Parr nodded to himself in recognition of what had happened. Commanders were now on the whole communications network. It would prevent ordinary operators from spreading more news of mutiny through the Fleet; it would blanket the manufacturing of rumors. And, if things were running true to course the Flagship was monitoring all channels just in case. "I've found out the Oholo's disposition," Parr hissed into the tiny comset. "Can you pick me up?" There was a momentary pause. "... We thought you were dead, Kal. Why didn't you answer our calls?" "... Broke my comset," Parr lied quickly. "I've just killed the traitor, Parr, and I'm using his." There seemed to be suspended judgment in the Ship. "If you pick me up, I can give you details. But you'll have to hurry! Two Oholos are closing in right now!" "How many are there altogether?" Parr hesitated. "Only twenty, Parr said. I think less than that. It won't be necessary to scorch the planet." Again silence. Then the Flagship itself cut in, "All right. We'll pick you up. Where are you?" "Denver." He made out the street signs in the darkness. "I'm here at a street corner. Eighteenth and Larimer." "Someone who knows the territory from the Advanceship can pick you up. Ten minutes. Hold on." "Hurry!" Parr pleaded. He cut off the comset. He realized he was frightened. The night was growing cold and he took two deep breaths. He let the comset slip from his fingers and shatter on the pavement. He kicked it away in savage annoyance, and snarled a curse. Lauri shuddered inwardly at his violence, but he did not notice. And she forced a smile and touched him with a warm thought. "I told them I was Kal," he said. "I ... asked them to pick me up." Lauri half gasped in surprise. "They'll hold off the attack until they hear from me again. I'll try to keep them guessing as long as I can." He was tired. He and Lauri had been walking the streets aimlessly for hours. At first there had been mobs after the mail delivery. Then the governor, conscious of what had happened in some Eastern cities, had declared martial law and only soldiers were supposed to be on the streets after sundown curfew. Already many people had fled the city in terror. * * * * * As he and Lauri walked side by side, Parr felt he had come to know her better than he had ever known anyone. He realized how strong his mind had grown under its month long test, and he knew that she had come to respect his strength, she who was so strong herself. But it was not her strength he respected. Strangely, it was her weakness--her compassion and her ability to forgive. An unknown thing, forgiveness, a beautiful thing. She stood silently beside him. Then she said, "What time you gain won't matter." "Maybe it will!" he said harshly, hating the Empire. She stared into his face. She shook her head. "No," she said. She touched his cheek. "I ought to say something." "What do you mean?"