“It’s the difference between subjective and objective time,” Kennon said. “We traveled here through hyperspace--low Cth--in an uncompensated ship, and there is little temporal flow in the levels below the blue.” “Oh--of course.” Kennon chuckled. “That would have been Greek to you a couple of weeks ago. See where that basic data fits?” “But I’ve always known that.” “You just think you have. Search your memory and see if I’m not right.” Copper shook her head. “It’s very strange,” she said. “But that’s not important. This idea of going back to Kardon, though--that’s a different thing--that is important.” “I have to do it. Not only because it’s a personal moral obligation but also because of the Lani. They must have their freedom.” “Providing there are any still alive.” “Stop being a calamity howler. Whatever Alexander may be, he’s not a butcher. He even loved a Lani once. You told me so yourself. And he couldn’t kill where he loved.” She nodded. “I suppose you’re right, but I’ve never lost my fear of the Man Alexander. He held the power of life and death over me. But if you must go then I should go too. My obligation is greater than yours.” “Later,” Kennon said. “You’re not ready to return. It will be time enough after you have learned some civilized habits.” Copper’s face lengthened. “You mean like wrapping myself in cloth like these people do?” “That’s part of it.” “Why can’t they be sensible--or are they so ashamed of what the gods gave them that they must hide themselves?” “No, it’s not that. At least not exactly. It’s custom. And you must learn to conform to customs--outwardly at least--no matter what you may really think.” “Isn’t that a form of lying?” Copper asked. “I suppose so.” “Isn’t that strange. Your society exalts truth, honor, morality, and intelligence--yet you lie about your attitude.” “It’s called diplomacy,” Kennon said. “It’s part of respect for others’ attitudes and beliefs, a necessary part of human relationships.” “Then you’d be a nudist on Santos?” “Of course--even though I think it isn’t proper, I couldn’t inflict my ideas and attitudes on the customs of an independent world.” “Oh--you think I’m doing that?” “Yes--and it is a mark of barbarism.” “Sometimes you’re not very nice,” Copper said. Kennon smiled wryly. “I suppose I’m not,” he agreed. “I’ll try to be civilized,” Copper said. “But if you go to Kardon--I’m going with you.” “Perhaps,” Kennon said. “We’ll see how things turn out.” “You don’t want me to go with you?” “To be honest--no,” Kennon said. “You’re safe here, and until your status is cleared by a Brotherhood court, I wouldn’t care to place you in Alexander’s hands. And clearing your status is going to take time.” “You mean that I am still his property?”