Nere doubt me, for I 'll play my part."

astonishment and then Lars, wondering if his habit was contagious. But Trags adage was eminently applicable. Or think themselves impervious to the slings and arrows of outraged fortune, Lars said with a mischievous grin. Killashandra groaned in protest. Tomorrow I shall offer to realign the Conservatory instrument. Trag said. I distinctly heard a burr the first sign of a souring crystal. Will they permit you? Killashandra asked. They are greedy. And they have no qualified crystal tuner until we have trained some. I have already resolved the point that the Guild contracted to supply the crystals and technical assistance, without reference to the number of appropriate technicians supplied. Therefore no further sum is to be paid by them. Until they received that reassurance from me, they were trying to make out that you were in breach of contract In breach? Me? When they placed me in jeopardy? First by hiring an assailant to prove my Heptite origination? Then they hinder me in the execution of my assignment? And they malign my competence? Killashandra quickly switched to malicious amusement. Not that they will really appreciate the level of competence we have exhibited! Nor the caliber of the technical assistance theyve bought! She grinned at Trag. So, what other knotty problems did you solve at dinner? Your incorruptible dedication to your Guild. What! Killashandras irritation rekindled. Of all the Trag held up his hand, a gleam in his eye that suggested to Killashandra that he was enjoying her discomfiture. Firmly she controlled herself. It didnt help to notice, out of the corner of her eye, that Lars was struggling to suppress his own amusement. Coming as I do from Guildmaster Lanzeckis office, I am, Trag paused unexpectedly, shooting a glance at Killashandra which she could only interpret as sly, above reproach. I am also male. Apparently the Elders trust few women in any but the most traditional or subordinate capacities. I assured them that not only were you Guildmaster Lanzeckis first choice for such a delicate and crucial installation, but you were mine as well. Killashandra sniffed but gave him a long hard look, to remind him exactly why Killashandra Ree had been Trags first choice. Your praise, Guildmember, is only surpassed by your concern for the welfare of the Guild, she said demurely. In a matter affecting the Guild reputation, I am, too? digital cameras display reflection problems incorruptible, Trag replied, neatly parrying her thrust. So tomorrow are Lars and I permitted to continue with the Festival organ? Trag nodded. And you will reorganize the second instrument? In the best interests of the guiding precepts of the Federated Sentient Planets Council, yes, I certainly shall. Otherwise I assure you that these Elders would not receive unreimbursed and gratuitous services from the Heptite Guild. Bravo! Lars called. Their greed blinds them, Trag said. So, following a recent example, we shall take the opportunity that is presented, he added, nodding toward Lars who returned the compliment. Basically they have trite minds. Security, pride, and sex! Imagine! Inflicting such prurience on tonights audience. Killashandra regarded Trag with mild astonishment. The man was positively garrulous, volunteering comments not to mention uncontracted services. Or was he simply responding to the backlash of that maladroit rendition of the Bolero? Shed have thought Trag made of sterner stuff, especially since hed been forewarned of the subliminals. Oh, thats a common diet for the Conservatory, Lars said. For the masses, they have other themes, sometimes so indigestible I wonder how they can be swallowed, even conditionally. Mainlanders are often subjected to a spectrum ranging from xenophobia, Lars began ticking the subjects off on his fingers, a fear of races in their own territories, to claustrophobia to nip any budding interest in space-faring, to fear of disobedience, fear and disgust of acts that are unnatural, fear of committing an illegal action, rational or not. Theyve even constructed a negative-feedback loop to inhibit thinking along lines the Elders have suddenly decided are subversive. A dislike of the color red was achieved a year or so ago. Then, and Lars was really warming to his subject, the tourists get a different menu: love of the simple life, very little eroticism which would follow, wouldnt it? All sorts of nebulous goodnesses to be obtained by staying on here. Immense credit balances are constantly flashed luringly at the most bizarre moments. Naturally the disadvantages arent mentioned at all. No lecture on Full Disclosure? Killashandra shot Trag a glance but he ignored her. Have you a reliable contact in the Conservatory, Lars? Trag asked him. I wouldnt dare