambered heart and births its young alive. The lower front fins look a lot like hands." Rissa's cutlery clattered against her plate. "Bran-could it be intelligent?"
He grinned. "No chance. In another half billion years it might start to be, maybe. Right now it's strictly an eating machine-mostly teeth. Bright for its habitat, but that's not saying much."
She resumed eating. "All right-but for a moment you spoiled my appetite."
After the meal, the three left Maison Renalle and walked toward the major retail district. "If you're after clothes, Rissa," Tregare said, "bear to your right after I leave you."
"Yes-I had not thought before, but my wardrobe will not suffice for our travels." Then; "Whom do you deal with next?"
"Man named Carlingen, in the Open Exchange up ahead here. Struck me, we might run low on sheet metal. Graf Spee
can take it across the hills."
They parted, and the two women shopped for clothing. Rissa sought utilitarian shipboard garb; Sparline's choices were more ornamental. By mid-afternoon, both were satis-fied; they stopped at an outdoor cafe and shared a small bottle of wine.
"I wish you weren't going!" Sparline said. "Or Bran, either. And now Liesel and Hawkman want to go to Earth. By the time I see any of you again-if I ever do-I'll be an old woman!"
Rissa sighed. "The long view-between stars, the years compress. It works well for dynasties. But for individualsSparline, I wish I had answers for you, but I do not."
"Oh well-" Sparline tried to smile. "Ernol and I-we'll breed our heirs and raise them-then maybe we'll go to Earth."
"It is a possibility. Now, shall we return to Maison Renalle?"
As they entered the Maison, an attendant called to Rissa. "Ms. Obrigo? A young man was asking for you-and others. He didn't say who he was; I called your room, but you were out. He gave me this." He handed her a memo sheet, and she read:
Rissa Kerguelen
Lysse Harnain
Tari Obrigo
CeleMetrokin
The man said, "I told him nothing-only that if I saw any of these persons, I'd show them the paper. Then he left-said he'd be back later."
"Yes. Thank you." No Laura Konig. She showed the note to Sparline. "From Earth, not Far Corner. But Erika, or UET?" She turned to the attendant. "What did he look like?"
"Nothing out of the way, at first look. Thin, pale, medium tall. Black hair-a little long for here, and tied back. Quiet-speaking man. But he moves like a cat."
Rissa shook her head. "I do not recognize anyone from the description." Except Ilse Krueger's inquisitive passenger. "But it is unlikely that I would know him."
"Instructions, Ms. Obrigo?"
"If he returns while I am here, put him through on the viewscreen, but do not tel him the number of my room."
"Right-I'll do that." The two women left and went toward the room. On the way, Rissa told what Krueger had reported. Sparline said, "What are you going to do? What if he doesn't come back while you're here?"
"I will leave a blind relay set up to the Lodge, then to wherever I expect to be at a given time. For a while, at least."
"Aren't you worried?"
"Not greatly-there is no point to it. As Bran would say, merely exercising normal caution." They were at the door, Rissa opened it and stepped inside. When Sparline had fol-lowed and the door was closed, a man stepped out of the bath-room. He fit the attendant's description-as wel as Krueger's.
Watching his hands, Rissa dropped her parcels and circled to the man's left. "Who are you? How did you get in here?" Tight-lipped, he smiled. "It's you, al right. Don't you rec-ognize me? Not a very friendly greeting from my own sister."
"Ivan?" Shocked, thinking rapidly, she paused. "How can I be sure? Tell me-oh-the day our parents were killed-what color dress did I wear?"
He frowned. "I don't remember much from then, clearly-or from before Erika's, for that matter. But- red, I think-and your hair was in pigtails and-no, that's, all I get." He shook his head. "But who besides Erika knew those four names?" He spread his hands wide. "I have papers from her -will that help?" Suddenly she knew. "Ivan!" She rushed to embrace and kiss him. Then, "Sparline-my brother, Ivan Marchant. He is the one who has been asking of me. Ivan, this is Sparline Moray-she's a niece of Erika's." Sparline shook the man's hand, but said to Rissa, "You're sure? How?"
"When he looked puzzled, just now. Ivan studied far ahead of his age group, as did I. And when he struck something he could not solve and went to ask our mother or father, his face had that exact same expression." She turned again to her brother. "Oh, Ivan-it is so good to have you here! Now tell me of yourself."
"For starters," said Sparline, "how did you get in here?"
He grinned. "I learned a lot about security measures at Erika's. And compared to Earth's, yours are behind the times."
"Yes." Rissa nodded. "Always, the time lag plagues the Hidden Worlds. But you have not said-how did you come t'o this place?"
"To the planet, on Graf Spee-but I didn't know it until this morning, because I was transshipped in freeze. At Terranova, by one of Erika's agents-I knew that much in ad-vance, and the name of this world she'd just learned of-we agreed it sounded good. Then today, getting off the ship, I heard the name Maison Renalle. I figured it had to be a Hulzein connection, so I tried the wild chance that you might be here."
Sparline said, "The attendant said he gave you no informa-tion. How did you locate this room?"
"He tried to call here. I watched him punch the number."
"Part of your specialty? What are some of the others?"
Now he did not smile. "What I do best, Ms. Moray, is kill. I'm very, very good at killing-and there's always a market for it."
Rissa touched his arm; he looked at her, then relaxed. "Ivan? Are you here for that purpose?" He put a hand on her shoulder. "If that's what you want of me-or anything else. It's your money that got me out of Wel-fare and into Erika's for two years, putting me mostly back together. I owe you service. And I don't have anybody else. So now I've found you-and who did I find, by the way?
Which name goes here?"
"Here, and with the Hulzeins, my own. Publicly, Tari Obrigo-though I no longer bother with that name's disguise. But now-sit down, shall we? Have some wine and tell me what has happened."
They sat. Sipping pale wine, Ivan began. "As I said-two years at Erika's. She's a great old one, isn't she? Taught me, had m
e taught-broke most of the blocks Welfare'd carved into my mind. Not all, but most." His mouth tightened, then made effort to smile.
"You shocked her once, Rissa-you know that? When she heard what happened to the scheisskopf that killed our parents, she knew it was your doing. And she said, 'Peace knows what I've turned loose against this world!''
"Peace knows, indeed-but what of yourself, Ivan?"
"I-before I left Earth, I paid a little of our debt myself. Got two members of the Committee-one by poison and one with my hands. It was a hot time for a while, I tell you-but I chose the two I was the size to impersonate, and got away with it. Partly due to help set up by Erika. Why, I shipped out-believe this?-disguised as a UET agent supposed to be sent in a disguise of his own, to get a look at the Hidden Worlds. The Underground caught him and stripped his mind. Erika per-suaded them not to waste his perfectly good identity."
He drained his glass; Rissa refilled it. "Now then, Rissa-and Ms. Moray-do you think I can be of any use to you?"
"You are welcome with us," said Rissa. "For now, at least, I do not think you need kill for us." Sparline gave a faint laugh. "Maybe you're a little behind
t h e times, about Rissa. Nobody has to do her killing for her-or for her husband, my brother."
"Husband? You're married, Rissa?"
"Yes-and he should be here soon. I have married Bran Tregare Moray."
"Tregare? Tregare the pirate!" He laughed. "Peace be pampered, but you made a great choice! Back when I was still on Earth, that name was giving UET hermorrhoids. What it must be like there, by now-with the Underground playing its deadly pranks-"
"UET expects attack by Tregare?" This could wreck his en-tire plan.
"UET's scared of its own shadow-and the more scared, the more brutal. That kind of rlower can't keep a clear conscience. The second Commitee member I got-Shelda Fains-way, and the disguise was a real chore-begged me to do it fast. She'd supervised enough torture to know what it was like, and-"
"Did you oblige her?" said Sparline.
