Then Robin was stout, and tumd him about,

Thyrol. I will need the duragloves Everything you requested before your unfortunate disappearance is in the organ loft. Oh, very well then. Its gathered dust long enough. Lead on! Once again the instinctive reaction to tiptoe and maintain silence affected Killashandra as they emerged onto the stage of the Festival auditorium. She glanced at Lars to see if he was similarly affected. He grimaced slightly and she noticed that his active stride perceptibly altered. She did not miss the almost covetous way he frowned at the covered organ console. And wondered what she could do about that! She had been entranced with the music he played on the twelve-stringed instrument, and she was eager to hear it with organ amplification. Or would that be too cruel an imposition? As Thyrol used his keys on the panel to the loft, Killashandra wondered if among them were the keys that would allow access to subliminal mechanisms. All three on that ring were apparently needed to open the loft door. Or would someone of Thyrols rank even know about such a refinement? She presumed it was limited to Elder rank only, or maybe a Master or two. Theyd need someone with a hefty dab of imagination and energy to create subliminal images. Unless the subliminals reflected the inflexibility of the Elders attitudes toward everything, which was also logical Why search for a template when one was oneself the ultimate role model? The necessary equipment was indeed in the loft, neatly stacked against one side of the long wall. Lars maintained an attitude of casual indifference after giving the room a sweeping glance. Killashandra noted the monitor buds, caught Larss glance and gave him a nod. She waited until his hand disappeared into his pocket and then bent over the open console and the glittering shards of crystal. Lars Dahl, grab a mask and some gloves, and bring that bin over here. And a mask and gloves for me. I dont fancy inhaling crystal dust in those close quarters. Then she looked up at the burly men taking up so much space in the loft. Out! She flicked her fingers at them. Out, out, out, out! Youre taking up space and air. This room is well ventilated, Guildmember, Thyrol began. That is not the point. I dislike observers peering at my every move. Theres no need for them. Certainly no one can get in or out of here. They can stand on the other side of the door and repel boarders! In fact, Thyrol, without meaning all about digital cameras offense, your absence would oblige. Youll only be hovering. Im sure you have more important duties than hovering! And youre a distraction Or, are you one of those Im to teach crystal installation? Thyrol drew back, affronted by the suggestion and without further protest retired from the loft. Now, Killashandra began, not even watching the man leave, the first thing we must do is clear the shards. Stick to the larger pieces, Lars Dahl. My body deals with cuts more easily than yours. Hang up that lid. Well put the pieces on that before transferring them to the bin. Crystal has a disastrous habit of spraying shards when it bounces Shouldnt want unnecessary accidents to mar this procedure. Whyd you want the jammer on in here? Guild secrets? Larss voice was muffled by the mask. I just want them to understand that monitors wont work around me. I was brought up on a planet that respects privacy and Im not allowing Optherians to violate that right. Not for all the sensory organs on this narking world. Besides, how else can we search for the access? It would look far odder if suddenly their scanners dont work, than if they havent worked from the start. Now, lets do what we came for. It was slow work, especially once Lars had cleared the larger pieces. The extractor could be used only in short bursts; continued suction expelled tiny splinters right through the bag. For that reason, the bag had to be emptied and brushed out after each burst. Itd be easier with two of these, wouldnt it? When Killashandra nodded, Lars strode to the door panel, slid it open, and issued the request. Killashandra heard a murmured reply. Now, I said! We dont have time to wait for the request to go through Security. By the First Fathers! Does everything have to be authorized by Ampris. Move it! Now! Killashandra grinned at him. Larss return grin was pure satisfaction. If you knew how often Ive wanted to bark at a Security man I cant honestly imagine you making meek Youd be surprised at what Im willing to do for a good reason. He gave her a singularly wicked look. A case of the extractors was delivered in half an hour by an officer whom Lars later told Killashandra was Blazs second in command, but not a bad fellow for all of that. Castair had been known to look the other way during student romps which Blaz never would