They lovd what was good; so, in the greenwood,

reassured. You know what the southern blows are like He made an exaggerated gesture with both arms, nearly socking a passing islander, who ducked in time. Tanny, there is nothing we can do. Theres a great big polly on the island thats survived hurricanes and high tides since man took the archipelago. Well go have a look as soon as the blows gone. All right? Lars didnt wait for Tannys agreement, guiding Killashandra back into the main room. He paused at the counter, waiting his turn, and receiving a small handset. A light one will do me fine, Bart, he added and Bart set a small antigrav unit on the counter. Most of what I own is either on the Pearl or on its way back to me from the City. Grab a couple of those ration packs, will you, Carrigana, he added as they walked out on the broad verandah where additional emergency supplies were being passed out. Might not need them but its less for them to pack to the Ridge. As Lars turned her west, away from the settlement, she caught sight of Tanny, watching them, his expression still troubled. The wind was picking up and the water in the harbor agitated. Lars looked to his right, assessing the situation. Been in a bad one yet? he asked her, an amused and tolerant grin on his face. Oh, yes, Killashandra answered fervently. Not an experience I wish to repeat. How could Lars know how puny an Optherian hurricane would be in comparison to Passover Storms on Ballybran. Once again she wanted to discard her borrowed identity. There was so much she would like to share with Lars. Its waiting out the blow thats hard, Lars said, then grinned down at her. We wont be bored this time, though. My father said that Theach came with Hauness and Erutown. I wonder how they managed the travel permits? That caused him to chuckle. Well know how the revised master plan is working. Killashandra was very hard put to refrain from making any remarks but, of a certainty, waiting out this blow would be extremely interesting. She might not be getting on with the primary task of her visit to Optheria, but she was certainly gaining a lot of experience with dissidents. His place was on a knoll, above the harbor, in a grove of mature polly trees. It reflected an orderly person who preferred plain and restful colors. He produced several carisaks which had been neatly stored in a cupboard, and together they emptied the chest of his clothes, including several beautifully finished formal garments. He cleared his terminal of any stored information and when Killashandra asked if they shouldnt dismantle the kodak mc3 digital camera mp3 player screen, he shrugged. Federal issue. I must be one of the few islanders who use the thing. He grinned impiously. And then not to watch their broadcasts! They can never appreciate that islanders dont need vicarious experiences. He gestured toward the sea. Not with real live adventures! The pillows, hammocks, what kitchen utensils there were, the rugs, curtains, everything compacted into a manageable bundle to which Lars attached the antigravs traps, the entire process hadnt taken them fifteen minutes. Well just attach this to a train, grab something to eat and then get the Pearl to safety. He gave his effects a gentle shove in the proper direction. When they returned to the waterfront, Killashandra saw what he meant by train. Numerous personal-effects bundles, all wrapped and weightless, were being attached to a large floater on which families with small children perched. As soon as it had reached capacity, the driver guided it away, along a winding route toward the distant Ridge. Catch you next trip, Jorell? Lars called to the man steering the harbor boat out toward the anchored ships. Gotcha, Lars! Theres Keralaw, Killashandra said, pointing to the woman who was ladling hot soup from an immense kettle into bowls. You can always count on her hospitality, Lars said and they altered their path to meet her. Carrigana! Keralaw paused in serving a family group and waved one arm energetically to catch their attention. Id no idea where youd She halted, eyes goggling a bit at the garland about Killashandras neck, staring at Larss matching one. Then she smiled. She patted Killashandras arm approvingly. Anyway, I put your carisak with mine on the float to the Ridge. Will I see you two there? Her manner bordered on the coy as she handed them cups from the bag at her side, and poured the hot soup. After weve sailed the Pearl to the Back, Lars said, easily but Killashandra thought his expression a trifle smug, as if he liked surprising Keralaw. He blew on his soup, taking a cautious sip. As good as ever, Keralaw. One day you must pass on your secret recipe. Whatll Angel do in a crisis without you around to sustain us! Keralaw made a pleased noise, giving him a dig in the ribs before she sidled up to Killashandra. You did better on the shore than I did from the ship! she murmured, winking and giving Killashandra an approving dig in the ribs. And, she