Arturo was working for me, he said, clearly relishing her look of shock. He got well paid for it, too.

Megan stared at him, refusing to accept this betrayal. Thats impossible.

Money talks, Megan. Kazim gave you that device on my orders. He told you it would allow you to pass safely through Avilons security cordon, but in reality it was programmed to hack the security systems in such a way that I myself, rather than Avilons civil authorities, would be informed of your arrival.

She stared up at him, feeling sick.

I know all about how you built up a nice little business acting as a go-between for men like Kazim and their counterparts on Morgans World and Al-Jahar, Sifra continued. I know just how long youve been planning to come and rescue Bash here ever since Kazim told you, on my orders, that he was still alive.

The sick feeling intensified, and she swallowed sour phlegm. She recalled the time Arturo had perhaps, in retrospect, a little too casually mentioned Sifras name in connection with the sans de sezi trade on Avilon. She had badgered him for more information, and found out that Sifra had established himself as a major drugs importer for that tiny worlds rich and jaded inhabitants.

What hurt most, however, was that although Arturo Kazim had not precisely been a friend, she had at least allowed herself to trust him, even so far as to rely on his aid in finding a means of landing undetected on Avilon.

All this, she said, just to lure me here? But why? For revenge?

Frankly, that would be the preferred option, said Sifra. But no.

Then . . . what possible purpose is there to all this?

That, Megan, is something you will find out before too long, he replied. Instead, Im going to give you a chance to repay your debts to the Three Star Alliance, to General Schelling and to Gregor Tarrant.

Gregor Tarrant. Even the mention of the name made her skin crawl. Where is he? she demanded. Is he here?

Never you mind where he is, he said. First, I want you to answer some questions. Kazim informed me that youve been raising funds to acquire your own ship, and that youve been making enquiries about buying goods and equipment for a very long journey. Where were you planning to fly to, Megan? And what does Bash have to do with it?

She stiffened. Bash deserves to be cared for by anyone but the likes of you. And my own ship means I can be independent. There are plenty of colonies that desperately need machine-head pilots.

I dont believe you, he said.

Why?