The Arisian Chronicles

THE ARISIAN CHRONICLES

by

Richard T. Miller

A Phoenix Book

By Richard T. Miller

STAR WARDS - (Welcome Home Earthman) - 1979-2007

STAR WARDS III - 1991-2007

THE ARISIAN CHRONICLESCopyright 8 1993-2007

The Izar Effect - Copyright 8 1985-2007

The Search for The Arisian LegacyCopyright 8 1985-2007

Threads of Destiny - Copyright 8 1986-2007

A Phoenix Book / 1995-2007Third Edition

All Rights Reserved.Copyright 8 1993-2007 by Richard T. Miller

All Rights Reserved.Copyright 8 2002 2007 by RJO LTD.

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form,or by any means, without permission from the author.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Phoenix Books are published by

R J O LTD.3624 Meier Street

Los Angeles, CA. 90066

TO HATONN

The Keeper of The Galactic Archives

T H E A R I S I A N C H R O N I C L E S

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Prologue i

The Izar Effect C Interval OneChapter One 1Chapter Two 9Chapter Three 17Chapter Four 27Chapter Five 37Chapter Six 47Chapter Seven 53Chapter Eight 59Chapter Nine 69Chapter Ten 79Chapter Eleven 89

The Search for The Arisian LegacyC Interval Two C

Chapter One 101Chapter Two 111Chapter Three 123

Threads of Destiny C Interval Three

Chapter One 137Chapter Two 147Chapter Three 153Chapter Four 161Chapter Five 177

PROLOGUE

The events described in AThe Arisian Chronicles@ take place millions of Galactic Years beforethe discovery of a remote solar system containing the Planet Earth. In fact, before life of anykind existed on Earth.

Much later the descendants of MAN, who are presently called AHumans,@ will become theinhabitants of Earth B but that is another story.

It is Galactic Year 494,407,200. The dominant life-form throughout the galaxy B is AMAN.@Throughout the Milky Way and neighboring Galaxies, the Universal Confederation of MAN hasspread to millions of star systems. Space travel has been present for millions of years. TwoGalactic Empires, along with their dreams of conquest, are already ancient history.

Mental telepathy, for communication, is used throughout the Universal Confederation ofMan. Many people are highly skilled in its use. A spoken language is only used whencommunicating with less advanced races. The comm-unit, is a communications device used totransmit and receive and record telepathic communications or other information.

To provide the reader with a sense of location and direction, the common names ofConstellations and Star Systems known to Humans are used throughout the Arisian Chronicles.

The first episode of the Arisian Chronicles is AThe Izar Effect.@ This story is about one of themost unusual and important events in the history of MAN and the Confederation. It is the storyof a unique relationship between MAN B and another life-form. Here is that story.

THE ARISIAN CHRONICLESTHE IZAR EFFECT

1

CHAPTER ONE

As if a bolt of lightning was hurled by some mythical god of old, the Starship Arispierced the heavens as it sped toward its destination, the third planet of the ruby-red starB Antares.

Inside its softly lit interior, Galactic Zone Agent Radon was asleep. The Aris wastaking him home. Home, for a much needed rest. It had been more than three galacticyears since the Department of Galactic Zones had last granted him leave. The UniversalConfederation had only twenty-two Zone Agent=s available. Time-off was a rareoccurrence for the Department=s highly trained troubleshooters.

The Aris whispered quietly to itself as he slept. Its controls automatically andunerringly guiding it along the preset course. Suddenly, a blue indicator light startedblinking on the pilot=s instrument panel. A softly pinging alarm signal awakened Radon.

Now what, he thought, sitting up and rubbing sleep from his eyes. Rising, he walkedfrom his quarters down the corridor and across the thirty-foot control room. Seatinghimself in the pilot=s chair, he turned to the clamoring comm-unit and silenced thealarm. The security channel displayed a high-priority message on its glowing screen.

UC-162-Z B Aris B Z.A. Radon494,407,200 B 04-01, 08:10:32 B UGT.Priority: URGENT

Imperative you report to G.Z. Hdqrs. - Trantor. Major episode in progress.Details will be provided at your briefing. No other Z.A. available. Yourleave is postponed.

Signed: Talon B Coordinator.

Now, fully awake, he muttered to himself, AI knew it! I should have known betterthan to expect any leave. Wait until I see him@ B Him, being Third Coordinator Talon;the Head of the Department of Galactic Zones B his superior.

Being a professional, however, he once more read the message, swallowing hisfrustrations. Can=t even query him for details, he thought. The message line ADetails atbriefing,@ prevented any further inquiry. Must be some crisis, he thought, when Talonwouldn=t use the security channels to brief him on the situation.

He quickly had the nav-computer plot a new course; this time, for Trantor. Momentslater the comm-unit was sending his acknowledgment and estimated time of arrival.

CHAPTER ONE2

Had anyone been watching the Aris, they would have seen the ship perform a com-plicated loop, roll, and turn before streaking off toward the heart of galactic civilization.

He secured the instrument panel, stood, stretched, and turning, walked back to hisquarters. He stopped in front of a mirror and gazed at his rumpled look. What he sawwas a little more than six feet of slim muscular build. He had black tousled hair andslight shadows under his eyes. There were fading lines of fatigue etched into hishandsome features. Not too bad for an old man of thirty-two, he thought. A few morehours of sleep and I=ll be ready for anything Talon comes up with. With that thought, agrin returned to his features and he headed for his bed. Sleep came quickly, a trait ZoneAgent=s learned early in their busy careers.

A strange dream drifted through his sleeping awareness. In it the Aris, actually anAris Class Starship, was arguing with him. There was something about whethercomputers needed a vacation. After all, they did all the work. Something, mysterious,was trying to tamper with the ship=s computer banks B a big fuss about strangersinstalling all kinds of new equipment in its gleaming 198-foot length. This is nonsense,his dreaming self said. Whoever heard of anyone carrying on a conversation or arguingwith a ship B the dream faded; the Aris went on whispering to itself.

Two hours before arrival, a preset alarm aroused him. Quickly he stepped into arefresher unit. Warm jets of compressed gases scrubbed his body clean and, in turn,were sucked out via hidden exhaust vents. Instantly dry he went to the wardrobe andselected a dress uniform. Moments later, a well groomed and very official looking ZoneAgent, strode down the corridor and into the lounge adjoining the control room. A fewquick selections produced a nourishing meal, which disappeared quickly. Implementsand utensils vanished into the table top, when he was finished. Then, he crossed thecontrol room and seated himself before the pilot=s console.

The instrument console sprang to life as his fingers darted over the controls. Theview-screens presented the ship=s status. A practiced eye quickly noted every essential.Everything was as it should be. In moments, the ship would drop from faster than lightvelocities into normal space and time. Before it, the innermost star systems of theSagittarius Sector would blaze like a curtain of unimaginable brilliance. It=s a sight notduplicated anywhere in the universe, he thought. Then the alarm sounded. View-screensdimmed automatically. The ship slid smoothly into a gentle turn, as its sensors pickedout the nav-beacons which would guide it to the Confederation=s Capitol World BTrantor.

The comm-unit had instantly reached out and identified the Aris. Within seconds, ananswering signal returned. He touched a control. Every movement of the ship wouldnow be controlled, from a world still light minutes away. The velocity indicator wassteadily dropping. The Aris, at the moment, was only one of several thousand ships, ofevery description, being guided to a safe touchdown on Man=s central world. Thisenormous task was being handled by the most sophisticated computers in the universe.


3

Unerringly, the ship changed from one unseen approach lane to another. Itsdestination, Trantor=s main spaceport B and the berthing area assigned to GalacticZones.

He watched the view-screens as Trantor itself came into view. The planet wasablaze in the glowing light of its seven neighboring suns. An old quotation came intohis thoughts: AA jewel, within a ring of jewels.@ Then, the ship plunged into the protec-tive force-fields surrounding the planet. Light exploded into every imaginable color andradiated outward in shimmering wave after wave. To an observer on the planet=ssurface, the sky would appear to be bursting with a rainbow of colors as each shippassed through the planetary fields. The splendor of Man=s central world, and itsdazzling sights, were known throughout the civilized universe.

Within minutes, the Aris was over the main spaceport. It hovered and then began aflat horizontal descent, gradually slowing until it touched gently down on the markedlanding pad. He touched those controls which shut down the drive engines. The shipcame to rest. Almost immediately, the landing pad began a slow descent and stopped atthe second level underground.

He touched another control; power flowed to the ship=s anti-gravity field and theAris floated gently off the landing pad. He was guided to a berth just to the right of thelanding pad, which had already started ascending to the planet=s surface. Again hetouched the controls and the ship settled onto the waiting cradle. Service unitspositioned themselves around the ship. An official ground vehicle drove up to the ship=smain entrance hatch and stopped. He secured the instrument console. Moments later, hestood by the hatch as it opened.

He was greeted, first, by a familiar face B the maintenance supervisor. Thesupervisor assured him the ship would be checked thoroughly and be ready wheneverhe wanted to depart. These details settled, he turned to the waiting driver.

AI=m to take you directly to Headquarters. Coordinator Talon, is expecting you,@ saidthe driver.

AThat=s fine. Let=s not keep him waiting,@ he replied.He sat relaxed as they drove to the government complex. He couldn=t help thinking

about the Department. The tasks it performed for Man, and the nature of a Zone Agent=sduties. Not one galactic citizen in ten-thousand, knew of the Department=s existence.

The Department of Galactic Zones had been created by some of the most brilliantminds ever assembled, shortly after the Confederation had come into existence. Thoselearned AOnes@ had foreseen the need for an organization that could work quietly behindthe scenes maintaining peace, stability, and order throughout the civilized realm ofMan. The most troublesome worlds were those not associated with the Confederation.They were members of the Grand Alliance. They were young and immature. Manytimes, by ignorance or intent, they threatened the rights of their stellar neighbors or theirown planetary inhabitants.

Thus, Galactic Zones had been created to deal with such situations. It functionedoutside the regular channels of galactic government and administration. Galactic Zones

CHAPTER ONE4

was an organization of highly-trained troubleshooters. Their true functions known onlywithin their own department and to the First Coordinator (the President) of theConfederation, to whom they were responsible. All Departments had been instructed tocooperate with and assist AZones,@ and their Agent=s, whenever requested.

The Department had the largest intelligence gathering and correlation activity in theknown universe. Its research and development laboratories were the finest everdeveloped by Man. The ships used by their Agents contained the latest technologicalimprovements. However, in appearance, such ships looked very ordinary.

Zone Agents had awesome responsibilities. Their selection and training were amatter of special importance. It also explained why their numbers were limited.

Galactic Zones had an uncanny and mysterious way of selecting candidates foragents. No one knew exactly what criterion was used, but it worked.

Radon, remembered when he had first been approached by a Zone=s representative.He had been a senior student at the time and was majoring in advanced communicationsengineering. His secondary major was in ancient galactic history. A combination, at thetime, even he thought was strange. The Zones Representative had invited him to attenda special seminar on galactic history. It would be presented by the research staff ofGalactic Zones. Fascinated by the offer, and that the seminar was scheduled for theweek following his graduation, he had accepted.

He had made the trip to Trantor, attended the seminar, and talked with variousofficials. One thing led to another. Before he knew it, he was being trained as an AgentCandidate. There had followed months of training; punctuated with very brief intervalsof rest. Fellow trainees kept disappearing. He discovered they had been disqualified forsome reason or another. Then, one day, he was summoned to the Office of theCoordinator. He was assigned to a Zone Agent. He was going to help on an actualmission. Months later, he returned to Trantor feeling centuries older, injured, and agreat deal wiser. He spent several weeks being treated by the medical staff. The reporttersely worded, and filed by the Zone Agent regarding his deplorable physical state, hadmerely stated, AZone Agent Candidate Radon B zigged, when he should have zagged.@

With the treatments completed and the body healed, he was again summoned to theCoordinator=s Office. He was congratulated on completing the assignment. This wasfollowed by a brief ceremony and the presentation of a Zone Agent=s credentials andinsignia. He was assigned a ship; presented with another assignment and asked if heintended standing there, with that foolish grin on his face, when his abilities wereneeded elsewhere.

And, Radon thought, as the triple towers of Confederation Central appeared, I=m stillat it.

The driver stopped the vehicle in front of the center tower. Together, they enteredthe imposing lobby and walked to the lift shafts. Moments later, they emerged andstepped into the Office=s of Galactic Zones. A staff member greeted them and excusedthe driver. He motioned Radon to the corridor behind his desk and said, AHe=s waiting .. . You know the way!@


5

AWho could forget,@ he responded. AGood to see you again Danon. Maybe we=ll havea chance to talk over old times.@

AI=d like that,@ Danon replied.With a wink at his old friend, Radon entered the corridor. He passed many offices,

and finally stopped before the door of the Coordinator=s Office. He recognized the faintshimmering haze of a security force-field blocking the doorway. A moment later itvanished and the door opened. He entered and walked over to stand before the Man hedeeply respected and, oftentimes, intensely disliked.

Coordinator Talon looked up from his work, then leaned back in his chair. Tiredlines were etched into his craggy features, but his eyes were sharply alert. He gaveRadon a quick smile, followed by a serious one.

AGood to see you Radon. Please . . . be seated. Sorry about your leave beingpostponed; couldn=t be helped though. We have a strange and serious problem on ourhands.@

AI can deal with the leave being postponed. What=s up?@AWhat=s up? I wish I knew,@ said Talon, Abut we=d better find out B and quick! Ok . .

. This is what we know: Two weeks ago a new interstellar trade route was openedbetween Arcturus and Coma Berenices. Since then the navigational computers on sixdifferent starships, traveling the route, have gone berserk flinging the ships off course.Our Correlation Department picked up on this, after the second report came in. Afterstudying all six incidents, they determined that the problem developed as the ships werepassing the Izar System.

AWe notified >Transportation= to stop using the route, until we found out what wasgoing on. At our suggestion, the Galactic Patrol has cordoned off the sector to preventany ships from wandering into the area. Meanwhile, >Transportation= wants to knowhow long it=s going to take us. The presence of the Patrol is causing questions, andeverybody=s curiosity is mounting B exactly the opposite of what we want. What wedon=t need is some wild rumor getting started.@

AAnd obviously,@ Radon said, Athere=s never been a report of this happening before.Who cleared the route for use, originally?@

AGalactic Survey,@ Talon replied. AThey=ve been notified and now they=re upset too.They don=t like thinking they might have missed something when they surveyed thatsector. Here=s their report, sent over at my request.@ He reached across the desk andhanded him a folder.

Radon quickly thumbed through the Survey Report on the Izar Sector. He notedseveral interesting items. AMust have been a dull job, making this survey,@ he said. AAllwide-range sensor scans, apparently. All the planets are listed as barren and lifeless.There=s nothing here to invite a closer look at any of them. They must have maderoutine, long-range scanning sweeps. Anything as dismal as what=s listed here wouldn=teven attract a casual traveler. Until that route opened, I doubt anyone, other than theSurvey, ever went near the place.@

CHAPTER ONE6

AA good point,@ Talon said. AThat probably explains why nothing like this was everreported before.@

AMy thinking exactly, Sir.@AYou can understand why I didn=t send this over the comm-unit,@ Talon said. AWe

can=t have ships suddenly veering off course without a reason. Well, you=d better getstarted on this. Unfortunately, you can=t work alone on this mission. Galactic Surveyhas insisted on being involved. I suggest stopping at Arcturus first, before going on toIzar. I=ll alert them to expect you. Also, I expect you to handle this as discreetly aspossible. All I need, with everything else going on, is to have a few more Departmentsof the Confederation getting involved; there are too many already. Then, we=d have areal mess on our hands.

ABy-the-way, the Survey Representative on Arcturus, your working partner up to apoint, is named Inuai,@ he said, glancing at another report before him. AA very capablewoman, it says here. Since she=ll be aboard your ship, part of the time, you=ll take thenecessary precautions to conceal its special features from her.@

AWait a minute! Who said anything about a woman partner . . . Aboard the shiptoo?@ Radon responded. ACome on, Sir. From the looks of this, I=m going to have myhands full. I won=t have time to look after some pretty female civil servant B let alonegetting her to cooperate on the mission, or keep her from wandering all over the shipand seeing things she isn=t supposed to know about. Besides, we don=t know what we=reup against. It could be dangerous . . . @

AThe survey=s aware of the risk and is willing to accept it,@ Talon said. AI=m sureyou=ll find a way of dealing with this matter. Do so! I=ve ordered your ship prepared forimmediate departure. I think you know enough to get started. Any other details thatcould be helpful, I=ve included in this briefing packet,@ he said, handing it across toRadon. AConsider this mission >SECRET= and keep me informed of any developments.Knowing the urgency of this matter, a quick solution would be appreciated.@

Radon, realized the briefing was over. AOK . . . So I=m stuck with the woman,@ hesaid.

He rose from the chair and standing before Talon=s desk, said: AWith all due respectSir, please hear me out. Sure, I=ll find a way of working with her and, hopefully, keepher from finding out about all the Department=s special >goodies= tucked away on theAris. However, I don=t like going into an unknown and possibly dangerous situationwith one hand tied behind my back B and that=s what it=ll be if I need to use some of theship=s special tricks, and can=t B because she=s along and might see me using somethingthat supposedly doesn=t exist.

AAlso, I don=t like exposing a woman to danger even if her Department, or sheherself, waives all responsibility. Next . . . I=ll get you an answer about what=s going onout there B not because you=ve got three Departments breathing down your neck andputting the pressure on but, because it=s my job, what I=ve been trained to do. I alsohappen to care, that some ship might go careening off into a Sun, or something equally


7

disastrous. If we don=t come up with an answer, people could be killed. And lastly, Inote you failed to mention any of this in my briefing. May I be excused, Sir?@

AYou may, Zone Agent,@ Talon replied, a startled look on his face.Radon abruptly spun about, and strode from the room. As the door to his office

closed, Talon raised his head and spoke, apparently, into the empty air. ADid you getthat B psych-tester?@

A voice spoke, from a battery of instruments lining the wall behind theCoordinator=s chair, AYes, Talon.@

ATouchy, isn=t he?@ Talon said. AThink he can handle this assignment?@AI detected nothing wrong with Zone Agent Radon. He reacted, with indignation, to

your apparent callousness toward the woman, himself, and the lives of ship=s crewmembers. I=d announce him fit for the mission.@

AWell,@ Talon said, AI did have to take his mind off his leave being postponed, didn=tI? After all, he was bristling about it when he came in.@

AYour tactics, Talon, are going to get you in trouble, particularly if you keep tryingthem on this Zone Agent. He may see through your little game one of these days. Sincehe=s exactly the type of Agent you=ve always wanted, I=d be more careful with him . . .And, I=d make sure he gets his leave when this mission assignment is completed.@

AI=ll bear that in mind,@ Talon said. Seconds later, he turned to the other mattersawaiting his attention. Zone Agent Radon wouldn=t enter his mind again, until a missionreport was received.

Radon, meanwhile, was on his way out of the offices, still fuming. When he cameup to the front desk he stopped and told Danon their discussion would have to wait foranother time.

ATalon has me leaving right away,@ he said.AI figured as much,@ Danon replied. AI heard the orders go through to have your ship

ready to leave immediately. There=s a vehicle waiting for you at the main entrance. It=lltake you back to the spaceport. Good luck.@

AYou don=t miss much around here, do you?@ Radon said, grinning. AShould haveknown. See you again, old friend.@

In minutes, he was on his way back to the spaceport. His thoughts, now, were on thedetails of the mission.

CHAPTER TWO8

CHAPTER TWO

The maintenance supervisor met him at the open hatch of the Aris. AEverythingchecks out. Had your nav-computer programmed with all the latest updates. You=re allset to go,@ he said.

AThanks!@ Radon replied. ABe seeing you.@ With a wave, he entered the ship.In minutes, he had departure clearance and the ship locked into the spaceport=s

computers. His departure was the opposite of his arrival. The Aris was guided out to apoint beyond regular travel lanes, before Trantor=s departure computers released theship=s controls. He was waiting for that moment. When it arrived, he quickly verifiedthe nav-computer=s course and vector headings. All were correct. A finger touched abutton on the instrument panel. The ship accelerated and moments later B vanished. Hewatched, as a blue spark on the velocity indicator moved upward until it steadied on areading of T+4. The Aris, at this velocity, was hurdling toward the Arcturus StarSystem.

En route, he studied the additional material in the packet that Talon had provided.After countless rereadings and cross-checking of the data, no clues were apparent. Partof the problem, he thought to himself, is that so little is known about the Izar System.He reached over and activated the ship=s nav-computer and studied the Izar Sector.Finally, shaking his head; he gave up. There was nothing to shed any light on themystery.

He laid the folder aside and picked up another. It was marked personal. Better get tomy other problem, he thought. Opening the folder, he started reading the personnel fileon Galactic Survey Specialist Inuai. The information was concise: She was twenty-eightyears old, and trained as a planetary survey specialist. The record revealed she hadconsiderable field experience. Her superiors rated her work as excellent. She hadmoved rapidly up through ranks, since joining the Survey at age nineteen. Lately, shehad been assigned to the Survey=s ASpecial Branch@ where she had handled her lastassignment on Menkab with distinction. Special Branch, he noted, handled problemswithin the Survey or matters which could affect the Survey=s image.

Well, she=s either a good investigator or a good public relations type. I=ll probablyfind out soon enough. He lifted a small tri-dimensional photograph of Inuai. Turning itin his hand he saw the image of a smiling brunette about five foot seven. She had a trimbuild, and was dressed in a Survey tunic. He turned it again, this time pausing to studythe eyes. Never fails, he thought, the eyes tell it all. This one, is bright. I=ll have to becareful around her.


9

He gathered up the report=s files and placed them in a special compartment. For thenext two hours he was busy doing mysterious things in various parts of the Aris.Another hour was spent rigging false panels for a special section of the ship=sinstrument panel. He then took a stroll through the ship carefully looking at its variousareas, as if he were a perfect stranger. A grin spread over his features when he finished.A Port Inspector wouldn=t notice anything unusual now, he thought. If the lady iscurious, and snoops, she=s not going to get much satisfaction.

It should be mentioned that, oftentimes, a Zone Agent conducted a mission actingincognito or in disguise. Aris Class Starships were common enough, throughout theConfederation. They seldom aroused much interest or curiosity. Which was one of thereasons Radon had selected one for his use. Zones= engineers and technicians, however,had spent months modifying and equipping the ship for an Agent=s use. The externaland internal appearance could be altered with special panels, partitions, and covers. Theship=s external registry numbers could be changed at the touch of a special control and acomplete set of authentic Aships= logs,@ to go with any disguise. Such logs could beproduced within moments; Logs good enough to stand the scrutiny of any PortInspector.

But, the real secrets of a Zone Agent=s ship were buried behind, or beneath,innocently appearing walls, bulkheads, compartments, and various sections of the hull.Behind, but in tandem with, the Astandard@ planetary and star drives, were special drivesdesigned by Zone=s engineers. Other special items included: unique force-fieldgenerators and special communications and navigational aids. Included, was a highlyclassified weapon=s system of awesome potential. He had never used the full potentialsof everything the Aris was equipped with, but he remembered the details of secretbriefings.

It was generally believed, by those in a position to know, that a Zone Agent=s shipcould outrun and outperform any starship in the universe. And, that its weapons wereequivalent to the fire power of three, heavily armed, Patrol Cruisers. Thus, it was onlynatural that the Department of Galactic Zones went to great lengths to conceal the realnature of such ships and why strangers or guests, aboard such ships, were a rarity.

At the Arcturus Headquarters of the Galactic Survey, it was early in the morning.Survey Specialist Inuai, paced back and forth in the office newly assigned to her. Shestopped and reread the note clutched in her hand, for perhaps the fifth time. AA ZoneAgent -- I=m going to be working with a Zone Agent,@ she repeated to herself. Anexcited thrill went through her again. It hadn=t taken her long to realize the importanceof what that meant. It=s the chance of a lifetime, she thought. I don=t know of anyone inthe Survey who=s ever worked with a Zone Agent.

Her thought was interrupted by a signal from her comm-unit. She walked around thedesk and pressed the response button. A message appeared on the screen.

CHAPTER TWO10

G.Z. Agent Radon, aboard the Starship Aris, due to arrive ArcturusSpaceport in thirty-minutes. Ship assigned landing berth 01-05, GalacticSurvey Quadrant. Per your request, a vehicle will pick you up in twelveminutes so you can meet this arrival.

Tarka B Port Director

Inuai, quickly, acknowledged the message. She thought for a moment then walkedacross the office and paused briefly before a mirror. Brushing a stray lock of hair intoplace, she inspected herself. Clear brown eyes looked back at her. She then noted everydetail of her uniform. Everything=s in order, she thought, as she turned, slightly,smoothing a seam in the mid-thigh length tunic. Satisfied, she crossed the office and, asits door slid open, entered the corridor beyond. She waited until the vehicle arrived,before leaving the Survey=s complex.

The vehicle stopped at the safety zone, outside the Galactic Survey=s Quadrant of theSpaceport. Emerging from the vehicle she stood and scanned the sky, her eye=ssearching for the ship about to land. Suddenly, a glint of light appeared overhead. Herheart seemed to skip a beat as the Aris came into view. She watched, fascinated, as thebronze-gold ship, perfectly horizontal, slowed, and gracefully descended. It settled intothe assigned berth. It=s beautiful, she thought. Then, a second thought struck her. Iwonder what he=ll be like?

When the Aris landed, Radon walked thoughtfully through the ship. He stopped atthe main hatch. He was dressed in a standard jumpsuit, favored as working clothing byAgent=s. Casual and comfortable and even innocent the clothing might appear but,wearing it, he was almost as well protected as he would be aboard the ship. Tinymicrocircuits, provided a multitude of automatic protective functions. They wereingeniously distributed throughout the suit=s fabric. This major improvement inprotective clothing was a recent development of Zone=s Labs. Since its introduction, thelife of more than one Agent had been spared when the unexpected had occurred, and theunexpected, was almost a daily partner to a working Zone Agent.

The hatch opened and he stepped out. He instantly recognized Inuai as her vehicledrove up, halted, and she stepped out to greet him. Quickening his stride he walkedover to her.

Behind him, after he had passed a safe distance, an orange colored force-fieldenveloped the ship. It was a standard security measure. Its pulsating presence meant theship was off-limits to all Port Personnel.

As he approached, Inuai noted his assured manner and good looks. At least, shethought, this one=s handsome B and a warm smile appeared on her face as she looked upinto his smiling eyes.

AZone Agent Radon,@ she said, AI=m Inuai. Glad you arrived so quickly.@APleased to meet you,@ he responded. AI didn=t expect to be met, however. It=s a

pleasant surprise. Thank you.@


11

AI thought you=d like to go over the reports as soon as possible. It might save ussome time. Shall we go to my office?@

AGood thinking. Yes, your office would be fine,@ he said.Together, they entered the vehicle and moments later arrived at the Galactic

Survey=s Offices. Little conversation took place during the ride and Radon sensed acertain awkwardness between them. Without Inuai=s knowledge he very delicatelyprobed her thought=s, telepathically. He quickly sensed the source of the problem anddecided to ease the situation.

He turned to her as she started to leave the vehicle. AInuai . . . A moment please Bbefore we go inside.@

She turned to face him. A momentary look of confusion appeared on her face.AYes?@Putting just the right amount of seriousness into his expression, but tempering it

with a hint of humor, he said, AYou know what, I=ve never worked closely with anyonefrom the Galactic Survey before. I=m a little nervous about it. How do you suggest I getover it?@

A startled look crossed her face. Just moments before, she had been thinking exactlythe same thing, about him. Then it dawned on her. A smile appeared, and she gave hima look of mock accusation.

ASay,@ she said, Ayou=re good at that! Telepathy, wasn=t it? I didn=t detect it either.@Then laughing, her eyes sparkling coyly, she said, AAnd what other thoughts did youpeek at, Zone Agent Radon?@

AJust that, Inuai, nothing else B honestly.@ Grinning, he took her hand and helped herfrom the vehicle and together, laughing, they went into the building.

The barrier of awkwardness had evaporated. They worked hard for the next twohours examining the reports she had gathered. Then, as a matter of protocol, sheintroduced him to the local Resident Director of the Survey. With those formalitiescompleted they returned to her office. They had received the Director=s assurance of fullcooperation.

Helping her gather up the reports, he said; AWe=re finished here. Let=s go to Izar andcheck it out. Do you need time to get ready or too pickup anything?@

ANo . . . I=m already packed. Everything=s here. I=m ready to go.@AIf that=s the case, would you object if we delayed our departure, just enough, to let

me take you to dinner. I=m hungry. How about you?@AThat=s the best offer I=ve had today,@ she responded. AYes . . . I believe I=ll accept. It

so happens that I=m hungry too.@After their meal was completed, they relaxed. They enjoyed watching a video lumia.

It was a picture of swirling clouds lazily drifting across an imaginary horizon.She turned to him, a whimsical smile crossing her face.AI hope, this isn=t your way of telling me the food aboard the Aris lacks something.@

CHAPTER TWO12

AOh . . . I=d rate its menu above the Spaceport=s cafeteria,@ he replied, with humor.AThe Department thinks we deserve it. Something to keep us fit and properlynourished.@

AThat=s good. If the food=s this good, I=d desert the Survey and go to work for Zones.But, I guess I=ll stick with the Survey, until someone tempts me with the right menu.@

AIt=s time for us to get going,@ he said. Standing, he offered her his hand. She roseand together they walked to the exit.

ATell me,@ she said, giving him a curious look, Ado all Zone Agent=s get specialtraining in being courteous?@

He nodded at her and produced a painful looking grimace on his face, beforereplying. AYes . . . Inuai, months= and month=s of it. It=s really awful. They seem to thinkit=ll help us become gentlemen,@ and he broke out laughing at the expression on herface.

Twenty minutes later having already picked up her baggage, they arrived at theSpaceport. Radon paid a courtesy call on the Port Director and arranged their departureclearances. In a few more minutes, they approached the Aris. He touched a button onthe little strap bracelet which encircled his wrist. Instantly, the security force-fieldsurrounding the ship disappeared.

He led her to the open hatch, helped her aboard, and placed her baggage next to theclosing hatch. Lights had come on, automatically, as they entered. He spoke a commandand a large robot rumbled forward, and stopped before him. Inuai, looking startled,started to edge around to his other side.

AI=m sorry. I should have told you about the robots. I=m not accustomed to havingvisitors aboard the Aris. You see, there=s no crew aboard a Zone Agent=s ship. Therobots sort of take their place, taking care of maintenance and other things. Actually,they=re quite harmless. In fact, they generally stay out of your way unless called, which Ijust did.@

He gently steered her around, to stand beside him. AMustn=t neglect all thatcourteous stuff you were mentioning earlier,@ he said, grinning at her. AHere! Let meintroduce you to R-1.@ He looked up and said, AR-1, this is Inuai. She is going to be ourguest for a while. I=d appreciate it, if you would extend her every courtesy and whateverhelp she requests. Please inform the others about her and my instructions concerningher.@

R-1's head turned to look at her, the twin lenses of his eyes photographing andstoring her image. A surprisingly gentle replica of a voice, came from his chest area. AItwill be as you request, Radon. Everything will be done, to make Inuai=s stay asenjoyable as possible.@ Then, in a manlike gesture of courtesy, R-1 turned and pickedup her baggage. AWelcome aboard the Aris, Inuai. We=re honored to receive you as aguest. Shall I take these to your quarters?@

AWhy yes, R-1. That would be fine, and thank you,@ she replied.R-1, again, turned and rumbled off across the cargo hold and disappeared around a

corner.


13

ACome along, I=ll take you up to the control room and we=ll get underway. We cantalk on the way and later I=ll take you on a tour of the ship,@ Radon said.

He led her to a lift beam. Seconds later, on the second level of the ship, they werewalking down the main corridor toward the control room.

AR-1, really startled me for a moment,@ she said. AHe=s so big and powerful.@An apologetic look on his face, Radon replied, AI really am sorry. I=m so used to the

robots, I never thought to mention them. I suppose, though, I should be grateful. I neverhave a disagreement with any of them B which is always a possibility if you=ve got realcrew members to deal with.@

AI wondered why you were so courteous to R-1,@ she said. AIs there something herethat I=m missing?@

ASomething you=re missing? Yes, there is!@ A thoughtful look settled on his face.AR-1's saved my life B twice. Maybe I=m old fashioned, but I can=t help thinking of himas a friend. A friend worthy of my respect and courtesy. Maybe, sometime, I=ll tell youabout it.

AHere! Sit here next to me,@ he said, as he indicated a chair next to his. AYou canwatch our departure.@

For the next few minutes he was busy clearing the Arcturus Spaceport. Withinminutes the Aris was leaving the planetary system.

Seated alongside him, she watched the smooth precision of his every move. Avariety of thoughts flowed across her Mind. What and amazing and complex man, shethought. Obviously, he=s a professional in his work, and exposed to danger. R-1's savedhis life, twice? Yet, unlike the rumors she=d heard about the hard cynical and coldefficiency of Zone Agent=s B this man didn=t seem to fit that description.

Her womanly instinct said to her B Inuai, this man is sensitive. He really believes inwhat he does B he cares. He=s lonely B even though he tries not to let it show. Shethought about the large ship; no crew, just those robots; the long lonely days and nights,while he=s going from one place to another. Yet he=s strong. He=d have to be. She felt astrange feeling stirring inside her, a certain warmth. Oh, no! Put the clamps on that onegirl she said to herself. Remember, you=ve on a mission. You know B work to do. Herthought trailed off.

Radon was just finishing. He turned to her and said, AWe should arrive at Izar inabout six hours. Want that tour or would you rather freshen up and rest?@

ARest first, for a couple of hours, then the tour, then your plans, in that order. OK?@AGood idea. Let me show you your quarters.@He escorted her back down the corridor pointing out his quarters, and just beyond,

hers. AEverything=s standard. You shouldn=t have any problems getting things to work.When you=re ready for the tour, call me on the comm-unit.@

AThank you. I=ll do that.@ She entered the room as the door slid aside. Stepping backinto the corridor she said, AOh, it=s a beautiful room. Thanks.@

AGlad you like it,@ he said, and smiled. He turned and went into his own quarters. Hesprawled on his bed hands folded behind his head. Well, he thought to himself she=s the

CHAPTER TWO14

good investigator type B not the public relations type I=d envisioned. Her backgroundwork has been solid and competent. She=ll be good, and I like her attitude. Let=s hopewe find the answer to this Izar thing quickly. Seconds later, he was asleep.

Two hours later, exactly, his mental alarm clock went off. He was instantly awake.Her voice came from the comm-unit. AI=m ready for that tour.@

AMeet you in the corridor in two minutes,@ he replied.For the next hour, they toured the ship. First, he showed her the cargo area and

engine room on level one. On level two, he showed her the ship=s main computer, thenav-computer, his quarter=s, the lounge, the chart room, and the medical facilities,including the emergency treatment tank.

The tour completed, they went back to the lounge, to carry on their conversation.AI have to admit,@ he was saying, Ait was fun showing you around.@AAnd, I think you=re an excellent guide. However, I still have a question about the

emergency treatment tank. We don=t have them on Survey Ships. How=s it supposed towork?@

AWell, if I=m seriously injured on a mission, I generally end up inside it. Usually I=munconscious, completely anesthetized, immersed in some type of gooey medical jelly,pumped full of oxygen and bombarded by every type of healing radiation medicaltechnology has yet devised. The whole process is controlled by the medical computer.Eventually, it decides I=m fit to return to duty. The gel is washed off and I=m dumped onthe floor, squeaky clean, and generally mad at myself for being injured in the firstplace,@ he laughingly explained.

ADoesn=t sound like a laughing matter to me,@ she said, a look of real concernclouding her features. AJust out of curiosity, how many times have you been in thatthing, or is that a secret?@

ANo, no secret. Let=s see now . . . Three or four times.@AAnd how do you get inside it if you=re badly injured? I don=t imagine you just walk

up and hop into it.@ANo, hardly that,@ he responded. AUsually R-1 puts me in it. Watches over me like a

mother sometimes.@A sudden thought struck her. She said, real concern in her eyes and voice, Aearlier,

you said that R-1 had saved your life, twice. Is this what you meant?@Laughter and humor vanished from his face. The same expression she had noticed

before, when he=d first mentioned it, was there again. ANo! Not exactly,@ he said. Hesighed, as if the memory was still painful. AOn two occasions, I couldn=t make it back tothe ship on my own. R-1 is programmed to protect me, if needed. His sensors picked upmy distress signal B something=s built into him that lets him detect it and, like a fool, hecame out and found me. Somehow, he brought me back to the ship and dumped me inthe tank; and got us, and the ship out of there. He was heavily damaged, both times.And, both times, I woke-up back on Trantor in a Zone=s Medical Ward. Both times, hehad to be rebuilt by Zone=s Labs.@ He looked over at her, AThat=s, what I meant.@


15

She quickly turned away. There was a mistiness in her eyes she didn=t want him tosee. AI didn=t mean to prod that out of you B please forgive me. I understand, now, whyyou feel about R-1 the way you do.@ She dabbed at her eyes, before turning back to him.

He sensed her distress and reached across the table to take her hand. AIt=s nice toknow that someone else can understand it. Come on, we=ve still got a lot to discussbefore we get to Izar.@

CHAPTER THREE16

CHAPTER THREE

They were in the lounge reviewing the Izar Reports.AWhatever it is, seems to affect the nav-computers on those ships which passed

close to Izar,@ Radon was saying. AWhich means we can=t get very close without itaffecting us as well.@

Inuai looked thoughtful. AAccording to our data, that trade route is at least a parsecfrom the Izar System. What could span that distance and interfere with our ships?@

AI haven=t the slightest idea,@ he said thoughtfully. ABut, that=s what we=re here tofind out. Fortunately, we=ve been warned and can make some deliberate tests. Here=swhat I have in mind.@

She listened as he outlined his plan. AFirst, we approach the Izar System usingprimary drive (interplanetary) rather than star-drive. All the other ships were instar-drive when they went off course. That way, we can approach slowly with allsensors set at maximum range. We stop when we get one parsec from the System.Then, we launch a computer guided probe toward Izar. The probe has enough datainstrumentation to sample whatever attempts to interfere with it. Meanwhile, we sit hereand analyze, with the ship=s computers, the probe=s data transmissions. Hopefully, we=llfind out what=s going on.@

AI like the plan,@ she said. AHow soon before we reach Izar?@He glanced through the transparent wall, separating the two rooms, at the

three-dimensional navigational globe resting on its pedestal in the center of the controlroom. A blinking green dot representing the current position of the Aris, in the ArcturusStar System, was moving slowly toward a pulsating red dot circled by a yellow ring --Izar.

AIn half an hour,@ he answered. ABut, we=ll drop from star-drive before then andapproach on primary. We should start getting ready.@ They stood and crossed into thecontrol room.

ARight,@ she said, flashing him a warm smile. AIt=s about time we started coming upwith answers, rather than more questions.@

They seated themselves before the controls. Radon busied himself with checkingvarious instruments, then turned to her and said, AIt=s time we put R-1 to work. He canget the probe ready to launch.@

She nodded. AI wondered about that.@He opened the comm-circuit and gave R-1 his instructions. Deep in the cargo hold

of the Aris the robot trundled a silvery looking projectile, the probe, to a launching podon the side of the ship. The robot spent several minutes inspecting it and checking its


17

instrumentation. Apparently satisfied, he pressed several studs on the wall. The pod=sairlock opened and R-1 settled the probe into a launch cradle. Then the robot wheeledabout and left the pod. The airlock closed and he moved to a wall-mounted comm-unit.He advised Radon the probe was ready for launch.

In the control room, Radon acknowledged the message and turned to Inuai, AThat=staken care of!@ The status screen, before him, suddenly came to life announcing oneminute to transition. His fingers touched several controls.

AGet set for your first view of the Izar System, even if it=s long range.@In the emptiness of normal space, a disturbance occurred. A flash of light exploded

in that emptiness, followed by the sudden appearance of the Aris. Aboard the starship, aforward vision screen cleared. A yellow sun with three planets circling it came intoview. The ship, its force-fields flaring, glowed with a vivid spectrum of colors as itrapidly slowed and became motionless.

Inuai said; AIzar should be the second planet B right?@ACorrect,@ he said. His left hand moved over the control panel. Gradually, the image

of the second planet enlarged until it filled three-quarters of the screen. AI=d say theSurvey=s Report was accurate, at least from appearances. It does look desolate andbarren.@

Radon had punched up the Izar data on another screen, looking from one to theother. AI=m ready if you are,@ he said.

She looked at him and smiled. ANo sense just sitting here. Let=s go!@He touched a control and the Aris, on its primary drive, started toward Izar.AI=ll stop the ship just before we reach the danger zone.@He touched several more controls, setting the sensors at maximum range. Then, as

an afterthought, he increased the ship=s defensive force-field screens to half power.ANo point in taking chances,@ he said, noticing her curious expression. ABetween the

sensors and defensive screens we should have a warning if anything on Izar reacts to theprobe.@

AGood idea,@ she said. AIf something happens, we don=t want to be caught napping.What can I do to help? I feel rather useless just sitting here.@

ABeen thinking about that,@ he said, with a grin. AI=ll show you how to monitor theprobe=s data transmission and how to route it to the computers. If you keep an eye onthat and any data the computer kicks back, it=ll free me to keep an eye on the probe.That OK with you?@

ASuits me.@For the next few minutes, he showed her the controls and computer links.AThat=s what I like,@ he said. AYou=re a quick study. Beauty and brains; quite an

appealing combination.@ This time, the grin was followed with a sincere smile.AWhy, thank you kind sir. It=s nice to know a hardworking girl is appreciated,@ she

said, her smile sparkling with good humor. Beneath her smile, the thought, did he slip BBeauty?

Her thought was interrupted as the Aris came to a stop.

CHAPTER THREE18

He glanced at the instruments. AWe=re just outside the danger zone,@ he said; hisattention focused on the navigational plot. His gaze swept the sensor scans. Everythingwas normal. ATime to launch the probe. Are you all set?@

She nodded.He turned back to the controls, made several adjustments and held a finger poised

over a button. AReady!@ The finger dropped.Along the side of the Aris a pod door opened and the gleaming probe shot away

from the ship, turned, and started toward Izar. Instantly, the data-link with the probebecame active and Inuai directed her attention to the monitors.

The view-screen, monitoring the flight, was constantly changing as it tracked theprobe. He watched its progress as it steadily closed the distance to Izar.

AWe have a contact,@ she said, excitedly. AThe probe=s sensors have picked upsomething. Readings are coming in now!@

AStay on it and get it all,@ he responded. AOh, oh! Whatever it is, it=s starting to affectthe probe=s computer guidance. Distance from Izar is three-quarters of a parsec andclosing.@

AYou won=t believe the wave pattern and energy levels I=m seeing on the probe=ssensor scans,@ she said, even more excitedly. AShips= scanners are now registering too.I=m recording it all.@

AThe probes changing course,@ he said. AIt=s ninety degrees off course, and losingstability. It=s pitching and rolling . . . No! Now it=s tumbling, spinning and twisting, allat the same time. I=ve never seen anything like it.@

Inuai, her eyes glued to the probe=s data monitor brushed her hair back from hereyes, then rubbed her eyes, as if unable to believe what she was seeing. AHaven=t time tolook. Something funny is going on. Wait a minute.@

AI don=t believe it,@ Radon said, interrupting her, Asomething just switched theprobe=s engine to full power. It=s heading away from Izar at maximum acceleration. I=dbetter put a stop to this. We can=t afford to lose that probe and all the data it=s gathered.@

His hands moved over the controls, touching several buttons. AThere, that ought todo it!@

ADo what,@ she asked, not taking her eyes off the monitors?AHad a hunch something like this might happen. So, I had R-1 rig-up a remote

power disconnect, to both the probe=s guidance system and engine. Everything aboardthe probe is turned off. It=s just tumbling through space.@

His fingers darted over the controls again. Power surged through special circuits. Atractor beam lanced out from the Aris and caught the tumbling probe. It stopped, dead.Then, it started moving again back toward the ship.

ACaught it with a tractor beam. I=m bringing it back to the ship now,@ he said.Inuai had turned her attention to the ship=s sensors, when the probe=s power was cut

and its sensors disabled. AWe=re not out of trouble yet,@ she said. ASensors are indicating


19

that same wave pattern, and energy, heading our way. Whatever it is, it seems to knowwe=re here. Maybe we should get out of here. Fast!@

AThe tractor beam,@ he said. AWhatever it is, it=s following the tractor beam rightback to us. I can=t cut the ship=s power or we lose the tractor and the probe. You=reright! We=re getting out of here.@

His fingers flew over the controls and the Aris sprang to life. The ship turnedabruptly and started away from Izar. The tenacious hold of the tractor beam wasdragging the inert probe after the accelerating ship. For an instant, a frown ofconcentration furrowed his forehead. Then, he keyed a number of other controls inrapid succession.

She darted a glance in his direction and saw a look of determination on his face. Heturned to her, and suddenly grinned. AI presume it=s gaining on us and will catch up tous quickly.@

AI was just going to tell you that,@ she said, a startled look on her face. AI=d say inabout two minutes, at the rate it=s closing on us.@

ATake it easy. I=ve done everything I can to protect us. I didn=t think we could outrunit. Not at this speed. And we can=t use the star-drive or we=d lose the probe. Besides,whatever it is, it affected ships in star-drive, remember? Our defensive screens are atmaximum power; I=ve preset the controls of the nav-computer to shut off, if anythingattempts to tamper with it, and switch us to manual control. The ship=s engines are onmanual control. R-1 has been alerted to take over, if both of us lose consciousness, snapus out of it, and recover the probe. I=ve put recorders on line, to record anythingaffecting the ship=s controls.

AOur best bet, is to increase the distance between ourselves and Izar. Eventually,we=ll get beyond the effective range of whatever it is. So, all we can do is wait and seewhat happens when we=re overtaken@

Her look of concern had changed to one of open admiration, as he mentioned eachitem. Then, she glanced at the sensor scans. AThat should be in about ten seconds,@ shesaid, her voice calm.

Radon suddenly became alert. He smiled at her and then turned his attention to theship=s controls.

Silence pervaded the control room of the Aris. Then, an alarm beeped. Thenav-computer indicator lights winked out, as its power was cut. Several other alarmsrang out, before he calmly reached out and silenced them. The ship, seemed to shudderfor a second. For several seconds, he had the distinct sensation of something crawlinginside his brain. His scalp itched. Then, the sensation was gone.

Inuai=s face went white. Her mouth opened, as if to say something, but no soundcame out. He quickly reached out and took her arm in a firm hold, reassuringly. Herhead turned toward him. There was an indescribable look in her eyes. Then her headsagged forward. She was unconscious.

CHAPTER THREE20

Still gripping her arm, now, to keep her from falling from the seat, he had thedistinct impression of a presence inside the ship. A grim look of determination appearedon his features.

No! No, his Mind screamed out. A telepathic thought, of intense denial, bolted fromhis Mind and slammed around the control room. There was a queer wavering of thelight within the room. Suddenly, the presence was gone. Perspiration beaded hisforehead, as he staggered to his feet. He looked down at Inuai=s unconscious form.Tears formed in his eyes, as he bent and gently lifted her into his arms. He, carefully,carried her back to her quarters and laid her gently on the bed. He reached over andtriggered the comm-circuit. AR-1,@ he said, Acome quickly, to Inuai=s quarters.@

Moments later, the robot entered the room and came to his side. His eyes, took in thesituation. His voice strangely subdued, he said; ALet me examine her.@He reached to hiswaist and removed a small instrument attached to his body. The hand moved theinstrument close to her body; from head to foot then back to her head. AThere is aproblem; she is injured. A blockage, here, in her brain,@ he said. AYou must enter herMind. Talk to it. Explain the problem and how you=re going to correct it. Tell her youmust mentally enter her brain and remove the blockage.@

AThat=s what I thought you=d say,@ Radon responded. AI just wanted yourconfirmation. While I=m working on her injury, go to the control room and use thetractor beam to recover the probe. Bring it into the ship and remove the data recorders.I=ll want to study the recordings. Then, set a course for Terminus and get us underway.I=d like to get there as soon as possible. Velocity T+6, should be all right.@

AIt will be done,@ R-1 responded.AWhen you=re finished, please come back here. I may need your help.@ R-1's head

nodded, and he left the room.Radon, brought a chair and placed it beside her bed. Taking her hand, between his

hands, he gazed across the room. Calmly, his telepathic thought reached out to herMind and made contact. He began, soothingly, to comfort her Mind and explain whathad happened. Her Mind opened to his gentle thought and accepted what he said. Itsdistress, over her brain=s inability to function properly, slowly faded. A sudden rush ofwarmth, gratitude -- and love, flowed from her Mind and flooded his thoughts.

No, not now, his thought responded. He intensified his thought making it stronger,subduing -- pushing back her uninhibited mental response. AWork with me,@ his thoughtstated. AHelp me; join me; two Minds working as one.@Her mental outburst subsided. Amomentary pause, then, her Mind blossomed open and reached out to his. Two >Lights=of intelligence merged, to work together.

A softly glowing radiance, of mental fusion, enveloped them. Radon released herhand and placed a hand on either side of her head. Light, flowed along his arms to hishands. Then, it streamed from his fingertips and reached into her brain. It traced alongfeathery filaments of brain fibers; flowed along neural circuits and came to a disruptedneural junction. It stopped. Little strands of light formed at the broken connection. They


21

grew in intensity and arched across the gap, restoring the broken connection. Then, thelight withdrew. It moved back along the way it had entered her brain.

Thank you, he thought. The blockage has been repaired. Then, he gently disengagedhis Mind from hers. The glow around them dimmed and vanished. He removed hishands from her head and leaned back in the chair.

R-1, chose that moment to reenter the room and approach the bed. AIt is done,@ heasked?

AYes,@ Radon replied. AShe should be regaining consciousness, any minute.@R-1 moved to the other side of the bed. AHer color is returning.@ He moved the

instrument he carried and placed it against her head. AYes, she is all right.@Inuai stirred. Her eyes slowly fluttered open. Radon took her hand and she turned

her head in his direction.AWelcome back,@ he said.AWhat happened,@ she said, weakly? Then, her eyes took in the room and she

recognized her surroundings. AWhat am I doing here?@He gently squeezed her hand. AWhatever it was, got to you. It overloaded a neural

pathway in your brain and you passed out. It would take too long, at the moment, toexplain it all. Right now, I want you to rest for a while. When you feel up to it, you canjoin me in the control room. Here, telepathy is quicker than words B close your eyes.@His thought reached out to her Mind and said; you tell her about it.

AR-1 is here beside you,@ he continued. AIf you need anything, he=ll get it. He=s verygood at taking care of people. Meanwhile, I=ve got some other matters to attend to,@ andhe gently released her hand. ACan you manage, for a while?@

She closed her eyes and said, AYes . . . Thanks.@AGood. See you in a while.@ He stood and left the room.When he was gone, she said to herself, OK Mind Bwhat happened? For the next few

moments, her Mind replayed the events that had occurred. She examined the thoughts,one by one. She blushed when she came to the part where her Mind had exposed herinner thoughts and feelings, about him, to his awareness. She tried to interpret what hisreaction had been, then, gave up after a moment and went on.

She marveled, inwardly, when their two Minds had merged and repaired the injuryinside her brain. She=d heard of such a AMind Fusion,@ but had never experienced itbefore. She recaptured the moments and basked in the remembered glow of itsexperiencing. Waves of pleasure washed along her nerves and throughout her body.Involuntarily, she squirmed on the bed. AWow,@ she thought, Awhat a way to makelove.@ She, reluctantly, forced her thoughts to another subject B where she finishedexamining the sequence of events.

She then considered her feelings and what she should do now. Obviously he knowshow I feel about him, but I can=t let that interfere with this mission. It=s too important.I=ll just have to live with it and do the best I can. We must solve the Izar problem. Anew thought struck her. She opened her eyes and turned to R-1.

AR-1, may I ask you a question?@

CHAPTER THREE22

AOf course,@ R-1 replied.ACould you tell me where, and when, Radon learned the Mind Fusion technique?@ATo my knowledge, he was born with it.@AI=ve never heard of anyone being born with it. I thought only those who were

advanced in the Higher Teachings ever learned of it. And, that it took years of study andpractice to master the technique.@

AThat is my understanding also,@ R-1 said. AI=m sorry Inuai, but I can=t answer yourquestion further. I don=t have that information in my memory banks,@ he paused,Aperhaps you could ask Hatonn. We=re on our way to Terminus, even now, to talk withhim. He might be able to answer your question.@

ATerminus . . . Hatonn? Not the Hatonn? The Keeper of the Galactic Archives? Heknows Hatonn?@ she asked.

AYes, the two of them are old friends.@AOld friends . . . @ Her voice trailed off. She had a stunned look on her face. Hatonn

was the most famous, and distinguished, historian in the Galaxy. Someone you mightlive a lifetime hoping to meet B and, they=re old friends; her thought trailed off again.

Amazement written on her face, she said, ARadon certainly seems to know people inhigh places. He must be very special.@

AYes Inuai, very special.@ R-1 replied.AI=m beginning to get that impression. R-1, may I get up? I=m feeling better. I=d like

to get back to work and help him.@AIf you like,@ he replied. ALet me assist you. I=ll escort you to the control room. You

seem a little unsteady.@AThanks,@ she said; accepting the arm he extended. AThank you again for your help

and answering my questions; I do appreciate it.@Radon, after leaving Inuai, had gone to the comm-unit. He spent several minutes

composing the messages to be sent. Activating the >security channel= of the comm-unit,he sent a full report of what had happened, to Talon. He reported that they were enroute to Terminus, to confer with Hatonn. They would search the Galactic Archives forinformation regarding the Izar System. He advised a continuing quarantine of the Izararea by the Patrol.

Another message was sent to the Survey=s base on Arcturus, advising Inuai=ssuperior of their current progress and plans.

A third message sped across the light years to Terminus, advising them of theirexpected arrival. Still, another was sent to Hatonn requesting a conference. He keyed ina command, to the comm-unit, to retain copies of the messages.

He had finished sending the messages, and was studying the Probe=s data tapes whenInuai, leaning on R-1's arm, entered the control room.

He stood and walked over to her, a warm smile on his face. AThat was a quickrecovery. Glad to see you up and about. Here, R-1, I=ll take over. Thanks for watching


23

over her.@ He transferred her arm to his and led her to the chair he had been using. AR-1,I think she could use a warm, nourishing broth; Would you bring it to her.@

The robot responded by moving into the lounge and busying himself.Radon gently eased her into the chair. ANo need to say anything for the moment. I

thought you might like to catch up on what=s happening, first.@R-1 returned with a steaming cup, and offered it to her. She took it and sipped its

warm contents. A happy smile crossed her face and looking up at R-1, said, AThat=sdelicious. Thank you.@

AYou are welcome. Radon, may I return to my other duties?@AYes, of course. Thanks again for taking care of the lady.@The robot nodded, turned, and left the room. Radon leaned over her and activated

the comm-unit, then took a seat across from her. AI saved this for you,@ he said. AIt=llexplain what you missed and bring you up to date. Please take your time and read it,before we talk.@

She nodded and smiled at him, grateful for his understanding and sipped her broth.She spent the next few minutes reading the reports he had transmitted. Then, shereached over and turned off the comm-unit.

AYou did the right thing; the reports are good.@ She raised her eyes and looking intohis, said, AAll right, let=s talk.@

Radon, with a curious look in his eyes, said, AInuai, I had no idea your thoughts andfeelings about me were so deep and sincere. I had no intention of probing for them.They just tumbled out of you, and caught me by surprise.@ He paused. AWhy me?@

She dropped her eyes and gathered her thoughts, then raised them again to lookstraight into his eyes. ABecause, I=ve never met anyone like you. You=re the mostfascinating, and astonishing man I=ve ever met. Talents and abilities just spill out ofyou, and you seem unaware that they=re there or that you=re using them. I know dozensof men who would be happy, if they had just one of your talents. I=d even like a coupleof them myself. Yet because you=re unaware of them, you=re modest, considerate andgracious.

AI sense a mysterious strength and power B deep inside you. You could be a verydangerous man. But again, somehow, it=s held in check and only little glimpses of itever show. And, you seem unaware of that too. You=re the most coordinated man I=veever seen, or met.@

She paused. AIt=s not my emotions, or romantic thoughts, making this interpretation.Even R-1 says you=re something very special and he=s not subject to emotions, orromantic thoughts, just logic. And, I don=t think you or anybody else tinkered with hisprogramming causing him to think that. Don=t you get it, Radon? You=re the type ofman most women dream about. I=d be crazy, if I didn=t feel the way I do about you.There! Now you know.@

Radon, a look of genuine surprise on his face, looked shocked for an instant. AIdidn=t know that,@ he said, his voice low, his look B thoughtful. Then, he took her hand.AThank you for your honesty. I don=t know B if I live up to your description of me. I=ve

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never really thought about it. However, I do know that you=re a very attractive andtalented woman. I appreciate that. And yes, I do care about you. I don=t know how deepthat caring goes, but time and events should provide an answer to that. Let=s give thissituation some more time. Then, I=ll be as honest with you as you=ve been with me.@ Hepaused . . . Awill you work with me? I really would like your help on this Izar thing.Regarding our feelings for each other why not let them grow or not grow according towhat develops. Fair enough?@

AFair enough,@ she agreed. She smiled then, comfortably, and asked, AWould youmind sharing some of those data tapes. I=d like to help study them.@

He relaxed, visibly. AThank you,@ and a grin reappeared on his face. AThought for awhile, there, I might have to do them all myself.@

ANot on your life,@ she said. ARemember; I=m part of the team.@


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CHAPTER FOUR26

CHAPTER FOUR

Meanwhile, Radon and Inuai studied the probe=s data tapes of the Izar phenomena.The Aris moving many times the speed of light flashed toward the constellation of VelaB its destination the planet Terminus. Terminus, was the home of the Galactic Archives.The Archives were the repository of all known knowledge. A place where the historicalrecords of Man, from the ancient times of the old Galactic Empire to the present, werepreserved.

Their study of the data tapes completed, Radon and Inuai had slept. Now, both wereawake. They were seated in the lounge adjoining the control room when thenavigational alarm sounded.

AWe must be entering the Vela Nebula,@ Radon said. ACome, there=s something youshould see.@

Looking curious, she followed him to the control room and seated herself. Heactivated the forward view-screens and she noticed a bright star, surrounded by astrange halo, directly before them. It quickly grew in size.

AIt=s one, of two major Pulsar Stars in this region,@ he explained. AWhat makes itunusual, and worth seeing, is that both Pulsars are being fueled by matter, antimatterreactions. The vast quantities of gases released by the Pulsars are being driven outward,by radiation, causing the nebula to expand.@

AIt=s beautiful,@ she said.As they drew nearer, the Pulsar=s image shifted. The view slid off to one side, as the

ship altered course to avoid it.ABeautiful . . . And deadly,@ he responded. AThere=s enough radiation near that star to

cremate half the galaxy. The other one is just as beautiful and just as savage. That=s whythe navigational alarm went off, to warn us of the danger. It=s something few peopleever get to see. I thought you might like to see it.@

AThank you,@ she said. AYou=re right. It=s worth seeing. I seem to be getting quite aneducation on this mission.@

Then, looking thoughtful, she turned to him. AHow long before we reach Terminus.@ALess than an hour,@ he replied. AWe should start getting ready. I=d like Hatonn to

see, and study, the Izar data we=ve collected.@She turned to him, the thoughtful look still on her face. AHow should I dress? I

mean, I=ve never met anyone as important as Hatonn.@ Her voice trailed off.A flash of understanding crossed his features. AJust as you are. Standard working

uniform. Hatonn doesn=t insist on formalities.@A look of relief appeared on her face. AThat=s good. I was worried because I didn=t

pack anything formal. I thought this was going to be strictly a field job.@


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AGood. That=s settled then. Let=s get the reports together. It shouldn=t take but a fewminutes. You have plenty of time to freshen up.@

An hour later, both were seated in the control room. They watched the view-screensas the Aris swung into an orbit around Terminus. Radon, in communication with thespaceport, acknowledged their landing clearances. The ship began its descent. Inuai,watched as the planet revolved under them noticing its barren, desert-like, appearance.Suddenly a large ocean, azure blue, appeared. Near the approaching coastline, shenoticed a beautiful green island and pointed it out to him.

AThat=s where Hatonn has his home; there on that island,@ he responded.ALooks like a large park or garden,@ she said.AActually, a combination of both.@Then, the ship passed over the coastline and, suddenly, what appeared to be a large

city was before them.ATerminus . . . The Archives Complex,@ he said, as the Aris slowed and hovered

over a modest sized spaceport. He released his manual control of the ship as thespaceport=s automatic guidance systems took over and the ship started its final descent.

AThey don=t have many ships stopping here,@ he explained. AMainly supply freightersor couriers. Terminus only exports knowledge or information and that=s mostly via theinterstellar communications network. That=s why the spaceport=s rather small.@

She nodded her understanding. AWhat about the city? From its size, they=d needenormous quantities of supplies for the population.@

AWell,@ he replied, Ait=s not what it seems. There=s less than a thousand people on thewhole planet. They=re mainly scholars B and engineers to keep the place running. Thatcity B is the Galactic Archives. It=s one huge computer complex.@

Inuai was still thinking about that, as the Aris gently settled into its assigned landingberth. Radon, quickly scanned the ship=s system monitors before shutting down thedrive engines and the controls before him.

ACompany coming,@ and he indicated an approaching vehicle. AWe=d better meetthem.@

Moments later, they stood before the main hatch. It opened and a fresh breezeflowed into the ship. They walked down the ramp and over to the waiting vehicle.Behind them, the hatch closed and the pulsating orange force-field suddenly appearedand enveloped the ship.

AZone Agent Radon?@ the waiting driver inquired politely?At his answer, the driver said, AHatonn is expecting you. He=s at the Archives. I=m to

take both of you there. Are there any stops En route?@ANo . . . No stops,@ Radon replied, as he turned and helped Inuai into the vehicle.As they rode toward the Archive=s complex, Inuai became increasingly tense.

Sensing her condition, he reached out and took her hand. AHe=s really very friendly. I=msure you=ll make a good impression. Now quit worrying about meeting him,@ he said,gently squeezing her hand.

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Relaxing, slightly, she gave him an accusing and somewhat pained smile. AYou didit again; read my thoughts. I haven=t been this nervous since my graduation at theSurvey=s Academy. It=s just . . . I=ve just never met any one of his stature before. It=s likemeeting the President of the Confederation for the first time.@

AI=m sure Hatonn would be flattered by your comparison with the President,@ hereplied.

Their conversation ended as the vehicle stopped in front of the Archive=s imposingfront entrance. Before them, as they stepped out, a series of steps led upwards to a wideveranda dominated by an enormous entrance which looked a hundred feet high by fiftyfeet wide. The door of the Archive=s building was a huge slab of impervious metal twofeet thick. The door was in the raised, open position. It appeared to be the impregnableentrance of the largest vault ever imagined.

Thanking the driver, he led her up the steps and into the cavernous interior of thebuilding. They paused in what appeared to be a foyer and Radon spoke with thereceptionist, while Inuai stood, awestruck. Beyond B a wide hallway, hundreds of feethigh, stretched off into the distance. Above the main level, where they stood, level afterlevel of massive computers rose up the walls and stretched endlessly off into thedistance.

AThis doesn=t do anything to calm my nerves,@ she said softly.He turned and with an equally soft voice answered her, AIt=s impressive. I know how

you feel.@ He then took her arm and they walked to the office entrances along one wall.He stopped before the ninth doorway, grinned at her, then entered. The receptionistwhich greeted them was, easily, one of the most beautiful women Inuai had ever seen.She rose, and smiled a warm greeting to both of them.

AGood to see you again Radon,@ she said. Then, she moved from behind her desk tostand before Inuai. Taking her hand in both of hers, she said, AMy name is Alira.Welcome to Terminus. If I can be of any help while you=re here, please call on me.@

Inuai suddenly relaxed, smiled her acknowledgment and introduced herself. Alira,releasing her hand, turned and motioned to the door beyond her desk. AHe=s expectingyou; go right in.@

The door opened as they approached. As they entered the room, Hatonn was bendingover a table, apparently examining some papers. Hearing them enter, he straightened,turned, and a look of warm welcome crossed his features.

AGreetings Radon,@ he said, as he walked over to them. AAnd, this lovely andattractive young woman must be Inuai. Welcome. Please be seated and tell me all aboutthis mysterious affair you=re investigating.@

Radon smiled at his old friend and took the hand that Hatonn had extended. Then,with a mischievous wink at Hatonn, he said; AIn all my years of knowing you old friend,I=ve never heard you come to the point so quickly. What could be affecting you?@

With a twinkle in his eye Hatonn grasped Inuai=s hand, ignoring Radon=s remark,and courteously guided her to a comfortable chair. AMy dear,@ he said to her, Apay noattention to this brash young man. He=s always trying to tell me that I take forever to


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make my thoughts known. I maintain, he=s just too impatient to follow the course of mythinking.@ With that remark he took a chair across from Inuai and waved Radon into theother, beside her.

APerhaps,@ she said, meekly, ARadon should give you the details of our mission. I cangive you my observations if they=re required.@

AAs you wish, my dear.@ He turned to Radon. AAnd what are these details?@For the next twenty minutes, Radon explained the nature of the Izar mission and the

results of their recent efforts. He handed Hatonn the reports and they moved over to acomputer terminal. As Radon explained the significant details of each page, Hatonnnodded his understanding and fed the sheets into the terminal. In seconds, thecomputers of Terminus started the process of analyzing the data and searching for theinformation they sought.

While this was going on, Inuai studied Hatonn and tried to sort out her impressionsof the famous, elderly, scholar and historian.

He=s not what I anticipated she thought to herself. Hatonn, she noted, was about fivefoot eight or nine, of medium build, and appeared to be in good physical condition. Hehad silver white hair and a mid-chest length beard, unusual, in that he was the first manshe had ever seen with a beard. Only the age lines in his face, and around the eyes, wereindicators of an elderly person. Elderly people, at least in appearance, were a rarity inthe Confederation. Almost everyone used a process which halted the physical aging oftheir bodies and appearance, at whatever point desired.

His eyes, she thought, look as if they=ve seen everything. They=re penetrating, full ofwisdom, yet kind and sincere, and full of understanding. He has a sense of humor. Itshows in his eyes.

There=s a force radiating from him like an aura. It=s like a beautiful presence. Youfeel good, just being in the same room with him. Somehow, you get the feeling thatsomething infinite, is reaching out to you. He=s a very kind and gentle man, and strongas well. I suspect his will is stronger than the vault-like door of this building.

And, her thoughts rambled on B he loves beauty. Her eyes took in the details of hisoffice. The simple yet graceful line of the furnishings. The intricate and lovely lines ofgold cord, used in several wall hangings; some form of art with which she wasunacquainted. Graceful pedestals and bowls, and vases of a soft pearl-white substancewere scattered about the room.

Yes, Hatonn, Keeper of the Records, you are an astounding man. I=m glad I=ve hadthe opportunity to meet you.

Her thoughts were interrupted, as the men finished their work at the computerterminal and returned to their chairs.

AAnd now, Inuai,@ Hatonn said, in a quiet voice. AI=d like your impressions andthoughts, regarding the Izar force you experienced aboard the Aris.@

Confidently, she related the details of the incident, as he listened intently. Onlywhen she mentioned the method that Radon used, to restore the damaged area of her

CHAPTER FOUR30

brain, did his eyes leave hers. He glanced at Radon, then returned his attention to hercomments. When she finished, he thanked her.

Then speaking to them both, he said, AThis is a strange matter. I=m not sure that whatyou seek is here in the Archives. However, the computers are searching for anythingthat might help you. I=ll leave word for my staff to give it their full attention. Since itmay take some time, perhaps you would accept my invitation to rest and relax at myhome while we wait for any results. I assure you, it=s more comfortable than anyaccommodations either here or at the spaceport. That is, unless you have other plans.@

They looked at each other, then Radon spoke, AWe=d be honored to accept. Wehaven=t made any other plans. We came here directly from the Spaceport.@

AGood,@ Hatonn said, a smile on his face. AMy days work here is finished. I=mlooking forward to the occasion. Perhaps Inuai will give me the opportunity to get toknow her better.@

AI=d be delighted,@ she said.AThen, let us be on our way.@On leaving, Hatonn gave Alira instructions regarding the computer search of the

records, and where they would be when any results were available. Then, they left thebuilding, boarded a small shuttle craft and moments later were skimming over theocean toward the green island. Hatonn piloted the craft with skill and soon they landedbeside a beautiful home. About them strange, lush green vegetation, bushes, plants,trees, hanging moss and ferns, stretched away into the distance. Little pathways led offin several directions and vanished into the greenery.

Inuai was enchanted with the beautiful setting and asked Hatonn about the strangespecies of plants and trees, where they came from and why the predominance of green.

AI had them brought here from a strange world,@ he replied, pleased at her interest.AThe green colors I find very restful and calming. But come, you must be tired. Rest fora while then we=ll have a meal. Later, if you like, we can take a walk in the gardens.@

Inside, the house opened up into several spacious areas each divided by waist-highroom dividers. The absence of floor to ceiling partitions, in the main areas, created afeeling of uncluttered spaciousness. On the far side of the main room, private guests=suites and a small office were visible. Radon and Inuai were quickly shown theirindividual quarters.

Several hours later, they gathered to carry on their earlier conversation.Hatonn, responding to Inuai=s questions regarding the unusual furnishings, explained

the gold artwork hanging on the walls. The off-white material, used in the variouspedestals and globular shaped objects, scattered throughout the house, was a medium-hard rock mined on Altair II. It could be sculpted or machine worked, to produceobjects which reflected light with a beautiful satin sheen. Many of the pieces he hadcrafted himself and he took delight in showing them to her. He admitted that thegold-cord artworks, hanging on the walls, both here and in his office at the Archives,were his personal creations.


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Then, their conversation returned to the Izar problem. As they discussed the topic,several housekeeping robots served them a delicious meal.

ACome my dear,@ Hatonn said, Aenough of this talk of Izar. Let me show you thegardens while there is still daylight.@

AMay I use your comm-unit, while you two are out walking,@ Radon asked? AI havesome messages to send to Trantor and I=ll be busy for a while.@

AOf course,@ Hatonn replied. AMake yourself right at home.@Hatonn led Inuai from the house. They walked in silence for several moments,

taking in the quiet beauty of the winding pathway. Then, she felt impelled to speak.AHatonn, I have some important questions. May I ask them as we walk?@

AI wondered when you would,@ he said, in a soft and gentle tone. Taking her hand inhis, he stopped, and turned to face her. His kindly eyes searched her face. APerhaps I cansave you some time; spare you moments of awkwardness and answer many of yourquestions, all at one time.@

Looking slightly perplexed for a moment, she hesitated. Then she looked into hiseyes. A sudden calmness seemed to flow into, and through her. She gently squeezed hishand. AYes, perhaps that would be better.@

Still holding her hand, he turned and they started walking again.AYour experiences,@ he said, Asince the start of the Izar Mission and meeting Radon,

have been a succession of startling and unusual occurrences. No sooner has an eventbeen encountered, experienced, and dealt with, when another arrives and the process isrepeated. You=ve been taken completely away from your normal environment, bothpersonal and professional. If I may use an antiquated expression B >you are like a fishout of water=B and you=ve felt amazed, dazed, and awed by the rapid succession ofevents and experiences.@

They came to a small bench along the side of the path. ALet us sit for a moment,@ hesaid, interrupting his comments. Once seated, he continued, still holding her hand as hiseyes gazed off into the tree-lined forest about them.

AAs a result of all this, you=ve had the feeling of being continually off-balance. Yourimage of yourself, and even your professional ability, you=re questioning withinyourself. Being attacked by an unknown force while aboard the Aris and becoming acasualty in the incident was, again, something you wouldn=t have encountered in yournormal work. And, in an attempt to bring something familiar and comforting Bsomething you can easily relate to, into this confusion, you reached into yourself andbrought your love to the surface and, unexpectedly, exposed it to Radon.

AWhen he used the >Mind-Fusion= technique, known only to those advanced in theHigher Teachings, it added to your confusion. Yet if he had not used it you would be ina Confederation Healing Center, deep in a coma, waiting for someone to use it.

AAll in all my dear, you=ve undergone a remarkable series of events. And, rather thanbeing critical and unsure of yourself you should, instead, be proud of the fact that yourprofessional attitude and training, and your good common sense, have made you avaluable asset to the Mission.

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ARadon does not consider you a burden or liability, nor for that matter, do I. Theblame, for your predicament and confusion, lies solely with those bureaucratic superiorswho insisted they be part of a mission that should have been handled by Zone Agents.Your having been thrust into a situation like this, without knowing that Zone Agent=spossess and use remarkable powers and abilities, and deal with dangerous situations asan everyday routine, is inexcusable.

AGranted, the other Departments and the public know little, regarding the truefunctioning of Galactic Zones and its Agent=s. It seems though that the better judgmentof those who did know, was overridden by extreme political pressure. Under thecircumstances, I feel you should be commended.@

Inuai=s entire perspective of herself became transformed, as Hatonn=s wordspenetrated her awareness. Confidence, in herself, returned with a rush. Her confusion=s,dissolved. A sudden realization struck her. Dangling bits of information, rumors, gossipB all concerning the Department of Galactic Zones and its Agent=s, suddenly fell intoplace. Her eye=s expressed happiness as she gazed at Hatonn=s calm and gentle face.

She thought, what an extraordinary man. He had read her thoughts and questions,and answered most of them. Then, he had confided what was, obviously, veryconfidential information. This time, her thoughts were not colored by awe oramazement. Instead, they were thoughts of admiration and respect.

AI cannot thank you enough for your help,@ she said, sincerely, her eyes lookingdeeply into his. AI realize what I now know about Galactic Zones and its Agent=s, andabout Radon, is highly confidential. I also realize, you must have one of the highestsecurity clearances to be so well informed. But why, Hatonn, did you breech thatsecurity and reveal the information to me?@

Hatonn lifted his eyes from hers and momentarily gazed off into the surroundingtrees where the shadows were deepening. He seemed to be listening to some unheardsound. Then, a smile appeared and his gaze returned to hers.

AWhy, Inuai?@ he said, responding

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