"I don't know," she said, kind of startled, as if just beginning to realize the desperation of our situation. "I'm not sure who's right or wrong in this, Jery." "Neither am I!" I said bitterly. "Baxter's a stinker, but he does represent Earth, of which I'm currently in favor. The rebels may be violent, but they have a few points in their favor, too. And the Ancients--" Snow looked at me, expectantly. "The Ancients?" "Them I hate," I said suddenly. "I don't like their slip-and-slide loyalties, Snow. They were the friends of the rebels, sure--until they thought of a better plan. Then the rebels were calmly forgotten. Or vaporized, when necessary. Right now, they're on my side, what with ordering my escape, and protecting me from Baxter. But it's only for so long as I serve their ends. Then it's good-by, Jery Delvin!" "Then--" Snow arose, a slim hand going to her throat "--we don't know for sure if the boys are alive!" I shook my head, solemnly. "We don't know it at all." 14 Clatclit came lumbering into the chamber, and paused to survey the remnants of our meal. He pointed to me, then to Snow, then made the palms-down outward gesture and looked questioningly. "Yeah," I said. "We're finished, Clatclit. Thanks." He nodded, then beckoned to me, and pointed toward the tunneled gloom beyond the archway. "Come with you?" I said. "Come where?" He pointed down. "Downstairs?" I asked. Furious glare. It was nearly impossible to think, with Snow sitting right there across from me, but luckily my memory came through with what that gesture had meant the last time he'd used it. "Mars?" I said softly. Side-to-side motion of the head. "Something like Mars. The Ancients!" Brisk nods. Snow got to her feet, apprehensive. "It's all right," I said. "Remember. So far, they want me alive. I don't have to worry unless they think up a scheme that doesn't need me." "No, Jery, I'm coming with you!" she said, clutching my arm. Those smooth little fingers bit in like dull teeth. She must have been better at sports than her pupil, Ted. "Snow, the way I see it, this is going to be dangerous." Her fists went to her hips. "And by what omniscience are you certain that I'll be safe back here?" she queried. She had me there. The sugarfeet were being buddies at the moment. However, a quick change of plan, and Snow might end up vaporized, gnawed, or just left to starve in this devious labyrinth. "Okay, come along," I sighed. "But hold my hand." "I won't get lost," she protested. "That wasn't the reason, honey," I grinned at her. Her eyes flashed a moment, and her nostrils made a perfunctory flare. Then she smiled, surprisingly shy, and slipped her hand into mine. "For moral support," she said. "Nice rationalizing," I said, but she didn't pull away. Together, we followed Clatclit out of the chamber.