"Because it's used to kill." Rauc looked into her eyes, searching for understanding. "So many human lives have been Broken that the Wheel, the very shape of it, has become something human in itself. Or more than human. Do you see? By keeping the Wheel close by us we are staying close to the noblest, bravest part of us."

Rauc's speech was intense and earnest. Dura thumbed the little Wheel doubtfully. The cult must be quite widespread. After all, Toba Mixxax was an adherent... a ceiling-farm owner. Widespread through the Star, then, and through society itself.

If these Wheel cultists ever found a leader, they could be formidable opponents for the mysterious Committee which ran the City.

Rauc looked tired. "Come on. Let's find Leeh, and get you started."

Side by side the two women Waved through the orderly Air of the farm, the golden stalks of wheat suspended above them.

—

Farr was dimly aware of the other workers pulling away from him, sly looks conveying their pleasure at his discomfiture. Chunks of Crust-tree rolled past on their conveyor belt, ignored.

There was a growl. "No." Bzya, Farr realized, hovering close behind him.

Hosch's bony head swiveled at Bzya, eyecups deep and empty. "You're questioning me, Fisherman?"

"This one's too young," Bzya said, laying a huge hand on Farr's shoulder. Farr, unwilling to lead his friend into trouble, tried to shrug the hand away.

"But he was recruited for this." A muscle in the supervisor's cheek was twitching. "He's small and light, but he's got that upfluxer strength. And we're short of able-bodied..."

"He's got no skills. No experience. And we've taken a lot of losses recently, Hosch. It's too much of a risk."

Hosch's cheek muscle seemed to have a life of its own. When he replied, it was in a sudden scream. "I'm not asking your advice, you Xeelee-lover! And if you're so concerned for this Piglet-turd you can come down as well. Got that? Got that?"

Farr dropped his head. Of course, Hosch wasn't being logical. If he — Farr — was being taken down because of his size, then surely Bzya shouldn't be...

Bzya simply nodded, apparently unmoved by Hosch's anger or by his own sudden assignment to peril. "Who's the third?"

"I am." Hosch's rage still showed in the pulsing of muscles in his face, in the quivering of his eyecup rims. "I am. Now get moving, you Pig-lovers, and maybe we've got a chance to get down there before the Quantum Sea congeals..."

Farr and Bzya followed Hosch out of the hopper chamber. Hosch's continued abuse passed unheard through Farr's head, and he could only remember what Bzya had told him about Hosch and responsibility.

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