It was a short dash to the side of the raft. Kitten felt two massive hands envelop her wrists. Suddenly she was standing on the ramp alongside the Captain. A second later Porsupah, then Philip, appeared.

“What about the guard?” Philip asked.

Mal was opening the lock. “Under the pier, in a clump of bushes. He shouldn’t be spotted. Still, he might be required to report in on who knows what schedule? We’d better move.” He noticed the young man’s gaze still on him. “No, I didn’t kill him.”

The door swung back to reveal bright light and the muzzle of a small gun. It was wielded, fortunately, by a familiar small man.

“You gave me a start, Captain,” said First Mate Takaharu. “I wish you’d apprise me in advance of these middle-of-the-night parties.”

Mal moved past him to the center control console. He flipped switches, began warming the drive fans as gradually and quietly as possible. “Wasn’t practical this time, either, Maijib. Neighbors would have resented not being invited. Lieutenants Kitten Kai-sung and Porsupah, Philip—my First Mate, Maijib Takaharu. You should all exchange greetings later, but just now let’s get the shining hell out of here . . . .” He gunned the engines all at once, throwing everyone for the nearest support.

The raft backed at high speed into the water, sending a shower of spray across the inlet. Gears whining in protest, the little craft spun 360°. Skimming the surface at 200 kph, it kicked up a wall of faintly phosphorescent spray as it shot out of the harbor. A few night-prowling mud-ducks saw it go.

“I don’t recall sending for you, technician.”

The man in the blue serge uniform was obviously badly frightened. Also out of breath. “Your pardon, Lord. The two suspected Church agents and the freighter Captain you ordered held with them have disappeared.”

Two birds sang in a cage to one side of the room. Rose turned and stared at them. One was bright blue, slightly milky like chalcedony. The other was a mottled yellow. He watched them for a while before pivoting back to face the tech.

“They’ve left the island.” It was not a question.

“It must be so, Lord. The hoveraft the freighter Captain arrived in is missing from its landing. The guard assigned to watch was found under the piering nearby. He was paralyzed, but the meditech believes he will recover.”

“How awkward all around,” Rose replied evenly. He had given no evidence of upset, evinced no loss of control. He was too old for that now. “Is it known how this was done?”