“I’d like to make an unusual request. Something the Hexamon might disapprove of. I can’t explain all my reasons now…But I think you’ll have major problems opening a test link with the Way.”

“My old friend, I’m expecting problems.”

“Not like this. I’ve been researching, collecting everything that we know about Jarts. I think I’ve found a way to prevent even greater problems when we complete the reopening. It may even help with the test. I’m asking you to send a message down the Way through the test link.”

“A message to the Jarts?”

Olmy nodded.

“What sort of message?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

Korzenowski grimaced. “Trust has its limits, Olmy.”

“It’s necessary; it might save us all from a hideous battle.”

“What did you learn that could save us all?”

Olmy shook his head.

“I can’t do something so unusual with so little explanation.”

“Have I ever asked anything of you before?”

“No.”

“This may be primitive, and uncalled for, Konrad…but you owe me a favor.”

“Very primitive,” Korzenowski agreed. For a moment, he had a strong urge to call security. The urge passed, but it added to his sense of unease.

“You must trust me that this is very important, and that I cannot explain now.”

Korzenowski regarded the man who had saved his life and arranged for his resurrection. “You have unique privileges in this community,” he said. “But as you said, you’ve never taken advantage of them before…or taken advantage of me. What sort of message is it?”

Olmy gave him a memory block. “It’s recorded here, in a code the Jarts might understand.”

“A message directly to the Jarts?” Korzenowski could not conceive of a way in which Olmy might turn traitor; still, the idea shocked him. “A warning?”

“Think of it as an overture for peace.”

“You’re playing at diplomacy with the worst enemies we’ve ever faced? Does the president or the head of Thistledown Defense know about this?”

Olmy shook his head, obviously unwilling to say more.

“I ask you just one thing. Will this jeopardize the reopening?”

“Solemn oaths are old-fashioned, too. I give you my solemn oath that this will not jeopardize the re-opening. It may ensure its success.”

Korzenowski accepted the memory block, wondering if there were some quick way he could come to understand its contents. Knowing Olmy, probably not. “I’ll transmit it through the link on one condition…That you explain to me, very soon, what you are up to. What has really happened to you.”

Olmy nodded.

“Where can I contact you?” Korzenowski said.

“I’ll be at the opening of the test link,” Olmy said. “Farren Siliom has invited me.”

“The neo-Geshel observers want to keep watch on all of us. I’d just as soon not have an audience.”

“Difficult times for all of us,” Olmy said.