Pao Chung sneered. "One vote for law and order from the fallen Angel, if it can be believed. Like Khaljean, my preference is for chaos, as it furnishes more opportunities for a man of my interests. However, my soul revolts at this talk of destroying gems of presumably unique properties. They must have value. Perhaps you can dismantle this machine, without harming its parts. As a business man, with time on my hands, I would like to go with you and see if something can be arranged." "I don't trust you," Ferris said frankly. "And I don't believe that the jewels can be salvaged. Come along if you want. I can't stop you. But don't try any tricks." Pao Chung accepted the warning with bland indifference. "Father!" called Teucrete. "Leave me your protective suiting." Khaljean smiled with sad irony. "Are you making a choice?" "Yes. I'm going with them. I know the way. I can control the maze and guide them safely back. I don't know if I believe in this fabulous machine, or jewels, or whatever. But I think I might learn to believe in ... in him. It's something I'll have to find out." Smiling, Khaljean stripped off his protective armor and yielded it to the girl. As an afterthought, he handed her his blaster. "The choice is yours to make. But in such company, the blaster may come in handy." Khaljean shook hands with Ferris and Angel, though he avoided looking at Pao Chung. To Ferris, he said, "Come back if you can. And look after my girl. In the meantime, I'll throw some gnawed bones to the police wolves, and we'll manufacture a new identity for you." Without a farewell, Khaljean strode into the crystalline forest. His lonely figure paused to wave. "Good hunting, father," Teucrete called after him. She tripped keys at the console. Light quivered in painful vibrations. His figure became transparent, then dissolved.... Absent-mindedly, Teucrete climbed into the suit of protective armor. Ferris helped her zip up the clumsy garments, then clasped her arm impulsively. "I haven't the skill to say it properly--but thanks." "I'll expect your skill to improve with experience," she said irritably, fixing the blaster gun securely in its spring clip. Returning to the console, Teucrete worked out an elaborate composition on the keys. Tubes flared and flickered, flamed and faded. There was the humming and the bell-toned clamor like glass raindrops spattering on a ceramic floor. "We have arrived," she whispered. It was then Pao Chung acted. * * * * * Quick as a striking snake, he moved close beside the girl and snatched the blaster from its clip. Backing away, he waved the weapon in wide sweeps to menace both Ferris and Angel at once. Teucrete turned and cried out. Angel froze like a statue. Ferris started a rush, then thought better of it. "New deal, I think," said Pao Chung brutally. "From here on I'll give the orders."