“The Overlord? You've talked about freedom? Does that mean that he's on our side?”

“It was he who gave me the Dream program. But it's not as simple as that. On our side? I don't know enough about him to be sure. I think so, but he is a confusing man. I only began to know him a year ago. Does that shock you?”

“No. On Ark Three the children are brought up in nurseries. Their parents are no more important than anyone else. The Web is our family, and loving and caring is shared among all. At least ... “

“Doesn't it work out that way?”

“With most people. But I was awkward and difficult and I didn't fit into the mould. I used to dream about having a mother and father who loved me because I was me, not because I was a 'valuable addition to the Web'.”

''I was brought up in a proper family unit.” Tomi made a face. “The noble house of Bentt. Grandparents, parents, me. The one son, born to succeed.”

“You just said you didn't know your father?”

“Nor did I. You can live in the same apartment as a person and never know him. Especially a person like my father.”

''I hope I never have to meet him.” Ruth shivered.

“Of course you must. We have to talk to him about the computer. Perhaps try again ... “

“But won't he have me put in prison with the others?”

“Of course not. I don't think ... “Tomi's voice trailed off, uncertain.

“Tomi, it's too much of a risk. If I'm caught I can't help my friends.”

“But the computer is the heart of the matter. If I help you free your friends, will you talk to my father.”

“All right. I do have an idea, just the glimmering of one. But to make it work we have to have Luke and the others. But especially Luke.”

“All right. I promise I'll help. Now I'll go and talk to my father and work out a plan for freeing your friends. Wait here and don't open the door to anyone. Is that clear?”

She nodded as he slipped quietly out of the room. Only when the door had shut behind him did Ruth remember that she hadn't thought to ask him for something to eat and drink. She began to wander around the vast room, trying hard not to think of just how hungry and thirsty she was, nor of what the Overlord might say and do when he found out that yet another stranger was wandering around his city.

She looked at rip saws and fine steel needles, at the makings of a forge and of an operating theatre, at refrigerated units stacked with wheat and vegetable seeds. In this room was the source of the plough and the hoe, the green rows of growing things of her dreams. She had come full circle.