She buried him before the prime;

Well, you wont be allowed to brief them if thats what you had in mind, Killa. Why not? Antona shrugged and daintily sampled her nicely browned casserole before replying. Youve no injury to display. Thats an important part of the briefing, you see the visible, undeniable proof of the rapid tissue regeneration enjoyed by residents of Ballybran. Irresistible! Antona gave Killashandra a sharp glance. Oh, no complaints from me, Antona. The Guild can be proud of its adroit recruiting program. Antona fastened a searching glance on her face and put down her fork. Killashandra Ree, the Heptite Guild is not permitted by the Federated Sentient Planets to recruit free citizens for such a hazardous profession. Only volunteers Only volunteers insist on presenting themselves, and so many of these have exceedingly useful skills She broke off, momentarily disconcerted by Antonas almost fierce glance. What concern is that of yours, Killashandra Ree? You have benefited immensely from the selection process. Despite my unexpected inclusion. A few odd ones slip through no matter how careful we are, Antona said all too sweetly, her eyes sparkling. Dont fret, Antona. Its not a subject that I would discuss with anyone else. Particularly Lanzecki. Im not likely to get that sort of an opportunity, she said, wondering if Antona knew or suspected their relationship. Or if her advice to remember loves and emotions had merely been a general warning to include all experience. Would Killashandra want to remember, decades from now, that she and Lanzecki had briefly been lovers? Advise me, Antona, on which of our nearer spatial neighbors I should plan a brief vacation? Antona grimaced. You might just as well pick the name at random for all the difference there is among them. Their only advantage is that they are far enough away from Ballybran to give your nerves the rest they need. Just then a cheerful voice hailed them. Killa! Antona! Am I glad to see someone else alive! Rimbol exclaimed, hobbling out of the shadows. He grinned as he saw the pitcher of beer. May I join you? By all means, Antona said graciously. What happened to you? Killashandra asked. Rimbols cheek and forehead were liberally decorated by newly healed scars. Mine was the sled that did a nose canon digital camera image stabilizer dive over the baffle. It did? You didnt know it was me? Rimbols mouth twisted in mock chagrin. The way Malaine carried on youdve thought Id placed half the incoming singers in jeopardy by that flip. Did you rearrange the sled as creatively as your face? Rimbol shook his head ruefully. It broke its nose, mine was only bloody. At that itll take longer to fix the sled than for my leg to heal. Say, Killa, have you heard about the Optherian contract? For the fractured manual? That could pay for a lot of repairs. Oh, I dont want it, and he flicked his hand in dismissal. Why ever not? Rimbol took a long pull of his beer. Well, Ive got a claim that was cutting real well right now. Optherias a long way away from here and Ive been warned that I could lose the guiding resonance being gone so long. And because you remembered that I havent cut anything worth packing No. Rimbol held up a hand, protesting Killashandras accusation. I mean, yes, I knew youve been unlucky lately Who do you think cut the white crystal to replace the fractured Optherian manual? You did! Rimbols face brightened with relief. Then you dont need to go either. He raised his beaker in a cheerful toast. Where dyou plan to go off-world? I hadnt exactly made up my mind Killashandra saw that Antona was busy serving up the last of her casserole. Why dont you try Maxim in the Barderi system. Rimbol leaned eagerly across the table to her. Ive heard its something sensational. Ill get there sometime but Id sure like to hear your opinion of it. I dont half believe the reports. Id trust you. Thats something to remember, Killashandra murmured, glancing sideways at Antona. Then, taking note of Rimbols querying look, she asked smoothly, Whatve you been cutting lately? Greens, Rimbol replied with considerable satisfaction. He held up crossed fingers. Now, if only the storm damage is minimal, and it could be because the veins in a protected spot, I might even catch up with you on Maxim. You see and he proceeded to elaborate on his prospects. As Rimbol rattled on in his amusing fashion, Killashandra wondered if crystal would dull the Scartines infectious good-nature along with