Taking out the bolt hurt much more than it had going in. Jason cursed the pain as Krannon put on a dressing, and admired the singleness of purpose of the people who had shot him. They had risked his life to make his escape look real. And also risked the chance that he might turn against them after being shot. They did a job completely and thoroughly and he cursed them for their efficiency.

Krannon climbed warily out of the truck, after Jason was bandage Finishing the loading quickly, he started the train of trailers back t ward the city. Jason had an anti-pain shot and dozed off as soon as they started.

While he slept, Krannon must have radioed ahead, because Kerk was waiting when they arrived. As soon as the truck entered the perimeter he threw open the door and dragged Jason out. The bandage pulled and Jason felt the wound tear open. He ground his teeth together; Kerk would not have the satisfaction of hearing him cry out.

“I told you to stay in the buildings until the ship left. Why did you leave? Why did you go outside? You talked to the grubbers-didn’t you? With each question he shook Jason again.

“I didn’t talk to-anyone.” Jason managed to get the words out. “They tried to take me, I shot two-hid out until the trucks came back.”

“Got another one then,” Krannon said. “I saw it. Good shooting. Think I got some too. Let him go, Kerk, they shot him in the back before he could reach the truck.”

That’s enough explanations, Jason thought to himself. Don’t overt it. Let him make up his mind later. Now’s the time to change the subject. There’s one thing that will get his mind off the grubbers.

“I’ve been fighting your war for you, Kerk, while you stayed safe inside the perimeter.” Jason leaned back against the side of the truck the other loosened his grip. “I’ve found out what your battle with this planet is really about-and how you can win it. Now let me sit down and I’ll tell you.”

More Pyrrans had come up while they talked. None of them moving now. Like Kerk, they stood frozen, looking at Jason.

When Kerk meant he spoke for all of them.

“What do you mean?”