"We guarantee the safety of all," Toller said. "Except those who go with you, Ser Olmy."

"Ser Ram Kikura is their advocate. She will accompany these three, wherever you take theme—and watch out for them," Olmy instructed.

Mechanical workers emerged from the craft and rolled or floated to surround Farley, Carrolson and Heineman. "Garry," Farley said, her voice strained.

"They will not be harmed," Olmy reiterated. "This is not that kind of struggle."

"The Thistledown is being cleared at this moment," Toller said, hoping to arouse more defiance. "Corprep Rosen Gardner is in charge of a campaign to evacuate the asteroid."

Olmy nodded as if that were obvious.

"What will you do with Vasquez and Lanier?" Toller asked.

"Please take the others now," Olmy said. "They are your responsibility."

"This is intolerable. When word gets down the Way, gates will be closed, lanes cleared—"

"That's what the Geshels planned anyway, isn't it? To expedite clearing the Way of Jarts. That's the decision the conference was about to reach, at the suggestion of the President, or am I wrong?"

Toller glanced nervously at the secondary gate opener. "You are cooperating with this. . . secessionist?"

Yates merely smiled, removed his torque from the tool-kit, and picted a symbol of Earth wrapped in a circular string of DNA.

Shaking his head, the advocate gestured to the workers, who guided Farley, Carrolson and Heineman toward the waiting craft. Carrolson was livid with anger. "Are we just going to go along with this?" she cried.

"I don't think we have any choice," Heineman said, his expression long and solemn. "There goes Patricia's birthday party. Watch your step, Garry."

Farley looked over her shoulder at Lanier, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Garry?" she called back.

"You sons of bitches," Lanier said to Olmy and Toller. "Patricia was right. We're nothing but pawns."

"Don't underestimate yourselves," Toller said. He returned to the craft with the gate district representatives in his train. The diplomatic Frant stayed behind. The craft took flight again, heading toward the gate reception area.

"My apologies for your distress," Olmy said. "Now. We must proceed to one point three ex nine immediately. Things are happening much sooner than expected."

Wu Gi Me and Chang i Hsing carried boxes of equipment and papers out of the tent with the help of Berenson's troops, loading them into the back of a truck. A cool breeze descended from the southern cap, stirring the tent fabric. Except for their heavy breathing and footsteps, and occasional guttural exclamations from Berenson, the evacuation was conducted in silence.