"Kelly! Pull up!" Todd yelled angrily.

She bent low in the saddle and urged Calypso later.

Todd had half a mind to pull up right then and there. He hadn't meant to insult her. Didn't she know him well enough by now to know he liked her? Why, she was as moody as a Hrruban female in estrus.

In shocked surprise, Todd almost pulled up Fargo as he suddenly understood what he'd been too self-involved, first in the Hunt and then in clearing his name, to recognize. Hisheart seemed to expand in a peculiarly painful but marvelous way. . . as it had when he had embraced Hrriss on the bridge . . . but not quite the same way.

Stunned by the intensity of his feelings for Kelly, he clapped his heels into Fargo's sides and sped after his girl.

For Kelly was, and she had proved her love for him over and over again, only he'd been dense as two planks not to realize that his former friend and willing cohort had turned into a lovely girl, who could wear frilly wide skirts imported specially from Earth to look her best at the Hunt dance. For stupid him! why she bothered with such a lunkhead he couldn't understand, but he had to catch up with her and see if he couldn't set matters straight between them.

A girl who had ridden between his home and Hrriss's doing her best to say to each what they weren't permitted to say to each other. And she had even gone to the extreme of dyeing her gorgeous red hair, risked her safety on Earth's slideways and sleazy Aisles, bearded inspectors with purloined documentation and. . . And he hadn't the sense to realize what any Hrruban male would have known-that Kelly wanted him just as much as Nrrna wanted Hrriss.

Now he exercised his wits and saw the turn off the main road that would give him the jump on their head start.

He drove the bay up the hill and down, hauling him to a dead stop across the narrow trail. Calypso was travelling at such a speed that she did a stifflegged stop to avoid crashing into Fargo. Kelly, who'd been looking over her shoulder, came tumbling out of the saddle, right into Todd's arms. He caught her before she could slide out of his grasp and pulled her sideways across the low pommel.

"Gotcha! Fair and square,' he said, grinning because it had been a close thing. But he hadn't been about to let Kelly go now he realized how much she meant to him. And before she could say or do anything to put him off his intended action, he kissed her hard.

The shock that coursed through his body at the touch of their lips was totally unexpected. Briefly he held her off so he could see her face, see if she could possibly be feeling the same way he did about that kiss. But her eyes were closed and there was an incredibly dreamy look about her face. So he gathered her to him more tenderly and found that their second kiss was even sweeter than the first and so he didn't break it off in any hurry at all.

Especially when he felt her arms clasping him, one around his ribs and the other pressing at the nape of his neck so he couldn't have released her even if he'd wanted to.

The feel of Kelly in his arms was something magical. Much better than dancing with her had been, so he pressed her as close to him as he could.

Until he felt Fargo-who was not up to the weight of the pair of them-buckle a bit on the forehand.

"Robin'll kill us if we lame Fargo,' she murmured. "But Calypso could carry us both a long time."

"I think we'll rest both horses after that mad race,' he said, managing to dismount with her still in his arms. Then he clipped an arm under her knees and carried her to the nearest clear patch of grass. "I love you, Kelly Solinari. Will you forgive me for being dumb blind stupid iggerant not to realize how precious you are to me?"

"I might, but it could take a long time-like forever,' she replied in a lilting voice.

Sometime later, Fargo decided that he'd make his way back to his stable. Calypso had better manners. She wouldn't leave her rider and grazed contentedly until she was needed again.

CHAPTER 9

THE NE)Cr MORNING, THE TWO YOUNG couples composed a carefully worded message to Dalkey, containing instructions on where to hide the information he wanted to send. They posted it signed with Kelly's key-code. Couched in the chatty phrases about their years together in college was the fact that several pallets of medical supplies were being transported to Doona in two days. Dalkey swiftly responded with an ardent note, the tone of which made Todd frown and Kelly blush.

"But it sounds genuine, Toddy,' Kelly said soothingly. Then she giggled. "You're here and he's parsecs away. Don't be silly.

Besides, he does say that he understands the instructions and I get the impression that he accessed more data than he originally promised." Todd apologized for acting silly, but the truth was, they were all nervous. Something could delay the shipment, or Dalkey might be seen where he had no reasonable explanation to be. Both Nrrna and Kelly arranged to be on hand to receive the supplies. This time Nrrna did not wear any scent.

The grid operator flinched when he recognized Nrrna appearing on the platform from First Village.

He still found her attractive, though not as strongly, and especially not when she was accompanied by a Hayuman female. He only hoped that the Treaty Controller was not expecting another shipment, but a quick glance at the manifest told him he didn't need to worry about that tonight.

Kelly was relieved that the operator seemed too busy to chat them up. She and Nrrna managed a desultory conversation while they waited, but they were so keyed up they'd forget what the other had just said.

Kelly kept imagining problems: what if the envelope didn't come or got torn loose in the transfer? what if Dalkey got caught? They needed to have genuine, hard documentation. Well, maybe if Dalkey didn't come through for them, they might have some luck with the documents that the Treaty Controller had personally awaited. Anything that pleased an associate of Third Speaker was likely to be bad for Doona.

when the suspense became so great that Kelly was prepared to dive right through the pillars and drag the shipment up from Earth, the air thickened over the gridwork and the pallets materialized. She and Nrrna let out sighs of relief.

"Will you check it now so I may clear the grid?" the operator asked.

"That's why we're here,' she said, handing a sheaf of papers from her clipboard to Kelly and peremptorily gesturing her to go to the back of the grid.

They'd planned this so Kelly would be screened from the operator and could feel under the pallet for the envelope. Then she thought of a better stratagem than blind groping.

She let her clipboard drop. "Ooops,' she said gaily, and, in attempting to pick it up, kicked it under the pallet. "Wouldn't you know?" she said with cheerful self-disgust. She got down, peering under the shipment, trying to see Dalkey's envelope. He'd been instructed to use a gray one which wouldn't be so readily visible to anyone casually glancing under the plastic pallet. She shook her wrist so the small torch would fall out of her sleeve where she'd hidden it, and played its dim beam around, but she saw absolutely nothing, not even cobwebs.

"Does your friend need help rising?" the operator asked rather irritably.

"Probably,' Nrrna said in intimate pitch, trying tc stall. "Her balance is very poor. Hayumans have weak inner ears."

"I had noticed that their ears are abnormall small,' he said, and came round to help Kelly to hei feet. She feigned momentary weakness before she met Nrrna's eyes over the boxes and gave a shake to her head.

"Thank you, sir,' she said to the operator reaching out suddenly to grab his arm, swaying ira fashion that alarmed him. "My balance is none toc good. That had given Nrrna sufficient time to lool underneath on her side. But she shook her head too.

"Is this all we're supposed to get today?" Nrrna asked, checking over the number of boxes on her board. "I am missing several cartons." He leaned over to examine her list. "No, you do not have all. Those sizes have to be broken down into two shipments. Second lot will come through in'-he paused to check his own schedule-'two hours. A shipment of ore from one of the mining worlds is due in next. Come back. "Very well,' Nuna said, masking her relief in a cool response, "I will accompany this lot to the Health Center.- Will you stay on the island and wait for the rest?" she asked Kelly.

"Oh, I don't mind. I've got a few things I can do while I wait.

See you in the village." Kelly threw a good-luck gesture to Nrrna.

Once the characteristic mist rose around the crates and Nrrna, whisking them from sight, Kelly left the reception area. As she departed, she heard the operator's audible sigh of relief.

She'd been to the Treaty Island often enough to know the general layout, which was another reason why she had the best chance of accomplishing her second, and possibly more important, errand. But she stopped for a long moment to reread the inaugural plaque outside the main administration building.

"This Treaty Center was constructed in the fourth year of the Colony by the people of Hrruba, Earth, and DoonaiRrala in the spirit of cooperation represented by the Treaty of I)oona. Kelly felt a tingle of pride and renewed determination that the colony world, the turning point ii the histories of both civilizations, would no become a future battleground. She knew where thi Councillors' quarters were but she didn't want t( blunder into the Controller's rooms if he wa: present.

From the look of so many lights in the lov Administration Building, there might be late meetings that would solve that problem.

She strode right up to the information desi where two Humans and a Hrruban, wearing officia guide badges, were drinking malak.

"I've a message for the Treaty Controller,' sh( said brightly, addressing all three.

One of the Humans peered at a list on the desk "He should still be in the Council chamber. They'vt got an all-day session. Back the way you came an( around the corner to the right at the T-junction."

"Oh!

But I was told to take it to him at hi.

personal quarters, sir." The guide exchanged a glance with the other two "Well, they'd be due for a break soon." He pointe( out the glass door facing the desk. "Across th( courtyard there, and along the garden walk. Trea Controller's apartment is the last on the right."

"Thank you so much,' Kelly said, and followec the directions, swinging her arms and striding off a if she hadn't a care in the world.

Several blocks on the left of the Administrator Building housed visitors to the island, mosfl researchers there to consult the ever-increasin Archives. To the right were the residences assigne( to members of the Treaty Council. Each species Hayuman and Hrruban, sent three delegates to the Council. Of those three, one was chosen from the species' homeworld, one from DoonaiRrala, and the third could be from either of those or from a colony world. The seventh member, the Treaty Controller, was nominated every three years in turn from the Hayuman or Hrruban side. Most frequently the Councillors were justiciars by profession.

The seven apartments were actually small detached houses abutting the formal garden and maintained by Treaty staff. Kelly followed the row to the end and found the modest home of the Treaty Controller.

Swallowing her nervousness, she slipped through the gate and approached the door, which was shaded by a stand of fringed palms. It wasn't just the tropical sun that was making Kelly sweat. She had no idea what excuse she could give if the Controller should find her here.

Following the spirit of openness and trust fostered on Doona, nothing was locked. Doors had fastenings and fences with strong latches to keep animals from wandering in or out. Irreplaceables and valuables were locked up safely out of sight, but few residences on Treaty Island were ever secured. She hoped the Treaty Controller, not known for his acceptance of Doonan traditions, followed the local custom.

The door opened without resistance.

"Sir?" she called out tentatively. There was no answer, and indeed, as she stepped inside, the apartment had the silence of an uninhabited space.

Gently she pushed the door almost shut. She ought to hear footsteps on the shell-lined walk.

The Treaty Controller lived in style. The fine green carpet was deep and soft, and took footprints all too easily. Her sandals made smaller impressions in it than slender Hrruban feet would. Would the nap spring up to erase her inward path? Or would he notice? His furnishings were lavishly decorated and suited to Hrruban anatomy. Not a single Hayuman-style chair or stool. The walls were hung with warmly colored Hrruban tapestries. All manner of Rralan-made crafts were displayed in wall niches and on small stone-topped pedestals1

presents from Hrruban villages on the planet.

Grudgingly she admitted that the old torn had gooc taste, but the furnishings also afforded numewu hiding places for the document box she sought.

As the tapestries were stened to the wall fron rods on a picture rail, she could look beneath then and tap the bright orange-dyed rla wall for hollov places. She found nothing and was examining the walls in the sleeping chamber when she heard thi front door swing open and bounce against it hinges.

She froze and listened, hearing with great relie the sighing of a breeze. She tiptoed back to thi door and peered around the corner, trying to keel out of sight. Someone stared right at her. Shocke' and still in a half-crouch, Kelly stared back. But i wasn't the Treaty Controller. It was a small, coffee skinned Hayuman with gray hair twisted into coronet on her head. A Councillor's robe was slung casually over one arm.

"who - . who are you?" Kelly asked meekly.

"I was going to ask you the very same question1

girl,' the woman replied in a stern voice. "I thought the wind had blown the door open but I see he has a snooper going through his possessions. A thief on Treaty Island itself! Disgraceful! Give me your name this instant and your business here."

"Please, Madam Dupuis,' for Kelly recognized her, "I'm not stealing anything. I'm Kelly Solinari of First Hayuman Village and I'm trying to help Todd Reeve." "In the Controller's bedroom?" Madam Dupuis's eyebrows rose in amused query. "He doesn't like Hayumans, you know.

"Don't I just!" Sensing a sympathetic relaxation of the Councillor's disapproval1 Kelly decided the truth would do her more good than any invention.

So she summarized her illegal return to Earth and approaching Inspector DeVeer for assistance, and how she had overheard mention of a very special document box from Hrruba anxiously awaited the Treaty Controller. "We've got Todd and Hrriss cleared of one charge,' and Madam Dupuis nodded, so Kelly didn't bother to explain other matters of which the Councillor would have more intimate knowledge than she did.

"But it's more than just an attempt to ruin the Treaty, Madam Dupuis.

We think it's a conspiracy between certain Hayuman and Hrruban elements that might lead'-this was the hardest part to say aloud-'might lead to an interspecies war. ." Madam Dupuis's hand went to her throat and her complexion paled noticeably.

"A war that is meant to leave only one species on Doona and only one dominant species in the known galaxy." Madam Dupuis regarded her for a very lon moment with eyes dulled with sorrow.

"I fear you may be right, Kelly Solinari, though] have not had the courage to admit it to myself. i have always known that our current Controller wa one of Third Speaker's nominees, but he has, until recently, been scrupulously fair in his judgment during our negotiations." She bowed her head for long moment, her hand idly stroking her robe. "l have suspected a subtle alteration in his mien.

Yoi don't live for twelve years in close contact will someone, even of another species1 and no notice'-her fingers flickered-'little things.

I'v wondered about his much-vaunted impartiality1 hu then,' and she gave Kelly a rueful grin1 "mine ha been slipping somewhat, too.

With all of my hear I want Doona to remain as it is." Her manne altered abruptly. "It is extraordinary behavior for born and bred Doonan to break and enter, but you can keep it to yourself and can find what yo seek, I shall forget I've seen you."

"You will?" Kelly couldn't believe her escape.

"Hmm,' Madam Dupuis murmured in an abser fashion. "I just came over to shut his door. I ha noticed that the wind must have blown it aja Surprising how strong the breeze can be when th temperature starts to fall at this time of day." Sb started back to the door then turned, hand on the knob. "Have you found what you're looking for?" Kelly shook her head. "I only just got here."

"Then for the sake of us all, find it,' she said in a voice of command. "I'd help you myself because I believe you have seen the true reason behind all this maneuvering.

I've got a boondoggle that I've been waiting to raise before the copies of the Treaty are written up. A Human outpost on Hrruba, similar to the facility Hrringa occupies on Earth. I want to see equal treatment for our species, but it's a sticking point I haven't been able to maneuver that old tomcat past. That should make a good long point to argue. I will make certain that you have an hour to search, but that is all I can hope to extend the argument. His patience isn't infinite.

Will that suffice?"

"It will have to,' Kelly said, her tone expressing her intense gratitude for understanding and assistance.

Just as Madam Dupuis was about to close the door behind her, she added, "If you need a haven, my office is on the first floor above the commissary." Then she closed the door firmly behind her.

The first thing Kelly did was to look about the sleeping quarters for a hiding place for herself. The heavy curtains would do and they gave onto a small shrub-lined yard but the bushes would be nothing for her to scale.

His closets yielded nothing except that the Controller was a fastidious person, for everything was neatly hung and arranged in outfits for lounging, public appearances, and ceremonial receptions.

Nothing among the films and flimsies in his desk looked like official documents or reports. She read Hrruban, High, Low, and Middle, but a quick scan told her there was nothing incriminating in the drawers.

The communications unit was like any other on Doona or Earth, with no place for concealment in, on, or under the console. Brushing her hands on her legs to dry nervous perspiration, she started on the other furnishings.

She was halfway through her hour's dispensation when she found her prize. The document box was hidden underneath the last drawer in the bedroom bureau. The Treaty Controller had sawn out and removed half of the supporting board under the drawer, leaving a large hiding place accessible without turning the heavy chest over. Kelly drew the box out and rested it on her knees.

It was a very ordinary document box, like any other used for conveying official papers back and forth between offices. Kelly had seen, and handled, dozens like it at Alreldep. She hefted it: light, couldn't be much inside. But then she didn't need much, only the right sort of document.

She examined the lock and here the resemblance to ordinary courier boxes ended. It was fitted with a custom lock intended to discourage unauthorized entry. The lock was flat, but a glance inside the keyhole with her tiny torch showed that it was made to accept a key with multiple wards each as narrow as a strand of hair. Box in hand, she looked about the room for something she could use to manipulate the lock. She found a straight pin but it was no use.

She didn't dare try to force the box or break it open and her time was nearly up.

She started to put the box back into its place of concealment, but stopped when she noticed the remains of an official seal on the untied tapes that dangled from the sides of the container. It reminded her of something, and the memory tickled at the back of her mind. She had seen a seal used by the High Council of Speakers of Hrruba.

This one was a lot like it, but not as complex. Using the point of a pin and an old scrap of film she found in a wastebin, she copied down as much of the seal as she could.

Madam Dupuis's gift of an uninterrupted hour was definitely over.

Not daring to try the lock any longer lest she be caught there fiddling with it when the Treaty Controller returned, Kelly put the box away and replaced the drawer.

On her knees, she backed out pr the room, fluffing up the woolly carpet with her hands. At the door, she stopped, and tried to remember if there was anything she had left open or out of place. No, she had been thorough, if unsuccessful.

"There,' she said. "I hope he doesn't check for fingerprints." Striding with as much nonchalance as she could, Kelly made her way to the research quarters where she knew Hrruvula was quartered for the hearings.

Without explaining her presence or her occupation the past hour, she showed him her drawing of the seal. He gave her a startled glance and peered at it closely. when she opened her mouth to explain, he held up his hand, his eyes dark and inscrutable.

"You are not my client, Kelly Solinari, so anything you might wish to impart to me would not be done under the cloak of confidentiality,' he said, still studying the scrap of film. "You have not been here.

We have not talked of anything, especially about a replica of the private insignia of the Third Speaker.

He handed it back to her, gestured politely for her to exit as quickly as she had entered, and turned his back on her.

She left Hrruvula's office at a trot, heading for the transport grid. So that was it! The Treaty Controller was, against all the precepts of his current position, actively collaborating with his sponsor to prevent the renewal of the Treaty! She hoped the evidence Dalkey had found was indeed on the next shipment. There wouldn't be another medical shipment for weeks, and by then Doona might be just a memory. The thought scared her so much she ran all the way back to the grid station.

The grid operator transferred Kelly and the remaining pallet directly to the transport station in First Village. She all but fell off the platform into Todd's waiting arms and let him sustain the embrace to restore her self-confidence. Hrriss watched the salutation with glowing eyes, Nrrna beside him, delicate hands nervously clasped together.

"It's here,' Kelly said excitedly, thrusting the dark gray envelope into their hands. "He came through.

I just love Dalkey. He did it." Todd eagerly opened the packet which contained a sheaf of printouts, folded neatly in half. To the top a note in Dalkey's precise, impersonal handwriting was attached, which Todd read aloud. "None of these account numbers Earth-based.

Good luck.

D." Todd's fingers fumbled as he opened the sheets and glanced quickly through them. "He's done it.

We've got it!" Hrriss hissed softly. "This will take time to decipher,' Hrriss said, reading over Todd's shoulder. "First it must be determined which numeric prefixes pertain to which worlds.

"A lot of money changed hands,' Todd said, and whistled at the size of separate amounts. "I don't think it'll be that hard with so many good minds'he grinned about him-'focused on the job. Look.

The numbers repeat. Some of these accounts have had several deposits. With what we already know, we ought to be able to figure out which worlds are involved. We can start by checking the amounts against what we've got in Klonski's."

"Shouldn't we take this right to Poldep?" Kelly asked.

"Call me paranoid if you want, Kelly, but I want to decipher this for ourselves first before we show it to anyone else."

"Yeah, if they turned out to be legitimate supply payments,' Kelly said with a grimace, "we'd damage our cause. We can't afford to do that! And'-her voice strengthened and her eyes flashed up at him-'you're not paranoid-not any more than you have reason to be." Todd grinned down at her, really enjoying their newfound intimacy. "These could turn out to be quite legitimate remittances to free-lancers on infrequent invoices.

"I think Dalkey would know if that's what they were,' Kelly said, slightly defensive. Dalkey had taken risks to get these to her, and he wasn't stupid.

"But you're right. Let's divvy them up among us so it'll go faster." "All for one and one for all,' Nrrna startled Todd and Kelly by saying. Seeing their surprise, she smiled in pleasure at the effect. "I found that quote in one of your Earth classics." Todd grinned. "I think a more appropriate quote might be "If we don't hang together, we will most assuredly hang separately." Any luck on the other half of Project Infiltrate?" he asked Kelly, his arm still lightly about her shoulders.

Kelly rolled her eyes over that little escapade and then gave her friends a quick summary.

"Madam Dupuis is on our side?" Todd exclaimed when she had finished. "That's a real plus." Then he shook his head. "It's just tough luck that you couldn't get inside the document box, but the seal's incriminating. The Treaty Controller is supposed to be impartial. He certainly shouldn't be receiving documents from Third Speaker. No wonder he collected the shipment himself. Let's get cracking on what we do have.

They quickly determined that what Dalkey had sent was the complete printout of all transactions within the slush fund account for a period of fifteen years, ending two years before the present date.

Once decoded, it might provide the hard documentation they needed.

"Three eight one is the prefix for Zapata Three,' Todd said, referring to the printout that had been presented to the Treaty Council by Landreau. "So shall we assume that this first number is the account opened by "Rikard Baliff"?" He compared the dates with missions he and Hrriss had been on: those which Rogitel had intimated had included nefarious side trips. "Well, whaddya know? Every single transaction date matches with one of our trips, Irrriss. The Hrruban hissed softly between his teeth.

"Someone has most scrupulously kept track of our journeys. But that could be anyone on Rrala. We made no secret of our departures and of our estimated time of return."

"And told their Zapatan contact just when to make lodgments,' Kelly said, seething at the complicity and the way it had been turned against her friends. "Isn't that a second Zapatan account?" and she tapped her stylus on another 381 listing.

"Is that our rustler being paid off? It's too neat to be mere coincidence, especially when all the figures match all that incriminating junk Rogitel was waffling on about. Sure looks like a connection between Spacedep and that rustler to me. Let's take it to Inspector DeVeer.

Todd grinned at her for her enthusiasm. "Not yet,' he said, ticking off the entries they had identified. "I'd rather find out where all these other entries fit in." He held up his index finger.

"One correlation is not sufficient. We present the entire package and they have to believe us. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make us look as guilty as possible. We have to shoot down all the brrnas in the flock." Rogitel left the official chamber as soon as the Treaty Council adjourned for the day and transferred by grid back to Earth.

Without a word to Hrringa in the Hrruban Center, he made his way swiftly out of the Alreldep block and directly to Landreau's office at Spacedep. The secretary silently admitted him to the director's small private office.

He stood vector-straight before Landreau's desk while his superior finished a comp call.

"I have information from our contact in the Archive,' Rogitel reported as soon as Landreau had completed the call. "Inquiries are being made through to Zapata and several of the other worlds where the Reeve accounts are being maintained.

They are in possession of specific deposit information, so they must have a source, within Spacedep, providing them with data from our records."

"So that is what's going on,' Landreau said, his face suffusing with anger. He began scrolling through his console, his finger hard on the key. "A report came to my notice a few days back but I couldn't see why I should be bothered with minor infractions.

Here it is!" And he gestured for Rogitel to scan it. "Trivial matters must never be ignored: even something so insignificant as a junior making copies of old screens. Take this Dalkey Petersham into custody, for illegal copying of official documents. Find out who he's been working for, if he's sent on the documents and to whom. Take his brain apart if you need to. Use querastrin if you must.

But get a full confession from him." .Landreau sprang out of his seat, pacing up and down, his stocky body quivering with fury.

"A confession under duress, sir? That's not altogether prudent.

Nor can we obtain permission to use the truth drug on him for copying old, declassified accounting records. Wouldn't it be wiser, Admiral, to leave him in place and watch him? If he thinks he has gotten away with this first foray, he'll feet bolder aut repeating his success.

If you catch him in the process of committing a crime, you have far more latitude in extracting information from him. "I don't like it,' Landreau said, sitting down again, and flicking his fingers at the damning report on the screen. "I don't like it in the least." He pressed hard on the scroll key, stopping it and rewinding to position a new document, bearing the Poldep seal. "Reeve has had the damnedest luck.

Couldn't you have done something to keep that beacon from being discovered?"

"Admiral, we had to get it out of the way as fast as possible and that meant using the most accessible transport, a merchant ship. Safe enough under most circumstances."

"But it wasn't! And that Mayday has removed one of our weapons against the Reeves. How did they find that shipment, Rogitel? That beacon should never have seen the light of day and it surfaces . plainly marked to Spacedep."

"Freak accident, sir,' Rogitel replied calmly. He had often discovered that the calmer he remained, the sooner the Admiral's rages cooled.

"Meteorite hole penetrated the hull and the carton, setting off the Mayday. I interviewed the captain himself. He was eager to talk about it. He appears to have been "dining out" on it. Fortunately I was able to cancel the pickup and the crate remains unclaimed. If someone inquires, we say that it could well be an attempt on the part of the Reeves to implicate Spacedep to clear themselves of complicity."

"Good thinking, Rogitel, good thinking,' and Landreau began to relax, even to smile. "But we'd better find out if there's any connection between this Petersham clerk and Doona. They can't slip out of any other charges or our plans will be ruined." He rattled his fingers on the desktop. "And I've an unsettling report from Varnorian's contacts in Codep. A Dr. Walter Tylanio from Prueba V was hired for a special job by someone from Doona." Landreau's eyes narrowed. "The only laser technology that Doona has is in its security satellites." $ogitel could well appreciate how serious that could be, but he didn't know how anyone had discovered Klonski. Surely not the Petersham clerk. Maybe he had better acquire a vial of querastrin from his sources. Then an angry thump brought his attention right back to Landreau.

"I want Doona to be totally discredited. I want our plans to succeed in every particular, and for that to happen, the Doonan Exeriment has to fail.

Fail! Be wiped clean of its contaminated Humans and especially those misbegotten animals."

"Sir, calm yourself,' Rogitel said, leaning across the desk toward his superior. "Your plans will succeed. while it's too late for subtlety, it's not too late,' and he paused to smile reassuringly at Landreau, "to remove the primary cause of the entire problem."

"what?" Landreau said, staring fiercely up at his subordinate.

"Really quite simple. Remove the Reeves from Doona. I think they are at the bottom of much unfavorable publicity about Doona. Surely they should report-in person-to their Codep superiors here on Earth. Landreau's ruddy face slowly broke into a smile.

"See to it,' he ordered. "Varnorian will oblige. Get them here and get them eliminated!" Admiral Landreau was the epitome of regret and sorrow when he informed the Amalgamated Worlds Congress of the dreadful situation which existed on Doona when so much was at stake in the renewal of the Treaty. He stood in the beam of a pinpoint spotlight, addressing the half-seen figures illuminated by twelve identical cones of light in the vast chamber. In the blackness between was the faint peeping sound of the court reporter's machine.

"The Reeves are threatening the very safety of your design to form a Federation of Sentient Planets. Their activities destroy the very integrity and credibility of the Amalgamated Worlds and our dream for a united galaxy! Once the models of probity and dedication, both father and son have conspired to seize Doona for their own, and, had it not been for the discovery of their heinous infractions of the most basic Treaty stipulations, they might have succeeded in their scheming." "Treaty Councillors are supposed to deal with such infractions, aren't they?" one of the panel inquired.

"Not when the crimes have such far-reaching consequences. No, honored sirs, this matter goes far beyond the Doonan system. It has most certainly raised awkward questions in the Hrruban Speakers Council and the Treaty Council as well!" Landreau shook his head sadly to add that detail.

"I am deeply concerned that the Hrrubans will feel obliged to alter their opinions of us all, if these deplorable men remain in so public a position on Doona. The least that will happen is for the Hrrubans to pull out of the Federation or, worse, decide that we Humans must be rigorously schooled in their ways. They will undoubtedly impede our reach for the stars, cut short our explorations, confine us to the few planets we already own. Since Todd Reeve has not, cannot be cleared of his alleged crimes, I call for the removal of the Reeves from Doona to Earth for being detrimental to the renewal of the Treaty of Doona.

I am sure your counterpan on Hrruba will also withdraw their, er, embarrassment from the colony, for that young male causes his people great sorrow. You must surely understand why we cannot have people of questionable integrity involved in high-level positions in the colony at this critical time. Remove the Reeves from Doona and let that situation resolve itself without further detriment." There was a lot of muttering among the panel as Landreau's suggestion was discussed. He waited patiently, knowing that he had presented a valid and timely argument. He was rather pleased by his eloquence and the way he had deftly emphasized the salient points.

Landreau was even more pleased when the prevailing sentiment favored his solution. He had also counted on the fact that trade agreements had been drawn up and were awaiting the renewal of the Treaty before Hrruban ratification. That factor had probably contributed to the necessity of removing such controversial persons.

"You have made a plain case of a disgraceful situation,' the chairman said. "At such a critical stage, nothing may be permitted to jeopardize the Treaty Renewal. Bailiff, give orders for Ken Reeve and his son Todd to be immediately brought to Earth to appear before this panel. Make the necessary representations to the Hrruban Center for the use of grid transportation of these two." Then the chairman inclined his head toward Landreau. "You may, of course, be present at the hearing, Admiral.

"Gladly,' Landreau said. "I wish to further the cause of justice in every way within my power.

With some effort he restrained his elation. He must now make arrangements so that when that pair arrived, the Hrrubans on duty at that wretched grid would be those who would deliver the Reeves into his keeping. Soon, soon, he thought, rubbing his hands together in smug anticipation, he would be rid of Ken Reeve and that hyperactive son of his forever. Then his most ambitious plan could be initiated. Instead of the panel of inquiry meeting them, there would be an entirely different kind of reception committee awaiting the Reeves. Landreau smiled.

"My eyes will be ruined reading this small print, Todd said, briefly knuckling his eye sockets as he wearily turned over another one of Dalkey's printouts. "Some of these entries date back from when we were kids. Have you found anything relevant?" he asked Hrriss, who was as diligetly examining his share of the packet. He paused, stretching his arms above his head to release the tension across his shoulders.

"They may be old but we have decided that the conspiracy against us was very carefully put into motion long before there was any reason to suspect one,' Hrriss replied, but he also took a moment to stretch cramped muscles. "These entries,' and he tapped a claw tip on the sheets, "are all from Darwin II-MFA, a very remote colony world, not yet qualified for full status.

"Could be a place to ship stolen livestock, Todd said. He bent to his task again, stylus poised to cross off an entry, as he peered at the next line.

"whoa! Here's an account number right here on Doona!"

"whose?" Hrriss asked. Todd swung around to the computer and instituted a name search. Madam Dupuis had arranged for them to use Archival records to match numbers with names, providing they limited their inquiries to that.

"Dunno yet. The last payment in these records is two years old.

The person it belongs to might have left Doona in the interim." He drummed his nails irritably on the tabletop, waiting for the data to appear. when the screen scrolled up in answer to his query, Todd just stared at it, his face turning into a cold mask. Without a word, he rose, snatched up the printout, and started for the door.

"whose number is it? Zodd? where are you going?" Todd kept walking. "To the Launch Center."

"why?" the Hrruban demanded.

"To skin a snake." Hrriss glanced at the name on the screen and hurried after his friend. "Lincoln Newry! How very convenient!' "Todd!" Lincoln Newry said pleasantly as they marched into the circle of light cast by the single spot set into the ceiling. Martinson's assistant had his feet up on a desk in the Launch Center office, watching the tape of an entertainment program on the comunit screen while keeping half an eye on his scopes. "Hrriss! Nice to see you both. We don't get many visitors way out here. It's lonely in the evenings. Can I offer you something to drink? Nice warm night for this time of year.

"Your boss isn't here?" Todd asked expressionlessly. "I'd like him to hear what I've got to say.

"Nope,' said Newry gaily. "He's gallivanting around the galaxy with old Kiachif. Some people have all the fun. I get to mind the store while he's gone.

Todd nodded. "How convenient, but that does fit another piece into the puzzle. We'd no reason to suspect either you or Martinson.

"Suspect? Me or Martinson? Of what?"

"Of helping Doona's enemies." "Ah, c'mon, now, Todd. You're imagining weeds into snakes,' Newry said in a soothing tone, but Todd noticed a wariness in his eyes despite his rallying words.

"Someone knew when and where Hrriss and I went on the Albatross, knew our flight plans and where we'd warp-jump. Someone also had to be here, in this office,' and Todd had Newry's complete attention now, "to let rustlers lift from the surface. whaddya want to bet that we can prove that every time a heist was made, you, Linc Newry, just happened to be on duty?" With an incredulous laugh, Newry shook his head. "No way, son "I'm not your son,' Todd said, his face hard and implacable with suppressed anger. Hrriss had never seen him so furious. He moved to the balls of his feet in readiness. "And you know a ship launched the other night and somehow you can turn the security satellites off so they don't record either launches or landings of rustler shuttles."

"Hold on, hold on, there!" Newry said, raising his hands to pacify Todd and shooting Hrriss an indignant look that suggested Hrriss should calm his friend down. "You can't run around accusing people of doing this or that just to clear yourselves."

"I think I can,' Todd said in an icy certain voice.

"I figured it out. If Martinson's not here, you're the one who creates legitimate documentation for export shipments from Doona. You mind the shop, as you said yourself. And no one could have missed that atmospheric insertion the other night. You were probably looking at its trail as you assured me that no one had blasted off-planet with a load of horses rustled from Dad's ranch." Newry was still waving his hands and shaking his head incredulously at Todd's accusations.

"You can look at my records. You'll find there was no insertion that night, Todd!" Newry turned to Hrriss, hands open to emphasize his innocence and disbelief.

"Oh, I believe we'll find no blips on the security satellites.

That I do believe, Newry,' Todd said, and then smiled. "Ever heard of a man named Askell Klonski?" Newry shook his head, his reaction genuine.

"Or maybe you knew him better as Lesder Boronov?" The change in Linc Newry was dramatic despite the man's attempt to cover that momentary lapse.

Seeing that Newry was rattled, Todd sat on the edge of the desk, folding his arms on his chest, his gaze never leaving Newry's face.

"Boronov is a genius with security systems.

How'd he fix Doona's? D'you use a code so the satellite recorders blank? Or maybe just a convenient function key that isn't supposed to be programmed at all? Ah, yes, so it is a function key!" He twisted so he could reach the console that Newry had pushed to one side of the desk, making circles with his index finger over the ranks of spare keys. "Now - . . eeny meeny tipsy teeny . - -" he said in a singsong voice.

"Enough!" Newry cried, sinking dispiritedly back into his chair and burying his anguished face in his hands. "How'd you know about Boronov?"

"Amazing the things you can learn when you've been falsely accused, Newry. So what's your story?

Martinson in on this with you?" Newry shook his head from side to side. "No, he never knew a thing about it. He's too damned honest.

And he gets paid what he's worth."

"Spacedep pays well,' Todd said, his voice now a soothing, coaxing one.

Newry looked up at him, his expression sour.

"Not at my level. And nothing to make up for hours of sitting here night after night, day after day, doing double shifts when Martinson's away. I'd only two more years to go. What I got for pressing a key now and then would be far more than that ridiculous pension Spacedep pays you. I wanted enough to buy into Doona. I saw my chance and I took it. And I was nearly there. So nearly there!" He buried his face in his hands again and his shoulders began to shake.

Todd looked away from the broken man, moved by contempt as well as pity.

"who is the rustler, Newry?" Hrriss asked.

"You haven't figured it all out, then, have you?" Newry's muffled voice was bitter.

"Cooperation could mitigate your guilt,' Hrriss added gently.

"You can repair some of the damage you have caused." Newry kept shaking his head in the cradle of his hands. "You're so smart, Reeve, you should know who it is." Todd racked his brain. Who "it' is? Newry couldn't mean Landreau. He meant someone much nearer, someone who knew enough about the management of their ranch and "Mark Aden?" He could scarcely believe that the young assistant manager whom he had so admired as a youngster could have turned against the people who had trusted him and encouraged him to learn as much as he could so he'd be able to start up his own spread on Doona. "Why would Mark turn on us?

Dad paid him well. He gave him excellent references when he said he wanted to leave us. No one really wanted him to leave."

"That's not the way he told it,' Newry said, his voice blurred by his hands. "That sister of yours thought herself too good for a ranch manager.

"Inessa?" Todd remembered that his sister had been infatuated with Mark Aden at one point, although she hadn't been unduly upset when Mark had suddenly decided to leave. But Todd did remember that Mark had a vindictive streak in him: he never forgot a grudge and he'd wait months to pay back an imagined slight that anyone else would have forgotten.

Only Mark Aden would have been vindictive enough to sow ssersa in pastures used by horses. "He manages the rustling operation by himself? He didn't have the kind of money that would buy him any kind of a space vehicle.

Certainly not one large enough to make rustling pay.

"Did he not perhaps have assistance from those who have been adding to your pension fund?" Hrriss asked Ne'wry, pulling on his shoulders to make him look up.

Slowly Newry raised his head, and then his eyes began to widen, his whole face brightened, and a smile of unexpected salvation parted his lips.

"Todd Reeve?" a stern voice said.

In a swift move, Todd was off the desk and looking into the shadows beyond the console, trying to locate the newcomer.

Rogitel emerged from the darkness, Todd's father behind him, Spacedep marines flanking him.

"You are always found in the most incriminating situations.

Harassing a Spacedep employee, were you?" Rogitel let out a patient sigh "You will come with me. Now.

"With you, Commander? Dad?" Todd stared at the lack of expression on his father's face. "But Dad ." Todd began before taking his cue.

"Linc was explaining to us how the security satellites record incoming and outgoing traffic." It might sound lame but it covered the surreptitious sign he made to Hrriss. Just let Hrriss get free "Weren't you, Linc?" And let Linc prefer to keep silent about the last few moments in front of one of his Spacedep superiors. Commander Rogitel dealt harshly with failures and probably drastically with informers.

"That's right, Commander,' Newry said in a drawl that almost disguised the tremors in his voice.

"Let's go, Reeve,' Rogitel said, motioning to one of the marines.

"You have to report in an hour to the transport station." He caught sight of Hrriss, edging farther into the shadows. "You! You've no business in a Spacedep installation. Out of here!" Todd had the satisfaction of hearing Hrriss's low and menacing growl as he swung around the marines and out the door.

Ken shot Rogitel a furious glare for his uncalledfor incivility to the Hrruban, but the commander paid no notice as he took his place in front of the detail.

"I've some things for you in the one bag we were allowed,' Ken murmured to his son. "I don't think we'll be gone long for all the precipitousness of our departure."

"what's up, then?"

"We're to appear before a panel of the Amalgamated Worlds in their Terran offices." Todd was seething to tell his father what he and Hrriss had got out of Newry. More pieces had fallen into place, pieces he never would have considered as part of the conspiracy. And yet they fit!

They had no chance to talk on the way to the Treaty Island, not with Rogitel looking so smug and well pleased with himself. At the grid, though, Todd began to worry. The Treaty Controller and two strange male Hrrubans wearing sidearms awaited their arrival.

"Send them to Earth,' Rogitel ordered the grid operator.

The Hrruban glanced nervously at the Treaty Controller, who nodded, and the Hrruban had no option but to manipulate the controls.

Todd watched the bright room around him dissolve and vanish. In a moment, the features of their destination started to coalesce around him. He could see the posts of the transport station becoming solid at the four corners of the grid, and the blank walls of a corridor beyond them.

As soon as the Reeves had fully materialized, they were attacked from behind.

"Patience, patience,' Kiachif said chidingly.

CHAPTER 10

IN HIGH SPIRITS, ALl KIACHIF TAPPED AT the door of the Reeve residence. He and the other two men had debarked so hastily from the White Lightning they were still in shipsuits.

"Now, this will just take a minute,' the Codep captain assured his two companions. "Hello-oo?" he called out, and rapped with his knuckles on the window. "Reeve, are you home? Ah, hello, Patricia.

Surprised to see me so soon? Rank has its privileges, I always say. I brought someone by for your husband to meet. May I introduce Dr. Walter Tylanio? He's the best laser expert in the whole galaxy.

what he don't know about "em, no one does, if you see what I mean.

Martinson you know." The tall, bearded man behind Kiachif bowed.

"How do you do?" Pat asked. Her daughter Inessa and Kelly were crowded behind her in the doorway. The merchant tipped them a little wink.

Their faces fell when they didn't see the figures they expected.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Reeve,' Martinson said impatiently.

"Kiachif, I have to get back to my office."

"Surely you can give the man one moment to crow over all of you who thought so ill of him.

Honi soil qui mal y pense, if you know what I mean."

"Neither Todd nor Ken is here, Captain,' Pat said, her anxiety increasing because she thought it just possible that the captain might know where they were.

"They were supposed to see an Amalgamated Worlds panel. Kiachif clicked his tongue. "That's bad luck. I guessed he'd want to see my smiling face, soon's my expert here had a chance to unreel that doctored log tape that was on the Albatross.

"Come in, come in,' Kelly said, usurping Pat's prerogative, but Hrriss had told her and Nrrna all about Newry. And if this expert was so good, maybe he could figure out which function key controlled the security satellite bypass and how Klonski-Boronov had managed to scramble supposedly tamperproof chips.

"Martinson here,' Kiachif said, stepping lightly inside and peering about as if he hoped Ken and Todd were only hiding in their own home, "wouldn't let me bring the tape to Tylanio, so I brought the mountain to the prophet." He caught Kelly's grin. "Well, I alter to suit m'purpose, girl, if you get my drift. Martinson kept his word of honor like the fine upstanding man he is, and the log was never out of his sight for a moment. So we have returned with the news and Martinson maybe has returned to Doona a wiser man."

"What did you find, Dr. Tylanio?" Pat asked, absently gesturing for them to be seated.

She signalled for Inessa to get refreshments.

"To give you the tall, small, and all of it,' Kiachif said, still dominating the conversation, "the log was some messed with,' Dr. Tylanio, who apparently took no umbrage from Kiachifs ebullience, nodded agreement.

Martinson cleared his throat and shot a quelling look at Kiachif.

"Let the expert explain, Captain. I thought that's why you insisted he return with us."

"The tapes had clearly been extensively altered, Mrs. Reeve,' Dr. Tylanjo said. He had a pleasant tenor voice and spoke in the measured phrases of a born lecturer. "It was apparent from the tape that it was not recording anything on its homewardbound journey: certainly not when they paused outside the Hrrilnorr system.

Internal recordings were being taped. I would guess that the VU and transmitter had been tampered with."

"But that doesn't prove it was altered by an outsider,' Martinson said, obviously unsettled by Tylanio's report.

"It does to me,' Kiachif said, accepting a glass from Inessa.

"And there's more. Oh, how I wish Todd and Ken were here right now.

Walt says the box was only diddled once. That puts paid to that Spacedep stringy bean's charge that the boys had been wiping the memory clean every time they were ex-Doona while committing all those piracies and smugglings' "That's right, Mrs. Reeve,' Tylanio said. "The alteration could only have been made before or after their latest mission. Since the ship was sealed, that would mean it would have to have been done before. The inserted material was masterfully done, very carefully filmed to present such a single continuous record of multiple warp jumps and atmospheric insertions and launches. The most masterful piece of logging I've ever seen."

"But couldn't it have been substituted for the real log?" Kelly asked diffidently, for they had figured out how such a switch could have been made.

"Now, how could that possibly have been done, young woman?" Martinson demanded, irate. "I was present the entire time. I saw Commander Rogitel remove the log box myself, package it very carefully, and carry it off the ship. No one could have substituted this . . .

this .

Kiachif was waving a finger under Martinson's nose. "That lassie has made a very good point, Martinson, so don't get hot under your collar, which you aren't wearing, but you're getting riled."

"Commander Rogitel . . ." Martinson began again with greater indignation, but Kiachifs crow of exultation totally disconcerted him.

"I wouldn't trust an Amalgamated Bond, sealed, signed, secured, if that Spacedep stringy bean gave it me. Ah, no,' Kiachif said. "I'll bet my White Lightning herself that that's when a switch occurred.

Found the real log, lassie?" Kelly shook her head. "We only figured out ho and when the other day." She wanted desperately to get Dr. Tylanio and Kiachif to herself to tell them about Newry, which she couldn't quite do in front of Martinson. For all that she knew Martinson was respected and seemed straight as a die, she wasn't going to take any chances. Especially as he seemed to think Commander Rogitel was such an upright type.

"So when d'you expect your men back, Patricia?" Kiachif asked easily.

"I don't know, All,' she said, and began to wring her hands.

"They should have been back the next day. And now there's this awful rumor that they never appeared before the panel at all. That they've .

. . they've skipped out of an untenable situation." Pat blurted the slander out and then began to weep. Kelly put her arm around her protectively.

"Never!" Kiachif said in a voice that would have been heard from stem to stern of the White Lightning through closed safety hatches.

"Commander Rogitel escorted them,' Kelly said in a caustic voice, her eyes on the captain. "With marines. I heard,' and while she couldn't mention Madam Dupuis, she was certainly the most reliable source, "that two strange and armed Hrrubans took over from the marines when they got on the grid."

"Did they, now?" Kiachifs eyes went wide.

"Now, that's a nasty turn-up. And I'll tell you one thing." He swerved toward Martinson, his long stained finger almost in the man's nostrils.

"I don't want to hear one more word from anyone that Ken Reeve, or Todd, skipped out of any obligation-to Doona, to Amalgamated Worlds, even to ol' Terra! You see that gets put about right smart, Martinson.

I've known Ken Reeve a quarter century. He's run at lot of stuff I'd never be caught charging, but he" done it and won out over odds that would have pipped plenty on this planet. If he didn't show u when and where he was supposed to, then he wa prevented, if you understand me. Now, you d those tears, Patricia Reeve, and stand up proud foi your man and that fine son of yours,' he said.

somewhat awkwardly but kindly patting her shoulder. "Your man is a fighter. Your boy, too. They'!] be back, sure enough, before you've any more time to miss them."

"Thank you, All,' Pat said gratefully.

"You kno him in ways I don't. You've given me new hope And so have you, Dr. Tylanio. You were so goc': to come all this way for us." The laser expert took an envelope from hi pocket. "This is a copy of my report, signed anc sworn to by an accredited Amalgamated Wofid'.

notary. Your son and your husband will doubtle find this useful.

I will, of course, be happy to testif in person to the authenticity of my investigations.

Tylanio handed it to Pat and bowed. With Martin son at his side, he left the room.

"You see, signed, sealed, and sworn to. Pro& positive of no perjury, Patricia,' Kiachif said in low voice. He gave her one more squeeze an started for the door.

With the pretext of courtesy, Kelly followed him touching his arm and bending close to his ear.

gotta see you, Captain, and preferably before that expert leaves the planet." Kiachif gave an almos imperceptible nod of acknowledgment, not so much as altering his stride as he continued on out of the house.

Then she turned back to Pat, Inessa and Robin comforting her, and said in her normal tone, "I'd better get on home now but I'll be back tomorrow." She clattered down the steps, whipped Calypso's reins free from the rail as the men piled into the flitter.

As it took off, it wallowed from side to side and she grinned.

Trust Kiachif. which she did.

Kelly had been looking over the last charges against the boys that still had to be cleared before Treaty Renewal Day. And the valuables and interdictables they were supposed to have stolen and secreted on the Albie would be the hardest part. Having Dr. Tylanio's proof that the log tape had been altered, or even a carefully edited one substituted, was a real relief. If only they could somehow prove that Commander Rogitel had switched the doctored tape for the genuine log record. . . He'd had more opportunity than anyone else. And reason.

But if the tapes of alleged visits to collect valuable artifacts, including the Byzanian Glow Stone, were adjudged a simulation, then they hadn't been where they were accused of stealing things. They hadn't stolen anything. As Todd and Hrriss maintained, all that junk had been planted on the Albatross and that had to have been done while the Albie was on the pad at Hrretha. Rogitel had been there.

But where were Todd and his father? Than goodness, Captain All had soothed Patricia Reev on that score. Maybe the word that they weri detained would get out and Robin wouldn't hi sporting black eyes for defending the family honor She knew Hrriss was lying low. Which was smart 0 him. Rogitel might not have considered the youn Hrruban dangerous when he shooed him out of th Launch Center, but Newry knew different. Wh; hadn't Todd come out with an accusation righ then? In front of the marines. Surely they could hi made to testify - - or could they?

A tiny noise penetrated her cogitations. Lookin up from her desk, she nearly fell off her chair at th face grinning outside her window.

You scared me to death, Captain All,' sh' whispered hoarsely at him.

"Your manner did suggest a need for caution lassie." It wasn't the first time Kelly had crawled througi that window, and taking the captain's hand, she ra with him to the deep shadows of the barn where ni one was likely to look for them.

"You hit the nail on the head with Klonski, yo know,' she said, "though I daren't even get in touc] with Inspector DeVeer right now."

"And which nailhead would that be, lassie Kiachif asked. "Though Tylanio agrees privatel with me that the work on the tape is exactly the SOT of thing Klonski would do so well."

"You also said he was a genius at fixing securit systems." Kiachif nodded, his eyes glinting in th dark. "And Dalkey's records show he got paid several huge hunks of credit. I think some of it went to pay for him hobbling Doona's security satellites." "Oh-ho-ho! I've been away too long."

"You have.

Todd and Hrriss found payments to a Doonan account . and it belongs to Lincoln Newry."

"Martinson's assistant?" The whites of Kiachifs eyes, for once, Kelly noted, without bloodshot cobwebs, were visible in the shadow. "No wonder you wouldn't speak out in his presence. Does Patricia know?" Kelly shook her head. "She's got enough to fret over right now. "Sides, I didn't think it would cheer her up."

"Not a mite nor a moment, if her men are missing. Go on.

"Hrriss said Todd broke Newry down into admitting that he'd been letting the rustlers in and out of Doona, only when he was on duty.

The ship Todd saw the other night was probably registering on Unc's screens while he was denying an atmospheric insertion. "But the beacons "Klonski's fixed them. Hrriss said there's an unprogrammed function key on the launch board that interferes with satellite recording. Furthermore, Linc Newry can authorize export documentation . like for Reeve freeze-marked livestock going off-planet to unknown destinations.

And the rustler is Mark Aden."

"That young lad? Hmmm, isn't often someone fools All Kiachif." The captain frowned. "The nerve of him, making me transport rustled animals! And all that scud about making a new life."

"Apparently he's made a very profitable one, Kelly said drolly. "At the Reeves' expense."

"But they always treated him well.

He even said so "Inessa didn't,' Kelly said. "She had a flirt with him but she gave up on him because he aiway' wanted her to get her father to help him get a ranch of his own. He was a funny guy, never forgave hasty word or a silly joke on him. Hrriss thinks he" the one seeded the ssersa. Todd found a half-empt sack of it by the corral he found. It'd be just the sort of rotten trick Mark Aden would do, to make Inessa sorry she ditched him."

"Fascinating, lassie, fascinating.

I think Dr. Tyla mo has one more job before I return him to the quiet rectangles of his hall of learning." And between one breath and another, Captain All Kiachif disappeared. That night Kelly slept well for the first time since Todd and Ken had beer hauled off to Earth.

The very next morning, Kelly had a call from <" frantic Nrrna.

"Kelly, they are hunting Hrriss." The girl w sputtering so badly that Kelly at first didn't under stand the import of her words.

"Hunting? Hrriss?"

"The Treaty Controller has demanded his presence immediately on the Island. He sent four 0 the Third Speaker's special force for Arriss. "So where's Hrriss?"

"He has made himself scarce. Hrrestan told him that is what he must do. Oh, Kelly, I am so frightened. "Don't be,' Kelly said as firmly as she could. "I've got official confirmation that the Albie log tape was a fraud. Tampered with, fixed, altered. And that means that neither Todd nor Hrriss was where they're charged with being, so they couldn't have stolen those things. And illegal possession of those artifacts is really the last charge against them. And we'll soon have proof, too, of what Todd and Hrriss discovered talking to Linc Newry."

"But what good does all this proof do when Zodd is missing and Hrriss is, too?"

"A good point that, Nrrna,' Kelly said. "You just keep your cool, friend. It's up to us now." She stopped by the Reeves', just in the crazy hope that Todd and his father had returned home.

They hadn't and the gloom that hung over the ranch house was depressing. Kelly did ask to have a copy of Dr. Tylanio's document.

"To keep with all the rest of the evidence, Mrs. Reeve,' she said in an offhanded manner.

"You've got all these mysterious sources, Kelly,' Inessa accused Kelly, her face and eyes showing the strain that affected the entire family. "Why can't you find out about Dad and Todd?" Kelly suppressed her annoyance with the girl whose flirtation with Mark Aden was having such a long-range effect. Then, generously, Kelly reminded herself that Inessa had been just a kid at the time. Perhaps this would all sort itself out and Inessa would never realize that her childish infatuation was part of this dreadful affair.

Kelly left for Nrrna's house in First Village. She had all the proof they had so painstakingly gathered, including Hrriss's summary of Newry's disclosures. Surely that was enough! Surely Nrrna would see how terribly urgent it was that they stop messing with underlings and go to the top!

"Go to Hrruba? To First Speaker?" Nrrna's voice broke into a startled squeak and Kelly shushed her.

On her way into First Village, Kelly'd noticed some strangely accoutred Hrrubans milling around the clearing in the center: the biggest specimens of their species she'd ever seen. Deciding they were not in First Village for census taking, she ducked around, taking a narrow little track to the fencedin pasture where the village horses grazed. Unsaddling Calypso, Kelly turned her out and lugging saddle and the bulging pouches, finally reached Nrrna's house, entering by the back flap.

"We should have gone to First Speaker in the beginning, as Todd wanted to,' she said, a trifle annoyed with Nrrna's timidity.

"Oh, Kelly, no! I dare not!" Nrrna said. "It is absolutely forbidden to convey Hayumans to Hrruba."

"Now! But Todd's been there and he thought seeing Hrruna was his best chance." - "Todd went to Hrruba before the Treaty wa written and the Treaty has a clause utteri prohibiting visits from Hayumans. Todd was held in high honor by the Council of Speakers. .

Kelly flicked her eyebrows up in disgust. "Was held."

"He is honorable. He would say that he must obey that prohibition."

"Yes, but no one has specifically prohibited me and, where Todd is concerned, honor can go out the window for all the good it's done him lately!' Kelly scowled fiercely. "Look, both Todd and his father are missing.

Some nasty minds say they've done a flit because there's too much evidence against them." Nrrna was shaking her head now in staunch disagreement.

"Right. So something's happened to them. And it's up to you and me to get them released. Before the Treaty gets signed. So we go to Hrruba and sort things out."

"We can't do that."

"why not? You know how to work the grid controls. You sent me to Earth."

"But that was different,' Nrrna replied, aghast at Kelly's daring plan. "You are of Terran stock. It is not forbidden under the Treaty for you to travel to your homeworld. It would be as impossible for me to send you to Hrruba as it would be for me to go to Earth."

"You'd be with me. I'd be your guest, as Todd was the guest of Hrrestan and Mrrva twenty-odd years ago. And it's for the same important reason.

To save both our planets." She paused, watching Nrrna shake her head, her eyes mournfully big as she struggled with her principles-her honor. "This is the time to dare all. All for one and one for all." Nrrria smiled wanly at Kelly's joke, but it took two hours of solid persuasion to get the Hrruban to see that Kelly's daring plan was the only option open. Kelly ruefully insisted that this scheme also went against everything she had been brought up to believe sacred and binding. But sometimes one had to make exceptions. As Hrrestan and Mrrva, and Hrrula, had made an exception of the six-year-old Todd.

Nrrna still experienced pangs of deep guilt over telling Dalkey when the medical shipment was being sent out.

"This is the time for stouthearted females to save their menfolk, Nrrna. Or didn't you see those Hrruban heavies prowling around the village center?"

"what?"

"Go have a look,' Kelly said. "They're Third Speaker's or I don't know my Hrruban insignias.

And they're armed." As a terrified Nrrna sidled cautiously out the back flap, Kelly decided that if this wouldn't persuade the female, she'd have to think of some other plan. Only nothing, absolutely nothing, would come to mind.

when Nrrna returned, she was shivering and the fur along her entire stripe stood up.

"They are very powerful males. They are dangerous. They look for Hrriss." She took Kelly by the hand. "We must go to First Speaker.

Such males should not be on Rrala. They should not be in our village." There wasn't time to wait until dark, for the males might take to searching the houses and Kelly didn't think they'd like finding a Hayuman in a Hrruban village right then. She covered her bright hair with an edge of a sleeping fur and wrapped herself in Nrrna's big winter cloak, the all-important dossier clutched to her chest with one arm.

"We don't have to go to the Treaty Island grid to get to Hrruba, do we?" Kelly asked, suddenly realizing that her mad scheme had a few large holes in it.

"No, we can reach Hrruba from here,' Nrrna reassured her. For once the little female had made up her mind, she was capable of as much cool resolution as Kelly. "Until the Island grid was established, all shipping and travel were done through the village grids. It is only to satisfy the Controller of what is being sent in and out of Rrala that all goods now go first to the Island."

"Where are we likely to find the First Speaker?"

"First we will go to the Executive Cube which houses the Speakers' chambers. Someone there will direct us to First Speaker Hrruna." Nrrna was pressing the appropriate codes into the transport controls. She gestured for Kelly to step up onto the grid. "If they do not arrest us first.

Their first bit of good luck was that they arrived late in the Hrruban night. No one was immediately visible, although they heard the rumble of several voices issuing from a side corridor. Together they raced down the nearest aisle until they spotted a curtained alcove.

They dove behind this and sank to the floor, their knees cocked so that they would not disturb the fall of the draperies.

when light began to filter through the sootcovered window, Nrrna carefully crept out to find out where she might find the First Speaker's quarters. She returned to Kelly, who had been fearful of discovery, that at any moment, a functionary would arrive to pull back the curtains.

"The Council is not in session today,' Nrrna whispered to Kelly.

"The First Speaker has expressed a wish to be alone in his retreat." Kelly's hopes crashed about her. Nrrna gave her hand a little pat, her eyes gleaming. "The chief of the Council chamber told me how beautiful was the First Speaker's retreat and I do not think he realized that he also told me exactly where it is. We must go swiftly while there are not too many using the slidewalks." Then she wrinkled her nose. "Even in that cloak, Kelly, you do not stand or walk or even smell like a Hrruban."

"It's too late to worry about a minor detail like that,' Kelly said, nervousness making her snappish.

"What about me limping and crouching over like I'm ancient or hurt?" "That is a very good idea, Kelly, and Nrrna nodded approvingly.

"I am your dutiful daughter, taking you to see the beauties of the countryside.

It is fortuitous that the fur you took is a white pelt.

Here." Nrrna made some rapid adjustments with her delicate hands, and, although Kelly felt she was more in danger of suffocation than discovery, she let Nrrna's strong hands guide her as she settled into a limping gait which she felt suggested advanced age and decrepitude.

With corridors and aisles separating blocklike buildings many levels deep, Hrruba was not unlike Earth, which surprised Kelly, though she managed only a few glimpses behind the folds of the pelt.

They rode a slow-moving beltway to a remote section of the capital city of Hrruba. Around them, Hrruban workers, clad in tool belts or robes to denote profession and status, passed them on every side. The only differences between the Human workers of Earth and the Hrrubans were the preponderance of bright colors in the latter's dress, the inborn grace with which they moved, and the scent. Scent, not smell, for although it was just as strong as the odors of Earth's passages, it was different.

"Do not speak if anyone bumps you,' Nrrna whispered. "Your Hrruban is good, but your accent would inform anyone that you are from a colony." "I couldn't talk if I wanted to. Is it much farther?" Kelly murmured. Her right hip was protesting the unnatural gait, and she ached to stretch her back up.

Nrrna peered at the lettering on the block they were passing, and her pupils contracted to slits in the strong light. "Not very far. We are nearing the passageway. We must get off as soon as we see a lift.

First Speaker lives on the top floor." Hrruna's retreat was in a well-soundproofed block of the Hrruban residential complex. To the surprise of both Kelly and Nrrna, no one guarded the entrance or any of the lifts. Though only one, Nrrna discovered, went as far as the twenty-second story. When the lift stopped, the door slid back and, to their utter consternation, the First Speaker faced them. Later Kelly would remember that a green light blinked above the lift, informing the First Speaker that someone was coming to his retreat.

"By the first mother, what brings such a lovely young one to the door of such an old man? Is this your mother who comes to entreat me?

Or to protect her cub?" He beckoned them to leave the protection of the lift.

Once they had moved on into the first of the boxlike rooms that comprised the retreat, Kelly opened her hood. Hrruna's eyes widened with surprise and the barest trace of amusement.

"Not an aged and grieving mother, but a redheaded Hayuman. I have heard that such hair color is possible but never have I seen it." His wise eyes twinkled at her.

what surprised her most was his voice, clear and musical, and young! She could not believe that the greatest Hrruban of all would sound so young. She had met some of the other Speakers who came to New Home Weeks or other celebrations of importance on Rrala, but First rarely left Hrruba.

He had been old when the Treaty was first signed, but, in the intervening years, he seemed to have changed little from his image in the old tapes. His mane was as white as snow, and the fur on his face and chest was faded, too, making a striking setting for the characteristic bright green eyes of his kind.

First's eyes, under fluffy frontal crests which served the catlike race for eyebrows, were kindly and wise.

Kelly felt quite shy under his scrutiny, but she knew immediately that she could trust him. So she fell to her knees, threw back her cloak, and deposited the precious pouch of documents on the floor before him.

As Nrrna appeared to be speechless, Kelly began in her best High Hrruban. "My name is Kelly Solinari. This is Nrrna, daughter of Urrda.

We came from Rrala seeking an audience with you. We apologize most profoundly for disturbing you in the privacy of your retreat but we had no option save an appeal directly at your feet." The old Hrruban's jaw dropped with pleasure.

"That sort of posture is all very well for formal occasions, young Kelly Solinari,' he said, responding in Middle Hrruban, "but this is not an official visit or I should have been informed of it by the appropriate underling. Please, raise yourself and walk as a Hayuman should, tall and proud. And be welcome in my home." This was evidently the dayroom, furnished in a fashion similar to that of the Treaty Controller's apartments on Doona. A translucent panel gave onto a terrace, open to the sky and surrounded ol all sides by high walls.

The rarefied air had the chil of the mountains, though none could be distinguished because of the walls. If Hrruba wa!

anything like Earth, many of its original heights hac been terraformed into plateaus, to provide solic building bases for residences and factories. All th( view Hrruna had was an unending plain of buildings. No wonder the Hrrubans were as desperate a the Terrans to find suitable colony worlds on whic to expand.

Someone (and quite likely, Kelly thought1

Hrruna) had filled this little space with colorful flowering plants from the hydroponics laboratorie deep inside his planet, and from the wild plains ol Rrala. The effect was the equivalent of a miniature Square Mile park. Overhead, though neither heard nor seen, a forcescreen kept out the choking pollution that stained the air above a sickly gray.

The atmosphere inside the conservatory was sweet with the scent of the plants.

Hrruna beckoned to the girls to sit down in the garden. Kelly hadn't been born yet when he accompanied Todd back to Doona to save the Human colonists from deportation, and to negotiate the Treaty of Doona.

She had no idea how he would receive the information she had for him now.

"So what is it that makes two lovely young ladies risk safety and freedom to visit an old man?" Hrruna asked. He glanced warmly at Nrrna, who was made somewhat uncomfortable by his openly ardent expression.

With a deep breath1 Kelly began. She had rehearsed what she would say to Hrruna, if they got to him. "It is of the greatest importance to us, sir, that the Treaty of Rrala is renewed in two days. To cohabit and cooperate with your people on that world a joy to all us Hayumans is,' Kelly said.

Despite Hrruna's use of Middle Hrruban, she couldn't switch from what she had so carefully memorized. And she was certain she had the right rhythm, the pitch and inflection to say what was needed in High Hrruban, which was as difficult as singing opera. "There may be a difficulty to the Renewal of the Treaty. We come to you to prevent that difficulty. The First Speaker Hrruna is the only, personage to prevent rapidly approaching disaster.

"You are perhaps a friend of the young Zodd?" Hrruna asked in his kind young-sounding voice. "I seem to have had several visits from and on the behalf of that young man. What is it this time? And do not worry about the form of address. We speak as friends." With great relief, Kelly lapsed into the more familiar idiom to relate the events of the past several weeks. When appropriate, she handed him the relevant documentation. He read through Hrriss's translations, sheet by sheet. Although not all Dalkey's lists had been done in Hrruban, there was more than enough in Hrruban script to show First Speaker sufficient proof of illegal payments out of Spacedep funds. That is, if he chose to believe that neither Todd nor Hrriss was guilty.

The First Speaker was skilled at posing questions in a natural progression, making the conversation a comfortable chat instead of a headlong plea for help. Kelly hardly felt she was speaking to him of planet-shaking matters in which the safety of her friends and her home was at stake. He considered everything she told him with a gentle gravity, nodding as she pointed out items that had seemed to Todd to be the most important.

"Why are you emissaries of Zodd?" Hrruna asked at last, his jaw dropping in a smile. "Why did he not come himself?"

"He and his father have disappeared. They are not the sort of people who run from trouble,' Kelly said, once again feeling her crushing worry for Todd's safety.

"Neither son nor father is craven or thin-striped,' Hrruna said encouragingly.

"We're afraid they've been abducted." Saying that aloud in Hrruna's presence made it sound so horribly true that Kelly burst into tears.

She was exhausted and worried. Nrrna sat beside her, holding her hand and muttering soothing phrases. Hrruna offered her a small glass of clear water and she sipped it, determined to control herself. This was no time to show weakness. The water helped. Then she could tell Hrruna what Todd and Hrriss had learned at the Launch Center, what Kiachif had discovered about the incriminating tapes, and if the tapes had been falsified, that neither Todd nor Hrriss could have stolen anything they were accused of stealing, including that awful Byzanian Glow Stone.

"But Mr. Reeve was taken from his house, and Todd from the Launch Center, by Commander Rogitel. They were taken by aircraft to the Treaty Island to go by the grid to speak before the Amalgamated Worlds panel and they never got there." Kelly forced back tears. "They wanted to clear their reputations. But they didn't even get that chance!" And then she stuck her fists against her mouth so she wouldn't disgrace herself with more tears.

"I do not like what you have told me,' Hrruna said, his voice suddenly sounding very old.

"It is the truth, most honored Speaker,' Nrrna said, speaking for the first time.

Kelly hiccupped back her sobs. "You're the only one we know who can demand an investigation into their disappearance. No one on Earth even cares what happens to them!" she added bitterly.

"Please, please, most honored First Speaker, help us! Help Rrala!" Nrrna's voice was low but so sweetly imploring that Hrruna leaned down to pat her cheek.

"I must assist you,' Hrruna said, his voice kindly but firm. "I have known much of what you related, but you have also brought me the proofs which were withheld, or falsified, or conveniently misplaced." Hrruna chuckled, a series of throaty grunts.

"I was truly unable to interfere until now. The continuation of the Rralan colony is far more important to me, as Hrruna, and as First Speaker.

than I am willing to let any of my colleagues realize.

If, however, I tried to interfere, that would give leave to others who are less altruistic to meddle in their own fashions and for their own reasons, which would not be as benevolent as mine. So I sheathe my claws to give others no excuse to sharpen theirs.

They are compelled to show restraint, or suffer censure. A subtle means to an end but sometimes a more potent weapon than it first appears. When reputation and honor are more important than life, it becomes a greater lever." He sighed. "Perhaps not long enough a lever, for it does not appear to have unbalanced Rrala's greatest foes. I have been watching this contest from a distance. The players are not only fearful Hayumans. Some are very powerfully connected Hrruban xenophobes, including ones living on Rrala, who are trying to abort the Treaty." "You know all this?" Kelly asked, and then bit her tongue for such impudence. "I beg your pardon, honored sir,' she said humbly.

She hadn't learned quite enough at Alreldep. She really had no business dealing at such a level.

First Speaker took no offense. "I have my sources,' he said.

"Young Hrrula has not been idle throughout all this, reporting directly to me. He is intelligent and most discreet. I value his observations enormously. He is devoted to Rrala, as well as to his world of birth.

If you had asked him, he might have been able to bring you directly to me.

Hrrestan knows of my trust in Hrrula." Kelly and Nrrna looked at one another in amazement. "I didn't know that. Neither of us knew that. And with Hrriss gone . . ." She broke off.

"Exceptions have been made before now,' Hrruna said enigmatically.

"But someone has lowered himself to the dishonorable practice of kidnapping. I see the ramifications of that clearly.

If Zodd and Hrriss do not appear in court with the proofs you have shown me, they are guilty by default. One more tool has been used by the hands of those without honor who would see Rrala fail.

The involvement of Admiral Landreau, Commander Rogitel, and Codep Varnorian is known.

The dishonorable Hrruban is not."

"It's the Treaty Controller working under Third Speaker's orders,' Kelly said, and then closed her eyes because now she had to admit to her own dishonorable sins. "I, urn, I sneaked into Treaty Controller's rooms to look for that document box Nrrna and I knew he had received and which he was so fussed about.

Well, we had to know what he meant by the days being numbered,' she said, defending herself, but Hrruna merely looked amused. "I couldn't unlock it, but it had been sealed by Third Speaker's personal sigil." "There is no crime in his receiving such a package,' Hrruna reminded them. "Third is his sponsor, after all."

"Yes, but why did he feel it necessary to hide that case in a specially made place at the bottom of a chest instead of putting it in the safe in his office or in the Archives? If the documents were innocuous, why didn't they arrive in a courier pouch?"

"You took out all the drawcrs in his bureau?" Hrruna asked, chuckling merrily. Kelly turned red.

"I am not judging your actions, child. But I do see the point of your suspicions. Third may indeed be involved in this conspiracy. It is not beyond him when he feels thwarted. Yes, I am sure he is not uninvolved. Rrala is a nightmare to him. If the Treaty is not renewed, he would be unimaginably relieved."

"Please, honored sir.

Don't let them scuttle the Treaty! Surely you can keep Treaty Controller from listening to the pessimists on Hrruba?" Kelly begged.

"Rralans are no threat to Hrruban society,' Nrrna said. "We want to live our own life in peace." Hrruna nodded his approval. "I think it would be best if Rrala continued as it is, I agree. But there are those who feel that once we unleash the ocelot, we will cease to be master of the hunt, and one day may even become prey. An all-Hrruban colony will behave as any Hrrubans will anywhere else. When you add in the Hayuman factor, behavior becomes more uncertain. I prefer to trust, but others cannot.

It is not in their natures. I must not interfere in the negotiations or decisions of the Council, or it would not be a genuine agreement. It would be forced.

But I will see what I can do to keep others from meddling so deeply." With some difficulty, First Speaker rose stiffly to his feet.

"A line of inquiry will be initiated immediately, even though I said I would spend my day in private. I hope, pretty one,' he addressed Nrrna, "that you will stay, so we can get to know one another better.

Though I am old, I would be entirely at your assistance, should you care to remain with me." Nrrna shot Kelly a black-pupilled look of entreaty and the fur stood up on the backs of her forearms and on her tail. Such an invitation from the First Speaker was a high honor and Nrrna could not think of how to answer in a polite but negative way.

It had been one thing for her to vie with other females for Hrriss's notice, but to diplomatically extricate herself from the attention of another, more assertive male, especially one of the broadest Stripe on Hrruba was more than she could handle.

Kelly had noticed how fascinated Hrruna was with Nrrna's dainty beauty and realized it was now her turn to rescue her friend before Nrrna really panicked.

"0 most honorable First Speaker, how we wish we could stay, both of us." Kelly ignored the glance he flicked at her that suggested the Hayuman had not been included in his invitation. She rose to her feet.

"But we will be missed and awkward questions might arise from our disappearance - especially as we are known to be the promised mates of Todd and Hrriss." Giving Kelly a long and somewhat amused look, Hrruna shook his head. "I suggest both of you remain with me, for safety's sake, my dear Hayuman. A tactful message will be sent to Hrrula to settle disquiet in both your houses. But should any whisper fall upon the breezes near Treaty Island that you have come to the First Speaker, you would be in mortal danger if you returned to Rrala."

"Oh,' Kelly said in a very small voice. She sat down again and exchanged looks of alarm with Nrrna. Put in that light, neither of them was eager to go.

Hrruna's jaw dropped as he watched the byplay between them.

"I was preparing food when the lift light flashed that visitors were on their way to me. Come, we will eat together, for we will need our strength. You may even assist me. Then we will set to work, for there is more to be done than I thought and I will need your assistance "That's what we came to get,1 Kelly said, and grinned broadly at him.

Nrrna even managed a soft purr.

Hrriss had found a safe haven with the Reeve family, keeping out of sight in the house and trying to piece together from them what Kelly and Nrrna rnigit have learned that had sent them into hiding, too.

According to his betrothed's mother, Kelly had arrived to see Nrrna.

She had left Calypso in the village pasture and her saddle was still in Nrrna's room. Mrrva had been busy with her tasks, somewhat worried by the strangers in the village center, and when she had gone to call the girls to eat at midday, they were gone. No one had seen them since.

"I've called all the nearby ranches and no one has seen either Kelly or Nrrna,' Pat Reeve told Hrriss.

"Did you have any luck?" Hrriss had contacted every Hrruban he knew to be trustworthy, and some had set out discreet search groups to the farms around Nrrna's home village and some of the ranches where Nrrna had friends, but no one remembered seeing the girls.

"If she left Calypso, she's not anywhere a horse could go,' Pat said. She was past worry, and into numbness, but she could still sense others' pain.

Hrriss had only just been reunited with Todd after a traumatic separation, and now he had more troubles to concern him. Hrwvula had told Pat discreetly that if she saw either Todd or Hrriss, they must be prepared to appear before the Councillors or be judged guilty by default. He devoutly hoped that one or both would appear at the appointed time.

Robin came home from school with another black eye and many scratches and bruises.

"They're saying my brother's too much of a coward and he's flitted. They say Hrriss has run, too, which proves both of them are guilty as sin!" Robin was nearly in tears and refused to let his mother or his sister touch his injuries. "And I can't even tell "em you haven't run. And they won't listen when I tell "em my brother wouldn't! It's not fair.

They weren't saying such things about Todd and you and Kelly at the Snake Hunt, and that wasn't that long ago." Robin didn't quite succumb to tears in front of Hrriss but it was touch and go.

"There are as many whom you have not seen today who do not believe that of either of us, Robin,' Hrriss said. "Hrrula is one. Vic Solinari is another. And Lon Adjei."

"And Captain All Kiachif!" And, light-footed as ever, the spacefarer stood in the doorway.

Hearing his voice, Pat ran out from the kitchen.

"Any news?"

"If you call no news good news, Patricia, then I've plenty of good tidings,' the swarthy spacer said, shaking his head.

"I've been listening in among my captains. No one reports transshipping any mystery guests off this planet in the dead of night, or knowing anyone who did. Any package that looks big enough to hold an unwilling prisoner, or one past caring, if you understand and forgive me, has been opened, turned over, and shaken. There's no trace of either of your men, either heading toward Earth or going in the exact opposite direction." Kiachif grimaced apologetically. "I've been on to Murp,by, the supercargo at Main Station, Earth. No one 5 come by to claim that beacon yet. I'm still hoping someone might so I can tie a can to his tail.

No offense meant, Hrriss."

"None zaken, Captain. I have sent more messages to our friends on Earth,' Hrriss said. "My father was there when they left to Zreaty Island. We have so little time left, but I believe they are on Earth."

"Earth's a damned big place to find two Humans, laddie,' Kiachif said grimly. "I'd have more luck searching space.

The radio buzzed and Pat grabbed up the handset, her face wild with her desperate hope for good news.

"Yes, Vic? . - - They are? But where? You don't know? Then how can you be sure. . . Oh, Hrrula Well, yes, I do trust him as you do Yes, yes, I understand. Oh, I think I do understand!" There was a glow on her worn face when she turned to the rest of the room. "Vic Solinari has had a message from Hrrula. Kelly is safe, and Nrrna." Pat reached out to grip Hrriss's arm reassuringly.

"Where did they get to, then?" Kiachif asked.

"Hrrula would only say that they are in the safest place they could possibly be. We're not to worry about them." Hrriss threw his head up, his shoulders back, and his eyes began to gleam. "Zzoo! Zat Kelly,' and his laughter was a loud purr of mixed satisfaction and surprise.

"Where are they, Hrriss?" Pat asked, giving his arm a shake as she peered up into his face.

"With the best friend we could have right now."

"I think I get what you mean, m'lad,' Kiachif said, and winked.

Dalkey Petersham straightened his narrow collar before answering his comlink line's signal. Six hundred hours was an odd time for a call, but fortunately he was already up and dressed. Kelly again? She was always turning up at odd times.

Dalkey switched on the unit. The screen displayed the face of a man he'd never seen before, but he certainly recognized the uniform: Poldep. Dalkey gulped. He knew he was being watched in the office now, but pretended he didn't. Partly because he really didn't want to be under observation. That only resulted in unpleasantness sooner or later.

Fortunately he'd sent all he could to Kelly without breaking into the current data banks, so perhaps they'd stop watching him if he went strictly about his proper business. He still didn't know how Kelly had talked him into stripping those old files, but Kelly had a way with her. And it had been fun, delving into files, showing how cleverly he could penetrate massive files and extract just the information he needed. If only someone else would realize that Dalkey Petersham had untapped potential.

But why was a Poldep inspector calling him at this hour? Spacedep had their own-and Dalkey gulped again-disciplinary branch. Then he remembered that Kelly had gone to Poldep, so this call might have more to do with Kelly Solinari than Dalkey Petersham.

"This is Sampson DeVeer,' the moustachioed man said. "This is the communications number left by a young woman who has been assisting me in one of my inquiries. A Miss Green.

Kelly! Then he had lulled suspicion in his office.

Relieved, Dalkey wondered if he should try to look dashing and piratical, suitable for the acquaintance of a police informant, or as harmless as possible.

Harmless seemed more sensible. You lived longer if no one felt threatened by you. He let his shoulders hunch forward a little bit and tried to look clerkish. "Yes, sir?"

"I have received a request from another quarter to locate one of the subjects concerned in that investigation,' DeVeer said obscurely. He waited, and Dalkey realized that he wanted Dalkey to prove he knew what the officer was talking about.

"That wouldn't be a member of the Reeve family, would it?" Dalkey asked, and DeVeer nodded. "Has that party been found?"

"Ahem, how did you know the party was missing?" DeVeer asked.

"Mrs. Reeve inquired by way of comp-line if by any chance one of her relatives had been in touch with me,' Dalkey replied, thinking there was no harm in that. "She doesn't think they got as far as here.

The man sighed gently and smoothed his moustache with a fingertip.

"That is a possibility which this office has been investigating.

We thought you might help."

"If I should hear from either of them, I will contact you immediately." Dalkey felt that was safe to say.

"Please be sure to.

There was something ominous about that phrasing but the call was disconnected.

Hrringa didn't often leave the Hrruban Center.

Hayumans should be accustomed to Hrrubans by now, but he was always conscious of stares, discreet, indirect observations. Nor could he tell if this was mere curiosity, bad manners, or outright hostility.

The last seemed unlikely, judging by what he had observed of Them.

Their lack of expression bothered him most, for he could not tell, as he could of any Hrruban countenance, what they felt: their eyes black dots in the center of oblong white orbs. Without another of his kind to keep him company, he often felt himself a hostage on Earth.

Should something go very wrong with the Treaty he might be eliminated by a tribe of these expressionless white-eyed folk, even if physically he wa larger than most, and certainly stronger. That he might be faced with death on this posting had been subtly suggested to him in his original briefing. He had been chosen from the young applicants of man distinguished stripes because of his calm nature, excellent bearing, and diplomatic training.

"The Zreaty is at a crucial stage, as I am certairi you are awarrre,' Hrringa said to Rogitel when he was finally admitted to the Spacedep subchiefs office. With Terran officials, he spoke Terran. "1

have juzt been approached by an official of yin Poldep. He asks is it possible zat I wass given the wrrong date and hourr for the arrival of the Rrevs9.

I was zold to expect zein. Zey have not come. i waited all that night for zeir appearrance, and sel the alarrrms so that I would be awakened zereaftei by the activation of the grid."

"Alarms?" Rogitel asked. His face remained still.

but he felt agitated. He had been waiting for report from the men he had hired to wait for the Reeves outside Alreldep block, and was concerned at the delay. This was a snag he had not anticipated.

that the Reeves had failed to appear inside the Hrruban Center.

The Hrruban's tail lashed once in dismay. "Yes.

motion alarrms. I do not usually set zein because no otherrs of my species are perrmitted on Arrth.

and the only Hayuman outpost with a grid is Rrala, so I do not see much traffic. There is no need to arrise in the off-shifts to rrceive a nonsentient shipment, the most frequent use of the grid."

"True." Rogitel wasted few words, especially ones that might be misconstrued.

"The alarrms are very sensizive. Nothing set zein off, not yesterday, and not zoday. I tessted zein mysself just beforre I came to be certain that they were in worrking orrder and zey are. Zo I must ask you, onorred sir, has something happened to delay the Rrevs?

Surely if they were summoned by the court, zey would have come?

Zey are known to be honornable men. Am I in error?"

"You are not,' the commander said. "The Amalgamated Worlds court was waiting for them." Rogitel stood up and nodded curtly to the Hrruban.

"Thank you for coming to see me, honored sir. I will look into the matter, and bring it to the aflention of my superior." Hrringa bowed and left.

Within the hour, Admiral Landreau appeared in the Hrruban Center and demanded instantaneous transport to Doona. He was upset. He had been expecting to hear in bloody detail how Rogitel's hired toughs disposed of the Reeves and found out that the damned nuisances had not even reached Earth! Rogitel was in trouble, for not verifying that the prisoners had not been taken into custody by his hirelings and disposed of as arranged. There was only the one fast way back to Earth-by the Hrruban Center's grid. Had someone tipped off tl Reeves as to the reception awaiting them?

Landreau had thoroughly enjoyed listening the furor among the Doonan colonists, caused i the midnight summons of the Reeves to appe before the Amalgamated Worlds panel. What h<' happened? Rogitel had seen them safely toti Treaty Island grid. They had been transferred that abominable mechanism, but the men waitii outside the Hrruban Center swore blind th neither Reeve had left the block. None of ti corner monitors at each angle of the buildir recorded anyone passing, in either direction. Cou the rumormongers on Doona be correct? cowards had done a flit? Unless, and Landre considered this possibility, they had been in cahoo with the grid operator on Doona and got ther selves transported to some village where they we no doubt lying low until after the Treaty was ratifie Landreau swore under his breath. Damned ca couldn't be trusted to do even the simplest thin like key in a proper grid destination. The wretcht felines had been a thorn in his side all along.

those Reeves were hidden somewhere on Doon he'd find them if it was the last thing that he cv did in his life.

He continued muttering to himself while Hrrin hastened to set the controls for transmission Treaty Island. The engulfing smoke rose arour him and blotted out the Hrruban's expressionle cat face.

Landreau grunted in relief as he recognized tI Treaty Island facility and strode off the platform.

Yes, that was what had happened. The bedamned grid operator had redirected the Reeves somewhere on Doona. Why hadn't Rogitel checked the settings? Or had the Treaty Controller do so? Slack discipline, that! You had to do everything yourself to see it done properly.

Landreau wheeled, confronting the grid operator directly.

"What is your name?" he demanded of the astonished Hrruban. All grid operators understood Standard. Had to.

"Hrrenya,' the Hrruban replied, surprised.

"Who is your superior?" treaty Controller,' the catman answered, backing away from Landreau and blinking his eyes.

"He is seniorr diplomaz on Rrala "You were on duty three nights back? When the Treaty Controller and Commander Rogitel brought the Reeves here? D'you know the Reeves? The Hrruban nodded quickly.

"Where did you send them?"

"To Arrth as I was inzructed, honorred sir." "You didn't!" Landreau shouted. "You didn't!

They never arrived on Earth. Where did you send them? Someplace right here on Doona. Isn't that right?" Landreau's rising voice had attracted attention.

Out of a nearby corridor, three of the Treaty Councillors hurried toward the grid, the Controller among them. The grid operator tried to keep his dignity, tried to remain calm, but the Hayuman's face was growing very red and, without fur to cover it, it was a terrifying sight. Grid operators were ii trained in diplomatic matters, so Hrrenya intensely relieved to see assistance near at hand "Admiral Landreau,' the Treaty Controller sn ped out in Hrruban. "Why are you berating 0 operator? You should report any insubordinati or impudence to me. "Where are Ken and Todd Reeve?" Landre turned on the Controller as perhaps the genuinc guilty party in this absurd miscarriage. He stu bornly kept to his own language, too enraged exercise any courtesy until he had the answers i had come to find.

"What?" the Controller demanded, as stubborr replying in Hrruban.

"Are they not on Terra? Yi demanded their presence there three days ago.

myself witnessed their departure.

"What do you mean, they're not here? Yo drone there,' and Landreau swung an arm toward the grid operator, whose tail was between his legs in fear, "sent them somewhere here on Dooi instead of back to Earth so they could answer f their crimes. They are my prisoners. I demand th the Reeves be produced and sent immediately stand trial. "You demand?" the Hrruban snarled, the poill of his teeth exposed.

Treaty Controller flew into rage. "You have dishonored our people who live ( Rrala, by using these Humans, whom you ha' yourself misplaced, to commit foul crimes again the Treaty which you pretend to support.

If you cannot find them on your planet, then that is r 42S fault of ours. Seek to set your own tribe in order without falsely accusing those of another." Landreau's momentum came to a dead halt. The Treaty Controller's anger was too genuine to have been faked. Landreau was a fair judge of knowing truth from lie and the Treaty Controller obviously told the truth-or what he thought was the truth.

If the Reeves had transported, why hadn't Rogitel's men detained them? Or did that fur-faced Hrringa assist them and send them out of the Hrruban Center a secret way? He'd never been too happy with the secrecy shielding the Hrruban Center from outside interference.

"Naturally you would defend your employee,' Landreau began, trying another tack. "How do you know that he was not got at? Bribed? Those men should have been sent toEarth to answer for their offenses. They did not arrive. They are still on Doona!" Treaty Controller drew himself up indignantly, looking down with great condenscension on the stocky smaller Human. "We have more important matters to debate than the whereabouts of two troublesome Hayumans. If the young Reeve does not appear at his trial, lie is by default guilty and so is his partner in crime. We are constrained to continue for the next two days to work out details which may, indeed, be irrelevant. But we are by honor bound to continue.

He swept magnificently away, though the other Councillors did not immediately follow. The small woman who had met the Admiral 6n his last visit, Madam Dupuis, gazed at him steadily, as if she trying to read his mind. Did she know something his secret plans?

"You have no jurisdiction to search Dooi Admiral,' she said in a cold expressionless voi( "Go back to Earth. Where you belong." S signalled to the grid operator, repeating her or( in her fluent Hrruban and waited, arms folded, see that her order was obeyed.

Uncomfortable on many counts, Landreau h to step back on the grid and hope that the presen of Madam Dupuis meant that the grid operat would explicitly follow his orders.

When Ken tried to move, his head hurt, and I wrists were pressed against the small of his bac His hands were numb. He tried to turn over ai pull them apart to restore circulation, but i couldn't move.

He opened his eyes to the u encouraging sight of a dull gray wall.

Squirming, i tried to free his hands, but they were tied by a ta binding that allowed no slack he could use to fri them. He turned his head in a quick survey. The wasn't much light, but sufficient to see Todd's lin body on a fiat plank of wood similar to the ol under him.

"Todd?" Ken said, trying his voice.

Todd was on a flat plank of a bed that w identical to his own. As Ken's eyes grew accu tomed to the dim light, he saw the bruises on tI boy's face, blood on his nose, cheeks, and chin, hi old blood, dried.

Torn clothes revealed bloc:: scratches and more discoloring bruises.

But at least the blood was clofled and dried. Todd was breathing heavily through his mouth, not surprising, for his nose was probably broken. At least he was breathing. Ken remembered the two of them standing back-to-back, fighting for their lives against too numerous assailants.

When the transport mist had cleared after their departure from Treaty Island, Ken had been struck across the back with something hard, like a bar.

The force of the blow had dropped him to his knees. Gasping with pain and surprise, Ken struggled to his feet to defend himself against the attacking Hrrubans. Demanding that they identify themselves and repeating his own name brought no answer save for grunts at the punches he landed wherever he could. Ken Reeve had wrestled a few steers in his day and, bigger though the Hrrubans were, they only had two legs.

With a well-aimed kick, he forced one attacker to his knees, kicking the sheath knife out of his hand and ducking the claws that swiped at him as the Hrruban sprang up.

Then the prehensile tail wrapped around Ken's waist like a snake.

Their caudal appendages weren't really very strong. They were made for holding, not subduing. Ken jerked an elbow down hard over the joint between two of the small bones under the fur.

The Hrruban let out a wail of pain and whipped his tail out of reach. But then someone jumped Ken from behind, trying to throttle him. He kicked out at another who leaped at him in a frontal attack, catching him in the throat, snapping the fringed jaw shut, and knocking him unconscious.

Another Hrruban merely lifted both Ken's leg off the ground while the one behind him forced hi: hands together. Ken knew from sounds beyond bin that Todd had been acquitting himself well agains such overwhelming numbers of assailants. As Kei waited bravely for his neck to be broken, he fel only that his hands and legs were being tied tightly So they weren't trying to kill him, just capture him He looked toward Todd, struggling in the hands o three Hrrubans. One thing was certain with s( many Hrrubans around: they were not on Earth Had they been diverted to Hrruba?

Though Todd had the height and heft of hi attackers, he couldn't quite fight free. Years 0 riding and hard work had given him the strength 0 a mule, and the Hrrubans couldn't pull him down While Todd was still on his feet, Ken had hope, anc filling his lungs, he started to yell at the top of hi voice in Hrruban.

"Help! Someone! Help us! We are being deniec honorable treatment!" Todd added his voice, shouting in High Hrrubar for the Speakers. Whether or not they were or Hrruba, such a cry should raise an alarm nearby Their yelling upset their assailants. The one behinc Ken began to clout him across the mouth to silencc him. Ken writhed, trying to evade the blows wit} his bound arms. Suddenly he heard Todd's shout end abruptly. Then a pair of fists caught him on the point of his chin, and that was the end of his fight.

Now Ken squirmed and rolled until he gol himself into a sitting position. The sound of a throat being cleared told him that the two of them were not alone in their small, gray prison. Ken glanced over to the far corner of the room. Two Hrrubans in the harness of official guards sat in chairs beyond the end of the small chamber, closed off to the corridor by a wall of bars. Ken peered at them.

They were both of a very narrow Stripe. They looked unmarked, so they were unlikely to be part of the gang that had attacked them. The narrow Stripes wore only bare harnesses, giving Ken no idea of where they were and which faction had captured them. However, he could rule out Earth because of the presence of so many Hrrubans, though the corridors beyond the chamber reminded him of Earth. They could have been taken to any one of several dozen Hrruban-settled worlds.

"Todd? Wake up, son!" Ken whispered. He eased himself slowly along the bench until he was sitting opposite Todd's head. Neither of the guards moved, either to help him or to make him lie down again.

Trussed up as he was, guards were no more than a formality. His movement had been noticed and the Hrrubans muttered between them in Low Hrruban.

Todd stirred, and his eyes opened. Ken noticed that his chin was dark with stubble. They had been unconscious a long time, perhaps even a day. Todd started to sit up, and winced at the pain of his bruised muscles. "Where are we, Dad?"

"I don't know, Todd,' Ken said. He caught Todd's eye and then looked significantly toward the barred wall.

"But it sure isn't Earth. Todd turned his head and opened his mouth but Ken intervened.

"No, son, don't. Don't speak Hrruban. Just before you woke up, one of them said to the other, "They're a lot more docile than Third said they'd be."' "Oh?" Todd raised his eyebrows at that indiscretion.

"This pair obviously don't know we understand their language." Ken smiled grimly. "If we keep listening, we may hear something even more valuable. Here, move toward me and I'll see if I can't undo your bindings. Hey, untie us, would you?" he asked the guards loudly in Terran. The two Hrrubans stared at Ken without saying a word and then went back to their own conversation.

"I don't think they understand Terran,' Ken said with satisfaction.

"So does Third plan to kill us?" Todd asked with commendable detachment.

"I think not or they'd have done so during the fight on the grid,' Ken said grimly. "No, they want us alive and I'd give anything to know why."

"So I can't appear at that trial and Hrriss and I are judged guilty by my default?" Todd suggested.

"Could be, son, since it was Third Speaker who made your innocence a sticking point for Treaty Renewal.

Both kept working surreptitiously to release their hands. If the guards thought them docile, so much the better for the success of their efforts to free themselves.

Plainly bored by a long stretch, the two guards leaned together and began to speak. They didn't bother to lower their voices, believing that their bareskin prisoners did not understand Hrruban.

Their conversation was less than complimentary about the cravens they had no real need to guard.

When one said that the bareskins would be easy to subdue, after all, Ken and Todd redoubled their efforts to free themselves.

Todd got his hands loose first. He stifled an inadvertent gasp as blood rushed to his fingers, causing excruciating pain. As soon as they worked again, he moved closer to his father and unbound him.

They'd have to be very careful getting their legs free. Perhaps if they pretended to sleep . . . It was when Todd shifted cautiously onto one side that he realized what had been taken from him.

"Dad! They've taken it.

"What?"

"All the documents we were going to show the panel, to prove me innocent, to prove Landreau's conspiracy.

Ken's groan was genuine. In Third Speaker's possession, those documents were pure gelignite!

He closed his eyes, knowing total defeat of all he'd strived to build, all he hoped for the future of the DoonaiRrala Experiment. He couldn't look at Todd, but the boy's soft anguished moan told him that Todd understood the scope of the disaster.

CHAPTER 11

ON ThE DMS OF ThE ASSEMBLY HALL, elders from all ten villages of Doona waited for the huge crowd of colonists to come to order. The transportation grid on the Hrruban side of the Friendship Bridge had been busy all day, bringing in anyone and everyone from all over the planet who wanted to help organize the celebration for Treaty Renewal Day. Carts and flitters full of food and decorations lined the paths outside and spilled over into the garden. Children caught the mood of excitement from their parents, who whispered among themselves about the upcoming great event.

"Please!" Hrrestan shouted over the din. "We have much to do before tomorrow. May we have your attention, please?"

"I'm glad I lived to see this day,' said Hu Shih, smiling through his spectacles at his friends, both Human and Hrruban. "The celebration tomorrow will be both a tribute to all the hard work we have put in and an acknowledgment of the cooperation between our races."

"If there is any celebration to look forward to,' Anne Boncyk said sourly, from just in front of the dais. She had been passing on the whispers she heard to anyone who'd listen that Ken Reeve and his son Todd had disappeared rather than appear in court to defend allegations against them.

"They're probably headed for one of the outer worlds where they have all that money hidden away,' she confided out loud to Randall McKee.

But she picked the wrong target for such a statement.

"You know better than that, Anne,' Randall replied, rising to the defense of both Reeves.

"Yes, indeed,' and Vic Solinari joined McKee, facing down the woman's gossip. "There'll be a bloody damned good explanation for their disappearance, just you wait and see."

"I'll wait but I don't think I'll see,' she replied tauntingly. "Those Reeves never could run things right."

"Confound it, Anne Boncyk,' and now Ben Adjei confronted the small woman, "if you mean how they run the Snake Hunt, I've told you three times for every pig you own, Anne, if you'd have chosen a different homestead than the one you did, the snakes wouldn't come anywhere near your spread."

"They're supposed to make sure all livestock is safe all along the way,' Anne retorted, getting angrier.

"Those reptiles have been sliding up and back between the dunes and the marshes along that stretch since before your acres had even surfaced out of the sea. I showed you a dozen better sites when you came here. You'd be better off if you moved."

"I might not have a choice, thanks to those Perfect Twins you all think so much of." Anne sniffed, turning away from the burly veterinarian and looking around to make sure Hrriss was not within earshot. "What I've heard is, if they're judged guilty, then the Treaty won't be renewed.

All along, you thought they were such saints, and look what they're doing to us!"

"Todd and Hrriss are innocent,' Vic Solinari said.

"Most of the charges against them have been proved bogus. You know that as well as anyone else here, Anne Boncyk, so stop acting the maggot." "If they're so innocent, why isn't Todd here to stand beside Hrriss and prove it? Because if they don't, we're off Doona! The Hrrubans will confiscate our homes, our stock, everything we've worked for."

"Hrrubans do not intend to confiscate Hayuman homes,' said Hrrula, stepping through the crowd around them. "I, Hrrula, know that Zodd Rrev is innocent."

"Well, we're not sure of that,' a Human woman cried out.

"Yet your system of justice, like ours, clearly states that one is innocent until proved guilty. If, after knowing how hard both Todd and Hrriss have worked to make this colony succeed, you think they are guilty, then this great Experiment is already over." There was a moment's stunned silence as Hrrula's words condemned many for their lack of faith.

Hrriss, standing well back in the crowd, lowered his head in shame. He had endured much calumny and heard his dearest friend slandered. Nothing he had said, or proved with the precious documents they had worked so hard to gather, would change the minds of many of these distressed folk, Hrruban and Hayuman, when they realized that all their hard work could be swept away at any moment by the dissolution of the Treaty and the DoonaiRrala Experiment.

"No, the Experiment has not failed,' cried Hu Shih, struggling to the dais. "Not if we, Hayuman and Hrruban alike, present a unified front. We must be of one mind now, more than ever, putting aside petty questions of innocence or guilt. The Colonial Department and the Speakers will have to realize that we, Hayumans and Hrrubans, are sincere and dedicated to the principles of the Decision at Doona and the Cohabitation Treaty."

"Well said, well said!" Clapping his hands above his head in Hayuman fashion, Hrrestan jumped to the dais to stand beside the slender little Hu Shih.

"This colony is a state of mind as well as a place for both species to live and prosper. It was founded on hope. Let us keep that hope alive. Now! Let us hope that our faith in those young men is vindicated as I know it will be!" And to the surprise of everyone listening, Hrrestan threw his head back and uttered an ancient Hrruban challenge.

It had barely died away when others repeated the challenge, Hrrubans with their uncanny howl and Hayumans with wild ululating cheers.

"Okay, folks,' and Vic Solinari leaped to the dais.

"No one's called off the ceremonies so let's make sure they start on time. Senior dignitaries from Earth and Hrruba are due in shortly.

Let's show them as united a front as we did twenty-five years ago.

They didn't believe us then, and we made them as united a front as we did twenty-five years ago. They didn't believe us then, and we made them. Let's revive that spirit and show "em now, today! We're here to stay, Hrrubans and Hayuhands for silence. "We got a lot of work to do now, everybody, so let's hop to it. First Village has sent rails of brrnas for roasting, Wayne Boncyk's given us four of his boars to roast. Norris has donated a hundredweight of those special sausages he makes, Phyllis here has ssliss eggs by the cartload, and I dunno how many women have been baking. Let's get organized, folks!" He sprang down from the dais, genially pushing one group one way, another toward the doors, gesturing at the fire pits that were already glowing.

"We have the crop of our berry harvest to offer,' called out Hrrmova of the Third Hrruban Village.

"A bounty of blackberries and drroilanas."

"The Launch Bar will donate beer, mlada, and wine,' the owner called. "If any spacers come wanting a drink, they'll have to find me here. I don't want to miss a minute of the celebration."

"That's the spirit,' Vic Solinari cheered him.

"Hrrestan, where should I put my two hundred kilos of good aged urfa cheese?"

"We shall find a place, my friend,' the Hrruban said, "for I know that many Hrrubans are particularly fond of that commodity."

"And the hunters of First Village,' Hu Shih said, "have made a record catch of the hatchlings. Snake stew must be on the menu."

"We're doing all this for nothing!" Martinson of the Launch Center shouted, pushing through a crowd which had recovered its hope.

"We'll all be off this planet before that food can be cooked, much less served." But this warning elicited more jeers than agreement.

"You may leave now, if that is how you feel, Martinson,' Hrrestan replied, letting his eyes slit as he looked at the portmaster. He didn't show the irritation he felt at this attempt to puncture the delicate mood of optimism that was beginning to build. "Go if you do not share our hopes. We will not miss you." And resolutely he turned away.

Martinson stared after him, looked around the room, but others had turned away, too. He stamped out of the Hall, cursing fools and fatheads and men who wouldn't face reality.

Soon even the most pessimistic caught the growing spirit of hope and resolve. There was a lot to be done, however the events of the next day turned out. After all, twenty-tive years ago, there had been less hope for those who remembered that fateful day. Was it wrong to expect a second miracle?

Hrrestan hoped that he sounded more convinced than he felt. If some worked only because it was something to do, that was better than doing nothing. And so the preparations for the feasi began, Hrrubans and Hayumans working side by side.

The next day dawned, for better or for worse.

Pat forced herself out of bed and set aboui kneading bread dough which had risen during the night. She put the loaf pans on the sun porch to rise again. Deftly she put fancy touches on each, spread glazes on some and sprinkled seed on others. Foi someone who had never baked a loaf of bread before she came to Doona, over time Pat had mastered the skill until she had pride in it. If she worked, she didn't think about how frightened she was. Once again she was alone on Doona withoul Ken: she hadn't liked it the first time it had happened twenty-five years ago and she didn't like it now. He should be here with her. Where was he Where was Todd? And where were Kelly and Nrrna? Safe, they said, but where was safe these days? Kelly had given her so much support evel since Todd had woken up to what everyone else had seen-that he and Kelly were so well suited tc each other. The bread made, she had only to wail until it was ready to bake. Only to wait? That wa the hardest part of all. Wait for what?

The handle of the front door rattled, and Pat fie to answer it.

On the doorstep was her daughter Ilsa.

and her two small daughters.

"Oh, sweetheart,' Pat gasped. "I'd almost forgot.

ten you were coming." lIsa put down her bags and threw her arm of tea and think what to do." around her mother.

"Happy Treaty Renewal Day, Mom, she said happily, embracing Pat, and then stood back at her expression. "If it is. What's wrong?" Pat bent to cuddle her two small granddaughters, four and seven they were now.

"How would you two like to help me make bread?" she asked, diverting them as well as herself.

"Wash your hands now,' and when they had, she showed them how to shape spare scraps of dough into little loaves and left them to it.

With them happily occupied, she explained to lisa what had been happening since their last contact.

lIsa listened quietly and thoughtfully to the most recent troubles. Knowing her brother's sense of honor, lisa had expected Todd to have cleared up all that nonsense about smuggling and stealing and things. She kept to herself her anxiety when she learned of the disappearance of both her father and brother.

"Why didn't you comp-line me, Mother? If Dad and Todd are on Earth, we could have gone to Poldep to instigate a search for them."

"I didn't want to worry you, dear,' Pat replied, knowing that she hadn't considered her gentle daughter could be much help in such circumstances.

"Every minute I expect them back, to walk in that door and explain where they've been. And there's no time left now. Nothing they could do even if they do make it back today."

"Now, now, Mother, I'll just make us a nice cup When the baking was done, the two women pu the still-steaming loaves and buns in the flitter an went to the Assembly Hall kitchen. The room wa uncomfortably silent. The previous day's ebullience had dissipated when dawn brought no sign o the missing Reeves. Preparations for the feast wer proceeding, but the mood was of people performing chores by rote or by sheer and dogged obstinacy, with none of the laughter and joking anc excitement that should infect such a task on a da of such historic importance.

Those who would cling to their hope and fait until the bitter end of all expectation tried to resisi the spread of despair. Some of the faces were stunned and incredulous, others resentful. A fe doomsayers murmured to any who would listen thai there was no way to avoid or escape the inexorable end of this sad day.

Hrrula, Hrrestan, Mrrva, the Solinaris, and the Shihs moved constantly about the work parties encouraging, complimenting, urging people to greater efforts. The preparations continued in spite of the general depression. It looked like it would be a magnificent feast, in the very best tradition of Doona. Even if it did turn out to be the last one, the condemned would eat heartily.

"You always present food so beautifully, Miranda,' Pat told one of the young women who had just been carving Doona blossoms out of root vegetables. Smiling, the girl glanced up at the compliment and her smile turned to a sneer as she swiftly moved away.

Pat felt as if she had been slapped. She glanced up and met the eyes of one of the Hrruban males who were helping trim roasts, and he too turned his head, without changing expression. Pat cast wildly about for lIsa and found she'd watched -the whole thing. The young woman's eyes were full of shocked hurt. Pat was embarrassed that her daughter had to be witness to her mother's humiliation.

It was so obvious that people unconsciously blamed Todd, and Ken, for their predicament.

"Pat, I'd appreciate your help outside,' Dr. Kate Moody said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and escorting her firmly to the door. Once they were hidden behind a cultivated hedge which separated the rear of the kitchen from plain view, Pat let go and sobbed bitterly on Kate's shoulder.

"You've been a model of fortitude, Pat, don't spoil it now,' the colony pediatrician murmured to her, patting her on the back. "This isn't a personal rejection of you, you know. Everyone's tense, frustrated. I don't have a notion what happened to Ken or Todd but I'm damned sure they'd be here if they could! And I keep hoping any minute now they'll come striding - over that bridge and set everything straight. Mind you, they may be cutting their timing a bit close, but they'll come."

"If I could believe that . . ." Pat wiped her eyes with the doctor's handkerchief and let out a sigh.

She wanted that very scene to take place, and soon.

She looked over at the bridge, hoping against hope that Ken and Todd would materialize from the grid.

"I can't blame people, Kate. If. . . We'll all lose our homes and everything we've worked for and we really don't belong anywhere now but Doona. And why is it that both Todd and Hrriss have to be at the hearing? Hrriss has almost all the evidence.

Why, that Mayday beacon being found on Earth, and Dr. Tylanio proving the log tape was doctored beyond recognition. That proves that the boys didn't steal those things because they weren't even near those planets, just as they've always said." Pat had to stop to blow her nose. "And if Hrriss is innocent, then Todd is, too. Or that's what Hrruvula assured me. And that's how he's going to present the documentation we have!" Kate smiled at her. "Well, you're a lot more generous with the fools than I'd be. Come on back inside. There's a lot left to be done, and we need you. I know they've got almost all the evidence, but they may hang us all on the specific wording of the Speakers' resolution. Both boys and all charges dismissed. No one could ever keep either Ken or Todd down for long. And you know it." Kate lifted Pat's chin and smiled at her. "So hold your head up and shame the devil." Pat managed a weak laugh. "My grandmother used to say that. If I just knew that they were both . okay . . ." She couldn't bring herself to use any other word. "I feel so lost without them."

"Well, you're not lost, and you're not alone. You have all of us. Let's see if I can remind these doubting fainthearts of that." Kate pushed through the door and escorted Pat back to the cake-decorating station. With a firm hand, she sat her down on a stool and put tools in front of her. To the others who glanced at them in surprise, the pediatrician stated in a loud voice: "Now let's get something straight, you gaggle of gossiping grannies. No, you're acting like preteens, and I've the right to kick sense into that age group. You know where to lay the blame for all the anxiety we're experiencing, and it isn't on Pat Reeve's shoulders. It's because her husband and her son haven't turned up. Do you know them so little after twenty-five years that you'd honestly believe they'd leave us in a lurch?

"Well, I don't, and there're plenty of others who agree with me.

Someone, or some group of ones, made sure Ken and' Todd never made it to Earth.

"Cause there's no way they'd go unnoticed there!

Not those big-striding, proud-walking men. Can you imagine them mincy-mincing,' and she mimicked the short polite stride of the Terran natives, drawing a giggle from some quarters, "along Corridors and Aisles without being noticed?

We know they're not on Doona because where we Hayumans haven't looked, we Hrrubans have! And any of us silly enough to believe that there aren't some Hayumans and Hrrubans who'd both prefer never to set eyes on the Reeves again better take the next shuttle out of here."

"We'll have to anyhow, won't we, if the Reeves don't show up?" a woman murmured.

"Well, I got hopes on that score, too. We've got Hrruvula, no narrow-stripe mince-stepped poseur either, to present the documentation that has been assembled. And if Hrriss can be proved innocent then ipso facto, Todd Reeve is. And that ought to be good enough for everyone here and good enough to sway the Councillors. And, I don't want to hear another sour word from anyone." She clapped her hands vigorously. "We got a lot to do.

Let's do it. And with a few smiles to make the work go quicker." Few could argue with her facts or the good sense for which Kate Moody had always been noted.

Flagging hopes revived again and soon a few smiles appeared on faces. Several peopjie deliberately came up to Pat, giving her affectionate squeezes on her forearm or apologizing for their unkindness.

Instead of seeking for something or someone new to blame, long glances passed between friends who were fearful that they would never see one another again. Work resumed at a more energetic pace with the renewed sense of solidarity.

Old Abe Dautrish, carefully decanting wines of his own recipes from herbs and local berries, spoke in reminiscence. "Remember that first winter? Ten months of misery. Living in one miserable plastic hut until we could get the others up. Remember what that was like?

Who'd believe we could come so far?"

"And together,' said Lee Lawrence, smacking Hrrula on the back.

"All was bezzer when we became frIends,' a Hrruban woman said, with dropped jaw.

"We'll fight this,' Phyllis Shih stated, whipping a bowlful of eggs with a vengeance. "They can't throw us out of here. This is our home. We'll take the appeal to the Amalgamated Worlds court ourselves if we need to."

"That's the old Doona spirit,' Kate Moody said with satisfaction. She winked at Pat.

All the preparations were complete by midafternoon. The First Village's hunters, following Hrriss, returned with dozens of young snakes and a few wild fowl for the stewpot. Carcasses of dozens of urfas, pigs, and cows rotated over coals in the many roasting pits downwind of the kitchen.

The transportation grid was brought over the bridge from the Hrruban side and laid in front of the Assembly Hall's big double doors.

Its posts had been draped with floral streamers. Not long thereafter, diplomats of both races began to appear and were escorted into the Hall with much attendant dignity.

The weather was cheerful and bright. Doona's long winter would arrive within two months, but there was no early chill which the organizers feared might mar the celebration. Some colonists from warmer climates shivered a little in the autumnal air. Every settlement, including Treaty Island, had lobbied to hold the celebration, but the honor was eventually returned to First Village, where the original accord had been signed twenty-five years before.

Depressing any misgivings, the population of the planet turned out in its best. All the Hrrubans wore the formal red robes: the males in heavy, opaque garments that fell to the tips of shiny black boots: the females in filmier garments of jewel-spangled gauze. The Humans wore monochromatic tunics with touches of white, and beautifully cut but simple ankle-length gowns. There was none of the cheerful cross-cultural dressing that was usually prevalent at most other big events. Today's garments unexpectedly became a restatement of racial identity.

Hrriss stood tall beside his father just below the dais inside the Hall, hiding his emotions. In a few moments, he must present evidence to prove his and Todd's innocence of the crimes of which they were accused. On the basis of that proof or lack of it, the Treaty Controller might refuse to ratify the Treaty, and the colony would be dissolved.

What Hrriss had not been able to tell anyone was that the carefully gathered documentation had vanished from the Rrev home at about the same time Kelly had. He had worked night and day to duplicate the evidence from the files still remaining in his home. Dr. Tylanio had supplied him with a copy of his report on the tape's alteration. He had the latter half of the Spacedep slush fund dispersals which Dalkey had procured but not the more important entries. Tylanio had gone off with Kiachif and so the expert was not available to present direct testimony to the Councillors. To be sure, the Mayday beacon had been discovered but the Speakers' resolution required a total clearance of all charges-and Zodd's presence! Would Hrruvula be able to make what they did have sufficient to clear all those charges even in the face of Zodd's nonappearance?

One by one, the high-ranking officials of Earth emerged from the grid, some looking puzzled and taken aback by the process of transportation which they were experiencing for the first time. Most of them, nervous about suddenly being bereft of walls and ceilings around them, walked as quickly into the Hall as dignity permitted, without so much as a quick glance around at the beauties of the village green.

The settlers clustered in and around the building, their bows and smiles becoming more and more mechanical as time went on. Sampson DeVeer of Poldep, wearing the dress uniform of black with silver touches, emerged from the chest-high fog, accompanied by a slim, pale man wearing a plain uniform.

"My heart isn't in this,' Lee Lawrence muttered, feeling the strain of smiling when he hadn't any reason to do so.

"I am still determined to put the best face on the day,' Hu Shih said. Then he arranged his most benevolent smile on his face as he stepped forward to introduce the newly arrived Treaty Island Archivist to the other village elders.

"Perhaps the Treaty Council will still take what is best for Doona into account,' Abe Dautrish said quietly to Lee. "They shouldn't pay too much attention to overworld councils, since we are supposed to be independent of both governments.

We have proved ourselves capable and worthy of self-governance."

"After all the accusations of the last few days, can you genuinely say that?" Lawrence asked.

"I want to,' the old man said humbly. "I keep it closely in mind.

Ah, here is Admiral Sumitral and his daughter."

"Good day, my friends,' Sumitral said, mounting the ramp with quick strides and taking Hu Shih's hand. Age had done nothing to bow his proud carriage, but he bore the same heavy expression of concern that troubled the Doonan elders. He was still the greatest friend Doona had in the Terran government. "You know my daughter, Emma?" The tall girl smiled and nodded to each of them, then took her place among the colonists in the audience.

"Hrrestan, it is good to see you,' Sumitral said, turning to the younger Hrruban. "Hrriss, have you had any word from Todd?"

"No, sirr,' Hrriss said.

"It looks very bad that they haven't returned yet,' Sumitral said.

"Where could they have gone? And why? The Amalgamated Worlds court was well disposed to give them a fair hearing on the basis of their achievements." Hrriss burned with shame. "They would come if they could,' he insisted.

Sumitral eyed him curiously. "Do you know where they went?"

"No.

But they would have returned if they could.

Of that I am certain. They are held somewhere against their will." He placed his hand on his heart1

his upper lip, and his forehead to emphasize his stated belief.

"I fear you may be right. Neither has ever betrayed an ounce of cowardice. Defection does not fit their characters,' Sumitral declared. "You have searched Rrala?" Hrriss nodded. "I alerted all Alreldep offices. Can none of you Hrrubans search your own planet?

They have to be somewhere."

"If they are alive,' Hrnss murmured, for he had denied that possibility as long as he could.

Then he saw the slender frame of Admiral Sumitral stiffen. A hand touched his arm in apology and Sumitral moved toward Hu Shih.

"Come, Hu,' the Admiral said as he urged the man toward the platform where a small, thin, cleanshaven Terran in a white tunic descended from the grid. "May I introduce you to the representative of the Amalgamated Worlds Congress? Hrrestan, I am pleased to make you known to Dorem Naruti, of the AWC." He continued to make introductions among the village elders.

At a signal from the Hrruban grid operator1

Sumitral took his place beside the other Terran delegates. Third Speaker appeared from the mist surrounding the transport grid and, looking neither left nor right at those who bowed courteously to him, marched majestically into the Hall. The glow of triumph in his eyes was absolutely indecent.

Many Rralans, seeing that look, growled quietly under their breath at his lack of restraint and the implications for them.

The rumors of dissolution spread from Rralans to Hayuman friends and neighbors. Hrriss fielded glares and blatant animosity from longtime acquaintances. Who was holding the Rrevs captive?

No, which of the known antagonists to the Treaty had succeeded in denying the Rrevs the dignity of facing their enemies and confounding them?

As if in answer to his thoughts, Admiral Landreau in gleaming dress whites and an almost garish display of medals materialized on the grid. A moment earlier and he might have tread on Third's tail. The Admiral was accompanied by Rogitel and two other aides. Landreau had arranged his features in an expression of pious serenity which would fool no one on Rrala, certainly not Hrriss. His demeanor added more discouragement to Hrriss's depressed morale. Why didn't Zodd appear1

through the grid or out of the underbrush, with his document case in his hands, to wipe the smugness from the faces of Third and Landreau?

At last, Second Speaker Hrrto made his way from the grid through the hanging garlands of flowers to the platform. With his arrival, the complement of delegates from both sides was complete. Only the Treaty Council was yet to arrive before the ceremony would begin.

As the assembly of settlers held its collective breath, the Council appeared1 clustered together on the grid behind the Treaty Controller, magnificent in flowing red robes. On his breast hung a medallion of two intertwined gold suns, studded with sapphires mined and cut from native crystals.

It represented the interweaving on Doona of Human and Hrruban cultures. The light reflected from the jewel vanished abruptly as soon as the Treaty Controller stepped inside the Assembly Hall. Immediately behind the Council came two clerks, one Human and one Hrruban, each of whom carried a large leather-bound and gemstudded book.

Solemnly the Council ascended to the dais. Each member bowed to the assembled dignitaries. The Treaty Controller was the last to do so. He made an especially deep obeisance to Third Speaker1 who returned a curt nod. The clerks moved silently to lay the huge books side by side on the table in the center of the stage. Without further hesitation, the Treaty Controller held up one hand.

"Hrriss, son of Hrrestan and Mirva, stand forth!

Zodd Rrev, son of Ken and Patrricia, stand forth!" he intoned.

The purrs and growls of High Hrruban had never sounded so severe.

Hrriss stepped forward, holding. his spine straight, and willing his tail to refrain from twitching with his inner turmoil.

Hrruvula, clad in his official professional garments, joined Hrriss.

"Sir, Zodd Rrev has been unavoidably detained,' Hrriss said. "I speak for us both." The Treaty Controller's tail twitched once from side to side behind him. "Both of the accused must face this Council.

Have you, perhaps, a document of the ill-health of your codefendant?" At that moment, Hrriss was very certain who had detained Zocid and his father. His heart sank but he raised his chin just enough to show that he knew the sordid game the Controller was playing out. "Be that as it may, you and your absent accomplice stand accused of crimes which violate the laws of the Hrruban League, the laws of the Amalgamated Worlds, and the Treaty of Doona. These are serious crimes, which shake the very fabric of trust which made the Treaty possible twenty-five years ago. What proof can you present to attest to your innocence?" "There is documentation,' Hrruvula said, stepping forward and pulling one flimsy after another from his case, "to prove that the Mayday beacon was heard by Zodd Rrev and Hrriss, son of Hirestan, said beacon being found among cargo shipped to Earth and designated to be delivered to a minor office connected with Space Department.

And here is a declaration from a noted laser expert stating that the log tapes of the Albatross had been skillfully tampered with to show landings and launchings never made by the Albatross, as further testified to the signatories of the documents that the condition of its engines, rocket tubes, and other equipment showed no sign of the abuse such a hegira would have done to said equipment. I have these documents stating the health and energy of both defendants, who would have suffered even more physical deterioration than engines, rocket tubes, and other equipment from a medical condition known as journey lag, which is known to affect unwary travellers making as many different landings and launchings as the defendants are alleged to have done." Hrruvula paused for breath. "Also available are documents,' and the attorney spread the Spacedep slush fund flimsies, "that prove that deposits ostensively made into an account purported to have been initiated by a Terran of Zodd Rrev's general description in fact tally with sums and deposits from a slush fund. There is a signed and attested declaration by an ex-criminal known as Askell Klonski.

"You overwhelm us,' said the Treaty Controller with broad sarcasm.

Hrruvula bowed. "Even as my clients were overwhelmed with evidence which we have conclusively proved to be a massive conspiracy to discredit Zodd Rrev, Hrriss, and in their names the integrity of the entire population of this lovely planet." Hrruvula took another breath.

"With such overwhelming evidence to sustain my clients' plea of innocence, these charges must, in all conscience, be dismissed and their reputations and honors returned to them." He bowed low in deep respect toward the other members of the Council, but noticeably not in the Controller's direction.

Behind Hrruvula, an entire planet's population held its breath.

Third Speaker's eyes narrowed and glittered. He stepped forward.

"You have defended your clients well, Hrruvula,' and the attorney executed another courteous bow. "But it was clearly stated, and so resolved by the Council of Speakers, that both young men must be present to clear their names.

One is clearly not present. The reason for his absence is immaterial. The conditions of that resolution have not been met.

Therefore the Council of Speakers must withhold ratification of a permanent Treaty of Rrala.

There was a silence that nothing in the Hall disturbed. Third Speaker, his manner patronizing and smug, turned to Second Speaker Hrrto. Second Speaker seemed to rise with great difficulty, his shoulders slumped beneath the weight of his robes.

"It was so resolved and must be maintained." He sat down heavily, head bent, arms limp at his sides.

"No!" a woman wailed from the depths of the crowd. "No. That's not fair. Not fair at all! They were innocent. "You can't use that as an out, Third Speaker!" a Hrruban called.

Dorem Naruti of the Amalgamated Worlds Congress rose then, holding up his arms for silence.

"It was resolved. In honor we must abide. Our Congress is constrained to comply with that resolution, much as it pains me to do so. The Congress cannot sanction the colony any longer. We would be glad and proud to trade with the Hrruban League under a new treaty, but the Decision al Doona must be considered annulled. The Cohabitation Principle is herewith invoked. Protests were yelled from all directions then unti Dorem Naruti, not wishing to be a target foi anyone's frustration, took refuge behind Thir Speaker.

Landreau was all but jumping up and down ir jubilation. He, Rogitel, and their assistants kepi calling for silence, for order, for good manners. But it was Admiral Sumitral whose amazing voice was heard above the babel and restored order.

"Dear friends, Hrruban and Hayuman, we are all persons of honorable intent. Having entered into an honorable agreement, we must indeed recognize the commitment we undertook twenty-five years ago, and abide by this very, very painful conclusion to what has been an experiment of cohabitation of. - -" He paused, craning his neck to see through the open doors of the Hall. His attentiveness,- the surprise that began to wreathe his features with new hope, caused everyone to turn to discover what he saw.

The grid was misted, indicating a transportation, and as it cleared, three figures became visible: a bent figure in ornate red robes supported on either side by two others, one tall, straight, and proud, one slender, delicate, and equally proud. The central personage could only be First Speaker Hrruna! His companions, dressed in diaphanous red gauze spangled with gems, were Nrrna and Kelly.

Hrriss felt joy nearly bursting his heart. The girls had reached him, after all, and with the remaining evidence that Hrriss had felt lost forever. A reverent silence settled on the green and the Hall as if noise was snuffed out like a candle flame.

Everyone watched the aged Hrruban walk into the Hall and slowly toward the dais, leaning heavily on the arms of the two girls.

He looked kindly at the colonists and gave an especial smile to Hrriss, who was gawking like a cul at the First Speaker.

"This is an occasion for which I have waited long, First Speaker said in High Hrruban, mounting th ramp to touch hands with Sumitral.

"Sir,' Sumitral said, replying in the same tongue "we did not think to expect you."

"Your accent has improved so very much over th last years, Admiral. You no longer need your young translator,' Hrruna said, dropping his jaw ii a smile and glancing around at the crowd.

"But miss his presence. He has been a joy to me. Wheri is my young friend? Where is Zodd?" With a surprising swiftness that belied his age, h( rounded on Treaty Controller, and his tone, n( longer kindly or gentle, rang with conviction. Thi Controller was so startled, he backed up a pace.

Hrruna's eyes narrowed to fierce slits, though hi: clear voice was calm and even-toned. "I believe that you know precisely where Zodd and his father Rrev, are to be found,' Hrruna said. "You are t( produce them instantly, or your Stripe will hi forever dishonored. If harm has come to tw( Hayumans of indisputable integrity and honor, yot and your immediate family will be transported t( the most primitive mining colony in the galaxy, an allowed only the most meager of rations." Hrriss listened with awe. Few of the settler could understand Hrruna's speech, but they could easily see the effect it had on the Treaty Controller From a haughty administrator, he was reduced tc snivelling like a cub, protesting that his actions ha been taken in the best interests of Hrruba.

"The return of the Rrevs at this point would have made it impossible to avoid the ratification of the Treaty,' the Controller babbled. "I meant no harm to them. They are unhurt. They would have been returned to Earth with everyone else of their species."

"You kidnapped my friend?" Hrriss demanded in a snarl. He felt the savage blood of his ancestors coursing through his veins and he forgot his upbringing, the position he held as a scion of a civilized race. Claws and teeth bared, he gathered himself to leap and strike, as he had leaped at the Momma Snake. Without a moment's hesitation, Hrrestan knocked his feet out from under him, and signalled to several others to drag his infuriated son away from the cowering Treaty Controller.

"Produce the Rrevs, father and son!" Hrruna commanded, his eyes ablaze with green fury.

Cringing, the Treaty Controller signalled to his grid operator in the audience, who ran to the transporter. Making a few deft adjustments to the controls, the operator stepped onto the platform and vanished. In a few moments, the Hrruban reappeared, no longer alone.

With him were two very large Hrruban males in guard harness, and Ken and Todd, clothes torn, faces empurpled here and there with bruises and long scratches, but alive and smiling as they recognized their destination.

"Come here, my friends,' Hrruna beckoned them. His voice, soft again, nevertheless penetrated the ringing cheers that reverberated inside and outside the Hall at this much-longed-for reappeal ance.

Together Todd and his father marched smartl up the steps and into the Hall. When Todd saw wh occupied the dais, he smiled in amazement an shaking his head, continued through the partin crowd. When Hrrubans and Hayumans alik reached out to slap his back or grab his hand, Tod became aware of the deficiencies of his appearano in such a gathering. Still walking forward, h brushed at the dirt on his tunic and combed baci his hair with his fingers. Ken, similarly embarrassed , straightened tunic and hair. Crying with relief Pat ignored protocol and pushed through the cww to embrace husband and son just as they reache the foot of the dais.

"It is good to have you back,' Hrruna said, as i Todd and his father had only been off on scm minor errand. With Pat between them, the: climbed the ramp to the dais. The old Hrrubai signalled for Hrrestan to release his son. In tw( leaps, Hrriss was beside his dear friend, wrap ping his tail firmly around Todd's nearer thigh "This silly cub'-Hrruna pointed to the Treat Controller-'is not the only dishonorable on among Hrrubans to sow discord on Rrala."

"The discord was not solely Hrruban,' Ken said "And during our incarceration, our guards spok freely, not being aware that we bareskins under stood what they said. "Whatever is pertinent to sustain the Treaty anc this colony must be related so that all may hear.

Hrruna said at his most austere, "although I am aware of much that has happened of late, of false accusations and tamperings and alterings that would have greatly strained my patience had they not been delivered by such charming couriers." Todd had not failed to notice that his Kelly and Hiriss's Nrrna were Hrruna's attendants. Kelly was grinning at him with a total lack of discretion, which gladdened his heart immensely, but at least Nrrna had cast her eyes down modestly despite Hiriss's attempts to make eye contact.

Then Todd saw Hrruna's peremptory gesture to Ken. "Be so good as to explain what you overheard, Rrev. "While it was the Treaty Controller who had our destination altered from Earth and our appointment with the AWC panel, he received his orders from another, high in the Speakers Council,' Ken said. "In good plain Low Hrruban, they mentioned his name frequently: the Third Speaker for Internal Affairs." Ken looked pleasantly at Third Speaker.

"We can repeat what was said in our presence..

"Lies!" Third Speaker hissed. "All lies. These Hayumans mean to dishonor me.

Hrruna gestured for those on the dais to move aside so that he could confront Third face-to-face.

His eyes had narrowed to implacable slits, and the hem of his heavy robes flicked with the lashing of his tail.

"I will believe the words of Rrev and Zodd even over those of my own Stripe,' Hrruna said in an ominously calm tone. "Deceit is not in them. Any dishonor on your stripe has been brought there by you. You have forsaken the objectivity necessary to just administration, Third.

You have sought to interfere in a matter which is outside your commission. You were also one who insisted that Rrala would stand or fall on its own merit. You have not abided by your own decree. I invite you to resign your post." Third opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, but at last nodded curtly at Hrruna.

"Very well,' Third Speaker said, his own eyes closed to vindictive slits. "I tender my resignation."

"1 accept it, effective now! But we have waited long enough to discover whether Rrala may continue. In view of what you have heard in these past minutes, do the Treaty Council and the representative of the Amalgamated Worlds Congress wish to alter their decision?" Hrruna asked pleasantly, turning firmly away from the dismissed Speaker. "1

surely see no bar to the continuation of this colony nor to the ratification of the Treaty Renewal so anxiously awaited by us all.

What say you?" Madam Dupuis smiled as she stepped forward, assuming the position of Controller. She bowed with great reverence to the First Speaker. "Most honored of persons,' she said in perfect High Hrruban, "the Council must indeed overturn the recent verdict, and clear the defendants of all charges against them, including nonappearance." Dorem Naruti was jittering with relief at being able to rescind the verdict he had been forced, by the previous circumstances, to announce.

"Then let us adjourn all this formal talk and harangue and let the festivities begin,' said Hrruna, dropping into Middle language and leaning toward Nrrna in a paternal fashion. "The smell of roasted meat is making this old belly rumble." Few heard that comment, for cheers had erupted as he ordered the festivities to begin.

Colonists of both species were hugging each other, weeping or purring in an excess of relief after the dramatic scenes that had first dashed then restored their hopes.

Robin and Inessa were shrieking for their father and brother to come down so they could be suitably welcomed. lisa was trying to calm them down but she was smiling and crying at the same time, upsetting her daughters, who began to fret, too.

"We should take an official vote, you know, Sumitral said, looking out over the jigging, whirling mass of colonists.

"Oh, don't be so hidebound,' Madam Dupuis told him, waving at the jubilation below them. "That's the loudest, most unanimous "aye" I've ever witnessed."

"I'd agree to that,' Dorem Naruti said, beaming from ear to ear. "I've never seen anything quite so official as this! Must be something in the air here, I think."

Sumitral chuckled. "Then we shall record that the vote was unanimous. And I'm hungry, too. Naruti, they have the most delicious little birds here, covered with a sweet spice, that simply melts in your mouth. You really must try some, mustn't he, Nesfa dear friend?"

"Indeed, and although the suggestion might seem bizarre, the snake stew they make is exceedingly tasty. We shall tell you what to sample first, Dorem, if you will accompany us." While they were settling the voting issue, First Speaker's escorts had guided him to his place at the Treaty table set in exactly the same place it had rested twenty-five years before, under the trees that clustered just beyond the Hall. Hrruna gestured for Naruti to be seated to his right and Sumitral to his left. Both senior diplomats, with the precision of long practice, sat down at the same moment. The gemmed and tooled volumes containing the Treaty of Doona were opened before them.

"There's a lot of work, many years of negotiation in the document,' Madam Dupuis said, "but it is as fair as it could be made.

"A thing of beauty, outside as well as inside, these are,' Naruti said in flawlessly inflected High Hrruban. "As handsome as the ideals they represent." Hrruna's jaw dropped in pleasure. "So they are,' First Speaker agreed.

Each signed one, and the volumes were exchanged. One by one, the Treaty Councillors stood by to affix their signatures to the documents.

Hrrestan placed heavy seals on the signature pages and closed the books. Bowing, he presented one to each of the principals.

Sumitral looked to Hrruna for peThission to speak and it was graciously given with a nod of the dignified and graying head.

"The Treaty of DoonaiRrala is now officially extended indefinitely. May I extend the congratulations of my service to Hrrubans and Hayumans alike!" His last syllables were drowned out by wild cheering.

When the noise began to abate, Todd approached the Treaty table. Someone had found him a decent tunic to replace his torn one, and he'd been able to wash his face and comb his hair so that he looked considerably more presentable.

"May I be permitted to speak?" Todd asked in High Hrruban, executing a deeply reverent bow to the First Speaker.

"Pray listen to the first Hayuman ambassador to the Hiruban people,' Hiruna said, his voice carrying over excited conversations and laughter, and immediately silence prevailed again.

Sumitral, leaning across to Hrruna, chuckled.

"And that was a day! About a meter tall, dressed in mda skins with a rope tail hanging behind and the dignity of a dozen judges for all he was six years old. He and Hrriss have done great service for AIreldep since then. I hope they'll continue to do so." Todd glanced at Hrriss, who nodded, jaw dropped humorously. "As long as we can, sir." With Hrriss beside him, Todd stood forward to address his friends and neighbors. "I feel like I got thrown from a bucking stallion into a compost heap, so I hope you'll forgive my appearance." The assembled settlers chuckled. "I've dreamed of this day since I was a small boy.

I was afraid for a while that the day wouldn't come, and then I feared I wouldn't be able to be here. Now'-he grinned, throwing an arm around Hrriss's shoulders-'all we have dreamed of has happened. Doona is now a permanent reality. As long as we live, we can live here together.

"Today is not just a continuation of Doona but the start of a brand-new era for Hrrubans and Hayumans. From the trust that has been built here, both species can spread out, can make new homes on new planets together and separately." He smiled around at all the faces, bare and furred. "Honored folk, Doona has taught us all the most important lesson: that we both can make friends, firm friends, trusted friends, of each other and of other species.

The Siwannese example must never be forgotten, but it mustn't stop us from keeping an open mind and extending an open hand. The generations that will be born on this planet,' and with that he sent a glowing look at Kelly, "will meet others, strong in the practice of Cohabitation. So long as they remember what we have all learned here, the stars beckon. Long live DoonaiRrala!" Todd shot his fist toward the sky and Hiriss's joined it in the next second.

When other arms tired of holding fists aloft and throats turned hoarse with cheering, Hiruna turned plaintively to Sumitral. "Now do you think we can eat?" Totally reunited and in the best of harmonious spirits, the entire population of Doona and its guests began the long-awaited feast. Platters of food poured out of the kitchen to tables inside and outside the Hall. Beer, wine, mlada, and even wildberry juices flowed to every cup as friend toasted friend and the success of the Doona Experiment was drunk to over and over again. The members of the DoonaiRrala Ad Hoc Band rarely got time for more than a few mouthfuls of food, so much in demand was celebratory dance music.

Hiriss tried repeatedly to extract Nrrna from attendance on the First Speaker, but he couldn't get any nearer her than Todd could get to Kelly. If it hadn't been Hiruna who monopolized the attentions of their promised ladies, the two friends would have snagged them away at the very first opportunity, but Hiruna seemed to require that they serve him the various delicacies prepared by the colonists' best cooks.

"Damn it, Hiriss, I'm the one who was on short rations. Couldn't Kelly come feed me?"

"I'm doing my best, Todd,' his sister lIsa said, her knees buckling under the laden tray she was bringing them.

"Urfa steak and snake stew?" he said, salivating.

"Sis, you know how to treat a brother."

"When he remembers to come home to eat,' lIsa tossed at him as she went away to see to the needs of her children. Todd stared after her "Marriage has done her good,' he muttered to Hrriss, and dug into the stew. "I never thought I'd eat any of this again." Then he had to swallow without truly savoring the fine flavor, for Sampson DeVeer approached their table.

"You cut that mighty fine,' DeVeer said, and then drew up the young man in the plain uniform hovering beside him. "You might like to meet my companion, Reeve. Dalkey Petersham."

"Really?" And Todd realized in one second that the man he had feared as a rival to Kelly's affection was no real competition. So he pumped the young man's hand energetically. "We owe you a lot, Dalkey, for putting out your neck for people you didn't know. Come, sit down."

"Well, I did know Kelly and I sure discovered a lot of real creative accounting. Which .

"Which what?" Todd prompted, gesturing for Dalkey to fill a plate from the food on the freshly filled tray.

"Which actually lost me my job."

"You haven't really lost a job, Dalkey,' Todd said, "you've just been transferred. An accountant who could uncover that Spacedep slush fund is just the sort of fellow we need to set up a system here on Doona that can't be diddled." After Dalkey had expressed his deep appreciation of the offer and accepted with considerable alacrity, Todd turned to DeVeer.

"Which reminds me. Just before Dad and I got kidnapped, Hrriss and I got Linc Newry to admit he'd been falsifying export documents and disarming Doona's security satellites to let rustlers in and out.

What's happened to him?"

"He gave himself up,' DeVeer said with a note of satisfaction in his voice, "after I had a most interesting chat with a Dr. Walter Tylanio. Once he was in custody, Newry gave me more information which led me to the real rustler.

"You got Mark Aden?" Todd's eyes flashed, remembering the score he had to settle with that bastard for his vindictive use of ssersa.

"He is under arrest on Zapata Three, awaiting transport back to Earth for trial. It would seem that he kept a computer file of the layout of each ranch on Doona and the best secluded spots to secrete the livestock pens. He's the one who planted the artifacts on your ship while you were occupied by your mission on Hrretha. He did so with Spacedep credentials to pass by Hrrethan security guards.

Newry was the one who switched log tapes."

"I always thought Rogitel had done it when his men were busy hauling artifacts out of the Albie's panels,' Todd said.

"No, I have Newry's confession." DeVeer nodded at the grim looks that Todd and Hiriss exchanged.

"It couldn't have been Rogitel. He did the shopping for the artifacts with the illicit traders on Hrretha.

Remember, Newry had asked you to give him your flight plans nearly two weeks before your actual departure. So he sent them to Klonski, who's rather proud of the way he handled that assignment. Took him thirty-six hours of intensive work. He shipped it back to Newry in an authorized Spacedep courier run and put it in the Albatross before you launched.

Klonski had left gaps for your legitimate stops, triggered by signals from the beacons orbiting Doona and Hrretha. Aden is the one who made the insertions into the interdicted systems in a ship with identification codes altered to match yours." Todd let out a long sigh.

"So we're cleared of everything? Then why was the Treaty so nearly cancelled?"

"Third Speaker had also rigged that resolution so that your presence was absolutely essential to the Renewal of the Treaty."

"And Hiruna waited until he knew he had Third right where he needed him,' Todd said thoughtfully. "It was close!" DeVeer nodded. "However, you both might like to accompany that is, if you can leave off eating that delicious food for a short time?" he asked them. "You rather deserve to be in on this.

I've one more criminal to bring to book." Todd and Hiriss hastily dashed their fingers into bowls set on all the tables to cleanse hands.

DeVeer led them to the head table where they waited respectfully until Sumitral and Naruti concluded their conversation with Second Speaker Hrrto.

When Ken and Hrrestan were beckoned by DeVeer to join them, the group advanced on Landreau and Rogitel who were seated as inconspicuously as possible for men in brilliant white uniforms. They were the only two ignoring both the food and the merrymaking going on around them.

"Well, what do you want?" Landreau asked sourly, glaring at the Reeves. "You have everything you claim you value. This abominable colony has a permanent charter, and your so-called honor is restored."

"Admiral Allen Landreau?" DeVeer said formally. "As an inspector of Poldep and in the presence of a representative of Amalgamated Worlds Congress and a senior officer of Spacedep, I arrest you on the following charges: conspiracy, fraud, misuse of public funds, attempted kidnap ping, suborning of witnesses, aiding and abetting grand larceny and felony theft, aiding and abetting violation of Treaty Law, and conduct unbecoming a senior officer of the Space Department."

"Have you quite finished with this fairy tale?" Landreau snapped. "I am about to return to Earth and pressing duties there-unlike other officials who seem to have infinite time to play."

"This is scarcely a laughing matter, Landreau,' Sumitral said.

"Don't attempt to instruct me,' the head of Spacedep growled, his face turning red. "You're my equal, not my superior. You don't outrank me in any way. In fact, Spacedep is a larger department than AIreldep and takes precedence over yours. If "Ie didn't exist, there would be no aliens for your department to relate to, not the Siwannese, not your tame pussycat people!"

"Sir,' DeVeer said, "I must suggest that you not make any more statements until you have engaged a counsel for your defense. We have impounded your records, and I am obliged to remind you that anything you say now can and may be used in evidence against you." "Read me-Admiral Landreau-my rights?" Landreau shouted.

Nearby Doonans turned to look. Once the identified Landreau, they continued to stare.

"How dare you even question a senior official 0 the government, when these damned Reeves an the real troublemakers?" He flung a contemptUoU hand in Todd's direction before he planted a fingertip in the middle of the Poldep chiefs black tunic and pushed. "You, a Iumped-up little Aisle constable, have the unmitigated gall to interfere with Spacedep, to access Spacedep files, to snoo: into my department! i have a good mind-I have-!

Landreau suddenly clutched at his chest. His eye protruded in DeVeer's direction and then rolled ur into his head as he slid to the floor.

"Get a doctor!" Todd shouted, dropping to hi' knees beside the man. Rogitel knelt down and ben his head to Landreau's chest.

"His heart has stopped,' Rogitel said, his voic( more expressionless than ever.

"He doesn't get out of it this easily,' Todd said and flattened a hand over Landreau's sternum. Hi hit it a short rap with the other fist and then starte( cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Mike Solinari was beside them in a moment. "Dr Moody is coming." He looked at Landreau. "I don' think anything can be done, Todd. Look at all that blood in his face. I think he had an apoplexy."

"What?" Rogitel demanded. "Can't you revivi him?"

"Not from that sort of a fit,' the young veterina nan said, exhibiting only a clinical detachment. "Ht burst a blood vessel. Embolism. Instantly fatal People with high blood pressure are prone to it.

Probably had it coming for years."

"You can say that again,' said a new voice, and All Kiachif pushed his way to the group looking down at the Admiral's prone body. "No one had it coming to him longer, stronger, or wronger than he did, if you know what I mean." He pulled at Todd's shoulder. "You might as well stop that, laddie. It won't do him a bit of good. Don't waste any more breath on him. I know a deader when I see one." Kate Moody arrived a moment later and confirmed young Solinari's and Kiachifs diagnoses.

"There's nothing I can do for him. Here, some of you help me get him out of here. We'll take him to the Health Center. My skimmer's outside."

"Commander Rogitel,' DeVeer said, laying a hand on the assistant's arm and bringing him to his feet. "If you are not going to indulge in a medical emergency of your own, I have a list of charges that have been laid against you. Will you come with me now?" Rogitel rose silently. DeVeer turned back to the Reeves. "Oh, and save me some punch, won't you?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye. "I'll be back as soon as I shut this fellow up." He marched his prisoner away toward the grid, accompanied by Hirula to operate the controls.

"I don't believe he's dead,' said Todd, watching the stretcher team leave the Hall with their burden.

Someone had spread a tablecloth over Landreau's body before they carried it away.

"Believe it,' Kiachif said firmly, slapping him on the shoulder.

"Well, that's that, if you know what i mean. The end of all your troubles, trials, and tribulations. Well, this set! Third's gone, Landreau's sputtered his last, and the Treaty's signed.

Nothing to stand in the way of you living happily ever after, is there?" Todd and Hrriss exchanged meaningful glances.

"Now that you mention it, no,' Todd said, "particularly the "happily ever after" bit. C'mon, Hrriss, Hrruna's had our girls far too long. "We owe you so much, sir, for coming in when you did,' Hu Shih was saying to First Speaker Hiruna as Todd and Hrriss approached.

"If it is not an imposition, honored sir,' Hrriss asked Hrruna politely, "I would like to dance with my betrothed." He reached out a hand to Nrrna.

Nrrna glanced appealingly at the First Speaker, who patted the female's hand. "Yes, of course. Such a charming young lady. You are most fortunate young Hrriss."

"You are so kind, sir,' Nrrna said, lowering hei eyelids prettily at First Speaker.

"And when is the joining to be?" Hrruna asked.

"Soon!" Hrriss said emphatically.

"Very soon,' Nrrna agreed, looking lovingly al Hrriss. "Possibly tomorrow.

The old man sighed as the couple slipped through the crowd. "Ah, if I was thirty years younger! Bul it is always the lady's choice, isn't it? I must say, he is a fine young cub.

"I couldn't agree more,' Second Speaker Hrrtc said, watching the couple swirl gracefully onto the 4n dance floor. "He is one of the hopes for Hrruba's future."

"Kelly?" Todd asked, bowing to her. "May I have the honor of this dance."

"May I, sir?" Kelly asked Hrruna sweetly.

"Yes, do. Enjoy yourselves, young ones!" Hrruna said, jaw dropped. "Ah, youth."

"That's a very pretty dress you have on,' Todd said as with a firm hand he guided Kelly out among the dancers.

"Almost have on,' Kelly grimaced, tugging at the filmy swags of cloth and settling them more securely across her nicely developed chest. "Red's not really my color."

"I think you can wear any color,' Todd said with genuine gallantry.

"But I'm really not sure I should be dancing with you, she said, with such a firm arm around his neck and such a firm grip on his other hand that he stared at her in surprise. "For one thing, you're not really suitably dressed for the occasion."

"Kelly, that's not fair. .

." he began, and then saw the merry devilment in her sparkling eyes.

"All right, I'll bite, how should I be dressed?" Suddenly she took the lead from him and danced him over to a window ledge.

"You're not wearing tails,' she said, waving a coil of rope in front of him that she must have somehow secreted on the ledge.

"Imagine you forgetting an old Rraladoonian custom like that!" Enchanted by his lover's gesture, he let her tie the rope around his waist and proceed to tie the other end around hers, completely ruining the line of her gown.

"Hey, that's not how to make a rope tail!" he said.

laughing.

"No, it's to keep you from going off somewhere without taking me with you!" Now she backed him into the curtains of the window and whirled a length around him, before she pulled his head down to hers and kissed him long and lovingly. Not at all surprising, especially since he had never hoped tc see her again, he responded passionately.

Kiachil had been right-there was nothing at all to stop them living happily ever after.

"Friends, feasting, and fine firewater,' All Kiachit said, carefully enunciating each word to Ken Reeve, swigging the last of the mlada from his glass. "That's the elements that make the besi parties, if you know what I mean! No, don't take that bottle away, Reeve,' he implored Ken as he swept dirty dishes off the table in front of him so he could prop up his elbows. "Pour me another portion, if you please."

"Nothing left in it, Kiachif." Ken upended the crock to show that it was empty. "See?" Kiachif looked mournfully at the bottom of his glass. "You couldn't find another bottle somewhere nearby, could you?

I always thought you were a merry mate of mine." From long experience, Ken judged the old captain was only a few minutes from falling asleep when the power of the mlada hit. "Cm, I suppose there's one more in the kitchen. You wait here, Kiachif, and I'll see if I can't find it." "That's fine, fair and friendly of you,' he said with satisfaction, and propped himself up to wait, tapping his fingers to the slow dance music and watching the couples swaying rhythmically. Ken went into the kitchen and peeped out through the door until he saw the old spacefarer sag over onto folded arms at the table. It had only taken a moment when he wasn't moving or talking for the liquor to relax him completely.

"Hrrestan, give me a hand, will you?" Ken asked, getting under one of Kiachifs arms and heaving upward. "We'd better put him to bed."

"With pleasurrre, my friend,' the Hrruban said, taking the other arm.

Together, they hoisted the Codep captain upright and started to walk him toward the guest cabins at the far side of the common.

Kiachif woke up partway there and glanced at each of his escorts in turn from under his bushy brows. "That's what I like to see,' he said, nodding approvingly. "Cooperation between happy Human and Hrruban. Long may it continue.

Ken and Hrrestan got Kiachif onto the bunk in one of the rooms and considerately pulled his boots off. "So long as we can help it,' Ken said, glancing at his old friend, as they lowered the lights in the cabin behind them, "it always will." They left the old pilot snoring and went out together to rejoin the celebration.

THE END