The Earthman's lips twisted. "I'd raid--on my own terms," he answered. "On your terms--?" "You might not care to meet them, Kyrsis." "At least, tell me what they are." "When the _Chonya_ chieftains called me in, I took their way for mine. If I raid now, it will be because their ships are with me." "But how--?" Shane laughed harshly. "The Federation has turned us out, with the slaver brand upon us. If we must wear it, we'll earn it. Why should we stand by, helpless and hopeless, while both Reggar and the Federation fleet bleed us white? Better that we raid ourselves. At least, then, we'll get booty." His blue eyes gleamed. "We'll bring slaves to your people, Kyrsis--smug, fat slaves from the planets of the Federation. We'll drag them out by the thousands!" A strange excitement seemed to seize the silver woman. "Yes, Shane, yes! We'll take your _Chonyas_--" "There's more," Shane said. "Yes--?" "If you take us, you let Quos Reggar go." She stared at him. "Are you mad, Shane?" "No, Kyrsis; far from mad." He clenched his fist, and his face grew dark with anger. "Reggar is the dog who took away my belt. If he had his way, he'd see me with my brain rotted out with _theol_. So he is part of my price--the part that counts the most--" "--the part that proves you are not so different from other men after all, _Gar_ Shane." Kyrsis laughed softly. The things that showed in the violet eyes were very old. "For awhile I almost saw you as separate from the rest--a man apart, so hard and strong that nothing could sway you from what you saw as duty. But now ..."--she shrugged--"You seek to save your _Chonyas_, yes. But Reggar hurt your pride when he took your belt, so now, above all, you seek for vengeance." "And if I do?" Shane clipped. "Does it matter to you? I bring you the _Chonyas_--born raiders, a race that has carved its name in blood across the void. Beside them, what is Reggar?--A mongrel, a cross-bred _chitza_ served by the scum of the spaceways." He broke off. "But you are the one who must decide. What is your answer?" The smile left the silver woman's face. Turning, she walked thoughtfully across the room, not speaking. After a moment, Shane followed. * * * * * Again Kyrsis turned, looked up at him. Her expression was unfathomable. "You are a bold and clever man, Shane," she said. "It is a pity you can never hope to be quite clever enough." "You mean--?" "She means you've failed again, you _chitza_!" cut in a harsh familiar voice from the mirrored door behind Shane. The Earthman spun about. His great carcass draped in a _fala_ cloak, Quos Reggar stood in the doorway, light-gun in hand. Shane froze. His mouth took on a bitter twist. "I should have known you'd follow her here. But the _fala_ cape--" "It fooled you?" Reggar laughed harshly. "I thought it would. And Kyrsis did well, too, leading you over to my door, where I was sure to hear you." Shane said nothing.