“ ‘Ple astwin nirer, hyl.’ Quite contrary, taking in certain cogent points.” She explained the situation.

“I’ve linked up as you suggested,” came Rose’s voice clearly. The multiple hookup was crude, but would serve. “Tridee also. No tricks, now.”

“You know who I am?” asked Orvenalix.

“My guardian angel? How could I help but know you, Major? You’ve cost me a lot, in the past.”

“Would that it were more. I shall concur with the Lieutenant’s recommendations in all respects.”

“Swear by your hive-mother, the Queen, and your larval corridor.”

“Done,” said Orvenalix, after rattling off a long string of ancient thranx no one could understand. They apparently satisfied Rose, however.

Orvenalix betrayed none of the fury he must have felt. Restraining emotions as strong as that would drive many humans mad. Such emotional control was accepted matter-of-factly among the thranx.

“For all, uh, past discrepancies as well?”

“All that I have jurisdiction over. You’ll have to take your chances on other worlds. I have only so much authority. You’re stretching it now. Turn over the drug.”

There was a long pause during which the only sound from Rose’s end was that of the wind eddying across the pickup.

A sigh. “Oh, well, all right. It was a long-shot idea anyway. I think I was over-rationalizing for a while, there.”

“He’s slowing!” Kitten shouted, switching her gaze from the raft ‘tector to the port.

“You, honestly think that bloodhype will have any effect on that monster?” asked Mal.

She looked past him, at a spot on the far wall. “Maybe not. But I don’t think anything else will either, except maybe what Peot can do. If that fails, you know the alternative. The drug has to be tried.”

Rose slid over into the lee of one of the innumerable tiny islets that speckled Repler. They were so close to the city the towers of the central business district could be seen clearly.

“Have the case ready,” instructed Mal over the comm. “And no tricks yourself. I’d as lief break your neck as make money.”

“Impressive warning! Tricks, from me? Insults! I’m now an honest man, absolved of past sin. Didn’t you hear? As clear of conscience and . . .”

“Pious, isn’t he? Enjoys rubbing it in.”

“Ready to convert, no doubt,” said Kitten. “The man leaves a sour taste. To let him go free like this—that damn drug!”

“I’ll try not to do anything crazy, like busting him one. Remember: Phrases of Import and Salvation, The Book, Chapter IX: ‘To be angered by evil is to partake of it . . . stupid.’ ”

“You’re a student?”

“I’ve read some of The Book. Who hasn’t?”

They pulled alongside the waveskimmer. It rocked gently in the slight swell, engines idling. Mal could see Rose strapped into the pilot’s seat on the high foredeck. Kitten cut their own engines and he glanced back at her. “Want to do the honors?”