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“Excuse me,” Sylzenzuzex put in, “but what is this ‘Krang’ you keep talking about?”

“An ancient artifact of the long-extinct race known as the Tar-Aiym,” her Eighth informed her. “A legendary device that was rumored to be a great weapon—or a musical instrument.” His antennae quivered as he remembered. “To our astonishment and edification, it turned out to be both.” He gestured in Flinx's direction. “Our inimitable young friend here, who was considerably less mature at the time, possesses the only mind we know of that is capable of activating the alien mechanism. If all goes well we'll be seeing it again soon enough.”

“Whatever happens, however this turns out, I don't care as long as we're together.” Clarity abruptly let go of Flinx's arm. “You're not thinking of going off without me again, are you?”

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “The idea had occurred to me.”

Her expression tightened. “Then you won't have to worry about the Order of Null, because I'll kill you first!”

He held the mock-serious expression as long as he could before releasing it as laughter and sweeping her up in his arms. “Do you really think I'd leave you behind, after nearly losing you to those crazies twice? Of course you're coming with me.”

Tse-Mallory nodded approvingly. “Tru and I will of course also accompany you, as was the intention prior to the assault at the shuttleport that resulted in the serious injuries suffered by Clarity. Earlier, you told Tru and me to be ready to leave Nur ‘immediately’ We are ready now. How soon can your ship be prepared for departure, Flinx?”

Still holding Clarity, he regarded his mentor. “I think we can leave tomorrow morning. Any additional provisioning or repair that needs to be carried out can be done at another world lying along the same approximate vector—safely away from local assassins.”

“Then it is settled,” Truzenzuzex declared with satisfaction.

“Not quite settled, syrrlnn.”

Everyone's attention immediately shifted to Sylzenzuzex. She regarded them evenly. “I'm coming along also, you know.”

Her Eighth turned to her. “No, we do not know that, shining sweet. It is no pleasure jaunt, no tourist outing, this dive into the dead worlds of the Blight. I already anticipate enough things to worry about in the course of such a passage.”

“Rest assured I will not be among them.” Arching high above her abdomen, her ovipositors vibrated tautly. “I am not the youthful padre-elect of years past, esteemed Eighth. I am a fully hardened operative working in Church Security. While my skills and abilities may not begin to approach yours, and differ greatly, they can only supplement and assist in this effort.” Gleaming in the overhead light, her great compound eyes turned to Flinx. “Besides, the decision is not yours.”

Unexpectedly finding himself caught between relations, Flinx hesitated. In the resulting stillness it was Clarity who spoke up.

“Myself, I don't see any reason why Syl shouldn't come with us. She's already shown herself to be a practiced truhand with a weapon. On a less functional note, I personally would like to have another female along for company.”

Relieved to have been given an out, Flinx shrugged. “There's certainly enough room on the Teacher.” He eyed the philosoph. “If anything were to happen to you, Tru, having another thranx along would be …”

“I can take care of myself, thank you,” his insectoid mentor responded stiffly. “Still, the vessel and the responsibility are yours. If you feel comfortable having yet another aboard, I will not object further. My personal feelings aside, Sylzenzuzex is no longer a sub-adult.”

Reacting to this concession, Sylzenzuzex executed a gesture Flinx knew well. Her senior Eighth did not respond either verbally or with a gesticulation of his own. But Flinx knew that, at hearts, Truzenzuzex was not displeased. Quite the contrary. Though the crusty old philosoph would not admit to it, he was glad that his “niece” was coming with them.

Flinx knew this because his Talent allowed him to perceive it.

As with everything