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half-centimeter gradients. Lanzecki had asked her a question. Would Optheria be far enough? The words, remembered in his deep voice, sprang to mind. She grinned with tremendous relief at retrieving that question and turned to the viewscreen to punch up his code. Killa? Lanzeckis hands were poised over his own terminal, surprise manifested by his raised eyebrows. You havent used the catering unit. He frowned. Oh, programmed to monitor that, did you? she replied with a genuine smile at that reminder of their amorous alliance before her first trip into the Ranges. On her return from the Trundomoux System, they had had only a few days together before Lanzecki was swamped with work and she had to venture back into the Ranges. Since then, she had returned to the Complex only to replenish supplies or wait out a storm. Their reunions had consequently been brief. It was reassuring to realize that he wished to know when she was back. It seemed the ideal way to make contact. After thirty-two hours in a tank, you should be ravenous. Ill just join you, if I may When she nodded assent, he typed a quick message on his console and pushed his chair back, smiling up at her. Im hungry, too. As further reassurance of her unimpaired memory. Killashandra had no trouble remembering Lanzeckis tastes. She grinned as she ordered Yarran beer. Though her stomach gurgled impatiently, shed had no desire for food in so long that she was as glad to be guided by Lanzeckis preferences. She was just slipping a brilliantly striped robe over her head when her door chimed an entry request. Enter! she called. On the same voice cue, the catering slot disgorged her order. The aroma of the dishes aroused her already voracious appetite. She wasted no time in taking the steaming platters from the dispenser, grinning a welcome at Lanzecki as he joined her. The Commissary has asked me to relay a few well-chosen words of complaint about the sudden fad for Yarran beer, he said, taking the pitcher and the beakers to the table. He seated himself before filling the two glasses. To your restoration! Lanzecki lifted his glass in toast, his expression obliquely chiding her for that necessity. Antonas already scolded me, but I had to cut enough marketable crystal to get off-planet this time. Youve certainly succeeded with that white. Dont I remember you saying something about Optheria just as I passed out? Lanzecki hp 727 digital camera $159.99 took a swallow of the Yarran beer before he replied. Quite likely. He served himself a generous helping of fried Malva beans. Dont the Optherians utilize white crystal in that multi-sense organ of theirs? They do. So Lanzecki chose to be uncommunicative. Well, she could be persistent. Enthor said that an entire manual was fractured. Lanzecki nodded. She continued. And you did ask me would Optheria be far enough? I did? You know you did. Killashandra hung on to her patience. You never forget anything. And the impression I got from your cryptic comment was that someone, and the inference was me she pressed her thumb into her chest would have to go there. Am I correct? He regarded her steadily, his expression unreadable. Not long ago you gave me to understand that you would not undertake another off-world assignment That was before Id been stuck on this fardling planet She noticed the wicked gleam in his eyes. So, Im right. A crystal singer does have to make the installation! It was a shocking incident, Lanzecki said diffidently as he served himself more Malva beans. The performer who damaged the organ was killed by the flying shards. He was also the only person on the planet who could handle such a major repair. As is so often the case with such sensitive and expensive equipment, it is a matter of planetary urgency to repair the instrument. Its the largest on the planet and is essential to the observances of Optherias prestigious Summer Festival. We are contracted to supply technicians as well as crystal. He paused for a mouthful of the crisp white beans. He was definitely baiting her, Killashandra knew. She held her tongue. While the list of those qualified does include your name The catch cant be the crystal this time, she said as he purposefully let his sentence dangle unfinished. She watched his face for any reaction. White crystals active, reflecting sound Among other things, Lanzecki added when she paused. If it isnt the crystal, whats the matter with the Optherians, then? My dear Killashandra, the assignment has not yet been awarded. Awarded? I like the sound of that. Or do I? I wouldnt put it past you,