“With your friends inside it?”

“The Democracy will stop at nothing to find Santiago,” replied Silent Annie. “These were loyal men, but they would have talked. If torture didn’t work, there are drugs that would have.”

“So much for loyalty,” said Cain dryly.

“He’s not a god and he’s not a saint,” she said. “He’s just a man, and he’s fighting against the most powerful political and military machine in the galaxy. Our people know what might befall them when they go out on a mission.”

Cain made no comment.

“Secrecy is our only weapon,” she continued. “It must be preserved at all costs.” She paused, searching for the words to drive home her point. “How do you think he’s kept his identity and his whereabouts hidden all these years?” she said at last. “We return from our missions, or we die—but we do not allow ourselves to be taken prisoner.”

“Then what happened to your men on Pico Two?”

“They were taken by surprise, before they could destroy themselves.” She stared at him levelly. “You look disapproving, Mr. Cain. I should think that you of all people would know that revolution is not a gentleman’s sport and is not played by gentleman’s rules.”

“True enough,” he said after some consideration. “I just don’t like the thought of killing one’s own people.”

“I hope you don’t think he does,” replied Silent Annie. “This is a grim business. There’s nothing romantic about harassing an overwhelming power with no hope of winning.”

“If he knows he can’t win, why does he do it?”

“To avoid losing.”

“That sounds profound, but it doesn’t make a hell of a lot of sense,” said Cain.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to expand upon it for you.”

“When?”

“Soon,” she replied, deactivating the computer and heading back toward the vehicle. “Come along, Mr. Cain.”

He fell into step behind her, and a moment later they were once again driving through the humid night air on a single-lane country road.

“Was he born on Safe Harbor?” asked Cain after a momentary silence.

“No.”

“How long has he been here?”

“Safe Harbor has been his headquarters for about fifteen years now, though he spends about half his time off-planet.”

“Have I ever seen him?” he asked, curious.

“I really couldn’t say,” she replied. “It’s possible.” She smiled. “Black Orpheus has, though he doesn’t know it.”

“There are a lot of things that damned folksinger doesn’t know,” said Cain.

“You’re a very disapproving man, Mr. Cain,” said Silent Annie. “Your life must have been filled with disappointments.”

“No more than most,” he answered. Then he smiled wryly. “On the other hand, there has been a noticeable lack of triumphs.”

“Let’s have no false modesty. You’re a very successful bounty hunter.”