Her life has been too tame. She must learn how far holy violence can extend. You, too, need this reminder.

Thomas thought about a sheltered young woman from the shipside life being exposed suddenly to the crucifixion. It angered him and he let that anger appear in his voice.

“You’re interfering, aren’t You!”

This is My universe, too, Devil. Never forget that.

“Why did you do that?”

Prelude to other data. Panille has recognized the trap you set for him and avoided it. Waela failed.

Thomas knew he could not conceal his elation and did not try. But a question remained: “Is Panille Your pawn?”

Are you My pawn?

Thomas felt a tight band across his chest. Nothing worked the way he expected. Presently, he found his voice.

“How did he recognize the trap?”

By being open to his peril.

“What does that mean?”

You are not open, as My Devil should be.

“And You told me You wouldn’t interfere with the roll of the dice!”

I never said I would not interfere; I said there would be no outside interference.

Thomas thought about that while he fought to overcome a deep sense of frustration. It was too much and he spoke his feelings: “You’re in the game: You can do anything You want and You don’t call that . . .”

You, too, can do anything you want.

This froze him. What powers had Ship imparted to him? He did not feel powerful. He felt helpless before Ship’s omnipresence. And this business of Hali Ekel and the Jesus incident! What did it mean?

Once more, Ship intruded: Devil, I tell you that some things take their own course only if you fail to detect that course. Waela really feels a powerful attraction toward young Panille.

Young Panille!

Thomas spoke past an emptiness in his breast: “Why do You torture me?”

You torture yourself.

“So You say!”

When will you awaken? There was no mistaking Ship’s frustrated emphasis.

Thomas found that he did not fear this. He was much too tired and there was no more reason for him to stay here in the sub. Oakes had approved the venture. They would go out on schedule—Waela and Panille with him.

“Ship, I’ll awaken early tomorrow and take out this LTA and its sub.”

Would that this were true.

“You intend to stop me?” Thomas found himself oddly delighted at the prospect of Ship interfering in this particular way.

Stop you? No. The play must run its course apparently.

Was that sadness in Ship’s projection? Thomas could not be certain. He sat back. There was a stabbing ache between his shoulder blades. He closed his eyes, sent his fatigue and frustrations out in thought.

“Ship, I know I can’t hide anything from You. And You know why I’m going out to the sea tomorrow.”

Yes, I know even what you hide from yourself.

“Are You my psychiatrist now?”