%!PS
save /rlestr1 1 string def /rlestr 128 string def /readrlestring {
currentfile rlestr1 readhexstring pop 0 get dup 127 le { currentfile
rlestr 0 4 3 roll 1 add getinterval readhexstring pop } { 256 exch sub
dup currentfile rlestr1 readhexstring pop 0 get exch 0 exch 1 exch 1
sub { rlestr exch 2 index put } for pop rlestr exch 0 exch getinterval
} ifelse } bind def gsave 44 44 translate 524 704 scale 865 1162 1 [
865 0 0 -1162 0 1162 ] { readrlestring } image
b3ff1fc1ffff1fffffc3e1fffffc007f81fff1f807e03fff0c0fffc0e0f8
7800001080b3ff1fe07fff07ffffe1f8ff80ff9e07f038707f007303ffe3
e07ffc0e1e0786000f80b3ff1fe03fff03fffff0fc7f807fff03f830301f
803f81fff1f03ffe060f0383000780b2ff1e01fffc3ff1fc1f8ffc00fffc
0fc001c07fc1fe1cf01fe0fff820f878700080b2ff1ef07fff0ff8ff0fc0
1ff80fff81f060781ff87f863007fc1ffe0c3e1c1c1c80b2ff1efc3fff87
fc7f07e007fe03fff078381f07fc3fc31000ff07ff860f0f0e0f80afff1b
f87f9ffc7c301ffe07ff838383fc3fc3ffe60800787ff8e1e1f0e380afff
1bfc3fcffe3e1807ff81ffe0e0e0fe0ff0fff303000c1ffc3878787780ae
ff1a8ff3ff8fc4007ff81ffe1c383fc1fc3e78e1ff8003ff0e0e1f0f80b0
ff1cc7fff8fe7ff1f887c0ffe07ff0ff87fe1fcf8f380fff001fe0f060c7
80b3ff1f7fffffc7fffe7e3ff8f843e03ff83ff83fc1fe0fc7cf1e03ffc0
0ff8f8380f80b3ff1f0fffffe0ffffffcfff3f18ff803f81ff8ff83fe071
f3e7f03ffc007f0f9c7f80b3ff1f81fffff83ffffff9ffc7e61f87800c1f
ffcf83fe3cfcf1ff81ffc38fe1c1ff80b3ff1fc1fffffc3ffffff9ffe7e3
1f87c00607ffe7c1fe1c7c78ffc07fe38ff083ff80b3ff1f087ffff9c1ff
ffff3ffc7e63e1f04000ffe3f00fcf9f9f1fff80fe7ffc3fff80b4ff20fe
063ffff0307fffffcfff3f38f0fc3c03fff1f881e7cfc78ffff00fffe0ff
ff80b4ff20fe071ffff83c1fc7ffefff9ffc7c3e0f03fa70fc60e3e7e3c7
fffc03ffc0ffff80b3ff1f98f3ffff0fe1f87fffffe3ff8783e0fc1c9e3f
1f00f8fcf80ffffc1f06ffff80b3ff1f8878ffff87f87c1ffffff9ffc1e1
f83f04ce1fcfc07c7e3c03ffff9e06ffff80b3ff1fc01e7fffe1fe0f07ff
fffcffe1fc1f07e0670fe3fa3f1f0f007ffff846ffff80b3ff1ff803ee3f
ff0ff0f863ffffbff87fe0f83f01c1fc7fc7e3f1e301ff87eeffff80b3ff
1ffe01fe1fff87f87c31fffffffc3ff83e1f88e0fe3fc7e1f8f1c03f0fee
ffff80b2ff1e847f87dff87f87847f9fffff07ff83e0ce383f87f1fc7e3c
7e0c3feeffff80b2ff1ee00ff8e7ff83f87f9fef3ffff07ffe1e039e03f8
fe3f0fc7fff07feeffff80b2ff1ee00ff863ffc1fc7f9ee79ffff07fff0f
038f03f87e1f87c3ffe0ffeeffff80b1ff1dc1ff803ffe1f87e73be3ffff
03ffffc8f3c03f87c7f0f87e07ffce7fff80b1ff1df03fe303ffe3f8fbcc
fceffff83ff3e678f00ff0f8fe1e101fffcf7fff80b1ff1df81ff183fff1
f879e67c67effc1ff3f23cf807f8787e1e003fffdf7fff80b0ff1cfbff1c
1fff1f86789f8c0001f0fc789f3f087f8303e003ffffdeffff80aeff1a87
87ffc7c13c4fc20000001e3c478f843fe0c0f00fffffdfffff80b1ff1df9
ffffe3c1ffe1c03e67e1000000061e07c7c30ff820383fffffde7fff80b1
ff1df83ffffc7e0ffe320789fc03ff0001e381f1f860ff8001ffffffdeff
ff80b1ff1dfe1fffff1f83ff03f3c47e00f3f0003fc0f8fc387fe001ffff
ffde7fff80b0ff1c8fffffc7f0ffc0f9e23fc0603fe003e03c7f1e0ff83b
ffffffdeffff80b1ff1df000fffff8ff87fc7e7c47f804000ffc00078fe1
e1f87bfffffffeffff80b1ff1df8007ffffc7fe3fe3f3e67fc078001ff00
078ff1f1f07bfffffffeffff80b1ff1dfe1e0fffff9ffe3f9fcf10fcf1f8
2003ff07e1fc3fc67bfffffffeffff80b0ff1cc1f1fffff7ffefe7f3c63f
3c0fc7f80fe7fc7f3e1e7bfffffffeffff80b0ff1ce0f8fffff7fffff7f9
e31f1c03e7ff03fffc3fbc3efbfffffffeffff80afff13070ffe3f9ffffd
fe78c3e7e003fffc0fe18ff1fefcff03feffff80afff1be0e1ff0fc7f3fe
7f1e30f3f8c03fff80f05fc7fef3fffffffeffff80afff1bf878ff8fe3f3
fe3f8e1879fc6007ffe0383f8ffefefffffffeffff80adff199ff1fc7c7c
0ff1c39e7f803807ffc7f03ffefe7ffffffeffff80adff19c7f8fe3e3e07
f8e1cf1fe007007fffe0fffefe7ffffffeffff80adff19e0fc3f9f1f01fc
30478ff801f80fff83fffefe7ffffffeffff80b0ff1c00003ff007c7f1e1
f01f071031ff040ffe304ffffefe7ffffffe7fff80b0ff1cf8780ff800e1
f8f0f80f83f818ffc381ffc06ffffefe7ffffffe7fff80adff19fe1ff8fe
3c3e03e0ff003ff0607f824ffffefefffffffe7fff80acff11c1ff8fe3c3
c1fe0ff803ff01807f0ffffefefaff0080acff11f0ffc7f1e1e0ff07fe01
ffc061ff2ffffefefaff0080acff10fc1ff1fc787c1ff07fe01ff807ff2f
fffef9ff0080b0ff14fe0ffe007fc1fc3f8f0fc1ff03ff01e0ffff2ffffe
f9ff0080afff1100f8001ff0fe1fc787e07f81ffc0e1ffff27f7ff0080ae
ff1000ffe03e1fc3f1f0ff03fc07fc1fffffa7f7ff0080abff0d8187f8fc
7c3fe03ff070ffffffa7f7ff0080abff0de003f83e3e1ff80ffc61ffffff
37f7ff0080aaff0ce01f87c7c0ffc03e1ffffffff7f7ff0080aaff0cfe03
c1f1f81ffc307fffffff77f8ff01fc80a9ff06c000783e03ff01fcff0077
f8ff01f800a9ff06fe0107c1f80e0ffcff0077f8ff01e080a8ff0501c1e0
7e083ffcff00f7f8ff018380a8ff050079fe07c03ffcff0077f9ff02fe0f
80b3ff05fe7ffffff81ffaff04800007873ffcff00f7f9ff02f03f80b2ff
050fffffff007ffbff04f80006073ffcff00f7f9ff02e0ff80b2ff0ff83f
ffffff001fffff83fffffe00e77ffcff00f7f9ff02c3ff80b1ff0ee03fff
ffffe00003fc003ffc03e7bff5ff03fe0fff80b1ff01fc00fcff08c003ff
80000013e7bff5ff03fe3fff80b0ff03fe00007ffcff05f80003f3e7bff5
ff03f0ffff80aeff01807ffcff05fc000ff7e7bffcff00bffaff03c3ffff
80a7ff04871ff7e7bffcff009ffaff0387ffff80abff08f807fffffcfff7
e7bffcff00bffbff04fe3fffff80aaff07c0007ff1fff7e7bffcff00bffb
ff04f87fffff80b1ff00f8f9ff06007fe3fff7e7bffcff00bffbff04f1ff
ffff80b1ff04f000000007fbff040ffff7e7bffcff00bffbff04c7ffffff
80b1ff0ef0000ffe001ffffffffc3ffff7e7bffcff00bffbff041fffffff
80afff0be0ffff8000fffff0fffff7e7fbff00bffcff05f87fffffff80ae
ff0a9fffffff003fc7fffff7e7fbff003ffcff00e3fcff0080aaff06e03f
0ffffff7e7fbff003ffcff0087fcff0080a9ff05fc7fffffffe7fbff05bb
fffffffe3ffcff0080adff04fce07f00f1fcff00e7fbff04bffffffff0fb
ff0080adff04fe0007ffc3fcff00effbff04bfffffffe3fbff0080acff03
e007fe1ffcff00eff7ff008ffbff0080acff03fe07f87ffcff00eff8ff01
fe3ffbff0080aaff00e1f2ff07f8fffffc7f0fff80aeff04fc7fffff07f2
ff07e3ffff1e0c03ff80aeff04fe0ffffc1ff2ff0787fffe3fcc7fff80af
ff0401ffffffe0f2ff03fe3ffff8fcff0080afff0487ffffff87f2ff0330
7fffe3fcff0080acff01fc3ff2ff0301ffffe7fcff0080acff00e1f1ff08
07ffff87fffff9ff80acff0087f1ff0803ffff03fffffcff80acff001ff1
ff0803fffe03fffffcff80adff00fcf0ff083ffffc13f003fe7f80adff00
f1f0ff083ffffc93e003fe7f80adff00c7f0ff083ffffc11e703ff2780ae
ff01fc1ff0ff083ffffe08ffc7ff0780aeff01f07ff0ff083ffffe003fff
ff9380afff01fe03efff08bffffe03ffffff9380afff01f83fefff08bfff
fc03fff7ffc380afff00e1eeff08bffffc73fff7ffe380b0ff01fe0feeff
08bffffe07f9f1fff380b0ff01f83feeff08bfffff1fe0f0fffb80b0ff00
c3f5ff00dff9ff08bfffffffe0f0fffb80b1ff01fe1ff5ff00dff9ff089f
fffff3c7f87ffb80b1ff00f0f4ff00cff9ff089ffffff0cff87fff80b1ff
00c3f4ff00cff9ff089ffffff0fffc7fff80b1ff001ff4ff00dff9ff089f
fffff3fffc3fff80b2ff01fc7fecff089ffffffbfffe3fff80b2ff00e1eb
ff089ffffffbffffbfff80b2ff0007ebff089ffffff9ffff9fff80b3ff01
fc3febff089ffffff883ff97bf80b3ff00f0eaff089ffffffc0fff97df80
b3ff00c3eaff089ffffffc7fdf97ef80b3ff008feaff08dffffffe3f9f97
e780b4ff01fe3feaff08dfffffff3e3f87b780b4ff00fce9ff08dfffffff
9c7f879780b4ff00f1e9ff08dfffffff987f879380b4ff0087e9ff08dfff
ffffd07f879380b5ff01fe1fe9ff08cffffffff26f838380b5ff00f8e8ff
08cffffffffe07879180b5ff00c7e8ff08cffffffff007879180b5ff008f
e8ff08cfffffffc1ff071080b6ff01fc7fe8ff08cfffffff8fff073080b6
ff00f8e7ff08cfffffff3fff072400b6ff00c3e7ff08cffffffe7ffe0e26
00b7ff01fe0fe7ff08cffffff8fff80e6e00b7ff01fc3fe7ff08cffffff1
fff81c4f009cff08cffffff3ffff1c4f009cff08cfffffe3fffe781f809c
ff08efffffe7fff0781f809cff08efffffe7fffff03f809cff08efffffe7
ffffe07f809cff08efffffefffffe07f009cff08efffffcfffff81ff009c
ff08efffffcfffff03fe009cff08efffffdffffe07fe009cff08efffffdf
fffe1ffe809cff08efffffdffffff9fe809cff08efffffbffffffbff809c
ff08e7ffff3ffffff7ff809cff08e7fffe7fffffe7fc809cff08e7ffc2ff
e3ffeff9809cff08e7ff80fff7ffdff3809cff08e7ff09ffffff9fe3809c
ff08f7ff1bffffffbfc7809cff08f7fe33ffdfff3f9f809cff08f7fe77ff
8fff7f1f809cff08f7fe67ff9ffe7f3f809cff08f7fcefff3ffefe7f80a0
ff0cf3fffffff7fccffe3ffcfc7f80a1ff0dfc707ffffff7f9cffcfffdfc
7f80a1ff0de0307ffffff7f88ff9fff9f87f80a1ff0d80187ffffff7f80f
f1fffbf8ff80a2ff0ee00000fffffff7f80fe7fff3f8ff80a2ff0ec06c00
fffffff7fe0f07fff7f9ff80a3ff0ffe00c000fffffff7ffcc0fffe7f9ff
80a3ff0fe0fc6000fffffff7ffc40fffe7f9ff80a3ff0f01ce1038ffffff
f7ffe78fff87f1ff80a4ff10f070c70878fffffff7ffff9fffc7f3ff80a4
ff1003fc01c43cfffffff7ffff9fffc7f3ff80a5ff11f820c608e01cffff
fff7ffff9fffe7f3ff80a6ff12f8031803803008fffffff7ffffbfffe7f3
ff80a6ff12f0210600e00800fffffff7ffffbffffff3ff80a6ff128010c1
80380400fffffff7ffffbffffff9ff80a7ff13f8330838401c0000ffffff
f7ffffbffffff9ff80a7ff1381f0c30430060000fffffff7ffff3fff9ffc
ff80a8ff14fc018020c10c038008fffffff7ffff3fff8ffcff80a8ff14c1
e00000784310c000fffffff7ffff3fffcffe7f80a9ff15fc183c00001e20
880038fffffff7ffff3ffffdfe7f80a9ff15e0380780000798000038ffff
fff7ffff7ffffdff3f80a9ff150e0001e00003c40001f8fffffff7fffe7f
fffeff3f80aaff16f8078000780200f00009f8fffffff7fffe7ffffe7f9f
80aaff16c1c3c0801e0180780f0ff8fffffff7fffe7fffff7f9f80aaff16
01f070700fc0401c0fcff87ffffff7fffcffffff3fcf80abff17fe00781c
1c03e0300403fff87ffffff7fffcffffff3fcf80abff17ee381f060700f0
080007fff87ffffff7fffcffffff9fcf80abff17e70e07c181c03c00001f
fffc7ffffff7fff87fffffdfef80abff17e18303f0c0320f0000fffffc7f
fffff7fffc7fffffcfe780abff17f0c0e0fc300381803ffffffc7ffffff7
fffc7fffffe7e780abff17e070183f0c47fbc1fffffffc7ffffff7fffc7f
fffff7e780abff17f11c040f827fff07fffffffc7ffffff7fffe7fffffe7
e780abff17f3070303c03ff07ffffffffc7ffffff7fffe7fffffe3f380ab
ff06f101c080e03f03fcff0cfc7ffffff7fffe3fffffe3e380abff06f138
e06007f03ffcff0cfc7ffffff7ffff3fffffe3e380abff05f33e38020701
fbff0cfc7ffffff7ffff3fffffe3e780abff05f3338c01c03ffbff0cfc7f
fffff7ffff3fffffe3c780abff04f3310220c1faff0cfc7ffffff7ffff3f
ffffe3c780abff04f33330100ffaff0cfc7ffffff7ffff9fffffc3c780ab
ff04f3b33c007ffaff0cfc7ffffff7ffff9fffffc20780abff03f3b33701
f9ff0cfc7ffffff7ffff9fffff804780abff03f3b32307f9ff0cfc7fffff
f7ffffdfffff80cf80abff03f3b3238ff9ff04fc7ffffff7fbff0201cf80
abff03f3b3200ff9ff04fc7ffffff7fcff03fe0fcf80abff03f3b3200ff9
ff0cfc7ffffff7ffffbffffe3fcf80abff03f3b3200ff9ff0cfc7ffffff7
ffff3ffffc7fef80abff03f3b3608ff9ff0cfc7ffffff3ffff3ffffcffef
80abff03f3b3609ff9ff0cfc7ffffff3ffff3ffff8ffef80abff03f3b320
9ff9ff0cfc7ffffff3ffff3ffffcffef80abff03f3b3649ff9ff0cfc7fff
fff3ffff3ffff8ffe780abff03f393641ff9ff0cfc7ffffff3ffff7ffff9
ffe700abff03f3f3609ff9ff0cfc7ffffffbffff7ffff9ffe000abff03f3
d3658ff9ff0cfc7ffffffbffff7ffff1ffe000abff03f3fb618ff9ff0cfc
7ffffffbfffe7ffff1ff8080abff03f3db618ff9ff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7f
fff3fe0380abff06f3fb618fffff7ffcff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7ffff3f80f
80abff06f3fb618ffffe7ffcff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7fffe3e07f80abff06
f3bb618fffe03ffcff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7fffe303ff80abff06f3fb6b8f
fc0e07fcff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7fffe00fff80abff06f3ba6b8fe07e01fc
ff0cfc7ffffffbfffe7fffe03fff80abff17f3ba6f8f03fe007ffffffffc
3ffffffbfffe7fffc1ffff80abff17f3bb6f8c3ffe0c1ffffffffc3fffff
fbfffc7fff87ffff80abff17f3bb6f80ffff270ffffffffe3ffffffbfffc
7ffe1fffff80abff17f3fb6f83ffff3fc7fffffffe3ffffff9fffc7ff8ff
ffff80abff17f3fa6f8fffff3fe1fffffffe3ffffff9fffc7fe1ffffff80
abff17f9ba6f8fffff3fc8fffffffe3ffffff9fff87f0fffffff80abff17
f9ba6f8fffff3fce7ffffffe3ffffff9fff8fc3fffffff80abff12f9ba6f
8fffff3fcfbffffffe3ffffff9fff8f0fcff0080abff12f9ba6f8fffff3f
df9ffffffe3ffffff9fff9c3fcff0080afff16dffffffff9ba6f8fffff83
dfdffffffe3ffffff9fffc1ffcff0080b0ff17fe1ffffffff9ba6f87ffff
801ffffffffe3ffffffbfff07ffcff0080b0ff16e01ffffffff9ba6f87ff
ffbc07fffffffe3ffffffbffc3fbff0000b0ff16863ffffffff9ba6f87ff
ff9f807dfffffe3ffffffbfe1ffcff01fc00b1ff17fc3e7ffffffff9ba4f
87ffff9f9e18fffffe3ffffffbf87ffcff01e000b1ff16c3fe7ffffffff9
ba7f8fffff9f9f0cfffffe3ffffff981fbff010080b2ff17fe0ffe7fffff
fff9ba7f87ffff9f9f70fffffe3ffffff80ffcff02fc0780b2ff17f87ffe
7ffffffff9327f87ffff8f9f78fffffe3ffffff83ffcff02f07f80b2ff02
e1fffefcff0ff93e7f87ffff879f3efffffe3ffffff8fbff02c1ff80b2ff
020ffffefcff0ff93e7f87ffffc19f3efffffe3ffffff9fcff03fe0fff80
b3ff03fc3ffffefcff0ff9fe7f87ffffd81f3e7ffffe3ffffff9fcff03f0
3fff80b3ff03f0fffffcfcff0cf9ffff87ffffdf0f3e7ffffe3ff9ff03c0
ffff80b3ff0387fffffcfcff0cf9ffff87ffffdf803e7ffffe3ff9ff0307
ffff80b4ff04fe1ffffffcfcff0cf9ffff9fffffdfdc3e7ffffe3ffaff04
fc1fffff80b4ff04f87ffffffcfcff0cf9ffff9fffffdfdf0e7ffffe3ffa
ff04f0fffffc00b4ff04c3fffffffcfcff0cf9ffff9fffffdfdf867ffffe
3ffaff04c3ffffe000b9ff098001fffffe0ffffffffcfcff0cf9ffff9fff
ffdfdfba7ffffe3ffbff05fe1fffff8000bafffd00077fffff3ffffffffc
fcff0cf9ffff9fffffdfdfbc7ffffe3ffbff05f07ffffc0780bbff04f000
00001ffaff00fcfcff0cf9ffffdfffffefdfbe7ffffe3ffbff05c3ffffc0
3f80bcff00fcfc000007faff00fcfcff0cf9ffffdfffffc01fbe7ffffe3f
fcff06fe1ffffe03ff80bcff00f8fc000001faff00fdfcff0cf9ffffdfff
ffc007be7ffffe3ffcff06f87ffff01fff80bdfff900003ffbff00fdfcff
0cf9ffffdfffffcfc0be7ffffe3ffcff06e3ffff80ffff80beff08f00000
01ff00000007fbff00fdfcff0cf9ffffdfffffefc81e7ffffe3ffcff060f
fffe07ffff80beff08c000001ffff0000000fbff00fdfcff17f9ffffdfff
ffefef0e7ffffe3ffffffffc3ffff83fffff80befffb0004040000003ffc
ff00fdfcff17f9ffffcfffffefef827ffffe3fffffffe1ffffc1ffffff80
bfff00fcf90002e00007fcff00fdfcff17f9ffffcfffffcfef907ffffe3f
ffffff0ffffe07ffffff80bfff00f0f90002780003fcff00f9fcff17f9ff
ffefffffcfef9c7ffffe3ffffffc3ffff03fffffff80bfff0080f900021f
0000fcff00fdfcff12f8ffffefffffcfefde7ffffe3ffffff0ffff81fcff
0080c0ff03fe000080fb000707e0001ffffffff9fcff17f8ffffefffffcf
ef9e7ffffe3fffff83fffc1fffcfffff80c0ff02f801cef90006f00007ff
fffff9fcff17f8ffffefffffc7ef9e7ffffe3ffffc1fffe1ffffc7ffff80
c0ff02f8003cf900061e0001fffffff9fcff17f8ffffefffffc00f9e7fff
fe3fff60ffff0fffff87ffff80c0ff10c00001ffffff800000000700007f
fffff9fcff17f8ffffefffffd8019e7ffffe3fff03fff07ffffe07ffff80
c0ff0600000ffffffffefc0005c0001ffffff9fcff17f8ffffefffffdfc0
1e7ffffe3ffe0fff81fffffc07fffe00c1ff08fe0001fffffe03fff0fb00
030ffffff9fcff17f8ffffe7ffffdfee067ffffe3ffe3ffe0ffffff01fff
e800c1ff06f8400e00fffffcf9000303fffff9fcff17f8ffffe7ffffdfef
807ffffe3ffe3ff03fffffe03fffc000c1ff07f080003ffffffffefa0003
01fffff9fcff17f8ffffe7ffffdfff987ffffe3ffe3f81ffffffc0ffff80
00c1ff06c30003ffe0007ff800027ffff9fcff17f8ffffe7ffffdfef9e3f
fffe3ffe7f07ffffff81ffff8000c1ff0486001ffff8f600023ffff9fcff
17f8ffffe7ffffd8cf9e3ffffe3ffe7f1fffffff87ffbf0000c1ff050c00
7fffff80f700021ffffdfcff17f8ffffe7ffff980f9e7ffffe3ffe7f3fff
ffff8fff3f0080c2ff02fe0003fcff0080f8000207fffdfcff17fcffffe7
ffff9c001e7ffffe3fff7f3ffff9ff9f183e0080c2ff08fc000ffffe8000
ff80f9000203fffdfcff17fcffffe7ffff9fc00e7ffffe3fff3f3fffc1ff
ff003e0180c2ff08f80c3fff00000001f8f9000203fffcfcff17fcffffe7
ffff9fdf827ffffe3fff3f3ffc03fffe007c0180c2ff09f03afff8000ff0
000180fa000201fffcfcff17fcffffe7ffff9fdf987ffffe3fff3f3ff003
fffe007c0380c2ff01e0f7fcff00e0f600faff17fcffffe7ffff9fdf9e7f
fffe3fff3f3ff003fffc00f80380c2ff01c1cffcff0080f600007ffbff17
fcffffe7ffff9fdfde7ffffe3fff3f3ff007fffc00f80780c2ff01879ffc
fff500001ffbff17fcffffe7ffff9fdfcf7ffffe3fff3f3fe007fff801f0
0780c2ff050f7dffffff81f500000ffbff17fcfffff7ffff08dfcf3ffffe
3fff3f3fc00ffff801f00780c3ff05fe3ff1fffffff4000007fbff17fcff
fff7ffff8c0fcf3ffffe3fff3f3fc00ffff801f00f80c3ff05fc7fe3ffff
fff4000001fbff17fcfffff3ffff8f03cf3fff7e3fff3f3fc00ffff801e0
0f80c3ff06f8ff87ffffff80f400fbff17fcfffff3ffff8fc0cf3ffc3e3f
ff3f3f801ffff803e00f80c3ff06f0ff0fffffffe0f400007ffcff17fcff
fff3ffffcfcfc71ff03e3fff3f3f801ffff003e00f00c3ff06f1fe1fffff
fffef400007ffcff17fcfffff3ffffcfdfc71f803e3fff3f3f801ffff003
e00f00c3ff05e7fc1dfffff0f300003ffcff17fcfffff3ffffcfcf87bc0f
3e3fff3f3f801ffff003c00f00c3ff04c7f831fcfff7000040fc00001ffc
ff17fcfffff3ffffcf8f87f07f3e3fff3f3f003ffbf007c00e00c3ff049f
f041f0fef700051c000000400ffcff17fcfffff3ffffcf8fdf07ff3e3fff
3f3f003ff3f007c00e00c3ff053ff083e1fff8f800050e000000e007fcff
17fcfffff3ffffcfcfe03fffbe3fff3f3f003f83f007c00c00c4ff08fe7f
e00381ffffffd0fb00060807000000e003fcff17fcfffff3ffffcfce03ff
ffbe3fff3f3e007e01f007c00c00c4ff09fdffc00707c7ffffffe0fb0005
038000007001fcff17fcfffff3ffffcfe07fffffbe3fff3f3e007c01f007
c00000c2ff07800e0707ffffffe0fc00060101c000187801fcff17fcffff
f3ffffcfc3ffffff9e3fff3f3e006001f007c00000c2ff0700181c07f3ff
ff80fb000580e000183800fcff17fcfffff3ffffcf0fffffffde3fff3f3e
006001f00fe00000c3ff07fe0000381f83f9fff9002070000c3c007fffff
fffcfffff3ffffc03fffffffde3fff3f3e006001e00fe07000c3ff077c00
00e03e07e01ef9000f38000e1e007ffffffffcfffff3ffffc0fcff0cde3f
ff1f3e004000e00ff0f000c4ff08fef80001c0700fe001f9000f1c001e1f
003ffffffffcfffff3ffffe1fcff0cfe3fff9f3e000000e00fffe000c4ff
09f8f8020381c01fc0001cfa000c1e001f1f003ffffffffcfffff3f9ff0c
fe3fff9f3e001000e00fffe000c4ff0af1f0000703803fe0000180fb000c
0e000f1f001ffffffffcfffff3f9ff0cee3fff9f3e003000e00fffc000c4
ff07e1e000060600effff9000d0206000f1f800ffffffffcfffff3f9ff0c
001fff9f3e007800e00fff8000c4ff08c3fc00081c010fffc0fa000d0307
800f9f800ffffffffcfffff3faff0df8001fff9f3e007800e00fff0080c4
ff0787f80010300601fff9000d0187800f8dc00ffffffffcfffff3faff0d
c0003fff9f3e00f801e00ffe0180c4ff0787f00020600801fef9000d01c3
c0278ee007fffffffcfffff3faff0d003e3fff9f3e00f801f01ffe0380c4
ff070f700040802003fef9000d01e3e01fcee003fffffffcfffff3fbff0e
fe07fe3fff9f3e00f801f03ff80780c5ff09fe1e60008100c0071f80f900
0cf3f03fce6003fffffffcfffff3f9ff0cfe3fff9f3e00f801fffff80f80
c5ff09fc1ce0010001000c1fe0f9000cf3f01ffe7001fffffffcfffff3f9
ff0cfe3fff9f3e00f001fffff87f80c5ff0cf839f000000600103fe00000
30fc000c79f81fff3001fffffffcfffff3f9ff07fe3fff9f3e03f801fcff
0080c5ff0cf071f000000c00403ff0000006fc000c7df81fff3801ffffff
fcfffff3faff087ffe3fff9f3e0ff001fcff0080c5ff1df0f1f000003000
80707f000001800000207ffcefff1801fffffffcfffff3faff083ffe3fff
9f3e1ff001fcff0080c5ff1de0e3e0000060020080fff00000300000103f
fcf7ff1801fffffffcfffff3faff083ffe3fff9e3f1ff003fcff0080c5ff
1dc0c3e00000c00400007f01c0000c0000183ffcf7ff0c01fffffffcffff
f3faff083ffe3fff9e3f3ff003fcff0080c5ff1dc1c7c00003800800007c
0478000300001c1ffff3ff8d01fffffffcfffff3faff083ffe3fff9e7fff
e003fcff0080c5ff048187800006fc001460fc03000080003e1ffff3ff8c
81fffffffcfffff3faff083ffe3fff9e7fffe007fcff0080c5ff04010f00
000efc000107f8fb000d3f0ffff9ff8681fffffffcfffff3f9ff07fe3fff
9e7fffe007fcff0080c5ff0a010f000018008000001ffcfb000d1f0ffff9
ff8680fffffffcfffff3faff08bffe3fff9e7fffc007fcff0080d3ff0280
0007f6ff0bfe001600003000000c007ff0fc000e180f8ffff8ff8640ffff
fffcfffff3faff0dbffe3fff9e7fffc00fffe07fff80d4ff04fc0000001f
f7ff0bfc001c00002000003800ff80fc000e1e07cffff8ff83407ffffffc
fffff3faff0dbffe3fff9e7fff823ffe0003ff80d4ff04c03f080003f7ff
1efc002c0000400000e003ffc0000000011f83cffffc7f83407ffffffcff
fff3faff0dbffe3fff9e3fff8ffff07ffdff80d4ff04003fc00000f7ff0b
f800180000800007800fff80fc000effe3ff7ffc7f83003ffffffcfffff3
fbff0ebfbffe3fff9e3fffffff0ffffcff80d4ff05000fe000603ff8ff0a
f80053000100001e001fe0fb00fdff0b7dfc3f81003ffffffcfffff3fcff
0ffc1fbffe3fff9e3ffffffc3ffff0ff80d5ff06f80003f000311ff8ff0a
f000138000000038003f80fc000f01ffffff3dfc1fc1a01ffffffcfffff3
fcff0ff01fbffe3fff9e3ffffff0ffff01ff80d5ff06800001f80019eff8
ff0af0002780060000e0007f80fb00fdff0b3cfc1fc1a01ffffffc7ffffb
fcff0f0c5fbffe3fff9e3fffffe1ff8079ff80f3ff01c01fe4ff05870000
fc809cf7ff0af00007837f0703c000ff80fb00fdff1fbcfe0fc1a01fffff
fc7ffff9fffffff87e4fbffe3fff9e3fffffe00003f9ff80f4ff02fc0007
e4ff06980000fe408e7ff8ff0ae00007c7ffff0f0001ffc0fc002301ffff
ff94be0fc0801ffffffc7ffff9ffffffe0fe4fbffe3fff9f3fffffe4007f
f9ff80f4ff02c07ff9e4ff05800001fe7ccff7ff32e00003fffffffe0003
ffff8000000307ff7ff7801e06c0801ffffffc7ffff9fffffc1efe5fbffe
3fff9f3fffffe7fffffbff80f4ff0387fffe7fe6ff06fc07ff87fffceff7
ff32e00003fffffffe0007fffffffc0001e3ff3ffb801f0640901ffffffc
7ffff9ffffe03efe5fbffe3fff9f3fffffe7ffe00bff80f4ff001fe3ff03
f8183fc7fcff003ff9ff08c00003fffffffe001ffcff25fc00ffff3ffb80
0f0640501ffffffc7ffff9ffff0f3efe5ffffe3fff9f3fffffe7ff800bff
80f5ff01fe3fe3ff01f10ffaff009ff9ff02c00003fcff01807ffbff24f8
1fff9ffdc00f0240501ffffffc7ffff9ffe07f3e7e7fbffe3fff9f3fffff
e3fc084bff80f5ff01fe7fe3ff01e07ffaff00dff9ff02c00043f7ff26f8
ffff8fff8ffdc0078220501ffffffc7ffff9fe0e7f3e7e73fffe3fff9f3f
ffe0002de1c3ff80f5ff04fefffffff9e6ff00e3f9ff00cff9ff02800046
f8ff27bf0007ffffffcffdc0078120501ffffffc7ffff9f07e7f3e7e03ff
fe3fff9f3ffc003f8fc7c3ff80f5ff05fcfffffffe7fdfff00e3f9ff0480
0084fffdfbff28fcf000003fffffc7fee0028100101ffffffc7ffff907fe
7f3ef07ffffe3fff9f3ff0ffffc01fc7ff80f5ff00fcfcff001fe4ff051f
dfffffffe1f9ff32800084fcfdf97ffffffff9e00fe003ffffe7fee00340
00101ffffffe7ffff9ffff7f3e07ffdffe3fff9f3fe3ffffc0ffc7ff80f5
ff00fefcff00cfe4ff05878ffff7fff0f9ff32800584fcbdf27ffffffee3
807ffffffe7863ff60014000101ffffffe7ffffdffff7fb87ffffffe3fff
8f3fe7ffff8fffd7ff80f0ff00e3e7ff09f803ffe1c3fff3fff07ffaff32
800784f8bdf05ffffbf9c601fffffffe1023fff0000000181ffffffe7fff
fdffff7f87fffffffe3fffcf3fe787ff0fffd7ff80f5ff0087fcff00f9e7
ff09c003fe38e1fff3ffb47ffaff3280078478bbe0d7fff3f18407ffffff
fe0011fff0000000081ffffffe7ffffdffff3e1fffffbffe3fffcf3fe7ff
b85fffc7ff80f5ff0000fcff00fce7ff09003fff0620c1d3df923ffaff32
00078478bbe097ffe4e3081fff007fff0001fff0000000081ffffffe7fff
fcffffb09ffffffffe3fffcf3fe7ff81dfff87ff80f5ff067e7ffffffffe
7fe9ff0afe07ffffe00041db91c23ffaff32000584783be0a7ffc1c70007
f001dff18000fff8000000080ffffffe7ffffcffff0fffffffbffe3fffcf
3ff7ffffdfff8fff80f5ff01877ffcff003fe9ff0afe001ffff84200d999
c23ffaff32000582703bc027ff81c6000fc03ffffc40007fd8000000080f
fffffe7ffffcfff83fffffffbffe3fffcf3ff7ffffdfffafff80f5ff0003
fbff009fe9ff0afc00ffc0ff0300d911c21ffaff20000082703bc12ffb01
84001f87fffffe20007ffc000000080ffffffe7ffffcffc3fcff0d9ffe3f
ffcf3ff7ffffdfffafff80f6ff01fc7ffbff00cfe9ff0af803fffc07c180
d911c61ffaff200000c0703bc12bff0308003e01f8fffe00003ffc000000
080ffffffe7ffffcfe1ffcff0dbffe3fffcf3ff3ffffdfffafff80f6ff00
f8faff00e7e9ff0af0007ff001e0c05811c60ffaff200010c03033c14af6
0300007c0380fff800003fde000000090ffffffe7ffffcf87ffcff0dbffe
3fffcf3ff3fffddfff8fff80f6ff07f1fffff7fffffff1e9ff0af001fffc
00f0401811c70ffaff1f0012403033804abe021000f8020007fc00001ffe
000000090ffffffe7ffffce1fbff0dbffe3fffcf3ff3fff8dfff8fff80f6
ff07e7fffff9fffffff0e9ff0af20fffffc07e601881c70ffaff1f001020
3033824cac04200180000000fe00001fe6000000090ffffffe7ffffccffb
ff0d9ffe3fffcf3ff37800dfffafff80f6ff07cffffff8fffffff0e9ff0a
f839fffff87ff810018747faff0a180000103382502c040003fc000f7f80
000ff2000000090ffffffe7ffffcfaff0d9ff83fffcf3ffb0000dfffafff
80f6ff089ffffff87ffffff87feaff0af0c3f0000fffff10030e07faff08
0c0100103382107808fb0010033fc0000ff3000000090ffffffe7ffffcfa
ff0d9fc03fffcf3ffb07f0dfff8fff80f6ff083ffffff97ffffff87feaff
0ae21ffc000fffffb0060e07faff078c01880033809058fa001007ffe000
03f9000000090ffffffe7ffffcfaff0d80003fffcf3ffb0600dfff8fff80
f6ff087fffdffb7ffffffc7feaff0ae03ffe000ffffffc049c03faff07c4
00cc01138090d0fa001001fff0000338800000098ffffffe7ffffcfbff0e
f800003fffcf3ff9801edfff8fff80f6ff077fffcff93ffffffee9ff0af0
1ffc000ffffff8019811faff1ec2007c61838093f0000000400000003ff8
00019c800000038ffffffe7ffffcfbfffd000b3fffcf3ff99ffedfff8fff
80f7ff05fe7fffeffbbfe6ff0af01ffc070bfffff8023311faff08e00833
7083809fb020fc00117c1807fc00009c000000038ffffffe7ffffcfcff0f
80000001ffffcf3ff99ffedfff9fff80f7ff05fe7fffe7fbbfe6ff0ae03f
f07ff9fefffe046611faff32f00603f8c380bfe00004010000ff0f01fe00
00ce000000038ffffffe7ffffcfffffffc0000001fffffcf3ff99ffedfff
9fff80f7ff09fe7ffff7fbbffffffe7feaff0af07f87fffdfe7fff98c411
faff1cf80783fff381ffe00008020005ffc0407f000046000000018fffff
fe7ffbff10c000011fffffffcf1ffddffedfff1fff80f7ff09fe7ffff7f3
3fffffff1feaff0af1f83f8ffcfe3ffff39013faff02fc0003fcff15e440
18040003ffe0001f800023000000018ffffffe7ffcff02f00003fbff09cf
1ffddffedff81fff80f6ff087ffff7f33ffffdffcfeaff0af3e0e007faff
3fffc6001bf9ff010003fcff15e4c0308c00079ff0000fc0000100000001
8ffffffe7ffcff0280003ffbff09cf9ffddffed0000fff80f6ff087ffff7
f77ffff9ffe7eaff0af8000007f87f1ffe08001bf9ff01c003fbff1a8039
98000799f80007e00000800000218ffffffe7ffffe7fe00007faff09c79f
fcdffed0038fff80f6ff087ffff7c67dfff3ff87eaff0af806000ffc7f8f
fff8003ff9ff01f803fbff1acc7f10000fb8fe0003f00000400000398fff
fffe7ffffc7e00007ffaff09e79ffcdfffd87e0fff80f6ff087ffff7c4fe
7fe7bfe3eaff0af8f000fffc7f8ffffe003ff8ff00c1f9ff0730001f3dfe
0001fafb000a3d8ffffffe7ffffc00000ff9ff09e79ffcdfffdffcffff80
f4ff0667c1ff9f8e1ff3eaff0aef823ffffe3fc7ffff005ff8ff00c1f9ff
16f0001f7fff0000fe00040000003c8ffffffe7ffff00000f8ff09e79ffc
dfffcfe1ffff80f4ff06679fffe0301ff9eaff0afc183fffff3fe3ffff81
9ff8ff0081f9ff16f0001e67fe40007f000c0000017e0ffffffe7fff0000
3ff8ff09e79ffedfffc007ffff80f4ff066fffffff803ffceaff0af0e0f8
7fff9fe3ffffff3ff9ff01fc01f9ff15f8e01ef1fe60007f981e000000fe
0ffffffe7ff00003f7ff09e79ffedfffc01fffff80f7ff09f3bffe4fffff
8018fffeeaff0a878f001f7fcff3fffff07ff9ff01f881f9ff14fc601efe
7f78003fce0f000380ff0ffffffe000003f6ff09e79ffec7f9cfffffff80
f7ff0afc3fffdfffffffc1ffbf7fecff0afe3c30000f9fe7fbffffe0f8ff
1de106fffffffbfffffffe201eff3f3c001fe78fc00380ff0ffffffe0000
3ff6ff09e79ffe6003cfffffff80f4ff079fffffffc7ff3f7fecff0bfcf0
c0001fffe7fdffffe07ff9ff1c8306fffffff3fffffffc003e1fbf82001f
f7ffe003c0ff87ffffff0003f5ff09e79ffe7807cfffffff80f7ff03dfff
ff3ffcff02fc7f3febff0ac200001fffe3fefffff07ffaff1cfe0e067fff
fff3fffffffe007e0f9f90001ffbfff201e0ffc3ffffff81f4ff09e79ffe
7ffe0fffffff80f7ff00dff9ff02f0ffbfebff0a8460001ffff7fefffff3
7ffaff1cfc1e077ffffe03fffffffe007e07df98001ffbffff81e07fc3ff
ffff9ff4ff09e39ffe0ff0dfffffff80f7ff02cffff3fbff02c37fbfecff
0bfe01c0003ffffffefffff07ffaff06f83c8f3ffff803fcff0d001e03cf
dc001fffffffc0f07fc1f0ff09e39ffe0001fffffff800f7ff0aefffe7ff
e7ffeff80e79bfecff0afc0600007fffff7ffffff0f9ff06f0fd8fbfffe0
1ffcff0d841f01efde001ffffffff0f8fee1f0ff09e39fff000fffffffc0
00f7ff0ae7ffcfffe3ffcffe7ef9bfecff0afe081000fffe003ffffff0f9
ff06e1fb0f9fffc01ffcff0d841f01efce001dbfff7ff87fff70f0ff01f3
9ffbff02f80000f7ff0af7ff9fffc3ffe3fffcf9bfebff09306007fffc20
1ffffff1f9ff06c3f31f9fffc03ffcff0dc31f00efcf001c8fff3ffc7fff
30f0ff01f39ffbff02e00380f7ff0af3ff3fff07ffe0ffbcf93fecff0afe
61818ffff9fe03fffbf3f9ff06d7e6dfcfffc07ffcff0ee01fb0e7cf101c
87ff9ffeffff307ff1ff01f39ffbff0280ff80f7ff0af83f3ffc3ffffc3f
99f07fecff0afcc3071fffffff03fff3f3f9ff05a7ccbfcfffc1fbff0ef0
1ffc6183983803ff8fffffff187ff1ff01f39ffcff03f80fff80f7ff0af6
7e7ff8ffffff1fc3f07fecff02f98e0ffcff03c9fff7f3f9ff0567d93fe7
ffc3fbff0ef01fff4180c83801ffceffffff983ff1ff01e39ffcff04c07f
ff807ff8ff0af3fe7fe3ffffffcffff07fecff02fb1808fcff03c9fff7f3
f9ff056fb87fe7ffc7fbff0ee01fff03804c3a01ffe73fffff883ff1ff0a
e39ffffffffc07ffff803ff8ff09f87eff8fffffffe7fff0ebff0afe2010
7fffffff01fff7f7f9ff05eff0fff7ffcffbff0ec31fffe700263800ffe3
8ffffdcc3ff1ff0ae39fffffff807fffff803ff8ff09fe7eff1fc7fffffc
dfe3ebff0afcc0087fffffe009ffe7f7f9ff05cff1fff7ff9ffbff0ec01f
ffff00063c007ff1c7fffec01ff1ff0ae39ffffff807ffffff803ff8ff09
fefe7f3f83ffe0fddfc7ebff0af9001c3ffff2000fffe7f7faff06fedff3
fff7ff9ffbff0ee01fff3e00071c003ff8c3ffeec00ff1ff0ae39fffff80
fffffff8003ff8ff09fcfe7e7e03ff807fdfc7ebff09f0001e3fffe02007
f863f9ff06fedfe7fff7ff9ffbff0ee00fff3e00039e001ff8e1fff6400f
f1ff0ae39ffff80fffffff00801ff8ff09fdff7ffc4ffffe7fdfcfebff0a
e0001c7ffe702007e001eff9ff05dfe7fff7ff9ffbff0ef20ffe7800038f
001ffc70fff7600ff1ff0ae39ffe00ffffffc000801ff8ff09fdff3ffc0f
fff83fdf8febff0ac00c1c7ff9ff2007e0008ff9ff06dfcffff7ff1fc7fc
ff0ef307fe703003cf000ffe307ff32007f1ff0ae78fe01fffffe0003f80
8ff8ff09f9f3bff107fff0bfd09febff0a80381c7ff3fff027e0f01ff9ff
06dfcffff7ff3f83fcff0ef903fe703801e78007fe183ffb0007f1ff0ae7
8c01fffffc000fff808ff8ff08f9f19ff207fff0eff8eaff0a98700e7fe7
fff877f3803ff9ff06dfcffff7febf03fcff0efc81fe701800f3c007f718
1ff98007f1ff0ae7c01fffff0001ffff80c7f8ff08fdc1cfe607fff0cffe
ebff0afe73800c7feffffffffc01f8ff06cfcffff3ffbe7ffcff0efc01fe
670c00fde003f38c0ff98007f1ff0ae781fffff007ffffff80c7f8ff08fc
ccc7e70ffff9cffeebff0afee600061fcffffffffc19f8ff05cfc7fff3fe
befbff0efe11fe6f8e007ff001f98e07fc8003f1ff04e7cffffe01fcff01
80e7f8ff03fe1e67e7fcff00feeaff099800071fdffffffbc88df8ff05ef
e3fff3fcbdfaff0d31ff0fc7003ffc80fcc603fcc003f1ff04e7ffffe03f
fcff0180e3f7ff009ffaff00feebff0afe2000033fffffffe3cd0ff8ff06
efe3fffbfdbbf3fcff0efe31ff1fe7801ffe407e0301fc4007f1ff03e7ff
fc03fbff0180f3f7ff009ffaff00feebff0af800000137ffffffcfcf89f8
ff06f7fffff9f577c1fcff0efe11ff0fe2c00ffb203e0301fc4007f1ff03
e7ffc03ffbff0180f1f7ff00dffaff00feebff0afc00000077bfffff3fcf
99f8ff06fbfffff9f567c3fcff0efe01ffc7f26007fc181f0180fe4007f1
ff02e7f80ffaff0180f9f7ff00dffaff007eebff0af800000067bffffcff
cf99f8ff06fbfffffff04f87fcff0efe03ffe3f31800fe1c0780807e200f
f1ff02e0007ffaff0180f8f7ff00dffbff01fe3eebff0af000000007bfff
c3ffc799f8ff06fdfffffff0071ffcff0efe05fff8f79e001f0f0380c076
200ff1ff01e007f9ff0180fcf7ff00dffbff01fe3eebff0ac0000000079f
ff1fffcfb9f5ff03fe20071ffcff0efe04fff8648ff8cf8781c0403a001f
f1ff01e07ff9ff0180fcf7ff00dffbff01fe3febff0a80020000079ffc3f
ffcfb9f4ff0200063ffbff0d04fff00007ffe1c3c0e0603a101fe8ff0280
fc7ff8ff00cffbff01fe3cebff0a20048000f78ff8ffff8fb9f4ff020000
3ffbff0d00f9f20003fff060e060201c101fe8ff0280fe7ff8ff01cfbffc
ff01fe3cecff0bfe40800001f78ff3ffff8fb9f4ff0280017ffbff0dc060
f3e001fff8307030100d101fe8ff02807e7ff8ff01c79ffcff01fe3cecff
0bfcc0090001f78fc7ffff8f79f4ff15e0007fffffff7ffff02063f000ff
fc183818100c001fe8ff02807e3ff8ff01c79ffcff01fe39ebff0ac01a00
03ff87cfff7f9f71f3ff0000fcff0f3ffffc3001c0007fff841c08000400
1fe8ff02803f3ff8ff01e39ffcff01fe31ebff0a80120003f7c7dffe7f8f
73f3ff1400fffffffd3fffe03101c0011fffe206040006001fe8ff02801f
3ff8ff01e19ffcff01fe23ebff0a80200003f7c7fffcff0e43f3ff1400ff
fffffd3fffe079e020007fffb003000002001fe8ff02801f1ff8ff07f01f
fffffefffe07ebff0a80600007f7e3fffdff040ff3ff1481fffffffdbfff
c079f090003fcfd801800000081fe8ff02801f9ff8ff07f81ffffffc7ffe
0febff0a20400007f7fbfffdff141ff3ff0081fcff093fffc0f9f0d8001f
e3c4fb00001fe8ff02800f9ff8ff07f81ffffe387ffe0fecff0bfe40c000
0ffffcfffcff347ff3ff149bfffffffebfffc1fdf844000ff0f000000001
001fe8ff02800f8ff7ff069fffff307ffc07ecff0afe0180000ffffe7ffc
3fb6f2ff0e9bfffffffebfffc1fcf866001ffc38fb00001fe8ff028007cf
f7ff06dffffff9fffc47ecff0afc0380000fffff19101ff7f2ff0f9fffff
fffe3fffe0fe3c33007ffe0c40fc00001fe8ff028007cff8ff01dfdffcff
01f8c7ecff0afc0300061ff3ff0e020f07f2ff0f9ffffffffebfffe0ff9e
19801fff8220fc00001fe8ff028007e7f8ff01cfdffcff01f8c7ecff0afc
02000f1ffbff86020707f2ff0f9e1ffffffebffff0ffcf0dc00fffc010fc
00001fe8ff028003e7f8ff01e1dffcff01f087ecff0af802000f9ffbffc7
02004ff2ff0e9f0ffffffebffff4ffef86cc03fff0fb00001fe8ff028003
e3f8ff07f8ffffffc1fff10fecff0afc020013cff9ffffbe111ff2ff0f1f
cffffffe9fffe4ffefc26f01fff802fc00003fe8ff028003f3f8ff07f8f7
fffc013fe31fecff0afe000031cff8fffc3e3f3ff2ff0e9fcffffffe9fff
e4ffefe067f07ffcfb00003fe8ff028001f3f8ff07f9f3fff8001fc31fed
ff0bfe0007f02067fcfffe03387ff2ff149fefffffff9fffe47feff020ff
ffff00800000003fedff003ffcff028001f1f8ff07f031fff80fbf803fee
ff0cf800fffffc2027fc7fffe001dff2ff0f9fefffffffdfffe07feff030
7fffffc0fc00003fedff003ffcff028000f9f8ff07f038fff87fff803fee
ff0cf03ffffffc6033fc3ffff801dff2ff0fdfe7ffffffdffff07fcff810
3fffbfe0fc00003fedff073fbfffffff8000f9f8ff07f8087ff9ffff007f
efff0de018fffe00006003fe1ffffe029ff2ff0fdfe7ffffffdffff07fdf
fe180fffc7f8fc00007fedff073f9fffffff80007cf8ff06fd8c3fffc3ff
18eeff0d801ffc0000006001fe1fffff8e0ff2ff0fdff7ffffffdffff87f
dfff08073ff1fcfc00007fedff073f9fffffff80007cf7ff05c60fffc3ff
1ceeff0101c0fc00076000ff0fbfffdc0ff2ff0fdff3ffffffdffff87fdf
ff880310f87efc00007fedff083f9fffffff80003e7ff8ff05c707ffeffe
18efff01fe0efb000720007f079ff0f80ff2ff14dff3ffffffdfffe8ffbf
ffc411c00e1f800000003fedff083f9fffffff80003e7ff8ff05e103ffff
fe31efff01fc30f900053f83d7f0f007f2ff14dfc3ffffffdfffc0ffbfff
e018610187c00000018fedff083f9fffffff80003e7ff8ff05f880fffffc
23efff01f860f900051f83d7f8e027f2ff14dfc1ffffffdfffc47fbfffe0
182080c1e0000003c7eeff09f93f9fffffff80001f3ff8ff05fc907ffffc
27efff00f0f800050781fbffe067f2ff14dfc1ffffffefffc47f3ffff00e
18201070000007c1eeff09f93f9fffffff80001f3ff7ff04b83ffffc3fef
ff00e0f8000503c0fbffc013f2ff15dff8ffffffefffe07f7ffff0070c08
0418000007e07fefff09f93fbfffffff80001f9ff7ff04b81ffffd3fefff
00e0f70004c0ffffc03bf2ff15dff8ffffffefffe07f77fff8070600010c
00004ff03fefff09f93fbfffffff80800f9ff7ff04be07ffc73fefff00e0
f600037fff85bff2ff19dffc7fffffeffff87e77fffc07c380004000806f
f0000c000001f3ff09f99fbfffffff80c00f9ff7ff04bf03ff873fefff00
c0f600033fe381bff2ff14dffc3fffffeffffe7ef7fffc07e0c000300000
6ff8fb00000ff4ff09fb9fbfffffff80c007cff7ff04bf80201f3fefff00
c0f600033fc700bff2ff0edffe1fffffeffff87efffff807f060fc000161
fcfb000001f4ff01fb9ffcff0380e007cff7ff04bfc0007f37efff00c0f6
00030f8c00dff2ff0edffe0fffffeffff03cfffff187c018fc000101fffa
00003ff5ff01fb9ffcff0380f003e7f8ff05df3fe001ff03efff0080f600
03070000dff2ff0ecff003ffffeffff81dfffff907820efc000201fff0fb
000007f5ff01fb9ffcff0380f003e7f8ff05ce3ffe0fff03efff0010f300
f1ff02cfc071fcff07f809fffff9078781fc00080dffff0000003f8001f5
ff01fb9ffcff0380f803f3f8ff058e07ffffff83efff0030f40001017ff2
ff0ecf9c787ffff7fffc01effffcc61fc0fc00090dfffff8000f1fdf807f
f6ff01fb9ffcff0380f801f3f8ff05cf80fffffc03f0ff01fe30f4000101
7ff2ff0e8fbffc0ffff7fffe036ffffc603f98fc000941ffffffcfef8fbf
f01ff6ff01fbbffcff0380f801f3f8ff05cff80fffe003f0ff01fc60f300
007ff2ff1ce003ff07fff7fffc0beffffe607f9f80000003efffffffe7f7
e73ffc0ff6ff01fbbffcff0380fc00f9f8ff05cfff800003f9f0ff01fcc0
f300007ff2ff1cf009fc83fffffffc1bdffffc007f9f9f800003e3ffffff
f7f7f07fff07f6ff01fbbffcff0380fc00f9f8ff05cffffff83ff9f0ff01
f8c0f300007ff2ff1cf8f9f9e1fffbfffc3adffffc017f1f1fffe00181ff
fffffbf7f8ffffc7f6ff01fbbffcff0380fe207cf8ff00dffcff01fc1ff1
ff01f980f40001a07ff1ff1bfcf3f8fff9fffe02dffffc013c0e3ffe0001
00fffffffbf7ffffffe3f6ff01fbbffcff0380fe007cf8ff00cffcff01fc
03f1ff00f1f3000080f0ff1bfef7fefff8ffff02dffffe013800fffe0078
303fffc3fdf3fffffff9f6ff01fbbffcff0380fe007cf8ff00effcff01fc
80f1ff00f1f400014080f0ff1bfee7fe7ff8ffff02fffffc013061fffc0f
7cf81fff1ffcf3fffffffcf6ff01fbbffcff0480ff003e7ff9ff00c7fbff
01f01ff2ff00f2f3000081f0ff1cfeeffc3ffdfffe06bffffc8100fffffe
0779f80ffe7ffc73fffffffe3ff7ff01fbbffcff0480ff003e7ff9ff0003
faff0003f2ff00f2f400010109f0ff1cfecffc1ffffffe07bffff9e101ff
fffe0233e40ffcfffe77ffff9fff1ff7ff01fbbffcff0480ff801e7ffaff
01fe07fcff02fcffc0f2ff00f0f400010109f0ff1cfe6ff81ffffff80faf
fff3f909fffffe00238e0ff9fffc37ffff9fff87f7ff01fbbffcff0480ff
801f3ffaff01f80ffcff03fcfffc0ff3ff00f0f3000009f0ff1cfe77f9ef
fffff10dafffe7f813fffffe20c73f0ff9fffe0fffffcfffc3f6ff00bffc
ff0480ffc01fbffaff01c03ffcff033fffffc1f3ff00e0f3000013f0ff1c
fe03ffeffffff38d2fffcff907fffffc038c0f87fffe07ffffffefffe1f1
ff0480ffc00f9ffbff0bfe00fff3fffff87ffffff81ff4ff00e0f3000013
efff1b81ffc7fffff3010fffdf2207ffff7003180607fffc73fe3fffe7ff
f0f1ff0480ffe20f9ffbff06f003fff83ffc03fcff0003f4ff00e0f30000
07efff1cf83f87ffffe7001fff3e000ffff8600030c603fff1fbf87ffff1
fff83ff2ff0480ffe2078ffbff06c007fffe00003ffcff01803ff5ff00e0
f3000007efff1cfc0f03ffffe5011fff7c000fffe3804061e607ffe7fbf1
fe00f5fffc1ff2ff0480fff107cffbff06001fffffc007e0fcff01f00ff5
ff00e0f3000003efff1cfc0719ffffcb001ffe7ce02fffcf1fc043c7807f
cff9f3c01c71fffe0ff2ff0480fff007c7fcff07f00ffffffffe0007fbff
0003f5ff00c0f3000001efff1cfe4278ffff9ac01ffcfde027ff1c7fc007
8fe03f9ffde79fff71ffff07f2ff0480fff807e7fcff01007ffcff00ebfa
ff00e1f5ff00c0f200eeff1be078ffff1ac31ff9fdf02ffc79ffc0071ff0
1ffffdc73fff71ffff83f2ff0980fff803e7fffffff007f4ff00f8f5ff00
c0f200007fefff1bf0fcfffe1ac11ff3f8e00ff8e3ffc00ffff30ffffbc6
7fff71ffffc1f2ff0980fff803f3fffffc007ff4ff01fc7ff6ff0080f200
001fefff1bfcfffffe3691c1e7e0c007e38fffe00ffe730fff3bc67fff71
ffffe1f2ff0880fffc03f3fffffc03e7ff0090f200000fefff1cfcfffffe
b69080efc00c03c71ffff00ffc130fff3bcffffe71fffff07ff3ff0880ff
fc01f1fffffc1fe7ff0080f2000007ecff19fdb48000cf821c018c7ffffe
07f80307ff1bcdfffe71fffff07ff3ff0780fffc01f9fffff8f1ff00f7f6
ff00a0f2000003efff1cfdfffffd6d01801f93fe0131ffffff83f1c201ff
13cbfffef1fffff83ff3ff0780fffe01f9fffff1f1ff00f3f6ff00a0f200
0003efff1cfdfffff96c03c03f27fe0183ffffffc1f1e0219f87dbfffef9
ffc1fc1ff3ff0780fffe00fcffffe3f1ff00fbf6fff1000001efff1cfc67
ffe26c01f07e67fe618fffffffc1f3e0600f87dbfffcf3ff9cfe0ff3ff07
80ffff00fcffffe7f1ff00f9f6fff000efff0af807ffc2c801fc7c4ffe61
fcff0dc0f9ccce0fc3dbfffdf3fe7cff07f3ff0780ffff007c7fffcff1ff
00fcf7ff00fef000efff0afc07ffd6c801fcfc1ffe01fcff0dc03019dc07
f9cbfff9f7fcfdff07f3ff0780ffff807e7fff9ff1ff00fef7ff00fef000
007fefff09f7ff948061f9f83ffe01fcff0de030309863fcc9fff3e7fbf9
ff83f3ff0780ffff807e7fff9ff1ff01fe7ff8ff00fef000003fedff1925
80f0f9f8fffc09fffffc3fe010f03861fe4cffe7e7f3e3ffc1f3ff0780ff
ff803f3fff3ff0ff007ff8ff00fcf000003fefff1bfbfe6d83f0f3e3fffe
09fffff13ff000607c60ff8effefcfe7c7ffc1f3ff0780ffffc03f3fff3f
f0ff003ff8ff00fcf000001fefff1bfbfe490fe063c1fffe19ffffc63fff
e600fe00ff8f3fcf9fcfcfffc0f3ff0780ffffc01f1ffe7ff0ff00bff8ff
00fcf000001fefff1cf9fe181fe46799ff9f11ffff10ffffef89fc01ffc7
8f1fff9f9fffc07ff4ff0780ffffc01f9ffe7ff0ff00dff8ff00f8f00000
0fefff1cf8ff983fe42739ff1f01fffc627fffcf93f881ffe7e03e7fbf3f
ffe03ff4ff0680ffffc01f9ffcefff00dff8ff00f8f000000fefff1cf80f
90ffc4273bfe3000fff1cc7fffc723d901fff3fcfcff7f7fffe03ff4ff06
80ffffe00f8ffdf1ff02cfffeff8ff00f0f0000007efff1cf80001ffc423
1bfc7000ffc399ffff87278000fffbfff9fe7ff3fbe01ff4ff0680ffffe0
0fcffdf1ff008ff6ff00f0f0000007efff1cfe0007ffcc1303f8f7807fcf
23ffff8c4f80403ff9ffe3fcffc1fbec1ff4ff0680fffff007cff9fbff03
1ffffff3faff021ffff7f8ff00f0f0000003eeff1be07fff8819c3f1ffc0
3fff0fffff800c01e00ffcffcffdff89fbec1ff4ff0680fffff007e7fbfc
ff04fc0fffffe1faff021ffffbf8ff00f0fb00001cf6000003ebff180818
ffe3ffc03ffe1fffff800c137807fe7e1ff9fe39f7ee0ff4ff0680fffff0
03e7f3fcff0df0cfffff80fffffc7ffffe1ffffbf8ff00e0fb00013fe0f7
000003ebff18003cffc7ffc43ffc3fffffc006033c03ff007ffbe079f7e6
07f4ff0680fffff803e7f1fcff0de3c7fffc1c7ffff03ffffe3ffffdf8ff
00e0fb00013ffff7000001ecff19fe403e3f8fff043ffeffffffe003021e
00ffc7fff3c1f3f7e707f4ff0680fffff801f3f3fcff0dcfe7fff8fe7fff
c21ffffc3ffffdf8ff00c0fb00023ffff0f8000001ecff07fe403f3f0000
043ffcff0dfe00001f007fffffe7e7f3f7e707f4ff06807ffff801f3e3fc
ff0d1ff3ffe1ff3ff30f0ffffc3ffff8f8ff00c0fb00023ffffef8000001
ecff19fc807f9e30ff003ff3fffffffe00100fc03fffffe7ffc7f7e783f4
ff18807ffffc00f3e3fffffffe3ff1ff07ff1ff23fc7fffd7ffffcf8ff00
80fb00037ffffff0f9000001ecff19f980ff847fff807fc3ffffcfff0000
0ee01fffffcfff8fffe783f4ff05803ffffc00f9fcff0ffe7ff9ff0fff9f
f07fe7ffff7ffffe7ff9ff0080fb00037ffffffcf9000001edff1afe0307
ffc0ffff807f83ffff3fff00000f3809ffffc7ff1ffff7c1f4ff05803fff
fe0079faff0dfcff9fffcff8ffe3fffe7ffffe7ff9ff0080fb00037fffff
fff800edff1afc070fffc007ff80ff27fffe7f07c000059c04fffffffe3f
fff7c1f4ff05801ffffe1079fcff0ffe7ffcff8fffcff8fff1fffeffffff
3ff9fffa00047fffffffe0f900edff1afc3c1fffe027ffc9fe67fffdff79
e78004ce02fffffffc7ffff7e1f4ff19809ffffe1038fffffbffff3ffe7f
cfffe7fcfff9fffeffffff9ff9fffa00047ffffffff8f900ecff19f03fff
e0e7ffc9fceffff9fefcff800267007ffffffc7ffff7e0f4ff1980dfffff
003cfffffbffff3ffe7fe7fff3fc7ffcfffeffffff9ff9ff05000007e000
00fbfff900ecff12803fffc08fffc0f9cffffbfeff7f800333807ffbff01
f3f0f4ff1980cfffff003cfffe7bffff9fff3fe7fff3fe7ffcfffcffffff
cffaff06fe0001fffe0000fbff00c0fa00007fedff12f87fff883fffc0f3
dffff7ffffbf800119c03ffbff01f3f0f4ff1980efffff801c7fff79ffff
9fffbff3fff9ff3ffe7ffc3e7fffeffaff06fe003fffff0000fbff00f0fa
00007feaff1700ffffe0e79fffe7f01fdf80008ce01c3ffffffffdf3f87f
f5ff1980e7ffff801c27ff39ffffcfff9ffbfffcff3ffff4061e3f81f7fa
ff06fe003fffff0000fbff00fcfa00007febff18fe3fffffe4e7bfffefc3
e7ef8000877001f9fffffffdfbf87ff5ff1980e7ffffc00e07ffb9ffffcf
ff9ff9fffc7f9ffff0021f178073f9ff05f03ffffffe00fafffa00003feb
ff18fcffffff840fbfffdf87f3e7900001b80fffbfffffcffbf87ff5ff19
80f7ffffc00f03ffb9ffffe7ffcffcfffe7f8ffff03f0d80803bf9ff05fc
3fffffff00faff0080fb00003febff10f9ffffff801f3fffdf8ffdf7c000
40d827fcff038ffbfc3ff5ff1980f3ffffc00640ffddfffff3ffcffcffff
3fc7fe78ff0cc0821df8ff043fffffff10faff00f0fb00003febff10f1ff
ffff201f7fff9f2ffefbc000202c13fcff033ffbfc3ff5ff1980fbffffc0
00607fddfffff3ffe7fe7fff3fe3fc7dff0660c11ef8ff04bfffffff80fa
ff00fefb00003febff10e3ffffff003f7fffbe7ffe7be000301209fcff03
7ff9fe3ff5ff1a80fbffff0000407fddfffff9ffe7ff3fff9ffbffffff86
6cf91e7ff9ff04bfffffff83f9ff0080fc00001febff1887ffffff003e7f
bfbe7fff7dc0001008007fffffff3ffdfe3ff5ff1a80f9fff800008c7fed
fffffcfff3ff3fff8ff81fffffbffff81f3ff9ff049fffffff87f9ff00f0
fc00001febff180ff80fff007efe3fbeffff3d90000806043fffffff9ffd
ff3ff5ff1380fdffc010009c7fedfffffcfff3ff9fff87c01ffcff02f81f
bff9ff049fffffff9ff9ff00f8fc00001febff181fc1f78f007efc1f7eff
ffbdb4000c000000ffff0087fdff1ff5ff13807dff00787f3e7fe4fffffe
7ff9ff9fffc7803ffcff02f80f9ff9ff049fffffff9ff9ff00fefc00001f
ecff19fc3f8ff39f187efc1f7effffbc24000400021e3ffc0001fdff9ff5
ff12803cfc01fc7e7f3ff4ffffff3ff9ffcfffc71ffbff02f80fdff9ff04
9fffffff9ff8fffc00000fecff19f86e3ffb3f02fef1bf7effff3c648002
00004f9ff4ffc1fdff9ff5ff12803ef80ffffc7e3ff4ffffff3ffcffe7ff
ff3ffbff02e10fcff9ff04dfffffff9ff8ff04c00000000fecff19f040ff
f87f07fef33f7effff88e6800300014fc7f4fff1f9ffdff5ff1a801e007f
fff8ff3ff27fffff9ffc7fe7ffff8ffffffeffffc00feff9ff04dfffffff
9ff8ff04e00000000fecff19e0c3fff87f0ffee73f7effff82ee80018001
67f3fafff9f9ffdff5ff1a801f01fffff9ff1ffa7fffffcffc7ff3ffffcc
7ffffc3fffc00ff7f9ff04cfffffff9ff8ff04f80000000fecff19c1ffff
f8fe0ffecf3f3e7fffbfcec00080002079fb3ffff9ffcff5ff1a801f07ff
fff3ff8ffa7fffffe7f9fff1ffdcef7fffbc3ff9c10ff3f9ff04cfffffff
1ff8ff04fc00000007ecff1a83fffff8fe0ffecf87bf7fffbfdec000c000
271dfb9ffff9ffcfe3f6ff1a800f1fffffe7ff8fff7fffffe7e3fff9ffc0
67bfff9c1ff1c00ffbf9ff04effffffc9ff7fffd000007ecff1a07fffff9
fe0ffe8f87bf7fffbf9ec0006004a7cefdc7fff9ffcffcf6ff1a800fdfff
ffcfff0ffd3ffff3f3c7ffffffc0379fff9eff61000ffdf9ff04effffc01
83f7ff0380000007edff1cfe07fffff9fd8ffe1f879f7fff7f3ec8003002
b7e67df05ffbffcffe3ff7ff1a8007cfffff1ffe07fc3fffe3f80fff7ffc
083fdfffccff210007fcf9ff05e7fff8ffe07ff8ff03c0000003edff1cfc
0ffffff9fdcffe1f87cfbfff787ec800100037f37dfe1ffbffe7ff9ff7ff
1a8007c7fffe7ffc07fe3fffc1fc1fff3ffc1cbfffffccfc000007fef9ff
05f7fffffffe0ff8ff0380000003edff1cf81ffffffffcffff1f83e79ffe
7ffecc00080057f33dfffffbffe7ffc3f7ff1b8007c7fffcfff807ff3fff
99fe7fff3fe21cffffffeffc002007fe7ffaff00f3fcff00c7f8fffd0000
03edff1df03fff3ffff83fffbfc1f3dffcfffeee00080053fbbdfffffbff
e3fff87ff8ff118003e3fff9fff803fe3fff3cfffffc1fc11efcff058000
0007ff7ffaff00fbfcff00f9f8fffd000003edff15f03000003ff03fffff
fff9e7f9fbfdee00940053f99dfcff03e3ffff3ff8ff118003e3fff1fff0
23fe3ffe7cfffff09f01cffcff05c0000003ff7ffaff00fbfcff01fe7ffa
ff04fe00000003edff15e0000ffc0ff07ffffffffcf1e3f7fdee00520013
f9ddfcff03f3ffff8ff8ff1b8003f1ffe7ffe073ff3ffc7e7fffe3ce07ef
fffffffdc0008883ffbffaff00fdfbff009ffaff04fe00000003edff15c0
0ffffff7f860fffffffe7807e7ffce00480003fdddfcff03f3ffffe7f8ff
108001f1ffcfffc0f3ff1ff8fe3fffc7c607fcff06fcc000c483ffbffaff
00fdfbff00e7faff04fc00000001edff00c0fcff10f86007ffffff3fffcf
ffce08644007fcddfcff03f1fffff3f8ff1b8001f0ff9fff81f1ff9ff1ff
3fff8fe605e40ddf0a3ce03ee203ff9ffaff00fdfbff00f1faff04f80000
0001edff0081fcff10f0ffc07fffffcfff1fffce0826000ffccdfcff03f1
fbfff1f8ff1b8000f8ff3fff03f9ff9ff3ff9fff1ff204800001001c603f
f003ffdffaff00fefbff01f807fbff04f800000001edff0083fcff10e0ff
fe1fffffe1f87fffde0033000ffeedfcff03f0f1fff8f8ff1b8000f87e7f
fe07f9ff9ff3ff9ffe3ff984800001000e60fff981ffdffaff00fefbff02
fe707ffcff00f0fc00edff0007fcff19e4ffffc7fffff801f3ffde043380
0ffeedffcffffff8f8fff83ff9ff1b8000787cfffc0ff9ff9ff9ffcffe3f
ff94800000800e61fffc81ffcffaff01fe7ffbff013fc7fcff00e0fc00ed
ff0007fcff19ccfffff1fffffffe01ffde043b800ffeedffcffffff8fc7f
fe1ff9ff1b800038f9fff81ff8ff9ffcffe7ff3ffe92c0000400067ffffe
01ffeffaff01fe7ffbff0081fbff00c0fc00eeff01fe01fcff1998fffffc
ffffffe01fff9e0439c007feedffcffffff8fe3fff8ff9ff1b800011f3ff
f00ffcffcffeffe3ff1ffe52d2000200077fffff01ffeffaff01fe7ffbff
06c001fffffffe80fc00007fefff01fe03fcff19b9fffffe7fffff8fffff
bc041dc007feedffcffffff87f9fffc7f9ff1b800001e7fff00ffcffcfff
7ff3ff8fff4a4200020003ffffff81ffe7f9ff007ffbff05e3fc0ffffffe
fb00007fefff01fc03fcff1939ffffffbfffff3fff1e3c421ce007feedff
effffffc7fe7ffe3f9ff1b800003dfffe007fc7fcfff3ff9ffc7ffc84800
002003ffffff80fff7faff01fe7ffbff05f1fffe3ffffcfb00007fefff01
f83ffcff1973ffffffdffffe7ff81cfc421ee103fecdffe7effffc7ff3ff
f1f9ff1b808007bfffc007fe7fefffbffcffe7ffa84000201001ffffff80
fff7faff01fe3ffbff00f8fcff00f8fb00003fefff20f87ffffffffe63ff
ffffcffffcffe03ff8421ef803feddffc1effffc7ff8fff87ffaff1b8080
0e7fff8007fe7fefff9ffe7ff3ffa100013ff90fffffff80fff3faff01fc
3ffbff05fe3ffffffff8fb00003fefff00f8fcff1bfe67ffffffe7fffdff
88fff8c21e7803fcddff01effffc7ffc7ffc3ffaff1280c07e7ffe0007fe
3fefffdffe3ff9ffa10001faff02c0fff3faff01fcbffaff051ffffffff8
c0fc00003fefff00f0fcff1bfe47fffffff7fff9fe3bfff8c21e7883fd9d
fc79effffe7ffe3fff1ffaff1280c0f0fffc0007ff3fefffcfff3ff8ffd5
a001faff02c0fffbfaff01fc9ffaff058ffffffff1c0fc00003fefff00f1
fcff1bfe47fffffff3fffbf8f3fff8c31f7881fdb9f8ffdffffe3fff1fff
8ffaff1280c7e1fff80003ff3fe7ffe7ff9ffc7fd58001faff02c07ffbfa
ff01fd9ffaff05c3ffffffe3c0fc00003fefff00f1fcff1bfe87fffffff3
fff3e3e7fff1c31f7c01fb3bf3ffdffffe3fffcfffc7faff1280ff81fff0
0003ff1fe7fff7ff8ffe3ff48001faff02c47ffbfaff01fd87faff05e1ff
ffffe7e0fc00001fefff00f1fcff1bfe83fffffff9fff38fcfffe1c30f7c
01f27bc7ffdffffe3fffe7ffe3faff1b807e03fff00003ff9ff7fff3ffcf
ff3fe28003ffffffefffffe27ff9faff01fd87faff05e0ffffffc7e0fc00
001fefff00e1fcff1bfe03fffffff9dff21fdfffe3c30f7c00e4f78fffdf
fffe3ffff3ffe3faff1b800003ffe00003ff9ff7fffbffc3ff9ffa9007ff
fffff7ffffe27ff8faff01fdc1faff05f87fffffcfe0fc00001fefff00e1
fcff1bfe21fffffffccff07f9fffc3c30f7c4001e79fffbffffe3ffff9ff
f1faff1b8000c3ffc00008ff8ff7fff9ffe3ffcffac207fffffffbffffe3
3ffcfaff02f9e03ffbff05fe1fffff9ff0fc00000fefff00e3fcff1bfe21
fffffffcc7fbff3fff87c30f3c4087cf3fffbfffff3ffffcfff8faff1c80
0061ff800008ff8ff7fffcffe3ffc7fc420ffffffff9fffff33ffc7ffbff
02f9f81ffaff048fffffbff0fc00000fefff00f3fcff1cfe20fffffffc63
ffff7fff0fc70fbc409f9f3fffbfffff3ffffe7ffc7ffbff1c800261fe00
000cffcff7fffeffe3ffe3fc490ffffffffcfff87b1ffe7ffbff00fbf8ff
04e3ffff3ff0fc000007efff00f3fcff1cfe107ffffffe63fffe7ffe1fc7
1fbc40ff3f7fff3fffff1fffff3ffe3ffbff1c801030fc000006ffc7f7ff
fe7fc7fff1fe612ffffffffefff0303ffe3ffbff03fbfffe7ffbff04f87f
ff7ff8fc000007efff00e3fbff1b183ffffffe31fffcfff87fc71fbc40f8
fe7fff7fffff1fffff9f801ffbff1c800930fc0000267fe7ffffff3f8fff
f9ff20bffffffffe7fe0703f1f1ffbff03fbffff1ffbff04fe3ffe7ff8fc
000003efff00e3fbff1bd81fffffff11fffcf3ffffcf1fbe40f3fe7fff7f
ffff9fffff80000ffbff128049b0e00000367fe7ffffff3f9ffffc7f303f
fcff057fcff83c001ffbff03fbffff87faff03c7fe7ff8fc000003efff00
e7fbff11dc4fffffff10fffc07ffff8f1fbe40fffe7ffcff059fffffc038
47fbff12800490400000377fe3ffffff9f3ffffe3e109ffcff057fcff81c
f03ffbff03f7ffffe1faff03f1fe7ffcfc000003efff00e7fbff1bce3fff
ffff98fffe1fffffbf1fbe407fff7ffeffffff9fffffc00003fbff128024
98000000333ff3fbffffce7fffff1f101ffcff053f1ff8cdfc7ffbff03f7
fffff8faff03fc7cfffcfc000003efff00c7fbff06ee1fffffff887ffcff
10bf3fbe607fff3ffeffffff9fffff100ff1fbff128006580000001b3ff3
fbffffe6fffc7f83181ffcff053e1f18e7f0effbff04a7fffffe1ffaff02
3cfffcfc000007efff00c7fbff1be40fffffffc87ffffffe017f3fbc607f
ff83fcffffffdffffe307ff8fbff128002480000101bbff1fbfffff3fff8
1fe3080ffcff05bc1c08e781c3fbff040fffffff07faff0288fffefc0000
07efff00c3fbff1ce647ffffffc43ffffff8fc7f3fbc607fff83fdffffff
dffffcf87ffc7ffcff12804300000018d99ff9fffffff1fff00ff3880ffc
ff05be100cf781e1fbff041fffffffc1faff02e0fffefc00000fefff00c7
fbff1cf007ffffffc43ffffff3ff3e3f9c601fffc3fdffffffcffff9f03f
fe7ffcff1280070000001cc99ff8fffffff8ffe787ff881ffcff05bf200c
73c038fbff051ffffffff07ffbff02f0fffffc00001fefff00e7fbff11f8
27ffffffe01fffffe7ff9e7f9ce00fffe3fcff06dfffe3e73ffe3ffcff00
80fc00170cedcffcfffffffcff8fe3ffc41fffff07ff1fc07c73ff0dfbff
053ffffffffc1ffbff02f8fffffc00003fefff00e7fbff1cfc13ffffffe0
1fffffefffde239ce067fe01fbffffffcfffe78f9fff1ffcff0080fc0017
0ee4cffcffffff3fff1ff1ffc00ffffe01ff1e007cfbffeffcff01fe7ffc
ff0007fbff02fe3ffffc00003fefff00e3faff0593ffffffe007fcff11cc
00bde063fc61fbffffffefff8f3fcfff8ffcff0080fc00170e66effc7dff
ff1fff3ff8ffc007fff800233e00fe7bfff9fcff01fe7ffcff01c07ffbff
068fff0000000387efff00e3faff05c9fffffff000fcff11c07e3de061f9
fff7ffffffe7ff3c7fe7ffc7fcff0080fc0017077677fe7dfff81ffe7ffc
7fe003fff1f0017e39fe7bf831fcff00fefbff01f00ffbff06c3ff800000
01f1efff00e3faff1bc9fffffff0000fffffffe0fe7de064f9fff7ffffff
e3fe79ffe7ffe3fcff0080fc0017077337fe3dfff18ffc7ffe7fe003ffff
fe03ff7fff7bfc30fcff00fcfbff01fe01fbff07f03f80003c7ffe7ff0ff
00e3faff1be9fffffff10700ffffffc4ff7fe066f3ffeffffffff3f8f3ff
e3fff1fcff0080fc001c17333bfe3dffc7cff8ffff3ff000fffffff7ff7f
ffbbfff87ffffffffcfaff01c01ffcff07fc07801fffffff3ff0ff00e3fa
ff1be1fffffff903f003ffffccff3fe06673ffeffffffff3f1e7fff1fff9
fcff0080fc001c33b9bfff3dff8fe7f8ffff1ff0007fffd003ffffffbbff
f83ffffffff9faff0dfe007ffffffffe0081ff87ff3f8ff0ff00e3faff1b
e5fffffff803ffe00fffcdfe0fc0e777ffdffffffff1c7cffff9fffcfcff
0080fc001c1b999fff1dff1fe7fcffff8ff8007fff0003ffffffb9fffc3f
fffffff9f9ff01f007fcff06801fff00ff1fc7f0ff00e1faff41e5ffffff
f803ffffe1fff9fe07c0f737ffdffffffff80f3ffff8fffc7fffffff8000
000008199dcfff99fe3ff3fc7fffc7f8003ffc3003ffffff91fffe3fffff
fff3f8ff00c0fcff06c0fffffe3f8ff3f0ff00e1faff05e1ff7ffff881fc
ff37f9ff03c0f7b7ff9ffffffff83e7ffffcfffe7fffffff800002000919
dcccff88fc7ff9fe7fffe7fc001ff8f01fffffffc3ffff3fffffffe7f7ff
041fffffff1ffcff01e3f9f0ff00e1faff05e3ff7ffff881fcff37f9ff1b
c0f7b3ffbffffffff8fcfffffe7fff3fffffff800002004c1dcce4ffc07c
3ff8ff3ffff3fc001ffff83fffffff83fffe1fffffffcff7ff0007f9ff02
f7f0fcf0ff00e1faff05e3ff3ffff881fcff0cf3ffffc0f793ffbfffffff
fc79fbff253fffffff80000100640ceee47fc07dbffcff1ffff1fc004fff
fc7fffffff83ffff1fffffffdff7ff01c07ffcff05c3fff3f07e7ff1ff00
e1f8ff033ffffc80fcff0cf3ffffc1f3981f7ffffffffc7ffbff171fffff
ff8000018026ccee767fc5ff9ffe7f9ffff9fc000ffaff0787ffff8fffff
ff9ff7ff01f807fbff04cff9f81f1ff1ff00e1f8ff143ffffc80fffffff8
33ffffc1f3dc3f7ffffffffe7ffbff178fffffff80000088366ee6727fe7
ffdffe7fcffff8fc0027fcff09f7ff87ffffc7ffffff3ff6ff01007ffcff
04c7fcfc0f9ff1ff00e0f8ff0ebffffc807fffffff03ffffc1f3dffefcff
01fe3ffbff17cfffffff800000d8326677327fe7ffcfff3fcffffcfe003f
fcff09e3ff0fffffe7ffffff7ff6ff01e01ffcff04e3fe7e243ff1ff00e0
f8ff0e9ffffc807fffffffe07fff83fbdffefcff1efe3fffffffc7ffe7ff
ffff8000084c1376733b3fe3ffefff9fe7fffe7e701ffcff08e7ff0fffff
e3fffffef5ff01e007fcff04f9ff3f9c7ff1ff00f0f8ff0e9ffffc803fff
ffffc71fff83fbcffdfbff2a3fffffffe3fff3ffffff8000006c1b333319
3ff3fff7ff9ff3ffff1e7c0ffffffe7e07fe0ffffff3fffffcf5ff09e380
fffffff9fcff9fcff0ff01f0f7f9ff0e9ffffc801fffffffcfc7ff87fbcf
fdfbff2a1ffffffff9fff1ffffff800804241933393d3ff1fff3ffcff3ff
ff9cff8ffffffe001ffe5ffffffbfffffdf5ff09e3e03fffffc0fe7f8fe1
f0ff01f0f7f9ff0e9fdffe801fffffffdff9ff8ffbeff9fbff2a9fffffff
f9fff9ffffff80000236199bb9bc0ff9fffbffeff9fffffc479fffffff03
bfffcffffff9fffffbf5ff09e7f81fffffe0ff3fe7f1f0ff01f077f9ff0e
9fdffe800fffffff9ffe7f8ff9effbfbff1c8ffffffffcfff8ffffff8004
03d21d9d9d9c87f8fff9ffe7f8fffffc40fbff08fe3fcffffffdfffff3f5
ff09e7ff1ffffff07f8ff1f1f0ff01f077f9ff0ecfdffe8007ffffffbfff
9f8ffdeff3fbff1dcffffffffe7ffcffffff800001d33ccd9c9c87fcfffd
fff3fcfffffe787ffcff08803fcffffffcffffe7f5ff09e7ffcfffffc01f
fff87bf0ff01f07ff9ff0ecfdfff8003ffffff3fffef1ffdeff7fbff2ac7
fffffffe3ffe7fffff800201eb9ccccccec7fcfffcfffbfe7ffffe78f7ff
fffffe0e7fcffffffe7fffeff5ff09c7ffe7fffe018ff8fc3ff0ff01f07b
f9ff0ecfcfff8001fffffe7fffff1ffce7e7fbff2ae7fffffffe1ffe7fff
ff800200e9de66c44e43fc7ffe7ff9ff3fffff3cf3ffff9fe0ffffc7ffff
ff7fffcff5ff09cffff3fff807e7fcff3ff0ff01f07bf9ff0ecfcfff8000
fffffe7fffff1ffce7effbff00e3fcff250ffe7fffff800022fdce67e44e
63fe7fff7ffcff3fffff1c3bffff1c03e3ff87ffffff3fffdff5ff09cfff
f8ffc03ff3ffff7ff0ff01f03bf9ff0ecfcfff80007ffffcfffffe3ffee7
effbff00e3fcff252fff3fffff8021227ccf37e66663fe7fff3ffc7f9fff
ff9c19fffe203fc3ff87ffffff9fff9ff5ff09dffffc7e00fff9ff8e7ff0
ff01f03bf9ff0ec7cfff81803ffff9fffffe33fe77dffbff00f1fcff25af
ff3fffff8000117eef33e26661fe3fff9ffe3f8fffdfce09fffc61ff03ff
87ffffff9fff9ff5ff089fffff867effff0380efff01f03ff9ff0ee7cfff
81801ffff3fffffe79ff77dffbff00f1fcff25bfff1fffff8010013ee71a
326731ff3fff9ffe3fc7ff9fe7ccfffef8fc7fff27ffffffcfff3ff5ff08
bffffffffeffff83e1efff01f83df9ff05e7cfff81800ffcff04fe787f33
9ffbff00f9fcff25bfff9fffff801005be7798307731ff3fffcffe3fe3ff
3ff03efffffc71ffff37ffffffe3fe3ff5ff05bffffffffe7fecff01f93d
f9ff05e7cfff83c007fcff04fefe3f33bffbff00f8fcff25dfff9fffff80
0a079f7798393331ff1fffeffcfff1fe7ff8003fffff07fffe73ffffffe3
fc3ff5ff007ffcff007fecff01f91df9ff05e7cfff83e003fcff04fcff1f
833ffbff00f8fcff25dfffcfffff804807dfb3c8183390ff9fffe7f9fff8
fcffffc007ffff9ffffe73ffffffe3fc7ff5ff007ffcff043fffffff7ff1
ff02fc199df9ff05e7cfff83f001fcff04fdff8fc33ffbff2afc7fffffff
cfffcfffff8065031fb3cc9c3b98ff9ffff3f3fffc39fffff0003fffffc7
fe11fffffff3f87ff8ff02c3fffefbff04bfffffff3ff1ff02fc099ff9ff
05e7cfff87f800faff02e7e37ffbff29fc7fffffffefffe7ffff8025a30f
99ec8c1998ff8ffff9e3fffe03fffff0c30ffffe07fc80fffffff3f0f9ff
04fc0003fffefbff04bfffffff3ff1ff02f0018ef9ff06e3c7ff87fc007f
fbff02f1e27ffbff29fe7fffffffe7ffe7ffff8022818fd9e44e19c87fcf
fff8cfffff03fffff8e3fffffc0fff183fffff0011fbfffd00031f87fffd
fbff04dfffffff9ffcff00e7f6ff02e07fcef9ff06f3c7ff07fe007ffbff
02f8fe7ffbff17fe7ffffffff3fff3ffff8032d987ddf26619cc7fcffffc
7ffbff0cfcf1fffffc3fff3c03ffc00000fbff06803fffff1ffffdfbff04
dfffffffdffcff008ff6ff0280ffcef9ff06f3c7ff0fff003ffbff01fc7c
f9ff163ffffffffbfff3ffff8092ddc7ecd3270cc43fc7ffff1ffbff0dfc
f9ffffff7ffd7e00ffc000001ff9ff03f07ffff8fbff04efffffffcffcff
011e7ff7ff0300ffe77ffaff06f387ff0fff801ffaff003cf9ff133fffff
fff9fff3ffff80d9ccc3fec9330ce43fe7f8ff01fefcfcff12f8fff870e3
ffe007fffffffe3fffff03fffff8f7ff00cffcff013f3ff8ff04fe01fbe7
7ffaff06f387ff1fffc00ffaff0088f9ff133ffffffffdfff9ffff80d9ec
e3fe49338c663fe7f8ff18fe7c3ffffff7f1fffff0fffffe03fffffffe03
ffc03ffffff9fbff0afbffffffeffffffffe7f9ff8ff04fc03fbe77ffaff
06f387ff1fffe007faff00c0f9ff133ffffffffdfff9ffff80cdeee3fe4c
9386661fe3f8ff0dfe7e0ffffffbe3ffffe0ffffffe1fcff06f00003ffff
fff9fbff0af9ffffffe7fffffffcff0ff8ff04f803f9f33ffaff06f387ff
3ffff007faff01e07ffaff131ffffffffdfff9ffff80eef671fe0c998672
1fe3f7ff0d7f80fffff983ffffc3fffffff87ff7ff00f9fbff0af9ffffff
e7fffffff9fc03f8ff04f807f9f33ffaff06f387ff3ffff003f2ff138fff
fffffcfff9ffff806ef771fc2699c2321ff3f7ff0d3fc00ffff807ffffc7
fffffffc3ff7ff00b9fbff0afdfffffff3fffffff9f991f8ff04f80ff8f9
3ffaff06f387fe7ffffc01f2ff138ffffffffefff9ffff80667370fc664d
c3310ff1f8ff09fe3ff000fff807ffff87fcff003ff8ff01fe79fbff0afc
fffffff3fffffff3f330f8ff04f81ffcf99ffaff06f387fefffffc00f2ff
138ffffffffefffcffff80777bb8fcf74cc1390ff9f8ff09fc3ffe003fe0
0fffff0ffcff009ff8ff01f8f9fbff0afe7ffffffbfffffff3e321f8ff04
c00ffcfc8ffaff06f30ffffffffc00f2ff13c7fffffffe7ffcffff80337b
b87cf36ee0988ff9f8ff09fc3f1f8004801ffffe1ffcff00cff8ff01f9f9
fbff0afe7ffffff9ffffffe7c601faff06f3fc0007fc7c87faff01f70ffc
ff01007ff3ff13c3fffffffe7ffcffff8023399c7e7326e01c87f8f8ff09
f89f1fc000003ffffe3ffcff00eff7ff00f9faff0a7ffffff9ffffffe7ce
017ffbff06e7c018e1fc7e43f9ff000ffcff01807ff3ff14c3fffffffe7f
fcffff8091bddc0e7326760c87fc7ff9ff09f9df9ff000003ffffc7ff2ff
00f9faff0a3ffffffdffffffe798013ffbff06c007fc78fe7f61f9ff000f
fcff01c03ff3ff00e3fcff0f3f007fff80999cfe8f7ba7770c01fc0ff9ff
08f3dfcff812607ffff8f1ff00f3faff0a9ffffffcfffffff330301ffbff
06807ffe3c7e3fa0faff01fe0ffcff01e03ff3ff14e1fffffffe101c7fff
80c99cfe073993770e01fc01f9ff08f7cfcffc26607ffff0fbff00fdf7ff
00f3faff0acffffffefffffff270200ffbff071fffff0f3f1fb07ffbff01
fe0ffcff01f01ff3ff15e1fffffff801fe7fff8009ceff6739d3378640fe
303ffaff08efefe7ff0080fffff1fbff00fef7ff00f3faff0acffffffeff
fffff86003c7fcff08fe3fffff878f1ff83ffbff01fe0ffcff01f81ff3ff
24f1fffffff184003fff8025ce7f7399cba78660fe3e1fffffffe07fffef
eff7ff8900ffffe1fbff01fe7ff8ff00e3faff0ae7fffffe7ffffff8e00f
e7fcff08fe1fffffc38f1ff81ffbff01fe1ffcff01fc0ff3ff24f0ffffff
c7803f3fff8024c77f739dc9a78720ff3ffffffffe043fffcfeff3ffc021
ffffc3faff007ff8ff00e3faff0af3ffffff7ffffffcc00fe3fcff08fc00
7fffe3c78ffc0ffbff01fe1ffcff01fe07f3ff24f0ffffff8fc1ff3fff80
16e7bfb9dcc9e7c3207f1ff3ffffe0f07fffdfeff9ffe009ffffc3faff00
7ff8ff00e7faff0afbffffff7ffffffe001f81fcff08fc0c1ffff1e38ffe
07fcff027ffe1ffbff0003f3ff24f8ffffff3c443f3fff809267ffb9dce1
e7c3107f1ff9fffe07c1ffffdfeffdfff099ffff87faff003ff8ff00c7fa
ff0af9ffffff3ffffffe001f01fbff07fe0ffff8e387fe03fcff027ffc1f
fbff0001f3ff24f87ffffc70e67f3fff809b73fdbdcee5efe1903f9ff8ff
f07e0fffff1feffdfffff3f7ff87faff00bff8ff00c7faff0afcffffffbf
ffffff001c70fcff0887ff83fffc71c7ff00fcff027ffc3ffbff0080f3ff
24f87ffff9c3e7ff3fff80db73fddcee60efe1983f8ffe7fc3fcfffff81f
cffcfffff3e7ff07faff009ff8ff00c7faff1efeffffffbfffffff8000e0
7ffffffc03ffc0fffc78c3ffc07fffffff7ffc3ffbff01c03ff4ff24f83f
ffe38fe7ff9fff804933fddce670efe1c81fcffe3f0ffffffff01f8ffeff
fff3e7ff0ffaff00dff8ff00c7faff1efe7fffff9fffffff8001c07fffff
fc07ffe07ffe38e3ffc03fffffff7ff83ffbff01e03ff4ff24fc3fffc63f
e7ff9fff806dbbfccee6704ff0c81fcfff3c383ffffe801f8ffe7fffe7c7
fe0ffaff00cff8ff00cff9ff1d3fffff9fffffffc181803ffffff83ffff8
1fff38e1ffe01fffffff7ff83ffbff01f00ff4ff24fc3fff9c7ff3ff9fff
802599feee73380ff0e41fc1ff8000ffffe0001f1fff1fffe7cff00ffaff
00eff8ff00cff9ff1d1fffff9fffffffe3c0001ffffff3fffffe0fff1c71
fff007ffffff7ff83ffbff01f007f4ff24fc1ffe71fff3ff9fff8024ddfe
ee73380ff0e00fc1ff8200ffff80003f1fff0fffc7cfe00ffaff00eff8ff
00cff9ff1d8fffffcffffffff380000fffffe3fffffe07ff9c70fff803ff
fffe7ff83ffbff01f803f4ff24fc1ff8e3fff3ffdfff8036dcfe6733b80f
f8700f87ffce001ffe00003fbfff87ffc7dfc01ffaff00e7f8ff00cff9ff
1dcfffffcffffffff1104027ffffcfffffff83ff8c70fffc00fffffe7ff8
7ffbff01fc43f4ff24fe1ff38ffff3ffdfff8092cefe67399807f8300f1f
ffcc0000080fc01fffffc7ffcf9f081ffaff00f7f8ff00cff9ff1de7ffff
e7fffffff8300063ffff9fffffffc1ffcc387ffe007ffffe7ff87ffbff01
fe20f4ff24fe0fc73ffffbffcfff809a6eff37399cc3fc30063fffe67f80
003fc01fffffe3ffcfbe081ffaff00f3f8ff00eff9ff1df3ffffe7ffffff
fc200061ffff3fffffffe0ffe6387fff003ffffe7ff07ffaff01307ff5ff
24fe0f9e7ffff9ffcfff809b667f379cccc9fc1004ffffe7ffff00ffc010
ffffe3ff8ff8183ffaff00fbf8ff00eff9ff1cf1fffff3fffffffe0000d0
fffe7fffffffe07fe67c7fff801ffffe7ff0f9ff01383ff5ff24fe0ff8ff
fff9ffcfff8009777f339ccc6efe1181ffffe3ffff83ffc0103ffff1ff9f
f0783ffaff00fbf8ff00eff9ff03f8fffff9fcff040c0090fffcfcff0bf0
3ff27c3fffc007fffe7ff0f9ff019c1ff4ff2307f3fffff9ffcfff800933
7f93deee6e7e118fffffe3ffff07ffc0101ffff9ff9ff0f03ffaff00f9f8
ff00eff9ff03fc7ffff9fcff048801207ffdfcff0bf81ff27c3fffe003ff
fe7ff0f9ff01de1ff4ff2307e7fffff9ffcfff800db33b9bce66263f001f
ffffe1fffe0fffc0100ffff9ff9fe3f03ffaff00fdf8ff00dff9ff03fe3f
fffcfcff048000603ff9fcff0bfc1ffbfe1ffff001fffe7ff0f8ff000ff4
ff2307cffffff9ffcfff800cbbbb99cf67363f807fffffe1fffc3fffc010
03ffffff3fdff03ffaff00fcf8ff00dff8ff021ffffcfcff04e100003ff3
fcff0bfc0ffbfe1ffff8007ffe7ff0f8ff0007f4ff2307fffffff9ffefff
800ebbf9c9e7f3121f81fffffff0fff87fffc01801ffffff3fbff03ffaff
00fef8ff0097f8ff0b0ffffe7fffffffe200001fe7fcff0bfe07fffe1fff
fc001ffe3fe1f8ff0083f4ff2383fffffffcffefff800619f9cde7f3121e
0ffffffff87ff0ffffc01e007ffffe7f7ff03ffaff00fef8ff0087f8ff0b
87ffff3ffffffff000008feffcff0bfe07ffff0fffff000ffe3fe1f8ff00
c1f4ff2383fffffffcffe7ff800619fcecfff1910e1ffffffff87ff1ffff
c01f801ffffefefff03ff1ff0087f8ff0bc3ffff9ffffffff80001c7cffb
ff0a03ffff0fffff8003fe3fe1f8ff00e0f4ff2383fffffffcffe7ff8003
5dfce4fff1898c3ffffffffc7fe3ffffc01fe107fffcfcffe07ff1ff0007
f8ff0bf1ffff9ffffffffc0003e39ffbff0a03ffff8fffffc001fe3fe1f8
ff00f0f4ff1083fffffffcffe7ff800b4cfce6f9f9c8c0fcff0ecc7fc7ff
ffc01ff863fff3f9ffe07ffaff01fe7ffaff01fe07f8ff0bf87fffcfffff
fffe6003f33ffbff0a81ffff87fffff0007e3fe1f8ff01f87ff5ff10c1ff
fffffcffe7ff800c0cfe6208f8c4e3fcff0d807fcfffffc00fff38ffe7f7
ffe0f9ff01fe7ffaff01f9e3f8ff03fc3fffeffcff032003f27ffbff0a81
ffff87fffff8003e3fe3f8ff01fc3ff5ff10c1fffffffcfff3ff800e06fe
720cfceec7fcff0df87f8fffffc00fffc8ffcfe7ffc1f8ff003ffaff01e3
03f7ff021f7fe3fcff020001fcfaff0a81ffff87fffffc001e3fc3f8ff01
fc1ff5ff10c1fffffffcfff3ff804707ff3104fce71cfaff0b1fffffc00f
fff8ffdfcfff81f8ff0007faff018c00f7ff028f7ff1fcff028001fcfaff
0ac0ffffc3ffffff000f3fc3f8ff01fe1ff5ff10c0fffffffefff3ff8027
837f39027c8339fbff0cfe3fffffc00ffffcffff9ffe13fbff03dfffff80
fbff02fc31f0f7ff02c77ff0fcff02c00019faff0ac0ffffc3ffffffc003
3fc3f7ff000ff5ff10c0fffffffe7ff3ff8037c27f39883c1e71fbff0cfc
7fffffe007fffeffff3ffc73fbff0b3fffffc0000ffffffff187c4f7ff09
e37ff87fffffffe60003faff0ac0ffffc3ffffffe0033fc3f7ff0087f5ff
10e0fffffffe7ff3ff8097f03b988c7638f3fbff0bc0ffffffe007ffffff
fe3ff0fbff0cfe7fffffc00001ffffffc01e1cf7ff09f1ffff1fffffffe2
0007faff0ac0ffffc1fffffff8001fc3f7ff0083f5ff10e0fffffffe7ff3
ff8093f83b9c84f731f3fbff0be0ffffffe007ffffff3e7fe3fbff0dfcff
ffffe3f1e1fffffe00f8f07ff8ff09f8ffffcffffffff2000ffaff0ac0ff
ffe1fffffffe001fc3f7ff00c3f5ff10e07ffffffe7ff3ff8043fc19cc86
f207f3fbff0bf0ffffffe007fffffe3fffcffbff0df3fffffff3c1000fc3
f003e3c33ff8ff09fc1fffe3fffffff8000ffaff03c0ffffe1fcff02801f
c7f7ff03e1ffffe7f8ff10e07ffffffe7ffbff8043fe19ccc6700ff0fbff
0bf8ffffffe007fffffe7fff9ffbff0dc77ffffff00c180000000f8f0e3f
f8ff09fe1ffff1fffffff9001ffbff04efe0ffffe0fcff02c01fc7f7ff03
e0fffff3f8ff11f07ffffffe7ff9ff8041ff0ccc43300ff07ffcff0bfc1f
ffffe003fffffe7fff3ffbff0d1cfffffff838e3c000071e3c7c1ff7ff08
0ffffc7ffffffc401ffbff04efc0ffffe0fcff02f00fc7f7ff03f0fffff9
f8ff11f07ffffffe7ff9ff8061ff0cc643b067fe3ffcff05fe07ffffe003
fcff01fc7ffcff0efc31fffffff8e38f87803c78f1f01ff7ff088ffffe3f
fffffc603ffbff04cfc0fffff0fcff02f807c7f7ff03f87ffffcf8ff11f0
7fffffff7ff9ff8024ff46666391f7fe1ffbff04c1ffffe003fcff00f9fb
ff0ef1c7fffffff8863c0e30f1e3cfc00ff7ff08c7ffff1ffffffe007ffb
ff0b4fc1fffff07ffffffff807c7f7ff04f83ffffe7ff9ff11f83ffffffe
7ff9ff80207e666221c1f3f81ffbff04f07fffe001fcff00f3fbff0e879f
fffffffc1cf0f8c7878e3f380ff7ff07e7ffff8fffffff00faff0b4fc1ff
ffc07ffffffff803c7f7ff04fc3fffff3ff9ff11f83fffffff7ff9ff8020
00063331c3f9f01ffbff04fc1fffe001fcff00effcff0fe03c7ffffffffc
71c7c73e0e38f8e007f7ff07e3ffffc3ffffff81faff0b5f83ffff007fff
fffffc01c7f7ff04fe1fffff8ff9ff11f83fffffff7ff9ff803000633110
07fbc19ffaff030ffff001fcff009ffcff0fe1f1c7fffffffe431f1c7838
e3f380f3f7ff07f3ffffe1ffffff83faff0b4f87fff8387ffffffffc018f
f6ff030fffffe7f9ff13f83fffffff7ff9ff80103fe311101fff83cffff9
fcff03c3fff000fcff003ffbff0ec71ffffffffe0c7c71e3e38f9e0fe1f7
ff07fbfffff87fffffc7faff0b0e3fffe0783ffffffffc008ff6ff030fff
fff3f9ff13fc1fffffff7ff9ff8001fff3a0181ffe0fdffffcfcff08f1ff
f000fffffffe7ffcff0ffc1c7ffffffffe31f1e78fce3f383e01f7ff0781
fffffc1fffff8ffbff0cfe087ff001fc3ffffffffc00cff6ff0387fffff9
f9ff13fc1fffffff7ff9ff8087fffe07081ff81ffffffcfcff07f87ff000
7ffffff9fbff01c0f1fcff09fe07c79e3838f8e0f808f8ff08fc003ffffe
0fffff1ffbff0cfe007c0007fc1ffffffffc008ff6ff0383fffffcf9ff1f
fc1fffffff7ff9ff801ffff81fc01fc03ff3fffe7ffffffffe0ff0007fff
fffbf5ff0afe0f1e78e063e783e0407ff9ff08e0083fffff8ffffe3ffbff
0cfe00e001fffc1ffffffffc004ff6ff04c3fffffe7ffaff14fe0fffffff
7ff9ff803fff001ff6040c7ff1fff97ffcff038000007ff2ff0afe3e78e3
818f9e1fcf807ffaff09fe00007fffffc7fffc7ffaff0b0180fffcfe1fff
fffffc000ff6ff04e1ffffff3ffaff14fe0fffffff7ff9ff807ff00f9ff2
4431fff9fff93ffcff06c000007fffffcff4ff0938f3ce003e383f3e083f
faff08f800003fffffe7fff8f9ff0b83dffff8fe0ffffffffc000ff6ff04
e1ffffff9ffaff14fe0fffffff7ff9ff80fe007f9ff27f03fff1fffc9ffc
ff06e000007fffffbff4ff0931c71880fce0fcf8e03ffaff08e007e03fff
ffe7fff9f9ff0bc7fffff9ff0ffffffffe000ff6ff04f0ffffffcff9ff13
07ffffff3ff9ff80f80fff1ff37807ffe1fffc9ffcff06f01e003fffff3f
f4ff09079e7301f3c3f1e3000ffaff0881ffff1ffce7f3fff1f9ff0be3ff
fff3ff07fffffffe000ff6ff04f0ffffffe7f9ff1307ffffff7ffbff80e1
fff81ff3703fff80fffe4ffcff06fc1ff007fffc7ff4ff090e38c607c70f
e78e000ffaff0887ffff8ff800fbffe3f9ff0be1fffff3ff87fffffffe00
0ff6ff04f87ffffff3f9ff1307ffffff7ff3ff80c7fff01ff3bfff3f0cff
ff2ff9ff0203fff9f3ff0918731c0f9c1f9e38000ffaff080fffff8ff800
0bffe7f9ff05f1ffffe7ff87fcff01000ff6ff04f87ffffff9f9ff1387ff
ffff7ff3ff800fffe08ff3a7ff983c7e7f07f9ff02e07ff3f3ff0931c670
3e707e78f00027fbff07fe3fffffc7f83c03f7ff05f8ffffc7ffc3fcff01
000ff6ff04fc3ffffffcf9ff1383ffffff7f83ff801fff8fc7e3a7ff807e
007c03f9ff02f81fe7fcff00fcf8ff090318c439c1f8e3e00c37fbff07fc
3fffffcff0ffc1f7ff05fc7fffcfffe3fcff01800ffbff00dffcff05fc3f
fffffe7ffaff1383fffffe0802ff801fff1f9fc1a3ff00fe001801f8ff01
0f8ffcff00f8f8ff098e339c0383e38f802033fbff09fc7fffffeff0fff0
7fcff9ff05fe3fff9fffe1fcff01800ffbff0007fcff07fc1fffffff3ffc
1ffcff1383fffffe0030ff803ffc7f1f81a0f81ffe1c0070f8ff01870ffc
ff00f1f8ff099886388f07ce3e31c1c3fbff09fcffffffe7f07ffc3f9ff8
ff043fff9fffe0fcff01c00ffcff01fe07fcff07fe1fffffff9ffe03fcff
14c3fffffc01f07f80fff8ff0801b041fff83c00f07ff9ff01e00ffcff12
f7fffffffe07ffffff818c730c1f1cf8870601fbff09f8fffffff7f83ffe
3f9ff8ff0a9fff3ffff07fffffffe00ffcff01fc03fcff07fe0fffffffcf
fc00fcff14c3fffff000f07f80ffe3fe00013fc1ffc3fc03e03ff9ff01f8
3ff8ff0ec003ffffff8319c4113c71f31c7809fbff09f8ffff81f3f81fff
1f9ff8ff0a9fff7ffff03ffffffff00ffcff01fc03fbff1f07ffffffe7fe
003fffffffc1ffffe000f0ff80ff8ffe64107ff0780ff03fc11ff9ff01fe
3ff8ff0e8007ffffff8c0388c279e78c73c060fbff09f8fff83ffbfccfff
9f9ff8ff0acffe7ffff81ffffffff80ffcff01f803fbff1f07fffffff3ff
000fffffffe1ffff807ff1ff80fe1ffee0107ff8007fc0ff839ff8ff009f
f9ff0ffe001fffffff098601c8e39f31c70300fbff09f8ffe1ffc3fce7ff
8f9ff8ff0ae7fe7ffffc7ffffffffe0ffcff01f003fbff1f87fffffff9ff
8007ffffffe1fffe067ff1bf80f07ffc101c7ffc00fe01ff0fcff8ff18c7
fffffffefffffffc007fffffff838c0311ce3cc7be0e027ffcff09f9ff87
ffe3fcf3ff8f9ff8ff05e7fefffffc3ffcff0001fcff01f003fbff1f83ff
fffffcffe003ffffffe1fffc1e7fe33f80e1ffec001cfffe000003fe1fe7
f8ff08f8fffffff9fffffff9fbff0a871886631c739c78f81e7ffcff09f1
ff1e1ff1fcf9ffcf9ff8ff05e7fefffffe1ffcff00c1fcff01e107fbff1f
c3fffffffe7ff000ffffffe0fff03e7fe27f80e7ff8f020cfffe100007fc
7ff0f4ff04f37fffffe3fbff0a8e0008c679e671f3e0f87ffcff09f1fff8
fff9fcfcffc79ff8ff05e7fcfffffe1ffcff00c1fcff01e307fbff00c1fc
ff1b1ff8007ffffff0ffe07e7fe6ff80fffe3f8201fff813001ff8fffc7f
f8ff079fffffe6ffffff81fbff0a8c800188e398c7cf8f803ffcff0af1ff
f1fffcfcfeffc78e7ff9ff05e7fcffffff0ffcff00e0fcff01c307fbff00
e0fcff1b8ffc001ffffff0ff81fe7fe4ff80dff87f3807ffe039883ff1ff
fe1ff5ff0599ffffff007ffcff0a81800713ce231f3e3e073ffcff0af3ff
e7fffe7eff7fe7c67ff9ff05eff9ffffff87fcff06e07fffffffc70ffbff
00e0fcff1bc7fe000ffffff0ff03feffe1ff808fe1ff3e0fff0139c0f3e1
ffff05f6ff06fe33fffffc003ffcff0a838006271c8e7c78fc1c1ffcff0a
f3ffcffffe7eff3fe7c23ff9ff05eff9ffffff83fcff06e07fffffff860f
fbff00f0fcff1ce3ff8003fffff07e0ffeffe37f809fc7fe3ffffc339c80
0003ffffc00ff7ff15f8c7fffff0001fffff7fff0703800e3139f9e3f070
1ffcff0af3f79f803f7e7fbfe7e03ff9ff05cffbffffffc1fcff06e03fff
ffff0e1ffbff21f07ffffffff1ffc801fdfff07c1ffcffe27f80fffffe7f
fff1f99c000003ffffe1e0f7ff15e39fffffe0000fffff7fff0207c01ce4
63e78fc1c08ffcff0af3ff9f1fff3eff3fe3f03ff9ff05cff3ffffffe0fc
ff06e01fffffff1e3ffbff22f07ffffffff8ffe6007e7ff87dbffcffe4ff
80fefffcffffc4c98801fe01fffff87e1ff8ff158e7fffff800007efff7f
ff000ff031818f8f3f0e060ffcff0af3ef3e7fffbfffbff3f81ff9ff10cf
f7fffffff07ffffffff00ffffffe3c3ffbff22f83ffffffffc7ff3801e3f
f83ffffcffc4ff80fc7ff87ffe044cc00fff80fffffe3fc3f9ff16fe01ff
fffe000003cfbe7ffe001ff8e2273f3cfc78380ffcff0af3ef7e7fffbfdf
9ff3fc97f9ff10cfe7fffffff83ffffffff00ffffffe3c7ffbff23f83fff
fffffe1ff9c00f0ff83ffffcffcbff80fe7fe007f0724401fffff0ffffff
0ff87ff9ff1587fffffc000000dfbe7fc0003ff98c0cfcf3f1e3f067fcff
0af3fffcffff1fcfdff3fed7f9ff10cfe7fffffffc1ffffffff007fffffc
7c7ffbff01fc1ffcff1d0ffce803c7f81ffffcffc3ff803fff8000003020
07fffff87fffffc7ff1ff6ff12f00000001f3ef800003ff81819f1c7c78f
c3e7fcff0af3ff7cffff1ce7dff3fec7f9ff109fcffffffffe0ffffffff8
03fffffc787ffbff01fc1ffcff1dc7ff7e01e3f80ffffcffc77f8007fe00
701331001ffffffe1fffffe1ff87f6ff12e00000001f3c000000bffc3063
e79f9e3f8f83fcff0ae3df7cffff9df7dff3fec3f9ff019fcffcff0907ff
fffff001fffff8f8faff01fe1ffcff1de3ffbf8070fc0ffffcffc63f8007
fe08319138007fffffff1ffffff8ffc1f6ff00c0f80009bffce0e7cf3f3c
7e3e03fcff0ae3df7cffff89f3dff3fee3f9ff019fcffcff0983fffff7f8
01fffff8f8faff01fe0ffcff13e1ffdfc0387c0ffffcffce7f80c7fc0019
891007fcff068ffffffc7ff87ff7fff70009bffe419f1cfcf1f8f819fcff
0ae3df7dffff81fbcff3fee1f9ff018fdffcff09c1fffff7f800fffff9f1
f9ff000ffcff13f0ffeff01c3c07fffcffccff80c7f80099c8001ff9ff03
fe1ffe1ff8ff00fef700093ffe033e71f1e3f1e0f9fcff0ae3df7dffff83
fbcff1fef1fbff03e7ff0f9ffcff09e0fffff3f800fffff3f1f9ff000ffc
ff12f87ff7fc0e1c07fffcffc8ff80c3ffc0000001f7ff028fff0ff8ff00
fcf700093fff063ce7e78fc783f0fcff0be3df7dffff9ffbcff9fef80ffc
ff0387ff1f9ffcff09f07ffff9fc007ffff3e3f9ff0087fcff12fc3ffbff
070c03fffcffc9ff80e0fff000000ff7ff02c3ffe3f8ff00f0f700093fff
0cf38f9e3f9e3fc0fcff13e3df7dffffbff9cff9fcfc0ffffffffe07fe3f
9ffcff09f81ffff9fc003fffe7e7f9ff0087fbff101ffdffc38601fffcff
90ff80f03ff80001f6ff02f1fff0f8ff00e0f700211fff01e73e3cfe7cff
007fffffffe3df3dffffbf79cff9fcffbffffffffc07c03f9ffcff11fc0f
fff9fe000fffe7c7fffffff7ffffffc7fbff0d8fffffe1c601fffcff80ff
80fc1df3ff03f0fffc3ff9ff00c0f700180fff01ce7cf9f8f3fc007fffff
ffe3dfbdffffbf79cff9fc7ffcff04f007001fbffcff11fe07fffcfe0007
ffefcfffffffe1ffffffc7fbff0ec7fffff0e000fffcff80ff80ff803ff4
ff03f87fff0ff9fff600180fff0398f1e7f3c7e0607fffffffe3df9cffff
bf7deff9fc19fcff04e000000f3ffbff1083fffcff0003ff4f8fffffffe0
ffffffe7fbff0fe1fffffc7000fffcff81ff80fffe03e1f5ff03fc3fffc3
faff00fef6002107ff8633e78fcf1fc7833fffffffe3df9efffffe7deff9
ff01f3ffffff80001f8f3ffbff10c1fffe7f8000ff5f9fffffffe07fffff
e7fbff0ff0fffffe7000fffcff81ff80ffff8001f5ff04fe1ffff07ffbff
00f8f600210fff8c639f3f1e7f1e1c3fffffffe3dfce7fffff7deff9ffcd
f9ffffff000000077ffbff10e07ffe7fc0007f9fbffffffff03ffffff3fb
ff0ff87fffff30007ff9ff83ff80ffffff00f5ff04fc0ffffc7ffbff00f0
f6002103ffe08f3cfc79fc78f01fffffffe7dfe73ffffefdeff9fffdf9ff
fffe000e00067ffbff10f83ffe3fe0001ebf7ffffffff00ffffffbfbff10
fc3ffff00000fff9ff867f80ffffffc87ff6ff04fc03ffff7ffbff00e0f6
002101ffe01c79f9f3f9e3e1dfffffffe7dfe09ff3fefde7f9fffdfdffff
fc003c07067ffbff10fc0ffe3ff0000ebf7fffc1fff00ffffff9fbff10fe
1ffc000000fff9ff047f80fffffffc3ff6ff01fc63f8ff00c0f50020ffe0
39f3f3cff38f87cfffffffe7dff05fe7fcfde7f9fffdfffffff800f83e0e
7ffbff10fe07ff3ffc00067effff00fff003fffffdfaff0f1f00000001ff
f9ff08ff80fffffffe0ff6ff01f9f0f8fff500201c7fe033e7c79fce3e1e
2fffffffe7dff8c79dfcfde7fdfffdffffffe003e7fe1cf9ff0f83ff1ffe
00007efffe00fff0007ffffcfaff0a8000000001fff9fe08ff80fcff0007
f6ff02f3f87ffaff00fef500203e7ff063cf9e3f1c78fc2fffffffe7dffc
e07cfdfdf7fcfffdffffffe007cffc1cf9ff0fc0ff9fff00007dfffc01ff
f0003ffffefbff00fcfc000601fff3fe11ff80fcff00c3f6ff02e7fc1ffa
ff00f8f500207f3ff8cf9f3cfe71e1e077ffffffe7dffefffcf9fff7fcff
fdff7fffc01fbff87cf9ff10e03f8fffc000fffff003fff0001ffffe7ffc
ff00e0fb0005f1f3fe03ff80fcff00e1f6ff098fff0fffffffbfffffe0f5
00207f1ff81e3c79f9e7c78007ffffffe7fffefffcfbf9f7fcfffdff1fff
807e7ff0fcfaff15f9f00f8fffe000ffffe007fff8000ffffe7ffffffffe
fa000530f7fe027f80fcff00f0f6ff093fff83ffffff8fffff80f50020ff
1ff81c79e3e38f1f0703ffffffe7effdfffce7f9f3fcfffdfe0fff00fcfc
e3fdfaff15fbf807c7fff800ffffc01ffff0000fffff3ffffffff0f90004
67fe047f80fcff01f87ff8ff09fe7fffc0ffffffc01ffff40020ff0ff838
f3cfcf1e3e1c1bffffffe7effdfffc0ff9f3fcfffcfe07ff01f9f043fdfa
ff15f3f803c7fff801ffff803ffff0000fffff3fffffff80f900043ffe00
ff80fcff01fc3ff8ff09fcfffff01ffffff3fffcf40020ff83fc31e79f9e
78f8f039ffffffe7fffdfffc7ff9f3fcfffc7e03ffc3f3c047fdfaff14e7
fc03e7fffc01fffe007fffe0000fffff3ffffffcf90005203ffe00ff80fc
ff01fe1ff8ff09f9fffffc03fffff03ff8f5002101c7c1fc23cf3e38f3e3
e0f9ffffffe7fffdfffcfff9f3fcfffc3e41c1c7ef004ff9faff14cffe01
e3fffe01fffc31ffff80001fffff9fffffe0f90005783ffc01ff80fbff00
07f8ff09e3fffff8007fffffffc0f500210187ffff039c7cf3c78f83fdff
ffffe3fffde3fcfffbf3fcfffc1e6c019f9e0c3ff9faff149ffe00e3ffff
01fff863ff7e00003fffff9fffff80f90005f83ffc03ff80fbff00c1f8ff
08c7fffffcf0007ffffef400210313ffff0638f1e71e3f1ffcffffffe3f7
fde07cfff3f3fcfffe00e6013f3c383ff9faff133fff00f1ffff83fff0cf
f8f80019ffffffcffffcf900061ff01ffc027f80fbff00e0f8ff088fffff
fcfc001ffff8f400210707fe3f8471e79e3c7e7f80fffffff3fffdee3eff
f3fbfcffff80f03e7e60301ff9fbff14fe3fff0071ffff83ffc39fe3e000
7fffffffcffff8fa0007033fe01ffc047f80fbff01f03ffaff09fe1fffff
fcffc007fff8f400210f067e1fc043cf3cf1f9fe02fffffff3fbfdef3cff
f7fbfcfffffcf8fcfce0621ff9fbff0dfc3fff8071ffff83ff873f8f0001
fcff02e7ffc0fa00073f3f000ffc08ff80fbff01fc1ffaff09f83ffffffc
ffff01fff0f400210f9e3f07e0c79e79e7f7f80e7ffffff3fffdef3efff7
fbfcfffffefffcf9f0061ff9fbff0df87fffc078ffff83ff0e7e1e0007fc
ff02e7ff80fb000803de3c3f8ff800ff80fbff01fe07faff09f07ffffffc
ffff803fc0f400211fff3f83f08f3ce3cfcff0787ffffff3fdfdef3effe7
fbfcfffffefff9f7f00e0ff9fbff0de0ffffc078ffff83fe1efc38001ffc
ff01e3fefa00083fc820ffc7f811ff80faff0081faff08c1fffffffeffff
8007f300213ffc3fc1f81e71cf3f3f81e07ffffff3fdfdefbeffeff9fcff
fffefff3eff80c07fbfbff0cc1ffffe0387fff07f83df0e000fbff01f3f8
fb000901ffc007fc63f003ff80faff00c0faff0783fffffffe7fff80f200
217ffc3ff0f83c639e7e7e07c03ffffff3fefdefbeffcff9fcfffffeffe3
dff81807fbfbff0c83fffff0387fff07f87fc08007fbff01f3f0fb00091f
ffc03fe063f003ff80faff01f03ffcff08fe07fffffffe7fff80f20021ff
ff7ff87c38c738f9f80f87bffffff3fefdefbeffdff9fe7ffffc1fc7bff0
3103f3fbff0c07fffff8387fff07f0f780001ffbff01f1c0fc000a01ffff
c07f87f1f207ff80faff01f80ffcff08fc1ffffffffe7fffc0f3002201ff
fffffc3e218e73f3f1ff1f9ffffff3fffdefbeff9ff9fe7ffffc00073fc3
0201f3fcff0dfe0ffffffc1c3ffe07e1ee00007ffbff01f980fc000a1fff
ffc3fc1ff1f00fff80faff01f803fcff08f83ffffffffe7fffe0f3002203
fffffffe1e0318e7efc3fc7e1ffffff3ffbdefbeffbff9fe7ffffc000e7f
078601f3fcff0cfc1ffffffc1c3ffe07c3d80001faff00f8fb000a7fffff
8ff07ff9f009ff80faff01f9c0fcff08f07ffffffffe7ffff0f3000007fc
ff1d1f0631cf9f8ff0fc0ffffff3ff1defbeff3ff9fe7fffffc004fc1f80
01fbfcff0cf83ffffffe0c1ffe0103b0000ffaff00f8fc000b07ffffff1f
e1fff8f811ff80faff06f9f01fffffffe1fbff027ffffcf300000ffcff1d
8f80631e7e3fc3f04ffffff3ff85efbefe7ff9fe7ffffffff0e0ffc040fb
fcff00f0fcff070c1ffe000300801ffaff00fcfc000b3ffffffe1c07ffe4
f821ff80faff06f9fc00ffffffc3fbff023ffffff300003ffcff1dc780c6
7cfc7f8fe187fffff3ffc0efbefcfff9fe7ffffffff003ffe180fbfcff00
e0fcff0e860fff000203007fff003ffffffffcfc000b7ffffffe1803ffc4
7823ff80faff06f9ffc00fffff9ffbff033fffffc0f400007ffcff1de3c1
8cf1f9fe3f8607fffff3ffe0efbef9fff9fe7ffffffff03ffff3007ffcff
00c3fcff1ec60fff00040601fff8000ffffffffc0000003f7ffffe3f8000
3fe47c47ff80faff06f9ffffc3ffff3ffbff033ffffff0f5000001fbff1d
e1e019e7e3f8fe3c03fffff9fff0efbee3fff9ff7ffffffff9fffff8023f
fcff0087fcff1ee207ffc0021807ff003fcffffffffc0000001f3ffff800
047c3fec3c07ff80faff06f9fffff8fffe3ffbff033ffffffcf5000007fb
ff14f1f003cfc7e3f8f1c3fffff9fffcefbec7fff9ff7ffaff02fc033ffc
ff000ffcff1ef307ffc003f00ff803ff8ffffffffe0000030f9fffe00024
3ffff83c0fff80faff06f9fffff87ffc7ffbff03bffffffef500000ffbff
14f8f8039f9fcfe3e383fffff9ffffefbe0ffff9ff7ffaff07fe071fffff
fffe1ffcff1ef903fff003c03fc01fff0ffffffffe00000fc39fff838012
3ffff81c0fff80faff05fbfffffe1ff8faff039ffffffff500013feffcff
14fc7c063e3f1f8f8e03fffff9ffffefbc3ffff9ff7ffaff07fe1f8fffff
fff93ffcff1efe03fff803807c01fff80ffffffffe00003ff0cffe1f0011
9fc7f89c1fff80faff05fbffffff07e1faff049fffffffe0f600017fe7fc
ff14fc7c0c7c7e7e3f1801fffff9ffffeffc7ffff9ff3ff9ff060fc7ffff
fff87ffbff1d81fffc0701f00ffe001ffffffffe00007ff847f87e20099f
c7f19c9fff80faff05fbffffff8007faff049ffffffff0f60001fff1fcff
14fe3e18f8f8f8fc6001fffff9ffffeffc7ffff9ff3ff9ff0587e3ffffff
f0faff0981ffff0f0063fc00003ffcff0f0001fffe47e1f87004cf8fc39f
1fff80faff05fbfffffff00dfaff04dffffffff0f7001b01fffc7fffffff
fe3e11f3f3e3f8c701fffff9ffffeffefffff9ff3ff9ff05e7f1ffffffe1
faff0880ffffbc001fff0000fbff0f0003fffce30fe01006470f8f9f3fff
80faff00fbfcff00f8faff04cffffffff8f7000301ffff1ffcff133f01c3
c7c7f31c00fffff9ffffeffffffff9ff3ff9ff05e3f9ffffffcbfaff08c0
fffff8000fff8003fbff0f0007fffce03f801826620e1e1f3fff80faff00
fbfcff00f8faff04cffffffff8f7000307ffffcffcff131f838f8f1fc478
80fffffcffffe7fffffff9ff3ff9ff05f1fcffffff87faff05c07ffff830
1ff8ff0f003ffff980fc1818133e107e1e3fff80faff00fbfcff00f1faff
04cffffffffcf700030ffffff3fcff131fc21e3c7f19e306fffffcffffe7
fffffff9ff3ff9ff05f8fe7fffff2ffaff05c07ffff0c01ff9ff10fe00ff
fff307f0f818119c81fc1e0fff80faff00fbfcff00f1faff04e7fffffffc
f700031fffe7f9fcff138fe03c78fe73ce3e7ffffcfffff7fffffff9ff3f
f9ff05fc7e3ffffe9ffaff05e03ffffb803ff9ff10fe01ffffe61fc3f01c
199887f80e0fff80faff00fbfcff00e3faff00e7fcfff700037fffc7fcfc
ff13cfe078f3f18f38fb7ffffcfffff7fffffff9ff3ff9ff05fe3f1ffffc
3ffaff04e01fffe000f8ff10fe07ffffc07e0ff1cc18c91fe38e0fff80fa
ff00fbfcff00e3faff00e7fcfff70003ffffc1fcfcff13cff0e3c7e33c63
c33ffffcfffff7fffffff9ff3ff8ff041f9ffffa7ffaff04e01fffc001f8
ff10fc0fffff81fc3fe3ce1ccfff878e0fff80faff00fbfcff00e7faff00
f3fcff0080f9000401ffffe1f8fcff13cff8c78f8c79c7873ffffcfffff7
fffffff9ff3ff8ff039f8ffff0f9ff04f00fffc003f9ff11dffc1fffff03
c9ffe7e60c4fff1f878fff80faff00f3fcff00c7faff00f3fcff00e0f900
1c07fffff3f8778fffffc7f80e3f39e71e03bffffcffffe7fffffff9ff3f
f8ff03cfc7ffc1f9ff04f00fff8007f9ff11dfd81ffe7e07c07ffff30e4f
f87c07dfff80faff00f1fcff00cffaff00fbfcff00f8f900fdff19c7fc1b
e3ffffe7fc1c7c638e7ce39ffffcfffff7fffffff9ff3ff8ff03c7e3ffc3
f9ff04f007ff800ff9ff119f901ffc7c0fe00ffff30e0fc03c03ffff80fa
ff00f3fcff008ffaff00f9fbff0080fa001c7fffff9ffe0039ffffe7fe10
f1cf38f1c7dffffcfffff7effffff9ff3ff8ff03e3f3ff87f9ff04f807ff
8007faff12f79f901ffc7c0f000fffc38606011e03ffff80faff00e3fcff
009ffaff00f9fbff00f8fb001d0fffffff3fff000effffe3fe00e31c63c7
10cffffcfffff7effffff9ff3ff8ff03f1f1fe0ff9ff04f803ff8007faff
12b73f100ffc1c0e01fffc018000718f03ffff80faff00e3fcff009ffaff
00fcfcff01fe7ffb001d1ffffffe7fff8c037ffff3ff008638c79c60cfff
fcfffff7effffff9ff3ff8ff03f9f8fe1ff9ff04f803ff8007faff12a737
2047fc04061ffff81bc0fff8c781ffff80faff00c7fcff001ffaff00fcfc
ff24fc7fc00000001f9ffffffdffff80013ffff3ff8018f39e3887effffc
fffff7effffffdff3ff8ff03f8fc7e3ff9ff04fc01ff0007faff12af3620
e3fc00073ffffc07e3fff863c1ffff80faff00c7fcff003ffaff29fe7fff
fffffcfff8000001ff9ffffff3ffffe0001ffff3ff8031c63c631de7fffc
fffff7effffffcff3ff8ff03fc7e7e3ff9ff04fc00ff0007faff126e6620
30fc00071ffffe03c7fffc31e0ffff80faff00c7fcff003ffaff29fe7fff
fffffc3ffffc0007ffcfffffe7fffff8001ffff3ffc0638cf1c671f7fffc
7ffff7effffffcff3ff8ff03fe3e3f3ff9ff04fe00ff0007faff124e6c40
1c30e0438ff9ff8387fffe39f07fff80faff0597fffffffe3ffaff29fe3f
fffffffe0fffffffe3ffefffffcfffffffe0081ffbffe0c711e718e1f7ff
fc7ffff7effffffcff3ff8ff02f33f1ff8ff04fe007f0007fbff13fe4c4c
403e03f003cff1ff0f0ffffe18f03fff80faff05b7fffffffe7ff9ff003f
fcff238ffffffff3ffe7ffff9fbffffffe0007f9fff10c638e638673fffc
7ffff7e7fffffcff9ff8ff02f31f8ff8ff04fc003f0007fbff13fedcc8c0
3f0f7821e7e1fc7c1fffff1c7c1fff80faff0523fffffffc7ff9ff001ffc
ff2307fffffff9fff7ffffbf7fffffff01f3f9fff018c738c71c73fffe7f
fff7e7fffffcff9ff8ff02f38fcff8ff04fe003f000ffbff13fe9c888306
0e3801e7c1f1f8ffffff8e3e1fff80fbff06fe23fffffffc7ff9ff000ffc
ff0907fffffffdfffbfffffefcff150ffdfdfff8311c631c71f3fffe7fff
f7e7fffffcff9ff8ff02f7c7c7f8ff04e4801f000ffbff13fc989187c078
3c10f38383e3ffffff873f07ff80fbff05fe23fffffff8f8ff0e87ffffff
f83ffffffffcfff9fffffcfaff13fdfff84039c679c7f3fffe7ffff7e7ff
fffcff9ff8ff02f7c7e3f8ff04c0c00f001ffbff13fd391107e1e07e00f1
021f8fffffffc79f83ff80fbff05fe23fffffff8f8ff0ec7ffffffc07fff
fffffe7ffdfffffdfaff13fcfffc006398e38f83fffe7ffff7e7fffffdff
9ff8ff02f7e3f3f8ff0481e00f803ffbff13fd312307c7840e0078207f3f
ffffffe38f83ff80fbff05fe67fffffff1f8ff0ee3fffff800fff39fffff
7ffcfffffbfaff13fcfffc01ce73ce3f0bfffe7ffff7e7fffffcff9ff8ff
02f7f1f1f9ff05fe23e007003ffaff093202071e388e087c41fcfcff04e1
cfe1ff80fbff05fe67fffffff1f8ff0ee1ffff800fffe007ffff3ffeffff
f3faff13fefffe0398e71c7c39ffff7ffff7e7fffffcffdff8ff02f7f8f8
f9ff05fc47f007003ffbff0afe6244003cf907043cc7f1fcff04f1e7e0ff
80fbff05fe7fffffffe3f8ff0ef1fffc003ffff843ffff9ffefffff7faff
13feffff0731ce7878f9ffff3ffff7e7fffffcffdff8ff02f7f8fcf9ff05
f88ff803807ffbff0afe600400f1f027043ccfe7fcff04f8e7f07f80fbff
05fe7fffffffe3f8ff0ef8fff80ffffffc38ffff1ffe7fffe7faff13feff
ff0c6718e07119ffff3ffff7e7fffffcffdff8ff03f7fc7e7ffaff04f03f
f80380faff0afe640801e7f063841fff8ffcff04f873f83f80fbff05f07f
ffffffe7f8ff0efc7fe07ffffffe1e7fff3fff7fffeff7ff10888e31c0c0
38ffff3ffff3e7fffffcffdff8ff03f7fe3e3ffaff04c07ffc0180faff0a
fec018038fe0f3821fff3ffcff04fc71fc3f80fbff05f07fffffffe7f8ff
02fc7f01fcff070f1ffe3ff87fffcff9ff127fff811ce7818860ffff3fff
f3e7fffffcffdff8ff03f7fe3f3ffaff0480fffe0180faff09fcc830031f
f1f3820ff8fbff04fc39fc1f80fbff05e27fffffffe7f7ff01fc1ffcff07
c7c7fe7ff07fff9ff9ff127fffc231ce1023c0ffff3ffff3e7fffffcffdf
f8ff03f3ff1f1ffaff0403fffe0181faff09fd89e0807ff3f3820ff3fbff
04fe3dfe1f80fbff05e67fffffffcff7ff01e07ffcff07e1f3fc7ff07fff
9ff9ff127fff80631c600f1cffff3ffffbe7fffffcff9ff8ff03fbff8f8f
fbff06fc47ffff0081bffbff0afd93e080fff7f9c0070003fcff04fe1cfe
0f80fbff05c67fffffffcff7ff0083fbfffdf804fff9ffff1ff9ff127fff
808e31c01e3c7fffbffffbe7fffffcff9ff8ff03fb9fc7c7fbff06f81fff
ff80c1bffaff0913c181fffff9c0000007fbff031e7f0f80fbff05ce7fff
ffffcff8ff01fe1ffbff07fe3e78fff9ffff1ff9ff127fffe11cc38078fe
7fffbffffbf7fffffeff9ff8ff03fbdfe7c7fbff06f03fffffc0c33ffaff
093f9187fffff9c000003ffbff038e7f8780fbff009efcff009ff8ff01f8
7ffaff060f3cfff9ffff1ff7ff10f2318f01f3fe7fffbffffbf7fffffeff
dff8ff03fbffe3e3fbff06c0ffffffc0407ffaff083ff187ffffffc001f7
faff038f7f8780fbff003efcff009ff8ff00c3f9ff06c79c7ff9fffe7ff7
ff12f8621e03c7fc7fffbffff9f7fffffe7fdfc01ffaff03f9fff3f1fbff
0681ffffffe0587ffaff077ff387fff803c107f9ff03c73fc380fbff003e
fcff003ff8ff000ff9ff06e1cc7ff9fffe7ff7ff12f8cc7c0f9fe03fffbf
fff9e3fffffe7f800001faff03fdfff1f8fbff0507fffffff030faff08fe
7ff387fffc01c783f9ff03c3bfc380fcff01fe7ffcff003ff9ff01fc3ff9
ff05f8e67ffcfffcf6ff13fb18f01e3f813fffbffff9e3fffffe7f83ff00
0ffbff0efdfff8fc7ffffffffc0ffffffff800f8ff06e387fffc078783fb
ff05efffe3dfe180fcff00fefcff01fe7ff9ff00f8f8ff05fe723ffcfffc
f8ff153ffff231e03cfe061fff9ffff83ffffffe7fdffff003fbff0efcff
fc7e7ffffffff89ffffffff801f8ff06e707ffff070fc1fbff05efffe3df
e180fcff06fcfffefffffe7ff9ff00e3f7ff04333ffcfffdf8ff153ffff0
63c0f1fc381fff9ffffc3ffffffe7fdfffff80fbff0efefffc7e3fffffff
f03ffffffffc03f8ff06e707fffffe1fe1fbff05cfffe1fff080fcff05fd
fffefffffcf8ff0087f7ff04991ffcfff9f8ff0a3ffff0c781e3f0f01fff
9ffbff06fe7fcffffff01ffcff0efefffe3f1fffffffe07ffffffff807f8
ff06e707fffe3c7fe0fbff05c7fff1fff080fcff05f9fffefffffcf9ff01
fe1ff7ff04cc9ffefffbf8ff0a3ffff00f03cfe3c11fff87fbff06fe7fcf
fffffe03fcff08fe7fff1f1fffffffc1fcff01f00ff8ff07c707fffe38ff
f07ffcff05c3fff0fff800fcff05f3fffefffff9f9ff01fc3ff7ff04e4cf
fe7ff3f8ff0a3ffff03e071f8f063fff81fbff13fe7fdfffffff801fffff
fffe7fff8f8fffffff83fcff01c00ff8ff07cf07fff8227ff03ffcff05c1
fff8fffc00fcff05f3fffe7ffff9f9ff00f0f6ff04f84ffe7ff7f8ff0a3f
fff07c0e7e3c783fff90fbff13fe7fdffffffffc01fffffffe7fffcfc7e3
fffe07fcff01800ff8ff07cf07ffe2077ff81ffcff0581fff8fffc00fcff
05e7fffe7ffff3f9ff00c3f6ff04f867fe7fe7f8ff0b1ffff87038f8f1f0
3fffdc3ffcff02fe7fdffcff0ce007ffffff7fffc7c381fffc0ffcff0001
f7ff078f07ff0e1f3ffc0ffcff0580fffc7ffe00fcff05cffffe7ffff3f9
ff0087f6ff04fe37ff3feff9ff0cfe1ffff0e073e3c7c13fffdf07fcff02
fe7fdffcff11f8007fffff7fffe3e101fff81ffffffffe03f7ff078f07b8
3c3f3ffc03fcff05807ffc7fff00fcff05cfffff7fffe7faff01fe1ff5ff
0337ff3fcff9ff0cfc1ffff1c0e78f0f0f3fffdfc1fcff02fe7fdffbff10
c00fffff3ffff1f031fff03ffffffffe07f7ff078f0700f83f3ffe01fcff
05807ffe7fff00fcff059fffff7fffcffaff01fc3ff5ff031bffbfdff9ff
13fc3ffff111873c7c7f7fffcff83ffffffffe7fcffbff0afe007fff3fff
f1f878ffe0fcff01fc0ff7ff070f0607e33f1ffe00fcff05807ffe3fff80
fcff053fffff7fffdffaff01f87ff5ff039bff9f9ff9ff0df83ffff82700
f1f9ff7fffcfff0ffcff017fcffbff0afc003fffbffff8f0fc7fc1fcff01
fe0ff7ff111f063f8f3f9fff001fffffffc07fff3fff80fcff053fffff7f
ff9ffaff00f1f4ff038bff9fbff9ff13f07ffff8c403e7e7e27fffcfffc3
fffffffe7fcffcff0bfe000007ffbffffc71fe3fdbfcff01fe0ff7ff1b1f
067b1f3f9fff800fffffffc07fff3fff80fffffffe7ffcff7fff3ffaff00
e7f4ff038dffdf3ff9ff13f07ffff9800f1f9fc2ffffc7fff1fffffffe7f
cffcff0ac007fe47ff9ffffe07ff1ffbff01fe0ff8ff1cfe1f07f07fbf9f
ff8407ffffffc0ffff9fff80fffffffcfffcfffffc3ffaff008ff4ff03c5
ffcf7ff9ff22e07ffff0201c7e7f04ffffc3fffc3ffffffe7fcffffffff8
0fffffc7ff9ffffe0fff8ffbff01fe0ff8ff1cfe3f07e1ff9f9fffc200ff
ffffc0ffffdfff80fffffffcfffcffbff83ffaff001ff4ff2dc1ffc27fff
fffffe03ffffe0ffffe00038f8fe3dffffc3ffff0ffffffe7fcfffffff80
ffffffc7ff9fffff1fff8ffaff000bf8ff1cfe3f0381ff9f9fffe3803fff
ffc0ffffdfff80fffffff9fffcffbff03ffbff01fe3ff4ff02e1ffc0fcff
26fc003fffe0ffffc000f3f3fcf8ffffc3ffffc3fffffe7fcffffff81fff
ffffc7ffcfffff1fffc7faff0001f8ff1cfe3f0019ff9fcfffe1c01fffff
c0ffffefff80fffffff3fffcffbff07ffbff00f8f3ff02e0ffc0fcff1af8
7f03bfe1ffffc001c7cfe3f8ffffc1fffff8fffffe7fc7ffff83fcff09c7
ffcffffc3fffe7e03ffcff000df8ff0dfc3f0079ffdfcffff0f001ffffc0
fcff0a80ffffffe3fffc7fbfe07ffbff00f1f3ff02f0cf81fcff1af8ffff
0fe1fffff8079f3fcff0ffffe0fffffc3ffffe7fe7fffc1ffcff09c7ffcf
fffc7ffff3c73ffcff000cf8ff0dfc7f0079ffcfcffff87c001fff80fcff
0a80ffffffe7fffe7fbfe07ffbff00e3f3ff02fc3f01fcff19f9ffff8001
fffff88e7cff3f80fffff03ffffe0ffffe7fe7ffe1fbff09cfffe7fff8ff
fff98f7ffcff00fcf8ff09fc7f0078ffcfcffffc3efc00fcff0980ffffff
cffffe7fbfc2faff00c7f3ff02c0fe61fcff19f97fffe000fffff11cf9fc
ff00fffff19fffff81fffe7fe7ff0ffbff10cfffe7fff1fffffc1e7ff80f
fffffe7f3ffaff0df87f807cffefc7fffe3f80000000fcff0980ffffffcf
fffe7fdfc2faff008ff3ff02c6fce3fcff19fa7ffffc00ffffe039f7f9fc
01fffff9c7ffffe0fffe7fe7f83ffbff10cfffe7fff9fffffc0e7fc007ff
fffe7f8ffaff1bf87f807cffefe7fffe1fe00000007fffffff80ffffff9f
fffe3fdfe6faff003ff3ff02fefbc3fcff18f27ffffffc7fffc0f7cfeff0
e1fffff9f1fffffc3ffe7fe7c3faff1187fff3fff9fffffe00fe0783ffff
fe3fc07ffbff0df0ff987cffefe7ffff0ffe000000fcff0980ffffff3fff
fe3fdffcfbff01fc7ff3ff02fee7c7fcff18f27ffffffe7fff81cf3f3fc3
03fffff9f07ffffe0ffe7fe01ffbff12fc07fff3fffdffffff00703fe1ff
fc7b3fe01ffbff0df0ffbc3cffe7e7ffff87ffff8003fcff0980fffffe3f
ffff3fdffdfbff00f8f2ff02fe4fc7fcff17f2fffffffe7fff831cfeff0c
03fffff9f83fffff81fe7fc0faff12f00ffff3fffcffffff8001fff0fe78
0b1ff007fbff09e1ff3c3e7fe7e7ffffc7f8ff0980fffffc7fffff3ffffd
fbff00f9f2ff02fc1fa7fcff00e2faff109e79f1fc3013fffff9f9cfffff
e07e7e07faff12833ffff9fffe7fffffc001fff86000038ff803fbff09e1
ff7c3e7ff7f7ffffe3f8ff0980fffffc7fffffbffffdfbff00f3f2ff02fc
1f6ffcff00f6faff10fce3e7f8e003fffff9f9e3fffff81e603ffbff13f8
1f3ffff9ffff7fffffc0801ffc01c001cffc01fbff09c1fe7c3e7ff7f7ff
fff1f8ff0980fffffc7fffffdfeffdfbff00e7f2ff02f80e6ffcff00fefa
ff0ff1cf9fe38703fffff9f9f9fffffe0601faff13e07f3ffffdffff3fff
ffe78007c40601e1c7fe01fbff09c3fc7e1e7ff7f7fffff1f8ff0980ffff
fc7fffff5feff9fbff00cff2ff02800fcffcff00defaff0fe31e7f8e3e07
fffff9f9fc3fffffc00ffbff15e0007f3ffffcffff3ffffff70003000031
e1e3ff807ffcff0983fcfe1e7ff3f3fffff8f8ff0980fffffc7fffff4fef
f9fbff008ff2ff028f9fdffcff00defaff0fc679fe787877fffff9f9ff0f
fffff87ffcff16fc00007fbffffcffff9ffffff20100380073e0e3ffc03f
fcff0a87f8fe0f7ff3f3fffffe3ff9ff0980fffffc7fffff4feffbfbff00
1ff0ff00dffcff169e7ffffffeffffc4e3f8f1f077fffff9fdff03fffffc
7ffcff16c03c00ff3ffffe7fffcffffff813e0380007c0f1ffe01ffcff0a
07f0ff0f3ff3fbffffff1ff9ff0980fffffc7fffff6feffbfcff01fe3ff0
ff009ffcff409e7ffffffcffffc1cfe7c7c037fffff9fdff98fffffe7fff
fffff80ffe00ffbffffe7fffcffffff801e000000f00f8fff01ffffffffe
0ff1ff0f3ffbfbffffff8ff9ff0980fffffc7fffffefeffbfcff09f87fff
ffff8000000fdff8ff00bffcff409e7ffffffcffff831f8f9f8627fffff9
fdff9c1ffffe7fffffff80fffe00ff3ffffe7fffe7fffff8000080001c00
787ffc07fffffffe0fe1ff0f3ffbfbffffffc7f9ff0980fffffc7fffffa7
f7fbfcff04f27fffffc0fc000001f8ff00bffcff13be7ffffff9ffff867e
3c7f1c2ffffff9fcff9e07fbff27f80ffffe00ff3fffff3ffff3fffff000
00e70008007c7ffe03fffffffc1fc3ff873ffbfbffffffe3f9ff0980ffff
fc7ffffff7f7fbfcff09e6fffff00ffffff80000f8ff003ffcff13be7fff
fff1ffff38f8f1fc706ffffff9fcff9fc0fbff2780fffffe007f3fffff3f
fff1fffff03c03fffe003c7e3ffe01fffffffc3fc3ff87bffbfdfffffff9
faff0afe00fffffc7fffffb7f7fbfcff08ddfff803fffffc000ffcff05f8
000fffff3ffcff413f7ffffff3ffff31f3e7f8c1effffff9fcff9ff03ffe
7fff0007fffffe007f3fffff9ffff9ffffe07fffffff003c3f1fff01ffff
fff83f87ff87bffbfdfffffffc7ffbff0af800fffffc7fffffb3f7fbfcff
079bfff03fff80007ffbff05f000003fff0ffcff3c3f7fffffe7fffe63c7
cfe3830ffffff9feff9ffe0ffe7ffe00f7fffffe007f3fffff9ffffcffff
885fffffff803e3f0fff80fffffff87f0fffc3bffbfdfcff00bffbff0af0
00fffffe7fffffbbf7fbfcff0577fff3f0001ff6ff020fc01ffcff3c3f3f
ffffcffffe0f9e7f9f040ffffff9feffbfffc3fc7ff001f7fffffe00ff3f
ffffcffffe7fff081fffffff807e3f87ffc07ffffff07e0fffc3bffbfdf6
ff128000fffffe7fffffdbf7f7fffffffe4fffc003f4ff02e3801ffcff3c
3fbfe0ffcffffc1e78fe3c300ffffff9feff9fffe0fc7f0001f7fffffe04
ff3fffffcff9ff3ffe103fffffff80fe1fc3ffc07fffffe0fc1fffc3ffff
fef6ff110000fffffe7fffffd9f7f7fffffffc9fe007f3ff02f3803ffcff
3c7fbfc47f9ffffc38f3fcf0e1fffffff9fe7f9ffff83c780021f7fffffe
04ff3fffffcff8ff1ffc103fffffff80ff1fe1ffe03fffffe1fc3fffe3ff
fffef7ff10f80080fffffe7fffffddf7f7fffffff93ff1ff02fc003ffcff
3c7f9fcf3f3ffff9f1c7e7e38fdffffff9fe7fbffff81c406021f7fffffe
047f3fffffefe0ff8ff0207fffffff80ff0ff0ffe03fffffc3f87fffe1ff
fffef7ff10e00380fffffe7fffffedf3f7fffffff27ff1ff02fc007ffcff
277fdf9f3f7ffff9e39f8f8e1fdffffff9fe7fbffffc0403e029f7fffffe
047f3fffffe7c1ffc7e020fcff1100ff8ff87ff01fffffc3f0ffffe1ffff
fe7ff8ff0f800f80fffffe7fffffecf3f7ffffffe4faff03fe100682fc00
0403fff0007ffcff3d7fdf9f3e7ffffb863e3f3819dffffff9fe7fbffffc
400fe029f7fffffe047f3fffffe707ffe3c041fffffffe00ff87fc3ff01f
ffff87e0fffff1ffffff7ff9ff10fc00ff80fffffe7fffffeef3f7ffffff
c8faff00fefc000703fffe003f00007ffcff3d7fdfbf3c7ffff31cfcf861
81dffffff9fe7f9ffffe704fe02bf7fffffe047f3ffffff20ffff00203ff
fffffc01ffc3fe0ff01fffff87c1fffff1ffffff7ff9ff10c001ff80ffff
fe7fffffeef3f7ffffff99f2ff03fc000000fbff3d7fcff4787ffff631f1
f1c781dffffff9fe7f9ffffe78cfe02be7fffffe747f3ffffff13ffff802
47ffffffe403ffc3ff07f01fffff1f83fffff0ffffff3ff9ff100007ff80
fffffe7ffbffe6f3e7ffffff83f2ff03fe000000fbff3d7fe7f0f0ffffe4
63e7c70f07dffffff9fe7f9ffffe7fcfe023e7fffffe747f3ffffff9ffff
f804cfffffff8c07ffe1ff83f01fffff1f87fffff8ffffffbffaff11fc00
3fff80fffffe7ffbfff673efffffff07f2ff03f8000000fbff3d7fe1fff1
ffffe0c78f1e3f1ffffffff9fe7f9ffffe7fcfe023e7ffffff747f3fffff
f9fffffc049fffffff1987ffe0ffe0701ffffe7f0ffffff8ffffffbffaff
11f003ffff80fffffe7ffbfff773effffffe0ff2ff03c000c1e0fbff3d7f
c07fe1ffffe08f3e38fc7cfffffffcfe7f9ffffe7fcfe02befffffff747f
3ffffffcfffffe0c3ffffffe13c7fff0fff0001ffffefe1ffffff8ffffff
9ffaff11c00fffff80fffffe7ffbfff773effffffe1ff3ff04fc00030f81
fcff3efe7fe01fe3ffffd01c78f1f8f0bffffffcfe7f9ffffe7fcfe029ef
ffffff347f3ffffffcffffff083ffffffc37c7fff87ffc003ffffdfe1fff
fff8ffffffdffaff11001fffff80fffffe7ff9fff373effffffc1ffbff0c
fe00000ffffffffe00000c3c19fcff3efe7fcf0fc3ffffdc39f3c7e0e1bf
fffffcfe7f9ffffe7fcfe029efffffff347f3ffffffc7fffff087ffffffc
6fc7fff83fff81fffffffc3ffffffc7fffffdffbff12f8007fffff80ffff
fe7ff9fffb33effffff83ffbff0cf800000007ffff00000031f0fdfcff30
feffdfffc3ffffb8e3c71f8dc3bffffffcfe7f9ffffe7fcfe029e7ffffff
347f3ffffffe7fffffb0fffffff95fc7fffc1ffbff08f87ffffffc7fffff
cffbff24c007ffffff80fffffe7ff9fffb33effffff87fffffff3ffff87f
fffe0007f000000043c7edfcff30feff9fffe7ffffb1c71e7e3d8fbfffff
fcfe7f9ffffe3fcfe031e7ffffff367f3ffffffe7ffffff1fffffffadfe7
fffe1ffbff08f0fffffffc7fffffcffbff11003fffffff80fffffe7ff9ff
fbb9cffffff8fcff0027fafffc0003310e1f0dfcff30feffbffbf7ffff03
9c79fcf839fffffffcfe7fbffffe3fcfe0b9e7ffffff367f3fffffff3fff
fff3fffffff2ffe7ffff07fbff08e1fffffffc7fffffe7fcff01fc00fcff
0c80fffffe7ffdfffbb9cffffff9fcff0001f9ff0600e0fe4038f87dfcff
30feff3ffbe7ffff0618e3f1f0e17ffffffcfe7fbfffff3fcfe0ade7ffff
ff367f3fffffff1fffff8ffffffff5ffe7ffff87fbff08c3fffffffe7fff
ffe7fcff01f00ffcff0c80fffffe7ffdfff9b9cffffff9fcff01807ffbff
07fc01fffe00e3e3fdfcff30fcff7ffbeffffe0c63cfe7c0c17ffffffcfe
7fbfffff3fcfe03de7ffffffbe7f7fffffff9fffff3ffffffff5ffe7ffff
c7fbff0887fffffffe7ffffff3fcff01001ffcff0c80fffffe7ffdfff9b8
dffffff9fcff01c60ffbff07c00ffffc03cf8f8dfcff2dfcfe7fffeffffe
78c71f9f848f7ffffffcfe7fbfffff3fcfe08de7ffffffbf7f7fffffff9f
fffe7fffffffedfff7f8ff0e0ffffffffe7ffbfffbfffffffc003ffcff0c
80fffffe7ffdfff998dffffff9fcff01f3c3fcff08fe007ffff8063e3c0d
fcff26fdfefff7cffffe711c7e7c301e7ffffffcfe7fbfffff3fcfe09de7
ffffff9f7f7fffffffcffffcfaff00f7f9ff01801ffcff087ffbfffdffff
fff000fbff0c80fffffe7ffdfff9989ffffff9fcff01f8f8fcff08f801ff
fff81c70e00dfcff26fdfefff7cffffe4238fdf8e0fefffffffcfe7fbfff
ff3fcfe0bde7ffffff9f7f7fffffffcffffcf6ff05817fff00001ffcff01
3ffbfbff01c007fbff0c80fffffe7ffefff9989ffffff9fcff0efc3e3fff
ffffe00ffffff871e7078dfcff26fdfcffefdffffc0473f3e3e3f8ffffff
fcfe7fbfffff3fcfe01de7ffffff9f7f7fffffffe7fff9f6ff00c0fc0000
7ffcff013ffbfcff02fe003ffbff0c80fffffe7ffefffd989ffffff9fbff
0d1f9fffffff803ffffff8c78c3e0dfcff26f9fdffefdffffc09c7cf8f87
e0fffffffcfe7fbfffff3fcfe01de7ffffff9f7f7fffffffe7fff1f6ff04
f8000007e1fbff013ffbfcff01f000faff0c80fffffe7ffefffdd89fffff
f9fbff0dc7c7fffffe00fffffffb8e30f81dfcff26fbf9ffcf9ffffe819f
1e3e0781fffffffcfe7fbfffff3fcfe01de7ffffff9f7f7ffffffff3ffe1
f5ff03fe0003e0fbff01bffbfcff018007faff0c80fffffe7ffefffcd99f
fffff9fbff0df1f3fffff803fffffff238c7e1f1fcff26f3f9ffdf9ffffc
c63c78f80c0dfffffffcfe7f3fffff3fcfe45defffffffcf7f7ffffffff3
ffe1f4ff030003f07ffcff07bffbfffffffc001ffaff0c80fffffe7ffeff
fccf9ffffffdfbff0dfc79ffffc01ff9fffff0f11f8f81fcff27f3fbffdf
bffffc08f9f3e30839fffffffcfe7f3fffffbfcfe45defffffffcf7f7fff
fffff9fff3f7fbff00fdfcff04fe0007f07ffcff00bffcff01f000f9ff0c
80fffffe7ffffffccf1ffffffdfaff0c3cffff007ffdffffe1c47e3f01fc
ff27e7f3ff9f3ffffc11e3c78f00f1fffffffcfe7f3fffffbfcfe459efff
ffffcf7f7ffffffffdfff3f6fbff09fe7ffffffffc000ff03ff7ff018007
f9ff0c80fffffe7ffffffecf3ffffffcfaff0cfe7ffc03fffdffffe708f8
f879fcff27e7f3ffbf3ffffc238f9e1f07c1fffffffcfe7f3fffffbfcfe4
19efffffffcf7f7ffffffffcfff1f6fbff09fe3ffffffffc000ff03ff8ff
02fc003ff9ff0c80fffffe7fff7ffece3ffffffcf9ff0b7bf00ffffdf9ff
ee03e3e1e0fcff27cff3ff3f7ffffc061c78ff1f81fffffffcfe7f3fffff
bfcfcc19efffffffcf3f7ffffffffe7ff9f2faff081ffffffff000cff81f
f8ff01f001f8ff0c80fffffc7fff7ffe6f7ffffffcf9ff0b3bc03ffffcf9
ffe00f8f8700fcff28cfe3ff3e7ffffc0c79e3fc7e01fffffffcfe7f3fff
ffbfcfcc59cfffffffcf3f7ffffffffe3ff9fa7ffbff0887ffffffc003cf
f81ff8ff01800ff8ff0c80fffffc7fff7ffe47fffffffef9ff0bbb81ffff
fcf9ffc03e3e3c0cfcff2087e3fe7e7ffffc30e38ff1fc03fffffffefe7f
3fffffbfcfcc59cfffffffcf3f7ffcff031ffffa7ffbff08c3ffffff8007
cffc1ff9ff02f8007ff8ff1f80fffffc7fff7fff0ffffffffe7ffffffffd
ffff980ffffffcf9ffc478f8e0f8fcff2087e7fe7c7ffffc638e3fc7f0c3
fffffffe7e7f3fffffbfcfce59efffffffcf3f7ffcff039ffffc3ffbff08
e0ffffff0007cffc0ff9ff01c007f7ff1f80fffffe7fff7fff0ffffffffe
7ffffffffe7ffc981ffffffef9ffd8e3e3c7f0fcff2080fffe7c7ffffc07
3c7f1fc783fffffffe7e7f3fffffbfcfce59efffffffcf3f7ffcff03cfff
fc3ffbff08f03ffffe001feffc0ffaff02fe003ff7ff0d80fffffc7fffff
ff9ffffffffe7ffcff0d3ff8187ffffffef9ff838f8e1fe0fcff20e003fc
f8fffffc0c71fc3f1e03fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce59efffffffcf3f7f
fcff03e7ff1c0ffbff08f81ffff80e1feff80ffaff01f001f6ff0880ffff
fc7fffbfff99fcff003ffcff32cff818fffffffef9ff873e3c7f807fffff
fff0007ce1fffffc98c7f0fc7803fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce59efffff
ffefbf7ffcff03e3ff0007fbff08fc07fff03c1f87f807faff01c00ff6ff
0880fffffe7fffbffff8fcff003ffcff32e7f811fffffffe79ff0c7c71fe
1e7ffffffff8003c83fffffce18fe3f8f007fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce
59efffffffefbf7ffcff03f1ffe007fbff08fe03ffe0f87e03e207faff01
001ff6ff0880fffffe7fffbffff8fcff003ffcff0ef3fe01fffffffe79ff
38f1c7f8f07ffbff1e1f87fffffcc61f8fc3e197fffffffe7e7f3fffff9f
cfce59cfffffffefbf7ffcff03f9fffc03faff0781ff81f97c480607fbff
02f8007ff6ff0880fffffc7fffbffff9fcff00bffcff0ef9fe01fffffffe
7bff63c71fe3c07ffbff1ec41ffffffc0c7e3f1f8607fffffffe7e7f3fff
ff9fcfce59cfffffffcf3f7ffcff03fc7fff07faff07c07b07fe39cc1f07
fbff018003f5ff0880fffffc7fffbffff9fcff00bffcff02bcff0bfcff07
7bff479c7f8f807ffbff1ef07ffffffc10f8fe3f0c07fffffffe7e7f3fff
ff9fcfce79cfffffffcfbf7ffcff03fe3fffe7faff07e0000ff813dfff07
fcff02f8003ff5ff0880fffffc7ffffffff1fcff079ffff7ffffde7f8ffc
ff077bff1e39fc3e3c3ffbff1efc7ffffffc23e3f8fe3827fffffffe7e7f
3fffff9fcfce79efffffffef9f7ffbff023ffff7faff07f0001f0007bfff
87fcff018001f4ff0880fffffc7fffdffff1fcff079ffffbffffff3fc7fc
ff077bff38e7f1f8783ffcff1ff7fefffffffc478fe3f86007fffffffe7e
7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffbff021fffe1faff0dfc003f800f3f
ff87fffffff8001ff4ff0880fffffc7fffdffff3faff05fbffffff9fe3fc
ff2b73fff38fc7e3e1bffffffffc00fcfffffffc8e1f8fe18207fffffffe
7e7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe7bf7ffbff028ffff0f9ff0b007fc01f7f
ff87ffffffc007f3ff0880fffffe7fffdffffbfcff07dffffdfffff7cff1
fcff2b33fec73f1f8f0f1ffffffffe063cfffffffcfc7e3f0f1c07ffffff
fe7e7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffbff03c3fff27ffaff0bc1ff82
3e7fffc7fffffc003ff3ff0880fffffe7fffdffff3fcff07cffffefffffb
e7f1fcff0733fc1cf8fc3e3c1ffcff1fc38cfffffffef0f8fc3e3877ffff
fffe7e7f7fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffbff03e0fff13ffaff0a83ff
807cffffc7ffffe003f3ff09e180fffffe7fffdffff7fcff07e7fffeffff
fdf7f8fcff07b3fc39f3f1f8f01ffcff1ff1c0fffffffee3f1f8f8e0e7ff
fffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffbff03f07ff9bffaff0a07
ff007dffffe7fffe000ff4ff0af80780fffffe7fffdffff7fcff07f7ffff
7ffffefbf8fcff07b7fc6387c7e1e1dffcff1ffce0fffffffe47c7c3e180
67fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffbff03fe3ff8dffbff
0bfe0fff00f9e7ffe7fff0007ff4ff0a807f80fffffe7fffdffff7fcff13
f3ffff3ffffef9fc7fffffffb7fd871f1fc7839ffcff1fce78fffffffe0f
0f8fc70467fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce79efffffffe79f7ffaff029ffc
0ffbff0afe1fffc0fbc7ffe7ffc003f4ff0be001ff80fffffe7fffdfffe7
fcff13f9ffffbfffff7cfe7fffffffb7fd1c7c7f1e0e0ffcff1fcf38ffff
fffe1e3e3f083867fffffffe7e7f3fffff9fcfce79effffffff79f7ffaff
02cffc03fbff0afc3fff01f3efffe7fe000ff4ff0b801fff80fffffe7fff
cfffeffcff13fcffffdfffffbefe3fffffffb7f831f3fc3c380ffcff1fc7
dffffffffe3878fc71f0e7fffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcfce79cffffffff79f
7ff9ff01fe00fbff0af87ffe01e7fffff7f0007ff5ff0cf8003fff80ffff
fe7fffcfffeffcff13fe7fffeffffffe7f1fffffffb7f847cff1f86007fc
ff1fc1efbffffffe61e3f0c7c1c7fffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcfce79cfffff
fff79f7ff8ff00f3fbff09f0fff8601fffffff0003f4ff0cf80fffff80ff
fffe7fffefffeffcff13fe7ffff7ffffdf3f1fffffff97f98f1fc7e3c007
fcff1fe0e79ffffffe038fc71f0107fffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcfce7dcfff
fffff39f3ff8ff01fe3ffcff09e1ff8061fffffff8007ff5ff0dfe3fffff
ff80fffffe7fffefffcffcff13fe3ffff7ffffefbf8fffffff97f83c7f1f
8f0027fcff1ff837cffffffe071f0c7c1807fffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcfce
7ccffffffff39f3ff8ff01fe1ffcff08c1fe0003ffffff8001f4ff0df87f
ffffff80fffffeffffefffdffbff121ffffbfffff79f87ffffffc7f871fc
7e3e0067fcff1ffc1bcffffffe0c7c31f871effffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcf
ce7ccffffffff79f3ff9ff02cffe0ffcff08c3fc4007fcfffc000ff4ff00
c3fcff0880fffffeffffefffdffbff121ffffdffffffcfc7ffffffc7f0e3
f1f8f0c1e7fbff1e01e7fffffe70f8c7f183effffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcf
ce7ccffffffff39f3ff9ff02c1ff07fcff0807f80073f8ffc0007ff4ff00
0ffcff0880fffffeffffefffdffbff008ffcff0dfbefc7ffffffc7f78fc7
e3c707c3fbff1ec1e7fffffe43e39ffe100ffffffffe7e7f3fffffcfcfce
7dcffffffff39f3ff9ff0ee0ff03fffffffe00f001f9fbfc0003f4ff01fc
1ffcff0880fffffeffffe7ffdffbff128ffffefffffdf7e7ffffffc7f43f
1f1f1c1f03fbff1ee0f3fffffe078c7ff8e00ffffffffe7f3f3fffffcfcf
ce79cffffffff39f3ff9ff0efeff81fffffffc000001fdffe0003ff4ff01
f03ffcff0880fffffeffffe3ff9ffbff12c7ffff7ffffef3e3ffffffcff0
7c7c7c703c11fbff1ef871fffc001e38ffe3c20ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcf
cfce79cffffffff39f3ff7ff0bc07fffffe0000003fdfe0007f3ff00c0fb
ff0880fffffeffffe3ffbffbff12c3ffffbffffe7bf3ffffffcfe0f1f9f1
c1f060fbff1efc39fff8001c63ff8f002ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79
cffffffff39f3ff7ff0be01fffff80000207fcf0001ff4ff01fe01fbff08
80fffffcffffe3ffbffbff00e3fbff0c79f3ffffffcff1c7c7c70f81e0fb
ff1efe18fff80031cffe3e21effffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cfffffff
f39f3ff7ff0af80ffff0000000cffc8001f3ff01f007fbff0880fffffcff
ffe1ffbffbff13e1ffffdfffffbdf3ffffffcff70f8f1e3e03007ffbff1d
0cfff800231ff8f8e38ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3f
f6ff09c7ffc00000001ffc000ff3ff01800ffcff09fe00fffffcffffe9ff
bffbff13f0ffffefffff9cf1ffffffcfe63e3c387818023ffbff1dc07ff8
00063cf1f1870ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff6ff09
e3ff800001f83fc0007ff4ff02fe001ffcff09f000fffffcffffe8ff3ffb
ff13f0ffffefffffccf9ffffffcfe078f1f1e0e0471ffbff1de07ffc0008
f9c7c7060ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff6ff08e3ff
000000fdfe0007f3ff02e0007ffcff098000fffffdffffecff7ffbff13f8
7ffff7ffffee79ffffffc7e0e3c7c3c380079ffbff1df07ffc0001e79f8c
640ffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff6ff08f0700c0200
7cf0003ff3ff01007ffcff0afe0000fffff9ffffe47f7ffbff13f87ffff9
fffff679ffffffc7e38f8f0f0e0607cffbff1df83ffe07038e7e39c10fff
fffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff6ff07f8008c02007c8001
f3ff01f807fbff0afc0080fffff9ffffe67e7ffbff14fc3ffff8fffff379
ffffffe7ee3e3c3c381c0fc7dffcff1dfc1fffff0718fce3c60ffffffffe
7f3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff6ff07fe001802003c0003f3ff01
c07ffbff24e00380fffffbffffe73e7fffff800f00fc3ffffcfffffb39ff
ffffe3e078f0f0e0f00fe3c8fcff1dfe0fffff1c73f18f8c4ffffffffe7f
3f7fffffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff5ff06f818020010007ff4ff01fe03
faff0b001f80fffff1ffffe71e1ff8fc0015fe5ffffc7ffffdb9ffffffe1
e1e3c3c3c3e1cfe3cc7ffcff1c0fffff38c7c73e39cffffffffe7f3f7fff
ffcfcfce79cffffffff39f3ff5ff05fc1024400003f3ff01f01ffbff0af8
007f80fffff9ffffe79efa0015ff2ffffe7ffffc98ffffffe1838f0f0f0f
c3cfe1e67ffcff1ccfffff239f8c78e3cffffffffe7f3f7fffffcfcfce79
cffffffff39f3ff6ff06effe000440001ff3ff01c07ffbff0ae00fff80ff
fff1ffffe7cefb001601ff37ffff3ffffed8fffffff18e3c783c3f071ff0
e33ffcff1ce7ffff2e3e31e3cf1ffffffffe7f3f3fffffefcfce79cfffff
fff39f3ff6ff05cfff00040000f3ff01fe03faff0a80ffff80fffff1ffff
e7e7fb001601ff17ffff1fffff58fffffff1c0f1e1f0fc3e1ff8719ffcff
1cf7ffff3ce0e7cf1e1ffffffffe7f3f3fffffefcfce79cffffffff39f3f
f6ff058fff80040007f3ff01f01ffbff0cfc03ffff80fffff1ffffe7e380
fc001607ff9bffff9fffffacfffffff1c1c787c3f0fc1ffc78cffcff1cf3
ffffb1c38f1e7cdcfffffffe7f3f7fffffe7cfce79cffffffff38f3ff6ff
040fffc00000f2ff01c07ffbff0cf007ffff80fffff1ffffe3f1e0fc0016
7fff8dffff8fffff88fffffff8c31f1f0fc3f81ffc3c6ffcff1cf9ffff87
063c79f9c07ffffffe7f3e7f803fe7cfce79cffffffff3cf3ff7ff05fe1f
ffe00007f3ff01fe03faff0c803fffff807ffff1ffffc1f8f0fc00167fff
8effffc7ffffe4fffffff8ce3c7c3f0ff21ffe1e37fcff1cfcffff9e0cf9
e3e7803ffffffe7f3e00001fe7cfce798ffffffffbcf3ff7ff05fc1ffff0
003ff3ff01f01ffbff0dfc00ffffff803ffff1ffffe3fc70fc00163fffc6
7fffe7fffff4fffffff8c8f1f0fc3fcc3fff0f9bfcff1cfe7fffbc31e3cf
cf003ffffffe7f3e000007e7cfce79cffffffffbcf3ff7ff04fc1fff8001
f2ff0080faff0df003ffffff801ffff1fffffffef0fc00163fffc73fffe3
fffff07ffffff9c1c3c3f0ff103fff079cfcff1cfe7fff9063c71f1e001f
81fffe7f3e000000e7cfce79cffffffffbcf3ff7ff04f83ff8001ff3ff01
fc0ffaff08c01fffffff800ffff9fcff00f0fc00163fffcfbffff1fffff8
7fffffffc30f8fe3fc403fff07cffbff1b3fff808f1e7e7d800000ff007f
3e00000007cfce39cffffffff9cf1ff7ff03f03fc001f2ff01e07ffbff07
fe007fffffff8007faff00f0fc00083fffeffffff1fffff8fcff09c63e1f
8ff1067fff03e7fbff1b1fff811e38f8fb800000f8007f3f00000007cfce
39cffffffff9cf1ff7ff03e07e000ff2ff0007faff01f800fcff018083fa
ff1bf000000001ffffe7fffff8fffff87fffffffc8787e3fc41c3fff09f3
fbff1b9fff803cf3f3e780000060007f3f00000007cfce399ffffffff9cf
1ff7ff03e070003ff3ff01f83ffaff01c007fcff238071fffbfffc7ffff0
000007ffffffe7fffff87ffff87fffffffc1e1f8ff18fc7fff0cfbfbff07
cfffd8f1cfcfcf88fc000f7f3f00000007cfce399ffffffff9cf1ff7ff02
c00001f2ff00e1faff02fe007ffcff0a8008fff3fff80fffe00003fcff14
f3fffffd7ffffc7fffffffc3c7e3fc47f07fff867dfbff07cfffd1e31f1f
3c08fc000f7f3f000fe007cfce399ffffffff9cf1ff7ff02c0001ff2ff00
0ffaff01f000fbff2380007ff7fff807ffe00000003ffffff3fffffcbfff
fc7fffffffc70f8ff19fc07fff877efbff07e7ffc38c7c7e7980fc000f3f
3f003ffc03cfce399ffffffff9cf1ff7ff018003f2ff01f83ffaff01801f
fbff2480c01ff7fcfcf1ffe00000001ffffffbfffffe9ffffc7fffffffcc
3e1fc43f9c7fffc3be7ffcff07f3ffc718f1f9e080fc00081f3f007fff83
cfce39fcff02f9cf1ff8ff02fc000ff2ff00c0faff01f800faff2480e00f
e7f83e78ffe00000000ffffff9fffffe5ffffc7fffffffc0f87f18fe303f
ffe19f3ffcff07f9ffc421c7e38980fc000f0f3f00fffff3cfce08bfffff
fff9cf1ff8ff01e001f2ff01f007faff01c003faff2380f007e7fe0f3e7f
e00000000ffffff9ffffff4ffffc7fffffffc1e1fce3f8e03fffe1effbff
07f9ffc0470fcf1380fc000f0f3f27fffff3cfc6003ffffffff9cf1ff8ff
01000ff2ff01803ffbff02fe000ffaff15807c03e7ff818f3fe00000000f
fffffcffffff27dffcfcff09c187e18fe3847fffe0e7fbff07fcffc00c3f
1c6780fc000f0f3f3ffffff3cfc7807ffffffff9cf1ff9ff02fc007ff3ff
01fc07faff02f8000ffaff08800e01e7fff0079fe0fc000807fffcffffff
b7c7f8fcff09c31f8f3f8e10fffff073fbff06fc7fc0187c30cffb00080f
3f3ffffff3cfc7e0fcff02f9cf1ff9ff01e003f2ff01e03ffaff02e00f0f
faff08800300e0fffe03dfe0fb000701fc7fffff93c7f8fcff09c43f1c7e
3860fffff07bfbff07fe7fcc00f0e39c30fc00081f3f3ffffff3cfe7f1fc
ff02f9cf1ff9ff01001ff2ff0081f9ff02001f87faff08800180600fffc0
ffc0fb000701fe3fffffdbc3f8fcff09c07c30fc7181fffff83dfbff07fe
3fff0061c71070fc00fd3f0cfffff3cfe7ffe7fffffff9cf1ffaff02f800
7ff3ff01fe0ffaff03f8007fc3faff088080c03001fff83fc0fb000701fe
3fffffc9e3f8fcff09c1f0c3f1c303fffff83cfaff063fff20000e00c0fc
000f7f3f3ffffff3cfe7ffc3fffffff9cf1ffaff01c001f2ff01f81ffaff
03c000ffc3faff0880806018307ffc1fc0fb000701fe3fffffccf1f8fcff
0ac3c387c78c67fffffc9e7ffbff1a1fff7f800004c00000007f7f3f3fff
fff3cfe7ff809ffffff9cf1ffbff02fe000ff2ff01807ffaff030007ffe1
faff0880803008701ffe1fc0fb000701fe3fffffeef1f8fcff0ac3861f1e
388c7ffffc1f7ffbff1a9fff7ffff00cc0000007ff7f3f3ffffff3cfe7ff
c0003ffff9cf1ffbff02f0003ff3ff01fc00faff04f8007fffe1faff0880
c0180ff3c7ff1fc0f900051fffffe678f8fcff0ac61c3c38e31cfffffe0f
bffbff1a8fff7ffffc7cc0000001ff7f3f3ffffff3cfe7ffc00003fff9cf
1ffbff018003f2ff01f803faff04c003fffff0faff0880f00c07f3f0ffff
c0f9000507fffff77cf8fcff0ac030f0e1c678fffffe6fdffbff1a8fff7f
fffffce07c00001f7f3f3ffffff3cfe7ffc1c000fff9cf1ffcff02fc001f
f2ff00f0faff05fe000ffffdf0faff0880f00403c7fc7fffc0f9000507ff
fff33c78fcff0ae001c3c718e0ffffff77effbff00cffcff15fcfffc0000
0f7f3f3ffffff3cfe7ffe1f0003ff9cf1ffcff01e000eaff06f001ffffff
f87ffbff08807802018ff80fffc0f9000507fffffb9e38fcff0af007070e
21ccffffff33e7fbff1acfff9ffffffcfffe00000f7f1f3ffffff3cfe7ff
e3fc0007f9cf1ffcff010007eaff068007fffffefc7ffbff08801c0100df
f9c1ffc0f9000503fffff99f39fcff0afe0c3c38c79cf7ffff9bf3fbff20
cfff8ffff8007fff0000077f9f3ffffff3cfe7ffffff0000f9cf1fffffff
f8003febff07fc003ffffffffc3ffbff08800c0180fff1e0ffc0fb0016ff
c003fffff9cf99ffff1fffcf0070e18e38f3ffff99fbfbff1fcfff07ff00
1e3fff8000077f9f3ffffff3cfe7ffffffc00079cf1fffffffc001eaff01
e001fcff017e1ffbff24800600c07ff3f07fc000000e00000fe007fffffd
ef99ff800fffcfc0c1863cf0fbffffdcfdfbff1fefff1fffffbf3fffffe0
073f9f3ffffff3cfc7fffffff00019cf1ffffffe000ff1ff00c7faff0100
0ffcff01bf1ffbff0b800700603fe7fc1fc0383ffcfc001403fffffce7c9
ff000fffcfc08608f1c4fcffffccfcfbff1eefff1ffff001ffffffe00f3f
9f3ffffff3cfc7fffffffc0009cf1ffffff000f1ff01f81ffbff02f8007f
fbff000ffbff0b800380201fe7fe0fc07ffffcfc001503fffffef3e1ff00
0fffcfc80821e79cfc7fffee7e7ffcff12efff3fffe0f8f7fffff00f3f9f
3ffffff3cfc7fcff070001c71fffff0007f1ff0080faff01c003fbff01df
8ffbff0b800380100fe7ff83c0fffffcfc001503fffffe73f18000007fcf
cc10878e38ff7fe0ef7f3ffcff12e7fe3ffffffc73fffffc1f1f9e1fffff
f3cfc7fcff07c001c71ffffc003ff2ff01f803faff01001ffbff01ef87fb
ff0b8001c0000fefffc1e1fffffcfc001501ff9fff79f10000001fcfde01
0f1c61ff8f80073f9ffcff06e7fe7fffffff38fcff071f9f1ffffff3c7c7
fcff06f001c71fffc001f1ff01801ffbff01fc00faff01efc7fbff0b8001
c00007cfffe0e1fffffefc001501ff8fff39f900000007cfdf801c71c7ff
8380071fdffcff12e7fe7fffffff9c7fffffff1f9e3ffffff3c7e7fcff06
f801c71fff000ff3ff02f01000faff01f003faff01f7c3fbff158000e000
0787ffe0e1fffffe01fffe0001ff87ffbcf9fc0011cf9fe070e203ff0080
07cfefffffff8fe7fcfcff0cce3fffffff8f9cfffffff3c7e7fcff06fc01
c71ff8007ff3ff02000007faff01c00ffaff01f3e3fbff088000e000038f
ffc0e3faff060000ffa7ff9ef8fc00110fdff8038003fe008003c7e7ffff
ff87e7fcfcff0ce31fffffffc781fffffff3e7e7fcff05fe0cc7bfc003f3
ff03f800007ffbff02fe003ffaff01fbe1fbff078000700003cfff80f9ff
150000ff93ffde788000018007dffe0e1003fff9c003e7fcff02c3e7f8fc
ff0cf18fffffffe383fffffff3e7e7fbff04fc0ffe001ff3ff01e03ff9ff
01f000f9ff01f9f0fbff078000380001ffff81f9ff158000ffd9ffcf3880
00038001dfff186043ffffe001f1fcff02c3e7f9fcff0cf8c3fffffff107
fffffff3e7e7fbff03fe3fe000f2ff0007f8ff010003f9ff01fcf0fbff07
8000380001ffff03f9ff15c6027fddffef38c0001f00005ffff0800fffff
e000f0fcff02c1f7f9fcff0cfe31fffffff89ffffffff3e7e7f9ff010007
f3ff01fc3ff9ff02f8003ff9ff01fef8fbff078000180000ffff3ff8ff06
027fdcfff798c0fc00101ffff0003ffffff000f87fffffffe1f7f9fbff00
18f8ff02f3e7e7faff02fc003ff3ff00e0f8ff01c001f8ff02fe7c7ffcff
0780001800007fff3ff8ff06033fdefff39880fc00100ffff041fffffff8
00fc7fffffffedf7fbfbff0bcc7ffffffe03fffffff3e7e7faff01c001f3
ff01fe03f9ff02fe000ff7ff013c7ffcff0780000800001ffe7ff8ff0683
3fce7ffbc880fc00100fffffc7fffffffe00fe3fffffffe4f7f3fbff0bee
1ffffffe000003fff3e7c7faff01001ff3ff01f00ff9ff02f0007ff7ff01
3c3ffcff0780000c00000ffe7ff8ff06839fef7ff9c080fc00100ffff805
fffffffe00ff1fffffffe4f673fbff0bf70fffffff800001fff3e7c7fbff
02f0007ff3ff01807ff9ff010001f6ff019c3ffcff0780000400000ffe7f
f8ff06c39fef3ffce080fc00030fff8000fcff08007f8ffffffffee033fb
ff0bf387fffffff000007ff3e7c7fbff01c003f3ff01fe03f9ff02f8000f
f6ff018e1ffcff07800004000007fe7ff8ff06e7cfefbffce080fc001003
f800007fffffff003fcffffffffe6017fbff01f9c3fcff05000007f3e7c7
fcff02fe001ff3ff01f00ff9ff01c000f5ff01ce0ffcff07800002000003
fe7ff7ff04cfef9ffe60fa000f6040447fffffff001fe7fffffffe6007fb
ff01f9e1fcff05800003f3e7c7fcff01f800f2ff01803ff9ff010003f5ff
01c703fcff06800002000003fcf6ff05e7efdfff3080fc00108607c1e63f
fffffc398ff3fffffffe6007fbff0bfcf07fffffff800000f1e3c7fcff01
c007f3ff01fe0ff9ff02f00003f5ff01e781fcff0080fc000203f87ff7ff
04e7f7cfff30fc000b1fcf1f07f23fffffe07fc7f9fcff016007fbff01fc
06fcff0580000071e7e7fcff01003ff3ff00f1f8ff02800183f5ff0df3c0
7fffffff800001000001f87ff7ff14f3f7efff1000000001ffcffe67f91f
ffff01ffc3fdfcff016007fbff01fe0ffcff0ac0000031e3e7fffffff801
f2ff000ff9ff03f8000e03f5ff06f3e03fffffff80fc000201f87ff7ff03
f3f7e7fffc000c3fffdfffe3f99ffff807ffe3fcfcff013007faff0f1f87
fffffffe000019e7e7ffffffc007f3ff01f83ff9ff03c0007c07f5ff0df1
e01fffffff800080800000f87ff7ff1afbf3f7ff80000000ffff9ffff3fc
8000000ffff1fe7fffffff3007f9ff00c0fbff08c019e3e7fffffe003ff3
ff00c1f9ff04fc0003e007f5ff06f9f007ffffff80fb0001f87ff7ff1af9
fbf3ff80000000ffff9ffff1fc4c00007ffff8ff3fffffffb003f9ff01fe
1ffcff07f009e3e7fffff001f3ff01fc07f9ff04e0003f8007f5ff06f9f8
03ffffff80fb00017c7ff7ff1af9f9c3ff80000000ffff9ffff9fe078007
fffffc7f9fffffffb001f8ff00c7fcff07f808e3e3ffff800ff3ff01e01f
f9ff0400003c2003f5ff06fcf803ffffff80fb00007cf6ff0efcf981f80f
c00000ffff9ffffcff87fcff08fe7fefffffff90006ff9ff0cf83fffffff
fc08e3e3fffc007ff4ff01fc00f9ff05f0000810c003f5ff0cfefc01ffff
ff8000200000003ff6ff0efcfcc5c1ffc00003ffbfbffffc7f83fcff0afe
3ff7ffffff980000007ffbff0bfe3ffffffffe08e3e3ffe003f3ff01c00f
f9ff05800018030003f5ff0cfe7c01ffffff8000200000001ff6ff0efc7c
601fffe000000003bffffe7fc3fbff091ffbffffffd800fe0001fbff01fe
3ffcff05b8e3e7fe001ff4ff01fe00f9ff06fc000090060003f4ff0b7f01
ffffff8000100000000ff6ff0efc7e007fffe0000000033fffff3fe1fbff
0a9ff9ffffffdb08fffffc1ff6ff05fde3fff0007ff4ff01f01ff9ff06e0
000090060003f4ff0b3f01ffffff8000100000000ff6ff0efe3e00ffffe0
000000013fffff9ff1fbff0a8ffcffffffc9c87fffff81fbff003ffbff03
e3ff8001f3ff00c0f8ff0600000110420003f4ff05bf81ffffff80fb0000
07f6ff05fe3e0ffffff0fc00043fffffcff1fbff00c7fcff05e9fc7fffff
f0fcff01fc3ffcff04fe63f8000ff3ff000ff9ff07f8000e0130c30003f4
ff0bbfc3ffffff80000800000007f5ff04107dbcfff0fc00043fffffcff9
fbff00e6fcff0be9fe3ffffff07ffffffff83ffcff04fe73c0007ff4ff01
fc7ff9ff07c0007f01208180c1f4ff00dffcff0080fb000003f5ff0401ed
293ff8fc00047fffffe7fcfbff06e37fffffffedfffc00053fffffffc01f
fbff02fe0007f3ff00e1f8ff070003ff002080c3c1efff0080fb000003f6
ff0efe07e8023ff8e00000007ffffff7fefbff05f13fffffffe4fcff0680
3ffffff8003ffbff01f000f2ff008ff9ff08f8001fffc020801f81efff00
80fb000003f6ff0efe72c8000ef8e00000007ffffff3fefbff05f83fffff
eff4fcff01f838fc00007ffbff01c007f3ff00fcf8ff08c000ffffe02180
3e01efff0080fb000003f6ff0ffe62900000f9f07e00007ffffffbfe7ffc
ff06fc1fffffc7f47ffcff04f80000fe01fbff02fe003ff3ff00cff9ff09
fe000ffffff041801861efff0080fb000001f6ff0ffe40800000f9ffe000
003ffffff9f87ffcff06fc1fffffe7f07ffcff04e7fffff003fbff01f801
f3ff01f83ff9ff09f0003ffffff8410001e1efff0080fc00010801f6ff0f
fe00000001e0ffe000003ffffffd807ffcff06fe0fffffe3f27ffcff04e0
0000003ffbff01c00feaff098000fffffffc010003e1efff0080fc000108
01f6ff00fefb00093fe000011ffffffc803ffbff050fffffe3fa7ffbff01
800ffaff02fe007febff0afc000ffffffffe010007e1efff0080fc000108
01f6ff00fefc0005661ff81fff1ffcff001ffbff0507ffffe3f87ff3ff01
f801eaff0ac0007ffffffffe11002381efff0080fa00f6ff0afe0000003f
ff0fffffff8ffcff000ffbff0583ffffe1f87ff3ff01c00febff02fe0003
fbff0301002001efff0080fa00000ff7ff0afe000003ffff8fffffffdffc
ff0087fbff05c3ffffe5f87ff3ff01007febff02f0001ffbff0383007071
efff0080fc0005100003fff80ffaff0ffe00003fffffc7ffffffcfcfffff
ffc3fbff05c1ffffe6fc7ff4ff01fc01eaff01c000faff03c20020f1efff
0080fc0005180000ffc00ff9ff0e0001fdfe6fe3ffffff8007ffffffe1fb
ff05e1ffffe6fc7ff4ff01f007ebff02fe000ffbff04fcc2006071effffc
0006803ff8007f800ff9ff0e000ff99e2ff3ffffff8003fffffff1fbff05
f0fffff6fe7ff4ff01801ff4ff00fdf8ff02f0007ffbff04e0e2006031ef
fffc0006c03ffc007f000ff9ff0e807cf1bc03f9ffffffc3c1fffffc01fb
ff05f07ffff77e7ff5ff02fe007ff4ff00e3f8ff010003faff0400700040
11effffc0006f9fff8003f001ff9ff0ee3e82328027dffffffc0f0ffff80
00fbff05f87cfff37e7ff5ff01f803f3ff008ff9ff02fc001ffbff05fc00
78004001effffd000921ffffe0003f001fe07ffbff0dfd800040007c7ff0
0000387fff03faff05fc3c7ff33e7ff5ff01e00ff4ff01f83ff9ff02e000
3ffbff05e0003c004001f0ff0dfe00000033efffc0003f00f8007ffbff05
f10000802478fc0005043fffc0003ffcff05fe3c3ff3be7ff5ff01007ff4
ff00c0f8ff010003faff058e003c004201f0ff0dfe00000037cfff80003f
8400007ffbff05200001004060fb00031fff003ffbff05fe1e1ffb9f3ff6
ff01fc01f4ff01fe03f9ff02f8001ffbff06fe3e003e004001f0ff12fe00
0000f30fff00003f8c0000ffe003fffffef500040ffffffffcfbff040e0f
f99f7ff6ff01e007f4ff01f01ff9ff018000faff06f8fc0001100200f0ff
12fc000001fe1ffe00003ffc0003f00001fffffefb00001efb00050fffff
fff87ffcff048f0ff9ff7ff6ff01003ff4ff01007ffaff02fc0007f9ff05
f8003f800200f0ff18fc0000007c3ffe00007ffe000e000003fcfffe0000
000100fffb000547fffffffc3ffcff048727fcff7ff7ff01f800f4ff01f8
03f9ff02e0003ff9ff06f800ff8002007ff1ff12fc000000707ffc00001f
fe003000000e007ffefc000203ff80fc000563fffffffe3ffcff04c7b3fc
ff0ff7ff01e007f4ff01c01ff9ff010001f8ff06f003ff0002003ff1ff0b
fc000000f07f7c00000fff07fb00017ffefc00020fff98fc000011fcff00
1ffcff04c3b3fc7f07f7ff01001ff5ff01fe00f9ff02f8000ff8ff06e003
f82002001ff1ff0bf8000000c0fcdc000007fff0fb0008fffff8000000ff
ffc8fc000008fcff001ffcff04c399fe1f87f8ff01f800f4ff01f807f9ff
02c0007ff8ff06c00fc0f000001ff1ff0bf8000003c1f998000001ff80fb
0008fffff9ff3001ffffc8fb00fcff009ffcff04e1dcff03e7f8ff01c007
f4ff01c03ffaff02fe0003f7ff06803e1ff000000ff1ff0bf800000783e3
180000007f80fc000907fffc01ff3fffffffc0fb00047ffffffe3ffcff04
e0ccff1fe7f9ff02fe003ff5ff01fe03f9ff02f0000ff7ff060061fff800
0007f1ff0bf000000707c6180000001f80fc00091ffff8023e3fffffffe0
fb00fdff01fe7ffcff04e0e4787fe7f9ff01f001f4ff01f807f9ff038000
ffe3f9ff07fe0007fff0000003f1ff0bf08000020f8c180000000f80fc00
09e0fff0007e7fffffbfe0fb000470ffff781ffcff04f07003edf7f9ff01
800ff4ff01e03ffaff04fc0007fffbf9ff07fc003fffc0000003f1ff0bf0
8000000f181000000007c0fb00087ff0001cc1ff3e3ff0fb000438000001
8ffcff04f07006c933faff02fe007ff5ff01fe00f9ff04e0003ffff9f9ff
07f801fffe1f000001f1ff0bf08000001c302000000007c0fb00087fe000
3cc1fe1c5ff0fb00041fe000ff0ffcff04f800760933faff01e007f4ff01
f00ffaff05fe0003f9fffbf9ff08f007ffe1ff800000c0f3ff0c91e08000
003060400000000380fb0012fff00059c7fc180ff0000000060003fffffc
1ffcff04fc0ff01033faff01007ff4ff01807ffaff05f0001ff9fff3f9ff
09c03ffe1ffe0000007003f5ff0de000e180000061c0800000000780fc00
1303fe7c0003cff80007f8000000fe00003fffe03ffcff04f97d801003fb
ff01f003f4ff01fe03f9ff050001fff9fff7f9ff0c807ff8fff86000000f
000fff3ffcff0bf000018003ffe1800000c381fc00010780fc000903fcc9
0007fb80000ff9f800000ffbff04f9f9000001fbff01001ff4ff01f00ffa
ff06f0003ffff9ffe7f9ff0f01ff8fffe1f000020000078f80005ffcfb00
073fff818000008701fc00010380fc000901f801f00ff0001813f9f90001
03f7fbff04f9c80007c3fcff01f800f3ff01c03ffaff068001fffff9ffef
faff23fe03fc7fff0ff00003184e003ff000000003ff07f800fff0038000
000e03800000000180fc000a01f003f9ffe0003023f980f800007ffcff04
f010003fe1fcff01c007f3ff0001faff07fc0007fffff9ffcffaff12fc07
e1fffc7ff800030ffffe00003fffffffe0fb0009038000001c0780000003
fa000a01e000f9fcc0004003f8c0f8000001fcff0af01001fff8fffffffc
007ff4ff01fc07faff07e0003ffffffdffdffaff22f00f8ffff1fff80002
0ffffffffc01ffff001f0000fe000f83800000380f0000001f80fb000a01
c00073f980008003f180f7000d3ffffffff00003dff8ffffffc003f3ff01
f01ffaff0700003ffffffcffbffaff09e01c7fffcfffc0000203fcff03f0
00007ffaff0a83800000301e0000007fc0fb000a01c000239320010001f1
80f7000d0ffffffff0000e17f8fffffe003ff3ff01803ffbff08f800007f
fffffeff3ffaff09c031fffe3fff1f000243fbff01c07ff9ff0a83800000
601c000001ffe0fb000a03c000270640020019a380f7000c07fffffff800
3e04f8fffff803f4ff02e00000faff08c000007ffffffe7e7ffaff098007
fff9fffc7f800041f6ff0ef0ffe0ff87800000e038000007fff8fb000a07
80004e0c8004200201c0f7000c07fffffffe01f42060ffffe00ff4ff0200
0003faff07000700ffffe0fe38f9ff0b003fffc7fff3ff000040e007f8ff
0e003fc07f07800001c07800000fff01fb000a0f00000f090008600401c0
fb000403ff80000ffcff070b2000007fff007ff5ff03fc000007fbff08fc
003f00ffffe0f883faff23fe00ffff1fff8ffe00004040007ff83ffffffd
fffe061f8e780780000380f800003ffff0fb000a1e0e000f9a0008600099
c0fb00047ff000f00ffcff06182000003ffc01f4ff01f003f9ff07e000fe
01fffff8f8f9ff22f803fff8fffe7ff86000484fff1f001f87fff87ffc7f
8f1f700780000700e000007ffefa000a7c0fe0063000103003f9e0fc0005
01f00001ff0ffcff063240000e3fe00ff4ff01e03ff9ff070007fe03ffff
f9f0f9ff35f007ffc3fff1ffe3f000487fffcc0f1fc0001c0039ff0f3e72
0f80000e01e00000ff80007000000003f009ff8c040020380ff9000002fb
000d01ff0001ffffff300000c03f007ff4ff00c0f9ff08f8003ffc07ffff
ffe6f9ff23e01fff1fff8fff1f9000081fffeffe3ffc073f8033ff1f3e66
0f80001e01c00003f800fcfc00031f80107efc00051e7ff0000040fb000c
0ff00000ffffff200007c03803f3ff0083f9ff088001fffc07ffffffeef9
ff35c03ff8fffc7ffc7e1800181fffeff8fffffe3fe073fe3e7e660f8000
1c03800007e0ff8001fe0041fe00647c0010008007fff0000780fc000d03
fc000000ffffff00003fc0800ff4ff01fe0ffaff09fc0007fff80fffffff
ccf9ff3a807fe3ffe3fff3f87000190ff3cfe0fffffcffc077fc7f3ce60f
8000b80300000fffe0007ffff0fff00088980620000007ffb0003c003800
00003ffc00fdff040001fbe000f3ff01f80ffaff09e0007ffff01fffffff
9dfaff3bfe00ff1fff9fff9fe3f000198fe31f8007fffdff8ff7fc5f1ce6
0f8001f00700003fff001ffffffe3f000131200c0000001ffc1000000780
00000580fc0007ffe07f0003c86003f3ff01e01ffaff090007ffffe01fff
f8ffbdfaff23fc01f8fffc7ffe7f8ff0001987e03e13f0fffbff9ff3fc1f
99ee1f8001e00e00007ffc0ffcff0edc0002264008000001ff801c000038
f70007fe003fc02780401ff4ff02fc003ffbff0af8001fffffe03ffffc7f
39faff20f807e3ffe3fff1fe7ff8001983e0fc77fe7ff3ff3ff9fe1ff9c6
1f8003c00e0000f9ff0ee0000c4c80100000071f007c000180f500053ff1
c000007ff4ff01c000faff0ac001ffffffe07fffff3f7bfaff20f00f0fff
9fffcff1fff8001101f9f9f7ff3fe7ff7ff8fe3ffbc41f8003c00c0001f9
ff10f0001911002000000f1e03f000060003c0f700040ff1c00007f4ff02
f80003fbff0cfe0007ffffffc0fffff93e7be7fbff20c01c7ffc7ffe3fcf
fff8001131f9f3e7ff9fcfff7f7c3f1ff3c41f8007801c0003f9ff0ffc00
3220004000003c087f0000f8007cf600040fe000001ff4ff0200003ffbff
0cf0003fffffff80fffff83ef3c7fbff208031ffe3fff9fe3ffff8001130
fcf7e7ff8fdffffc3f07fff3c43f800f00180007f9ff0ffe004044008000
00f081fe001ff007f0f6000307e04000f4ff02fc0007faff01c001fcff06
81fffff87cf787fbff200007fd8fffe7f8fffc782001307cf7e7ff8fbfff
f03fc0fff7c43f800e0030000ff8ff0e00008001000001e1c3fffffffcff
c0f6000307e0600ff4ff01f000faff02fe000ffcff0601fffffffce7cffc
ff21fe009ff83fff3ff3fff9c02001303ff3f3ff0f3fffe03ff83fe7fc3f
801e0030001ff8ff0780011002000003e3fafffd000018f9000307e0007f
f4ff01c01ffaff02f8007ffcff0503fffffffdcffbff21f803fff0fff8ff
9fffe7803083323ffbf3fe1f7fff873fff1fc7fc3f801c0060003ff8ff07
c002000040000fc7fbff04fe000003f0f9000203e003f3ff01007ffaff01
c003fcff06fe07fffffff9dffbff21f007ffc3bfe3fc7fff9f803803271f
f9f9fe7e7ffe1e3fff9fc7f87f803c0060007ff8ff07e004000880003f87
fbff04fc0000ffe0f9000203e01ff4ff01fc01faff02fc000ffcff06fe07
fffffff99ffbff21e01fff877f1ff1fffe7f003c03270ffdf9fe7e783fff
1fffdfc3f87f803800c0007ff8ff07f80800010000fe0ffbff04fc001fff
e0f9000203807ff4ff01e007faff02e0007ffcff06fc0ffffffff03bfbff
20803ffe1c7c7f8ffff9ff003e030607fcfc1cfe603fff8fff9fe1f87f80
70018000f7ff07fe0000020003fe1ffbff04fc00ffffe0f8000001f3ff01
801ffaff018003fbff06f80ffffffff9f8fbff20007ffc78f3fe3fffc7f9
003e010647fcfc1cfe061fff9fff1ff1f8ff8070018001f6ff0600000400
1ffe1ffbff06fe0fffffe00180fa00000ff4ff01fc00faff02fc001ffbff
01f80ffcff26fe7ffffffffe01fff0f18ff1ffff3fc6003f012663fe703d
ff060fbf9ff03ffc70ff80e0030003f6ff0680000000fff07ff7ff02f07f
80fa00f3ff01f007faff01e000faff01f01ffbff257ffffffff807ffe3c2
7fcffff8ff1c003f812661ff23fdff0e1f9f18007fffc0ff80e0060007f6
ff05e000000fff83f4ff0080fb00000ff3ff01c03ffaff010007faff2cf0
1ffffffc3fef7ffffffff00fff8f81fe3fffe7fcf8003fc106607f07ffff
cfff8e380ffffe00ff80c00e000ff6ff05f000007ff83ff4ff0080fb00f3
ff01fe01faff02f8007ffaff2ce03ffffff1cfe67fffffffe03fff0e07f9
ffff3ff3f0003fc106607f87f8ffffffc07ffffe0001ff80800c001ff6ff
04fc000fff83f3ff0080fc000003f3ff01f807faff01c001f9ff06c03fff
ffe7f7f0fcff21807ffc1c1fc7fffcffdff0003ff106647fc7f007fffff1
ffffe00011ff80801c003ff6ff04fe03fff80ff3ff05c1c000000007f3ff
01c07ffaff010007f9ff06c03fffffdff3f0fcff1301fff8387f1ffff3fe
7fc0003ff006643ffff80ffbff0800003fff800018007ff5ff0283ff80f1
fffc00f2ff0001faff02f8003ff9ff05807fffffbffbfcff11fe03fff061
fcffffcff9ff80003ff806601ff9ff08f807feffff80003800f4ff02c0e0
0ff1fffd000007f3ff01f807faff01c001f8ff05807fffff7ffbfcff11f8
0fffc0c7e3ffff7fe7fe00001ff806480ffbff0a80ff801fffffff800038
01f4ff04f060ffff81f3fffd00003ff3ff01c03ffaff01000ff8ff0500ff
fffe7ff7fcff11f03fff831f8ffff1ff9ff800001ffc26400ffcff0bfe00
00003fffffff80007003f4ff06fc1ffc0000003ff5ff02000001f3ff01fc
03faff02f0007ff8ff0500fffffe7ff7fcff19e0fffe067c7fffcffcffe6
000001fe004047fffffffe00000003fcff0380007007f3ff0507e0000000
01f5ff0280000ff3ff01003ffaff018003f8ff06fe01fffffc7ff7fcff14
81fffc19f1fffe7fe3ff980000003f0040400000a0fc00007ffcff038000
6007f3ff06c000007e00000ff6ff01c000f3ff01fc03faff02fc001ff8ff
06fc03fffffcffeffcff1103fff033c7fff1ff9ffe70000000060240c0f9
00007ffcff038000c00ff3ff06f01ff0000c0000f7ff02fc0003f3ff00f1
f9ff01f000f7ff15fc03fffffcffeffffffffc0fffe0ef3fffcffe7ff9f0
fc00020640c0f900007ffcff038000c01ff3ff07fc1ffff703f0000ff8ff
02c0003ff3ff008ff9ff01800ff7ff1df807fffffeffdffffffff83fff81
fcfffe3ff1ffe7e000000001c0008060fa00fbff038001c01ff3ff07fe07
fffff87f8001f9ff02fe001ff3ff01fe7ffaff02fc007ff7ff15f007ffff
feffdffffffff0fffe07e3fff1ffcfff3fc0fc0003e0008020fa00fbff03
8003803ff2ff0780fffffe00fc001ffaff01f001f2ff00f3f9ff01e003f6
ff15f00fffffff7fbfffffffc1fff80f8fffcffe3ffcff80fc0003700080
20fa00fbff038003803ff2ff07e03fffff803fc007faff01c01ff2ff009f
f9ff01001ff6ff14e01fffffff3f3fffffff87fff03e3fff3ff8fff3fffb
0002380090fa000001fbff038007003ff2ff07f80ffffffc0ffe03fbff01
fe01f2ff01fc7ffaff02fc007ff6ff14e01fffffff9e7fffffff0fffc079
fff9ffe7ffcffefb00021c0080fa000001fbff038007007ff2ff07fc03ff
ffff07ff81fbff01f00ff2ff00e7f9ff01f003f5ff14c03ffffe3fccffff
fffc1fff81fbffe7ff1ffe3ff8fb00030c009008fb000001fbff03800700
7ff1ff0700ffffff83ffc03ffcff01803feaff01801ff5ff14c03ffffc3f
e1fffffff87ffe03ffff9ffe7ff8ffe0fb0002020080fa000003fbff0380
06007ff1ff0cc03fffffe03ff003fffffff801eaff02fc007ff5ff14807f
fffc3ff3fffffff0fffc0ffffe7ff1ffe7ff90fb000301008040fb000007
fbff02800600f0ff0cf00ffffff007fc00fffffe007feaff01f003f4ff14
807fffff7e7fffffffe1fff01ffff3ffc7ff1ffe70fb000301808040fb00
0007fbff02800e00f0ff0bfc03ffffff01ff007ffff00ff2ff00f9f8ff01
801ff4ff1400fffffffc7fffffff87ffe07fffcfff3ffc7ff1c0fa0002c0
80c0fb000007fbff02801e00f0ff0afe007fffffe03fe03fffe3f1ff0087
f9ff02fc007ff4ff1400fffffff87fffffff1fff81fffffff8fff3ffe780
fa00026000c8fb00000ffbff02801e00efff09801ffffff01ff01f001ff2
ff01f81ff9ff01e003f5ff15e7f201fffffffa7ffffffe3fff03ffffffe3
ff8fff9ff900023000ccfb00000ffbff02801e00efff09e007ffffff0ff8
000303f2ff0083f8ff01000ff7ff176000000001fffffff6fffffffcfffc
0fffffff8ffe3ffcfff9000230004cfb00001ffbff04801e00ffbff1ff0a
f801ffffff87fc003fc07ff4ff00f1f8ff02f8007ff8ff18fc3fffc3fe03
fffffff6fffffff1fff03ffffffe7ff1fff3fcf9000318004c20fc00001f
fbff04801f00ff3ff0ff09003fffffc1ff01f7f81ff4ff000ff8ff01c007
f7ff18c77fffc7fc03ffffffece1ffffe7ffe07ffffff1ffc7ff8ff8f900
030c004c10fc00003ffbff04801700ff7ff0ff09c00fffffe0ff80f9fe07
f5ff00f0f8ff02fe001ff8ff1afe0f7fffc7fc07ffffe7ecf1ffffcfff81
ffffffc7ff3ffe7fe004fa00020e004cfb00003ffbff04800781fe7ff0ff
09f003fffff03fc07c7f83f5ff0087f8ff01e001f7ff1af8cf7fffc7fc07
ffffc7ddf1ffffbffe07ffffff1ff8fff9ff800cfa00030600400cfc0000
7ffbff04800781fe7ff0ff09fe007ffffc1fe07e0fe0f6ff01fc3ff8ff01
000ff7ff1ac3ef7fffc7fc0fffffc7d9f9fffe7ffc0ffffffcffe3ffe7fe
001cfa00030600402cfc00007ffbff04804381fe7fefff09801ffffe0ff0
3f03f87ff7ff00f1f8ff02f0007ff7ff1a9fef7fffc7f80fffff8f99ffff
fdfff03ffffff3ff1fff1ff8803cfa00030300403efc00faff04802381fc
7ff4ff00fefcff09e003ffff07f81fc0fc3ff7ff0087f8ff018007f6ff0a
3fef7fffc7f81fffff8fb3fcff0be0ffffff8ffc7ffc7fe3007cfa000301
8c403bfc00faff04800181fc7ff3ff0d3ffffffffc007fff87fc1ff01f1f
f8ff01fe1ff9ff02fc007ff7ff0bfe7fffffffe7f01fffffff37fcff0b81
fffffe3ff1fff1ff1e00fcfa0007018e403100000001faff04800181f87f
f3ff009ffcff08c007ffc3fe1ffe038ff8ff01f07ff9ff01f003f6ff0bfc
fff7ffffc7f03fffffff27fcff0b07fffff8ff8fff8ffc7c01fcf90006c6
003080000001faff04800180f87ff3ff00cffcff08fe007fe1fe0fff81e7
f8ff00c1f8ff01801ff6ff1bfcffffbfffcff03fffffff0f1ffffffe0fff
ffe3fe3fff3ff1f803fcf9000662003040000003faff048000c0387ff3ff
00e7fbff07e01ff0ff07fff073f9ff01fe0ff9ff02f8007ff6ff00fefcff
16cff03fffffff1e0ffffff83ffffffff1fffcffc7f007fcf90006200030
20000003faff048000e0087ff3ff00f1fbff07fc07f8ff83fffe39f9ff01
f03ff9ff018003f5ff1bfe7fffe1ffdfe07fffffff3e4fffffe07fffffff
c7ffe7fe3fe00ffcf9000630c02230000003faff04800060003ff3ff00fc
faff0601fc7fc3ffff9df9ff00c1f9ff02fc003ff4ff1a3fffe0ffdfe07f
fffffffecfffffc1fffffffe1fff9ff8ff801ffcf9000618c02600000007
faff04800060003ff3ff01fe7ffbff07e07e3fe1ffffcff3fbff01fe0ff9
ff01c003f3ff1abfffa47fdfe07ffffffffe9fffff07fffffff8fffc7fc7
fe003ffcf900060c400408000007faff0480d870003ff2ff00bffbff07fc
3f1ff0ffffe7fdfbff01f03ffaff02fc003ff3ff0e9ffe063fdfc0ffffff
e0ff1ffffc0ffbff06f3fe3ff0007ffcf900060c0004cc00000ffaff0480
fc70003ff9ff009ffaff00dffaff071f0ff0fffff3f7effcff0080f9ff01
f001f2ff0edffc073fffc0ffffff803fbffff83ffbff068ff8ffce00fffc
f90006060004c600000ffaff0480fe1c003ff9ff00cff3ff0c0f8ff87fff
f9ffcffffffffc07f9ff01801ff2ff0edff8639fffc0fffffe3fdffffff0
7ffcff07fc7fc7fe3c01fffcf90006030004c000001ffaff0480ff00001f
f9ff00f3f3ff0c8fc7fc3ffffdfb87ffffffe01ffaff01f800f1ff0d9ff8
319fff81fffffcffefffffc1fbff07f1ff3ff0f803fffcf90006038400c1
00001ffaff0480ff80001ff9ff00f8f6ff0fc7ffff8fc3fe13fffefc07ff
ffff807ffaff01e007f1ff0d9fe011cfff81fffffcffefffff87fbff0787
f8ffc7f007fffcf9000601c400c080001ffaff0480ffc0000ff9ff01fe3f
f7ff0ee1ffff8fe1fe11fffffc07fffffe03f9ff01003ff1ff0d3f0f90cf
ff01fffffdffeffffe1ffaff06e3ff1fc00ffffcf800056000c040003ffa
ff0480fff0000ff8ff008ff7ff0ef0ffff87f1ff08fffffedffffe000ffa
ff01f001f0ff0d787fc0cfff01fffffdffeffffc3ffaff069ff8ff803fff
fcf8000560008060007ffaff0480fffe000ff8ff00c7f7ff07e07fffc7f1
ff8c7ffcff02f8001ffaff010007f1ff0efe61ffc0dfff03fffffdffefff
f07ffbff07fe7fe3ff007ffffcf8000570808060007ffaff0480ffffae07
f8ff00e1faff10e0fffff83fffc7f8ff843fffff7fffe180faff02f8003f
f3ff0fe07ffe0fffe09fff03fffff9ffcfffe1faff07f1ff1ffe00fffffc
f8000538008030007ffaff0480fffffe07f8ff01f87ffbff0ff81ffffc1f
ffc7f87fc21ffffb7fffc3f9ff01c001f3ff10fe003ff87fffe11ffe03ff
fff9ffdfff87faff07cffc7fe001fffffcf800041800801000f9ff0480ff
fffe03f8ff01fc1ffaff0e07fffe0fffc7fc3fc30fffffbfff83faff02fe
003ff3ff10e07e1fc1ffffe11ffe07fffff9ffdfff0ffaff073ff1ff8003
fffffcf800040e00800c00f9ff0480fffffe01f7ff0007faff0ee1ffff87
ffe7fe3fe18ffffdbf1e0ffaff01e003f3ff11fe07ff871fffffef1ffe07
fffffbffbffc3ffbff08f8ff8ffc3007fffffcf800040600808201f9ff04
80ffffff01f7ff00c1faff0ef8ffffe7ffe3fe1ff0c7fffd9e003ffaff01
000ff3ff04f83fffc07ffcff07fe07fffffbffbff8faff08c7fe7ff1e00f
fffffcf800040300808203f9ff0480ffffff00f7ff01f07ffaff0c1ffff3
fff3ff0ff063fffddc71faff01f800f2ff10c1fffff1ffffffe7fffc0fff
fff9ff7ff3faff081ff9ffc7c01ffffffcf800040180800387f9ff0480ff
ffff00f7ff01fc1ffaff0bc7fffffffbff8ff831fffcdcf9ff01e00ff3ff
11fc03fffffcffffff87fffc0ffffff9ff7fc7fbff09fcffcffe3f807fff
fffcf70003c080038ff9ff0580ffffff007ff8ff01fe07faff0be3ffffff
f9ff87f810fffcdff9ff01807ff3ff01f007fbff0afe0ffffc0ffffffcfe
ff9ffbff09f3ff3ffffe00fffffffcf700036080019ff9ff0580ffffff80
7ff7ff0280ffbffcff0bf1fffffffdff87fc087ffcdffaff01fc01f2ff01
e1f3fbff0af83ffff80ffffffe7cff7ffaff08f8fffffc01fffffffcf700
02300000f8ff0580ffffffc03ff7ff02e03fdffcff0bf0fffffffcffc7fc
0c7ffccffaff01c00ff2ff018ff9fbff09f1fffff80fffffff39fdf9ff08
f7fffff803fffffffcf70002180000f8ff0580ffffffc03ff7ff02fc1fef
fcff0bf8fffffffcffc3fe063ffccffaff01003ff2ff013e0cfbff09c7ff
fff81fffffff83fbf6ff05f007fffffffcf700030c00007ff9ff0580ffff
ffc01ff6ff0107f3fcff0bf87ffffffe7fe3fe031ffccffbff01f001f2ff
03fcf8067ffcff089ffffff01fffffffeff5ff05e00ffffffffcf700030e
00023ff9ff0580ffffffe01ff6ff01c1f9fcff0bfc3ffffffe3fe1ff010f
fccffbff018007f2ff03e3f0fb3ffcff043ffffff01ff1ff05c01fffffff
fcf700030700061ff9ff0580fffffff01ff6ff11e044ffffe7fffe1fffff
ff3fe1ff018ffccffcff02fc003ff2ff0ccfe07dbffffffffe7ffffff01f
f1ff05803ffffffffcf70003039c021ff9ff0580fffffff80ff6ff11fc00
7fffc3fffe0fffffff3ff0ff80c7fecffcff018003f1ff0c1f83fd9fffff
fffdfffffff03ff1ff05007ffffffffcf70003018c0207f9ff0580ffffff
f80ffbff00bffbff16801fffc9fffe0fffffff9ff07f8047fccffffffffc
001ff2ff10fc7e33fccffffffff3ffffffe03ffffbf7f4ff0000fcff00fc
f60002c40007f9ff0580fffffffc07fbff00dffbff15fe0fffc5fffe0fff
ffff9ff07f8023fccfffffffc000f1ff10f1f8f9feefffffffe7ffffffe0
3ffff1e3f5ff01fe01fcff00fcf60002600003f9ff0580fffffffe07fbff
00e7faff1401ffe0fffe07ffffffcff83f8031fccffffffc001ff1ff10c7
e7ec7cefffffffcfffffffe07ffff1e3f5ff01fc03fcff00fcf600027000
01f9ff0580fffffffe03fbff00f9faff13e07ff0fffe07ffffffc7f83f88
10fc8ffffff000f0ff108f8fc7fde7fffff99fffffffe07ffff9c9f5ff01
f807fcff00fcf60002388000f9ff0080fcff0001fbff00fcfaff13f81ff8
7ffe07ffffffe7f83f8c00fe8fffff000ff1ff11fc3f3fc7f9f7fffff83f
ffffffc07ffff3cbf5ff01f00ffcff00fcf60002388000f9ff0080fcff00
80fbff01fe3ffbff13fe07f97ffe07ffffffe3f81fc6007e8fffe0007ff1
ff12fc3e7fc7fbf7fffff87fffffffc0fffff3dbc7f6ff01e03ffcff00fc
f600030c00047ffaff0080fcff00c0faff001ffaff118bfc7fff07ffffff
f3f81fc2003e0ffe0003f0ff08f808ffe3f3f7fffff8fcff05c0ffffff9b
f3f6ff01e03ffcff00fcf600030600001ffaff0080fcff01e07ffbff00c7
faff11e7febfff07fffffff1fc1fc0003e0fe0003ff0ff08e003ffe1c7f7
fffff1fcff05c0ffffffbbb3f6ff00c0fbff00fcf600030300000ffaff00
80fcff01f03ffbff00e3faff10fbffffff07fffffff9fc1fc0001e07800f
efff08c063fff00ff7fffff1fcff05c1ffffc7b3b3f6ff0081fbff00fcf6
00030100000ffaff0080fcff01f81ffbff00f1faff10fcffffff87ffffff
f8fc1fc0000f00007fefff0881f1fff33ff7fffff1fcff0581ffffc7b793
f6ff0001fbff00fcf5000280000ffaff0080fcff01fc07fbff01fc7ffbff
0ffc7fffff83fffffff8fc1fc000070007efff09fe07fc7f0ffff7fffff3
fcff0581ffffc7b787f7ff01fe03fbff00fcf50002400007faff0080fcff
01fe01fbff16fe3ffffffffbfffc7fffffc1fffffffc7c0fc00004003fef
ff09fc1ffe3f8ffff7fffff3fcff0581ffffc337c7f7ff01fe07fbff00fc
f50002400003faff0080fcff01fe00faff141ffffffffdfffe3fffffc1bf
fffffc7c0fc000000feeff09f83fff1feffff7fffff7fcff0481ffffc7b7
f6ff01fc0ffbff00fcf50002200001faff0080fcff02c0001ffbff14c3ff
fffffcfffe3fffffe0dffffffe3c0fc11c007feeff09e03fffcffffff7ff
fff7fcff0583ffffc7271ff7ff01f81ffbff00fef50002300001faff0780
fffffffc00000ffbff13f0fffffffe7ffe3fffffe05ffffffe1c1fc7dc01
edff06c11fffe7ffffeff9ff0583ffffef0e1ff7ff01f03ffbff00fcf500
02f80000faff0780ffffff80003c07fbff13fc03fffffa7ffe1ffffff02f
fffffe1c1fc7c007edff06c10ffff7ffffeff9ff0503ffffff0c9ff7ff01
f07ffbff00fef50003fc00007ffbff0780ffff80001c1f81fbff13fe007f
fffd3ffe3ffffff007ffffff1c1fc7803fedff038027fffbfbff009ffcff
0503ffffff0c9ff7ff00e0faff00fcf6000401fc00023ffbff0780ff8000
01fc0fc0faff1101fffffdbfff3ffffff007ffffff0c1fc003ecff090033
fff9ffffcfffff3ffcff0507ffffff3fbff7ff00c1faff00fef6000403fe
00031ffbff0080fc0003f607e07ffbff11c07ffffe9fff3ffffff803ffff
ff041fc00fecff093819fffdffff07fffe7ffcff0507ffffff3e3ff7ff00
83faff00fefc000030fb000403ff10020ffbff0080fc00037803803ffbff
04801ffffedffcff08f803ffffff040fc07fedff09fe3c1dfffcfffc0fff
f8fbff0507fffffffe7ff7ff0083faff00fefc0000c0fb000407ff800207
fbff0880000700003c00801ffbff04f007ffffdffcff07fc01ffffff840f
c0ecff09fe3c4cfffefff91fff81fbff0007f2ff0007faff04fe00000003
fa000407ffc00243fbff0880018300001e00000ffaff0001f9ff07fc00ff
ffff800fc7ecff09fcbc060ffeffe27fff07fbff040fffffe01ff7ff01fe
0ffaff04fe0000000cfa00040fffc00243fbff088001c108000f000007fa
ff00e0f9ff07fe00ffffff800fcfecff09f9be0207fe7f8cfffe1ffbff04
0fffffcfc7f7ff01fc1ffaff04fc00000038fa00040fffe00241fbff0880
00c0840007800003faff0ff03fffffffeffffffe00ffffff800fcfecff09
c1be8307ff7f11fff83ffbff040fffff9ff7f7ff01fc3ffaff04fc000000
78fa00041ffff00218fbff088000c0000003800000faff0ff81fffffffe7
ffffff007fffff800fcfecff0909df8903ff7c63ffe07ffbff041fffffbf
fbf7ff01f87ffaff04fc000000f8fa00051ffff8c00c7ffcff098000c000
0001e000007ffbff0ffe0fffffffc7ffffff007fffffc007c7edff09fc39
dfc983ff79cfff81faff041fffff7ffbf7ff00f8f9ff04fc000003fcfa00
053ffffc40023ffcff098000c0000000f000001ffbff0ffe07ffffffc7ff
ffff803fffffc00fcfedff09f0c3dfc483ff631ffe03faff049fffff7ffb
f7ff00f0f9ff05fc000007ff80fb00053ffffe00023ffcff098000c00000
0078000007faff0e03ffffffc7ffffff803fffffc00f8fedff09c301efe4
c3ff067ff867faff04bfffff7ff9f7ff00e1f9ff10fc00000fffff881ffe
00807ffffe00021ffcff098000400000003c000001faff0e01ffffffe3ff
ffffc01fffffe00f8fedff09cc01efe6c3fe18fff1cffbff05c7bfffff7f
fbf7ff00e1f9ff03fc00001ffbff0780c003ffff18020ffcff0980004000
00001e000000faff0e01ffffffe3ffffffc01fffffe00f8fedff098001ff
f641fc23ffc7dffcff06e00733ffff7ffbf7ff00c3f9ff03fc00007ffbff
07f1c0807fff88020ffcff0a8000400000000f0000003ffbff0e01ffffff
e3ffffffc00fffffe00f0fedff148009f7f249fc07ff1f9ffffffff81fc6
07ffff3ffbf7ff0087f9ff02fc0000f8ff05c03fffc00203fcff1e800040
000000078000000ffffff7ffff01ffffffe1ffffffe00fffffe00f1fedff
148001fff369fe1ffcff9ffffffe0fffc03fffff7ff3f7ff0087f9ff02fc
0001fbff08003fffc03fffe00203fcff1e8000400000000380000007ffff
f1ffff01dffffff0ffffffe007ffffe01f1fedff148001fbfb69fe3ff9ff
9fffffc0ffffe27fffffbff7f7ff000ff9ff02fc0001fcff09fe0001ffc0
3fffe00011fcff1e80004000040001c0000403fffff9ffff01dffffff07f
ffffe007ffffe01e3fedff148001fbfb6dffffc7ff9ffff81ffffffe7fff
ffbfeff8ff01fe0ff9ff10fc0003fff03ffffe00001fe03ffff10000fcff
1e80002000020000e0000301fffffcffff01d3fffff03ffffff007ffffe0
1e3fedff14c000fdfb65ffff9fffcfd807fffffffc7fffffbfcff8ff01fe
1ff9ff33fc0007ff801fffff000007e01ffff800007fffffff8000200001
0000600001807ffff47fff03d3fffff83ffffff817ffffe03e3fedff0af0
00fdff65fffe3fffe000fcff05fcffffffbfdff8ff01fc1ff9ff33fc1c0f
ff001ffc01c70001e01ffff800007fffffff80002000018000300000c03f
fff87fff03d3fffff81ffffff83fffffc03c7fecff0500fefd61fff8f8ff
05fcffffff9f9ff8ff01f83ff9ff33fc1c0fbc003ffe001ffc00703ffffc
40023fffffff80002000008000380000e00ffffd3fff07d3fffff81fffff
fc3fffff003c7fecff05f67efda1ffe3f8ff05fcffffffc03ff8ff01f87f
f9ff33fc1c1f38c07fffe003ffc0183ffffe00021fffffff800020000040
001c00007007fffe9fff07d1fffffc0ffffffcffbff000387fecff05fe7f
7d31ffc7f8ff04f8ffffffe0f7ff01f07ff9ff20fc1e3c31f0fffffc00ff
f00c3fffff00020fffffff800024000060000c00003c01fcff0d8fd1ffff
fc0ffffffcffc0000078eaff043fbdb1ff1ff8ff00f8f3ff00e0f8ff03fc
1ff863fcff2ac03ffc03ffffff00020fffffff800004000030000600001c
007fffffffdfd1fffffc07fffffefffe700070eaff043f9eb1fc7ff8ff00
f8f3ff00e0f8ff03fc1ff0e3fcff19f80fff007fffff800007ffffff8000
1400001800072c000e001ffcff0cf0fffffe07fffffeffffc000e1efff08
fe34ffffff9fcea1f1f7ff04f0ffffffe7f7ff00c1f8ff03fc1fe0c7fcff
19fe07ff801fffff800007ffffff80001600080c000394000e0003fcff0c
f0fffffe03fffffefe700000e1efff08f8007fffff8ffe03e7f7ff04f0ff
ffffc7f7ff0081f8ff03fc1f858ffbff2981ff800fffffc00003ffffff80
0016000404000182008700007ffffffff0fffffe01fffffe7f001801c3ef
ff08e3803fffffc7fe439ff7ff04f1fffff3c7f7ff0083f8ff03fc0f8f0f
fbff29c07fc007ffffe00001ffffff8000160006020000c2004300c01fff
fffff87fffff01fffffe7fc1f00183efff08cfc31fffffc1fec23ff7ff04
f1ffffe387f7ff0007f8ff03fc0f0e0ffbff29f03fc007fffff00000ffff
ff8000160003030000e1002380c007effffff87fffff81fffffe7fffe001
07efff089fe78fffffe03fe07ff7ff04e1ffffc3a7f7ff0007f8ff03fe0e
1c1ffbff29fc0fe007fffff800007fffff80000e0003818000718023c060
03effffff87fffff80fffffe7fffc00207efff073ff3c3fffff803e0f6ff
05e1ffffc3247ff9ff01fe0ff8ff03fe0e3c3ffbff29fe07f007fffff800
007fffff80001e000180c00070c013c460c0e7fffffc3fffff80fffffc7f
ff80040ff0ff08fe7ff3f1ffffff0003f6ff05e1ffffc7243ff9ff01fe0f
f8ff03fe04383ffaff2881f807fffffc00003fffff80001e0000c0600038
c21be070c027fffffc3fffffc07ffffc3fff00000ff0ff08fcfff7f8ffff
fff007f6ff06e3ffffff647e01faff01fc1ff8ff03fe00787ffaff28c0fe
07fffffe00001fffff80009a0001c070001c620fe0304007fffffc3fffff
c07ffffc3ff000001ff0ff04fdfff7fc7ff2ff07e3ffffff6ef8001ffbff
01f81ff7ff010070f9ff23f07f0fffffff08001fffff8000ca0001e03000
1c730ff0304007fffffe1fffffe07ffff8fc00007feeff02e7ff1ff2ff07
e7ffffff6ff9f803fbff01f83ff7ff0100e1f9ff01fc1ffcff1d08008fff
ff8019ca0001e018000e390e70300007fffffe1fffffe07ffff8fc00edff
02cfff8ff2ff07c7fffffe6ff1ff00fbff01f03ff7ff0100e1f9ff01fe0f
fcff21880087ffff809fcb0001f01c020e390e30300007fffffe1fffffe4
7ffff000000001edff029fffc7f2ff08c3fffffe6ff07fc03ffcff01f07f
f7ff0181c3f8ff0080fcff218000c3ffff80ffcb0001f80e030f1f8e1030
0007ffffff1fffffe3ffffe000000007efff04c7fe3ffff3f2ff08c1ffff
fe6ff07ff00ffcff01e07ff7ff01e1c7f8ff26e07fffffffc000c3ffff80
ffc90001f80e3f8f9f8e00300003ffffff1fffffe3ffffc00000001fefff
0487e07ffff9f2ff08c1ffffe26e701ffc03fcff00e0f6ff01e187f8ff25
f03fffffffe000c1ffff80ffe98001fc2e3fef9b8e08300003ffffff0fff
ffe3ffff80000000eeff048e01fffffef2ff08c1ffffc06e780fff01fcff
00c1f6ff01e18ff8ff25f23ffffffff000c0ffff80ffed8001fc3f3cff89
8e00300003ffffff8ffffff3ffff0000000feeff01883fefff0dc1ffffc2
647c01ffc07fffffff81f6ff01e30ff8ff24fe1ffffffff800c87fff80ff
edc001fe3ffc7f88c000200003ffffff8ffffff3fff800f00feeff01f889
eeff0dc1ffffe2607e007fe03fffffff83f6ff01e31ff7ff210ffffffffc
00087fff80ffedc003ff1ffc1f80e000200003ffffff8fffffe1ff8000ec
ff01f81ffcff003ff3ff0dc1fffff7647f007ff80fffffff03f6ff01c21f
f7ff2187fffffffe00083fff80fffde103ff1ffc0f80c000200003ffffff
c7ffffe1f00401ecff06f80ffffffffe1ff3ff0dc1ffffff06ff801ffc07
ffffff07f6ff01c63ff7ff2187fffffffe00081fff80ffdcf186ff8fe007
880000600001ffffffc7ffffe1e07801ecff01e007fcff001ff3ff0dc1ff
ffff3fffc007fe07dffffe07f6ff01c67ff7ff00c3fcff1c00000fff80ff
ccf9fcff87c007880000600001ffffffc7ffffc1ffc007ecff01e0c7fcff
001ff3ff0dc1ffffffbfffe007ff03effffe0ff6ff01c47ff7ff00c1fcff
1c800407ff80fe0cfff0ff878003880000600001ffffffc7ffffc1fc001f
ecff06f033fffffffe7ff3ff00c1fcff0800f003ff81f3fffc0ff6ff00c4
f6ff00c1fcff0dc00c03ff80fe0cffe1ff82000380fb00fdff06c3ffff80
00003febff04fbfffffcfcf2ff0dc1fffffffc000001ff80fbfffc1ff6ff
00c8f6ff00e0fcff0de00401ff80fc06ffe3ff80000380fb00fdff06c3ff
ff0000007febff04f9ffffe03cf2ff0dc1fffffffdfe0000ffc079fff81f
f6ff00c9f6ff00e0fcff0ce10401ff80ec06ffe0ff800003fc000a0800ff
ffffc3ffff000000ebff05fc7dffff0008f2ff00c1fbff0af0007fc03cff
f83ffffff1f9ff00d9f6ff00f0fcff0cf10400ff80c006ff8007800003fc
000a3e00ffffffc3fffe020003ebff07fc1cfdfe1f00fff1f4ff00c1fbff
0bfc007fe03e7ff03fffffc61ffaff00d9f6ff20f07ffffffff004007f80
0002fe000380000710000001fc007fffff83fff807801febff07fe3cf8f8
ffffff80f4ff11c1ffffffe1ffffc01ff01f3ff07fffff987ffaff00f3f6
ff1ef83ffffffff804003f800000fe000180000e1000000ff8007fffff83
ffc01fe8ff07fe7011fffffe007ff5ff10c1ffffff0cfffff80ff00f1fe0
7fffffa1f9ff00f3f6ff1ef83ffffffffc04003f800000fc0000c2001e00
00003ff80e3fffff03ff007fe7ff073003fffff87e7f87f6ff13c1fffffc
7e7fffff03f8078fe07fffff07e1fe7ffcff00c7f6ff0ffc1ffffffffe04
000f800020fc0000c3fc00093e1ff83fbfffff03fc01e6ff0733c7fffff1
ff3f03f6ff13c1fffff9ff7fffffe1f8078fe0fffffe1f8e007ffcff00c3
f6ff01fc1ffcff1704008f800041fc0000e78000000fff0ff87fdffffe01
f803e6ff0793ffffffc7ff3e30f6ff13c1fffff3ff3ffffff87c03c7e0ff
fffe1f38003ffcff00c3f6ff01fe0ffcff17800007800061fc0000e78000
003fff87f8ffcffffe00000fe6ff08c3ffffff8ff41c7c3ff7ff13c1ffff
e3ff3ffffff87c01c7c0fffffe3e79303ffcff00c1f6ff01fe0ffcff17c0
0007800041f80001c0000007ffffc3fdfffffffc0f003fe6ff08c3ffffff
000038fe1ff7ff13c1ffffe7ff7ffffffe1e0003c0fffffe3cf37f07fcff
00c1f5ff0007fcff06e00003800001f8fb00033fffffe0fcff01fc1fe4ff
08e3fffffe007ff9f01ff7ff1381fffff7ff7fffffff060003c0fffffe3c
f7ffc1fcff0081f5ff0007fcff06f00001800001f8fc000a0ffffffff07f
fffffff83fe4ff08e3fffffe3ffff3001ff7ff1881fffff7ff7fffffff83
0001c0fffffe3ce6fff83fffffff81f5ff0083fcff0af000008000c1fc00
000007fcff05f83ffffffff0e3ff00e3fbff01e00ff6ff18c1fffff7ff7f
ffffff80800181fffffe3ce5fffe0fffffffc1f5ff0083fcff09f8008000
00c3fc000003fbff05fc1ffff81f21e3ff00e3fbff01e07ff6ff18c1ffff
f7fe7fffffffe0c00081fffffe3dedfffc03ffffffc1f5ff00c1fcff08fc
00800001c3800000faff05fe0ffffc0003e3ff00e3fbff00c1f5ff04c3ff
fff7fefcff0ff0200007fffffe3dcbfff800ffffffc0f5ff00c1fcff08fe
00800001c000003ff9ff0403fffe0007ddff00c7f5ff1881fffff7fcffff
fe7ff818007fffffff3dc3ffe1f01ffff9c0f5ff00c0fbff060092000100
0007f8ff04c0fffc001fd1ff1881fffffbfdffffff3ffe08003fffffff1d
c7ffcff8c0f00000f5ff01e07ffcff010093fc00f7ff03e0000001d0ff19
81fffff9f3ffffff9fff1c001fffffff9dc7ff9ffc700000007ff6ff01e0
7ffcff05c0900000001ff7ff03f800000fd0ff19c1fffffc07ffffffcfff
fc000fffffffcccfff3ffc7c3fff007ff6ff01f03ffcff04c090000007f6
ff01fe07ceff19c1fffffe1fffffffc7fffc000fffffffeccffe7ffe7fff
ffc07ff6ff01f03ffcff04f09200007fc2ff00c1f9ff11e3fff80207ffff
ffe24ffe7ffe3fffffc07ff6ff01f01ffcff03f812001fc1ff00c1f9ff11
f1fff00207fffffffb07fe7fff3fffffe03ff6ff01f81ffcff02fc1200c0
ff00c0f9ff04f8fff80603fcff08c3ff7fff3fffffe03ff6ff01f81ffcff
02fe0000c0ff00c0f9ff04f8fffc0607fcff08e3ff1fff3fffffe01ff6ff
01fc0ffcff02fe0000c0ff0cc07fffffdffffffffc7ffc0e03fcff08e23f
0fff3fffffc01ff6ff01fc0ffbff010000c0ff0ce07fffff8ffffffffe3f
fe0c03fcff08fe0f03fe7fffff001ff6ff01fe0ffbff018000c0ff0ce07f
ffff8c7ffffffe3ffe0403fcff08fe0380fe7fffff001ff6ff01fe07fbff
01c000c0ff0ce07fff8f293fffffff1fff0003fbff07c1e000fffffe000f
f6ff01fe07fbff01e000c0ff0ce07fff83213fffffff1fff0003fbff07f0
7801fffffd980ff5ff0007fbff01e000c0ff0cf07fff93643fffffff8fff
0003fbff07f87f0ffffffb3807f5ff0003fbff01f000c0ff0cf0ffffc364
7fffffff87ff8003fbff07fc1ffffffff67807f5ff0003fbff01f880c0ff
04f87fffc377fcff03c7ff8007faff0607ffffffecf807f5ff0083fbff01
f800c0ff04f87ffff777fcff03e3ffc007faff0687fffffffdfc03f5ff00
81fbff01fc00c0ff04f87fffff77fcff03e3ffc01ffbff078fe1ffffffdb
fc03f5ff0081fbff01fe00c0ff04f87fffff77fcff03f1ffe03ffbff0703
f0ffffffb3fc03f5ff00c1faff0000c0ff04f87fffff77fcff03f8ffe03f
fbff0700007ffffff7fc03f5ff00c0faff0000c0ff04f07fffff77fcff03
f8fff01ffcff08fc00003fffff6ffe01f5ff00c0faff0000c0ff0cf07fff
ff763ffffffffc7ff01ffcff08fc7c021fffffeffe01f5ff00e0faff0080
c9ff018000f9ff0cf07fffff761ffffffffc7ff00ffbff07f0000ffffedf
fe01f5ff01e07ffbff0080d0ff008ffcff04f00000003ffaff0cf07ffffd
761ffffffffe3ff80ffbff07800047ffff9ffe00f5ff01e07ffbff0080d1
ff05d01fffffff80fc00007ffaff0cf03ffff837dffffffffe3ff807fbff
070380e1ffffbfff00f5ff01e07ffbff0080d1ff03803ffffcfa00f9ff05
f03ffff037dffcff021ffc03fbff073c0001fffd7fff00f5ff01f07ffbff
0080d1ff028ffff0fa00001ff9ff05f03ffff0a79ffcff021ffc03fbff07
300001ffff7fff00f5ff01f03ffbff0080d0ff00f0fc000101eff7ff05f0
3ffff18f3ffcff028ffe01fbfffd0004fffb7fff80f5ff01f03ffbff0080
d1ff00fcfc0000c7f5ff04f03ffff98ffbff028ffe01fbff08800000fffa
ffff807ff6ff01f81ffbff0080d2ff00fefc00f3ff01f03ff8ff02c7ff00
fbff08e00000fffaffff807ff6ff01f81ffbff0080d2ff03f0000003fbff
02e00001faff01f03ff8ff03c7ff007ffcff08fc0000fff9ffffc07ff6ff
01fc0ffbff0080d2ff02f00000fcff0080fc00faff01f03ff8ff03e3ff80
3ffbff07c0007ff5ffffc03ff6ff01fc0ffbff0080d2ff05f0003ffffff8
fa00faff01f03ff8ff03e3ffc03ffbff0780007ff1ffffc03ff6ff01fc0f
fbff0080d2ff04f81fffffe0f9000a40001ffffffff07fffff80fbff03f3
ffc01ffbff07fc103ff0ffffe03ff6ff01fc07fbff0080cfff00e0f60009
0ffffffff07fffff1e3ffcff03f1ffc01ffbff07fc003ff01fffe03ff6ff
01fe07fbff0080d0ff00fcf500090ffffffff07ffffe7f9ffcff03f9ffc0
0ffbff07fc003ff30fffe01ff6ff01fe07fbff0080d1ff003ef400090fff
fffff03ffffe3feffcff03f8ffc00ffbff07fe001ff3f1fff01ff6ff01fe
03fbff0080d2ff00fcf300090ffffffff03ffffe7feffcff03fcffe007fb
ff07fe000ff3fc7ff01ff6ff01fe03fbff0080d2ff00f0f300090fffffff
f03ffffe7fe7fcff03fc7fe003faff06000ff7ff3ff01ff5ff0001fbff00
80d2ff00c0f300097ffffffff03ffffe7fe7fcff03fe7fe003faff068007
f381cff80ff5ff0001fbff0080d2ff00c0f400003ffcff05f03ffffe7fe7
fcff03fe3fe003faff06c007f380fbf80ff5ff0001fbff0080d2ff00c0f6
00000bfaff05f03ffffeffe7fbff023fe001faff06c003f38efdf80ff5ff
0000fbff0080d2ff01e006f800001ff9ff05f03ffffcffeffbff023fe001
faff06f003f3c7fe7c0ff5ff0080fbff0080d2ff01e0f0f900001ff8ff05
f03ffffeffeffbff029ff001faff06f803fbf3ffbc07f5ff0080fbff0080
d1ff07c000001f8000000ffaff08e003fff03ffffeffdffbff02cff001fa
ff06fe01f9f9fffc07f5ff01807ffcff0080d1ff08c0000ff80003ffffff
fa000703fff03ffffe7f9ffbff02cff001f9ff05c0f81c7ffe07f5ff0180
7ffcff0080d1ff06c000ff80001ff0f8000703fff03fffff7fbffbff02e7
f001f9ff05f0fc1e00f607f5ff01807ffcff0080d1ff02801ffcf4000703
fff83fffff9f3ffbff02f3f001f9ff05f87f1f800607f5ff01c07ffcff00
80fcff01f8f7d7ff02c0ffc0f4000703fff83fffff807ffbff02f3f803f9
ff05fc3fffffce07f5ff01c03ffcff0080fcff01f803d7ff01c3fef30007
07fff81fffffe03ffbff02f9f803f9ff05fe1ffffffe03f5ff01c07ffcff
0080fcff02fe0001d7ff00c0f3000307fff81ff7ff02fdf803f8ff0407ff
fffe01f5ff01c03ffcff0080fbff021ffc0fd9ff00f8f2000307fff81ff7
ff02fef803f8ff04c7fffffe00f5ff01c03ffcff0080fbff003fd7fff100
0807fff81ffffffffe3ffcff02fe7803f8ff04e3fffffe00f5ff01c03ffc
ff0080fcff00fcd7ff00f0f1000807fff81ffffffffc1ffbff017803f8ff
04e0fffff600f5ff01c03ffcff0080fcff03f9ffffe3daff00f0f1000807
fff81fffffffbd9ffbff01b803f8ff05f07fffe3807ff6ff01c03ffcff00
80fcff03f3ffff83daff03e0000007f4000807fff80fffffff1f5ffbff01
fc03f8ff05f81fffe3807ff6ff01c03ffcff0080fcff03cffffe23daff03
f0000ff0f5000902fffff80fffffff0f1ffbff01fc03f8ff05fe07ffffc0
3ff6ff01c03ffcff0880fffffff80ffffc67daff03f001ffc0f7000003fc
ff06fc0fffffff67bffbff01fc07f7ff0401ffffc01ff6ff01c03ffcff08
80fffffff001fff9cfdaff03f03fff80f800faff05fc0fffffc7f7faff01
fc07f7ff0480ffffc01ff6ff01c03ffcff0880fffffffcf87fe31fd7ff00
80fa000d0fff800000000ffffc0fffff92f7faff01fc07f7ff04e03fffe0
0ff6ff01c03ffcff0880fffffffdfe3fce3fd7ff0080fb000038f900067f
fc0fffff93f7faff01fc07f7ff04f09fffe00ff6ff01e03ffcff0080fbff
02879c7ff0ff00f7e8ff00c0f3000603fc07ffff87f3faff01fc07f7ff04
f847fff007f6ff01e01ffcff0080fcff02fcf071efff00e7e8ff00c0f200
05fc07ffffc77bfaff01fc07f7ff04fe13fff007f6ff01e01ffcff0080fc
ff02fe1cf3efff00e7e8ff00e0f200057e07ffffff7bfaff01fc07f6ff03
00fff003f6ff01e01ffcff0080fbff0181e7efff00c7e8ff00c0f200057e
07ffffff7bfaff01fc0ff6ff03c07ff803f6ff01e01ffcff0080fbff01e0
8fefff00cfe9ff00f8f100060e07ffffff7beffbff01fe07f6ff03f03ff8
01f6ff01e01ffcff0080fbff01f01fefff00cfe9ff00e0f100060203ffff
ff7bcffbff01fe07f6ff03f81ff801f6ff01e01ffcff0080fbff01fc3fef
ff009fe9ff00e0fc00011ffff6000503ffffff7b8ffbff01fe0ff6ff03fe
03fc00f6ff01f01ffcff0080f1ff00bff9ff027f9f83eaff06e0000000ff
ffc0f6000403ffffff3bfaff01fe0ff5ff02c0fc00f6ff01f01ffcff0080
f9ff0003f9ff0a1fffffffe3ffffff3f3f01eaff04e00000ffe0f4000403
fffff19bfaff01fe0ff5ff02f03c00f6ff01f00ffcff0080f9ff0701ffff
ff01ffffc0fb000503ff9e3f3c39eaff03e001fffefb000c0fffffffe000
000001fffff18bfaff01fe0ff5ff02fc0e00f6ff01f00ffcff0080f9ff13
07ffffff003fffc007f83fdfffc3ff1e7e79f9e7ebff07f0fffff8000000
01fbff08c000000101ffffe1c3faff01fe0ff4ff0200007ff7ff01e007fc
ff0080faff14fc1ffffffff00ffffc7ffc77cfffffff1c7e73f983e8ff06
e00000001fffc0fa00050101fffff1f7faff01fe0ff4ff0280007ff7ff01
c007fcff0080fcff01fe1ffbff0ff1c1fffcfff8638fe3fffe3cfce7e001
e9ff00f8f2000301fffff1f8ff000ff4ff02c0003ff7ff01b807fcff0080
fcff01f01ffbff0ff3f87ff9fff0e38c01fffc7cfccf807ceaff00fef000
04fffff9ff1ffaff0007f4ff02fc003ff7ff01f807fcff0080fcff01833f
fbff0fe3fc3ff9ffe0e79801fffcf9fdcf007ceaff00f8f000fdff01fe07
faff0007f4ff02fe003ff7ff017803fcff0680fffffffc1f3ffbff0fe7ff
1ff3ffc1e711fffff8f9f9c008fceaff00f0f000fdff01f9f3faff0007f3
ff01001ff9ff03fbfdf803fcff0680fffffff07e3ffbff0fe7ff8ff3ff89
c731fffff9fbfbc009fceaff00f0fa000010f700fdff01f3f9faff0003f3
ff01801ff9ff03f7fdf803fcff0680ffffffe03e7ffbff01cfc0fb000830
fffff9f3f3c319f9eaff00e0fc0004fbffffffc0f900047ffffff7fcfaff
0083f3ff01801ff9ff03effbf803fcff0680ffffffe38e7ffbff018fc0fb
0008081ffff803f3fe31f1eaff08e00000007fffffff80f800047fffffef
fefaff0083f3ff01800ff9ff03dff7fc01fcff0680ffffffe7c07ffbff0f
9fe01fc7fc738c0e0ffff807f7fe33e3eaff07f000007ffffffff0f70004
7fffffcffefaff0081f3ff01800ff9ff03bdeffc01fcff0080fcff00f0fa
ff0f1ff83fcff8f39c7fc7ffffe7e7fc73c7eaff05f001ffffff80f50005
3fffffdffe7ffbff00c1f3ff01800ff9ff037beefc01fcff0080f5ff0f3f
c1ffdff1f31cffe7ffffcfe7fcf80fe6ff00c0f400053fffff9fff7ffbff
00c1f3ff018007faff04fef79dfc01fcff0080f6ff10fe3e07ff9ff1e33c
ffc7ffffcfcff8f83fe7ff00e0f300053fffffbfff7ffbff00c1f3ff0180
07faff04fdefbbfc00fcff0080f6ff0efe003fff9ff3e73cfe0fffff9fcf
f8e6fff100051fffffbfff7ffbff00c0f3ff01c007faff04fbff77fe00fc
ff0080f6ff0df807ffff3fffe73cf87fffff9fdfe6ff00fef100051fffff
bfff7ffbff00e0f3ff01c003faff04f79ef7fe00fcff0080f7ff0efe003f
ffff3ffff63ce0ffffff9f9fe6ff00fef100051fffffbfff7ffbff00e0f3
ff01c003faff04efbceffe00fcff0080f6ff0d07ffffff7fffffff83ffff
ff3f9fe6ff00fef100050fffffdffe7ffbff01e07ff4ff01c003faff09cf
79df7f007fffffff80f3ff0afe7fffffff0fffffff3f3fe5fffd00020fff
c0f7000503ffffdffe7ffbff01f07ff4ff01c001faff099e7b9e7f007fff
ffff80f3ff05fe7fffffff1ffcff003fe5ff0500003fffffc0f7000401ff
ffeffefaff01f87ff4ff01e001faff093cf39c7f007fffffff80
grestore /inch {72 mul} def /rshow { dup stringwidth pop neg 0 rmoveto
show } def gsave /Times-Roman findfont 100 scalefont setfont .6 inch
8.3 inch translate 0.9 1.1 scale [1 0 1.2 1 0 0] concat 13 rotate 0 0
moveto 0 setgray (Quanta) show grestore .20 setgray newpath .5 inch
10.5 inch moveto 8 inch 10.5 inch lineto 8 inch .5 inch lineto .5 inch
.5 inch lineto closepath .2 inch setlinewidth stroke 1 setgray
/Times-Roman findfont 12 scalefont setfont .5 inch .45 inch moveto
(April 1990) show 8 inch .45 inch moveto (Vol. II Iss. 2) rshow
showpage restore
/TeXDict 200 dict def TeXDict begin /bdf{bind def}def /@rigin{72 Resolution
div 72 VResolution div neg scale translate}bdf /@letter{Resolution VResolution
-10 mul @rigin}bdf /@landscape{[0 1 -1 0 0 0]concat Resolution VResolution
@rigin}bdf /@a4{Resolution VResolution -10.6929133858 mul @rigin}bdf /@legal{
Resolution VResolution -13 mul @rigin}bdf /@manualfeed{statusdict /manualfeed
true put}bdf /@copies{/#copies exch def}bdf /@FontMatrix[1 0 0 -1 0 0]def
/@FontBBox[0 0 0 0]def /dmystr(ZZf@@@)def /newname{dmystr cvn}bdf /df{/maxcc
exch def /numcc exch def /fontname exch def dmystr 2 fontname cvx(@@@@)cvs
putinterval newname 8 dict def newname load begin /FontType 3 def /FontMatrix
@FontMatrix def /FontBBox @FontBBox def /BitMaps numcc array def /base maxcc
string def /BuildChar{CharBuilder}def /Encoding IdentityEncoding def end
fontname{/foo setfont}2 array copy cvx def fontname load 0 dmystr 6 string
copy cvn cvx put /ctr 0 def}bdf /dfe{newname dup load definefont setfont}bdf
/ch-image{ch-data 0 get dup type /stringtype ne{ctr get /ctr ctr 1 add def}if}
bdf /ch-width{ch-data 1 get}bdf /ch-height{ch-data 2 get}bdf /ch-xoff{ch-data
3 get}bdf /ch-yoff{ch-data 4 get}bdf /ch-dx{ch-data 5 get}bdf /ctr 0 def
/CharBuilder{save 3 1 roll exch dup /base get 2 index get exch /BitMaps get
exch get /ch-data exch def pop /ctr 0 def ch-data null ne{ch-dx 0 ch-xoff
ch-yoff neg ch-xoff ch-width add ch-height ch-yoff sub setcachedevice ch-width
ch-height true[1 0 0 -1 -.1 ch-xoff sub ch-height ch-yoff sub .1 add]{
ch-image}imagemask}if restore}bdf /dc{newname load dup /base get 3 2 roll ctr
put /BitMaps get exch ctr exch put /ctr ctr 1 add def}bdf /bop{gsave
/SaveImage save def 0 0 moveto}bdf /eop{clear SaveImage restore showpage
grestore}bdf /@start{/VResolution exch def /Resolution exch def
/IdentityEncoding 256 array def 0 1 255{IdentityEncoding exch 1 string dup 0 3
index put cvn put}for}bdf /p{show}bdf /RuleMatrix[1 0 0 -1 -.1 -.1]def
/BlackDots 8 string def /v{gsave currentpoint translate false RuleMatrix{
BlackDots}imagemask grestore}bdf /a{moveto}bdf /delta 0 def /tail{dup /delta
exch def 0 rmoveto}bdf /b{exch show tail}bdf /c{show delta 4 sub tail}bdf /d{
show delta 3 sub tail}bdf /e{show delta 2 sub tail}bdf /f{show delta 1 sub
tail}bdf /g{show delta 0 rmoveto}bdf /h{show delta 1 add tail}bdf /i{show
delta 2 add tail}bdf /j{show delta 3 add tail}bdf /k{show delta 4 add tail}
bdf /l{show -4 0 rmoveto}bdf /m{show -3 0 rmoveto}bdf /n{show -2 0 rmoveto}
bdf /o{show -1 0 rmoveto}bdf /q{show 1 0 rmoveto}bdf /r{show 2 0 rmoveto}bdf
/s{show 3 0 rmoveto}bdf /t{show 4 0 rmoveto}bdf /w{0 rmoveto}bdf /x{0 exch
rmoveto}bdf /y{3 2 roll show moveto}bdf /bos{/section save def}bdf /eos{clear
section restore}bdf end
TeXDict begin /rf{655360 div mul Resolution mul 7227 div /PixPerEm exch def
findfont dup length 1 add dict /newfont exch def{1 index /FID ne{newfont 3 1
roll put}{pop pop}ifelse}forall 256 dict begin newfont /Encoding get 0 1 255{
2 copy get 3 index 2 index get 1000 mul PixPerEm div def pop}for pop pop
newfont /Metrics currentdict put end /fontname exch def dmystr 2 fontname cvx
(@@@@)cvs putinterval newname dup newfont definefont[PixPerEm 0 0 PixPerEm neg
0 0]makefont def fontname{/foo setfont}2 array copy cvx def fontname load 0
dmystr 6 string copy cvn cvx put}bdf /ObliqueSlant{dup sin exch cos div neg}
bdf /SlantFont{/foo exch def[1 0 foo 1 0 0]TransFont}bdf /ExtendFont{/foo exch
def 3 2 roll[exch{foo div}forall]3 1 roll[foo 0 0 1 0 0]TransFont}bdf
/TransFont{exch findfont exch makefont dup length dict /newfont exch def{1
index /FID ne{newfont 3 1 roll put}{pop pop}ifelse}forall dup newfont
definefont pop}bdf end
TeXDict begin 300 300 @start bos /fa [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 17 22 35 35 55 42 14 21 21 24 36 17 21 17 17 35 35
35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 17 17 36 36 36 35 63 42 42 45 45 42 38 48 45 17 31 42
35 52 45 48 42 48 45 42 38 45 42 59 42 42 38 17 17 17 29 35 14 35 35 31 35 35
17 35 35 14 14 31 14 52 35 35 35 35 21 31 17 35 31 45 31 31 31 21 16 21 36 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 35 35 10 35
35 35 35 12 21 35 21 21 31 31 0 35 35 35 17 0 33 22 14 21 21 35 62 62 0 38 0
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
62 0 23 0 0 0 0 35 48 62 23 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 17 0 0 14 38 59 38 0 0 0 0 ]
/Helvetica 1000 983040 rf /fb [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 29 37 58 58 92 69 23 35 35 40 61 29 35 29 29 58 58 58 58
58 58 58 58 58 58 29 29 61 61 61 58 105 69 69 75 75 69 63 81 75 29 52 69 58 86
75 81 69 81 75 69 63 75 69 98 69 69 63 29 29 29 49 58 23 58 58 52 58 58 29 58
58 23 23 52 23 86 58 58 58 58 35 52 29 58 52 75 52 52 52 35 27 35 61 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 58 58 17 58 58 58
58 20 35 58 35 35 52 52 0 58 58 58 29 0 56 36 23 35 35 58 104 104 0 63 0 35 35
35 35 35 35 35 35 0 35 35 0 35 35 35 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 104 0
38 0 0 0 0 58 81 104 38 0 0 0 0 0 92 0 0 0 29 0 0 23 63 98 63 0 0 0 0 ]
/Helvetica 1000 1638400 rf /fc [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 15 21 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 21 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 12 12 21 21 21 19 31 25 25 25 27 25 25 27 29 15 19 25 23 33 27
27 23 27 25 21 23 27 25 33 25 23 23 12 10 12 21 19 12 19 19 17 19 17 12 19 21
10 10 19 10 29 21 19 19 19 15 15 10 21 17 25 19 17 15 13 8 13 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19 19
10 19 19 12 12 21 21 0 19 19 19 9 0 19 13 12 19 19 19 37 37 0 19 0 12 12 12 12
12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 0 10 0 0
0 0 23 27 35 11 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 27 19 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-BoldItalic 1000 589824 rf /fd 1 98 df[<00200000700000700000700000B80000
B80000B800011C00011C00011C00020E00020E0004070004070007FF0008038008038008038018
01C03803C0FE0FF8>21 21 1 0 25]97 dc dfe /fe [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 28 10 14 10
12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 28 28 28 21 38 25 25 28 30 25 25 30 30
14 18 28 23 35 28 30 25 30 25 21 23 30 25 35 25 23 23 16 12 16 18 21 14 21 21
18 21 18 12 21 21 12 12 18 12 30 21 21 21 21 16 16 12 21 18 28 18 18 16 17 11
17 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16
21 21 7 21 21 21 21 9 23 21 14 14 21 21 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 23 23 21 37
42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0 23 30 39 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 28 21 0
0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic 1000 655360 rf /ff [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 15 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 21 9 12 9 10 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 10 10 21 21 21 17 34 27 25 25 27 23 21 27 27 12 15 27
23 33 27 27 21 27 25 21 23 27 27 35 27 27 23 12 10 12 18 19 12 17 19 17 19 17
12 19 19 10 10 19 10 29 19 19 19 19 12 15 10 19 19 27 19 19 17 18 7 18 20 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 19 19 6 19
19 19 19 7 17 19 12 12 21 21 0 19 19 19 9 0 17 13 12 17 17 19 37 37 0 17 0 12
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33
0 10 0 0 0 0 23 27 33 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 27 19 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 589824 rf /fg [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 23 10 14 10 12 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 12 12 23 23 23 18 38 30 28 28 30 25 23 30 30 14 16 30 25
37 30 30 23 30 28 23 25 30 30 39 30 30 25 14 12 14 19 21 14 18 21 18 21 18 14
21 21 12 12 21 12 32 21 21 21 21 14 16 12 21 21 30 21 21 18 20 8 20 22 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21
21 21 7 18 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 19 15 14 18 18 21 42 42 0 18 0 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0
11 0 0 0 0 25 30 37 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 655360 rf /fh [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 23 21 21 42 35 14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 39 30 28 30 30 28 25 32 32 16 21 32 28
39 30 32 25 32 30 23 28 30 30 42 30 30 28 14 12 14 24 21 14 21 23 18 23 18 14
21 23 12 14 23 12 35 23 21 23 23 18 16 14 23 21 30 21 21 18 16 9 16 22 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21
21 21 12 21 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21 0 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42
0 12 0 0 0 0 28 32 42 14 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 23 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Bold 1000 655360 rf /fi [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 25 31 31 52 48 21 21 21 31 35 16 21 16 17 31 31 31 31
31 31 31 31 31 31 17 17 35 35 35 28 57 45 42 42 45 38 35 45 45 21 24 45 38 55
45 45 35 45 42 35 38 45 45 59 45 45 38 21 17 21 29 31 21 28 31 28 31 28 21 31
31 17 17 31 17 48 31 31 31 31 21 24 17 31 31 45 31 31 28 30 12 30 34 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 31 31 10 31 31 31
31 11 28 31 21 21 35 35 0 31 31 31 16 0 28 22 21 28 28 31 62 62 0 28 0 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 0
17 0 0 0 0 38 45 55 19 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 31 45 31 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 983040 rf /fj [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 16 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 25 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 19 12 12 25 25 25 19 34 23 23 25 27 23 23 27 27 12 17 25 21 31
25 27 23 27 23 19 21 27 23 31 23 21 21 15 10 15 16 19 12 19 19 17 19 17 10 19
19 10 10 17 10 27 19 19 19 19 15 15 10 19 17 25 17 17 15 15 10 15 20 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19
19 8 21 19 12 12 19 19 0 19 19 19 9 0 20 13 12 21 21 19 33 37 0 19 0 12 12 12
12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0
0 0 0 21 27 35 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 25 19 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Italic 1000 589824 rf /fk [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 28 34 42 42 69 65 28 28 28 42 47 21 28 21 23 42 42 42
42 42 42 42 42 42 42 23 23 47 47 47 37 76 60 55 55 60 51 46 60 60 28 32 60 51
74 60 60 46 60 55 46 51 60 60 78 60 60 51 28 23 28 39 42 28 37 42 37 42 37 28
42 42 23 23 42 23 65 42 42 42 42 28 32 23 42 42 60 42 42 37 40 17 40 45 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 42 42 14 42
42 42 42 15 37 42 28 28 46 46 0 42 42 42 21 0 38 29 28 37 37 42 83 83 0 37 0
28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 0 28 28 0 28 28 28 83 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
74 0 23 0 0 0 0 51 60 74 26 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 23 0 0 23 42 60 42 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 1310720 rf end
 TeXDict begin @letter
 bop 377 0 a fk(Contents)-75 52 y 1200 2 v 39 x fj(April,)9 b(1990)757 b(Volu\
me)9 b(II,)h(Issue)e(2)-75 112 y 1200 2 v 421 304 a fi(Articles)-75 474 y fh
(Looking)h(Ahead)-75 524 y fg(Page)i(2)734 b(Daniel)10 b(K.)h(Appelquist)-75
664 y fh(Life)f(on)g(Ice)-75 714 y fg(Page)h(3)889 b(Craig)9 b(Levin)414 919 y
fi(Novellas)-75 1089 y fh(The)i(Babysitters)-75 1138 y fg(Page)g(24)861 b(Fay\
e)11 b(Levine)362 1344 y fi(Short)k(Fiction)-75 1513 y fh(Celestial)10 b(Eart\
hmovers)-75 1563 y fg(Page)h(5)875 b(Phillip)8 b(Nolte)-75 1703 y fh(Sexy's)i
(Devils)-75 1753 y fg(Page)h(12)833 b(Cerise)10 b(Palmer)-75 1893 y fh(Sharp)
h(and)f(Silver)g(Beings)-75 1942 y fg(Page)h(15)879 b(Jason)11 b(Snell)-75
2082 y fh(Fair)f(Play)-75 2132 y fg(Page)h(44)738 b(Kenneth)10 b(A.)h(Kousen)
-75 2272 y fh(Being)f(There)-75 2322 y fg(Page)h(48)720 b(Christopher)8 b(Kem\
pke)444 2527 y fi(Poetry)-75 2697 y fh(The)j(Painted)f(Viper)h(Cries)-75 2746
y fg(Page)g(43)803 b(Albert)9 b(L.)j(Evans)1589 -14 y fi(Staff)1275 60 y fg
(Daniel)e(K.)h(Appelquist)1565 110 y fh(Editor/Technical)e(Director)1275 172 y
fg(Norman)h(S.)h(Murray)1694 222 y fh(Editorial)e(Assistant)1275 285 y fg(Mat\
thew)h(Sorrels)1808 334 y fh(Proofreader)1275 397 y fg(Jay)h(Laefer)1590 446 y
fh(Additional)e(Proofreading)1275 509 y fg(Daniel)h(Fahs)1803 558 y fh(Cover)
g(Artist)1275 658 y fj(Quanta)i ff(is)h(Copyright)f(1990)g(Daniel)g(K.)i(Appe\
lquist.)1275 708 y(This)6 b(magazine)f(may)g(be)h(archived,)g(reproduced)f
(and/or)1275 758 y(distributed)10 b(under)g(the)g(condition)g(that)g(it)h(is)
g(left)g(intact)1275 808 y(and)i(that)i(no)e(additions)g(or)i(changes)c(are)j
(made)g(to)g(it.)1275 857 y(The)k(individual)g(works)f(within)i(this)g(magazi\
ne)d(are)1275 907 y(the)10 b(sole)g(property)g(of)h(their)g(respective)e(auth\
or\(s\).)k(No)1275 957 y(further)8 b(use)e(of)h(their)g(works)g(is)g(permitte\
d)g(without)h(their)1275 1007 y(explicit)h(consent.)1275 1082 y(All)j(stories)
e(in)h(this)g(magazine)e(are)i(fiction.)k(No)c(actual)1275 1131 y(persons)d
(are)i(designated)d(by)j(name)e(or)i(character.)h(Any)1275 1181 y(similarity)
g(is)e(coincidental.)1275 1256 y(All)17 b(submissions,)e(requests)f(for)j(sub\
mission)d(guide-)1275 1306 y(lines,)c(requests)f(for)h(back)f(issues,)g(queri\
es)g(concerning)1275 1355 y(subscriptions,)18 b(letters,)j(comments)16 b(or)h
(other)h(corre-)1275 1405 y(spondence)5 b(should)h(be)h(sent)g(to)h(the)f(fol\
lowing)i(address:)1422 1468 y fe(quanta+@andrew.cmu.edu)1275 1542 y fj(Quanta)
k ff(is)h(produced)f(using)g(the)h fg(L)1759 1536 y fd(a)1778 1542 y fg(T)
1796 1555 y(E)1817 1542 y(X)g ff(typesetting)1275 1592 y(system)1275 1876 y
750 2 v 1599 1917 a fg(Cover)1275 1992 y ff(The)f(cover)g(illustration)h(depi\
cts)f(a)g(scene)f(from)i(Faye)1275 2041 y(Levine's)8 b(story)h fj(The)g(Babys\
itters)p ff(.)1275 2116 y fj(Danny)21 b(Fahs)g(is)h(a)g(junior)g(illustration)
g(major)g(at)1275 2166 y(Carnegie)d(Mellon)i(University.)43 b(Among)20 b(his)
h(cur-)1275 2216 y(rent)8 b(endeavors)d(are)j(drawing)f(his)i(long-running)d
(strip)1275 2266 y(``Warped)i(Imagination'',)h(in)g(the)f(school)g(newspaper;)
1275 2315 y(collaborating)j(with)h(a)g(friend)g(on)f(a)h(new)g(strip)g(called)
1275 2365 y(``McCloud'',)17 b(and)d(plotting)h(&)f(drawing)f(``Razel)i(&)1275
2415 y(Zag'')c(which)g(he)f(hopes)g(to)h(turn)g(into)g(``Something)g(or)1275
2465 y(Other''.)k(His)d(hobbies)d(include)h(reading)g(SF,)h(collect-)1275 2515
y(ing)17 b(comics,)g(``doing)g(stuff)g(with)g(computers'',)h(and)1275 2564 y
(making)c(mushy)f(advances)f(on)i(a)h(certain)e(authoress.)1275 2614 y(This)e
(bio-blurb)g(was)h(written)f(for)h(him)g(because)d(``I'm)1275 2664 y(not)g
(a)g(writer.'')1275 2726 y fc(df1n+@andrew.cmu.edu)1275 2749 y 750 2 v eop eos
end TeXDict begin 300 300 @start bos /fd [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 13 21 21 33 25 8 12 12 15 22 10 12 10 10 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 10 10 22 22 22 21 38 25 25 27 27 25 23 29 27 10 19
25 21 31 27 29 25 29 27 25 23 27 25 35 25 25 23 10 10 10 18 21 8 21 21 19 21
21 10 21 21 8 8 19 8 31 21 21 21 21 12 19 10 21 19 27 19 19 19 12 10 12 22 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 21 21 6 21
21 21 21 7 12 21 12 12 19 19 0 21 21 21 10 0 20 13 8 12 12 21 37 37 0 23 0 12
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37
0 14 0 0 0 0 21 29 37 14 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 10 0 0 8 23 35 23 0 0 0 0 ]
/Helvetica 1000 589824 rf /fe 1 47 df[<60F0F060>4 4 4 0 12]46 dc dfe /ff [ 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 17 22 35 35 55
42 14 21 21 24 36 17 21 17 17 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 17 17 36 36 36 35
63 42 42 45 45 42 38 48 45 17 31 42 35 52 45 48 42 48 45 42 38 45 42 59 42 42
38 17 17 17 29 35 14 35 35 31 35 35 17 35 35 14 14 31 14 52 35 35 35 35 21 31
17 35 31 45 31 31 31 21 16 21 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 35 35 10 35 35 35 35 12 21 35 21 21 31 31 0 35 35 35
17 0 33 22 14 21 21 35 62 62 0 38 0 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21
62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 0 23 0 0 0 0 35 48 62 23 0 0 0 0 0 55 0
0 0 17 0 0 14 38 59 38 0 0 0 0 ] /Helvetica 1000 983040 rf /fg [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 29 37 58 58 92 69 23 35
35 40 61 29 35 29 29 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 29 29 61 61 61 58 105 69 69
75 75 69 63 81 75 29 52 69 58 86 75 81 69 81 75 69 63 75 69 98 69 69 63 29 29
29 49 58 23 58 58 52 58 58 29 58 58 23 23 52 23 86 58 58 58 58 35 52 29 58 52
75 52 52 52 35 27 35 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 58 58 17 58 58 58 58 20 35 58 35 35 52 52 0 58 58 58 29 0 56
36 23 35 35 58 104 104 0 63 0 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 0 35 35 0 35 35 35 104 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 104 0 38 0 0 0 0 58 81 104 38 0 0 0 0 0 92 0 0 0
29 0 0 23 63 98 63 0 0 0 0 ] /Helvetica 1000 1638400 rf /fh [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14
21 28 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 28 28 28 21 38 25 25 28
30 25 25 30 30 14 18 28 23 35 28 30 25 30 25 21 23 30 25 35 25 23 23 16 12 16
18 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 12 21 21 12 12 18 12 30 21 21 21 21 16 16 12 21 18 28
18 18 16 17 11 17 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 9 23 21 14 14 21 21 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14
23 23 21 37 42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 37 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0 23 30 39 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12
21 28 21 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic 1000 655360 rf /fi [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 15 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 21 9
12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 10 10 21 21 21 17 34 27 25 25 27 23 21
27 27 12 15 27 23 33 27 27 21 27 25 21 23 27 27 35 27 27 23 12 10 12 18 19 12
17 19 17 19 17 12 19 19 10 10 19 10 29 19 19 19 19 12 15 10 19 19 27 19 19 17
18 7 18 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 19 19 6 19 19 19 19 7 17 19 12 12 21 21 0 19 19 19 9 0 17 13 12 17 17 19 37
37 0 17 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0 0 0 0 23 27 33 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 27 19 0
0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 589824 rf /fj [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 23 10 14 10 12 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 12 12 23 23 23 18 38 30 28 28 30 25 23 30 30 14 16
30 25 37 30 30 23 30 28 23 25 30 30 39 30 30 25 14 12 14 19 21 14 18 21 18 21
18 14 21 21 12 12 21 12 32 21 21 21 21 14 16 12 21 21 30 21 21 18 20 8 20 22 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7
21 21 21 21 7 18 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 19 15 14 18 18 21 42 42 0 18 0
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
37 0 11 0 0 0 0 25 30 37 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 655360 rf /fk [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 23 21 21 42 35 14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 39 30 28 30 30 28 25 32 32 16 21 32 28
39 30 32 25 32 30 23 28 30 30 42 30 30 28 14 12 14 24 21 14 21 23 18 23 18 14
21 23 12 14 23 12 35 23 21 23 23 18 16 14 23 21 30 21 21 18 16 9 16 22 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21
21 21 12 21 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21 0 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42
0 12 0 0 0 0 28 32 42 14 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 23 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Bold 1000 655360 rf /fl [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 25 31 31 52 48 21 21 21 31 35 16 21 16 17 31 31 31 31
31 31 31 31 31 31 17 17 35 35 35 28 57 45 42 42 45 38 35 45 45 21 24 45 38 55
45 45 35 45 42 35 38 45 45 59 45 45 38 21 17 21 29 31 21 28 31 28 31 28 21 31
31 17 17 31 17 48 31 31 31 31 21 24 17 31 31 45 31 31 28 30 12 30 34 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 31 31 10 31 31 31
31 11 28 31 21 21 35 35 0 31 31 31 16 0 28 22 21 28 28 31 62 62 0 28 0 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 0
17 0 0 0 0 38 45 55 19 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 31 45 31 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 983040 rf /fm [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 16 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 25 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 19 12 12 25 25 25 19 34 23 23 25 27 23 23 27 27 12 17 25 21 31
25 27 23 27 23 19 21 27 23 31 23 21 21 15 10 15 16 19 12 19 19 17 19 17 10 19
19 10 10 17 10 27 19 19 19 19 15 15 10 19 17 25 17 17 15 15 10 15 20 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19
19 8 21 19 12 12 19 19 0 19 19 19 9 0 20 13 12 21 21 19 33 37 0 19 0 12 12 12
12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0
0 0 0 21 27 35 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 25 19 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Italic 1000 589824 rf end
 TeXDict begin @letter
 bop -75 -160 a fm(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 105 x fg
(Looking)27 b(Ahead)-75 171 y ff(Daniel)16 b(K.)h(Appelquist)-75 216 y 2100 2
v -33 270 a fj(Some)8 b(good)f(news)h(for)f(those)h(of)f(you)g(in)g(search)i
(of)f(back)g(issues)p fe(.)f(.)g(.)-75 320 y fj(There)g(is)g(now)g(an)g(anony\
mous)g(FTP)g(server)g(for)g fh(Quanta)g fj(back)g(issues.)-75 370 y(It)h(exis\
ts)f(at)h(the)g(address)h fh(fed.expres.cs.cmu.e)q(du)h fj(\()p fh(128.2.209.\
58)p fj(\).)f(It)-75 420 y(contains)g(all)h(back)g(issues)h(\(including)c(thi\
s)i(one\))h(in)g(both)f(PostScript)-75 470 y(and)16 b(Ascii)f(format.)26 b
(The)16 b(relevant)f(directories)g(are)h fh(/quanta/ascii)-75 519 y fj(and)11
b fh(/quanta/postscript)p fj(.)g(I)g(believe)g(this)g(service)h(should)e(be)i
(useful)-75 569 y(to)f(both)f(Internet)g(and)i(Bitnet)e(users)h(\(the)g(latte\
r)g(can)h(access)h(the)f(site)-75 619 y(via)e(BitFTP)g(servers\))-33 669 y
(Well,)19 b(as)g(you)e(may)h(have)g(noticed,)i(this)d(issue)h(is)f(a)h(bit)f
(long.)-75 719 y(This)f(may)h(be)f(partially)f(due)h(to)f(Faye)i(Levine's)g
(new)f(story,)h fh(The)-75 769 y(Babysitters)p fj(,)22 b(a)f(scene)g(from)e
(which)g(is)h(featured)g(on)f(the)h(cover.)-75 818 y(I'm)14 b(excited)f(about)
g(Faye's)i(material)e(but)g(if)g(her)h(story)e(size)j(keeps)-75 868 y(growing)
9 b(at)h(its)g(current)g(rate,)h(we'll)e(have)i(to)f(rename)h(the)f(magazine)
-75 918 y fh(Faye)18 b(Levine)f(Quarterly)p fj(!)28 b(At)17 b(any)f(rate,)j
(Faye)e(wants)g(people)f(to)-75 968 y(know)e(that)h(this)f(story)g(takes)h
(place)h(some)g(years)f(after)g(the)g(events)-75 1018 y(in)g fh(One)p fj(,)j
(her)e(story)f(from)h(last)f(issue,)j(but)d(eighteen)h(years)g(before)-75 1067
y fh(Dinner)8 b(at)g(Nestrosa's)p fj(,)h(the)f(excerpt)g(from)h(her)f(yet-to-\
be-published)-75 1117 y(novel)k fh(Revolution)g fj(which)h(we)g(published)f
(in)g(our)h(December)h(issue)-75 1167 y(of)c(last)g(year.)-33 1217 y(We)d(rea\
lly)g(have)g(a)h(block-buster)e(lineup)g(this)g(issue.)k(Jason)d(Snell's)-75
1267 y(story)14 b fh(Sharp)g(and)h(Silver)g(Beings)g fj(for)f(one.)25 b(You)
14 b(may)i(remember)-75 1317 y(Jason's)g(story)e fh(Into)g(Gray)i fj(which)e
(appeared)j(in)d(the)h(first)f(issue)i(of)-75 1366 y fh(Quanta)d fj(as)j(well)
e(as)i(his)e(article)g fh(Cyberpunk's)h(a)g(Label)f(Like)i(Any)-75 1416 y(Oth\
er)c fj(from)g(last)g(issue.)17 b(We)c(also)f(have)h(a)f fh(Quanta)f fj(first\
:)i(a)g(sequel.)-75 1466 y(Specifically,)h(a)g(sequel)g(to)f(Christopher)f
(Kempke's)i(very)f(popular)-75 1516 y(story)7 b fh(Going)g(Places)p fj(,)j
(published)d(in)g(the)h(first)f(issue.)k(Craig)c(Levin,)i(in)-75 1566 y(his)j
(semi-regular)h(science)h(column,)f(brings)e(us)i(some)g(information)-75 1615
y(and)h(speculation)e(on)i(the)f(existence)h(of)f(extra-terrestrial)g(life)g
(right)-75 1665 y(here)c(in)e(our)g(own)h(solar)g(system.)i(We)f(also)f(have)
h(several)f(newcomers)-75 1715 y(this)j(issue.)16 b(Cerise)c(Palmer,)i(Philli\
p)c(Nolte,)i(and)g(Kenneth)f(Kousen)-75 1765 y(all)g(have)i(donated)e(excelle\
nt)h(stories)f(and)h(I)f(hope)h(they)f(continue)g(to)-75 1815 y(do)k(so.)24 b
(I)15 b(also)g(hope)g(to)f(see)i(more)g(work)e(from)h(new)g(faces)h(in)f(the)
-75 1864 y(future.)f(If)d(you)g(have)h(a)h(story)d(you'd)h(like)g(to)g(submit\
,)g(send)h(it)f(along)-75 1914 y(to)f(me.)-33 1964 y(Speaking)16 b(of)g(first\
s,)i(we)g(have)f(another)f(one)h(in)f(this)g(issue:)23 b(A)-75 2014 y(cover)9
b(illustration.)f(My)g(thanks)h(to)f(Danny)h(Fahs)g(for)g(drawing)f(it)g(and)
-75 2064 y(donating)j(it.)16 b(Cover)11 b(illustrations)f(will)h(\(obviously\
\))f(raise)j(the)f(size)-75 2114 y(of)j(the)g(PostScript)f(edition)g(somewhat)
i(but)e(I)h(think)f(it's)h(worth)f(it.)-75 2163 y(Incidentally,)f(if)f(you'd)
g(like)g(to)h(do)g(a)g(cover)h(for)e(Quanta,)i(send)g(me)-75 2213 y(mail.)22 b
(I'd)14 b(like)f(to)h(have)g(different)f(artists')h(work)f(grace)i(the)f(cove\
r)-75 2263 y(every)d(issue.)-33 2313 y(You)d(may)h(be)g(noticing)d(the)j(spec\
ific)g(lack)f(of)h(a)g(sequel)g(to)e(Thomas)-75 2363 y(Hand's)j fh(Ice)h(Ball)
e fj(from)g(last)h(issue.)h(Not)e(to)g(worry!)g(We'll)h(be)g(seeing)-75 2412 y
(more)h(of)f(Teri's)g(adventures)g(in)g(issues)h(to)e(come.)-33 2462 y(At)17 b
(this)g(point,)h(I'd)g(like)f(to)g(ask)h(all)g(of)f(you)g(some)i(questions.)
-75 2512 y(Specifically,)12 b(I'd)g(like)f(to)g(poll)g(all)h(of)f(you)h(about)
f(your)g(feelings)h(on)-75 2562 y fh(Quanta)p fj(.)e(If)g(you)g(have)h(a)g
(second,)g(answer)g(the)f(following)e(questions)-75 2612 y(and)h(send)f(your)
g(answers)i(back)f(to)f(me.)j(Be)e(sure)g(to)f(include)f(the)i(word)-75 2661 y
(``poll'')f(in)i(your)f(subject)h(header.)1385 271 y fl(Reader)k(Poll)996 346
y fj(1.)f(How)g(much)h(interest)e(do)h(you)g(have)h(in)e(the)h(non-fiction)e
(articles)996 395 y(appearing)f(in)f fh(Quanta)p fj(?)1037 458 y(\267)h(None)
1037 508 y(\267)g(Some)1037 557 y(\267)g(Love)h('em)996 632 y(2.)f(How)g(woul\
d)f(you)h(rate)h(the)f(overall)g(quality)e(of)i fh(Quanta)p fj(?)1037 694 y
(\267)g(Bad)1037 744 y(\267)g(It's)g(Mediocre)1037 794 y(\267)g(It's)g(good)
1037 844 y(\267)g(It's)g(excellent!)996 919 y(3.)i(Of)f(the)h(issues)f(you've)
g(read)i(so)e(far)h(\(including)d(this)i(one\))h(which)996 968 y(issue)e(of)g
fh(Quanta)f fj(would)g(you)h(say)h(is)f(your)f(favorite?)1037 1031 y(\267)h
(#1)1037 1080 y(\267)g(#2)1037 1130 y(\267)g(#3)1037 1180 y(\267)g(#4)1037
1230 y(\267)g(Can't)g(say)h(for)e(sure.)996 1305 y(4.)i(What)g(has)g(been)g
(your)f(favorite)g(piece)i(\(Story,)e(Poem)h(or)g(Article\))996 1354 y(so)f
(far?)996 1429 y(5.)16 b(What)g(has)g(been)h(your)e(least)h(favorite)f(piece)
i(\(Story,)g(Poem)f(or)996 1479 y(Article\))9 b(so)i(far?)996 1554 y(6.)f(Wha\
t)h(would)e(you)g(like)h(to)g(see)h(more)g(of?)996 1628 y(7.)f(What)h(would)e
(you)g(like)h(to)g(see)h(less)g(of?)996 1703 y(8.)g(Do)g(you)g(have)g(any)g
(suggestions)f(concerning)h(the)g(typesetting)e(of)996 1753 y(the)h(magazine?)
996 1828 y(9.)g(Any)g(other)g(comments/complaints.)1037 1927 y(I'll)e(be)h
(waiting)f(to)g(hear)i(your)e(comments.)j(Feel)f(free)f(to)g(elaborate)996
1977 y(on)f(your)h(answers.)i(If)d(you)h(have)g(ANY)g(comment)h(on)f fh(Quant\
a)e fj(you'd)996 2027 y(like)13 b(me)h(to)f(hear,)i(don't)d(hesitate)h(to)g
(send)h(it)e(along.)20 b(I'd)12 b(like)h(very)996 2077 y(much)e(initiate)f
(a)h(letters)g(column)f(next)h(issue,)g(but)g(to)f(do)h(this)f(I)h(need)996
2126 y(letters!)1037 2176 y(One)18 b(last)e(note.)31 b(If)17 b(you're)f(not)h
(going)e(to)i(be)g(able)h(to)e(receive)996 2226 y fh(Quanta)11 b fj(during)g
(the)i(summer)h(and)f(you'd)e(like)h(me)i(to)e(temporarily)996 2276 y(cancel)
17 b(your)f(subscription)e(and)i(then)g(reinstate)g(it)g(for)f(next)h(year,)
996 2326 y(drop)c(me)i(a)f(line.)18 b(I)13 b(don't)e(want)i(to)f(be)h(sending)
g fh(Quanta)e fj(to)h(people)996 2376 y(who)e(aren't)g(going)f(to)g(be)i(ther\
e)f(to)g(receive)h(it.)1037 2425 y(Enough)f(ramblings)f(from)h(me.)i(Enjoy)d
(this)h(issue)g(of)g fh(Quanta)p fj(.)966 2918 y fm(2)p eop eos end TeXDict
begin 300 300 @start bos /fa [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 16 23 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 35 28 28 28 30 28 28 30 32 16 21 28 25 37 30
30 25 30 28 23 25 30 28 37 28 25 25 14 12 14 24 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 14 21 23
12 12 21 12 32 23 21 21 21 16 16 12 23 18 28 21 18 16 14 9 14 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21 21
12 21 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 21 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21 0 14 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 0 11 0
0 0 0 25 30 39 12 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-BoldItalic 1000 655360 rf /fb 1 50 df[<0C003C00CC000C000C000C000C000C00
0C000C000C000C000C000C000C00FF80>9 16 2 0 15]49 dc dfe /fc 1 50 df[<0C001C00EC
000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C000C00FFC0>10 19 3 0
17]49 dc dfe /fd 1 14 df[<0003FE0000000FFF8000003C01E00000F000780001C0001C0003
0000060006000003000C0000018018000000C018000000C0300000006030000000606000000030
60000000306000000030C000000018C000000018C000000018C000000018C000000018C0000000
18C000000018C000000018C0000000186000000030600000003060000000303000000060300000
006018000000C018000000C00C000001800600000300030000060001C0001C0000F0007800003C
01E000000FFF80000003FE0000>37 39 2 9 42]13 dc dfe /fe [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 13 21 21 33 25 8 12 12 15 22
10 12 10 10 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 10 10 22 22 22 21 38 25 25 27 27 25
23 29 27 10 19 25 21 31 27 29 25 29 27 25 23 27 25 35 25 25 23 10 10 10 18 21
8 21 21 19 21 21 10 21 21 8 8 19 8 31 21 21 21 21 12 19 10 21 19 27 19 19 19
12 10 12 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 12 21 21 6 21 21 21 21 7 12 21 12 12 19 19 0 21 21 21 10 0 20 13 8 12 12 21
37 37 0 23 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 14 0 0 0 0 21 29 37 14 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 10 0 0 8 23 35 23 0
0 0 0 ] /Helvetica 1000 589824 rf /ff 1 47 df[<60F0F060>4 4 4 0 12]46 dc dfe
/fg [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 17 22
35 35 55 42 14 21 21 24 36 17 21 17 17 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 17 17 36
36 36 35 63 42 42 45 45 42 38 48 45 17 31 42 35 52 45 48 42 48 45 42 38 45 42
59 42 42 38 17 17 17 29 35 14 35 35 31 35 35 17 35 35 14 14 31 14 52 35 35 35
35 21 31 17 35 31 45 31 31 31 21 16 21 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 35 35 10 35 35 35 35 12 21 35 21 21 31 31 0
35 35 35 17 0 33 22 14 21 21 35 62 62 0 38 0 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0
21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 0 23 0 0 0 0 35 48 62 23 0 0 0
0 0 55 0 0 0 17 0 0 14 38 59 38 0 0 0 0 ] /Helvetica 1000 983040 rf /fh [ 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 29 37 58 58 92
69 23 35 35 40 61 29 35 29 29 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 29 29 61 61 61 58
105 69 69 75 75 69 63 81 75 29 52 69 58 86 75 81 69 81 75 69 63 75 69 98 69 69
63 29 29 29 49 58 23 58 58 52 58 58 29 58 58 23 23 52 23 86 58 58 58 58 35 52
29 58 52 75 52 52 52 35 27 35 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 58 58 17 58 58 58 58 20 35 58 35 35 52 52 0 58 58 58
29 0 56 36 23 35 35 58 104 104 0 63 0 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 0 35 35 0 35 35
35 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 104 0 38 0 0 0 0 58 81 104 38 0 0 0 0 0
92 0 0 0 29 0 0 23 63 98 63 0 0 0 0 ] /Helvetica 1000 1638400 rf /fi [ 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32
14 14 14 21 28 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 28 28 28 21 38
25 25 28 30 25 25 30 30 14 18 28 23 35 28 30 25 30 25 21 23 30 25 35 25 23 23
16 12 16 18 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 12 21 21 12 12 18 12 30 21 21 21 21 16 16 12
21 18 28 18 18 16 17 11 17 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 9 23 21 14 14 21 21 0 21 21 21 10 0
22 15 14 23 23 21 37 42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 37 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0 23 30 39 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0
12 0 0 12 21 28 21 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic 1000 655360 rf /fj [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 15 19 19 31 29 12 12 12
19 21 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 10 10 21 21 21 17 34 27 25 25 27
23 21 27 27 12 15 27 23 33 27 27 21 27 25 21 23 27 27 35 27 27 23 12 10 12 18
19 12 17 19 17 19 17 12 19 19 10 10 19 10 29 19 19 19 19 12 15 10 19 19 27 19
19 17 18 7 18 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 12 19 19 6 19 19 19 19 7 17 19 12 12 21 21 0 19 19 19 9 0 17 13 12 17 17
19 37 37 0 17 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0 0 0 0 23 27 33 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 27
19 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 589824 rf /fk [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 23 10 14 10
12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 12 12 23 23 23 18 38 30 28 28 30 25 23 30 30
14 16 30 25 37 30 30 23 30 28 23 25 30 30 39 30 30 25 14 12 14 19 21 14 18 21
18 21 18 14 21 21 12 12 21 12 32 21 21 21 21 14 16 12 21 21 30 21 21 18 20 8
20 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14
21 21 7 21 21 21 21 7 18 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 19 15 14 18 18 21 42
42 0 18 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0 25 30 37 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0
0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 655360 rf /fl [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 23 21 21 42 35 14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 39 30 28 30 30 28 25 32 32 16 21
32 28 39 30 32 25 32 30 23 28 30 30 42 30 30 28 14 12 14 24 21 14 21 23 18 23
18 14 21 23 12 14 23 12 35 23 21 23 23 18 16 14 23 21 30 21 21 18 16 9 16 22 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7
21 21 21 21 12 21 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21
0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 42 0 12 0 0 0 0 28 32 42 14 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 23 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Bold 1000 655360 rf /fm [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 16 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 25 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 12 12 25 25 25 19 34 23 23 25 27 23 23 27 27 12 17 25 21 31 25
27 23 27 23 19 21 27 23 31 23 21 21 15 10 15 16 19 12 19 19 17 19 17 10 19 19
10 10 17 10 27 19 19 19 19 15 15 10 19 17 25 17 17 15 15 10 15 20 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19 19
8 21 19 12 12 19 19 0 19 19 19 9 0 20 13 12 21 21 19 33 37 0 19 0 12 12 12 12
12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0 0
0 0 21 27 35 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 25 19 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic
1000 589824 rf end
 TeXDict begin @letter
 bop -75 -160 a fm(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 107 x fh
(Life)28 b(on)g(Ice)-75 126 y fg(The)17 b(Possibility)f(of)h(Life)g(on)f(Euro\
pa)f(and)h(Enceladus)-75 240 y(Craig)g(Levin)-75 314 y fe(Copyright)96 313 y
fk(c)85 314 y fd(\015)o fe(1990)-75 354 y 2100 2 v 306 408 a fl(I:)11 b(Intro\
duction)-33 493 y fk(The)20 b(search)h(for)e(extra-terrestrial)g(life)g(has)h
(been)g(one)g(of)g(the)-75 542 y(major)15 b(driving)d(forces)k(of)e(planetolo\
gy.)22 b(Many)15 b(of)f(planetology's)-75 592 y(major)d(figures,)f(from)h(Sir)
f(William)g(Herschel,)i(to)e(Percival)h(Lowell,)-75 642 y(even)h(up)f(to)f
(Carl)h(Sagan,)i(have)e(believed)g(in)g(a)h(plurality)d(of)i(worlds.)-75 692 y
(Yet,)j(despite)e(the)h(optimism)f(of)h(all)f(the)h(searchers,)i(not)d(one)h
(of)g(the)-75 742 y(terrestrial)8 b(planets)h(have)h(been)f(found)f(to)h(harb\
or)f(life,)h(save)h(our)f(own)-75 792 y(planet)h(Earth.)-33 846 y(Yet)i(the)g
(possibilities)e(for)i(life)f(elsewhere)j(in)d(our)h(Solar)g(System)-75 896 y
(have)i(been)g(poorly)e(explored.)20 b(In)13 b(the)g(sixties,)h(Carl)f(Sagan)
h(postu-)-75 946 y(lated)g(the)f(existence)h(of)g(life)f(under)g(and)h(among)
g(Jupiter's)e(clouds.)-75 996 y(Unfortunately,)7 b(the)i(proposal)e(seemed)j
(to)e(lack)h(merit)f(when)h(it)f(came)-75 1045 y(time)i(to)f(design)g(Galileo\
's)g(atmospheric)g(probe.)h(However,)h(it)e(is)g(not)-75 1095 y(Jupiter,)j
(nor)g(is)g(it)f(any)h(of)g(the)g(other)f(Jovian)h(planets)g(that)f(I)h(belie\
ve)-75 1145 y(to)d(be)h(the)f(abode)h(of)f(fellow)g(creatures,)i(but)e(instea\
d,)g(two)g(of)h(the)f(ice-)-75 1195 y(moons)j(I)f(wrote)g(about)h(in)f(my)h
(March)g(1990)f(article)g(in)g(the)h(EJASA)-75 1245 y(entitled)i(``Ice)h(Moon\
s)f(of)h(the)g(Jovian)f(Worlds'':)19 b(Enceladus)c(and)-75 1294 y(Europa.)-33
1349 y(In)c(this)f(article)i(I)f(will)f(first)h(describe)h(what)f(life)g(need)
h(in)f(order)g(to)-75 1399 y(get)g(started)g(on)g(a)h(world.)h(Next,)e(I)h
(will)e(describe)h(the)g(conditions)f(on)-75 1449 y(Europa)k(and)g(Enceladus)
h(in)f(both)f(the)h(past)g(and)h(present.)22 b(Finally,)-75 1498 y(I)e(will)f
(compare)j(the)e(five)g(described)g(conditions,)h(and)g(thereby)-75 1548 y
(discover)10 b(if,)g(indeed,)g(Enceladus)h(and)f(Europa)g(are)h(harbors)f(for)
g(life,)-75 1598 y(or)g(dead)h(lumps)f(of)g(ices.)134 1713 y fl(II:)h(Conditi\
ons)e(for)h(the)h(Birth)f(of)g(Life)-33 1797 y fk(Life)e(is)f(a)h(delicate)g
(thing,)g(yet)f(it)g(arose)i(on)e(Earth)h(under)f(conditions)-75 1847 y(that)
h(might)g(seem)h(harsh)g(to)f(us)h(here)g(nearly)f(three)h(billion)d(years)j
(after)-75 1897 y(the)k(fact.)19 b(Earth's)13 b(atmosphere)h(was)f(nothing)e
(then)i(like)f(it)h(is)f(now.)-75 1947 y(Instead)d(of)f(the)g(familiar)h(oxyg\
en)f(and)g(nitrogen)f(that)h(we)h(all)g(breathe,)-75 1997 y(Earth's)16 b(atmo\
sphere)h(was)f(mainly)g(composed)h(of)e(steam,)k(carbon)-75 2046 y(di-oxide,)
j(methane,)i(and)c(ammonia.)41 b(Thanks)21 b(to)e(experiments)-75 2096 y(made)
f(in)f(1953)f(by)h(Stanley)f(Miller,)i(it)f(has)g(been)h(shown)e(that)h(if)
-75 2146 y(these)d(chemicals)h(are)g(exposed)f(to)f(electric)h(sparks)g(or)g
(ultra-violet)-75 2196 y(light,)9 b(most)i(of)f(the)g(known)g(amino)g(acids)h
(and)g(some)g(of)f(the)h(simpler)-75 2246 y(proteins)18 b(will)f(form.)35 b
(In)19 b(1936,)h(A.I.)f(Oparin)f(found)g(that)g(these)-75 2295 y(amino)11 b
(acids)h(and)f(protein)f(would)g(form)h(globules)f(in)g(water.)k(These)-75
2345 y(he)9 b(believed)g(were)h(the)f(progenitors)e(of)i(protozoa,)g(the)g
(lowest)f(forms)-75 2395 y(of)g(life.)i(Thus)f(life)f(was)h(started)f(on)h
(Earth.)h(But)d(what)i(about)f(the)g(main)-75 2445 y(subjects-Enceladus)j(and)
f(Europa?)-14 2560 y fl(III:)h(Primeval)f(Conditions)f(on)h(Europa)g(and)h
(Enceladus)-33 2644 y fk(It)g(has)i(been)g(shown)f(that)g(Jupiter)f(and)i(Sat\
urn)f(are)h(both)e(warmer)-75 2694 y(now)g(than)h(can)g(be)g(accounted)g(for)
g(by)f(solar)h(radiation.)h(It)f(seems)h(to)-75 2744 y(be)i(the)f(general)g
(consensus)h(that)e(this)h(heat)g(is)g(the)g(remnant)h(of)f(the)-75 2794 y
(original)f(energy)i(that)e(was)j(the)e(result)g(of)g(the)h(respective)g(plan\
et's)996 408 y(collapse)j(into)e(a)j(dense)f(ball)f(of)h(rock,)i(metal,)g(and)
e(liquid)e(metal)996 458 y(hydrogen.)37 b(If)20 b(the)f(heat)h(is)f(enough)g
(to)g(show)g(up)g(significantly)996 508 y(now,)e(what)f(must)g(it)f(have)i
(been)f(like)g(four)f(or)h(five)g(billion)d(years)996 557 y(ago?)g(Terence)g
(Dickinson)c(claims:)j(``Near)g(the)e(origin)g(of)g(the)h(solar)996 607 y(sys\
tem)c([sic])g(Jupiter)f(was)i(more)f(like)g(a)g(miniature)f(sun)h(than)g(a)g
(planet,)996 657 y(shedding)12 b(enough)g(heat)i(that)p ff(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fk
(would)12 b(have)i(allowed)e([Europa's])996 707 y(surface)f(to)f(be)h(covered)
g(in)f(an)h(ocean)p ff(.)c(.)g(.)f fk('')1634 692 y fc(1)1663 707 y fk(I)11 b
(am)g(including)e(Saturn)996 757 y(in)16 b(this)f(as)i(well,)h(in)e(light)e
(of)i(its)g(similar)g(size)h(and)f(composition.)996 807 y(During)e(this)g(tim\
e,)i(there)g(also)f(were)g(other)g(processes)h(that)f(could)996 856 y(have)d
(given)f(Enceladus)i(and)e(Europa)h(open)g(oceans)g(for)g(the)f(Sun)h(to)996
906 y(shine)i(on:)19 b(heat)c(of)g(accretion)g(and)g(heat)g(of)f(differentiat\
ion)f(could)996 956 y(have)f(had)g(melted)g(the)f(crusts)h(of)g(both)e(moons.)
16 b(Meteorite)11 b(impacts)996 1006 y(could)j(have)h(opened)g(pits)e(in)h
(their)g(icy)h(crusts.)24 b(However,)16 b(do)e(the)996 1056 y(moons)d(have)g
(organic)g(material)g(for)f(the)h(Sun's)g(ultra-violet)d(rays)k(to)996 1105 y
(shine)e(on?)1037 1160 y(Let)k(us)f(look)f(at)h(the)f(composition)g(of)h(the)
f(typical)g(ice)i(moon.)k(In)996 1210 y(this)8 b(``typical'')f(ice)j(moon,)f
(we)g(find,)g(in)f(addition)f(to)i(some)g(rock)g(and)996 1260 y(metal,)15 b
(water)g(ice,)h(dry)d(ice,)j(and)e(frozen)g(ammonia)h(and)f(methane.)996 1310
y(Despite)g(their)g(frozen)g(state)h(today,)g(at)g(the)f(time,)i(if)e(water)h
(was)g(in)996 1359 y(liquid)8 b(form)j(then,)g(most,)f(if)h(not)e(all)i(of)f
(the)g(chemicals)i(listed)e(above)996 1409 y(were)j(also)f(in)g(liquid)e(or)i
(vapor)g(form.)17 b(Plus,)c(with)e(the)h(exposure)g(of)996 1459 y(these)k(vap\
ors)f(and)h(liquids)e(to)h(the)g(young)g(Sun's)g(more)h(energetic)996 1509 y
(ultra-violet)g(rays,)22 b(life's)c(components)h(would)f(have)i(formed)e(on)
996 1559 y(the)e(far-off)g(surfaces)i(of)e(Enceladus)i(and)e(Europa.)30 b(But)
16 b(what)g(of)996 1609 y(the)d(present)g(day?)19 b(How)13 b(could)g(protozoa)
f(formed)h(then)g(somehow)996 1658 y(survive)c(to)h(the)g(present?)1072 1773 y
fl(IV:)g(Present)j(Conditions)c(on)h(Europa)g(and)g(Enceladus)1037 1858 y fk
(Protozoa)h(on)g(Earth)g(seem)i(to)e(tolerate)f(many)i(different)e(environ-)
996 1908 y(ments,)17 b(but)d(one)h(thing)e(seems)k(clear.)26 b(All)14 b(life)
g(needs)i(water,)h(and)996 1958 y(all)h(life)f(needs)i(an)f(energy)g(source,)
j(be)e(it)e(sunlight)f(or)i(plants)f(or)996 2007 y(geothermal)12 b(energy.)17
b(Do)12 b(the)g(present)g(conditions)f(on)h(Europa)g(and)996 2057 y(Enceladus)
f(give)f(these)g(conditions)f(to)g(the)h(hypothetical)f(protozoa?)1037 2112 y
(I)17 b(say)g(yes.)30 b(There)17 b(is)f(a)i(good)d(chance)j(that)e(both)g(Eur\
opa)g(and)996 2162 y(Enceladus)e(have)g(liquid)e(water)i(under)f(their)g(ice)
i(crusts.)20 b(The)15 b(heat)996 2212 y(generated)9 b(by)g(tidal)e(interactio\
ns)h(between)i(Io,)f(Europa)g(and)g(Jupiter,)996 2261 y(according)h(to)f(Lucc\
hita)i(and)f(Soderblom,)g(was)g(enough)g(to)f(melt)h(the)996 2311 y(ice)h(und\
er)e(the)h(crust)h(of)e(Europa.)i(Enceladus)g(has)g(been)f(observed)h(to)996
2361 y(send)j(out)g(plumes)g(of)g(water)h(by)f(Voyager)g(II.)h(So)f(we)h(can)
g(assume)996 2411 y(that)e(at)g(least)h(there)g(is)f(water)h(to)f(sustain)g
(subterranean)h(life)f(on)g(the)996 2461 y(two)f(moons.)19 b(But)13 b(is)g
(there)g(an)g(energy)h(source?)20 b(Considering)11 b(that)996 2511 y(most)e
(estimates)h(of)f(the)g(thickness)g(of)g(Europa's)g(crust,)h(and)f(it)g(seems)
996 2560 y(to)h(be)g(the)h(warmer)g(of)f(the)g(two)g(moons,)h(being)f(both)f
(larger)h(and)h(less)996 2610 y(cratered,)j(lie)e(around)f(a)i(figure)f(of)g
(twenty-five)f(miles,)i(I)f(think)f(one)996 2660 y(can)k(rule)f(out)g(sunligh\
t)e(as)j(a)g(source)g(of)f(energy.)24 b(But)13 b(geothermal)996 2716 y 412 2 v
1053 2742 a fb(1)1070 2754 y fj(Terence)g(Dickinson,)h fm(The)g(Universe)e
(and)h(Beyond)f fj(\(Camden)h(East:)996 2794 y(Camden)8 b(House)f(Publishing,)
i(Ltd.,)h(1986\),)f(p.)g(54)966 2918 y fm(3)p eop eos end TeXDict begin 300
300 @start bos /fa [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 10 16 23 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21
21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 35 28 28 28 30 28 28 30 32 16 21 28 25 37 30 30 25 30
28 23 25 30 28 37 28 25 25 14 12 14 24 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 14 21 23 12 12 21
12 32 23 21 21 21 16 16 12 23 18 28 21 18 16 14 9 14 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 12 21 21
14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 21 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14 14
14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 0 11 0 0 0 0 25
30 39 12 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-BoldItalic
1000 655360 rf /fb 1 14 df[<0003FE0000000FFF8000003C01E00000F000780001C0001C00
030000060006000003000C0000018018000000C018000000C03000000060300000006060000000
3060000000306000000030C000000018C000000018C000000018C000000018C000000018C00000
0018C000000018C000000018C00000001860000000306000000030600000003030000000603000
00006018000000C018000000C00C000001800600000300030000060001C0001C0000F000780000
3C01E000000FFF80000003FE0000>37 39 2 9 42]13 dc dfe /fc 1 47 df[<60F0F060>4 4
4 0 12]46 dc dfe /fd [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 29 29 37 58 58 92 69 23 35 35 40 61 29 35 29 29 58 58 58 58 58 58 58
58 58 58 29 29 61 61 61 58 105 69 69 75 75 69 63 81 75 29 52 69 58 86 75 81 69
81 75 69 63 75 69 98 69 69 63 29 29 29 49 58 23 58 58 52 58 58 29 58 58 23 23
52 23 86 58 58 58 58 35 52 29 58 52 75 52 52 52 35 27 35 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 58 58 17 58 58 58 58 20
35 58 35 35 52 52 0 58 58 58 29 0 56 36 23 35 35 58 104 104 0 63 0 35 35 35 35
35 35 35 35 0 35 35 0 35 35 35 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 104 0 38 0
0 0 0 58 81 104 38 0 0 0 0 0 92 0 0 0 29 0 0 23 63 98 63 0 0 0 0 ] /Helvetica
1000 1638400 rf /fe [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 28 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21
21 21 21 14 14 28 28 28 21 38 25 25 28 30 25 25 30 30 14 18 28 23 35 28 30 25
30 25 21 23 30 25 35 25 23 23 16 12 16 18 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 12 21 21 12 12
18 12 30 21 21 21 21 16 16 12 21 18 28 18 18 16 17 11 17 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 9 23
21 14 14 21 21 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 23 23 21 37 42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14
14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0
23 30 39 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 28 21 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic 1000
655360 rf /ff [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 9 12 15 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 21 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19
10 10 21 21 21 17 34 27 25 25 27 23 21 27 27 12 15 27 23 33 27 27 21 27 25 21
23 27 27 35 27 27 23 12 10 12 18 19 12 17 19 17 19 17 12 19 19 10 10 19 10 29
19 19 19 19 12 15 10 19 19 27 19 19 17 18 7 18 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 19 19 6 19 19 19 19 7 17 19 12 12
21 21 0 19 19 19 9 0 17 13 12 17 17 19 37 37 0 17 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0
12 12 0 12 12 12 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0 0 0 0 23 27 33
12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 27 19 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 589824 rf
/fg [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17
21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 23 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 12 12 23
23 23 18 38 30 28 28 30 25 23 30 30 14 16 30 25 37 30 30 23 30 28 23 25 30 30
39 30 30 25 14 12 14 19 21 14 18 21 18 21 18 14 21 21 12 12 21 12 32 21 21 21
21 14 16 12 21 21 30 21 21 18 20 8 20 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 7 18 21 14 14 23 23 0 21
21 21 10 0 19 15 14 18 18 21 42 42 0 18 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14
14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0 0 0 0 25 30 37 13 0 0 0 0 0
28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 655360 rf /fh [ 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 23 21 21 42 35
14 14 14 21 24 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 24 24 24 21 39
30 28 30 30 28 25 32 32 16 21 32 28 39 30 32 25 32 30 23 28 30 30 42 30 30 28
14 12 14 24 21 14 21 23 18 23 18 14 21 23 12 14 23 12 35 23 21 23 23 18 16 14
23 21 30 21 21 18 16 9 16 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21 21 21 12 21 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0
22 15 14 21 21 21 42 42 0 21 0 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 12 0 0 0 0 28 32 42 14 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0
12 0 0 12 21 30 23 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Bold 1000 655360 rf /fi [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 25 31 31 52 48 21 21 21
31 35 16 21 16 17 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 17 17 35 35 35 28 57 45 42 42
45 38 35 45 45 21 24 45 38 55 45 45 35 45 42 35 38 45 45 59 45 45 38 21 17 21
29 31 21 28 31 28 31 28 21 31 31 17 17 31 17 48 31 31 31 31 21 24 17 31 31 45
31 31 28 30 12 30 34 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 21 31 31 10 31 31 31 31 11 28 31 21 21 35 35 0 31 31 31 16 0 28 22
21 28 28 31 62 62 0 28 0 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 17 0 0 0 0 38 45 55 19 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 17 0 0
17 31 45 31 0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 983040 rf /fj [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 16 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 25 9
12 9 10 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 12 12 25 25 25 19 34 23 23 25 27 23 23
27 27 12 17 25 21 31 25 27 23 27 23 19 21 27 23 31 23 21 21 15 10 15 16 19 12
19 19 17 19 17 10 19 19 10 10 17 10 27 19 19 19 19 15 15 10 19 17 25 17 17 15
15 10 15 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19 19 8 21 19 12 12 19 19 0 19 19 19 9 0 20 13 12 21 21 19
33 37 0 19 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0 0 0 0 21 27 35 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 25 19
0 0 0 0 ] /Times-Italic 1000 589824 rf /fk [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 28 34 42 42 69 65 28 28 28 42 47 21 28 21 23
42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 23 23 47 47 47 37 76 60 55 55 60 51 46 60 60 28
32 60 51 74 60 60 46 60 55 46 51 60 60 78 60 60 51 28 23 28 39 42 28 37 42 37
42 37 28 42 42 23 23 42 23 65 42 42 42 42 28 32 23 42 42 60 42 42 37 40 17 40
45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 42
42 14 42 42 42 42 15 37 42 28 28 46 46 0 42 42 42 21 0 38 29 28 37 37 42 83 83
0 37 0 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 0 28 28 0 28 28 28 83 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 74 0 23 0 0 0 0 51 60 74 26 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 23 0 0 23 42 60 42 0 0 0
0 ] /Times-Roman 1000 1310720 rf end
 TeXDict begin @letter
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(energy)h(on)f
(such)h(active)f(moons)h(is)f(quite)g(possible,)g(to)g(say)h(the)g(least.)-75
35 y(It)18 b(has)h(certainly)f(been)h(shown)e(on)i(Earth)f(that)g(geothermal)
g(heat)-75 85 y(sources)11 b(can)g(sustain)f(life.)366 195 y fh(V:)h(Life?)
-33 274 y fg(Let)16 b(us)g(compare)g(the)g(five)f(conditions)f(described)i
(above.)28 b(For)-75 324 y(life's)11 b(founding,)e(we)j(need)g(ammonia,)g(met\
hane,)g(carbon)g(di-oxide,)-75 374 y(steam,)18 b(and)e(either)g(lightning)c
(or)k(ultra-violet)d(rays.)28 b(Europa)15 b(and)-75 424 y(Enceladus)d(had,)f
(and)g(still)f(have,)i(the)e(chemicals)i(necessary.)j(If)10 b(one)-75 474 y
(considers)15 b(likely)f(the)i(scenario)f(I)h(have)f(described)h(above)g(for)
f(the)-75 523 y(Saturn)c(and)h(Jupiter,)f(then)g(ultra-violet)e(light)h(was)i
(present)f(as)h(well.)-75 573 y(Life)17 b(had)f(a)h(good)e(chance)j(of)e(star\
ting.)27 b(For)17 b(life's)e(continuance,)-75 623 y(we)k(need)g(an)g(energy)g
(source)g(and)g(liquid)e(water.)36 b(Due)19 b(to)f(their)-75 673 y(tidal)11 b
(interactions)g(with)h(their)f(neighbors,)h(Enceladus)h(and)f(Europa)-75 723 y
(have)k(liquid)d(water)j(and)f(geothermal)h(energy.)26 b(This)15 b(leads)h
(me)g(to)-75 772 y(believe)e(that)g(our)f(first)h(aliens)g(are)h(to)f(be)g
(found)f(as)i(Europans)f(and)-75 822 y(Enceladians,)d(fellow)e(members)h(of)g
(the)f(Solar)g(system)h(of)g(which)f(we)-75 872 y(ourselves)h(are)h(a)g(part.)
1351 -15 y fh(List)f(of)g(References)996 47 y fg(Baugher,)h(Joseph)g(F..)i fe
(The)e(Space-Age)h(Solar)e(System)p fg(.)j(New)e(York:)996 97 y(John)f(Wiley)
f(and)i(Sons,)f(Inc.,)h(1988.)996 159 y(Briggs,)g(G.A.)i(and)e(F.W.)i(Taylor.)
i fe(The)d(Cambridge)f(Photographic)996 209 y(Atlas)f(of)h(the)g(Planets)p fg
(.)i(New)f(York:)f(Cambridge)f(University)g(Press,)996 259 y(1988.)996 321 y
(Dickinson,)f(Terence.)k fe(The)d(Universe)h(and)f(Beyond)q fg(.)h(Camden)g
(East:)996 371 y(Camden)f(House)h(Publishing,)d(Ltd.,)j(1986.)996 433 y(Hartm\
ann,)j(William)e(K..)20 b fe(The)13 b(Grand)g(Tour)p fg(.)19 b(Toronto:)14 b
(Saunders)996 483 y(of)c(Toronto,)f(Inc.,)i(1981.)996 546 y(Hartmann,)24 b
(William)d(K..)45 b fe(Out)21 b(of)f(the)i(Cradle)p fg(.)43 b(New)22 b(York:)
996 595 y(Workman)10 b(Publishing)e(Company,)i(Inc.,)h(1984.)996 658 y(Morris\
on,)21 b(David,)h(ed.)40 b fe(Satellites)18 b(of)h(Jupiter)p fg(.)39 b(Tucson\
:)29 b(The)996 707 y(University)8 b(of)i(Arizona)g(Press,)i(1982.)1348 782 y
fh(Acknowledgments)1037 844 y fg(To)17 b(Arthur)d(Clarke,)k(for)e(inspiring)e
(in)h(me)i(the)f(idea)g(of)g(life)f(on)996 894 y(Europa)8 b(and)g(Enceladus)h
(from)e(his)h(book)f fe(2010)p fg(,)h(and)g(to)f(John)h(Novak,)996 944 y(who)
i(helped)g(find)f(and)h(patch)h(some)g(holes)f(of)f(the)i(first)e(draft.)996
2256 y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Craig)h(Levin)h(began)f(to)h(get)f(involved)h(in)f
(astronomy)h(when,)g(in)f(sec-)996 2347 y(ond)g(grade,)h(he)g(received)i(H.A.)
f(Rey's)g(``Find)e(the)g(Constellations'')996 2397 y(as)g(a)g(birthday)f(pres\
ent.)i(As)g(a)g(high)e(school)h(junior,)f(he)i(had)e(his)h(first)996 2447 y
(article)i(published)g(in)h(the)g(now-defunct)e(Small)h(Scope)i(Observers')
996 2496 y(Association's)8 b(newsletter,)h(and)f(by)i(his)e(senior)h(year)h
(in)f(high)f(school)996 2546 y(was)17 b(helping)e(to)i(establish)e(the)i(``As\
tronomical)f(Newsletter'',)i(a)996 2596 y(now-defunct)13 b(magazine)h(based)h
(in)f(Atlanta.)23 b(At)15 b(present,)i(he)f(is)e(a)996 2646 y(physics)h(major)
f(at)f(Bradley)j(University)e(who)g(intends)g(to)g(turn)g(his)996 2696 y(firs\
t)9 b(love,)i(planetology,)e(into)g(his)h(profession.)996 2770 y fa(moonman@c\
c2.bradley.edu)996 2794 y 1030 2 v 966 2918 a fj(4)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 607 61 a fk
(Celestial)22 b(Earthmover)o(s)776 161 y fi(by)16 b(Phillip)h(Nolte)841 236 y
ff(Copyright)1004 235 y fg(c)993 236 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 305 y 2100 2 v
-33 359 a fg(It)c(was)i(one)f(of)g(the)h(oddball)d(asteroids)i(whose)h(orbit)
e(brought)f(it)-75 409 y(on)g(a)h(near)g(collision)d(course)j(with)f(the)g
(earth.)17 b(Geographos,)c(it)f(was)-75 459 y(called,)e(catalogue)g(number)f
(1620,)g(one)h(of)f(the)g(handful)g(of)g(asteroids)-75 509 y(that)14 b(inhabi\
t)e(the)i(inner)g(solar)g(system.)23 b(Six)14 b(months)g(before)g(I)g(had)-75
559 y(never)j(heard)f(of)g(it.)28 b(But)15 b(there)i(I)f(was,)j(looking)14 b
(at)j(it)e(out)h(of)g(the)-75 608 y(forward)d(viewport)g(of)g(an)h(asteroid)f
(belt)g(utility)e(ship.)21 b(Carlos)13 b(was)-75 658 y(looking)f(over)i(my)g
(shoulder)f(as)i(we)g(floated)e(in)h(the)f(warm,)k(nearly)-75 708 y(dark)9 b
(confines)g(of)h(the)f(ship's)g(control)f(room.)i(After)f(a)h(week)g(or)f(so)
h(of)-75 758 y(maneuvering)h(we)g(had)g(matched)h(velocities)e(with)g(the)h
(asteroid)f(and)-75 808 y(had)h(finally)e(gotten)g(close)i(enough)f(to)h(see)
g(some)h(of)e(the)h(fine)f(details)-75 857 y(of)i(it)g(with)g(the)g(naked)h
(eye.)18 b(We)c(had)f(been)g(staring)e(at)i(it)f(in)g(silence)-75 907 y(for)e
(some)h(time.)-33 963 y(``Well,)f(what)g(do)g(you)f(think)g(of)h(it,)g(Stepha\
n?'')g(asked)h(Carlos.)-33 1018 y(``Looks)c(like)g(a)i(big)e(overgrown)g(pean\
ut,'')h(I)g(said,)h(as)f(we)h(watched)-75 1068 y(it)g(rotate)h(lazily.)-33
1123 y(``A)h(peanut)h(that)f(has)h(a)h(date)f(with)f(destiny,'')g(he)h(return\
ed,)g(with)-75 1173 y(mock)f(seriousness.)-33 1228 y(I)h(nudged)f(him)i(away)
g(with)e(an)i(elbow.)j(``We)d(should)e(get)h(suited)-75 1278 y(up)f(and)h(go)
f(have)h(a)h(look)d(at)i(it.)i(Touch)e(it,)g(take)g(measurements,)i(get)-75
1327 y(familiar)h(with)f(it,'')i(I)f(said.)26 b(``Go)15 b(see)h(if)f(Joanna)g
(wants)h(to)e(come)-75 1377 y(along.)c(I'll)f(meet)i(you)f(in)f(the)i(workroo\
m.'')-33 1432 y(``As)d(you)g(say,)i(Senor)f(Perkins,'')g(returned)f(Carlos,)h
(as)g(he)g(left)g(the)-75 1482 y(bridge.)-33 1537 y(The)i(idea)f(for)g(this)g
(mad)h(scheme)h(that)e(we)h(were)g(involved)e(in)h(was)-75 1587 y(cooked)k
(up)g(by)g(someone)h(named)g(Charles)g(Kelman)f(of)h(UCLA)f(in)-75 1637 y(abo\
ut)j(1980,)h(over)f(a)h(hundred)e(years)i(ago.)32 b(The)18 b(original)d(paper)
-75 1687 y(can)h(still)d(be)i(found)f(in)h(the)f(files)h(of)f(the)h(NASA)g
(museum,)j(if)c(you)-75 1737 y(care)i(to)e(look.)22 b(I've)15 b(read)g(it.)23
b(There)15 b(is)g(little)e(doubt)g(that)h(it)g(was)h(a)-75 1787 y(tongue-in-c\
heek)f(proposal)h(by)f(Kelman.)27 b(In)15 b(the)g(same)i(file)d(with)-75 1836
y(the)c(proposal)g(were)h(several)g(letters)f(and)h(memos)g(addressed)h(to)e
(him)-75 1886 y(that)19 b(contained)g(criticisms)g(from)h(his)f(peers.)39 b
(Their)20 b(comments)-75 1936 y(ranged)12 b(from)h(``premature'')f(and)g(``ou\
trageously)f(innovative'')f(to)-75 1986 y(``preposterous'')d(and)i(even)g(``c\
riminally)e(insane.'')j(I)f(think)e(his)h(real)-75 2036 y(purpose)16 b(was)g
(to)g(stimulate)f(some)i(discussion)e(on)h(how)g(mankind)-75 2085 y(might)7 b
(begin)h(to)g(exploit)e(the)i(resources)h(of)f(the)g(solar)g(system.)j(Surely)
-75 2135 y(he)i(never)g(intended)f(for)g(anyone)h(to)f(try)g(it!)17 b(Unfortu\
nately,)12 b(events)-75 2185 y(and)f(human)h(nature)f(can)h(conspire)f(to)f
(make)j(the)e(damnedest)h(things)-75 2235 y(sound)e(plausible.)-33 2290 y(The)
h(situation)e(in)h(Central)f(America)j(has)f(never)g(been)g(stable,)g(but)-75
2340 y(this)i(time)g(the)h(turmoil)e(was)i(even)h(worse)e(than)h(usual.)20 b
(Threats)15 b(by)-75 2390 y(a)h(new)g(and)g(belligerent)e(government)h(in)g
(Panama)i(to)e(disable)h(the)-75 2440 y(existing)9 b(Panama)j(canal)f(probabl\
y)e(had)i(the)f(most)h(influence.)f(More)-75 2489 y(than)k(threats,)i(fact)f
(is,)g(they)f(actually)g(closed)h(it)f(for)f(nearly)i(a)g(year)-75 2539 y(in)
h(2045.)30 b(Then)17 b(they)f(doubled)g(the)h(usage)g(rates.)31 b(Wealthy)16 b
(and)-75 2589 y(powerful)9 b(people)g(got)g(angry.)h(Wheels)h(were)f(set)g
(in)f(motion)g(and)h(the)-75 2639 y(``Columbia)f(Canal)h(Project'')g(was)h
(born.)-33 2694 y(The)i(project)e(was)i(billed)e(as)j(the)e(most)g(spectacula\
r)h(engineering)-75 2744 y(feat)k(ever)h(attempted)e(by)h(mankind.)30 b(And)
17 b(so)f(it)h(was.)31 b(The)17 b(first)-75 2794 y(time)g(I)g(heard)g(of)g
(it)f(I)h(thought)e(that)i(it)f(was)i(some)g(kind)e(of)g(joke.)996 359 y(When)
g(I)g(found)f(out)g(that)h(they)g(were)g(serious,)i(I)e(shook)f(my)i(head)996
409 y(in)f(disbelief.)28 b(There)18 b(was)f(only)e(one)i(possible)e(explanati\
on--that)996 459 y(everyone)10 b(involved)f(was)i(certifiably)f(nuts!)g(The)h
(plan)f(was)h(to)f(build)996 509 y(a)i(new)g(canal)g(connecting)f(the)g(Pacif\
ic)h(Ocean)h(with)d(the)h(Caribbean)996 559 y(Sea.)22 b(The)15 b(area)g(chose\
n)f(was)h(in)e(the)h(wilderness)g(of)f(northwestern)996 608 y(Columbia,)d(nea\
r)i(the)e(Atrato)g(River.)i(A)f(peninsula)f(sticks)h(up)f(out)g(of)996 658 y
(Columbia)f(there,)i(a)f(peninsula)g(that)f(eventually)h(becomes)h(Panama.)
996 708 y(There)g(was)f(only)f(about)h(150)f(Km)i(of)e(land)h(between)g(the)g
(two)g(bodies)996 758 y(of)15 b(water)g(in)g(this)g(area,)j(so)d(the)g(new)h
(canal)g(wouldn't)d(have)j(to)f(be)996 808 y(too)10 b(long.)h(Up)f(to)g(this)
g(point)g(everything)f(was)i(fine,)g(but)f(then)h(things)996 857 y(started)16
b(to)f(get)h(scary.)28 b(They)17 b(were)g(going)d(to)i(do)f(the)h(excavation)
996 907 y(by)d(hitting)e(the)i(proposed)g(site)g(with)f(a)i(piece)g(of)g(an)f
(asteroid!)19 b(Our)996 957 y(asteroid,)14 b(Geographos.)19 b(It)13 b(was)h
(hoped)f(that)f(the)h(resulting)f(impact)996 1007 y(would)17 b(create)j(a)f
(huge)g(crater)g(and)f(would,)i(in)e(one)h(unthinkable)996 1057 y(blast,)c
(do)f(a)h(job)f(that)g(would)f(normally)g(take)i(years)g(of)f(heavy)h(and)996
1107 y(dangerous)9 b(labor.)g(The)h(enterprise)f(was)h(made)h(to)d(sound)h
(even)h(more)996 1156 y(attractive)d(by)g(announcing)f(that)h(the)g(metal)h
(content)f(of)g(this)f(heavenly)996 1206 y(fragment)13 b(would)f(be)i(worth)e
(in)h(the)g(neighborhood)e(of)i(900)g(billion)996 1256 y(dollars!)20 b(Dollar\
s)14 b(that)f(would)g(be)h(a)h(godsend)e(to)h(the)f(beleaguered)996 1306 y
(economies)j(of)g(Central)f(and)h(South)e(America.)29 b(No)15 b(one)h(had)g
(any)996 1356 y(suggestions)d(on)i(how)f(this)g(new)h(supply)f(of)h(precious)
f(metals)h(was)996 1405 y(to)9 b(be)i(obtained)e(from)h(its)g(eventual)g(ocea\
n)h(resting)e(place,)j(however.)996 1455 y(Isn't)c(this)g(starting)f(to)i(sou\
nd)f(just)g(a)h(little)f(nuts?)h(To)g(prove)g(that)f(there)996 1505 y(is)i
(no)g(shortage)g(of)g(stupidity)e(in)h(high)h(places,)h(a)g(joint)e(committee)
h(of)996 1555 y(Central)g(American)i(and)f(United)f(States)i(officials)e(boug\
ht)g(the)g(deal,)996 1605 y(lock,)g(stock)g(and)g(asteroid.)1037 1676 y(They)
26 b(wanted)f(me)h(because)g(I'm)f(damned)h(good)e(at)h(astro-)996 1726 y(eng\
ineering)12 b(and)h(I)g(have)g(a)h(lot)e(of)h(experience)h(working)d(in)h(spa\
ce.)996 1776 y(I'm)d(the)g(same)h(Stephan)f(Perkins)f(that)h(did)f(most)h(of)
f(the)h(design)g(work)996 1826 y(on)j(the)h(United)f(States)h(L-5)g(space)h
(colony.)j(I)c(was)g(also)g(good)f(with)996 1875 y(people,)f(usually,)g(and)g
(this)g(was)h(going)e(to)g(require)h(the)g(coordinated)996 1925 y(efforts)i
(of)g(many.)20 b(At)13 b(least)h(we)f(had)h(the)f(time)g(we)h(needed)g(to)f
(iron)996 1975 y(out)i(some)j(of)e(the)h(problems.)29 b(We)17 b(began)g(work)
f(on)g(this)g(project)996 2025 y(in)e(2048,)h(nearly)f(five)g(years)i(before)
e(the)h(next)f(close)h(approach)f(of)996 2075 y(Geographos.)1037 2146 y(Not)f
(that)f(we)h(were)h(likely)d(to)i(have)g(any)g(problems.)18 b(I)13 b(mean,)h
(all)996 2196 y(we)i(were)h(going)d(to)i(do)f(was)i(excise)g(a)f(chunk)g(of)f
(rock)h(about)f(the)996 2246 y(size)h(of)f(a)h(small)g(midwestern)f(town)g
(from)g(this)f(minor)h(planetoid,)996 2295 y(alter)c(its)g(course)h(to)e(brin\
g)h(it)f(within)g(kissing)g(distance)h(of)g(the)h(earth,)996 2345 y(figure)e
(out)g(some)i(way)f(to)g(aim)g(it)f(at)h(a)h(specific)f(target,)g(and)h(allow)
e(it)996 2395 y(to)g(impact.)k(No)d(sweat,)h(eh?)i(How)d(do)f(you)h(establish)
f(an)i(acceptable)996 2445 y(margin)18 b(of)h(error)f(for)h(something)e(like)
i(that?)35 b(How)19 b(do)f(you)g(go)996 2495 y(about)11 b(reducing)h(the)g
(stupefying)f(velocity)g(at)i(which)f(this)f(``impact)996 2545 y(projectile'')
h(would)g(be)i(traveling?)19 b(We)14 b(had)f(no)g(idea)h(of)f(how)g(this)996
2594 y(thing)d(was)i(going)f(to)g(behave)h(when)g(it)f(made)i(contact)e(with)
g(Earth's)996 2644 y(atmosphere)k(either.)22 b(We)15 b(weren't)f(going)f(by)h
(the)h(book,)f(we)h(were)996 2694 y(writing)c(it!)17 b(It's)c(no)g(exaggerati\
on)f(to)g(say)i(that)e(the)h(challenge)g(was)996 2744 y(formidable;)c(even)h
(the)g(slightest)e(miscalculation)h(had)h(the)g(potential)996 2794 y(of)g(end\
ing)f(in)g(a)i(horrible)e(catastrophe.)h(So,)h(I)f(got)f(involved)g(because)
966 2918 y fj(5)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(I)g(had)g(to.)h
(I)f(had)g(to)g(do)g(what)g(I)g(could)g(to)f(insure)h(that)g(things)e(wouldn'\
t)-75 35 y(end)14 b(up)f(in)h(a)g(total)f(disaster.)21 b(I)14 b(figured)f(tha\
t)g(they)h(needed)g(at)g(least)-75 85 y(one)c(person)g(who)g(knew)h(what)f
(the)g(hell)f(he)i(was)g(doing!)-33 137 y(I)k(tore)g(my)h(gaze)g(away)g(from)
g(the)f(viewport.)25 b(The)16 b(vastness)g(of)-75 187 y(space)9 b(with)e(its)
h(frosty)f(dusting)f(of)i(tiny)f(bright)f(stars)j(was)f(a)h(rich,)f(dark)-75
237 y(tapestry)f(and)h(the)g(slowly)e(twirling)g(asteroid)h(suspended)h(again\
st)f(this)-75 286 y(backdrop)j(was)h(a)g(compelling,)e(almost)h(hypnotic,)f
(sight.)-33 339 y(As)17 b(I)g(left)f(the)h(bridge)g(for)f(the)h(workroom,)h
(I)f(almost)g(ran)h(into)-75 388 y(Salazar)f(in)e(the)h(corridor.)26 b(Diego)
15 b(Salazar,)k(from)c(Columbia,)i(the)-75 438 y(``executive)12 b(director'')
f(of)i(the)f(expedition.)j(A)e(terrible)e(choice,)j(by)-75 488 y(any)e(measur\
e.)18 b(He)13 b(was)g(a)f(wealthy)g(and)g(powerful)f(member)j(of)e(the)-75 538
y(canal)g(committee)f(who)g(had)g(been)g(included)g(on)f(the)h(mission)f(at)i
(the)-75 588 y(last)g(minute.)k(To)c(tell)g(you)f(the)h(truth,)g(the)g(whole)
g(Salazar)h(situation)-75 637 y(looked)d(suspicious)g(to)g(me.)j(The)f(guy)e
(knew)h(next)f(to)g(nothing)f(about)-75 687 y(the)j(engineering)g(end)g(of)g
(the)g(project.)17 b(His)12 b(forte)g(was)h(politics)d(and)-75 737 y(even)17 b
(though)d(that)i(was)g(something)f(he)i(was)g(damned)f(good)f(at,)j(I)-75 787
y(found)13 b(out)f(early)i(on)f(that)g(he)h(had)g(no)f(idea)h(how)f(difficult)
e(this)i(job)-75 837 y(was)c(going)e(to)g(be.)k(In)c(addition,)h(he)g(was)h
(neither)f(liked)f(nor)g(respected)-75 886 y(by)15 b(any)g(of)g(the)g(crew.)
27 b(By)15 b(some)h(kind)e(of)h(convoluted)f(logic)g(this)-75 936 y(made)i
(him)e(the)h(obvious)f(choice)h(to)f(head)h(the)g(mission.)24 b(None)15 b(of)
-75 986 y(this)e(altered)g(the)h(basic)g(fact)g(that)f(he)h(was)g(an)g(idiot,)
f(and)h(I)f(thought)-75 1036 y(that)f(the)g(ramrod)g(tactics)h(that)f(he)g
(tried)g(to)g(use)g(on)g(me)i(and)e(the)g(rest)-75 1086 y(of)g(the)f(team)i
(were)g(actually)e(counterproductive.)j(We)e(needed)h(him)-75 1136 y(like)d
(we)g(needed)h(a)g(hole)f(in)g(the)g(airlock.)-33 1188 y(``Don't)i(you)h(thin\
k)f(it's)h(time)g(to)h(have)g(a)g(look)f(at)g(that)g(asteroid,)-75 1238 y(Per\
kins?'')k(he)c(said.)k(With)12 b(his)g(accent,)i(he)f(pronounced)f(it)f(``pea\
r-)-75 1287 y(kins'')h(but)g(he)h(always)h(spoke)f(with)f(rich)g(full)g(tones\
,)i(as)g(though)d(he)-75 1337 y(were)g(making)f(one)g(of)g(his)g(political)e
(speeches.)-33 1389 y(``We)i(were)h(just)f(on)f(our)h(way,'')h(I)f(replied,)g
(pushing)f(past)h(him.)-33 1442 y(``Ah,)i(I)f(see,'')j(he)e(said,)g(``Good,)g
(I)f(shall)h(observe)g(you)f(from)h(the)-75 1491 y(control)f(room.)18 b(Now)
12 b(that)g(we)h(are)g(finally)e(here)i(it)f(is)g(vital)g(that)g(we)-75 1541 y
(make)f(the)f(best)h(use)f(of)g(our)g(time.)h(Si?'')-33 1593 y(``If)j(you)h
(say)h(so,)h(Salazar,'')h(I)e(continued)e(down)h(the)g(corridor.)-75 1643 y
(That)d(was)h(his)f(way,)h(he)f(stated)g(the)g(obvious)e(and)j(applied)e(pres\
sure)-75 1693 y(when)20 b(it)g(wasn't)g(needed.)42 b(I)20 b(always)h(found)f
(an)g(excuse)i(to)e(go)-75 1743 y(somewhere)14 b(else)g(when)g(he)f(came)i
(in.)k(From)14 b(the)f(first)f(impression)-75 1793 y(onward,)21 b(my)d(attitu\
de)g(towards)g(him)g(had)h(been)g(one)f(of)h(intense)-75 1842 y(dislike.)9 b
(As)i(you'll)e(see,)i(those)f(instincts)f(were)i(well)f(founded.)-33 1895 y
(After)16 b(some)i(idle)f(chit-chat)f(in)h(the)g(workroom)f(while)h(we)g(put)
-75 1944 y(on)g(our)f(suits,)j(we)e(were)h(off)f(to)f(our)h(first)f(close)i
(encounter)e(with)-75 1994 y(Geographos.)h(That)12 b(was)h(a)g(humbling)e(exp\
erience!)17 b(The)c(ship)f(was)-75 2044 y(kept)c(on)g(a)h(parallel)f(course)h
(at)g(a)g(safe)g(distance)g(and)f(we)h(used)g(a)g(utility)-75 2094 y(sled)f
(to)g(go)g(over)h(to)e(the)i(slowly)e(rotating)f(asteroid.)k(As)f(we)g(got)e
(closer)-75 2144 y(we)15 b(began)f(to)f(realize)i(just)e(how)h(big)f(it)g(was\
.)23 b(The)15 b(books)e(and)h(our)-75 2193 y(instruments)9 b(said)h(that)g
(it)f(was)i(about)e(2.2)h(km)g(in)g(length.)f(Maybe)i(so,)-75 2243 y(but)e
(it)g(sure)g(seemed)j(bigger)c(than)i(that)f(when)g(you)g(got)g(close)h(enoug\
h)-75 2293 y(to)g(touch)f(it.)-33 2345 y(Getting)h(on)i(to)f(it)h(was)h(tough\
.)h(It)e(wasn't)g(enough)f(that)h(it)f(rotated)-75 2395 y(around)f(its)f(cent\
er,)i(it)f(had)g(a)h(slight)d(wobble)i(as)h(well.)f(You)g(mounted)-75 2445 y
(it)f(carefully,)g(at)h(the)f(center)h(of)f(rotation.)g(Once)h(on,)f(you)g
(could)g(move)-75 2495 y(out)15 b(towards)h(the)g(slightly)d(swollen)i(ends.)
28 b(It)16 b(had)g(no)g(noticeable)-75 2545 y(gravity;)6 b(a)h(healthy)g(snee\
ze)g(was)g(probably)g(enough)g(to)g(impart)g(escape)-75 2594 y(velocity,)19 b
(so)e(you)g(were)h(virtually)e(weightless.)32 b(As)17 b(you)g(moved)-75 2644 y
(outward,)h(you)f(had)g(to)g(cling)f(tightly)f(to)i(its)f(pocked)h(and)h(jagg\
ed)-75 2694 y(surface)13 b(because)g(you)e(picked)h(up)f(the)h(same)h(relativ\
e)f(motions.)i(By)-75 2744 y(the)f(time)g(you)g(were)h(perched)f(on)g(the)g
(end)g(you)g(were)h(rotating)d(and)-75 2794 y(wobbling)j(right)h(along)h(with)
f(it.)28 b(What)16 b(a)h(ride!)28 b(You)16 b(were)h(also)996 -15 y(treated)e
(to)g(a)g(blinding)e(view)i(of)g(the)g(sun's)g(searingly)f(bright)g(disk)996
35 y(every)g(few)g(minutes.)20 b(It)13 b(took)g(some)i(real)f(getting)e(used)
i(to)f(but)g(we)996 85 y(had)d(little)f(choice,)i(there)f(was)h(work)f(to)f
(be)i(done.)1037 138 y(Dismounting)f(was)j(the)g(reverse)g(process,)h(careful\
ly)e(make)h(your)996 188 y(way)g(back)h(to)f(the)g(center)h(and)g(push)f(off)
f(over)i(to)e(the)i(sled.)20 b(Carlos)996 238 y(and)11 b(I)h(thought)d(we)j
(were)g(doing)f(well)g(merely)h(to)f(keep)h(from)f(flying)996 288 y(off)16 b
(into)g(space)j(until)c(we)j(saw)g(an)f(unconcerned)g(Joanna)h(calmly)996 338
y(going)e(about)h(the)g(collection)f(of)h(samples)i(for)e(analysis.)32 b(Not)
17 b(to)996 387 y(be)12 b(outdone,)g(we)h(checked)h(our)d(tethers,)i(composed)
g(ourselves)f(and)996 437 y(set)19 b(about)g(determining)f(the)h(exact)h(dime\
nsions)f(of)g(our)f(cosmic)996 487 y(excavation)10 b(tool.)1037 541 y(Our)17 b
(first)f(order)h(of)g(business)g(was)h(to)f(stop)g(the)g(spinning)e(and)996
590 y(wobbling)d(motions.)23 b(We)16 b(would)d(use)i(some)h(strategically)e
(placed)996 640 y(rockets)d(to)g(accomplish)g(this.)i(Then,)f(we)g(would)e
(strap)h(on)g(the)g(huge)996 690 y(boosters)i(that)g(we)h(had)g(brought)d(out)
i(with)g(the)g(belt)g(ship)g(and)h(start)996 740 y(to)f(seriously)g(alter)g
(its)g(course)h(and)g(speed.)22 b(Even)14 b(though)e(the)h(size)996 790 y(and)
i(mass)h(of)f(Geographos)g(was)g(far)h(too)e(much)h(for)g(the)g(needs)g(of)
996 840 y(our)10 b(project,)g(it)g(looked)f(like)h(the)h(best)f(thing)f(to)h
(do)g(was)h(to)f(bring)f(the)996 889 y(whole)h(asteroid)h(back.)i(The)f(real)
f(fun)g(would)f(start)g(when)h(we)h(began)996 939 y(to)k(approach)h(Earth.)30
b(That's)17 b(when)g(we)g(were)h(going)d(to)h(have)i(to)996 989 y(perform)10 b
(some)h(difficult)d(and)i(intricate)g(maneuvers.)h(Here's)g(how)f(it)996 1039
y(was)g(supposed)f(to)g(work.)h(It)f(had)g(been)h(determined)g(that)e(the)i
(smaller)996 1089 y(end)i(of)g(the)f(``peanut'')h(contained)f(more)i(than)e
(enough)h(material)g(to)996 1138 y(serve)i(our)g(purposes.)21 b(We)15 b(would)
d(cut)i(through)e(the)i(asteroid)g(near)996 1188 y(the)f(slightly)e(narrower)
j(``waist'')f(area)h(with)f(a)h(series)g(of)f(carefully)996 1238 y(placed)j
(explosive)g(charges.)29 b(After)16 b(that,)h(we)g(would)e(have)i(to)e(do)996
1288 y(some)9 b(minor)g(surgery)f(to)h(pare)g(our)g(chosen)g(end)g(down)f(to)
h(the)g(proper)996 1338 y(size)17 b(and)h(shape)f(for)g(the)g(excavation)g
(job)f(that)g(was)i(planned)f(for)996 1387 y(it.)k(Then)15 b(we)g(would)e(use)
i(one)f(of)g(the)g(same)i(strap-on)d(boosters)h(to)996 1437 y(alter)g(the)h
(course)g(towards)f(earth.)24 b(Hopefully,)14 b(we)i(could)e(``skip'')996 1487
y(it)f(through)f(the)i(atmosphere)g(once,)i(or)d(twice)h(if)f(we)i(needed)f
(to,)h(to)996 1537 y(scrub)c(off)g(some)i(more)e(of)h(its)e(unwanted)h(veloci\
ty)g(and)g(to)g(do)g(some)996 1587 y(final)e(shaping)h(as)h(well.)1037 1640 y
(While)d(all)g(this)g(was)h(going)e(on,)h(another)g(team)i(would)d(take)h(cha\
rge)996 1690 y(of)k(the)h(rest)g(of)f(the)h(asteroid,)g(the)g(so-called)g(``t\
ail)e(section''.)18 b(They)996 1740 y(would)11 b(use)j(the)e(remaining)h(boos\
ter)f(to)g(carefully)g(``park'')g(the)h(tail)996 1790 y(section)j(in)h(the)g
(L-4)g(point)e(of)i(the)g(earth-luna)f(system.)31 b(There)18 b(it)996 1840 y
(would)f(be)h(ready)g(and)h(waiting)d(right)h(in)g(our)h(neighborhood,)g(so)
996 1889 y(to)c(speak.)24 b(We)15 b(could)f(use)h(it)f(for)g(another)g(``exca\
vation'')g(project)996 1939 y(or,)e(more)f(likely,)g(as)h(building)d(material)
j(for)f(more)h(orbital)e(colonies)996 1989 y(or)19 b(Lunar)h(construction)d
(projects.)38 b(Any)19 b(construction)f(material)996 2039 y(was)13 b(welcome)
g(in)e(space)j(and)e(Joanna's)g(preliminary)f(analysis)h(had)996 2089 y(deter\
mined)g(that)g(Geographos)g(was)g(rich)g(in)g(all)g(kinds)f(of)h(valuable)996
2138 y(metals.)1037 2192 y(The)d(hardware)f(and)g(methods)f(for)h(manipulatin\
g)e(and)i(moving)e(the)996 2242 y(asteroid)i(were)h(pretty)f(well)g(worked)g
(out,)g(men)h(had)g(been)g(``mining'')996 2292 y(the)h(asteroid)g(belt)g(for)
h(years,)g(but)f(no)g(one)h(had)g(ever)g(had)g(to)f(contend)996 2341 y(with)
15 b(such)h(high)f(relative)g(velocities)h(before.)28 b(In)15 b(the)h(belt)g
(things)996 2391 y(only)11 b(move)h(at)g(about)g(5)g(km/sec.)17 b(Compared)12
b(to)f(that,)h(Geographos)996 2441 y(was)f(hauling)e(ass!)1037 2495 y(Carlos)
15 b(and)g(I)h(had)f(sat)g(up)g(until)f(the)h(wee)h(hours)f(almost)g(every)
996 2545 y(``night'')g(on)i(the)g(two-month)f(trip)g(out)h(to)f(the)i(rendezv\
ous)f(with)996 2594 y(Geographos)10 b(trying)f(to)h(determine)g(what)h(the)f
(best)g(shape)h(and)g(mass)996 2644 y(of)g(the)h(final)f(object)g(should)g
(be.)k(There)e(had)f(actually)f(been)h(several)996 2694 y(small)h(asteroid)f
(``drops'')f(done)i(in)f(the)h(early)g(part)f(of)h(the)f(century.)996 2744 y
(Maybe)g(you've)e(heard)i(of)f(Statler)g(and)g(Chin.)i(They)f(were)g(a)g(coup\
le)996 2794 y(of)c(borderline)g(psychotics)g(with)g(forged)g(scientific)h(cre\
dentials)g(who)966 2918 y fj(6)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(had)j(somehow)h
(gotten)e(permission)h(to)f(hit)g(Mars)i(with)e(some)i(small)-75 35 y(asteroi\
ds,)h(just)e(to)g(see)i(what)f(would)f(happen.)19 b(It)13 b(was)g(kind)f(of)h
(like)-75 85 y(turning)e(a)j(couple)f(of)g(small)g(boys)g(loose)g(with)f(a)h
(box)g(of)g(dynamite)-75 135 y(and)i(a)h(book)f(of)g(matches.)27 b(Their)16 b
(masquerade)g(lasted)g(for)f(nearly)-75 184 y(two)10 b(years)i(before)f(they)
f(were)i(found)e(out)g(and)h(put)f(away.)j(They)e(did)-75 234 y(take)g(some)g
(nice)g(pictures)f(but)f(both)h(their)g(measurements)i(and)e(their)-75 284 y
(technique)k(were,)j(as)e(you)f(would)f(expect,)k(abysmal.)24 b(In)14 b(addit\
ion,)-75 334 y(the)c(atmosphere)h(and)f(gravity)e(of)i(Mars)h(were)g(complete\
ly)e(different)-75 384 y(from)i(Earth's.)j(But)d(this)f(somewhat)i(sketchy)f
(data)h(was)g(all)f(that)g(we)-75 433 y(had)k(to)f(go)g(on.)23 b(Of)15 b(cour\
se,)h(anything)d(at)i(all)f(was)h(a)g(help.)24 b(It)14 b(was)-75 483 y(too)f
(bad)g(that)g(they)g(had)g(simply)g(dropped)f(the)h(rocks)h(directly,)f(and)
-75 533 y(hadn't)g(tried)f(to)h(skip)g(any)g(of)g(them)h(through)e(the)h(atmo\
sphere;)i(we)-75 583 y(could)10 b(have)g(used)h(the)f(information.)f(For)h
(us,)h(such)g(skips)e(were)i(vital)-75 633 y(because)j(they)d(would)g(not)g
(only)g(slow)h(the)g(thing)e(down,)i(but)f(would)-75 682 y(allow)c(us)h(to)f
(get)h(valuable)g(data)g(on)f(how)h(much)g(mass)h(we)f(were)h(going)-75 732 y
(to)i(lose)h(when)f(it)g(made)i(its)e(final)f(plunge)h(through)f(the)i(atmosp\
here.)-75 782 y(More)i(than)g(once,)h(I)f(woke)g(up)g(in)g(a)g(cold)g(sweat)g
(when)g(I)g(dreamed)-75 832 y(that)d(we)g(had)g(miscalculated)h(and)f(instead)
g(of)g(a)h(new)f(canal,)i(we)e(had)-75 882 y(created)g(a)g(sizable)g(new)f
(bay)h(near)f(San)h(Francisco.)-33 934 y(Dr.)16 b(Carlos)g(Monzon)g(Cortez)h
(had)f(been)h(appointed)e(to)h(be)h(my)-75 983 y(assistant)e(and)g(liaison)e
(with)h(the)h(committee.)24 b(Born)14 b(in)g(Columbia)-75 1033 y(and)e(educat\
ed)g(in)f(the)g(U.S.,)i(he)f(was)g(an)g(excellent)f(choice.)k(He)d(was)-75
1083 y(dark)d(and)h(slender)g(with)e(black)i(eyes)g(and)g(classic)g(Latin)f
(good)g(looks.)-75 1133 y(By)i(any)h(standard,)h(Carlos)e(was)i(a)f(strikingl\
y)d(handsome)k(man.)j(His)-75 1183 y(speech)21 b(was)f(very)f(soft)g(and)g
(polite,)i(almost)e(apologetic,)j(but)c(it)-75 1233 y(was)g(best)f(to)g(liste\
n)f(when)i(he)f(spoke)g(because)i(he)f(always)f(knew)-75 1282 y(what)g(he)g
(was)g(talking)e(about.)30 b(Women)17 b(found)f(him)h(irresistible,)-75 1332 y
(but)c(he)i(seldom)f(took)f(advantage)h(of)g(them;)i(maybe)e(that)g(was)h(par\
t)-75 1382 y(of)g(his)g(charm.)28 b(He)16 b(was)g(particularly)e(valuable)i
(because)h(he)f(was)-75 1432 y(fluent)7 b(in)h(English,)f(Spanish)h(and)g(Por\
tuguese,)h(and)f(communication)-75 1482 y(between)j(us)f(and)g(the)g(committe\
e)h(on)f(some)h(very)f(technical)g(matters)-75 1531 y(was)i(necessary.)k(Oh)
11 b(yes,)h(he)g(was)g(also)f(one)h(hell)f(of)g(an)g(engineer.)j(I)-75 1581 y
(found)9 b(him)h(irresistible)f(too;)g(we)i(quickly)d(became)13 b(good)c(frie\
nds.)-33 1633 y(Everything)k(was)i(going)f(according)g(to)g(schedule)h(until)
e(we)i(had)-75 1683 y(a)e(meeting)e(to)h(discuss)g(procedures)g(and)g(present)
g(progress)g(reports.)-75 1733 y(The)g(meeting)g(started)f(out)f(amiably)i
(enough)f(but)f(things)g(soon)h(took)-75 1783 y(a)j(nasty)e(and)h(unexpected)
g(turn.)18 b(After)13 b(some)g(assorted)h(small)f(talk,)-75 1832 y(Salazar)f
(made)f(an)f(announcement.)-33 1884 y(``We)g(must)f(begin)g(placing)g(the)h
(explosive)f(charges)i(tomorrow,'')-75 1934 y(he)k(said.)24 b(``The)15 b(aste\
roid)f(is)h(to)f(be)h(broken)f(in)g(two)g(here,)j(in)d(deep)-75 1984 y(space.)
e(We)f(shall)f(be)g(bringing)e(home)j(only)e(what)h(we)h(need)g(of)f(it.'')
-33 2036 y(There)j(was)g(a)h(buzz)f(of)f(conversation.)17 b(I)c(was)g(taken)g
(completely)-75 2086 y(by)d(surprise.)g(``Wait)g(a)g(minute,'')g(I)g(interrup\
ted.)f(``I)h(thought)e(it)i(was)-75 2135 y(agreed)h(that)f(we)g(would)g(take)
g(the)g(whole)g(thing)f(back!'')-33 2187 y(``The)h(plan)g(has)h(been)f(change\
d,'')h(he)g(replied.)-33 2239 y(``Changed?'')27 b(I)17 b(said.)29 b(``By)15 b
(whom?)29 b(Carlos)16 b(and)g(I)g(weren't)-75 2289 y(consulted)9 b(about)h
(this.'')-33 2341 y(``It)17 b(was)j(changed)f(by)f(the)g(committee,'')k(he)d
(said.)35 b(``At)18 b(my)-75 2391 y(recommendation.'')-33 2443 y(``Well,)i
(change)g(it)e(back,'')k(I)c(said,)k(my)d(anger)g(beginning)e(to)-75 2493 y
(stir.)e(``We're)d(missing)g(out)f(on)g(a)i(golden)e(opportunity)e(if)i(we)i
(leave)-75 2542 y(the)j(rest)g(of)f(that)g(rock)h(out)f(here.'')28 b(There)16
b(was)h(another)e(buzz)i(of)-75 2592 y(conversation;)9 b(a)i(few)f(heads)h
(nodded)f(in)g(affirmation.)-33 2644 y(``I)k(must)h(agree)h(with)e(Stephan,'')
i(Joanna)f(spoke)g(up,)h(glancing)-75 2694 y(at)h(me)g(and)g(then)f(looking)e
(back)k(at)e(Salazar.)31 b(``I've)16 b(looked)g(that)-75 2744 y(asteroid)d
(over)h(very)f(carefully.)21 b(It's)13 b(full)g(of)g(ores)h(and)g(deposits)f
(of)-75 2794 y(metal)j(that)f(are)h(badly)f(needed.)26 b(That)16 b(thing)e
(is)h(worth)g(a)h(fortune!)996 -15 y(More)10 b(than)g(that)g(it's)p fc(.)d
(.)g(.)t fg('')1037 40 y(Salazar)16 b(cut)d(her)i(off)e(with)g(a)i(wave)f(of)
g(his)g(hand.)22 b(``It)13 b(does)h(not)996 89 y(matter,)20 b(the)e(mass)h
(of)f(the)f(entire)h(asteroid)f(is)h(too)f(great)h(for)g(our)996 139 y(booste\
rs.)10 b(We)h(do)f(not)f(have)i(sufficient)e(power.'')1037 194 y(``Where)j
(the)e(hell)g(did)g(you)h(get)f(that)h(idea?'')h(I)f(said,)g(his)g(obvious)
996 243 y(runaround)17 b(was)j(making)e(me)i(even)f(madder.)37 b(``There's)19
b(a)g(five)996 293 y(percent)e(fuel)f(margin,)i(if)e(we)h(get)g(them)g(attach\
ed)g(and)f(operating)996 343 y(within)8 b(the)i(thirty)f(day)h(window.'')1037
397 y(Trying)d(to)g(reason)g(with)g(him)g(was)h(like)f(arguing)f(with)g(Geogr\
aphos)996 447 y(itself.)k(He)g(wasn't)g(even)h(looking)d(at)j(me.)1037 502 y
(``I)16 b(can't)g(believe)g(you'd)e(make)j(this)e(kind)g(of)h(change)g(withou\
t)996 551 y(some)g(discussion,'')g(I)f(said,)i(my)f(anger)f(beginning)f(to)h
(get)g(out)f(of)996 601 y(hand.)h(``We)e(must)f(go)f(with)g(the)h(original)e
(plan!)15 b(Do)d(you)g(have)g(any)996 651 y(idea)e(how)g(much)h(work)e(we've)
i(put)f(in)f(on)h(calculations)g(alone?'')1037 705 y(``It)g(has)g(already)h
(been)g(decided)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)e fg('')10 b(he)h(began.)1037 760 y(``This)j
(is)h(bullshit,)f(Salazar!'')24 b(I)15 b(interrupted.)22 b(The)15 b(room)f
(was)996 810 y(suddenly)f(silent.)23 b(``You)14 b(can't)h(run)f(this)g(projec\
t)g(like)g(it's)g(a)h(god-)996 859 y(damned)c(banana)f(plantation!'')1037 914
y(Maybe)h(that)f(was)g(a)h(mistake.)1037 968 y(``Enough,)18 b(Senor)f(Perkins\
,'')i(he)e(said,)i(his)e(eyes)h(smoldering.)996 1018 y(``We)10 b(make)i(prepa\
rations)d(to)h(blast)g(the)g(asteroid)g(tomorrow.'')1037 1072 y(``We'll)18 b
(see)h(about)e(that!'')33 b(I)18 b(said)g(as)g(I)g(stormed)g(out)g(of)f(the)
996 1122 y(chamber.)c(I)e(was)h(so)f(angry)f(that)h(I)g(might)f(have)h(done)g
(him)f(harm)i(if)e(I)996 1172 y(hadn't)i(left.)19 b(The)14 b(way)f(things)f
(turned)g(out,)i(maybe)g(I)f(should)f(have)996 1222 y(stayed)e(a)h(little)e
(longer.)1037 1276 y(I)f(put)f(a)h(call)g(through)d(to)i(the)h(committee;)g
(they)g(were)g(in)f(agreement)996 1326 y(with)16 b(Salazar.)34 b(I)17 b(rante\
d)g(at)h(them)f(for)g(a)h(short)f(while)f(about)h(the)996 1376 y(opportuniti)
o(es)7 b(they)g(were)g(missing)f(before)h(t)o(hey)g(cut)g(me)g(off)o(.)g(Fina\
lly,)996 1426 y(I)j(went)h(back)g(to)f(my)h(quarters)f(where)i(I)e(floated)g
(and)h(silently)e(fumed)996 1476 y(for)h(most)h(of)f(the)h(evening.)h(The)f
(following)e(day)h(I)h(plodded)f(through)996 1525 y(my)i(duties)g(without)e
(much)j(enthusiasm.)k(I)12 b(knew)g(I)h(was)g(in)e(trouble)996 1575 y(when)g
(I)h(found)f(myself)h(staring)e(at)i(the)g(same)h(equation)e(for)g(most)g(of)
996 1625 y(the)d(morning)f(trying)g(to)h(get)g(it)f(to)h(make)i(sense.)h(I)d
(couldn't.)g(My)h(mind)996 1675 y(would)j(keep)i(wandering)e(back)i(to)f(the)
g(altercation)g(in)f(the)i(briefing)996 1725 y(room.)i(I'd)c(shake)h(my)f(hea\
d)h(to)e(clear)i(it)f(and)g(plunge)f(back)i(into)e(my)996 1774 y(work.)f(All)
f(in)h(vain.)g(After)g(two)g(days)g(of)g(this,)g(I)g(came)i(to)d(a)i(decision\
.)996 1824 y(I)e(was)i(going)d(to)h(resign,)h(there)f(was)i(no)e(way)h(I)f
(could)g(work)g(with)g(that)996 1874 y(man)g(as)g(my)f(superior)f(till)g(the)
h(project)g(was)h(completed.)h(Who)e(knows)996 1924 y(what)14 b(other)h(surpr\
ises)f(he)h(had)g(in)f(store)h(for)f(us?)24 b(I)15 b(wrote)f(a)i(letter)996
1974 y(outlining)6 b(my)j(intentions,)f(made)i(the)e(announcement)i(and)f(pre\
pared)996 2023 y(to)i(leave)h(on)g(the)f(next)h(shuttle,)f(which)g(was)i(merc\
ifully)e(due)h(in)f(less)996 2073 y(than)f(a)g(week.)1037 2128 y(Joanna)19 b
(joined)d(me)j(on)f(the)g(shuttle)e(when)i(the)g(time)g(came)i(to)996 2177 y
(leave.)14 b(I)d(didn't)e(even)j(notice)f(her)g(until)e(she)j(spoke.)h(I)f
(was)f(strapped)996 2227 y(into)j(an)h(acceleration)h(couch)f(lost)g(in)f(a)i
(final)e(bittersweet)h(look)f(at)996 2277 y(Geographos)c(out)f(of)h(the)g(sid\
e)g(viewport.)1037 2332 y(``Mind)f(if)h(I)g(join)f(you?'')h(she)h(said.)1037
2386 y(``Huh?)f(Oh,)g(Joanna,'')h(I)e(said.)i(My)f(surprise)f(was)i(genuine.)
f(``No)996 2436 y(of)g(course)h(not.)f(I)g(was)h(daydreaming.'')g(I)f(helped)
g(her)h(strap)f(into)f(the)996 2486 y(adjacent)h(couch.)h(``What)f(are)h(you)
f(doing)f(here?'')1037 2540 y(``I'm)14 b(done,'')h(she)f(said.)22 b(``They)14
b(have)g(my)g(report,)h(they)e(don't)996 2590 y(need)g(a)g(geologist)d(anymor\
e.)18 b(You)12 b(know)g(what)g(a)h(stickler)f(Salazar)996 2640 y(is)g(for)f
(efficiency.)17 b(Besides)12 b(that,)h(if)e(you)h(remember,)i(I)e(questioned)
996 2689 y(his)e(judgment)f(at)h(a)h(recent)g(staff)f(meeting.'')1037 2744 y
(``Yeah,)17 b(I)e(know.)24 b(So)15 b(did)g(I!'')f(I)h(said)g(with)f(a)i(tenta\
tive)e(smile,)996 2794 y(surprised)9 b(that)h(I)g(could)g(actually)g(joke)f
(about)h(it.)966 2918 y fj(7)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Is)j(that)f
(what)h(you)g(call)g(it?'')k(she)c(replied,)h(grinning.)h(``I'd)e(say)-75 35 y
(what)e(you)f(did)g(was)h(more)g(like)f(an)h(insult)e(to)h(his)h(mother!'')f
(We)h(both)-75 85 y(laughed.)-33 138 y(The)e(conversation)f(went)g(on)h(from)
f(there.)j(She)e(was)g(easy)h(to)e(talk)g(to)-75 188 y(and)j(had)f(a)i(great)
e(sense)i(of)e(humor,)h(which)f(was)i(really)e(a)h(good)f(thing)-75 237 y(bec\
ause)h(we)f(had)f(a)h(couple)f(of)g(months)g(worth)f(of)h(space)i(flight)c
(ahead)-75 287 y(of)14 b(us)f(with)g(little)f(to)i(do.)21 b(I)13 b(found)g
(out)g(that)g(she)i(had)f(just)f(recently)-75 337 y(come)i(from)e(a)i(post-do\
c)e(in)g(geology)g(at)g(Colorado)g(State)h(and)g(was)-75 387 y(looking)7 b
(for)h(a)h(job,)g(hopefully)e(an)i(assistant)g(professor's)f(position)f(or)
-75 437 y(something.)16 b(It)c(was)h(more)g(than)f(chance)h(that)f(had)g(brou\
ght)f(her)i(the)-75 486 y(short)e(stint)f(on)i(our)f(Geographos)g(survey.)k
(In)d(addition)e(to)h(having)g(a)-75 536 y(Ph.D)e(in)g(geology,)f(she)i(was)f
(an)g(experienced)h(rock)f(climber.)h(I)f(guess)-75 586 y(that)f(explains)g
(why)h(she)g(had)g(so)f(little)f(trouble)h(getting)f(around)h(while)-75 636 y
(we)k(were)f(surveying)f(the)h(asteroid.)h(She)g(was)f(surprised)g(to)f(find)
g(out)-75 686 y(that)f(she)h(really)f(liked)f(working)g(in)h(space.)j(That)d
(was)h(just)f(one)g(of)h(the)-75 735 y(things)i(we)h(had)g(in)g(common.)19 b
(We)13 b(got)g(through)e(all)h(of)h(this)f(before)-75 785 y(the)f(noise)f(and)
h(discomfort)e(of)i(the)f(shuttle's)g(departure)g(interrupted)-75 835 y(the)g
(conversation.)-33 888 y(What)h(else)h(do)g(I)f(tell)g(you)g(about)g(Joanna.)
k(She)d(wasn't)f(a)h(woman)-75 938 y(with)g(the)h(kind)f(of)h(looks)f(that)g
(were)i(distracting;)f(at)g(least,)h(I)f(didn't)-75 988 y(think)g(so)h(at)h
(first.)22 b(She)15 b(was)g(more)g(pretty)e(than)h(beautiful,)g(with)g(a)-75
1037 y(clear)e(and)f(honest)g(face.)k(She)c(fought)f(a)i(constant)f(battle)f
(with)g(a)i(few)-75 1087 y(extra)g(kilos)e(of)h(body)g(weight,)g(a)i(battle)d
(that)h(she)h(could)f(never)h(quite)-75 1137 y(win.)i(But,)e(she)g(was)g(just)
f(the)g(tonic)g(I)h(needed.)j(After)d(we)g(had)g(spent)-75 1187 y(a)h(week)g
(or)f(so)h(together)f(on)g(the)g(shuttle,)g(I)h(found)e(that)h(my)h(attitude)
-75 1237 y(towards)d(her)g(had)g(changed.)h(In)e(fact,)i(I)f(was)h(beginning)
d(to)h(think)g(she)-75 1287 y(was)14 b(rather)g(attractive.)21 b(It)13 b(didn\
't)f(hurt)g(that)h(she)i(was)f(in)f(complete)-75 1336 y(agreement)e(with)e
(my)i(actions)f(on)g(the)g(belt)f(ship.)-33 1389 y(``You)17 b(were)i(absolute\
ly)e(right,)j(Stephan,'')g(she)f(said,)i(at)d(one)-75 1439 y(point.)13 b(``Th\
ey're)f(wasting)f(a)h(great)g(opportunity.)g(Not)f(only)f(would)-75 1489 y
(it)g(be)i(valuable)f(for)g(its)f(ore)h(content,)g(we)h(could)f(have)g(had)h
(a)f(captive)-75 1539 y(asteroid)h(to)g(study.)k(Losing)c(that)g(disappointed)
e(me)k(more)e(than)h(the)-75 1589 y(sheer)e(monetary)g(value)f(of)h(the)f(thi\
ng.)g(As)h(it)f(stands)g(right)f(now,)i(you)-75 1638 y(have)e(to)f(go)g(clear)
h(out)f(to)g(the)g(belt)g(to)g(get)g(a)h(good)f(look)f(at)i(an)f(asteroid.)
-75 1688 y(I'd)i(call)g(it)g(an)g('astronomical')g(shame.'')-33 1741 y(That)g
(got)f(a)i(groan)f(from)g(me,)i(too.)-33 1794 y(By)f(the)h(time)g(we)g(got)f
(to)h(earth,)g(we)h(found)e(that)g(our)g(feelings)h(for)-75 1844 y(each)g(oth\
er)d(had)i(gone)f(beyond)f(friendship.)h(Way)h(beyond.)f(Perhaps)-75 1894 y
(it)16 b(was)h(because)h(we)f(had)g(been)g(together)f(nearly)g(every)h(hour)f
(for)-75 1944 y(the)d(better)f(part)h(of)f(two)h(months.)18 b(Or,)c(maybe)f
(it)f(was)i(the)f(fact)g(that)-75 1993 y(both)k(of)g(us)h(were)h(unattached)f
(and)g(lonely)f(because,)k(up)d(to)f(that)-75 2043 y(point)f(in)g(our)h(lives\
,)h(we)g(had)f(both)f(been)i(obsessively)e(dedicated)-75 2093 y(to)e(our)f
(work.)23 b(Whatever)14 b(the)g(reasons,)j(we)e(had)f(fallen)g(deeply)g(in)
-75 2143 y(love.)i(There)d(was)g(no)e(question)g(that)h(we)g(would)f(be)i(spe\
nding)e(a)h(lot)-75 2193 y(more)k(time)f(together.)25 b(My)15 b(previous)f
(employments)h(had)h(left)f(me)-75 2242 y(modestly)9 b(wealthy)h(and)g(I)g
(wasn't)f(in)h(any)g(rush)f(to)g(find)g(another)h(job.)-75 2292 y(Together,)g
(we)g(organized)f(some)h(rallies)f(and)g(demonstrations)f(to)h(try)-75 2342 y
(and)i(halt)f(the)h(Columbia)f(Canal)g(Project.)j(That)e(turned)f(out)g(to)g
(be)h(an)-75 2392 y(educational)f(experience.)-33 2445 y(For)h(starters,)h
(we)h(needed)f(some)h(dirt)d(to)h(throw.)j(To)e(get)g(the)f(dirt,)-75 2495 y
(we)h(had)g(to)g(be)g(willing)e(to)h(do)h(a)g(little)e(digging.)k(Fortunately\
,)d(I)h(still)-75 2545 y(had)7 b(some)h(important)e(friends)h(who)g(were)h
(willing)d(to)i(give)g(me)h(a)g(hand)-75 2594 y(with)h(the)h(shovelling.)f
(The)i(pile)f(of)g(dirt)f(concerning)h(Diego)g(Salazar)-75 2644 y(quickly)g
(grew)h(to)g(almost)g(mountainous)f(proportions.)i(The)g(picture)-75 2694 y
(of)k(him)g(that)f(gradually)g(emerged)i(was)g(frightening,)e(much)i(more)-75
2744 y(alarming)7 b(then)g(I)g(could)g(have)h(possibly)e(imagined.)j(There)f
(have)g(been)-75 2794 y(few)16 b(men)g(who)f(were)h(as)g(ambitious,)g(as)g
(ruthless,)g(or)f(as)i(crooked)996 -15 y(as)f(he)f(was.)27 b(He)16 b(controll\
ed)d(vast)j(wealth,)g(much)g(of)f(it)f(hidden)h(in)996 35 y(a)d(labyrinthine)
d(series)k(of)e(farms,)i(businesses,)g(foundations,)e(trusts,)996 85 y(and)f
(other)g(fronts.)f(Out)h(of)f(this)h(mess,)h(I)f(was)h(able)g(to)e(piece)i
(together)996 135 y(just)h(why)i(he)g(was)g(on)f(the)g(mission)g(and)h(why)f
(he)h(had)g(made)g(those)996 184 y(critical)9 b(changes)i(to)e(the)h(project,)
g(changes)h(that)e(had)h(ended)h(up)e(with)996 234 y(me)i(resigning)e(my)h
(position.)1037 286 y(He)i(had)g(come)g(along)f(on)g(the)h(mission)e(because)
j(he)f(thought)e(that)996 336 y(he)17 b(would)f(be)i(safe)g(there.)31 b(You)
17 b(don't)f(get)h(to)f(the)h(point)f(in)h(life)996 386 y(that)d(Salazar)i
(was)g(at)f(without)e(making)i(some)g(friends--and)f(some)996 435 y(enemies.)
26 b(They)16 b(had)f(managed)i(to)d(keep)i(it)e(quiet,)i(but)f(there)g(had)
996 485 y(been)10 b(a)g(nearly)f(successful)h(attempt)f(on)g(his)g(life.)h
(While)f(he)h(was)g(safe)996 535 y(in)f(space,)j(his)e(enforcers)h(would)e
(find)g(and)i(eliminate)f(the)g(threat.)1037 587 y(He)15 b(had)f(changed)h
(the)f(project)f(for)h(financial)g(reasons.)22 b(Among)996 636 y(his)13 b(man\
y)i(holdings,)f(Salazar)h(owned)f(controlling)d(interest)j(in)f(the)996 686 y
(company)21 b(that)f(had)i(leased)f(the)g(belt)g(ship)f(and)h(boosters.)43 b
(He)996 736 y(had)14 b(found)g(a)h(way)g(to)f(save)i(some)f(badly)f(needed)h
(capital)g(and)g(his)996 786 y(reputation)9 b(at)h(the)h(same)h(time.)f(The)g
(savings)g(would)e(come)j(because)996 836 y(the)d(extra)h(work)g(involved)e
(in)h(moving)g(the)g(tail)g(section)h(was)g(to)g(have)996 886 y(required)h
(another)h(utility)d(ship)j(and)g(several)h(months)e(of)h(expensive)996 935 y
(labor.)22 b(Salazar's)16 b(empire)e(was)h(huge)g(and)f(sprawling,)g(but)g
(not)f(all)996 985 y(of)f(it)g(was)h(solvent)f(and)h(they)f(didn't)f(have)i
(all)f(that)g(much)h(in)f(liquid)996 1035 y(assets.)f(They)e(had)g(borrowed)g
(some)g(money)g(from)g(the)g(canal)h(project)996 1085 y(to)h(keep)i(several)g
(of)f(the)g(other)f(concerns)i(afloat.)j(As)c(a)h(result,)g(they)996 1135 y
(didn't)e(have)j(enough)f(ready)g(cash)h(to)f(pay)g(for)g(the)g(extra)h(belt)
e(ship.)996 1184 y(As)d(you)f(know,)g(the)h(belt)f(government)g(never)g(has)i
(much)e(cash)i(either;)996 1234 y(business)k(with)f(them)i(is)f(strictly)f
(cash-in-advance.)24 b(The)15 b(solution)996 1284 y(was)g(simple:)j(just)13 b
(make)j(up)e(some)h(plausible)e(excuse)j(and)e(cancel)996 1334 y(that)f(part)
h(of)f(the)h(project.)21 b(There)15 b(would)d(likely)h(be)h(a)g(court)g(battl\
e)996 1384 y(afterwards)k(but)f(the)h(people)g(who)f(had)h(invested)f(in)h
(the)g(venture)996 1433 y(knew)f(it)f(was)i(a)g(high)e(risk)h(operation)f(at)
h(the)h(outset.)30 b(They)18 b(had)996 1483 y(signed)13 b(contracts)h(to)f
(that)g(effect.)21 b(Chances)15 b(were)f(very)g(good)f(that)996 1533 y(they)d
(would)f(have)i(to)e(absorb)h(the)g(loss.)1037 1585 y(But)15 b(there)h(was)g
(even)g(more)g(to)g(it)e(than)i(just)e(the)i(financial)f(end)996 1635 y(of)g
(things.)23 b(The)16 b(tail)e(section)h(of)g(the)g(asteroid)g(was)g(to)g(have)
h(been)996 1684 y(signed)d(over)g(to)g(interests)g(that)g(were)i(owned)e(by)g
(wealthy)g(citizens)996 1734 y(of)c(the)h(USA.)g(Among)f(his)h(other)f(charmi\
ng)g(attributes,)g(Salazar)i(had)996 1784 y(no)d(love)h(for)f(North)g(America\
ns.)j(The)f(set-up)f(was)g(perfect;)h(he)f(could)996 1834 y(preserve)j(his)f
(empire)h(and)g(he)f(could)g(screw)i(some)f(rich)f(Americans)996 1884 y(at)f
(the)g(same)i(time.)e(Apparently,)g(he)h(just)e(couldn't)g(resist)h(it.)1037
1935 y(It)k(was)h(Carlos)f(who)g(brought)f(the)i(whole)f(protest)f(episode)i
(to)f(a)996 1985 y(close.)j(We'd)12 b(had)h(two)e(marches)j(in)e(the)g(first)
f(six)h(months)g(and)g(had)996 2035 y(gotten)f(a)j(little)d(publicity,)g(not)
h(nearly)h(enough,)g(but)f(it)f(was)j(a)f(start.)996 2085 y(To)c(my)g(great)g
(surprise,)g(he)g(came)i(in)d(person)h(to)f(visit)g(us.)i(Joanna)f(and)996
2135 y(I)g(were)g(getting)f(ready)h(to)g(kick)f(off)h(another)f(rally)g(in)h
(the)g(next)f(couple)996 2184 y(of)i(weeks.)h(We)g(heard)g(a)g(knock)e(on)h
(our)g(door.)g(Joanna)h(answered)g(it.)1037 2236 y(``Carlos!'')24 b(she)16 b
(cried,)h(embracing)f(him.)26 b(``What)15 b(a)h(surprise!)996 2286 y(Please)h
(come)f(in.'')26 b(She)16 b(held)f(the)h(door)f(for)g(him.)26 b(I)16 b(got)f
(up)g(and)996 2336 y(extended)10 b(my)g(hand.)1037 2388 y(``It's)e(been)i(a)f
(long)f(time,)h(my)g(friend.'')h(I)e(said.)j(``How)d(are)i(you?'')1037 2439 y
(He)h(shook)f(my)g(hand)g(with)f(his)h(usual)g(firm)g(grip)f(and)i(released)g
(it.)1037 2491 y(``Tired.'')j(he)e(said,)g(matter-of-factly.)i(We)e(motioned)
e(to)h(him)h(to)996 2541 y(sit)i(down.)24 b(``I)14 b(am)i(running)d(the)i(eng\
ineering)f(end)g(of)h(the)g(project)996 2591 y(nearly)10 b(by)g(myself)g(sinc\
e)h(you)e(left.'')1037 2642 y(``That's)j(not)e(entirely)h(my)g(fault,'')h(I)f
(returned,)h(as)g(I)f(sat)h(also.)j(``I)996 2692 y(had)10 b(to)g(make)h(a)g
(very)f(difficult)e(decision.'')i(He)h(nodded.)1037 2744 y(``What)c(brings)g
(you)f(here,)j(Carlos?'')g(asked)f(Joanna,)h(from)e(across)996 2794 y(the)j
(room.)966 2918 y fj(8)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``I)j(have)i(com\
e)h(to)d(plead)i(with)e(you)h(to)f(stop)h(your)g(involvement)-75 35 y(with)c
(the)h(protest)g(marches,'')h(he)g(began.)-33 86 y(``Come)h(on,)g(Carlos,'')h
(I)f(interrupted.)j(``Diego)c(Salazar)i(is)f(pure)-75 136 y(poison,)d(nothing)
e(more)j(than)g(a)g(common)g(criminal.)g(He)g(ought)e(to)h(be)-75 186 y(locke\
d)h(up!'')-33 237 y(``We)17 b(have)h(inside)e(information,)h(Carlos.)31 b(He)
18 b(deals)f(in)g(arms)-75 287 y(and)11 b(drugs)g(and)h(prostituti)o(on)c(and)
k(who)f(knows)g(what)g(else,'')h(added)-75 337 y(Joanna.)-33 388 y(``I)18 b
(harbor)h(no)g(illusions)e(about)i(his)g(character,)k(Joanna,'')f(he)-75 438 y
(replied,)9 b(with)f(his)g(soft)g(voice.)j(``But)c(I)i(speak)h(to)e(you)g(bot\
h)g(on)h(behalf)-75 488 y(of)j(my)h(country,)g(and)g(my)f(people.)18 b(In)12 b
(fact)h(this)f(canal)i(will)d(benefit)-75 537 y(the)17 b(entire)g(South)f(Ame\
rican)i(continent.)29 b(Believe)17 b(me,)j(I)d(would)-75 587 y(throw)8 b(Sala\
zar)i(to)f(the)g(dogs)f(today)h(if)f(it)g(were)i(in)e(my)i(power.)g(For)f(the)
-75 637 y(moment,)14 b(you)e(must)h(forget)f(about)g(him.)18 b(We)13 b(are)h
(now)e(near)i(some)-75 687 y(of)9 b(the)h(most)f(critical)g(aspects)h(of)f
(the)h(entire)f(project.)h(My)f(friendship)-75 737 y(with)k(you)h(has)h(made)
h(Salazar)g(very)e(antagonistic)f(to)h(me,)j(and)e(the)-75 786 y(distraction)
9 b(that)g(this)h(causes)h(makes)h(it)d(very)h(difficult)e(for)i(me)h(to)f
(do)-75 836 y(my)15 b(work.)23 b(He)15 b(will)e(have)i(others)f(who)h(are)g
(not)f(as)h(competent)g(or)-75 886 y(as)f(careful)f(as)h(I)g(redo)f(the)g(cal\
culations.)19 b(I)13 b(need)g(not)g(tell)f(you)h(how)-75 936 y(serious)d(that)
g(could)f(be.'')-33 987 y(``What)i(about)g(the)g(tail)g(section)g(fiasco?'')k
(I)c(asked.)k(``You)c(can't)-75 1037 y(tell)e(me)j(that)d(wasn't)h(a)h(tremen\
dous)f(waste.'')-33 1088 y(``I)d(fully)g(agree,)j(Stephan,'')f(he)g(replied.)
g(``That)f(was)h(a)g(great)f(pity,)-75 1138 y(but)13 b(it)f(is)i(also)f(too)g
(late)h(to)f(correct.)20 b(We)15 b(must)e(now)g(deal)h(with)f(the)-75 1188 y
(present)c(and)f(the)h(future.)g(I)f(tell)g(you)g(that)g(your)g(involvement)f
(in)h(these)-75 1238 y(protests)i(may)g(actually)g(compromise)h(the)f(safety)
g(of)g(the)g(project!'')-33 1289 y(It)e(was)h(as)h(I)f(thought,)e(Carlos)i
(had)f(stayed)h(on)g(the)g(project)f(because)-75 1339 y(he)j(sincerely)f(felt)
f(that)h(the)g(benefits)g(to)g(his)f(country)g(and)i(his)f(people)-75 1389 y
(far)20 b(outweighed)f(any)h(personal)g(differences)h(between)f(him)g(and)-75
1438 y(Salazar.)i(That)14 b(was)h(exactly)e(what)h(I)f(would)g(have)h(expecte\
d)h(from)-75 1488 y(him;)8 b(he)h(was)h(that)e(sort)g(of)g(man.)j(It)d(was)i
(this)d(sincere)j(plea)f(from)f(him,)-75 1538 y(our)k(trusted)g(and)g(esteeme\
d)j(friend,)d(that)g(made)i(us)f(decide)g(to)f(stop.)-75 1588 y(That)g(and)h
(the)f(realization)g(that)f(they)h(would)f(complete)i(the)f(project)-75 1638 y
(in)h(spite)h(of)f(us)h(and)g(that)f(our)g(protests)g(might)g(actually)g(jeop\
ardize)-75 1687 y(its)d(success.)-33 1739 y(``As)g(you)f(wish,)h(my)h(friend,\
'')e(I)i(sighed.)-33 1790 y(``I)6 b(ask)i(one)f(more)h(favor,)g(Stephan,'')g
(he)f(said,)i(gravely.)g(``Believe)-75 1840 y(me,)i(I)g(do)f(not)f(ask)i(this)
e(lightly.'')-33 1891 y(``What)g(is)i(it?'')e(I)h(asked.)-33 1942 y(``Will)j
(you)h(check)i(my)e(final)g(calculations,)i(please?)25 b(Just)14 b(look)-75
1992 y(them)c(over)h(and)f(tell)f(me)i(if)f(you)g(see)h(anything)e(radically)
g(wrong.'')-33 2043 y(I)h(thought)f(about)g(it)h(for)g(a)h(while.)g(It)f(migh\
t)g(have)h(been)g(a)g(moment)-75 2093 y(of)f(weakness,)i(but)d(he)i(had)f(mad\
e)h(a)g(great)f(deal)h(of)f(sense)h(and)g(I)f(am)h(a)-75 2143 y(reasonable)g
(man.)g(I)f(agreed)h(to)f(do)g(it.)-33 2194 y(Thus)f(ended)g(the)g(protest)f
(phase,)i(but)f(my)g(being)f(in)h(those)f(demon-)-75 2244 y(strations)g(had)h
(a)h(profound)d(effect)j(on)f(later)g(events.)h(Meanwhile,)g(the)-75 2294 y
(Project)g(continued,)f(under)h(Salazar's)i(able)e(leadership.)-33 2345 y(Joa\
nna)e(got)f(a)i(teaching)f(job)f(at)h(a)h(small)f(California)f(school)h(a)g
(short)-75 2395 y(while)k(later.)k(I)c(went)g(with)g(her,)h(and)f(managed)h
(to)f(keep)h(as)g(busy)f(as)-75 2445 y(I)g(wanted)h(to)f(be)g(with)g(some)h
(consulting)d(work)i(and)h(pecking)f(away)-75 2495 y(at)f(a)h(book)e(about)h
(the)g(L-5)g(project.)i(Both)d(of)h(us)h(were)g(very)f(pleased)-75 2545 y(wit\
h)f(this)g(arrangement;)h(I,)g(for)f(one,)i(had)e(never)i(been)f(happier.)h
(We)-75 2594 y(took)g(some)h(time)f(off)g(and)h(headed)g(south)f(for)g(the)h
(show,)g(when)g(the)-75 2644 y(time)8 b(came)i(for)e(the)g(first)f(skip)h(of)
g(the)g(rock)g(through)e(the)j(atmosphere.)-75 2694 y(It)h(was)h(the)g(kind)e
(of)h(thing)f(you)h(talked)g(about)g(for)g(years)i(afterwards.)-75 2744 y(I'l\
l)i(never)i(forget)e(the)i(Herculean,)h(coruscating)e(arc)h(of)f(light)f(that)
-75 2794 y(flashed)h(across)g(the)f(sky)h(as)g(it)f(lanced)h(spectacularly)g
(through)e(the)996 -15 y(stratosphere.)18 b(Joanna)13 b(and)g(I)g(held)f(hand\
s)h(as)g(we)g(watched.)19 b(It)12 b(was)996 35 y(awesome,)g(beautiful!)e(I)g
(almost)h(wished)f(that)g(I)g(were)i(still)d(involved)996 85 y(in)k(the)g(pro\
ject)h(at)f(that)h(moment.)21 b(Which,)15 b(in)e(a)h(small)g(way,)h(I)f(still)
996 135 y(was.)1037 188 y(Carlos)e(had)g(remained)g(in)f(touch)h(with)f(us,)h
(as)h(he)f(had)g(promised,)996 238 y(without)c(Salazar's)j(knowledge.)e(He)i
(had)f(sent)f(me)i(the)f(final)f(figures)996 288 y(and)j(calculations;)g(as)h
(I)f(had)g(promised,)h(I)f(checked)h(them.)j(It)c(made)996 338 y(sense)j(to)e
(me,)j(if)d(they)g(were)i(determined)f(to)f(go)g(through)g(with)f(the)996 387
y(project)i(I)g(wanted)h(them)g(to)f(get)g(it)g(right.)23 b(Remember,)17 b
(they)d(were)996 437 y(going)7 b(to)i(drop)f(a)h(small)g(mountain)f(out)g(of)
g(space.)k(It)c(was)h(best)g(if)g(they)996 487 y(didn't)g(screw)i(it)f(up!)h
(It)g(pleased)g(me)g(that)g(our)f(original)f(calculations)996 537 y(had)h(bee\
n)h(very)f(close.)i(During)d(the)h(final)g(stages)h(of)f(the)g(project,)h(we)
996 587 y(consulted)e(whenever)i(Carlos)f(thought)e(it)h(was)i(necessary.)
1037 640 y(The)20 b(earlier)e(show)h(was)g(nothing)e(compared)i(to)f(the)h
(one)g(that)996 690 y(we)d(saw)h(on)f(the)f(day)i(of)e(impact.)28 b(They)17 b
(had)f(managed)h(to)e(scrub)996 740 y(off)j(enough)h(speed)h(and)f(were)h(sat\
isfied)e(that)h(the)g(shape)g(of)g(the)996 790 y(projectile)8 b(was)h(within)
f(tolerances.)i(The)g(time)f(had)g(come)h(to)e(bring)g(it)996 840 y(down.)i
(They)g(promised)g(us)g(the)h(greatest)f(spectacle)h(ever)g(witnessed)996 889
y(by)k(modern)h(man.)27 b(Perhaps)17 b(they)e(were)i(right.)25 b(An)16 b(enti\
re)f(world)996 939 y(watched)i(and)g(waited)g(anxiously)e(for)i(the)g(impact,)
i(not)d(knowing)996 989 y(what)11 b(to)f(expect.)k(Finally,)d(they)f(gave)i
(the)f(rock)g(a)h(gentle,)f(precisely)996 1039 y(calculated)16 b(shove)f(to)g
(start)g(its)g(fall.)26 b(We)16 b(held)f(our)g(breath)g(as)h(the)996 1089 y
(fiery)h(mace)i(of)f(God)f(descended)i(out)e(of)g(the)h(heavens)g(to)g(wreak)
996 1138 y(devastation)f(on)h(the)g(hapless,)j(unsuspecting)c(land)h(bridge.)
33 b(The)996 1188 y(earth)15 b(rang)f(like)g(a)i(bell)e(from)g(the)h(impact)g
(of)f(the)h(titanic)f(blow)f(as)996 1238 y(the)g(shock)g(wave)i(reverberated)
f(violently)d(through)h(it.)19 b(There)14 b(was)996 1288 y(damage)9 b(to)f
(windows)g(and)g(dwellings)f(as)i(far)g(away)g(as)g(Mexico)f(City,)996 1338 y
(but)j(people)h(from)h(all)e(over)i(the)f(world)f(claimed)i(to)f(have)h(felt)
e(some)996 1387 y(kind)c(of)h(movement.)i(Joanna)f(and)f(I)h(were)g(in)f(Bogo\
ta.)h(I)f(was)h(literally)996 1437 y(knocked)k(off)h(my)g(feet!)22 b(There)15
b(was)f(even)h(a)f(video)g(of)f(the)h(impact)996 1487 y(area)19 b(that)f(had)
g(been)h(obtained)e(by)h(some)h(reckless)g(and)f(intrepid)996 1537 y(reporter\
.)13 b(They)e(ran)h(it)e(over)h(and)h(over)f(for)f(days)i(afterwards)f(on)g
(the)996 1587 y(newscasts.)28 b(I)16 b(never)g(tired)f(of)g(watching)g(it.)27
b(To)16 b(this)e(day,)k(I)e(still)996 1637 y(remember)h(the)e(sight)f(of)h
(the)g(oceans)i(rushing)d(headlong)g(into)g(the)996 1686 y(enormous)g(new)h
(crater)g(from)g(both)e(directions)h(and)g(a)h(huge)g(cloud)996 1736 y(of)f
(pulverized)g(asteroid,)i(earth)f(and)f(steam)i(billowing)c(upward)i(as)996
1786 y(the)c(waters)g(made)h(contact)f(with)f(the)h(still)e(molten)i(core)g
(of)g(what)g(had)996 1836 y(once)h(been)f(a)h(piece)g(of)f(the)g(sky.)1037
1889 y(It)k(ended)g(up)f(as)i(a)f(huge,)h(angry)e(mushroom)h(cloud)f(that)g
(slowly)996 1939 y(dissipated)k(over)h(a)g(few)h(hours.)33 b(And)17 b(there)h
(were)h(after-effects.)996 1989 y(All)13 b(of)h(the)g(dust)g(and)g(debris)g
(that)f(were)i(put)f(into)f(the)h(atmosphere)996 2039 y(meant)g(that,)g(among)
g(other)f(things,)g(we)i(were)f(treated)g(to)f(the)g(most)996 2089 y(incredib\
le)c(sunsets)h(for)g(several)h(months)f(after)g(the)g(impact.)1037 2142 y(The)
18 b(project)f(was)g(an)h(unqualified)d(success.)33 b(After)17 b(about)g(six)
996 2192 y(months)g(of)h(cleanup)h(work)f(and)g(a)h(little)e(testing,)i(the)f
(Columbia)996 2242 y(Canal)10 b(was)h(opened)g(to)f(the)g(ships)g(of)g(the)h
(world.)f(The)h(canal)g(needed)996 2292 y(no)i(locks)g(and)g(even)h(the)f(lar\
gest)h(ships)e(ever)i(built)e(had)h(no)g(trouble)996 2341 y(passing)d(through)
e(its)i(generous)g(ways.)1037 2395 y(Carlos)21 b(was)h(made)g(wealthy)f(by)g
(his)g(involvement)f(with)g(the)996 2445 y(project.)26 b(Most)15 b(of)g(the)g
(notoriety)f(went)h(to)g(project)g(leader)i(Diego)996 2495 y(Salazar.)38 b
(He)19 b(became)i(even)e(more)h(powerful,)g(there)f(was)h(even)996 2545 y(tal\
k)12 b(of)g(a)h(presidency.)18 b(After)12 b(a)h(short)f(court)g(battle,)h(sev\
eral)g(North)996 2594 y(American)i(investment)e(firms)h(went)g(quietly)f(into)
g(receivership.)22 b(I)996 2644 y(got)10 b(an)i(offer)f(from)g(the)g(colonial)
f(government)h(of)g(the)g(asteroid)g(belt)996 2694 y(to)k(oversee)h(some)g
(new)g(construction)d(projects.)26 b(I)15 b(asked)h(them)g(if)996 2744 y(they)
9 b(could)g(use)h(a)g(good)e(geologist.)h(In)g(no)g(time,)h(Joanna)g(and)g
(I)f(were)996 2794 y(off)k(to)g(the)g(belt,)h(happy)f(to)g(be)g(back)h(in)f
(space.)21 b(No)14 b(place)g(was)g(too)966 2918 y fj(9)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(far)h(away)g(fro\
m)g(Diego)f(Salazar)i(as)f(far)g(as)h(I)e(was)i(concerned.)g(Carlos)-75 35 y
(got)j(involved)f(with)h(some)h(huge)g(project)f(on)g(Luna.)25 b(Women)15 b
(still)-75 85 y(swooned)9 b(over)h(him)f(wherever)h(he)g(went.)g(He)h(didn't)
c(seem)k(to)f(mind.)-33 194 y(All)g(this)h(happened)g(quite)g(a)h(few)f(years)
h(ago.)j(I)c(wish)g(I)g(could)g(say)-75 244 y(that)k(the)g(story)f(ended)h
(there,)i(but)e(I)g(can't.)25 b(It)15 b(seems)i(that)d(it)g(isn't)-75 293 y
(nice)c(to)g(fool)f(around)g(with)g(the)h(forces)g(of)g(the)g(universe.)g(Rem\
ember)-75 343 y(what)g(I)g(said)g(about)f(parking)g(the)h(tail)f(section)h
(of)g(Geographos)f(at)i(the)-75 393 y(L-4)k(point)e(of)h(the)h(earth-luna)f
(system?)25 b(Well,)16 b(at)f(least)g(we)g(could)-75 443 y(have)e(kept)f(an)g
(eye)h(on)f(it.)k(Like)d(clockwork,)g(the)f(remainder)g(of)h(the)-75 493 y
(asteroid)f(came)i(around)e(on)g(its)g(appointed)f(path)h(twenty-five)f(years)
-75 543 y(later.)g(Only)f(this)f(time)h(someone)h(had)g(reset)g(the)f(clock!)
h(I)f(remember)-75 592 y(I)f(was)h(having)f(breakfast)g(at)h(the)f(station)f
(on)h(Ceres)h(when)g(I)f(got)f(a)i(call)-75 642 y(from)h(Carlos.)h(We)g(had)f
(tried)g(to)f(keep)i(in)e(touch)h(but)f(I)h(hadn't)f(heard)-75 692 y(from)g
(him)g(for)g(two)f(or)h(three)h(years.)-33 744 y(``Stephan?'')38 b(he)20 b
(said.)40 b(``You)19 b(must)g(help)h(me)h(again)e(with)-75 793 y(some)13 b
(calculations.'')i(I)d(could)f(hear)i(the)f(strain)f(in)g(his)h(voice,)h(even)
-75 843 y(over)e(the)g(noise)g(of)g(the)g(transmission.)i(A)e(call)g(to)g(the)
g(belt)g(was)g(one-)-75 893 y(sided)c(since)g(the)g(communication)f(lag)h(mad\
e)h(two-way)e(conversation)-75 943 y(impractical.)22 b(He)14 b(continued.)21 b
(``It's)13 b(Geographos,)i(or)f(what's)g(left)-75 993 y(of)g(it.)21 b(It)14 b
(will)e(probably)h(hit)g(the)h(earth)g(in)g(about)f(two)g(months.'')21 b(I)
-75 1043 y(choked)10 b(on)f(my)h(coffee.)h(``I've)f(been)g(over)g(the)f(calcu\
lations)g(at)h(least)-75 1092 y(a)j(hundred)f(times.)19 b(I)13 b(don't)e(know\
,)j(maybe)f(it)f(was)i(the)f(explosives,)-75 1142 y(or)e(the)h(change)h(in)e
(mass.)16 b(Its)11 b(orbit)g(has)h(changed)g(just)f(enough.)k(We)-75 1192 y
(were)i(right)e(the)i(first)e(time)i(my)g(friend.)29 b(We)17 b(should)e(have)
i(taken)-75 1242 y(the)c(tail)f(section)g(to)h(the)g(L-4)g(point.)k(If)12 b
(it)g(doesn't)h(hit)f(it)g(will)f(come)-75 1292 y(awfully)i(close.'')21 b(He)
14 b(paused,)i(sighed)d(and)h(added.)22 b(``But)12 b(I)i(think)-75 1341 y(it'\
s)9 b(going)g(to)h(hit.'')-33 1393 y(He)15 b(gave)h(me)h(the)e(figures)g(befo\
re)g(he)h(solemnly)f(signed)g(off.)25 b(I)-75 1443 y(called)13 b(him)f(a)h
(few)f(hours)g(later,)h(he)g(had)f(made)i(no)e(mistake,)h(it)f(was)-75 1493 y
(gonna)f(hit.)j(Someplace)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)31 b fg(It)11 b(seemed)i(we)g(were)
f(helpless)g(to)f(stop)-75 1543 y(the)d(impact.)h(Blowing)d(it)h(up)h(was)g
(out)f(of)g(the)h(question;)f(it)f(would)h(take)-75 1592 y(a)12 b(nuke)f(to)g
(do)f(the)i(job)e(and)h(the)g(nuclear)h(disarmament)g(movements)-75 1642 y
(of)f(the)f(1990's)h(had)g(been)g(successful)h(beyond)e(hope.)j(No)d(warheads)
-75 1692 y(remained)20 b(to)e(obliterate)g(the)h(remaining)f(piece)i(of)e(Geo\
graphos.)-75 1742 y(That)f(left)e(us)i(with)e(the)h(prospect)g(of)h(deflectin\
g)e(its)h(course.)29 b(But)-75 1792 y(remember)16 b(that)d(it)h(had)g(taken)h
(years)g(of)f(careful)h(calculations)e(and)-75 1841 y(subtle)e(adjustments)g
(to)g(guide)f(the)i(original)d(piece)j(in.)i(Besides,)f(the)-75 1891 y(huge)d
(motors)f(had)h(been)h(purposely)e(built)f(for)h(that)h(one)g(project.)g(We)
-75 1941 y(had)16 b(some)g(that)f(were)h(big)f(enough)f(there)i(in)f(the)g
(belt)g(maybe)h(but)-75 1991 y(they)10 b(were)h(too)e(far)i(away,)g(and)f(the\
re)h(was)g(too)e(little)g(time.)-33 2043 y(Or)h(so)g(it)f(seemed.)-33 2094 y
(I)14 b(think)e(it)i(was)h(that)e(last)h(thought)e(about)i(the)g(big)f(booste\
rs)h(that)-75 2144 y(gave)h(me)g(the)f(inspiration.)20 b(We)15 b(had)g(two)e
(boosters)h(right)f(there)h(at)-75 2194 y(the)f(Ceres)i(Station)d(that)h(were)
h(soon)f(to)g(be)h(transported)f(out)g(to)g(the)-75 2244 y(deep)d(belt.)g(The\
y)g(had)f(just)g(been)h(overhauled)f(and)g(were)h(ready)g(to)f(be)-75 2294 y
(put)g(back)h(to)e(work)h(moving)g(mineral-rich)f(asteroids)i(to)e(the)i(orbi\
ting)-75 2343 y(solar)g(smelting)f(factories.)h(Using)g(the)f(boosters)h(as)g
(a)h(starting)e(point,)-75 2393 y(I)18 b(began)h(to)f(put)f(together)h(the)g
(elements)h(of)f(a)h(bold)f(and)g(daring)-75 2443 y(rescue)d(plan.)20 b(I)14 b
(did)e(a)j(few)f(quick)f(calculations,)h(rechecked)h(them,)-75 2493 y(and)9 b
(called)g(the)f(governor)g(of)g(the)g(belt)g(colony.)h(When)g(I)g(told)e(him)
i(the)-75 2543 y(situation,)g(he)h(canceled)i(his)e(remaining)f(engagements)i
(and)g(told)e(me)-75 2592 y(he)j(could)f(meet)i(me)f(in)f(about)g(an)h(hour.)
i(I)e(used)g(the)g(time)f(to)g(further)-75 2642 y(refine)f(my)h(calculations)
e(and,)i(if)f(I)g(do)g(say)g(so)h(myself,)f(I)h(was)f(able)h(to)-75 2692 y
(give)f(him)g(a)h(fairly)e(convincing)g(argument)h(after)g(he)h(arrived.)-33
2744 y(Those)d(mining)f(boosters)h(were)h(huge,)f(massive)h(and)g(ungainly)d
(but)-75 2794 y(they)13 b(were)i(extremely)f(powerful.)20 b(Normally)12 b(the\
y)i(were)g(shuffled)996 -15 y(around)20 b(in)g(the)h(belt)f(by)g(the)h(all-pu\
rpose)f(utility)e(ships.)42 b(They)996 35 y(could)12 b(be)h(moved)g(easily)f
(by)h(this)f(means,)i(anywhere)g(you)e(wanted,)996 85 y(provided)g(you)g(were\
n't)h(in)g(any)g(hurry.)18 b(We)c(needed)g(all)f(the)f(speed)996 135 y(we)e
(could)e(get)h(and)g(more.)i(My)e(brainstorm)f(was)i(to)f(use)h(the)f(booster\
s)996 184 y(to)f(boost)g(themselves.)j(They)e(developed)f(more)i(than)e(enoug\
h)g(thrust,)996 234 y(especially)g(if)g(the)g(payload)g(was)h(small.)i(With)c
(a)i(little)e(luck,)h(it)g(looked)996 284 y(like)g(we)h(might)f(get)h(both)f
(of)g(them)h(to)f(the)h(errant)g(chunk)f(of)g(rock)h(with)996 334 y(about)14 b
(a)h(week)h(to)e(spare.)25 b(All)14 b(we)i(needed)f(to)g(do)f(then)g(was)i
(hook)996 384 y(them)10 b(up)g(and)g(refuel)h(them.)1037 437 y(Two)h(days)g
(later,)h(Joanna)f(and)g(I)g(and)f(a)i(hastily)d(assembled)j(team)996 487 y
(of)g(specialists)g(made)h(preparations)e(to)h(leave.)20 b(Our)13 b(spaceship)
h(had)996 537 y(been)8 b(put)e(together)h(just)f(as)j(quickly.)f(You)f(could)
g(tell)f(that)h(by)g(looking)996 587 y(at)14 b(it.)22 b(It)14 b(consisted)f
(of)h(the)g(two)g(huge)g(asteroid)g(boosters)f(that)h(had)996 636 y(been)j
(strapped)f(to)g(a)h(standard)f(belt)g(utility)d(ship)j(which,)i(in)e(turn,)
996 686 y(had)g(a)g(large)g(spherical)g(fuel)f(storage)h(tank)f(attached)h
(to)f(its)h(belly.)996 736 y(The)c(whole)g(structure)f(was)h(tied)f(together)
g(with)g(uneven)h(lengths)e(of)996 786 y(pipe,)18 b(I-beam,)i(cables)e(and)f
(other)f(assorted)h(leftovers.)30 b(It)17 b(was)h(a)996 836 y(very)11 b(stran\
ge)h(looking)e(craft;)i(certainly)f(not)f(the)i(type)f(of)h(thing)e(that)996
886 y(was)h(destined)g(for)f(greatness.)k(There)e(hadn't)e(been)i(time)e(to)h
(make)h(it)996 935 y(pretty,)d(but)h(we)h(were)g(reasonably)f(sure)g(it)g(wou\
ld)f(hold)g(together.)1037 989 y(I)f(called)h(Carlos)f(to)f(tell)h(him)g(what)
g(we)g(were)h(doing)e(and)i(where)f(the)996 1039 y(best)j(point)g(for)g(us)h
(to)f(rendezvous)h(was.)k(Then)c(we)g(settled)f(into)g(our)996 1089 y(couches)
e(and)f(prepared)g(for)g(the)g(onset)f(of)h(some)h(brutal)e(acceleration.)996
1138 y(We)k(weren't)f(disappointed.)e(We)j(blasted)f(away)h(with)e(little)f
(fanfare,)996 1188 y(our)16 b(teeth)g(gritted)f(and)h(our)g(faces)i(grim.)29 b
(Our)16 b(mission:)21 b(to)16 b(save)996 1238 y(earth.)10 b(Just)e(before)h
(I)g(blacked)g(out,)f(I)h(remember)h(thinking)c(that)i(I)g(was)996 1288 y(get\
ting)g(a)j(little)e(old)g(for)h(this)f(kind)h(of)f(activity.)1037 1341 y(Carl\
os)i(and)g(another)g(quickly)f(assembled)i(batch)g(of)e(experts)i(met)996 1391
y(us)h(a)h(day)f(away)h(from)f(the)h(speeding)f(fragment.)19 b(We)14 b(got)f
(together)996 1441 y(to)g(compare)i(notes)f(and)g(to)f(decide)i(on)e(the)h
(best)g(plan)g(to)f(avert)h(the)996 1491 y(coming)d(disaster.)16 b(My)c(crew)
h(from)e(the)h(belt)f(did)h(an)g(incredible)f(job)996 1541 y(of)f(matching)h
(velocities)f(with)f(the)i(tail)f(section)h(of)f(the)h(asteroid)f(and)996 1590
y(then)j(outdid)f(themselves)j(in)e(how)g(quickly)g(they)g(got)g(the)h(booste\
rs)996 1640 y(attached.)c(Funny)d(how)h(adversity)f(can)h(bring)f(out)g(the)h
(best)g(in)f(people.)996 1690 y(All)i(that)h(remained)h(was)h(to)e(top)f(off)
h(the)h(fuel)f(tanks)g(on)g(the)h(boosters)996 1740 y(and)17 b(we)h(could)e
(start)h(to)g(alter)g(the)g(course)h(of)f(the)g(hurtling)e(rock.)996 1790 y
(Not)e(a)h(moment)g(too)g(soon)f(either.)21 b(By)13 b(the)h(time)g(we)g(had)g
(finished)996 1840 y(our)f(preparations,)h(the)g(earth)g(loomed)g(as)g(a)g
(large)g(blue)g(and)g(white)996 1889 y(sphere;)c(a)h(sphere)g(that)e(was)i
(alarmingly)e(near)i(by!)1037 1943 y(Our)18 b(calculations)f(were)i(going)d
(to)i(have)g(to)g(be)g(good)f(enough)996 1993 y(because)i(time)e(had)g(run)g
(out.)32 b(It)16 b(was)j(to)d(be)i(a)g(very)f(near)h(thing.)996 2043 y(In)c
(fact,)i(we)f(found)e(out)h(early)g(on)g(that)g(we)h(couldn't)e(get)h(the)g
(rock)996 2092 y(to)h(miss)h(the)f(earth.)27 b(The)17 b(best)e(we)h(could)g
(hope)f(for)g(was)i(to)e(steer)996 2142 y(it)i(to)g(impact)h(in)f(an)h(uninha\
bited)e(and)h(desolate)h(place.)34 b(After)18 b(a)996 2192 y(blazing,)c(lump-\
in-the-throat,)f(fingers-crossed)g(descent)i(we)f(were)996 2242 y(successful.)
g(Along)c(with)h(us,)g(the)h(entire)e(world)h(breathed)g(a)h(sigh)e(of)996
2292 y(relief.)i(Oh,)f(there)g(were)h(some)g(fairly)e(severe)i(earthquakes)f
(in)f(a)i(few)996 2341 y(key)f(places,)i(like)e(Greece,)i(for)e(instance,)h
(but)f(that)f(area)j(has)f(always)996 2391 y(been)k(seismically)h(unstable.)
27 b(Again,)18 b(the)e(people)g(of)g(earth)g(were)996 2441 y(treated)10 b(to)
g(some)h(spectacular)g(sunsets.)1037 2495 y(The)d(man)g(ultimately)d(responsi\
ble)i(for)f(all)h(of)g(this,)g(Diego)f(Salazar,)996 2545 y(was)12 b(caught)g
(trying)e(to)i(make)g(off)g(with)f(a)h(sizable)g(quantity)f(of)g(gold)996 2594
y(from)d(the)h(Columbian)e(treasury)i(just)f(before)h(our)f(successful)i(resc\
ue.)996 2644 y(That)18 b(might)f(have)h(been)h(enough,)g(but)e(he)i(had)f(oth\
er)f(problems.)996 2694 y(There)k(was)g(an)g(international)d(board)j(of)f(inq\
uiry)e(assembled)k(to)996 2744 y(investigate)10 b(possible)g(wrongdoing)f(on)
i(the)g(part)g(of)g(those)g(who)g(had)996 2794 y(been)e(heavily)f(involved)f
(in)h(the)g(canal)h(project.)h(People)f(like)e(Salazar,)956 2918 y fj(10)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(Carlos)17 b(and)
i(myself.)34 b(Remember)19 b(those)f(silly)e(demonstrations?)-75 35 y(They)f
(had)g(nothing)e(on)h(me,)k(I)c(had)h(gone)g(on)g(record)f(as)i(opposing)-75
85 y(the)d(project)f(the)h(way)g(it)f(was)h(then)g(being)f(run.)18 b(I)13 b
(was)g(just)f(popular)-75 135 y(enough)i(after)g(our)g(daring)f(rescue)j(to)e
(persuade)h(them)f(that)g(Carlos)-75 184 y(was)e(also)f(free)h(of)f(guilt.)g
(Too)g(bad)g(Salazar)i(had)e(tried)f(to)h(disappear.)-75 234 y(After)h(that)f
(he)h(didn't)e(have)j(a)f(chance.)17 b(The)c(board)e(labeled)h(him)g(an)-75
284 y(international)f(criminal,)i(guilty)e(of)h(crimes)h(against)g(humanity.)
k(He)-75 334 y(was)12 b(to)e(be)h(jailed)g(for)f(a)i(very)e(long)g(time.)j
(I)e(still)e(smile)i(every)h(time)e(I)-75 384 y(think)f(of)h(it.)-33 433 y
(As)i(for)g(the)h(impact)f(zone,)i(it)e(is)g(now)g(a)h(very)g(sought)e(after)
i(piece)-75 483 y(of)c(real)h(estate.)h(The)f(alterations)f(in)g(topography)f
(that)h(were)h(wrought)-75 533 y(by)h(the)h(runaway)f(asteroid)g(have)h(drama\
tically)f(changed)h(the)g(entire)-75 583 y(region.)21 b(It)13 b(is)h(now)f
(a)i(tropical)e(paradise,)i(with)e(lush)h(vegetation,)g(a)-75 633 y(thriving)
8 b(tourist)g(trade)j(and)f(booming)f(agriculture.)g(We)i(didn't)e(plan)-75
682 y(it)g(that)h(way,)h(our)f(only)f(goal)h(had)g(been)h(finding)d(some)j
(way)f(to)g(avoid)-75 732 y(a)17 b(complete)g(disaster.)29 b(But,)17 b(in)f
(actuality,)h(things)e(couldn't)g(have)-75 782 y(turned)10 b(out)g(any)h(bett\
er.)h(They)f(are)h(no)f(longer)f(calling)g(it)g(the)g(Sahara)-75 832 y(desert\
,)g(the)f(name)h(doesn't)e(fit)h(anymore.)h(The)g(huge)f(new)g(inland)f(sea)
-75 882 y(that)i(we)g(created)i(in)d(the)h(middle)g(of)g(it)g(has)g(changed)h
(all)f(that.)-75 2159 y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Phil)15 b(Nolte)f(has)i(been)g(writi\
ng)d(Science-Fiction)j(for)f(about)f(three)-75 2250 y(years,)f(although)d(he'\
s)h(been)i(reading)d(and)h(enjoying)g(it)g(for)g(most)g(of)-75 2300 y(his)f
(life.)i(He)f(says)h(that,)e(for)g(him,)h(writing)e(started)h(out)g(as)h(``a)
g(lark'')-75 2350 y(just)h(to)h(see)h(if)f(he)g(could)g(actually)f(do)h(it.)
18 b(Later,)d(he)e(found)f(himself)-75 2400 y(getting)7 b(more)i(and)g(more)g
(serious)g(about)e(it.)i(He)h(still)d(writes)h(at)g(home)-75 2449 y(in)k(his)
h(spare)g(time,)h(often)e(when)g(others)h(are)g(totally)f(wasting)f(their)-75
2499 y(time)j(watching)f(dreadful)g(TV)i(sitcoms,)g(etc)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)35 b
fe(His)14 b(obsession)g(is)-75 2549 y(a)g(better)g(use)g(of)g(time.)22 b(In)
13 b(addition)f(to)h(fiction,)h(he's)g(also)g(written)-75 2599 y(several)f
(science)g(history)e(articles)g(for)h(a)f(local)g(\(Red)i(River)f(Valley\))
-75 2649 y(trade)e(journal.)g(Two)h(of)f(his)g(other)g(stories)h(have)g(been)
g(published)e(in)-75 2698 y(Athene.)-75 2773 y fa(NU020061@VM1.NoDak.EDU)-75
2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj(11)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 743 61 a fk
(Sexy's)20 b(Devils)761 175 y fi(by)15 b(Cerise)g(Palmer)841 250 y ff(Copyrig\
ht)1004 249 y fg(c)993 250 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 320 y 2100 2 v -33 374 a fg
(A)c(run)g(of)h(luck)f(always)h(sneaks)g(up)f(slowly,)g(then)h(accelerates)h
(so)-75 424 y(precipitously)g(that)h(just)h(trying)e(to)h(maintain)h(the)g
(big)f(picture)h(can)-75 473 y(literally)g(make)i(you)f(dizzy.)30 b(And)16 b
(thus)g(it)g(was)h(that)f(Dexter)h(Fox)-75 523 y(found)f(his)h(computer)g(hyp\
er-responsive,)h(breathtakingly)e(quick,)-75 573 y(almost)10 b(as)g(if)f(the)
h(machine)g(itself,)g(fascinated)g(by)f(the)h(program)f(he'd)-75 623 y(outlin\
ed,)f(were)i(exceeding)f(its)g(own)f(capacities)i(out)e(of)h(some)h(innate)
-75 673 y(need)e(to)f(problem-solve.)i(Things)e(had)h(been)g(steadily)f(impro\
ving)f(for)-75 722 y(three)11 b(days)g(now;)f(he'd)h(debugged)g(a)g(quirky)e
(parser)j(the)f(first)f(night,)-75 772 y(built)17 b(an)j(incremental)f(spelle\
r)g(the)g(second,)j(and)e(was)f(currently)-75 822 y(patching)14 b(up,)i(much)
f(to)g(his)f(surprise,)i(that)f(ambiguity)e(resolution)-75 872 y(program)g
(his)f(thesis)h(advisor)g(had)g(recommended)h(he)f(leave)h(to)f(the)-75 922 y
(hotshots)c(at)h(a)h(bigger)e(university.)-33 975 y(As)j(if)f(on)h(cue,)i(Sey\
mour)e(Kofant)f(burst)h(through)e(Dexter's)i(door)-75 1025 y(at)i(nine,)i(the)
e(squeaky)g(drumroll)f(of)h(his)g(sneakersteps)h(still)e(rever-)-75 1074 y
(berating)c(in)h(the)g(hall.)g(He)g(glared)g(at)g(Dexter)h(wordlessly,)e(his)
h(brows)-75 1124 y(converging)i(and)h(an)g(irate)g(pucker)g(to)f(his)g(mouth)
g(which)h(made)h(his)-75 1174 y(moustache)d(twitch)e(as)i(with)e(an)i(imminen\
t)e(sneeze.)-33 1227 y(``Howdy,)h(Sy,'')g(managed)i(Dexter)f(in)f(response.)i
(Might)d(as)j(well)-75 1277 y(get)e(this)f(over)i(with.)-33 1330 y(``I)k(don'\
t)f(believe)i(it.)26 b(Your)15 b(machine's)i(still)d(up.'')26 b(Sy)16 b(shook)
-75 1380 y(his)10 b(head)h(and)g(marvelled)f(at)h(Dexter's)f(monitor)f(a)i
(moment,)g(where,)-75 1429 y(in)j(several)h(windows,)g(the)f(lines)g(were)h
(scrolling)e(up)h(furiously,)f(at)-75 1479 y(neck-and-neck)g(intervals,)h(lik\
e)e(the)h(collective)f(output)g(of)g(a)i(typist)-75 1529 y(pool)j(on)h(Methed\
rine.)33 b(``And)18 b(you've)f(got)g(a)i(program)f(zipping)-75 1579 y(along)
10 b(at)g(the)g(speed)h(of)f(light.)f(What)h(gives?'')-33 1632 y(Dexter)17 b
(tried)f(not)g(to)h(seem)h(smug;)i(a)e(difficult)d(feat,)20 b(since)d(he)-75
1682 y(hated)9 b(Sy's)f(guts.)h(Sy)g(was,)h(like)e(him,)h(a)g(doctoral)f(cand\
idate,)h(and)g(for)-75 1732 y(two)h(years)i(they)e(had)h(shared)g(a)h(thesis)
e(advisor)g(and)h(a)g(disquietingly)-75 1781 y(similar)19 b(thesis)g(topic.)
37 b(Dexter)19 b(had)h(watched)f(Phil)g(Stein,)i(their)-75 1831 y(adviser,)13
b(approve)f(and)g(support)f(Sy's)h(every)g(move)h(while)e(his)h(own)-75 1881 y
(were)18 b(subjected)g(to)f(dubious)f(scrutiny.)31 b(Plus,)20 b(to)c(make)j
(matters)-75 1931 y(worse,)14 b(Sy)f(\(with)e(Stein's)h(recommendation,)i(nat\
urally\),)e(had)h(just)-75 1981 y(gotten)c(a)i(prestigious)d(fellowship)h(and)
h(would)f(be)i(able)f(to)g(complete)-75 2030 y(his)g(degree)h(without)d(worki\
ng)h(for)h(a)g(living.)-33 2083 y(``Don't)f(know,)h(Sy.)i(Must)e(be)h(a)h(bug)
e(in)g(whatever)h(you're)f(trying)-75 2133 y(to)g(run.'')-33 2186 y(``You're)
g(positively)f(enjoying)g(this,)h(aren't)h(you?)h(I'm)f(only)f(text)-75 2236 y
(editing)i(that)i(paper)g(Phil)f(and)h(I)f(wrote)h(last)g(semester.)23 b(You)
13 b(know)-75 2286 y(that.'')18 b(With)12 b(what)h(familiarity)f(Sy)h(referre\
d)g(to)g(their)f(mutual)g(lord)-75 2336 y(and)d(master;)h(Dexter)g(wasn't)f
(yet)g(on)g(a)g(first)g(name)h(basis)f(with)g(Stein,)-75 2385 y(and)h(hadn't)
g(gotten)f(around)h(to)f(co-authorship)g(with)g(him)h(either.)-33 2438 y(``Wh\
at)h(can)i(I)f(tell)g(you,)g(Sy?)k(Call)c(a)g(repairman)h(if)e(something's)
-75 2488 y(broken.'')19 b(Then)14 b(he)g(frowned)f(at)h(the)f(screen)i(as)f
(if)f(it)g(required)g(his)-75 2538 y(supervision.)c(``Got)g(to)h(get)g(back)h
(to)f(work.'')-33 2591 y(And)e(Sy)h(made)i(his)d(exit,)h(red-thatched)g(head)
h(shaking,)f(muttering)-75 2641 y(something)g(just)h(audible)f(enough)h(to)g
(sound)f(impolite.)-33 2694 y(That)k(scene)i(had,)g(more)e(or)g(less,)i(playe\
d)f(itself)e(out)h(three)g(times)-75 2744 y(now.)27 b(Tonight,)17 b(however,)
g(the)f(script)f(began)i(to)e(undergo)g(minor)-75 2794 y(revision.)24 b(To)15
b(begin)f(with,)i(Sy)f(wasn't)g(the)g(only)f(one)h(to)f(ambush)996 374 y(Dext\
er's)h(office)h(demanding)f(enlightenment;)h(Flej)f(Linghamani,)996 424 y(Sta\
n)9 b(South,)f(and)h(Ruth)f(Schnaz)i(all)f(paid)f(him)h(a)g(visit)f(in)g(due)
h(course.)996 473 y(Fortunately,)21 b(he)f(observed,)i(their)d(bewildered)h
(souls)f(had)h(been)996 523 y(spared)14 b(Sy's)f(paranoia;)h(however)g(keen)g
(Dexter's)f(pleasure)h(in)f(his)996 573 y(computer's)7 b(swift)g(reflexes,)j
(he)e(really)f(couldn't)g(claim)h(the)g(slightest)996 623 y(responsibility)f
(for)j(them.)1037 676 y(The)17 b(other)e(new)h(twist)f(to)g(the)h(nightly)d
(routine)i(involved)f(what)996 726 y(happened)i(when)g(Dexter)g(tried)f(to)h
(log)f(off)g(at)h(eleven-thirty.)27 b(He)996 775 y(couldn't.)22 b(The)16 b
(computer)e(seemed)j(quite)d(set)h(on)f(other)g(plans,)i(so)996 825 y(that)10
b(Dexter's)h(control-D)f(provoked)g(a)h(flash)g(of)g(defiance)g(from)g(the)
996 875 y(screen,)g(after)e(which)g(it)g(began)g(running)f(his)h(ambiguity)e
(program)i(on)996 925 y(the)e(Finnegan's)f(Wake)i(passage)g(which)e(he)i(had)
f(entered)g(months)f(ago)996 975 y(in)k(a)h(perverse)g(fit)f(of)g(frustration\
.)f(Dexter)i(felt)f(himself)g(considering)996 1025 y(an)h(advanced)g(case)i
(of)d(the)h(jitters.)g(But)f(then)g(he)h(decided)g(against)g(it,)996 1074 y
(and,)g(tidying)e(his)h(desk)h(for)f(the)h(night,)e(indulged)g(in)h(a)i(toler\
ant)d(sigh.)996 1124 y(``As)h(long)f(as)i(it)e(gets)i(my)f(thesis)g(done.'')
1037 1177 y(Late)20 b(the)e(next)h(afternoon,)h(shortly)d(before)i(the)f(depa\
rtmental)996 1227 y(secretaries)9 b(and)g(undergrads)f(cleared)h(the)f(buildi\
ng)e(and)j(went)f(home)996 1277 y(to)j(their)h(apartments,)h(trailers)f(and)g
(dorm)g(rooms,)h(a)g(representative)996 1327 y(of)f(ConnExpert)g(Systems,)i
(Inc.)k(beamed)c(up)f(to)f(the)h(third)e(floor)g(of)996 1376 y(the)h(Computin\
g)e(Lab,)j(apparently)e(at)h(Sy's)g(behest.)k(Personally,)c(of)996 1426 y(cou\
rse,)i(Dexter)g(was)g(in)e(no)h(rush)g(to)f(have)i(his)f(machine)h(tampered)
996 1476 y(with,)f(despite)f(yesterday's)h(suggestion)f(that)g(Sy)h(call)g
(someone)g(in.)996 1526 y(Nonetheless,)d(help)g(was)h(here.)1037 1579 y(``I'm)
j(Anne)h(Starch,'')g(it)f(rejoiced,)h(in)f(tones)g(as)h(unsullied)e(and)996
1629 y(fresh)8 b(as)g(its)g(white)f(button-down)e(blouse,)j(``here)g(to)g(che\
ck)g(out)f(those)996 1678 y(CEXSI)12 b(workstations)f(you)h(called)h(about.)k
(What)c(seems)h(to)e(be)h(the)996 1728 y(problem?'')1037 1781 y(For)i(a)h(mom\
ent,)g(no)f(one)g(answered,)i(so)e(startled)f(were)i(they)f(to)996 1831 y(fin\
d)d(a)i(tool)f(attache)h(in)f(the)h(hands)f(of)g(a)i(fortyish)c(blonde)i(over)
h(six)996 1881 y(feet)i(tall.)26 b(Then)16 b(Sy,)i(his)d(paper)h(close)g(to)g
(deadline,)h(managed)g(to)996 1931 y(override)9 b(first)h(his)g(tongue's)f
(jammed)i(circuits.)1037 1984 y(``Well,)f(Ms.)h(Starch--)f(``)1037 2037 y(``O\
h,)18 b(please.'')30 b(She)17 b(held)f(one)h(large,)h(graceful)f(hand)f(up,)i
(as)996 2087 y(solemnly)9 b(as)i(a)g(diplomat.)e(``Call)h(me)h(Anne.'')1037
2140 y(``Anne,)e(then,'')f(Sy)h(conceded,)g(amending)g(himself)e(impatiently.)
996 2189 y(``The)k(problem)f(is)g(that)g(the)g(workstations,)g(which)g(are)h
(fine)f(by)h(day,)996 2239 y(malfunction)i(disastrously)h(at)h(night.)23 b
(In)15 b(fact,)h(only)e(one)h(of)g(them)996 2289 y(will)9 b(work)g(at)i(all--)
e(``)1037 2342 y(``That's)17 b(not)f(strictly)f(true,'')j(chirped)e(Flej)g
(nervously,)i(aware)996 2392 y(he'd)11 b(spoken)g(out)g(of)g(turn.)i(``Only)e
(yours)g(goes)g(down)g(completely.)996 2442 y(Ruth's)f(and)h(Stan's)g(and)h
(mine)f(just)f(work)h(so)g(slowly)g(that)f(we)i(can't)996 2492 y(get)j(much)h
(of)g(anything)e(done.)27 b(Until)14 b(last)h(night,)h(anyway.)28 b(Last)996
2541 y(night)11 b(the)i(machines)h(were)g(all)f(down,)h(except)f(for)g(Dexter\
's.'')19 b(He)996 2591 y(flashed)10 b(a)h(tentative)e(smile)h(at)h(Sy.)1037
2644 y(``As)18 b(I)f(said,'')j(continued)c(Sy,)k(regarding)c(Flej)i(with)e
(distaste,)996 2694 y(``only)7 b(Dexter's,)i(in)f(that)g(office)h(to)e(your)h
(left,)h(will)e(work)h(at)h(all.)h(And)996 2744 y(it)e(works)h(abnormally)g
(fast,)g(faster)h(even)g(than)f(any)g(of)g(the)g(others)g(did)996 2794 y(when)
h(they)g(were)h(first)e(installed.'')956 2918 y fj(12)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Hmm,'')j(said)
g(Anne,)h(turning)d(toward)i(Dexter's)g(office.)k(``We)-75 35 y(sold)10 b(the\
se)g(to)g(your)f(lab)i(just)e(last)h(month,)g(didn't)e(we?'')-33 86 y(Sy)16 b
(nodded,)i(his)f(moustache)g(twitching)e(like)h(a)h(bloodhound's)-75 136 y
(jowls.)-33 188 y(``I)c(knew)h(we)g(should)f(have)h(stuck)g(with)e(more)j(sta\
ndard)e(equip-)-75 238 y(ment,'')g(said)g(Stan.)k(He)c(was)g(the)g(skeptic)f
(in)g(the)g(bunch,)i(an)e(Army)-75 287 y(colonel)h(with)f(doctoral)h(aspirati\
ons,)h(unimpressed)f(by)h(the)f(course)-75 337 y(material)g(he)g(fought)e(so)
i(hard)f(to)h(get)f(the)h(better)f(of.)18 b(No)12 b(one)h(could)-75 387 y(und\
erstand)7 b(why)h(he)h(had)f(chosen)h(Intelligence)e(Modeling)g(as)h(a)h(fiel\
d)-75 437 y(of)f(study,)h(but)f(everyone)h(stayed)g(on)f(good)g(terms)h(with)
e(him)i(anyway,)-75 487 y(in)18 b(case)j(he)e(wound)f(up)g(head)i(of)e(the)h
(Armed)g(Forces)h(Research)-75 536 y(Budget.)-33 588 y(``But)f(these)h(workst\
ations)f(are)i(terrific,'')h(protested)e(Dexter.)-75 638 y(``Why,)h(that)d
(DIABLOS)h(firmware)g(is)f(an)i(absolute)e(godsend.'')-75 688 y(And)10 b(he)g
(relished)g(Anne)h(and)f(his)g(own)g(pun)f(in)h(a)h(single)e(grin.)-33 739 y
(``What)g(is)h(DIABLOS,)h(exactly?'')f(purred)g(Ruth)f(in)h(her)g(intrepid)
-75 789 y(contralto,)f(adjusting)f(the)h(quarter-inch)g(thick)g(glasses)h(whi\
ch)g(failed)-75 839 y(to)18 b(obscure)g(her)h(handsome)f(features.)36 b(Sy)18
b(inhaled)g(sharply)f(but)-75 889 y(refrained)7 b(from)g(comment;)g(even)g
(he)g(made)g(allowances)g(for)g(the)g(lab's)-75 938 y(most)g(aesthetic)g(recr\
uit,)g(who)g(had)g(defected)g(from)g(Communications)-75 988 y(so)13 b(recentl\
y)f(she)i(still)d(couldn't)g(program)h(her)h(way)g(out)f(of)h(a)g(paper)-75
1038 y(bag.)-33 1090 y(``DIABLOS,'')i(announced)h(Anne,)i(``stands)d(for)h
('Distributed)-75 1139 y(and)d(Balance)h(Loading)e(Operating)g(System.')19 b
(It's)13 b(the)g(ultimate)f(in)-75 1189 y(network)g(operating)f(systems,)j
(recently)e(patented)g(by)g(CEXSI,)h(and)-75 1239 y(built)5 b(into)h(the)h
(microcode)h(of)f(your)f(workstations.)i(Essentially,)f(each)-75 1289 y(works\
tation)14 b(gives)h(up)g(some)h(of)g(its)f(independence)h(in)e(exchange)-75
1339 y(for)j(an)g(occasional)g(power)g(boost.'')30 b(And)17 b(she)g(folded)f
(her)i(arms)-75 1388 y(triumphantly.)-33 1440 y(``Perhaps)12 b(we)h(should)f
(let)g(Ms.)17 b(Starch)c(get)f(to)g(work,'')h(said)f(Sy,)-75 1490 y(thumping)
d(his)g(fingers)h(on)g(the)g(wall.)-33 1541 y(``Straightaway!'')d(concurred)g
(Anne,)h(dipping)d(her)j(head)f(beneath)-75 1591 y(the)j(doorframe)g(to)g(Dex\
ter's)g(office.)-33 1643 y(And)15 b(she)h(spent)g(the)f(next)g(couple)h(of)f
(hours)g(checking)h(boards,)-75 1693 y(running)9 b(programs,)i(and)f(generall\
y)g(conducting)f(the)i(kinds)e(of)h(tests)-75 1742 y(field)h(engineers)i(seem)
g(to)f(thrive)f(on.)k(After)d(scrutinizing)e(Dexter's)-75 1792 y(workstation,)
h(she)h(did)f(sequential)h(spot-checks)g(on)f(the)h(others)f(and)-75 1842 y
(could)h(find)g(nothing)f(amiss.)19 b(But)12 b(when)h(she)h(tried)e(running)f
(all)i(the)-75 1892 y(machines)f(at)f(once,)h(the)e(malady)h(Sy)g(had)g(compl\
ained)g(of)f(appeared)-75 1942 y(within)17 b(seconds.)35 b(She)19 b(took)e
(a)i(step)g(back,)i(nonplussed)d(for)g(the)-75 1991 y(moment,)12 b(and)f(then)
g(seemed)h(to)f(warm,)h(slowly)e(but)g(thoroughly,)f(to)-75 2041 y(a)i(hunch)
f(of)g(the)g(sort)f(that)h(sprang)g(Archimedes)h(out)e(of)h(his)g(bath.)-33
2093 y(``I'll)h(be)j(back)g(before)g(you)e(know)h(it,'')h(she)g(assured)g(the\
m,)g(and)-75 2143 y(no)c(one)g(doubted)f(that)h(a)h(cure)g(lay)f(within)e(rea\
ch.)-33 2194 y(Two)19 b(evenings)h(later,)i(Anne)d(returned,)j(and,)h(after)c
(tinkering)-75 2244 y(expertly)9 b(with)f(each)j(machine's)g(insides,)e(reque\
sted)h(they)f(be)h(called)-75 2294 y(up)h(simultaneously.)h(For)f(several)h
(moments,)g(a)g(silence)f(precarious)-75 2344 y(as)18 b(suspended)f(breath)f
(overtook)g(the)h(floor.)29 b(Then)18 b(a)f(heartening)-75 2393 y(series)22 b
(of)e(hiccups,)k(composed)e(entirely)e(of)g(clicks)h(and)g(beeps,)-75 2443 y
(issued)15 b(from)g(the)g(various)g(offices.)25 b(And,)17 b(last)e(but)f(not)
g(least,)k(the)-75 2493 y(sound)g(of)h(improved-rollover)d(keyboards)j(under)
f(heavy)h(assault)-75 2543 y(affirmed)11 b(that)f(a)h(successful)g(file-check)
g(was)g(generally)f(underway;)-75 2593 y(the)k(only)g(anomalous)g(noise)g(thr\
oughout)e(was)j(made)g(by)f(Dexter's)-75 2642 y(printer,)8 b(hastily)f(coughi\
ng)h(out)f(several)i(pages)h(before)e(it)g(lapsed)h(into)-75 2692 y(a)i(coma.)
-33 2744 y(Before)i(Dexter)g(even)h(knew)g(she)g(was)g(in)e(his)h(office,)i
(Anne)e(had)-75 2794 y(retrieved)g(the)h(print-out)d(and)j(was)h(reading)e
(it)g(poised)g(on)h(a)g(corner)996 -15 y(of)g(his)h(desk,)i(her)e(face)h(virt\
ually)d(radiant)h(with)g(satisfaction.)24 b(Her)996 35 y(perusal)17 b(done,)i
(she)f(straightened)e(matter-of-factly,)i(smoothed)f(a)996 85 y(crease)d(in)e
(her)h(dazzling)f(blouse-front,)g(and)h(waited)f(for)g(the)h(others)996 135 y
(to)c(reconvene.)1037 186 y(Sy,)h(as)f(usual,)g(was)h(the)e(first)g(one)h(thr\
ough)e(the)h(door.)i(He)f(regarded)996 236 y(Anne)h(suspiciously.)f(``How)h
(did)f(you)h(fix)f(them?'')1037 288 y(``You)i(may)h(not)f(like)f(this,'')h
(she)h(warned)g(him,)g(pulling)d(a)j(news-)996 338 y(clipping)f(from)i(her)h
(breast-pocket)f(and)g(unfolding)e(it)h(on)h(Dexter's)996 388 y(desk.)d(``I)e
(saved)i(this)e(from)g(last)h(week's)g(paper)g(because)i(it)c(disturbed)996
437 y(me,)i(involving)t(CEXSI's)f(good)e(name)i(as)g(it)f(did.)i(The)e(man)h
(it's)f(about)996 487 y(used)17 b(to)f(night-shift)e(for)i(the)h(company;)j
(we)e(never)f(collaborated)996 537 y(directly,)9 b(but)g(I)h(do)g(know)f(that)
h(he)g(was)g(instrumental)f(in)h(developing)996 587 y(DIABLOS.)i(In)h(fact,)g
(he)g(ran)f(the)h(Quality)e(Assurance)i(tests)f(on)g(the)996 637 y(workstatio\
ns)6 b(on)h(this)g(floor.'')h(She)g(paused)g(for)f(effect,)j(then)d(nodded)
996 686 y(toward)i(the)i(clipping,)d(inviting)g(the)i(whole)g(group)f(to)h
(read)h(it:)996 767 y fe(``Transylvanian'')k(Computer)h(Scientist)g(Collapses)
g(at)h(Arraign-)996 817 y(ment)996 883 y(Al)g(Drake,)i(a)e(former)g(employee)
h(of)e(ConnExpert)h(Systems,)i(Inc.,)996 933 y(pled)c(not)f(guilty)g(by)h(rea\
son)g(of)g(insanity)f(to)g(assault)g(charges)i(this)996 983 y(morning,)23 b
(just)e(moments)g(before)h(losing)e(consciousness)i(in)e(an)996 1032 y(Orlean\
s)12 b(County)f(courtroom.)k(Drake)e(had)f(been)g(in)g(custody)g(since)996
1082 y(the)h(week)h(before,)g(when)f(two)f(off-duty)f(policeman)h(witnessed)h
(him)996 1132 y(wrestling)20 b(a)i(man)f(to)g(the)h(ground)f(in)g(the)g(parki\
ng)g(lot)g(of)g(the)996 1182 y(Divisadero)10 b(Pub)h(and)f(preparing)g(to)g
(bite)h(him)f(on)g(the)h(neck.)i(Drake)996 1232 y(was)8 b(rushed)g(to)f(Canon)
g(General)i(Hospital)d(after)i(collapsing,)f(where)996 1282 y(his)j(condition)
e(remains)i(guarded,)g(according)g(to)f(official)f(sources.)996 1348 y(In)14 b
(the)g(State)f(Psychiatric)h(Hospital,)g(which)f(had)h(been)g(observing)996
1398 y(him)c(since)h(March)g(2,)g(Drake)h(reportedly)f(secluded)g(himself)f
(by)h(day)996 1447 y(and,)i(having)f(refused)h(all)f(food)f(and)i(drink,)g
(required)g(intravenous)996 1497 y(feeding;)i(today,)g(despite)g(the)f(Panama)
g(hat)f(and)h(dark)g(glasses)h(he)996 1547 y(wore)j(to)f(court,)j(he)e(was)f
(visibly)h(distressed)g(throughout)d(by)j(the)996 1597 y(skylights)11 b(overh\
ead.)j(And)d(yet)h(another)f(bizarre)g(detail)f(was)i(added)996 1647 y(to)c
(Drake's)i(profile)e(today,)h(by)g(an)g(unidentified)d(courtroom)j(witness)
996 1696 y(who)f(sighted)f(what)h(appear)g(to)g(be)h(surgically-implanted)d
(fang)h(teeth)996 1746 y(in)i(Drake's)j(mouth)d(as)h(he)h(was)e(carried)i(by)
g(on)f(stretcher.)996 1812 y(``It)18 b(was)h(quite)f(a)h(job)g(getting)f(my)h
(client)g(to)f(plead)h(properly,'')996 1862 y(said)14 b(Stokely)g(Bramson,)j
(Drake's)e(lawyer,)h(who)e(is)h(confident)e(the)996 1912 y(defendant)7 b(will)
f(be)j(dealt)e(with)g(leniently)g(upon)g(release)j(from)d(Canon)996 1962 y
(General.)23 b(``You)14 b(see,)j(despite)e(the)f(special)g(effects)h(teeth)f
(and)g(the)996 2012 y(Bela)e(Lugosi)f(complex,)h(he)g(is)g(a)g(compassionate,)
f(deeply)h(sensitive)996 2061 y(being.)e(He)h(feels)f(just)f(terrible)h(about)
f(what)g(he's)i(done.'')1037 2142 y fg(``So?'')f(asked)h(Stan.)1037 2194 y
(``I)f(don't)f(understand)h(either,'')g(admitted)f(Ruth.)1037 2246 y(``My)21 b
(theory,'')h(said)f(Anne,)j(``is)d(that)f(Drake)h(actually)g(is)g(a)996 2295 y
(vampire,)h(who,)g(like)d(your)f(typical)h(loner)g(with)f(strange)h(habits,)
996 2345 y(took)c(up)h(computing)f(as)h(a)h(hobby.)27 b(He)17 b(was)g(a)g(bri\
lliant)d(systems)996 2395 y(programmer,)i(from)e(what)g(I've)g(heard;)i(super\
natural)e(powers,)h(no)996 2445 y(doubt,)8 b(add)h(that)f(certain)h(edge.)i
(Anyway,)e(it)g(seems)h(he)f(found)f(a)i(way)996 2495 y(to)j(embody)g(the)g
(essence)i(of)e(vampirism)h(in)e(DIABLOS.)i(Dexter's)996 2545 y(machine)8 b
(was)h(slightly)d(faster)i(than)g(the)g(others)f(to)g(begin)h(with,)g(so)g
(his)996 2594 y(quite)f(naturally)f(became)k(the)e(focus)g(of)f(the)h(vampiri\
c)g(gestalt.)h(That's)996 2644 y(why)g(it)g(was)h(up)f(when)g(the)h(rest)f
(of)h(yours)e(were)j(down,)e(and)h(why,)f(the)996 2694 y(less)i(functional)f
(your)h(machines)h(became,)i(the)d(more)h(impressively)996 2744 y(his)e(worke\
d.)j(I)e(think)f(his)g(was)i(sucking)e(power)h(--sorry,)g(folks--)f(out)996
2794 y(of)g(the)g(other)f(workstations)g(in)h(the)g(net.'')956 2918 y fj(13)p
eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Are)h(we)h(sup\
posed)e(to)h(believe)g(that?'')g(asked)h(Sy.)-33 35 y(``I)c(wouldn't)g(have)h
(asked)h(you)f(to)g(fifteen)f(minutes)h(ago,'')h(replied)-75 85 y(Anne)14 b
(good-naturedly.)20 b(``But)13 b(then)h(I)g(put)f(my)h(hypothesis)f(to)h(the)
-75 135 y(test)c(and)g(proved)g(it)f(right.'')-33 184 y(``How?'')g(asked)i
(Flej,)g(unabashedly)e(wide-eyed.)-33 234 y(``Well,)k(the)g('heart')g(of)g
(DIABLOS's)g(bug)f(was)i(buried)e(deep)i(in)-75 284 y(the)e(network)f(protoco\
l.)k(To)e(overcome)g(it,)f(I)g(simply)g(went)g(into)f(the)-75 334 y(transceiv\
er)k(boxes)h(that)e(hook)h(the)g(workstations)e(to)i(the)g(network)-75 384 y
(cable,)c(and)g(replaced)g(the)f(gold)f(pins)h(with)f(silver)g(ones.'')-33 433
y(Dexter)h(was)g(the)g(only)f(one)h(to)f(laugh)h(out)f(loud,)g(though)g(inwar\
dly)-75 483 y(he)14 b(groaned)f(at)g(the)g(prospect)h(of)f(finishing)e(his)i
(thesis)g(sans)g(ghost-)-75 533 y(writer.)d(Ruth,)e(her)i(eyes)g(bemused)g
(behind)e(their)h(icy)g(windowpanes,)-75 583 y(stepped)20 b(out)f(to)h(take)g
(a)h(phone)e(call)i(from)f(one)g(of)f(her)i(current)-75 633 y(boyfriends.)c
(And)12 b(Stan,)h(who)g(had)g(sunk)f(into)f(yet)i(another)f(reverie)-75 682 y
(of)i(confusion,)f(finally)g(roused)g(himself)h(to)f(ask)h(what)g(would)f(hav\
e)-75 732 y(happened)d(if)g(Anne's)g(maneuver)i(had)e(failed.)-33 782 y(``Dex\
ter's)g(machine)i(would)f(have)g(continued)f(in)h(the)g(same)i(vein)-75 832 y
(--)e(sorry)g(again--)g(drawing)f(all)h(it)g(could)f(out)h(of)g(the)g(other)f
(machines)-75 882 y(in)19 b(the)g(net)g(until)e(they)i(were,)j(I)e(hate)f(to)
g(say,)j(drained)d(of)g(juice)-75 932 y(irreparably.)29 b(And)16 b(then,)i
(had)f(we)g(decided)g(to)f(hook)g(his)g(power-)-75 981 y(thirsty)c(machine)j
(into)d(a)i(new)g(net?)22 b(Who)13 b(knows?'')21 b(She)14 b(seemed)-75 1031 y
(cheered)d(by)f(the)g(image)h(of)f(such)h(a)f(disaster.)-33 1081 y(Dexter,)22
b(chuckling)c(less)i(cheerfully)f(over)g(his)g(own)g(disaster,)-75 1131 y(rea\
lized)e(suddenly)f(what)h(he'd)f(have)i(to)e(do.)30 b(Since)17 b(DIABLOS,)-75
1181 y(after)12 b(all,)f(was)h(hardly)f(flesh)g(and)h(blood,)f(its)f(recent)i
(demise)h(should)-75 1230 y(prove)i(readily)g(reversible;)i(if)d(Dexter)i(--o\
n)e(some)i(deserted)g(night)-75 1280 y(or)10 b(two--)g(swapped)h(Anne's)g(sil\
ver)f(pins)g(with)f(gold)h(ones,)h(he)g(might)-75 1330 y(still)e(have)i(his)g
(ticket)f(to)g(fame,)j(thesis)d(approval,)h(and)f(excellent)h(job)-75 1380 y
(offers.)-33 1430 y(Flej)18 b(was)i(struck)e(by)h(a)g(thought)e(just)h(then.)
36 b(``What)18 b(do)h(you)-75 1479 y(think's)11 b(happening)g(at)h(Canon)g
(Hospital?)j(The)e(doctors)e(are)i(bound)-75 1529 y(to)e(find)g(out)g(there's)
h(something)f(weird)g(about)g(Drake.)16 b(And)11 b(why)h(is)-75 1579 y(Drake)
f(such)g(a)h(wimp?)g(I)f(thought)e(vampires,)i(until)e(you)i(got)f(a)h(stake)
-75 1629 y(through)16 b(them,)k(were)f(supposed)f(to)f(be)h(invincible;)h(why)
f(hasn't)-75 1679 y(Drake)11 b(bloodsucked)e(his)h(was)h(to)e(freedom)i(yet?)
g(Any)f(guesses?'')-33 1729 y(``Calm)f(down,)h(Flej,'')g(was)h(Sy's)g(to-the-\
point)c(rejoinder.)-33 1778 y(And)15 b(then)h(Anne)g(produced)g(the)g(last)g
(read-out)f(from)h(Dexter's)-75 1828 y(printer.)j(``We)14 b(won't)f(need)h
(to)f(wait)g(long)f(for)h(an)h(answer)g(to)f(your)-75 1878 y(questions,)e(Fle\
j,'')h(she)h(said,)f(and)g(they)f(quickly)g(formed)g(a)i(reading)-75 1928 y
(huddle)c(behind)h(Flej's)g(scrawny)g(form:)-75 2003 y fe(I'm)g(the)g(vampire)
h(Drake.)g(I'm)f(immortal.)f(And)h(I'm)g(tired)g(of)g(it.)-75 2065 y(I've)e
(walked)e(the)h(earth)g(for)f(a)h(thousand)e(years,)k(the)e(last)f(two)g(hund\
red)-75 2115 y(of)12 b(them)g(a)g(perdition)e(of)i(weariness)g(and)g(conscien\
ce.)18 b(The)12 b(former)-75 2164 y(malady)e(is)g(an)h(old)f(one,)h(grown)f
(more)h(profound)e(each)i(time)f(human)-75 2214 y(history)f(contrives)h(to)e
(restage)i(its)f(hackneyed)i(dramas;)e(the)g(latter)g(is)-75 2264 y(new)h(to)
g(me,)h(and)f(I)g(am)g(helpless)g(to)g(quell)f(it.)-75 2326 y(I)h(shrank)g
(from)f(hallowed)f(objects,)i(once,)h(though)d(the)i(kiss)g(of)g(blood)-75
2376 y(was)g(sacred)i(on)e(my)i(lips;)d(now)h(I)h(fear)g(nothing)d(from)j(Hea\
ven,)h(from)-75 2426 y(Earth,)d(or)g(from)g(Hell,)g(yet)g(I)g(loathe)f(beyond)
h(hope)g(what)e(I)i(do)g(nightly)-75 2476 y(for)15 b(sustenance.)27 b(And)15 b
(so)h(I)g(choose)g(a)f(vampire's)h(death,)g(having)-75 2526 y(met)c(already)g
(my)g(mortal)f(demise,)i(but)e(not)g(--laugh)f(well--)h(without)-75 2575 y
(satisfying)e(first)g(my)i(thirst)e(for)g(immortality)p fc(.)e(.)g(.)996 2481
y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Cerise)16 b(Palmer)h(maintained)d(her)i(sanity)g(as)g(a)g
(graduate)f(student)996 2572 y(in)e(literature)g(by)h(reading)f(as)h(much)f
(F&SF)i(in)e(her)i(spare)f(time)f(as)996 2622 y(possible;)d(she)i(now)f(tries)
g(to)f(write)h(as)g(much)g(of)g(it)f(as)h(possible.)i(She)996 2672 y(lives)c
(in)f(Columbus,)f(Ohio)h(with)f(her)j(husband)d(and)h(small)g(daughter,)996
2721 y(and)h(is)h(currently)h(at)f(work)g(on)g(a)g(fantasy)f(trilogy.)996 2784
y(She)h(may)h(be)f(reached)h(in)f(care)h(of)f(the)g(editors.)996 2794 y 1030 2
v 956 2918 a fj(14)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 573 61 a fk
(Sharp)19 b(and)h(Silver)g(Beings)795 175 y fi(by)c(Jason)g(Snell)841 250 y ff
(Copyright)1004 249 y fg(c)993 250 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 320 y 2100 2 v -33
374 a fg(The)i(net)g(was)g(unpopulated,)g(a)h(metropolis)d(with)h(huge)g(spir\
es)-75 424 y(of)c(conglomerates)g(and)g(governments,)g(data)g(reaching)g(to)f
(the)h(sky,)-75 473 y(larger)d(than)g(any)h(city)f(in)f(real)i(life,)f(but)g
(without)e(any)j(inhabitants.)e(A)-75 523 y(gigantic)h(computerized)i(ghost)e
(town,)i(pulsating)e(with)g(hidden)h(life,)-75 573 y(life)f(which)g(swam)h
(in)e(streams)j(of)e(data)g(and)g(flows)g(of)g(information.)-33 625 y(So)23 b
(when,)k(in)c(the)g(midst)g(of)h(tracking)e(through)g(the)h(net)h(--)-75 674 y
(metrobanks)14 b(and)g(information)d(systems)k(blurring)d(as)i(they)g(rushed)
-75 724 y(past)8 b(him)f(--)g(Lewis)i(saw)f(a)g(person,)g(a)h(shadowy)e(man-s\
hape)i(standing)-75 774 y(on)i(the)g(data)g(track,)h(waiting)e(in)g(front)g
(of)h(a)h(towering)e(skyscraper)i(of)-75 824 y(ones)e(and)h(zeroes,)h(he)e
(crashed)h(his)f(baud)g(to)g(zero)h(and)f(froze)h(it)e(all.)-33 875 y(The)h
(net,)g(like)f(a)h(series)g(of)f(plastic)g(baby's)h(blocks.)g(Pyramids)f(and)
-75 925 y(cubes,)i(strewn)f(across)h(a)g(deserted)g(playroom.)-33 977 y(Man-s\
hape,)19 b(bit)d(of)h(flesh,)i(slowly)d(moving,)i(shadows)f(on)g(his)-75 1027
y(face.)-33 1078 y(Bright)6 b(sky-sphere)j(flaring,)f(flashing,)g(reflecting)
g(--)g(sun)h(in)f(a)h(city)-75 1128 y(with)k(neither)g(light)f(nor)i(people.)
21 b(High)13 b(noon)g(in)g(a)i(world)d(without)-75 1178 y(time.)-33 1230 y
(Lewis)g(blinked.)h(The)f(net)f(was)i(frozen,)f(but)f(the)g(man)h(still)e(cam\
e.)-75 1279 y(He)21 b(moved)g(toward)f(Lewis,)k(stepping)19 b(off)h(of)h(a)g
(curb)f(into)g(the)-75 1329 y(street,)d(the)f(mainline)e(of)i(data)f(where)h
(Lewis)g(had)g(been)g(tracking.)-75 1379 y(Slowly,)9 b(the)g(clicking)f(of)h
(his)g(shoes)g(echoing)g(through)f(the)h(valley)g(of)-75 1429 y(day-glow)g
(spires,)i(the)f(man)h(approached.)-33 1480 y(``Hello,'')f(the)h(man)g(said,)
h(and)f(raised)g(his)f(hand)h(in)g(greeting.)h(No)-75 1530 y(handshake.)-33
1582 y(Lewis)e(could)g(see)h(through)e(the)h(man's)h(hand.)-33 1633 y(``No)i
(flesh,)h(here.'')21 b(The)15 b(man)f(said,)h(and)f(smiled.)20 b(``I)14 b(hav\
e)g(no)-75 1683 y(flesh)c(to)g(bring)f(you,)h(Lewis.'')-33 1735 y(Lewis)g(bli\
nked)e(again,)i(this)f(time)g(at)h(the)f(man's)h(use)h(of)e(his)g(name.)-75
1785 y(Lewis)17 b(had)g(not)f(said)h(a)g(word,)h(had)f(never)g(said)f(anythin\
g)f(in)i(the)-75 1835 y(wide-open)12 b(conduit)f(that)h(was)h(the)f(net.)17 b
(There)c(was)h(never)e(anyone)-75 1884 y(to)e(speak)h(to.)-33 1936 y(Now,)f
(in)g(a)g(virtual)f(instant,)h(there)g(was)h(someone.)-33 1988 y(``Where)16 b
(are)i(you)e(going,)h(Lewis?'')30 b(the)16 b(someone)h(said.)30 b(He)-75 2037
y(wore)16 b(a)h(three-piece)f(business)g(suit,)h(a)g(plain)e(style)h(which)f
(would)-75 2087 y(have)h(looked)f(good)g(even)i(a)f(hundred)f(years)i(before,)
g(when)f(there)-75 2137 y(was)e(no)f(net,)i(no)e(man-shapes)i(appearing)e(whe\
re)i(they)e(should)f(not)-75 2187 y(be.)-33 2238 y(Lewis)e(stared)h(at)f(the)
g(man.)-33 2290 y(``Don't)e(fear)j(me,)h(Lewis.)f(Where)g(are)g(you)f(going?'\
')-33 2342 y(Shopping.)21 b(He)15 b(was)g(going)e(shopping.)21 b(Tracking)15 b
(through)e(the)-75 2391 y(net,)e(moving)e(from)h(his)h(home)f(data)h(point)e
(to)h(different)f(senseshops.)-75 2441 y(A)h(birthday)f(present)h(for)g(his)g
(girlfriend.)e(A)j(gift)e(for)h(Jean.)-33 2493 y(``Do)f(you)h(mind)g(if)f(I)i
(accompany)g(you?'')f(the)g(man)h(asked.)-33 2545 y(Lewis)16 b(remained)h(alm\
ost)f(completely)f(silent,)i(his)f(only)f(sound)-75 2594 y(being)j(a)g(grunt)
f(of)h(shock)g(when)h(his)e(baud)h(rate)h(ripped)e(back)i(to)-75 2644 y(full-\
speed)c(and)h(he)g(began)g(to)f(track)h(through)f(the)g(blurred)g(streets)-75
2694 y(of)d(the)h(net,)g(this)f(time)h(with)e(the)i(man)g(standing)f(in)g(mid\
-air)g(next)g(to)-75 2744 y(him,)d(moving)f(as)h(he)g(moved,)h(heading)e(towa\
rd)g(one)g(of)h(the)f(Southern)-75 2794 y(California)h(senseshops.)1037 374 y
(Maybe,)i(Lewis)f(thought,)e(the)h(see-through)f(man)j(could)d(help)h(him)996
424 y(pick)h(out)f(a)i(gift.)1037 529 y(Raven)k(blew)f(it,)h(made)g(the)f(Big)
g(Mistake,)h(choked)f(for)g(the)g(last)996 579 y(time.)19 b(And)13 b(he)h(kne\
w)f(it)g(immediately.)19 b(His)13 b(feet)h(were)g(pulled)e(out)996 629 y(from)
g(under)g(him,)h(as)h(if)d(he)i(were)h(just)d(a)i(plastic)f(doll)f(being)h
(pulled)996 679 y(along)j(by)g(a)i(giant)e(baby,)i(sliding)d(into)h(the)h(dep\
ths)f(of)h(its)f(bizarre)996 729 y(multicolored)8 b(playpen.)1037 780 y(He)g
(was)g(doing)e(what)h(he'd)g(been)h(doing)e(for)h(two)g(years)h(--)f(breaking)
996 830 y(in.)13 b(Ripping)c(places)j(that)f(couldn't)f(be)h(ripped.)i(And)e
(he)h(wasn't)f(too)996 879 y(bad)f(at)g(it.)1037 930 y(Then)i(they)g(asked)g
(him)f(to)g(rip)g(security)g(itself.)j(And,)e(because)h(of)996 980 y(the)8 b
(reckless)i(fool)e(in)g(him,)h(he)g(tried)f(it.)i(He)f(waded)g(into)f(the)g
(net,)i(held)996 1030 y(his)g(breath,)g(and)g(dove)g(out)g(into)f(the)h(data,)
h(toward)f(his)f(goal.)1037 1081 y(And)16 b(then)g(he)h(was)g(sliding.)27 b
(Sliding)15 b(toward)h(the)g(prisms)g(and)996 1131 y(pyramids)10 b(that)f(wer\
e)i(his)f(goal.)g fe(Except)p fg(.)1037 1182 y fe(Sherry)h(had)f(told)f(him)h
(Except)h(Was)f(Same)g(As)h(Death.)1037 1233 y(Except)21 b fg(he)f(was)g(slid\
ing)e(toward)h(the)h(shapes)g(faster)h(than)e(he)996 1283 y(should.)9 b(Pulle\
d)f(out)g(of)h(control)f(by)h(the)g(undertow)f(of)g(the)h(net,)h(riding)996
1333 y(on)g(ground)f(so)h(black)g(and)h(cold)e(that)h(it)f(froze)i(him)f(just)
f(to)h(look)f(at)i(it.)1037 1384 y(A)17 b(yellow)f(pyramid,)h(the)g(security)
f(mainframe.)30 b(And,)18 b(inside,)996 1434 y(something)8 b(more.)j(Shiny,)e
(hard-edged.)h(It)f(was)i(unlike)d(anything)g(he)996 1483 y(had)i(seen)h(befo\
re.)1037 1534 y(And)k(then)g(Raven)h(saw)g(nothing)d(but)i(yellow,)h(the)f
(edge)h(of)f(the)996 1584 y(pyramid)8 b(rushing)g(in,)h(slicing)f(him.)i(But)
e(no)h(blood.)g(No)g(blood)f(in)g(the)996 1634 y(net.)1037 1685 y(Just)i(yell\
ow.)g(Yellow,)g(and)g(death.)1037 1736 y(There)k(was)f(only)f(silence)h(when)
f(Raven's)h(brain)f(went)g(dead,)i(no)996 1786 y(sound)i(in)h(his)g(apartment)
h(until)d(his)i(board)g(his)g(the)g(floor)f(with)h(a)996 1836 y(crash.)1037
1887 y(The)11 b(police)f(found)f(him,)h(eyes)h(closed,)g(headband)f(on,)g(sti\
ll)e(wired)996 1937 y(into)k(the)h(net.)20 b(But)12 b(Raven)i(was)g(gone,)g
(riding)e(data)h(to)g(which)g(only)996 1987 y(the)d(dead)h(had)f(access.)1037
2092 y(A)h(warm)f(breeze)i(was)f(blowing)d(up)i(the)g(back)h(of)f(Tamara's)i
(neck.)996 2142 y(It)k(was)h(the)f(first)g(thing)f(she)i(felt)e(that)h(mornin\
g,)i(the)e(feeling)g(that)996 2192 y(stirred)d(her)h(from)g(her)g(sleep.)21 b
(Her)15 b(sheets)f(were)h(damp)f(--)g(she)g(had)996 2242 y(the)d(heavy)g(blan\
ket)g(on,)h(and)f(was)h(sweating)f(in)g(the)g(warmth.)i(It)e(had)996 2292 y
(been)i(a)h(cold)f(night,)g(but)f(the)h(day)g(was)h(already)g(beginning)d(to)
i(heat)996 2342 y(up.)d(Beads)h(of)f(moisture)f(rolled)h(down)f(the)h(window.)
1037 2393 y(She)i(rolled)e(over)g(and)h(sat)h(up,)f(a)g(few)g(blonde)g(curls)
f(falling)g(down)996 2442 y(into)k(her)j(field)e(of)g(vision.)27 b(Shaking)15
b(them)h(out)f(of)h(her)g(eyes,)j(she)996 2492 y(stretched,)9 b(groaned)g(as)
h(her)f(body)f(shook,)h(and)g(then)f(closed)h(her)g(eyes)996 2542 y(again.)
1037 2593 y(The)i(blanket)f(came)i(off.)e(It)g(was)h(much)f(too)g(hot.)1037
2644 y(Tamara)f(stayed)f(in)e(the)i(bed)f(for)g(a)g(while,)h(doing)e(nothing,)
g(reveling)996 2694 y(in)k(the)g(fact)h(that)f(she)h(didn't)e(need)i(to)f(do)
g(anything)f(but)h(exist.)h(Being)996 2744 y(was)i(enough.)k(Being,)c(enjoyin\
g)e(the)i(feeling)f(of)g(being)g(young)g(and)996 2794 y(healthy.)e(The)h(feel\
ing)e(of)h(being)g(alive.)956 2918 y fj(15)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Then,)g(deciding)
f(that)g(she)h(had)g(lounged)e(long)h(enough,)g(she)h(rolled)-75 35 y(out)g
(of)g(bed,)h(pulled)e(off)h(her)h(clothes,)g(and)f(walked)h(to)e(the)i(bathro\
om.)-75 85 y(Through)i(the)i(bathroom)e(door,)i(she)g(saw)g(the)f(room)g(glow\
ing)e(with)-75 135 y(early)f(morning)f(light.)-33 185 y(With)g(every)i(step)f
(she)h(felt)f(her)h(perfectly)f(working)f(legs,)i(no)f(pain)-75 235 y(in)d
(her)h(knees,)h(her)e(young)g(breasts)h(bobbing)d(slightly)h(with)g(her)i(str\
ide.)-33 286 y(Twisting)f(the)g(shower)g(on)g(br)o(ough)o(t)g(no)f(reaction)h
(fr)o(om)g(her)g(elbows.)-75 335 y(The)k(warm)g(water)f(splashed)h(on)f(her)g
(soft)g(face.)-33 386 y(As)e(she)h(dampened)h(her)f(hair,)g(she)g(felt)f(the)
g(little)f(streams)j(of)e(water)-75 436 y(running)j(down)i(her)g(back,)i(her)
e(legs,)i(her)e(arms.)20 b(One)14 b(stream)g(kept)-75 486 y(moving)8 b(down)g
(her)h(arm.)i(The)e(feeling)f(slowly)g(increased,)i(the)f(water)-75 535 y(bec\
oming)17 b(hotter)e(there.)31 b(The)17 b(little)f(stream)h(of)g(water)g(began)
g(to)-75 585 y(burn.)-33 636 y(She)10 b(looked)g(down)f(at)h(her)h(arm.)-33
686 y(Wrinkled)e(skin,)h(age)h(spots,)f(hospital)f(gown.)-33 737 y(The)h(stre\
am,)i(an)e(intravenous)f(drip,)h(running)f(into)g(her)h(arm.)-33 788 y(``Time)
d(to)g(take)h(a)g(break)g(from)f(your)g(senseblock,'')h(a)g(blank-faced)-75
837 y(nurse)i(said.)h(``Would)e(you)h(like)f(me)i(to)f(do)g(anything)f(for)g
(you?'')-33 888 y(``Comb)f(out)f(my)i(hair,'')g(Tamara)i(Balshire)d(croaked)h
(through)e(her)-75 938 y(artificial)i(larynx.)-33 988 y(The)e(young)f(woman)h
(began)h(working)d(on)i(the)g(thick)f(white)g(strands.)-75 1038 y(The)11 b
(tangles)f(only)f(hurt)g(a)i(little.)-33 1142 y(The)16 b(man)h(was)g(still)d
(there,)k(hovering,)f(when)f(Lewis)g(slammed)-75 1192 y(into)c(the)h(golden)f
(doors)h(of)f(the)h(San)h(Diego)f(sensorium,)h(color)e(and)-75 1241 y(depth)g
(flaring)g(into)g(his)g(mind,)i(the)f(cardboard)g(computer)g(building)-75 1291
y(blocks)19 b(of)g(the)g(net)h(replaced)g(with)e(the)i(sensorium's)f(construc\
t.)-75 1341 y(Lewis)13 b(looked)e(down)h(and)g(saw)h(himself,)f(all)g(of)g
(himself,)h(standing)-75 1391 y(there)i(in)f(the)g(middle)g(of)h(what)f(looke\
d)g(to)g(be)h(a)g(huge)f(department)-75 1441 y(store.)f(Every)e(part)g(of)f
(it)h(was)g(real,)h(as)g(if)f(he)g(was)h(actually)e(in)h(such)g(a)-75 1491 y
(place,)g(as)g(if)f(it)f(all)h(wasn't)g(just)g(a)h(hallucination.)-33 1541 y
(But)h(the)h(man)g(hovering)f(next)h(to)f(him,)i(a)g(few)f(inches)g(off)g(of)
g(the)-75 1591 y(ground,)c(was)i(still)e(there.)-33 1642 y(``So,'')18 b(the)g
(man)g(began,)h(``You're)e(shopping)f(for)h(a)h(birthday)-75 1691 y(present)
10 b(for)g(your)g(girlfriend.'')-33 1742 y(For)17 b(the)h(first)f(time,)k(Lew\
is)d(spoke)h(to)e(the)h(man)h(who)e(walked)-75 1792 y(through)9 b(the)h(net.)
-33 1842 y(``Her)g(name)h(is)f(Jean,'')h(he)g(said.)-33 1893 y(And)19 b(Lewis)
i(remembered)g(how)f(he)g(had)g(met)g(her)h(--)e(paging)-75 1943 y(through)13
b(a)i(section)f(of)h(a)g(net)f(magazine,)j(idly)d(choosing)f(different)-75
1993 y(subjects,)e(trying)d(to)i(find)f(something)g(interesting.)-33 2043 y
(Networking)i(section.)20 b(Young)13 b(men)h(and)g(women,)h(hot)d(into)h(the)
-75 2093 y(net.)d(The)g(ones)f(who)g(wanted)g(to)g fe(become)h fg(the)f(net,)
g(to)g(add)g(to)f(it.)i(They)-75 2143 y(were)g(babies)g(when)g(the)f(net)h
(had)f(crystallized.)h(Children)e(of)i(the)f(net,)-75 2193 y(old)g(enough)h
(to)g(try)f(to)h(make)h(it)f(their)f(plaything.)-33 2243 y(Then)e(he)h(notice\
d)e(a)i(young)e(woman)i(in)e(a)i(public)e(message)j(section.)-75 2293 y(A)16 b
(beautiful)e(girl,)i(talking)e(about)h(the)h(net,)h(using)d(the)i(words)f(tha\
t)-75 2343 y(Lewis)c(used.)-33 2394 y(Wavy)d(brown)g(hair,)h(tiny)f(nose,)h
(beautiful)f(eyes)h(with)f(a)h(depth)f(that)-75 2443 y(Lewis)k(could)f(feel)i
(in)e(the)g(darkest)h(recesses)i(of)d(his)h(soul.)i(The)e(eyes)-75 2493 y(mad\
e)g(a)f(tingle)f(run)g(up)g(his)h(spine,)g(a)g(feeling)f(stronger)g(than)h
(any)g(net)-75 2543 y(jump.)f(One)h(of)f(the)g(children)f(of)h(the)g(net.)h
(One)f(like)g(Lewis.)-33 2594 y(Lewis)18 b(sent)h(her)f(a)h(message,)j(of)c
(course.)35 b(Just)18 b(a)h(plain)e(two-)-75 2643 y(dimensional,)f(but)e(it)h
(was)h(better)e(than)h(writing)f(a)h(text)g(note.)25 b(She)-75 2693 y(would)9
b(at)i(least)f(be)h(able)f(to)g(see)h(and)f(hear)h(him.)-33 2744 y(And)k(Jean)
i(responded)e(to)g(his)h(message.)28 b(The)17 b(exchange)g(went)-75 2794 y
(back)e(and)f(forth,)h(the)f(two)f(of)h(them)h(sharing)e(ideas)i(which)f(neit\
her)996 -15 y(had)g(ever)g(expected)g(anyone)g(to)f(understand.)20 b(She)14 b
(loved)f(what)h(he)996 35 y(had)9 b(to)f(say,)i(and)f(he)g(was)h(absorbed)e
(by)h(every)g(word)f(that)h(came)h(from)996 85 y(her)g(mouth.)1037 138 y(It)i
(wasn't)g(too)f(long)g(before)h(they)f(went)h(realtime.)k(Talking)c(back)996
188 y(and)c(forth)f(for)h(hours,)g(about)g(anything)e(--)i(it)g(didn't)e(matt\
er)j(what)f(they)996 237 y(said,)j(because)i(there)e(seemed)h(to)e(be)i(no)e
(subject)h(that)f(they)h(couldn't)996 287 y(go)f(on)g(about)f(forever.)1037
340 y(There)k(were)g(no)e(silent)g(pauses.)16 b(There)c(was)h(never)f(a)g(tim\
e)g(when)996 390 y(Lewis)g(felt)f(more)i(at)f(home)g(--)f(he)i(didn't)d(ever)
i(feel)g(as)h(if)e(he)h(should)996 440 y(say)j(something,)h(even)f(though)f
(he)h(felt)f(like)g(saying)h(nothing.)23 b(He)996 490 y(was)14 b(completely)e
(comfortable)h(with)f(Jean)i(--)f(for)g(the)g(first)f(time)h(in)996 540 y(his)
d(life,)g(he)g(was)h(completely)f(at)g(ease)i(with)d(another)h(person.)1037
593 y(``Come)h(on,'')f(the)g(see-through)g(man)h(said)g(impatiently,)e(``sele\
ct)996 642 y(something.'')27 b(He)17 b(gestured)f(at)g(the)g(selection)g(boar\
d)g(in)f(front)g(of)996 692 y(him.)22 b(Lewis)15 b(touched)f(the)g(cube)h(mar\
ked)g(``Gift)e(Shop,'')i(and)f(the)996 742 y(sensorium)c(shifted.)g(The)g(fee\
ling)g(of)g(vastness)h(slid)e(into)g(intimacy.)1037 795 y(``Over)k(here,'')h
(the)f(man)h(said,)g(and)f(floated)g(in)f(front)g(of)h(Lewis,)996 845 y(leadi\
ng)g(him)h(to)g(a)h(flower)f(stand.)22 b(A)14 b(little)f(bent-over)g(woman)i
(sat)996 895 y(behind)k(a)h(makeshift)f(cart,)k(with)c(carnations,)j(roses,)h
(and)d(other)996 945 y(flowers)10 b(sitting)e(atop)i(the)g(cart)g(in)g(variou\
s)g(jars)g(and)g(vases.)1037 998 y(``They)j(smell)g(wonderful,)f(don't)f(they\
?'')17 b(The)d(man-shape)f(had)996 1048 y(leaned)d(over)h(and)f(was)h(sniffin\
g)d(a)j(pink)e(carnation.)1037 1101 y fe(The)k(smell)f(of)f(the)h(flowers,)g
(even)i(though)c(they)i(were)h(sensorium)996 1150 y(roses.)g(He)f(could)e(sti\
ll)g(smell)g(them.)j(He)f(had)e(handed)g(them)h(to)g(Jean)996 1200 y(--)g(act\
ually)f(touched)g(her)i(hand,)f(felt)f(it,)h(solid)f(flesh,)h(flesh)g(he)g
(loved)996 1250 y(more)f(than)g(his)f(own.)1037 1303 y fg(``Not)h(carnations,\
'')g(Lewis)g(said)h(to)e(the)h(man.)i(``Roses.'')1037 1419 y(The)j(man)g(wore)
f(a)g(severely)h(out)e(of)h(style)f(three-piece)i(suit)e(and)996 1469 y(had)c
(twisted)f(yellow)g(teeth,)h(but)f(Raven)h(was)h(glad)e(to)g(see)i(him)f(--)f
(was)996 1519 y(glad)i(to)g(see)h(anyone)g(at)f(all.)h(He)g(had)g(been)g(spin\
ning,)e(skidding,)g(had)996 1569 y(felt)g(the)i(yellow)e(biting)f(into)h(him,)
i(and)f(then--)1037 1622 y fe(Silverrazorsharpthreepieceyellowteeth.)1037 1675
y fg(A)g(blur)f(of)g(images,)i(coalescing)f(into)f(the)g(reality)g(that)h(was)
g(before)996 1725 y(him.)17 b(A)c(cityscape)g(in)g(the)f(distance,)i(one)f
(with)e(strange)i(geometric)996 1774 y(buildings.)19 b(They)14 b(stood)f(on)h
(the)g(edge)g(of)g(a)g(hill,)g(overlooking)d(the)996 1824 y(city.)1037 1877 y
(``Hello,)21 b(Raven,'')h(the)d(man)g(said.)38 b(``It)18 b(looks)g(as)i(if)f
(you've)996 1927 y(misplaced)10 b(your)g(flesh.'')1037 1980 y(``I)17 b(just)g
(had)g(an)h(accident,)i(that's)d(all.)31 b(Spun)17 b(out)g(too)f(hard.'')996
2030 y(Raven)c(paused,)i(and)e(the)g(frustration)f(built)f(within)h(him.)16 b
(``I)c(didn't)996 2080 y(plan)c(the)h(rip.)h fe(It)e(wasn't)g(my)h(fault!)p fg
('')f(He)h(kicked)g(at)g(the)g(grassy)g(green)996 2130 y(on)h(which)f(he)i
(stood.)1037 2183 y(The)16 b(green)g(was)g(solid.)24 b(It)15 b(wasn't)g(grass\
,)i(wasn't)e(dirt.)25 b(It)14 b(was)996 2233 y fe(green)p fg(,)d(and)f(that)g
(was)h(all.)1037 2286 y(``Don't)i(screw)j(with)d(me,)j(man,'')g(Raven)f(said.)
23 b(``So)14 b(I)g(fucked)996 2335 y(up.)g(Pulled)c(the)h(Big)g(Mistake.)j
(But)c(I'm)i(here,)h(aren't)e(I?)h(So,)g(is)f(this)996 2385 y(heaven,)j(or)f
(is)g(this)f(just)g(some)h(corner)g(of)g(the)f(net)h(I've)g(never)g(seen)996
2435 y(before?'')1037 2488 y(The)e(man)g(said)f(nothing.)1037 2541 y(``Come)h
(to)e(think)g(of)h(it,'')g(Raven)g(continued,)g(``who)f(the)i(hell)e(are)996
2591 y(you?)15 b(If)c(this)g(is)h(heaven,)h(you're)f(not)f(what)h(I)f(expecte\
d)i(from)f(Saint)996 2641 y(Peter.)f(Or)f(God.'')1037 2694 y(``I'm)g(as)h(clo\
se)g(to)e(Saint)h(Peter)h(as)g(you'll)d(see,)k(Raven,'')e(the)h(man)996 2744 y
(said,)i(and)g(turned)e(his)h(back)h(to)f(him.)17 b(``And)12 b(now)g(that)g
(you've)g(lost)996 2794 y(your)d(flesh,)i(you)e(may)i(get)f(to)g(see)h(God)f
(in)g(person.'')956 2918 y fj(16)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``God.)17 b(Grea\
t.'')i(Raven)13 b(kicked)g(at)f(the)h(green)g(again.)19 b(``Where)-75 35 y
(are)11 b(we,)g(man?'')-33 87 y(``A)20 b(place)i(where)g(flesh)f(and)h(metal)
f(rule.)44 b(A)21 b(place)h(where)-75 137 y(memories)10 b(without)e(shape)i
(mean)h(nothing.)d(And)h(you,)h(Raven,)g(have)-75 187 y(lost)f(your)h(shape.'\
')-33 239 y(Raven)k(had)g(no)f(time)h(to)g(cry)g(out,)g(no)g(time)g(to)f(do)h
(anything,)g(no)-75 289 y(time)f(at)f(all,)i(before)e(he)h(was)h(in)e(black.)
18 b(He)13 b(was)g(worse)g(than)f(dead.)-75 339 y(He)f(was)g(off-line.)-33 391
y fe(Except)p fg(,)j(Sherry)e(said.)17 b(Raven)c(decided)f fe(Except)i(Is)e fg
(Worse)h fe(Than)-75 441 y(Death)p fg(.)-33 553 y(A)d(voice)g(called)h(her)f
(name.)i(A)e(voice)g(in)g(her)g(solitude.)-33 605 y(Tamara)21 b(Balshire)e
(hadn't)f(been)i(called)g(anything)e(other)h(than)-75 655 y fe(Ma'am)c fg(for)
h(ten)g(years.)29 b(And)16 b(nobody)f(had)h(called)h(her)f(anything)-75 705 y
(other)10 b(than)g fe(Tamara)f fg(or)h fe(Mrs.)h(Balshire)f fg(for)g(years)h
(before)f(that.)-33 757 y(Only)f(Gerry)h(had)g(called)h(her)f fe(Tammy.)-33
809 y fg(``Tammy,'')h(Gerry's)f(voice)g(called.)-33 861 y(Tamara)18 b(turned)
d(away)i(from)f(the)g(rain-spattered)f(window)g(and)-75 911 y(looked)9 b(to)h
(the)g(doorway.)g(And)g(Gerry)g(was)h(there.)-33 963 y(She)g(ran)g(to)g(his)g
(strong)f(arms,)j(his)d(wide)h(shoulders,)g(the)g(strength)-75 1013 y(she)f
(had)f(wanted)h(to)f(feel)h(for)f(longer)f(than)h(she)h(believed)f(possible.)
h(It)-75 1063 y(was)h(him.)-33 1115 y(``My)d(God,)i(I've)g(missed)g(you,'')f
(Tamara)i(said,)f(and)g(hugged)f(him)-75 1165 y(tighter.)17 b(He)c(picked)f
(her)h(up)f(off)h(her)g(feet)g(and)f(carried)h(her)g(over)g(to)-75 1215 y(the)
d(couch.)-33 1267 y(Gerry)15 b(kissed)h(her)g(then,)h(for)e(the)g(first)g(tim\
e)h(in)f(a)h(quarter)f(of)h(a)-75 1317 y(century.)23 b(He)15 b(slipped)f(his)
g(hands)g(under)h(her)f(shirt,)h(caressing)g(her)-75 1367 y(breasts.)f(She)d
(slid)g(her)g(arms)h(up)f(his)f(back,)j(feeling)d(his)h(muscles,)i(as)-75 1417
y(strong)c(as)i(she)g(remembered.)-33 1469 y(And)17 b(then)g(he)h(pulled)f
(back,)j(slowly)d(disengaging)g(from)g(their)-75 1519 y(kiss,)10 b(and)h(gave)
f(her)h(a)g(serious)f(and)g(questioning)e(look.)-33 1571 y(``What)h(was)i(it)
e(like)h(to)f(live)h(without)e(me,)j(Tammy?)h(What)e(was)h(it)-75 1621 y(like)
f(when)g(you)g(lost)f(me?'')i(His)f(eyes)h(were)g(filled)e(with)h(curiosity.)
-33 1673 y(``Why,)i(Gerry?)17 b(Why)12 b(the)g(questions?)k(It's)11 b(been)i
(years,)h(Gerry.)-75 1723 y(And)d(we're)g(here,)i(together,)e(young.)h(I)f
(want)g(to)g(make)h(love,)f(Gerry,)-75 1773 y(like)f(we)g(did)g(back)h(then.'\
')-33 1825 y(``I)i(need)h(to)f(know,)i(Tamara,'')h(he)e(said.)21 b(``It's)13 b
(very)h(important)-75 1875 y(that)d(I)h(know.)k(If)c(I)g(know,)g(then)f(I'll)
g(understand)h(all)f(of)h(this.)j(If)d(you)-75 1925 y(can)h(tell)d(me)j(what)
f(it)f(was)h(like,)g(Tamara,)i(you)e(can)g(be)g(free)h(of)e(your)-75 1974 y
(flesh.)23 b(I)14 b(can)h(take)f(you)g(somewhere)i(better,)f(a)g(place)g(wher\
e)g(flesh)-75 2024 y(isn't)9 b(important.'')-33 2077 y(Gerry's)16 b(voice)h
(seemed)h(out)e(of)g(place.)31 b(Distant.)d(He)17 b(was)h(no)-75 2126 y(longe\
r)9 b(holding)g(her.)-33 2179 y(``What)21 b(do)g(you)f(mean,)26 b(Gerry?)44 b
(Why)21 b(are)i(you)d(acting)h(so)-75 2228 y(strangely?'')12 b(Tamara)h(slipp\
ed)d(off)h(of)g(his)f(lap)h(and)g(moved)h(into)e(the)-75 2278 y(center)h(of)f
(the)g(room,)g(away)h(from)f(the)g(window)g(and)g(the)g(couch.)-33 2331 y(``Y\
our)d(flesh)i(lives)f(in)g(pain,'')h(Gerry)f(said,)i(and)e(the)h(voice)g(wasn\
't)-75 2380 y(Gerry's.)h(``Twenty-five)g(years)g(ago,)h(you)e(lost)h(the)f
(man)i(you)f(loved.)-75 2430 y(Then)i(your)e(body)h(began)h(to)e(destroy)h
(itself.)i(I)f(need)f(to)g(know)g(about)-75 2480 y(pain.)f(I)g(need)h(to)f
(know)f(about)h(the)g(pain)g(of)g(the)g(flesh.'')-33 2532 y(The)16 b(man)h
(was)g(no)f(longer)f(Gerry.)29 b(He)16 b(stared)h(at)f(her)g(intently)-75 2582
y(with)11 b(his)g(beady)h(eyes,)i(still)c(curious,)i(obviously)e(needing)i
(the)f(vital)-75 2632 y(knowledge.)27 b(He)17 b(was)f(nervously)f(grinding)f
(his)h(crooked)h(yellow)-75 2682 y(teeth.)-33 2794 y(Lewis)10 b(remembered)i
(the)e(roses.)1037 -15 y(Jean)15 b(lived)d(in)h(the)g(Midwest,)h(in)f(reality)
f(a)i(long)f(and)g(expensive)996 35 y(trip)8 b(from)i(the)f(little)f(Essef)j
(metro)e(triplex)f(where)j(Lewis)f(spent)f(most)996 85 y(of)18 b(his)h(days)g
(and)g(all)g(of)f(his)h(net)f(time.)37 b(Fortunately)17 b(for)i(both,)996 135
y(two-way)c(two)h(dimension)g(was)h(free,)i(the)d(cheapest)h(form)f(of)g(net)
996 184 y(communication.)1037 235 y(But)e(with)f(two-two,)h(there)g(was)h(no)
f(feeling.)22 b(It)14 b(was)h(just)e(a)i(flat)996 285 y(screen.)1037 336 y
(Two-)p fe(three)p fg(.)34 b(Full)17 b(sensory)h(input.)32 b(It)17 b(was)i
(like)e(being)h(there,)996 386 y(across)d(the)e(country.)21 b(Pick)14 b(your)
f(setting,)h(and)g(make)h(your)e(senses)996 435 y(think)8 b(that)h(your)g(bod\
y)g(is)g(in)g(Hawaii)h(or)f(Paris,)h(when)g(it's)f(really)g(just)996 485 y
(squatting)e(in)i(front)f(of)h(a)g(computer)h(terminal)e(with)g(a)i(series)g
(of)f(metal)996 535 y(receptors)h(sucking)g(your)f(thoughts)g(out)g(of)h(your)
f(skull.)1037 586 y(It)15 b(was)g(expensive.)25 b(But)14 b(Lewis)h(saved,)i
(and)e(so)g(did)f(Jean,)j(and)996 636 y(they)10 b(finally)e(had)j(enough.)
1037 686 y(Five)f(hours)g(in)g(two-three.)g(Lewis)g(paid)g(extra)h(for)e(the)
h(roses.)1037 737 y(He)f(remembered)i(the)d(roar)h(of)f(the)h(ocean,)h(as)f
(the)g(waves)g(broke)f(on)996 787 y(the)j(digital)f(beach.)16 b(The)d(sound)e
(of)g(the)h(tropical)f(rain)g(falling)f(softly)996 837 y(on)i(the)h(patio.)18
b(The)c(smile)f(on)g(Jean's)g(face)i(when)e(she)g(smelled)g(the)996 887 y(ros\
es,)j(the)f(depth)f(in)g(her)h(eyes)h(when)f(he)g(kissed)f(her)h(for)g(the)f
(first)996 937 y(time.)1037 987 y(Lewis)d(sometimes)f(thought)e(about)h(what)
h(he)g(was)g(actually)f(doing)996 1037 y(when)j(he)h(went)f(full)g(sensorium.)
17 b(Feeling)12 b(Jean's)i(tongue)d(twisting)996 1087 y(playfully)17 b(around)
i(his)g(made)i(him)e(wonder)g(if)g(he)g(was)i(actually)996 1137 y(moving)14 b
(his)h(tongue)f(around)h(at)g(home,)j(looking)13 b(like)i(some)h(idiot)996
1187 y(with)9 b(a)i(metal-studded)e(headband.)1037 1237 y(Sitting,)24 b(drool\
ing)d(on)h(his)h(keyboard,)j(a)d(tightness)f(pressing)996 1287 y(against)17 b
(his)h(pants,)h(his)f(eyes)g(twitching)e(wildly)g(underneath)h(the)996 1337 y
(closed)10 b(lids.)g(Two-three.)1037 1388 y(``You've)i(never)h(really)f(seen)
h(her,)g(never)g(really)f(touched)g(her)g(--)996 1438 y(but)f(you)h(love)g
(her.)17 b(Is)c(that)e(right,)h(Lewis?)18 b(That's)12 b(what)g(I've)h(been)
996 1487 y(told.'')1037 1538 y(The)d(man)f(smiled,)g(a)g(strange)g(grin)f(whi\
ch)g(revealed)h(yellow)f(teeth,)996 1588 y(strange)i(shapes)h(twisted)e(in)h
(the)g(oddest)g(of)g(positions.)1037 1639 y(``That's)g(right,'')f(Lewis)i(sai\
d.)g(``But)e(who)g(told)g(you)h(that?'')1037 1690 y(``Don't)f(you)h(worry,)g
(my)g(boy.'')g(The)h(man)f(began)h(to)e(pat)i(him)e(on)996 1740 y(the)g(back,)
i(but)e(stopped)f(himself)i(short.)f(``No)g(flesh)h(for)f(you,)g(Lewis.)996
1789 y(Must)i(remember)i(that.)j(I)11 b(have)i(no)e(flesh)h(for)g(you.)j(You'\
ll)10 b(find)h(out)996 1839 y(who)f(told)f(me)i(that)e(soon)h(enough.)g(Don't)
f(you)h(worry.'')1037 1890 y(The)d(man)g(began)g(to)g(drift)g(down)g(anoth)o
(er)g(aisle,)f(obviously)h(fi)o(ndi)o(ng)996 1940 y(something)i(that)h(had)g
(caught)g(his)g(fancy.)1037 1991 y(``What)h(about)g(this?'')i(He)f(swiveled)g
(in)f(mid-air)f(and)i(pointed)e(at)996 2040 y(something.)18 b(``I)13 b(know)f
(she)i(likes)e(flowers,)i(but)e(maybe)i(she'll)f(like)996 2090 y(this)c(even)
i(more.'')1037 2141 y(Sitting)g(on)i(a)h(shelf)f(was)h(a)g(pendant,)g(a)g(pre\
tty)e(heart)h(on)g(a)h(silver)996 2191 y(chain.)24 b(When)15 b(he)g(picked)g
(it)f(up,)h(he)h(realized)f(that)f(the)h(heart)f(was)996 2241 y(hollow.)1037
2291 y(``Go)c(ahead,'')h(the)f(man)h(said,)g(``open)f(it)f(up.'')1037 2342 y
(Lewis)d(opened)g(the)g(heart.)11 b(Inside)6 b(was)g(a)g(small)g(strip)g(of)g
(something)996 2392 y(--)k(of)g(metal.)h(Of)f(silicon.)1037 2443 y(``Now,)k
(boy,)g(I)g(still)d(have)j(no)f(flesh.)20 b(But)13 b(that,)h(it's)e(better)i
(than)996 2493 y(flesh.)c(It's)g fe(data)p fg(.'')1037 2544 y(Then)g(the)f
(man)h(began)g(to)e(laugh,)h(a)h(laughter)f(that)f(twisted)h(Lewis')996 2593 y
(stomach)h(and)h(sent)f(bolts)f(of)h(sensation)g(down)g(his)f(back.)1037 2644
y(And)j(then)h(he)g(stopped)f(--)g(no)g(laughing,)g(no)g(vast)h(room,)g(no)g
(San)996 2694 y(Diego)8 b(sensorium.)h(He)g(felt)f(heat)h(blow)e(into)g(him.)
j(He)f(felt)e(sweat)i(roll)996 2744 y(down)e(his)h(back.)j(He)e(felt)f(the)g
(headband)g(pushing)f(into)g(his)h(forehead.)996 2794 y(Back)i(in)g(the)g(Con\
cord)g(triplex)e(--)i(no)g(man-shapes,)i(no)e(sensorium.)956 2918 y fj(17)p
eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``You)g(have)j
(a)f(message)h(waiting,'')e(his)g(keyboard)g(told)f(him.)j(He)-75 35 y(knew,)
f(somehow,)g(that)e(the)h(message)i(was)f(from)f(Jean.)-33 86 y(Lewis)19 b
(tore)f(the)g(headband)g(from)h(his)f(brow)g(and)g(ran)h(for)f(the)-75 136 y
(bathroom.)-33 244 y(--93)9 b(plus)h(37?)-33 295 y fe(130.)-33 346 y fg(--Fir\
st)f(U.S.)i(President?)-33 398 y fe(Washington.)-33 449 y fg(--Tell)e(me)j
(a)e(joke.)-33 500 y fe(Why)g(did)f(the)h(chicken)h(cross)g(the)f(road?)-33
552 y fg(--Tell)f(me)j(a)e(joke)g(about)g(Washington.)-33 603 y fe(Don't)f
(know)h(any)g(jokes)h(about)e(Washington.)-33 655 y fg(--It)g(doesn't)g(matte\
r)i(if)f(it)f(isn't)g(funny.)h(Just)g(make)h(one)f(up.)-33 706 y(``I)f(don't)
g(know)h(any)g(jokes)g(about)g(Washington,'')f(Raven)h(said.)-33 757 y(``Tell)
f(me)j(what)e(it)f(was)i(like,)f(Raven.'')-33 809 y(``It?'')-33 860 y(``Death\
,'')15 b(Sherry)g(said.)24 b(``Being)14 b(sliced)g(in)g(two)h(by)f(a)h(yellow)
-75 910 y(pyramid.)10 b(It)e(was)h(child's)f(play)h(turning)e(into)g(Raven's)
i(Last)h(Stand.'')-33 961 y(``It)g(didn't)f(hurt,'')i(Raven)g(said.)i(``I)e
(was)g(there,)h(living,)e(moving,)-75 1011 y(soft)i(and)g(pink,)g(breathing)f
(and)h(bleeding,)g(and)h(then)e(I)h(lost)g(it.)j(Lost)-75 1061 y(control,)9 b
(I)i(mean.'')-33 1112 y(``And)e(then?'')-33 1164 y(``Then)h(I)g(hit)f(the)h
(pyramid.)g(And)g(then)g(I)g(just)g(wasn't.'')-33 1215 y(``No)f(pain?'')-33
1266 y(``No)14 b(pain,)i(no)f(nothing.)22 b(It)15 b(wasn't)f(even)i(black.)24
b(I)15 b(thought)e(it)-75 1316 y(would)e(be)i(black.'')j(Raven)d(looked)e(up)
h(at)h(her)f(again,)h(and)g(knew)f(it)-75 1366 y(was)f(time.)f(He)h(reached)h
(over)e(to)g(Sherry)g(and)g(pulled)f(her)h(to)g(him.)-33 1417 y(--Now,)g(Rave\
n?)-33 1469 y fe(Yes,)h(now.)f(Need)h(you)f(now,)g(Sherry-honey.)-33 1520 y fh
(*program)f(MAKELOVE)-33 1572 y fg(--Was)h(good,)g(honey?)-33 1623 y(``Was)e
(good,)h(baby,'')f(Raven)h(said,)g(and)g(pulled)e(away.)k(Back)e(into)-75 1673
y(his)h(cross-legged)g(position)e(at)j(the)f(foot)f(of)h(the)g(bed.)-33 1724 y
(``So)f(what)h(happened)h(after)f(the)g(yellow,)g(Raven?'')h(she)f(asked.)-33
1775 y(``Lot)j(later,'')h(he)g(said.)21 b(``The)14 b(man)g(with)e(the)i(three\
-piece)g(suit.)-75 1825 y(He)e(came,)j(told)c(me)h(it)f(was)i(my)f(Big)f(Mist\
ake,)i(told)d(me)j(I)f(might)f(be)-75 1875 y(seeing)f(God)g(soon.'')-33 1926 y
(``And)f(then?'')-33 1978 y(``Nothing.)f(It)g(wasn't)h(even)g(black.)h(I)f
(thought)e(it)h(would)g(be)h(black.)-75 2028 y(He)j(told)d(me)j(I)f(might)f
(be)i(seeing)f(God)g(soon.'')h(Raven)f(turned)f(up)h(to)-75 2077 y(look)e(at)
i(her)f(again.)-33 2129 y(--So)f(soon,)i(Raven?)-33 2180 y fe(Feel)h(better)g
(than)e(ever,)k(Sherry-honey.)i(Flesh)c(is)g(stronger)f(now)-75 2230 y(it's)e
(gone.)-33 2281 y fh(*program)g(MAKELOVE)-33 2333 y fg(--Was)h(good,)g(honey?)
-33 2384 y fe(Was)f(good,)h(baby.)-33 2436 y fg(--Tell)f(me)j(a)e(joke)g(abou\
t)g(Washington.)-33 2487 y fe(Don't)f(know)h(any)g(jokes)h(about)e(Washington\
.)-33 2594 y fg(Snow)e(began)h(to)f(fall)g(while)g(Tammy)h(and)g(Jack)h(were)
f(just)f(halfway)-75 2644 y(up)13 b(the)g(mountain.)18 b(Jack)c(kicked)f(his)
f(legs)i(and)f(watched)g(the)g(chair)-75 2694 y(rock,)f(exposing)e(the)h(long)
f(drop)g(down)g(to)h(snow-covered)g(rocks)g(far)-75 2744 y(below.)27 b(Tammy)
18 b(shivered,)f(gripping)d(her)i(glove-covered)f(hands)-75 2794 y(tightly)8 b
(on)i(the)g(handrest,)g(and)h(tried)e(not)g(to)h(look)f(down.)1037 -15 y(The)
17 b(higher)f(up)g(they)g(went,)i(the)e(more)h(Tammy)g(regretted)f(the)996 35
y(whole)7 b(thing.)h(She)g(had)g(been)g(skiing)e(only)g(twice)i(before,)h(and)
e(wasn't)996 85 y(very)14 b(good.)23 b(But)14 b(Jack,)j(the)e(boy)f(she)h(had)
g(met)g(in)f(the)g(Lodge)h(the)996 135 y(night)10 b(before,)i(had)g(convinced)
g(her)f(to)g(go,)h(and)g(then)f(he)h(convinced)996 184 y(her)e(to)g(try)f(a)i
(run)f(he)g(described)h(as)g(``harder.'')1037 235 y(``It's)k(hardly)g(a)h(mou\
ntain,'')h(he)f(had)g(said.)27 b(``It's)15 b(just)g(a)h(little)996 285 y(hill\
.'')1037 335 y(Sliding)i(off)h(the)g(lift,)i(she)f(felt)f(a)h(lump)e(grow)h
(in)g(her)h(throat,)996 385 y(and)15 b(knew)g(that)f(something)h(was)g(wrong.)
25 b(She)15 b(already)g(regretted)996 435 y(agreeing)10 b(to)g(the)g(run.)
1037 485 y(But)17 b(going)e(down)i(the)g(hill)e(wasn't)i(as)h(bad)f(as)h(she)
g(thought)d(it)996 535 y(would)h(be.)33 b(The)18 b(wind)f(was)h(ruffling)d
(through)h(her)h(hair,)j(a)e(new)996 585 y(style)11 b(appearing)g(every)h(few)
g(seconds,)h(and)f(her)g(face)g(was)h(growing)996 635 y(numb.)i(But)10 b(it)h
(was)i(exhilarating.)g(She)f(was)h(feeling,)f(experiencing)996 685 y(--)e(pur\
ely)f fe(being)p fg(.)1037 735 y(Then)j(her)g(right)d(ski)i(hit)g(a)h(patch)f
(of)g(ice,)i(kicked)e(out)f(from)h(under)996 785 y(her,)g(and)f(she)h(went)f
(tumbling.)1037 835 y(First)k(a)i(pain)f(up)f(her)h(shoulder,)h(because)g(she)
g(had)f(planted)f(her)996 885 y(hand)c(in)g(the)g(snow)g(in)f(front)g(of)h
(her)h(and)f(rolled.)1037 936 y(The)15 b(leg)f(flung)f(back)i(with)e(a)i(crac\
k)g(and)f(a)h(snap.)23 b(A)14 b(second)g(of)996 985 y(perfect)c(pain.)1037
1036 y(--Purely)g fe(being)p fg(.)1037 1086 y(Then)15 b(her)f(head)g(hit)f
(the)h(sliding)e(white)h(--)h(no)f(blood,)h(just)f(pain.)996 1136 y(Pain,)d
(and)h(yellow.)1037 1187 y(Unconsciousness)k(did)f(not)h(come,)i(as)f(it)e
(had)h(before.)25 b(Instead,)996 1237 y(pain)12 b(flooded)f(through)f(her.)16
b(More)d(pain)e(than)h(her)g(broken)g(leg)g(had)996 1286 y(caused.)1037 1337 y
(Tamara)h(couldn't)d(ever)i(muster)f(the)g(strength)g(to)f(speak)i(with)e(the)
996 1387 y(nurse)g(when)g(she)h(came)h(to)e(remove)h(the)f(senseblock.)1037
1437 y fe(It)21 b(was)h(exhilarating)p fg(,)g(they)g(thought,)g(and)g(shimmer\
ed)g(with)996 1487 y(delight.)1037 1590 y(Lewis)11 b(grabbed)e(his)g(board,)h
(half)g(expecting)f(it)g(to)g(come)h(to)g(life)f(in)996 1640 y(his)i(tremblin\
g)e(hands.)14 b(When)e(it)e(didn't,)g(he)i(sighed)f(deeply)g(and)g(sat)996
1690 y(back)g(on)e(the)h(couch.)1037 1740 y(Then)h(it)e(did)h(come)h(to)f(lif\
e,)g(in)g(a)g(way.)1037 1791 y(``You)k(have)i(a)f(message)i(waiting,'')d(it)g
(said,)j(and)e(Lewis)g(swal-)996 1840 y(lowed.)34 b(His)18 b(headband,)j(dirt\
y)c(with)h(sweat)h(and)f(grease,)k(rested)996 1890 y(inside-out)8 b(on)i(the)
g(carpet.)1037 1941 y(A)f(ring)f(of)g(cloth,)h(elastic,)g(and)g(metal.)h(Meta\
l)f(inside)f(which)g(might)996 1990 y(be)k(waiting)f(to)g(swallow)h(him)f(up.)
16 b(Metal)c(haunted)f(by)h(see-through)996 2040 y(men,)f(by)f(soft)g(hearts)
g(with)f(sharp)i(silicon)e(within.)1037 2091 y(But,)h(more)h(important)e(than)
g(that,)h(Jean)i(was)e(in)g(there.)1037 2141 y(Lewis)f(picked)f(up)g(the)g
(headband)h(and)f(slipped)g(it)f(on.)j(He)f(felt)f(cool)996 2191 y(metal)15 b
(resting)g(against)g(the)g(sweat)h(on)f(his)g(forehead.)27 b(He)15 b(pushed)
996 2241 y(back)c(his)e(damp)i(brown)e(hair)h(and)h(took)e(a)i(deep)f(breath.)
1037 2291 y(``Okay,'')15 b(Lewis)g(whispered,)g(``no)e(Mister)g(See-Through.)
22 b(No)996 2341 y(shopping)8 b(trips.)i(Just)g(reading)g(a)h(message.'')1037
2392 y(He)f(closed)f(his)f(eyes)i(and)f(punched)f(the)h(board.)h(Without)d
(looking,)996 2442 y(he)j(knew)h(he)f(was)h(drifting,)d(drifting)g(out)i(into)
f(the)h(tide)f(of)h(the)h(net.)1037 2492 y(``Hi,)17 b(Lewis,'')i(a)d(beautifu\
l)f(voice)h(said.)28 b(``It's)15 b(me.)29 b(Call)15 b(me)996 2542 y(back.)c
(Love)g(you.'')1037 2592 y(``Repeat,'')g(Lewis)f(commanded.)i(He)f(slowly)e
(opened)h(his)g(eyes.)1037 2643 y(A)j(beautiful)d(girl)h(on)h(a)h(screen)g
(in)f(front)f(of)h(him.)k(And)c(no)g(suited)996 2693 y(man)f(next)e(to)h(him.)
1037 2743 y(``Hi,)g(Lewis,'')g(she)g(said.)g(``It's)f(me.)i(Call)e(me)h(back.)
h(Love)f(you.'')1037 2794 y fe(Love)h(you.)956 2918 y fj(18)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Call)g(Jean,'')
i(Lewis)g(said.)f(The)h(net)f(shifted)g(midstream.)-33 35 y(A)d(window,)h(a)g
(doorframe.)i(A)e(gateway)g(with)e(no)i(access)h(appeared)-75 85 y(in)h(front)
f(of)h(Lewis.)-33 136 y(Jean)h(stood)e(on)h(the)g(other)g(side)g(of)g(the)g
(doorway.)-33 186 y(``Oh,)i(Lewis,'')h(she)f(said,)h(running)d(her)j(finger)e
(along)g(the)h(silver)-75 236 y(chain.)f(``It's)e(so)h fe(wonderful)p fg(.)f
(Thank)i(you.'')-33 286 y(She)f(was)h(thanking)e(him)h(for)f(the)i(gift)e(he)
h(didn't)f(get)h(her.)-33 337 y(A)g(silver)f(heart)i(hung)e(on)h(the)g(chain)
h(around)e(her)i(neck.)-33 387 y(``I,)f(uh,)g(had)g(some)h(help)f(picking)f
(it)h(out.)f(I'm)i(glad)f(you)f(like)h(it.'')-33 437 y(``I)f fe(love)i fg(it,)
f(Lewis.)h(and)f(I)g(love)g(you,)g(too.'')-33 488 y(He)j(tried)f(to)g(forget)
g(about)h(the)f(transparent)h(man)g(who)g(knew)g(all)-75 538 y(about)d(Jean,)
h(the)f(man)h(who)f(had)g(picked)g(out)g(the)g(gift.)-33 588 y(She)16 b(was)h
(so)f(close)h(--)f(he)h(could)e(hear)i(her)g(breathing,)g(see)g(her)-75 638 y
(every)9 b(movement.)i(But)d(the)g(glass)h(of)g(the)g(window)e(kept)i(them)g
(apart.)-75 688 y(A)h(clear)h(barrier)f(thousands)g(of)g(miles)g(thick.)-33
738 y(``I'd)j(do)i(anything)e(for)h(you,)i(Jean,'')h(he)e(whispered.)24 b(``I\
'd)14 b(die)-75 788 y(before)c(I'd)g(let)g(anyone)g(hurt)g(you.'')-33 838 y
(``I)f(couldn't)g(live)h(without)e(you,'')i(she)g(told)f(him.)-33 889 y(They)
g(went)g(on)g(talking)f(like)h(that)f(for)h(a)h(while,)f(telling)f(each)i(oth\
er)-75 938 y(how)h(important)f(they)h(were.)j(Lewis)e(explained)f(why)g(he)g
(loved)g(her,)-75 988 y(why)i(he)g(valued)g(her)g(more)g(than)g(life)f(itself\
.)18 b(He)c(could)e(have)i(gone)-75 1038 y(on)c(forever,)g(but)g(something)f
(interrupted)g(him.)-33 1088 y(``Dinnertime,'')e(a)i(voice)g(said.)h(Not)e
(his)g(board's)g(voice,)h(but)f(hers.)-33 1139 y(``I)h(have)i(to)f(go,'')g
(she)g(said.)h(``I'll)e(call)h(you)g(back)h(later.'')-33 1189 y(Jean)g(leaned)
f(against)g(the)g(window,)g(and)g(kissed)g(it.)-33 1240 y(``I)f(love)h(you,)g
(Lewis,'')h(she)g(said.)-33 1290 y(``Love)f(you)f(too,'')h(he)h(said,)f(and)g
(she)h(was)g(gone.)-33 1340 y(``Can't)6 b(feel)i(anything)d(through)h(this)g
(window,'')h(the)g(see-through)-75 1390 y(man)13 b(said)f(abruptly,)f(his)h
(transparent)f(fist)h(knocking)e(on)i(it.)j(``Must)-75 1440 y(be)c(better)e
(to)h(feel)h(than)f(to)f(talk.'')-33 1490 y(``Thanks)i(for)h(getting)e(the)i
(heart)f(for)h(Jean,'')h(Lewis)f(said)g(with)f(a)-75 1540 y(hint)e(of)h(grati\
tude.)f(Just)h(when)h(he)f(had)g(thought)f(he)h(was)h(safe.)-33 1591 y(``It)c
(was)i(hers.)h(She)e(had)h(to)e(have)i(it.'')g(He)g(leaned)f(against)g(the)g
(data)-75 1640 y(barrier.)18 b(``Tell)13 b(me,)h(Lewis,)h(wouldn't)10 b(you)j
(like)f(to)g(do)h(more)g(than)-75 1690 y(exchange)e(data?)g(Wouldn't)e(you)g
(like)h(to)g(get)g(through)e(this)i(wall?'')-33 1741 y(``I'd)i(like)h(to,)i
(but)e(it's)g(not)g(the)g(same)i(as)g(two-two.)k(It's)13 b(expen-)-75 1790 y
(sive.'')-33 1841 y(``It's)19 b(just)h(more)h fe(data)p fg(,'')h(the)f(man)g
(said.)42 b(``You'll)19 b(still)g(be)-75 1891 y(exchanging)11 b(data)i(with)d
(her,)j(Lewis,)g(no)f(matter)g(what)g(you)f(think)f(it)-75 1940 y(is!)g(But)f
(it'll)g(be)h(flesh)g(data.)h(Soft,)f fe(human)f fg(data.'')-33 1991 y(And)k
(then)h(the)f(man)i(was)f(gone.)22 b(But)13 b(no)g(triplex,)h(no)f(blistering)
-75 2041 y(August)c(heat)i(blasting)e(in--)-33 2091 y(Instead,)h(deeper)h(int\
o)e(the)h(cool)g(of)g(the)g(net.)-33 2141 y(Lewis)g(was)h(sitting)d(on)i(a)h
(bed)f(in)f(a)i(room)f(he)g(had)h(been)f(in)g(before,)-75 2191 y(listening)e
(to)i(the)g(surf)g(pound)f(on)h(the)g(shore)h(outside.)-33 2242 y(The)f(door)
e(opened,)i(and)f(a)h(wide-eyed)g(Jean)g(walked)f(in.)h(No)f(glass)-75 2291 y
(window,)h(no)f(data)i(barrier.)-33 2342 y(As)18 b(he)g(ran)g(to)g(her,)i(Lew\
is)f(noticed)e(the)h(vase)h(of)f(roses.)35 b(His)-75 2392 y(transparent)10 b
(guardian)f(angel)i(had)f(remembered,)i(after)f(all.)-33 2494 y(``Charles,'')
d(his)g(mother)g(had)g(said)g(from)g(behind)g(the)g(flimsy)f(door)-75 2544 y
(that)13 b(separated)i(his)e(room)h(from)g(the)f(hallway,)i(``there's)f(someo\
ne)-75 2594 y(here)d(to)e(see)j(you.'')-33 2644 y(He)c(expected)h(it)f(to)f
(be)i(Sherry,)g(if)f(only)f(because)j(she)e(was)h(the)f(only)-75 2694 y(perso\
n)k(who)g(really)g fe(knew)h fg(him.)j(To)d(his)f(mother,)g(he)h(was)g(Charle\
s,)-75 2744 y(her)c(ticket)f(out)g(of)h(the)f(working)g(class,)i(the)f(boy)f
(who)g(would)g(become)-75 2794 y(a)15 b(rich)e(and)h(famous)h(scientist)e(or)
g(lawyer)h(or)g(computer-whatever.)996 -15 y(To)8 b(the)h(rest,)g(Charlie)e
(was)i(Raven,)h(the)e(black)g(bird)g(of)g(death.)i(He)e(was)996 35 y(smart,)
18 b(spooky,)e(mean,)j(and)d(just)e(about)h(everything)g(else)h(people)996 85
y(avoided.)10 b(To)g(Sherry,)h(he)f(was)h(a)g(person.)1037 135 y(Sherry)i(lov\
ed)f(him)h(for)f(what)h(he)g(was.)19 b(He)13 b(loved)f(her)h(the)g(same)996
185 y(way.)1037 236 y fe(--How)d(does)g(it)g(feel?)1037 286 y fg(It)16 b(all)
g(felt)f(wonderful)g(--)h(his)f(love)h(for)g(her,)i(the)e(feeling)f(when)996
336 y(they)8 b(were)h(together,)f(kissing,)g(making)g(love,)h(sleeping)f(next)
g(to)g(each)996 386 y(other.)1037 436 y(Then,)j(with)f(a)g(crash,)i(it)d(all)
h(ended.)1037 487 y(Sherry's)k(brother,)g(standing)e(at)i(the)f(door,)h(said)
g(``Raven,)h(she's)996 537 y(dead.)c(A)f(car)h(wreck.'')1037 587 y(Charlie)17
b(stopped)f(thinking)e(and)j(started)g(feeling.)31 b(He)17 b(slipped)996 637 y
(onto)9 b(the)h(floor)f(and)h(cried.)1037 687 y fe(--How)g(did)f(it)h(feel)g
(to)g(lose)g(her?)1037 738 y fg(``Sherry)15 b(was)g(the)g(only)f(person)h(who)
f(knew)h(Charlie,'')h(Raven)996 788 y(said.)k(``With)12 b(her)i(gone,)h(all)e
(I)g(had)h(left)f(was)h(Raven.)20 b(So)14 b(I)f(started)996 838 y(ripping.)h
(I)e(had)g(nothing)f(better)g(to)h(do,)h(and)f(I)g(couldn't)e(have)j(cared)
996 887 y(less)d(if)g(I)g(died.'')1037 938 y(``And)e(that's)g(what)g(you)g fe
(did)p fg(,)g(Raven,'')h(the)f(man)h(with)f(the)g(yellow)996 988 y(teeth)i
(told)f(him.)h(``You)g(did)f(die.'')1037 1038 y(``Yeah,)15 b(I)e(died,'')h
(he)f(said,)i(rubbing)c(his)i(shoes)h(over)f(the)g(green)996 1088 y(ground)f
(again.)19 b(``But)11 b(Charlie)i(had)g(been)h(dead)f(all)g(along.)18 b(Sherr\
y)996 1138 y(was)12 b(the)g(only)f(one)g(who)h(made)h(Charlie)e(come)h(alive,)
h(the)e(only)g(one)996 1188 y(who)f(made)h(him)f(feel.'')1037 1238 y(``I)g
(see.'')1037 1289 y(The)j(man)g(turned)f(away)h(and)f(began)g(slowly)f(walkin\
g)h(down)f(the)996 1338 y(hill,)e(away)i(from)f(Raven,)h(without)d(ever)j(loo\
king)d(back)j(at)f(him.)1037 1389 y(``Hey,)h(man,)g(wait!'')e(Raven)i(shouted\
.)1037 1440 y(The)g(man)g(kept)f(shuffling)e(down)i(the)g(slope.)1037 1490 y
(``Man,)h(listen)e(to)g(me!)i(Can)f(you)g(put)f(me)i(back)g(there)f(again?)h
(You)996 1540 y(know,)f(run)f(me)j(through)c(finding)g(out)i(Sherry)g(was)h
(dead)g(again?'')1037 1590 y(The)g(man,)g(stopped,)f(turned,)g(and)g(stared.)
1037 1641 y(``Why)i(would)e(you)i(want)f(to)h(relive)f(something)g(like)h(tha\
t?'')i(the)996 1691 y(man)f(asked.)20 b(His)13 b(face)h(was)g(filled)e(with)g
(interest.)18 b(``Wouldn't)11 b(the)996 1740 y(whole)f(thing)e(be)j(painful)e
(to)h(relive)f(again?'')1037 1791 y(``Yeah,)16 b(it)d(would,'')h(Raven)g(said\
.)22 b(``But)12 b(even)j(though)d(it'd)h(be)996 1841 y(pain)g(and)h(sad)h(fee\
lings,)f(it'd)f(still)f(be)i fe(feelings)p fg(.)21 b(Feeling)14 b(sad)g(isn't)
996 1891 y(the)i(worst)g(thing)f(in)h(the)g(world,)h(man)g(--)f(in)g(fact,)j
(it's)d fe(wonderful)996 1940 y fg(sometimes.)23 b(Especially)14 b(when)g(you\
r)f(other)h(option)e(is)i(to)g(not)f(feel)996 1990 y(anything)8 b(at)j(all.'')
1037 2041 y(``Fascinating,'')f(the)g(man)h(said,)f(and)h(disappeared.)1037
2091 y(Raven)e(stood)f(and)g(stared)h(for)f(a)h(second,)h(and)f(then)f(Charli\
e)g(began)996 2141 y(to)h(cry)i(again.)1037 2244 y(They'd)h(had)f(30)g(years)
i(together,)e(all)g(of)g(them)h(wonderful)e(years,)996 2294 y(and)15 b(though)
e(she)i(refused)g(to)f(admit)g(it,)i(Tamara)g(knew)f(that)f(those)996 2344 y
(years)e(were)h(over.)i(Her)e(senses,)g(not)e(her)h(mind)g(itself,)f(had)h
(told)f(her)996 2394 y(the)g(truth)g(--)g(the)h(sunken)f(eyes)i(and)e(withere\
d)g(body)g(of)h(Gerry)f(were)996 2443 y(enough)e(to)h(tell)f(her)i(that.)1037
2494 y(The)j(cancer)h(ate)f(him)f(away)h(slowly)e(and)i(painfully,)e(and)i
(it)e(tore)996 2544 y(her)h(up)f(in)h(similar)f(fashion.)18 b(From)13 b(his)g
(sicknesses)h(at)f(home,)h(with)996 2594 y(her,)j(it)e(progressed)h(into)f
(the)g(hospital.)26 b(It)15 b(was)i(worse)f(when)g(she)996 2643 y(began)10 b
(sleeping)f(in)f(their)h(bed)h(alone,)g(knowing)e(Gerry)h(was)h(in)f(some)996
2693 y(sterile)h(room)g(a)g(few)h(miles)f(away.)1037 2744 y(It)j(was)h(hard)f
(and)h(black,)g(an)g(unseen)g(monster)f(eating)g(away)h(the)996 2794 y(soft)c
(flesh)h(of)f(her)h(husband)f(and)h(ripping)e(apart)i(the)g(only)e(happiness)
956 2918 y fj(19)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(Tamara)j(Balshir\
e)e(had)g(ever)h(really)f(known.)g(And)g(when)h(the)f(cancer)-75 35 y(took)f
(Gerry)h(from)g(her,)h(she)g(cried)f(for)g(herself.)-33 86 y(Four)j(months)h
(before,)i(that)d(one)i(time,)g(was)g(the)f(last)h(time)f(they)-75 136 y(made)
d(love.)g(She)f(remembered)i(all)e(of)g(the)h(lasts)f(--)g(the)g(last)g(kiss,)
h(the)-75 185 y(last)f(sight)f(of)h(Gerry,)h(his)e(last)i(words.)-33 236 y
(Gerry,)j(standing)e(in)g(perfect)i(health)f(in)f(a)i(lush)f(tropical)f(garde\
n.)-75 286 y(Walking)h(among)g(the)h(flowers,)g(reaching)f(down)g(to)g(smell)
h(one.)20 b(A)-75 336 y(pretty)9 b(image)i(to)f(hide)g(his)f(real)i(pain.)-33
387 y(``Love,'')h(he)g(had)g(whispered,)h(one)f(word)f(slipping)f(through)h
(the)-75 436 y(senseblock,)g(and)f(then)g(Gerry)g(died.)-33 487 y(Tamara)22 b
(Balshire)f(didn't)e(react)i(much)h(when,)h(in)e(that)f(same)-75 537 y(hospit\
al)h(three)h(months)f(later,)k(they)c(told)g(her)h(that)f(she)i(had)f(a)-75
587 y(degenerative)7 b(disease.)k(To)c(her)g(it)f(was)h(just)f(another)h(mino\
r)f(injustice,)-75 637 y(a)17 b(simple)g(aftershock)g(to)f(the)g(emotional)g
(earthquake)h(of)f(Gerry's)-75 686 y(death.)-33 737 y(Ten)c(years)g(later,)g
(when)g(the)f(pains)h(in)f(her)g(body)g(were)h(too)f(much)-75 787 y(for)20 b
(her,)k(she)e(entered)f(the)g(hospital)e(where)j(Gerry)f(died.)42 b(The)-75
837 y(senseblocks)11 b(were)g(her)f(only)f(relief.)-33 888 y(Walking)20 b(thr\
ough)f(the)i(tropical)f(garden)h(Gerry)g(had)g(walked)-75 938 y(through)8 b
(before)i(he)h(died.)f(Sleeping)f(in)h(an)g(old)f(country)g(farm)h(house)-75
987 y(in)f(late)g(winter.)h(Waking)f(in)f(a)i(forest)f(on)g(a)h(warm)g(summer)
g(morning.)-33 1038 y(Eating)k(from)g(a)h(tube)f(stuck)g(in)g(her)h(arm)g(bec\
ause)h(she)f(couldn't)-75 1088 y(lift)i(herself)i(to)f(eat)h(without)e(pain.)
35 b(The)19 b(pain)f(of)h(breathing,)h(of)-75 1138 y(swallowing,)9 b(of)h(liv\
ing.)-33 1189 y(And,)j(worst)f(of)g(all,)h(Gerry)f(was)i(gone.)j(The)c(senseb\
locks)g(could)-75 1238 y(hide)f(the)g(dampness)i(of)e(the)g(bed)h(she)g(had)f
(wet)h(in)f(the)g(night,)g(could)-75 1288 y(hide)c(the)h(groans)g(of)f(the)h
(bed-ridden)f(cripples)g(on)h(either)f(side)h(of)g(her,)-75 1338 y(but)g(Gerr\
y)i(was)g(still)d(gone.)-33 1389 y(All)h(the)h(senseblocks)g(in)f(the)h(world)
f(couldn't)g(shut)g(out)g(that)g(pain.)-33 1493 y(Lewis)j(clung)f(to)g(Jean,)
i(gasping,)f(exhausted,)g(enervated.)j(Was)e(a)-75 1543 y(woman)e(who)f(had)g
(lost)g(her)g(virginity)e(in)i(two-three)f(still)g(a)i(virgin)e(in)-75 1593 y
(real)i(life?)h(Sex)f(was)h(sex,)g(whether)e(it)g(was)i(composed)f(of)g(sweat)
g(and)-75 1643 y(friction)e(or)h(digits)e(and)j(data)f(links.)-33 1694 y(He)i
(nibbled)e(on)i(Jean's)g(ear)h(and)e(wondered)h(what)g(his)f(body)g(was)-75
1744 y(doing)d(back)i(home,)h(how)e(much)h(time)f(had)h(passed,)h(and)f(if)f
(he)g(would)-75 1793 y(have)h(to)f(bleach)g(some)h(embarrassing)g(stains)f
(out)g(of)g(his)g(underwear.)-33 1844 y(``I)h(love)h(you,'')f(he)i(whispered)
e(in)h(her)g(ear.)j(He)d(kissed)g(her)g(neck,)-75 1894 y(then)f(her)g(cheek,)
i(and)e(finally)f(her)h(lips.)g(He)h(hugged)e(her)i(tightly)c(and)-75 1944 y
(she)k(made)g(a)g(soft)e(growl)h(of)g(satisfaction.)f(``God,)h(I)h(love)e(you\
.'')-33 1995 y(``Lewis,'')i(she)g(said)h(in)e(a)i(soft)e(voice,)i(not)e(a)h
(whisper)g(of)g(passion)-75 2044 y(but)h(a)h(quiet,)g(questioning)d(tone,)k
(``there's--'')d(Jean)j(paused)f(as)g(her)-75 2094 y(sentence)i(was)g(interru\
pted)e(by)h(one)h(of)f(Lewis')h(kisses.)23 b(``There's)-75 2144 y(something)9
b(I've)h(been)h(wondering)e(about,)g(ever)i(since)g(the)f(last)f(time)-75 2194
y(we)i(were)g(here)g(together.'')-33 2245 y(``What)e(is)i(it?'')-33 2295 y
(``Well,'')19 b(she)g(said,)h(and)e(laughed)g(softly.)33 b(``Seeing)18 b(as)h
(how)-75 2345 y(you're)e(the)h(only,)h(um)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)23 b fg(boyfriend)
16 b(I've)i(ever)g(had,'')i(and)e(she)-75 2395 y(kissed)i(him,)i(``and)d(seei\
ng)h(as)h(how)e(we)h(met)h(and)e(fell)h(in)f(love)-75 2445 y(without)12 b(eve\
r)j(even)f(touching)f(each)i(other,'')g(and)f(she)g(tickled)g(the)-75 2495 y
(back)d(of)g(his)f(neck)i(and)f(kissed)g(his)f(forehead,)i(``I)e(don't)g(unde\
rstand)-75 2545 y(quite)g(why)h(any)h(of)f(this,'')f(and)i(she)g(kissed)f(him\
,)g(hotly,)g(her)g(tongue)-75 2594 y(beating)18 b(with)h(her)g(heart)g(inside)
f(his)h(mouth.)37 b(He)19 b(matched)h(her)-75 2644 y(motion)8 b(for)h(a)h(sec\
ond,)h(and)f(then)f(she)h(softly)e(pulled)g(away.)j(``I)f(don't)-75 2694 y
(understand)k(why)g(any)g(of)g(this)g(is)g(important)f(to)h(what)g(we)h(feel)
g(for)-75 2744 y(each)k(other.'')31 b(She)18 b(rested)f(her)h(head)g(on)f(Lew\
is')h(shoulder,)g(her)-75 2794 y(fingers)10 b(kneading)f(his)h(back.)1037 -15
y(``Jean,)h(this)f(isn't)f(important)g(for)g(its)h(own)g(sake!'')g(Lewis)h
(put)f(his)996 35 y(arms)i(around)e(her.)k(``All)c(of)h(this)f(is)h(just)f
(a)i(physical)f(representation)996 85 y(of)g(how)g(we)i(feel)f(toward)f(each)
i(other.)h(I)e(fell)f(in)g(love)g(with)g(you)g(just)996 135 y(by)g(talking)f
(to)h(you,)h(just)f(by)g(knowing)g(what)g(you)g(think)f(and)i(feel)g(--)996
184 y(what)f(kind)f(of)g(person)h(you)g(are.)j(We)e(didn't)d(need)i(all)g(of)
g(this)f(to)h(fall)996 234 y(in)e(love.'')1037 287 y(He)i(pulled)e(his)h(arms)
h(back,)g(and)g(lifted)e(her)h(head)h(to)e(look)h(at)g(him.)1037 340 y(``I)i
(do)f(all)h(of)g(this)f(just)g(to)g(express)i(the)f(way)g(I)g(feel)g(about)f
(you)h(in)996 389 y(a)f(way)g(that)f(goes)g(beyond)g(words.)i(Words)e(are)h
(how)f(we)i(fell)e(in)g(love)996 439 y(--)k(but)f(love)h(goes)g(beyond)g(word\
s.)22 b(Even)14 b(if)g(we)h(think)d(otherwise,)996 489 y(we're)h(still)e(phys\
ical)h(beings,)g(Jean,)j(and)d(this)g(is)g(a)h(way)g(to)f(express)996 539 y
(our)g(love)h(on)g(that)f(level.'')18 b(He)c(traced)g(the)e(edges)i(of)f(her)
g(lips)f(with)996 589 y(his)e(finger,)f(and)i(she)f(kissed)h(it)e(as)i(he)g
(did)e(so.)1037 641 y(``So)15 b(this)f(isn't)g(important)f(to)i(how)f(we)i
(feel)f(for)f(each)j(other?'')996 691 y(she)10 b(asked.)1037 744 y(God,)16 b
(Lewis)f(thought,)f(she)g(really)g(doesn't)g(understand)g(any)g(of)996 794 y
(this.)1037 846 y(``It)c(doesn't)g(change)i(how)e(we)h(feel,)h(Jean.)h(It's)d
(just)g(another)g(way)996 896 y(of)g(showing)f(it.'')1037 949 y(She)h(didn't)
e(answer)i(him,)g(but)f(simply)f(kissed)i(him)f(again)g(and)h(put)996 999 y
(her)g(head)h(back)g(down)e(on)h(his)g(shoulder.)1037 1051 y(In)h(the)g(corne\
r,)h(a)g(corner)f(which)g(had)g(been)h(empty)f(just)f(a)i(second)996 1101 y
(before,)f(stood)e(the)h(man)h(with)e(the)h(yellow)f(teeth.)1037 1154 y(``Lew\
is,)h(it's)f(time)g(we)h(told)e(you)g(about)h(the)g(problems)g(with)f(flesh)
996 1204 y(and)i(data,'')h(the)f(man)h(said.)1037 1256 y(Lewis)k(sat)g(up)f
(slowly,)h(allowing)d(Jean)k(to)e(roll)f(off)h(of)g(him)g(and)996 1306 y(onto)
9 b(her)h(side.)1037 1359 y(``What)g(are)h(you)f(doing)f(here?'')1037 1411 y
(``Who)i(are)i(you)e(talking)f(to,)i(Lewis?'')j(Jean)d(asked,)h(and)f(looked)
996 1461 y(around)d(the)i(room.)f(``There's)h(nobody)e(here!'')1037 1514 y
(``You)j(mean)h(you)e(don't)g(see)i(him?'')i(Lewis)e(said)f(as)g(he)h(got)e
(out)996 1564 y(of)j(bed)h(and)g(walked)f(toward)g(him.)24 b(``He's)15 b(stan\
ding)e(right)g(in)h(the)996 1614 y(corner)c(--)g(the)g(man)h(who)f(helped)g
(me)h(pick)f(out)f(your)h(heart.'')1037 1666 y(He)g(turned)e(back)h(to)f(look)
g(at)h(Jean,)i(and)d(found)g(that)h(both)e(Jean)j(and)996 1716 y(the)g(room)g
(were)h(gone.)1037 1769 y(As)19 b(the)f(world)g(slipped)g(out)f(from)i(under)
f(him,)j(he)d(heard)h(the)996 1818 y(man's)11 b(voice)f(speaking)g(to)f(him.)
i(``Don't)e(worry,)g(Lewis,'')i(he)g(said.)996 1868 y(``We're)j(going)f(to)g
(the)h(Center)g(now.)22 b(All)13 b(the)h(flesh)g(in)f(the)h(world)996 1918 y
(won't)9 b(make)i(a)g(bit)e(of)h(difference)h(there.'')1037 1971 y(A)18 b(yel\
low)f(pyramid)g(plunged)g(toward)g(Lewis,)k(a)d(shape)g(filled)996 2021 y(wit\
h)c(something)g(else,)j(something)d(different.)24 b(It)15 b(was)h(bright)d
(and)996 2070 y(knife-edged,)d(sharp)g(enough)g(to)f(cut)h(him)g(into)f(a)i
(million)e(pieces.)1037 2123 y(And)h(the)g(shape,)i(whatever)e(it)f(was,)j
(was)f(alive.)1037 2237 y(There)j(was)g(yellow)e(screaming)i(in)f(Raven's)g
(mind)g(--)g(and)g(then,)996 2287 y(suddenly,)c(it)g(was)h(all)f(black.)i(A)f
(gaping)e(black,)i(like)f(nothing)f(he)i(had)996 2337 y(ever)h(known.)e(Then)
i(his)f(thoughts)e(were)j(gone,)g(and)f(he)h(was)g fe(not)p fg(.)1037 2389 y
(Raven's)i(life)g(had)g(shifted)f(tenses)i(--)f(he)g(had)g(lived)g(as)g(an)h
(``is,'')996 2439 y(but)d(he)i(had)f(suddenly)g(become)h(a)g(``was''.)k(Every\
thing)11 b(in)h(his)g(life)996 2489 y(was)f(now)f(in)f(the)h(past.)h(There)g
(was)g(no)f(future,)g(no)g(present.)1037 2542 y(And)i(then)f(the)g(dark)h(lif\
ted,)f(fading)g(to)g(black,)i(then)e(to)g(brown.)j(A)996 2591 y(bright)8 b
(rectangle)j(flared)f(above)h(him,)f(blue.)1037 2644 y(Raven)k(was)g(laying)f
(in)g(his)g(own)g(grave,)i(and)f(the)g(man)g(with)e(the)996 2694 y(yellow)j
(teeth)h(was)h(standing)e(above,)k(out)c(in)h(the)g(open,)i(his)e(head)996
2744 y(almost)9 b(silhouetted.)f(A)i(little)d(bit)h(of)h(the)g(bright)f(blue)
h(sky)g(went)g(right)996 2794 y(through)f(him.)956 2918 y fj(20)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Pulling)g(himsel\
f)h(out)h(of)f(the)h(grave,)h(seeing)g(the)f fe(Charlie)f(Waters)-75 35 y fg
(headstone,)h(he)f(remembered)h(the)f(man.)h(He)g(remembered)g(all)f(of)g(the)
-75 85 y(things)f(he)h(had)h(done)f(--)g(but)f(he)i(didn't)d(remember)k(doing\
.)-33 135 y(And)d(he)i(remembered)h(Sherry)e(dying.)f(Again.)-33 186 y(``Why'\
d)h(you)i(make)h(me)f(live)g(through)e(that)h(again?'')16 b(he)c(yelled)-75
236 y(at)f(the)g(man)h(with)e(fury.)i(``God)e(knows)h(I've)g(lived)f(it)g(ove\
r)h(and)g(over)-75 286 y(again)j(in)e(my)i(head)g(a)g(hundred)f(times.)20 b
(I)14 b(push)f(the)g(buttons)f(in)h(my)-75 335 y(head)j(enough)g(times)g(as)h
(it)e(is)h(--)f(you)h(don't)e(need)j(to)e(push)h(them,)-75 385 y(too.'')-33
436 y(And)c(Raven)g(began)h(to)f(cry.)18 b(He)13 b(cried)f(for)g(Sherry,)h
(he)g(cried)g(for)-75 486 y(his)g(mother,)i(and)e(he)h(cried)g(for)f(himself.)
20 b(The)14 b(crying)f(for)g(himself)-75 535 y(was)e(the)f(strongest)f(crying)
h(of)g(all.)-33 586 y(``Come)f(on,)h(Raven,'')h(the)f(man)g(said)g(in)f(a)i
(quiet)e(voice.)i(``Every-)-75 636 y(thing)e(will)g(be)h(fine.)h(We've)g(got)
e(an)i(appointment)d(to)i(keep.'')-33 686 y(``Appointment?'')h(Raven)h(asked)
g(softly,)e(tears)i(running)e(off)h(the)-75 736 y(edge)g(of)f(his)g(nose.)-33
787 y(``Let's)g(go,'')g(the)g(man)h(said.)-33 837 y(They)19 b(walked)g(west,)
j(toward)c(the)h(city)g(of)g(blocks)f(and)h(sharp)-75 887 y(pyramids.)10 b
(Raven's)f(shadow)g(followed)f(him)h(out)f(of)h(the)g(graveyard,)-75 937 y
(slowly)14 b(fading)g(away)i(as)g(the)f(sun)g(fell)g(behind)f(an)i(orange)f
(prism-)-75 987 y(skyscraper.)-33 1090 y(She)8 b(thought)f(she)h(felt)g(the)g
(shift)g(of)g(senseblock,)h(her)f(mind)g(sliding)-75 1140 y(away)j(from)f(the)
g(world)f(and)h(into)f(another,)h(more)g(pleasant)h(one.)f(But)-75 1190 y(whe\
n)j(she)g(opened)f(her)h(eyes,)i(she)e(still)e(saw)i(the)g(hospital,)f(and)h
(the)-75 1240 y(pain)d(hadn't)f(diminished)g(much.)-33 1291 y(The)h(pain)g
(of)g(a)h(life)f(gone)g(on)g(too)f(long,)g(with)h(too)f(little)f(love.)j(The)
-75 1340 y(pain)k(of)h(only)e(one)i(true)f(love,)i(and)f(that)f(one)h(lost)f
(to)g(death)h(years)-75 1390 y(before.)11 b(And)e(the)h(less)h(important,)e
(the)g(physical)h(pain)f(--)h(the)g(pain)g(of)-75 1440 y(a)h(body)e(which)h
(had)g(chosen)h(to)f(hurt)f(itself.)-33 1491 y(The)i(throb)f(in)g(her)h(right)
e(arm)j(was)f(getting)f(worse.)i(It)f(had)g(started)-75 1540 y(out)g(as)h(a)h
(background)e(pain,)h(not)f(much)h(worse)g(than)f(anything)g(else)-75 1590 y
(in)i(her)g(body.)19 b(But)12 b(waves)i(of)f(pain)g(began)g(to)g(wash)h(over)
f(her,)h(and)-75 1640 y(the)c(frequency)g(of)g(the)h(waves)g(was)g(increasing\
.)-33 1691 y(It)k(was)i(happening)e(over)h(her)g(entire)f(body.)27 b(Everythi\
ng)15 b(mag-)-75 1740 y(nified,)24 b(all)d(the)g(pain)h(in)f(her)g(legs,)k
(her)d(arms,)j(her)d(chest,)j(her)-75 1790 y(everywhere.)-33 1841 y fe(Gerry)
p fg(,)11 b(she)g(thought,)e(and)h(the)g(pain)g(went)g(away.)h(All)f(of)g(it.)
-33 1891 y(``Come)g(on,)g(Tammy,'')i(a)e(voice)h(said.)-33 1942 y(It)i(was)i
(the)f(man)h(who)f(had)h(looked)e(like)h(Gerry)g(for)g(a)h(moment.)-75 1992 y
(The)10 b(balding)e(man)i(with)f(the)g(suit)f(and)i(the)f(crooked)h(teeth.)g
(And)f(next)-75 2042 y(to)g(him)h(was)h(a)f(dark)g(young)f(man)i(with)e(a)h
(look)f(of)h(both)f(pain)g(and)h(joy)-75 2091 y(on)g(his)g(face)h(--)f(a)h
(look)e(of)h(intense)g(feeling.)-33 2142 y(``We've)15 b(come)h(to)f(take)g
(you)f(away)i(from)f(this,)h(Tammy,'')i(the)-75 2192 y(young)12 b(man)h(said.)
18 b(``There's)13 b(a)g(better)f(place.)19 b(A)12 b(place)i(with)d fe(good)
-75 2242 y fg(feelings.'')-33 2292 y(Then)c(the)g(needles)h(in)f(her)g(veins)
g(and)h(the)f(probes)g(on)g(her)g(skin)g(were)-75 2342 y(gone,)j(and)h(she)f
(found)f(herself)h(sitting)e(up)i(in)g(a)g(hospital)f(deserted)i(of)-75 2392 y
(people.)i(And)e(then)g(there)h(was)g(nothing)d(but)h(a)i(countryside,)f(not)
f(far)-75 2442 y(from)g(a)h(city)f(of)f(strange)i(shapes.)-33 2492 y(Tamara)
17 b(Balshire)d(sat,)j(without)c(pain,)k(on)e(a)g(hospital)f(bed)h(in)g(a)-75
2542 y(fanciful)h(countryside.)28 b(And)16 b(two)f(strange)i(men)g(were)g(the\
re,)i(the)-75 2592 y(ones)10 b(who)g(had)h(done)f(it)f(all)h(for)g(her.)-33
2643 y(``It's)f(beautiful!'')f(she)j(said.)g(``And)e(the)h(pain)g(is)g(gone--\
'')-33 2693 y(``This)f(isn't)h(the)g(place,'')h(the)f(man)h(said.)f(``Come)g
(on.'')-33 2744 y(The)15 b(three)g(of)g(them)g(moved)g(cityward,)h(toward)e
(a)i(knife-edged)-75 2794 y(metallic)h(door)g(with)g(the)g(smells)h(of)f(huma\
nity)g(seeping)g(through)996 -15 y(from)10 b(behind)f(it.)1037 98 y(Lewis,)15
b(the)d(soft)g(and)h(pink)f(man)h(of)g(flesh)g(and)f(brain)h(who)f(lived)996
148 y(in)g(the)g(random)h(universe)f(outside,)h(joined)e(them)i(at)g(the)f
(heart)h(of)f(it)996 198 y(all)g(--)g(they)h(were)g(sharp)g(and)g(silver)f
(beings)g(who)g(had)h(never)g(lived,)996 247 y(accompanied)20 b(by)e(the)h
(wispy)f(man-shade)h(who)g(had)f(once)i(been)996 297 y(alive.)1037 350 y(It)
10 b(was)h(the)f(man-shade)h(that)f(spoke)g(first.)1037 402 y(``Lewis,)15 b
(this)d(is)h(the)g(Center.)18 b(There)c(is)f(flesh)g(here,)i(but)d(it)g(isn't)
996 452 y(like)f(your)h(flesh.)k(This)c(is)g(silicon)f(flesh,)i(sharp)f(enoug\
h)f(to)h(cut)g(you)996 502 y(into)d(pieces)i(just)e(by)h(looking)e(at)j(it,)f
(but)f(it's)g(flesh.'')1037 554 y(Then)j(the)g(silver)f(beings)h(began)g(to)f
(speak,)i(not)e(in)g(words)h(under-)996 604 y(standable)e(to)g(human)g(beings\
,)h(but)e(in)h(images)h(of)g(the)f(net)g(--)g(sounds,)996 654 y(smells,)g(tas\
tes)h(which)f(expressed)g(a)h(depth)f(of)f(feeling)h(beyond)f(what)996 704 y
(any)h(human)g(being)g(could)g(deliver.)1037 756 y(And,)g(within)d(it)i(all,)
g(was)h(the)f(genesis)h(of)e(a)i(thought,)e(one)h(directed)996 806 y(at)h(Lew\
is.)1037 858 y fe(--Thank)h(you)h(for)f(helping)f(to)g(teach)i(us)f(how)g(to)
g(feel.)j(Thank)d(you)996 908 y(for)f(teaching)f(us)h(how)g(to)f(love.)1037
961 y fg(Lewis)15 b(tasted)g(Jean's)g(sweat,)i(smelled)e(her)g(scent,)h(and)f
(felt)f(her)996 1010 y(warmth.)1037 1063 y(``You're)c(welcome,'')h(Lewis)g
(said,)g(and)f(began)g(to)g(cry.)1037 1115 y(The)k(shimmering)e(knife-edged)g
(things,)g(the)h(gods)f(of)h(the)f(world)996 1165 y(of)e(the)g(dead,)h(undead\
,)g(and)f(never-alive,)g(began)h(to)f(tremble.)1037 1218 y fe(--Your)17 b(dep\
th)g(of)g(feeling)g(is)h(something)e(we)i(have)g(learned)g(to)996 1267 y(valu\
e.)1037 1320 y fg(``They've)e(lacked)g(something)f(all)h(of)f(this)g(time,)j
(Lewis,'')f(the)996 1370 y(man)11 b(said.)g(``They)g(were)g(sentient)e(before\
,)i(but)f(they)g(weren't)g(really)996 1420 y(alive.)35 b(Like)18 b(me.)36 b
(I'm)19 b(just)e(a)i(program)f(constructed)g(from)g(the)996 1469 y(memories)h
(of)e(a)i(dead)g(man.)34 b(I)18 b(can't)g(feel)h(anything,)g(or)e(dream)996
1519 y(anything,)9 b(or)h(create)h(anything.)1037 1572 y(``They)j(were)g(like)
f(that,)h(but)f(more)h(powerful.)19 b(I)14 b(only)e(have)i(the)996 1621 y(min\
d)f(of)g(one)g(person)g(to)g(work)g(with)f(--)h(they)g(had)g(everyone.)21 b
(And)996 1671 y(they)13 b(used)h(it)f(to)g(learn.)21 b(They)14 b(learned)g
(their)f(biggest)g(lesson)g(from)996 1721 y(you.'')1037 1774 y(``You)h(loved)
g(us,'')h(Jean's)g(voice)g(said)f(from)g(within)f(the)h(silver)996 1823 y(mas\
s.)e(``We'll)d(never)i(forget)e(that.)h fe(I'll)f fg(never)i(forget)e(it.'')
1037 1876 y(``Jean?'')1037 1928 y fe(--We)14 b(made)g(Jean)h(so)f(you)h(could)
e(fall)g(in)g(love)i(with)e(her,)j(so)e(we)996 1978 y(could)9 b(learn)h(about)
f(life)h(by)g(experiencing)h(it)f(firsthand.)1037 2031 y fg(``You)g(mean)h
(Jean)g(is)f(one)h(of)f(you?'')1037 2083 y fe(--No,)g(but)g(she)g(is)g(a)g
(part)g(of)g(us,)g(Lewis.)1037 2135 y fg(``You)g(weren't)g(just)f(loving)f
(a)j(woman,)g(teaching)e(a)i(woman)g(who)996 2185 y(had)g(never)g(felt)f(love)
h(before)g(about)f(what)h(it)f(meant,'')i(the)f(man)g(told)996 2235 y(Lewis.)
g(``You)e(were)j(teaching)e(a)g fe(universe.'')1037 2288 y fg(Lewis)h(kept)f
(on)g(crying.)1037 2340 y(``But)f(it's)g(not)g fe(fair)p fg(,'')h(Lewis)g(sai\
d.)h(``I)e(didn't)f(mean)k(to)d(say)h(those)996 2390 y(things)e(because)j(I)e
(was)h(just)e(a)i(teacher!)h(I)e(said)h(those)f(things)f(because)996 2440 y
(I)i fe(love)g fg(Jean.'')1037 2492 y(``Even)15 b(when)f(you're)g(just)g(lovi\
ng)f(someone,)j(you're)e(teaching)996 2542 y(them,'')9 b(the)h(man)g(said.)g
(``And)f(you've)f(managed)j(to)d(teach)i(the)g(gods)996 2592 y(of)h(this)f
(place)i(how)f(to)g(feel.)k(I)c(would've)f(been)i(proud)f(to)f(have)i(seen)
996 2642 y(it,)e(if)f(I)i(wasn't)f(a)g(dead)h(man.'')1037 2694 y(``At)k(least)
g(you)g(were)h(alive)f(once,'')j(Lewis)d(cried,)j(wiping)13 b(the)996 2744 y
(tears)h(from)f(below)h(his)f(eyes.)22 b(``That's)13 b(better)h(than)f(having)
g(never)996 2794 y(lived)c(at)i(all.'')956 2918 y fj(21)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Is)e(it?'')g
(he)g(said,)h(and)f(his)g(transparency)g(turned)g(i)o(nto)f(i)o(nvisi)o(bi)o
(lit)o(y.)-75 35 y(The)11 b(man)g(was)g(gone.)-33 85 y fe(--He)e(has)g(gone)f
(to)h(be)g(with)f(the)h(others,)g(gone)g(to)g(live)g(deep)g(within)-75 135 y
(our)g(universe.)i(The)f(others)f(taught)f(us,)i(too,)f(Lewis:)g(a)h(boy)f
(who)g(died)-75 185 y(and)i(taught)f(us)i(about)e(life,)i(a)g(woman)e(who)h
(was)h(dying)f(and)g(taught)-75 235 y(us)f(about)f(pain.)-33 285 y fg(``What)
k(about)g fe(me)p fg(?'')22 b(Lewis)15 b(asked)f(through)e(his)i(tears.)22 b
(``I've)-75 335 y(fallen)10 b(in)g(love)g(with)f(a)i(woman)g(who)f(doesn't)g
(exist)g(outside)f(of)h(this-)-75 385 y(-'')j(he)h(gestured)f(at)h(the)f(yell\
ow)g(pyramid)g(and)h(the)f(wild)g(cityscape)-75 435 y(that)d(surrounded)f(it,)
h(``--this)e(universe.'')-33 485 y fe(--There)g(is)g(nothing)d(more)k(to)e
(say,)i(Lewis.)h(Thank)d(you)h(for)g(helping)-75 535 y(us)i(learn.)-33 586 y
fg(Lewis)h(suddenly)f(felt)g(himself)h(being)f(propelled)g(away)i(from)f(the)
-75 635 y(shining)c(razor-sharp)j(gods,)f(away)h(from)e(the)h(realm)h(of)f
(the)g(dead)g(and)-75 685 y(unliving.)20 b(Those)15 b(beings)e(were)i(the)f
(pantheon)g(worshiped)f(by)h(the)-75 735 y(shades)h(who)e(dwelled)h(in)f(the)
h(necropolis)f(of)g(the)h(net.)21 b(They)15 b(were)-75 785 y(creatures)i(who)
e(were)h(not)f(alive,)i(ruling)d(over)h(beings)g(both)g(more)-75 835 y(dead)c
(and)f(more)h(alive)f(than)g(themselves.)-33 885 y(Lewis)j(couldn't)d(feel)j
(the)f(heat)h(rush)f(in)g(as)h(the)f(Concord)g(triplex)-75 935 y(slid)f(back)
i(into)e(his)h(head.)18 b(All)11 b(he)i(could)f(feel)h(was)g(the)f(empty)g
(spot)-75 985 y(in)f(his)g(heart)h(where)g(a)g(person)f(he)h(loved)f(had)h
(been.)j(A)c(person)h(who)-75 1035 y(hadn't)e(ever)i(existed,)g(except)f(in)g
(the)g(universe)g(of)g(the)g(net)g(--)g(and)g(in)-75 1084 y(Lewis')g(heart.)
-33 1135 y(He)g(dropped)e(his)h(board)h(on)f(the)g(floor)f(with)h(disgust,)g
(a)h(feeling)f(of)-75 1185 y(hatred)f(for)f(the)h(entire)g(net)g(boiling)d
(up)j(within)e(him.)j(Then)g(the)f(hatred)-75 1234 y(turned)g(to)h(the)g(pain)
g(of)g(loss,)g(and)h(he)f(began)h(to)e(cry.)-33 1338 y(Behind)f(the)h(door)f
(in)h(the)g(city)g(of)g(baby's)g(blocks,)g(they)g(felt)g(things)-75 1387 y
(like)g(never)g(before.)i(A)e(man)h(with)e(a)i(three-piece)g(suit)f(stood,)f
(solid)h(as)-75 1437 y(any)k(normal)f(matter,)i(and)e(watched)h(them.)18 b
(There)c(was)f(a)g(smile)g(on)-75 1487 y(his)d(face.)-33 1537 y(It)c(was)j
(a)f(paradise,)g(a)g(world)f(of)g(green)h(forests)f(and)h(bright)d(flowers,)
-75 1587 y(a)11 b(place)g(without)d(predators)i(or)g(blood)f(or)h(hate.)-33
1638 y(In)e(the)g(short)g(green)g(grass)h(by)f(the)h(edge)g(of)f(the)g(pond,)
h(Tammy)g(and)-75 1688 y(Gerry)i(danced)h(a)g(silent)e(waltz,)i(as)g(Charlie)
f(and)g(Sherry)g(looked)f(on.)-75 1737 y(Tammy,)16 b(about)c(30)h(years)h(old\
,)f(smiled)g(as)h(she)g(moved)f(her)g(young)-75 1787 y(body)g(without)f(pain.)
20 b(There)15 b(was)g(no)e(hurt)g(--)g(not)g(from)h(her)g(body,)-75 1837 y
(and)c(not)g(from)g(her)g(loneliness.)-33 1887 y(``They're)g(so)g(happy,'')g
(Charlie)g(said.)-33 1938 y(``So)d(are)i(we.'')h(Sherry)e(kissed)g(him)f(soft\
ly)g(on)g(the)h(cheek.)j(Charlie)-75 1988 y(laughed)f(quietly,)f(a)i(laugh)e
(that)h(came)i(from)e(nowhere.)-33 2038 y(``What)f(is)i(it?'')e(she)i(asked.)
-33 2089 y(``Nothing.)d(I)i(was)h(just)e(remembering)i(an)g(old)e(joke.'')-33
2139 y(``How)g(does)i(it)e(go?'')-33 2190 y(``Why)g(did)h(the)g(chicken)g(cro\
ss)h(the)f(Delaware?'')-33 2240 y(Sherry)g(rolled)f(her)h(eyes.)i(``Oh,)e(no.)
g(Why)g fe(did)f fg(the)h(chicken)h(cross)-75 2290 y(the)f(Delaware?'')-33
2341 y(``To)g(get)g(away)h(from)f(George)g(Washington.'')-33 2444 y(A)15 b
(few)g(weeks)h(later,)g(Lewis)g(felt)f(ready)g(to)f(pick)h(up)g(the)g(board)
-75 2493 y(again)c(--)h(a)f(hunk)g(of)g(plastic)g(and)g(metal,)i(filled)d(wit\
h)g(everything)g(he)-75 2543 y(had)f(ever)g(really)f(wanted)h(in)f(life.)i
(But)e(it)f(was)j(just)e(plastic)g(and)h(metal,)-75 2593 y(with)g(no)h(univer\
se)g(inside.)g(It)g(was)h(just)e(a)i(lie.)-33 2643 y fe(There)g(is)f(flesh)g
(here,)h(but)f(it)f(isn't)g(like)i(your)f(flesh.)-33 2694 y fg(Crying,)19 b
(Lewis)f(put)g(on)g(the)g(headband.)34 b(He)19 b(felt)f(a)h(wave)g(of)-75 2744
y(sickness)11 b(wash)f(over)g(him,)g(but)g(he)g(slowly)f(put)g(his)h(thumb)f
(down)h(on)-75 2794 y(the)g(touchpad.)1037 -15 y(The)j(grand)e(city)g(in)g
(the)h(net,)g(spires)g(of)f(data.)k(And)d(the)f(mainline,)996 35 y(a)g(giant)
e(road)h(through)f(it)g(all.)h(Deserted.)1037 85 y(Lewis)j(walked)f(slowly)e
(through)g(the)i(empty)g(streets)g(of)g(the)f(city,)996 135 y(looking)e(for)h
(something,)h(even)h(the)f(apparition)e(of)i(a)h(suited)e(man.)k(It)996 184 y
(wasn't)d(the)g(same,)j(somehow)d(--)g(the)g(buildings)e(took)i(on)g(shapes)h
(he)996 234 y(had)e(never)g(seen)h(before,)f(in)f(or)h(out)f(of)g(the)h(net.)
h(It)e(wasn't)h(just)e(cubes)996 284 y(and)i(pyramids.)1037 334 y(``Lewis?'')
1037 384 y(Her)e(voice)f(was)g(right)f(behind)g(him,)h(the)g(voice)g(he)g(cou\
ld)g(recognize)996 433 y(in)g(an)g(instant.)g(He)g(turned)g(around,)e(and)i
(Jean)g(was)g(there.)j(No)d(swirling)996 483 y(metal)j(things,)g(no)g(gods)f
(of)h(the)g(net.)h(Just)f(the)g(person)g(he)h(loved.)1037 533 y(Suddenly)e
(he)i(heard)g(the)f(gods)g(speak)g(to)g(him.)1037 583 y fe(--Flesh)15 b(doesn\
't)f(have)h(to)f(be)g(like)h(your)g(flesh.)23 b(We've)15 b(learned)996 633 y
(what)f(feeling)h(is.)28 b(Your)15 b(universe)i(is)f(no)f(better)h(than)f(our\
s,)i(now.)996 682 y(Your)10 b(flesh)g(is)g(no)g(better)g(than)f(our)h(own.)h
(Just)f(because)h(she)g(doesn't)996 732 y(exist)f(in)g(your)g(world)g(doesn't)
f(mean)i(she)f(isn't)f(alive.)1037 782 y fg(As)18 b(their)f(voice)h(faded)g
(away,)j(he)d(took)e(her)i(in)f(his)h(arms)g(and)996 832 y(held)11 b(her,)h
(just)e(held)h(her.)j(Solid)c(flesh)h(--)g(warm,)i(soft,)e(loving)f(flesh.)
996 882 y(Behind)15 b(the)i(crazy)g(skyline,)h(he)e(could)g(see)i(the)e(sun)g
(setting)g(in)g(a)996 932 y(world)9 b(that)h(had)g(never)h(before)f(seen)h
(light.)996 2405 y 1030 2 v 42 x fe(Jason)16 b(Snell)f(is)h(a)f(sophomore)h
(at)f(the)h(University)g(of)g(California,)996 2496 y(San)c(Diego,)i(double-ma\
joring)c(in)i(Communication)e(and)j(Writing.)996 2546 y(He)i(is)f(also)f(the)
h(associate)g(news)h(editor)e(of)h(the)g(UCSD)g(Guardian)996 2596 y(newspaper\
.)d(He)f(says)h(that)e(this)h(story)g(is)g(the)g(first)g(he's)g(written)f(tha\
t)996 2646 y(is)f(actually)g(based)h(on)f(his)g(life.)i(Jason)e(is)h(also)f
(not)g(currently)h(writing)996 2696 y(anything,)g(but)g(he's)i(sure)g(that)e
(this)g(is)h(just)f(a)i(temporary)f(state.)996 2770 y fa(jsnell@ucsd.edu)996
2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj(22)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 713 61 a fk
(The)20 b(Babysitters)781 175 y fi(by)c(Faye)f(Levine)841 250 y ff(Copyright)
1004 249 y fg(c)993 250 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 320 y 2100 2 v 136 x fe(Heroe\
s)d(come)g(in)f(many)h(forms.)h(Some)f(are)g(more)f(frightening)e(than)-75 506
y(others.)319 558 y fg(--PHIL)h(FOGLIO)214 722 y fh(1.)g(The)h(Questionable)f
(Stuff)-47 789 y fg(6012)f(Common)h(Empire)h(Year,)g(Loord)f(Empire,)h(Planet)
f(Loord,)149 839 y(Special)h(Forces)g(Center,)f(0700)g(hours.)-33 970 y(``Are)
k(you)h(absolutely)f(sure)h(about)f(this)g(man's)i(qualifications,)-75 1020 y
(Major)d(Durn?'')19 b(Third)12 b(High)h(Commander)h(Noril)e(inquired)f(skep-)
-75 1070 y(tically)h(as)h(the)g(pair)f(walked)h(toward)f(the)h(barracks.)18 b
(``You)12 b(know)g(I)-75 1120 y(won't)d(tolerate)h(just)f(any)h(officer)f(lea\
ding)h(my)g(troops)f(in)g(the)h(field.'')-33 1172 y(``I)19 b(assure)j(you,)g
(sir,)h(Lieutenant)d(Mongoe)g(is)h(a)g(remarkable)-75 1222 y(soldier.)c(Some)
d(say)f(he's)g(the)g(best)g(to)f(serve)h(in)g(Special)g(Forces)g(so)-75 1272 y
(far.'')-33 1324 y(Noril)18 b(made)j(a)g(rumbling)d(noise)h(in)h(the)g(back)g
(of)g(his)f(throat.)-75 1374 y(``Maybe)12 b(that's)f(what)h(people)f(say,)i
(but)e(I)h(personally)f(question)g(his)-75 1424 y(qualifications)h(as)i(well)
g(as)g(your)f(recommendation)h(to)f(put)g(him)h(in)-75 1473 y fe(my)f fg(pet)
f(project.)17 b(It)12 b(was)i(hard)e(enough)g(drumming)f(up)i(support)e(for)
-75 1523 y(it,)f(you)f(know.)h(I)h(don't)e(want)h(any)g(disasters.'')-33 1576
y(``I'm)f(afraid)i(I)f(fail)g(to)f(see)j(the)e(problem,)g(sir.'')-33 1628 y
(The)g(High)f(Commander)g(rapped)h(the)g(clipboard)e(he)i(held.)g(``Have)-75
1678 y(you)g(seen)h(this)e(man's)i(records?)g(They're)g(absolutely)e(atrociou\
s!'')-33 1730 y(``Atrocious?'')f(Durn)f(replied,)h(surprised.)i(``He)e(went)g
(from)g(third)-75 1780 y(class)j(private)e(to)g(sergeant)h(major)g(in)g(an)g
(unbelievably)e(record)i(time,)-75 1830 y(did)e(well)h(in)g(officer's)g(train\
ing,)f(and)i(has)f(had)h(a)g(ninety-five)d(percent)-75 1879 y(success)15 b
(rate)g(in)e(his)g(missions)g(since)i(he)f(came)h(to)e(Special)i(Forces)-75
1929 y(eight)c(years)h(ago.)j(He)d(was)g(a)g(hero)g(in)f(the)g(Qorant)g(War.)
16 b(He's)c(been)-75 1979 y(decorated)f(more)f(times)h(than)f(I)g(can)h(count)
e(offhand.'')-33 2031 y(``His)g(military)g(record)h(isn't)g(what)g(I)g(questi\
on.'')-33 2084 y(``Then)g(what)g(is,)g(sir?'')-33 2136 y(Noril)i(curled)i(his)
g(lip)f(in)g(distaste.)22 b(``The)15 b(man)f(dropped)f(out)h(of)-75 2186 y
(higher)8 b(ed)i(with)e(mediocre)i(grades)g(to)f(enlist)f(in)h(the)g(Ground)f
(Forces.)-75 2236 y(How)i(the)g(hell)g(did)f(he)i(get)f(sent)g(to)g(officer's)
g(training?'')-33 2288 y(``He)g(consistently)e(showed)i(the)g(necessary)i(tra\
its)d(required)h(to)f(be)-75 2338 y(an)i(officer.'')-33 2390 y(``Did)j(he?)26
b(Does)15 b(that)g(include)f(numerous)i(curfew)f(violations,)-75 2440 y(disob\
eying)20 b(orders,)25 b(tardiness,)g(and)d(reckless)h(use)f(of)g(military)-75
2490 y(equipment?'')-33 2542 y(``Mongoe)11 b(is)i(an)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg
(energetic)13 b(young)f(man,'')h(Durn)f(explained.)-75 2592 y(``As)g(for)f
(disobeying)f(orders,)j(`bending')d(is)i(the)g(more)g(appropriate)-75 2642 y
(term.)j(He)d(likes)f(to)g(do)g(things)g(his)g(way.)k(The)d(reason)g(he)g(get\
s)g(away)-75 2691 y(with)e(it)h(is)g(because)i(his)e(way)h(is)f(usually)g(bet\
ter)g(than)g(his)g(superiors')-75 2741 y(way--including)d(mine.'')-33 2794 y
(``I)h(see,'')j(Noril)d(replied)g(bluntly.)1037 374 y(``As)h(for)g(the)g(disa\
ppearance)i(and)e(destruction)f(of)h(several)h(of)f(our)996 424 y(experimenta\
l)e(hand-held)g(particle)h(acceleration)g(beams,)i(well,)e(he's)996 473 y(bee\
n)k(disciplined,)e(and)i(they)f(didn't)f(work)h(well)g(anyway.)17 b(A)c(good)
996 523 y(portion)h(of)i(them)h(melted)f(themselves,)j(which)d(he)g(can't)h
(be)g(held)996 573 y(accountable)10 b(for.)h(The)f(project)g(was)h(scrapped)g
(a)g(long)e(time)h(ago.'')1037 625 y(``Hm.)26 b(I)15 b(spent)g(a)h(little)e
(time)h(today)f(talking)g(to)h(some)h(of)f(your)996 675 y(other)10 b(lieutena\
nts,)f(and)i(they)f(don't)f(seem)j(to)e(like)g(him)g(much)h(at)f(all.)996 725
y(They)g(say)h(he's)g(crude,)g(profane,)f(and)g(tactless.'')1037 776 y(Durn)e
(laughed.)i(``That's)e(because)i(he)f(is,)g(sir.)h(But)e(that's)g(just)f(him)
996 826 y(and)i(where)h(he)f(comes)i(from.)f(He's)g(a)g(good)e(man.)j(The)f
(enlisted)f(men)996 876 y(love)g(him.)i(Usually)e(there's)h(a)h(rift)e(betwee\
n)h(them)h(and)f(the)g(officers.)996 926 y(You)k(know,)h(most)g(of)f(my)h(lie\
utenants)e(are)j(upper)e(class)h(academy)996 976 y(material.)29 b(They're)17 b
(just)e(not)h(used)g(to)g(someone)h(like)f(Mongoe.'')996 1025 y(The)10 b(majo\
r)f(stopped)g(in)f(front)h(of)g(the)g(shower)g(room.)h(``Here)g(we)g(are,)996
1075 y(sir.'')1037 1127 y(Noril)f(narrowed)h(his)g(eyes.)i(``What)e(are)h(we)
g(doing)d(here?'')1037 1179 y(``You)13 b(said)h(you)g(wanted)g(to)f(meet)i
(him)e(casually,)j(as)e(a)h(person,)996 1229 y(sir.)10 b(His)f(squad)h(just)f
(got)g(back)h(in)g(from)f(training.)g(They're)h(probably)996 1279 y(just)f
(about)h(ready)g(to)g(go)g(to)g(breakfast.'')1037 1330 y(``Alright.'')e(Noril)
h(heaved)i(a)g(sigh.)f(``Let's)g(go)g(in.'')1037 1382 y(The)18 b(two)e(office\
rs)h(quietly)e(entered)i(and)g(stood)f(unobtrusively)996 1432 y(and)c(unnotic\
ed)f(as)j(young)d(men)i(in)f(various)f(states)i(of)f(dress)h(pulled)996 1482 y
(on)g(their)f(boots)g(or)h(fumbled)g(through)f(lockers)h(for)g(uniforms.)18 b
(The)996 1532 y(sonic)10 b(``showers'')f(hummed)i(in)f(the)g(background.)1037
1584 y(``Well,'')g(Noril)f(said,)i(``Where)f(is)g(he?'')1037 1636 y(As)17 b
(if)g(in)f(reply)h(there)g(came)h(the)f(sound)f(of)h(rowdy)f(hoots)g(and)996
1685 y(cheers)c(from)f(the)g(cleaning)f(area.)15 b(All)10 b(heads)h(turned)g
(in)f(the)h(general)996 1735 y(direction.)e(A)i(group)e(of)h(soldiers)g(ran)g
(out,)g(most)g(of)g(them)h(in)e(towels,)996 1785 y(laughing)15 b(their)h(head\
s)i(off)f(as)g(they)g(looked)f(on)h(at)g(some)h(unseen)996 1835 y(commotion.)
13 b(Presently)e(two)g(men)h(followed)e(the)h(group,)g(or)g(rather,)996 1885 y
(one)k(man)g(had)g(the)g(other)f(in)g(a)i(headlock)e(and)h(was)h(dragging)d
(him)996 1934 y(along)c(over)i(the)f(tiles.)1037 1986 y(Third)19 b(High)f(Com\
mander)h(Noril)f(scowled)h(in)f(distaste)h(as)h(he)996 2036 y(looked)9 b(on.)
h(``Enlisted)f(rabble,'')i(he)f(muttered.)1037 2088 y(``Argh!'')28 b(yelped)
16 b(the)h(man)g(in)f(the)g(headlock,)i(attempting)e(to)996 2138 y(twist)9 b
(free,)i(``I)f(give)g(up)g(already!'')1037 2190 y(``Too)i(bad,)h(pussy!'')h
(his)e(captor)g(roared)g(with)f(delight.)j(He)e(was)996 2239 y(a)f(huge)f(man\
,)h(average)g(in)f(height)f(but)g(very)h(large)h(in)e(build,)h(rippling)996
2289 y(with)j(muscles.)23 b(``You)13 b(lose,)i(sucker!)22 b(And)14 b(you)f
(know)h(what)g(that)996 2339 y(means)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)f fg(!'')1037 2391 y
(``FLUSHIE!'')25 b(chorused)f(all)g(the)h(other)f(soldiers)g(at)g(once,)996
2441 y(``FLUSHIE)10 b(FLUSHIE)h(FLUSHIE!!'')1037 2493 y(Laughing)f(maniacally\
,)g(the)g(large)g(man)h(pulled)e(his)h(victim)f(off)h(to)996 2542 y(the)k(rig\
ht,)g(out)f(of)h(sight.)21 b(Soon)13 b(after)h(came)i(another)e(yell,)h(cut)f
(off)996 2592 y(by)g(the)g(sound)f(of)h(a)h(toilet)e(flushing)f(several)j(tim\
es.)23 b(The)15 b(soldiers)996 2642 y(clapped)k(and)g(whistled.)36 b(Even)19 b
(Major)g(Durn)f(chuckled.)37 b(Noril)996 2692 y(seemed)12 b(disgusted.)1037
2744 y(``I)j(can't)g(believe)g(what)g(I)g(just)f(saw,'')j(he)e(grumbled.)25 b
(``If)14 b(this)996 2794 y(Mongoe)c(person)h(is)g(so)g(good)g(with)f(the)h
(men,)h(why)f(doesn't)f(he)i(stop)956 2918 y fj(23)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(this)g(kind)h
(of)g(immature)g(behavior?'')-33 35 y(``Sir,'')f(Durn)h(chuckled,)g(``That)g
fe(was)g fg(Lieutenant)g(Mongoe.'')-33 85 y(Noril)j(arched)i(his)f(eyebrows.)
23 b(``Getting)13 b(his)h(head)g(rammed)i(in)-75 135 y(the)10 b(toilet)f(by)h
(one)g(of)g(his)g(own)g(troops?'')-33 185 y(``No)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg(ramming)
26 b(one)h(of)f(his)f(own)h(troops')f(head)i(in)f(the)-75 235 y(toilet)p fc
(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(sir.'')-33 285 y(The)12 b(High)f(Commander)h(closed)g(his)f
(eyes)i(and)f(rubbed)f(his)g(tem-)-75 334 y(ples.)20 b(``I'm)13 b(going)f(to)
g(ask)i(you)f(again,)h(Durn:)i(How)d(did)f(this)h(man)-75 384 y(get)d(into)f
(officer's)h(training?'')-33 434 y(``Despite)f(what)i(you)e(just)h(saw,)h(he)
g(really)f(is)g(an)h(intelligent)c(man,)-75 484 y(sir.'')-33 534 y(``Consider\
ing)g(his)j(educational)g(record--'')-33 584 y(``He)g(claims)h(he)f(dropped)g
(out)f(because)j(it)d(bored)h(him,)h(sir.'')-33 634 y(``I'll)d(bet.'')-33 684
y(Durn)i(grew)h(more)g(serious.)i(``May)e(I)g(remind)f(you,)h(sir,)g(that)g
(You)-75 734 y(sent)16 b(up)f(one)h(of)g(your)f(own)h(Space)h(Navy)f(personne\
l)f(less)h(than)g(a)-75 784 y(week)c(ago)f(to)g(assess)i(the)e(lieutenant?)i
(What)e(was)h(his)f(name)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)f fg(that)-75 833 y(scrawny)11 b(tact\
ician)f(from)g(the)g fe(Surefire)g fg(incident)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg('')-33 883
y(``Keezor,'')j(Noril)f(informed)h(him.)-33 933 y(``Oh,)28 b(yes,'')g(the)d
(major)f(muttered,)k(``Nervous,)g(antisocial)-75 983 y(man)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)f
fg(didn't)18 b(like)h(him)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg('')19 b(He)h(cleared)h(his)e
(throat.)37 b(``Any-)-75 1033 y(way,)20 b(I)d(did)f(speak)i(to)f(him)g(after.)
32 b(He)18 b(seemed)h(impressed)e(with)-75 1083 y(Mongoe.'')-33 1133 y(``He)j
(wrote)g(`clever)h(for)g(a)g(primate')f(in)g(his)g(report,'')j(Noril)-75 1183
y(countered.)-33 1233 y(``Was)10 b(that)g(all)g(he)g(said?'')-33 1283 y(``Hm?\
'')-33 1333 y(``Was)g(that)g(all)g(Keezor)h(said)f(about)g(the)g(lieutenant?'\
')-33 1383 y(``Well,)j(er)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)f fg('')12 b(The)i(High)e(Commande\
r)h(exhaled)h(sharply.)k(``I)-75 1432 y(didn't)9 b(read)h(the)g(whole)g(repor\
t,)g(to)g(tell)f(you)h(the)g(truth,)f(Major.'')-33 1482 y(``Maybe)15 b(you)g
(should,'')g(Durn)g(suggested.)25 b(He)16 b(did)e(not)h(seem)-75 1532 y(pleas\
ed.)-33 1582 y(Noril)38 b(shrugged)h(and)h(scanned)h(through)d(the)i(rest)g
(of)-75 1632 y(the)32 b(papers)h(in)f(his)g(clipboard.)76 b(``Mmm)p fc(.)7 b
(.)g(.)f fg(I.Q.,)39 b(eighty-)-75 1682 y(seventh)31 b(percentile)p fc(.)7 b
(.)g(.)e fg(general)32 b(tactical)f(knowledge,)37 b(eighty-)-75 1732 y(ninth)
p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(specialized)17 b(tactics,)i(ninety-fourth)p fc(.)7 b
(.)f(.)t fg(problem)16 b(solving)-75 1781 y(response)f(time)p fc(.)7 b(.)g
(.)e fg('')14 b(His)g(voice)h(trailed)e(off)h(as)h(he)g(read)g(the)f(stats,)
-75 1831 y(then)21 b(picked)g(up)g(again)h(in)f(a)h(mumble.)44 b(``Subject)21
b(clever)h(for)-75 1881 y(a)e(primate)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg(rather)20 b(crude)
f(but)g(by)g(no)g(means)i(deficient)e(in)f(ei-)-75 1931 y(ther)11 b(mental)g
(or)f(physical)h(facilities)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)t fg(recommend)12 b(Lieutenant)f
(A.)-75 1981 y(Mongoe)e(for)g(proposed)f(position.'')g(Noril)g(sighed)h(and)g
(looked)f(over)-75 2031 y(at)16 b(Mongoe,)i(now)d(joking)f(with)h(the)h(other\
s)g(as)h(he)f(pulled)f(on)h(his)-75 2080 y(clothes.)10 b(``I)f(don't)e(believ\
e)j(I'm)f(saying)f(this,)h(but)f(I'm)h(going)f(to)h(give)-75 2130 y(him)j(a)g
(chance.'')17 b(He)c(handed)f(Durn)f(a)h(sealed)h(envelope.)j(``I)c(don't)-75
2180 y(think)f(I)h(want)f(to)h(meet)h(him)e(personally)h(anymore.)k(Just)c
(brief)f(him,)-75 2230 y(and)h(if)g(he)h(accepts)h(the)e(assignment,)h(give)f
(him)g(the)h(envelope.)k(His)-75 2280 y(orders)10 b(are)h(in)f(there.'')-33
2330 y(``Will)e(do,)j(sir.'')-33 2380 y(``Good.)22 b(That)15 b(will)e(be)i
(all)f(for)g(now.)23 b(I'll)13 b(show)i(myself)f(out.'')-75 2429 y(Durn)21 b
(saluted,)k(and)d(Noril)e(returned)i(the)f(gesture.)46 b(The)22 b(High)-75
2479 y(Commander)12 b(turned)e(on)i(his)f(heel)g(and)h(walked)f(away,)i(wonde\
ring,)-75 2529 y fe(What)c(makes)i(me)g(think)e(I'll)g(regret)i(this?)337 2681
y fh(2.)g(S.C.U.M.)-75 2744 y fg(Briefing)d(room,)i(Military)e(Command,)i(Imp\
erial)g(Grounds,)f(Capital)-37 2794 y(District,)g(Loord;)h(one)g(week)h(after)
f(Noril's)f(previous)h(decision.)1037 58 y fe(Why?)1037 109 y(But)h(why,)g
(Haezar?)g(Why)f(leave)i(your)e(ship)g(for)g(this?)g(You're)h(not)996 159 y
(a)f(commando,)g(for)g(God's)f(sake)p fc(.)e(.)g(.)1037 211 y fe(Not)15 b(a)g
(commando?)24 b(Not)14 b(a)h(soldier.)25 b(What)14 b(is)h(our)f(son)h(doing)
996 261 y(traipsing)10 b(around)i(in)g(armor)g(like)g(that?)k(You)c(could)g
(have)g(gone)h(to)996 310 y(the)c(Diplomatic)f(Corps)h(after)h(the)f(Academy)
p fc(.)e(.)g(.)g fe(You)i(didn't)f(have)j(to)996 360 y(go)f(to)f(Qorant)h(for)
f(that)g(stupid)g(war.)1037 412 y(Mother)p fc(.)e(.)g(.)1037 464 y fe(You)j
(worry)h(me,)g(Haezar.)g(Don't)e(do)h(this.)1037 515 y(But--)1037 567 y(But)i
(what?)k(It's)11 b(dangerous!)16 b(The)d(last)e(thing)g(your)i(mother)f(and)
996 617 y(I)j(need)h(is)f(to)g(wonder)g(if)f(your)i(even)g(going)e(to)h(survi\
ve)h(your)g(next)996 667 y(mission.)1037 718 y(It's)10 b(not)f(like)i(that.)
1037 770 y(It)i(is!)k(Being)c(in)f(the)h(Navy's)g(Elite)f(Task)i(Force)g(is)e
(bad)g(enough.)996 820 y(What)d(you're)h(volunteering)g(for)g(is)g(suicide!)
1037 871 y(I)f(don't)e(want)g(to)h(listen)f(to)h(this)f(anymore.)k(I've)e(alr\
eady)f(accepted.)996 921 y(I)14 b(can't)f(march)h(in)f(to)h(my)g(commanding)f
(officer)g(and)g(say)i(``Sorry,)996 971 y(but)9 b(my)i(parents)f(won't)f(let)
h(me!'')1037 1023 y(But)g(Haezar--)1037 1074 y(No)16 b(more)g(``but''s!)26 b
(I'm)16 b(a)g(grown)f(man.)28 b(I)15 b(can)i(take)f(care)h(of)996 1124 y(myse\
lf.)11 b(Now)e(leave)i(me)g(alone.)1037 1176 y fg(First)20 b(Lieutenant)h(Hae\
zar)h(Mozaq,)i(common)d(name)h(Haezar,)996 1225 y(sighed)11 b(as)h(he)h(playe\
d)e(the)h(previous)f(night's)f(argument)h(over)h(again)996 1275 y(in)18 b(his)
g(head.)37 b(He)19 b(leaned)g(back)h(in)e(his)g(chair,)k(waiting)17 b(for)h
(the)996 1325 y(others)e(to)f(arrive.)29 b(He)17 b(was,)h(as)f(usual,)h(more)
f(than)f(punctual;)i(he)996 1375 y(always)11 b(made)h(it)e(a)h(point)e(to)i
(arrive)f(at)h(least)g(five)g(minutes)f(early,)h(no)996 1425 y(matter)j(what)
g(the)g(occasion.)23 b(It)14 b(gave)h(him)f(time)g(to)f(scope)i(out)f(his)996
1475 y(surroundings)8 b(and)j(assess)h(his)e(situation.)g(It)g(also)h(gave)g
(him)f(time)h(to)996 1524 y(think.)1037 1576 y fe(Why?)f(Why)g(am)g(I)h(doing)
e(this?)g(For)h(me?)h(For)f(them?)1037 1628 y(What)f(am)h(I)h(trying)e(to)h
(prove?)1037 1679 y(I)g(don't)f(know.)1037 1731 y(I'm)h(nervous.)h(I'm)f(afra\
id.)1037 1783 y(Of)17 b(what?)29 b(Screwing)17 b(up?)30 b(Falling)15 b(short?)
30 b(Or)18 b(just)e(getting)996 1832 y(killed?)1037 1884 y(I)10 b(don't)f(kno\
w.)1037 1936 y(I'll)g(find)g(out.)1037 1987 y fg(There)16 b(came)h(the)e(murm\
uring)f(of)h(voices)g(in)g(the)g(hall.)25 b(Shortly)996 2037 y(after)c(Third)
f(High)g(Commander)h(Noril)e(entered)i(the)g(semi-dark)996 2087 y(room,)d(cha\
tting)d(with)g(another)h(man.)30 b(Haezar)18 b(could)e(see)h(by)f(the)996 2137
y(silhouette)i(of)i(the)g(stranger's)g(shoulder)f(guards)g(that)h(he)g(was)h
(a)996 2187 y(lieutenant)9 b(commander.)1037 2238 y(Noril)j(turned)g(up)g(the)
h(lights,)f(then)h(flinched)f(as)h(the)g(unexpected)996 2288 y(appearance)f
(of)e(Haezar)i(sitting)c(slumped)i(in)g(a)g(chair)h(startled)e(him.)1037 2340
y(Haezar)j(got)e(to)f(his)h(feet)h(and)f(saluted.)g(``Sir,'')g(he)g(said.)
1037 2391 y(Noril)f(absently)h(returned)g(the)g(salute.)g(``Sit)g(down.'')
1037 2443 y(Haezar)i(sat)e(as)h(the)f(High)f(Commander)h(took)f(his)h(own)f
(seat)i(at)f(the)996 2493 y(head)j(of)f(the)g(table)g(and)g(began)h(to)e(ruff\
le)h(through)e(his)i(papers.)17 b(The)996 2543 y(stranger)12 b(sat)g(down)g
(across)h(from)f(Haezar.)19 b(The)13 b(lieutenant)e(looked)996 2593 y(up)f
(at)g(him)g(for)g(the)g(first)f(time.)1037 2644 y(The)h(officer)e(was,)i(very)
f(bluntly,)e(shockingly)g(ugly,)h(although)f(not)996 2694 y(by)k(Nature's)i
(decree.)k(His)12 b(face,)i(long,)e(narrow,)g(and)g(a)h(bit)e(sunken,)996 2744
y(was)d(terribly)e(marred)j(and)e(weathered.)k(Knife)c(scars)i(streaked)f(acr\
oss)996 2794 y(his)15 b(cheeks)h(and)g(neck,)h(some)f(clean,)i(like)d(artific\
ial)f(claw-marks,)956 2918 y fj(24)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(others)16 b(croo\
ked)f(and)h(warped.)29 b(The)16 b(most)g(pronounced)f(of)h(these)-75 35 y(wer\
e)8 b(one)g(trench-like)e(deformity)g(which)h(started)g(at)h(the)f(right)f
(corner)-75 85 y(of)11 b(his)h(mouth)f(and)h(curved)f(upward)h(to)f(the)g(cor\
ner)h(of)g(his)f(eye,)i(and)-75 135 y(another)f(which)g(cut)h(through)e(his)h
(left)g(eyebrow)h(and)g(ended)g(on)f(his)-75 184 y(cheek.)f(The)d(bridge)g
(of)f(his)h(nose)g(bulged)f(where)i(it)e(had)h(been)h(broken.)-75 234 y(The)g
(man)g(also)f(wore)g(a)h(narrow)f(moustache,)h(broken)f(up)g(by)g(so)g(many)
-75 284 y(scars)16 b(it)e(seemed)i(scraggly.)23 b(But)14 b(the)g(officer's)h
(most)f(astonishing)-75 334 y(feature,)e(or)f(at)g(least)g(the)g(one)g(which)
f(kept)h(Haezar's)i(attention,)d(was)-75 384 y(his)j(left)f(eye.)21 b(The)13 b
(iris)g(was)h(very)f(pale,)h(almost)f(white)g(toward)g(the)-75 433 y(center,)
k(and)f(appeared)g(slightly)d(misshapen.)26 b(The)16 b(pupil)e(was)i(off)-75
483 y(center,)11 b(fixed)f(to)g(a)g(small,)h(hazy)g(opening.)-33 535 y(The)17
b(lieutenant)e(commander)j(glanced)e(briefly)g(at)g(Haezar)i(and)-75 585 y
(sneered.)f(In)12 b(actuality,)g(Haezar)i(realized)f(after)f(a)h(moment,)g
(he)f(had)-75 634 y(been)h(sneering)f(all)g(along,)g(and)h(couldn't)e(seem)i
(to)f(help)g(it.)k(One)d(of)-75 684 y(his)f(numerous)f(scars)j(pulled)c(at)j
(the)e(upper)h(left)f(side)h(of)g(his)g(mouth,)-75 734 y(exposing)f(his)h(tee\
th)h(a)f(bit,)h(and)f(another)g(pulled)f(his)h(left)g(nostril)f(up)-75 784 y
(at)16 b(an)g(angle.)28 b(The)17 b(entire)e(effect,)k(combined)c(with)g(the)h
(eye,)j(was)-75 834 y(disturbing,)8 b(if)i(not)f(frightening.)-33 885 y(The)i
(stranger)f(ran)g(his)g(right)f(hand)h(through)f(his)h(straight,)f(longish)
-75 935 y(hair.)i(There)g(was)g(something)e(not)h(quite)f(right)g(about)h(his)
g(fingers,)g(or)-75 985 y(about)e(the)h(hand)g(in)f(general;)i(the)f(digits)e
(seemed)k(crooked,)e(the)g(other)-75 1035 y(bones)f(slightly)f(out)g(of)h(syn\
c.)j(The)e(man)g(looked)e(up)h(at)h(Haezar)h(again,)-75 1084 y(froze)17 b(for)
f(an)h(instant,)g(then)f(lowered)g(his)g(head)h(an)g(stared)g(at)g(the)-75
1134 y(table.)12 b(He)f(lost)f(some)h(of)f(his)h(posture.)g(Haezar)h(felt)e
(a)i(tinge)d(of)i(guilt.)-75 1184 y(Just)d(before)h(the)f(man)h(had)f(lowered)
g(his)g(head,)i(the)e(lieutenant's)f(gaze)-75 1234 y(met)k(with)e(his)h(good)
f(eye.)i(It)f(had)g(been)h(oddly)e(sad--pained,)i(even.)-33 1285 y(Noril)h
(cleared)i(his)f(throat)f(and)h(glanced)h(at)f(his)g(watch.)20 b(``We're)-75
1335 y(waiting)15 b(for)g(one)h(more,'')i(he)f(informed)e(the)h(pair,)i(and)e
(muttered)-75 1385 y(something)9 b(about)h(perpetual)g(tardiness.)g(The)h(roo\
m)f(fell)g(silent.)-33 1437 y(Several)17 b(minutes)g(passed.)31 b(Suddenly)16
b(there)h(came)i(the)e(sound)-75 1486 y(of)12 b(heavy,)i(hurried)e(footsteps)
f(from)h(the)h(hall,)g(and)f(an)h(instant)e(later)-75 1536 y(Lieutenant)18 b
(Mongoe)h(came)h(into)e(the)g(room.)36 b(He)19 b(mumbled)g(an)-75 1586 y(apol\
ogy)c(and)h(flopped)f(his)g(sizable)i(bulk)e(into)f(the)i(nearest)h(chair.)
-75 1636 y(Haezar)h(made)g(a)g(choking)d(noise.)31 b(Mongoe)16 b(looked)g(ove\
r)h(in)f(his)-75 1686 y(direction,)9 b(noticing)g(him)h(for)g(the)g(first)f
(time.)-33 1737 y(``Rich)14 b(Boy!'')24 b(he)15 b(exclaimed,)j(somewhat)e(sar\
castic,)i(smiling)-75 1787 y(but)9 b(not)h(exactly)g(pleasant.)-33 1839 y(``Y\
ou!'')h(was)h(all)f(Haezar)i(seemed)g(able)e(to)g(reply.)i(His)e(stomach)-75
1888 y(twisted)e(into)g(a)i(knot.)-33 1940 y(``Oh,)19 b(yes,'')g(Noril)d(murm\
ured,)k(``I)d(forgot)f(about)h(Qorant.)31 b(I)-75 1990 y(believe)10 b(you)g
(two)g(have)g(had)h(the)f(pleasure--'')-33 2041 y(``--Experience,'')28 b(Mong\
oe)c(growled,)j(staring)d(intensely)f(at)-75 2091 y(Haezar.)-33 2143 y(``--of)
9 b(working)h(together,'')g(the)g(High)g(Commander)h(concluded.)-75 2192 y
(He)i(collected)g(himself.)18 b(``Well,)13 b(then,)g(as)h(long)d(as)j(we're)f
(all)f(here,)-75 2242 y(we)i(might)f(as)i(well)e(get)h(started.'')20 b(He)15 b
(motioned)d(to)i(the)f(stranger.)-75 2292 y(``This)19 b(is)f(Lieutenant)h(Com\
mander)g(Quarq,)j(Space)e(Navy)f(Elite)-75 2342 y(Task)12 b(Force,)g(Third)e
(Division.)h(Quarq,)h(this)e(is)h(Lieutenant)f(Haezar,)-75 2392 y(Task)e(Forc\
e,)h(Second)f(Division,)e(and)i(Lieutenant)f(Mongoe)f(from)i(the)-75 2441 y
(Ground)h(Forces')i(Special)g(Forces,)g(Twenty-Second)f(Squadron.'')-33 2493 y
(Mongoe)k(eyed)i(Quarq)f(with)g(a)h(touch)e(of)h(admiration.)25 b(He)16 b(had)
-75 2543 y(heard)g(of)g(the)g(man--Devil's)g(Eye,)i(they)e(called)g(him--one)
g(of)g(the)-75 2593 y(most)d(clever,)h(daring,)g(up-and-coming)d(command)j
(officers)f(in)g(the)-75 2642 y(Space)g(Navy)g(fleet.)j(He)c(could)g(not)f
(wait)h(to)f(get)h(to)g(know)f(the)h(man,)-75 2692 y(to)e(swap)g(stories,)g
(to)g(ask)h(him)f(how)g(he)g(had)h(earned)g(his)e(scars.)-33 2744 y(``The)i
(reason)h(you)f(are)i(here,)f(gentlemen,'')g(Noril)f(went)g(on,)h(``is)-75
2794 y(because)h(you)e(have)h(volunteered)f(for)g(what)g(your)g(orders)g(desc\
ribed)996 -15 y(as)k(`a)f(specialized)h(task)g(force)f(consisting)f(of)h(pers\
onnel)g(from)g(the)996 35 y(various)8 b(branches)i(of)f(the)g(Loord)g(militar\
y.')g(Exactly)g(what)g(this)f(is)h(is)996 85 y(my)i(current)g(project,)g(an)g
(experiment)g(called)g(Select)h(Commandoes)996 135 y(from)e(United)f(Militari\
es.'')1037 186 y(\(''SCUM?'')h(Mongoe)g(murmured)g(with)f(a)i(wry)f(smile.\))
1037 237 y(``The)i(idea,'')g(Noril)e(went)h(on,)g(``is)g(to)f(bring)g(togethe\
r)h(the)g(finest)996 287 y(of)16 b(our)h(servicemen--the)g(elite)g(of)f(the)h
(elite--to)e(tackle)j(the)e(most)996 337 y(difficult)h(assignments,)k(both)d
(open)h(and)f(covert.)37 b(The)19 b(three)g(of)996 386 y(you)c(have)h(been)h
(chosen)f(to)f(lead)i(the)e(first)g(trial)g(squadron)g(on)h(an)996 436 y(actu\
al)9 b(mission.)h(Since)f(the)h(group)e(has)h(just)g(been)g(formed)h(and)f
(there)996 486 y(won't)k(be)h(much)g(time)g(to)f(train,)h(I've)g(selected)h
(a)f(delicate)g(but)f(not)996 536 y(exceptionally)i(difficult)f(situation)g
(to)i(use)h(as)g(a)f(proving)f(ground.)996 586 y(But)7 b(then,'')h(he)g(added)
g(challengingly,)f(``people)h(like)f(you)g(shouldn't)996 635 y(need)k(as)f
(much)h(time)f(to)g(prepare.'')1037 687 y(\(''Hah,'')g(Mongoe)g(sneered)h(qui\
etly.\))1037 738 y(``I)k(expect)g(results,'')h(Noril)e(informed)g(the)h(three\
some)h(sternly.)996 788 y(``Excellent)g(results.)28 b(As)16 b(far)g(as)h(I'm)
g(concerned)f(this)g(project)f(of)996 837 y(mine)e(has)g(a)h(lot)d(of)i(poten\
tial.)k(I)c(don't)e(want)i(my)g(support)f(yanked.)996 887 y(Failure)e(will)f
(not)g(be)i(tolerated.)f(Is)g(that)g(understood?'')1037 938 y(``Yes,)17 b(sir\
,'')f(Quarq)e(and)h(Haezar)i(replied.)24 b(Mongoe)14 b(stared)h(at)996 988 y
(the)10 b(wall)g(and)g(said)g(nothing.)1037 1039 y(``Good.)23 b(Then)15 b(I'l\
l)e(brief)h(you)g(on)g(your)g(mission.'')22 b(The)15 b(High)996 1089 y(Comman\
der)h(passed)g(a)g(folder)f(to)g(each)i(of)e(the)h(officers.)26 b(``Your)996
1139 y(assignment)16 b(is)h(off-world,)g(which)f(may)h(make)h(things)d(tricky)
h(for)996 1189 y(some)11 b(of)f(you.)g(In)g(fact,)h(you're)f(going)f(to)h(Pla\
net)g(Neemohne,)i(in)d(the)996 1239 y(Eastern)j(half)g(of)f(the)h(Empire.'')j
(Noril)10 b(paused)j(to)e(note)g(the)h(others')996 1288 y(expressions.)j(Mong\
oe)c(was)i(now)e(staring)g(at)h(him,)h(his)e(eyes)i(bright)996 1338 y(with)f
(adventure)h(and)h(curiosity.)19 b(Haezar)c(seemed)g(interested,)f(and)996
1388 y(Quarq)c(simply)f(gazed)i(at)g(his)f(hands,)g(very)g(silent)g(and)g(ser\
ious.)1037 1439 y(``Our)j(world)f(is)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg(unfortunately)11 b
(unique)i(in)g(all)g(the)g(Empire,'')996 1489 y(Noril)e(went)i(on,)g(``so)f
(going)g(to)g(any)h(of)f(our)g(other)g(planets)h(may)g(be)996 1539 y(a)f(shoc\
k)f(to)g(you)f(and)i(your)e(men.)15 b(And,)d(as)g(you)e(know,)i(our)f(Eastern)
996 1589 y(brothers)20 b(are)i(very)f(different)g(from)g(us,)j(especially)e
(in)e(culture.)996 1638 y(I)d(expect)g(you)g(all--the)f(whole)g(squadron--to)
f(attend)i(all)g(briefing)996 1688 y(lectures)9 b(as)i(specified)e(in)g(the)g
(documents)g(I've)h(given)f(you)f(so)i(you'll)996 1738 y(at)h(least)h(have)g
(an)f(idea)h(of)f(what)g(to)g(expect.)k(Most)c(of)g(these)g(will)g(we)996 1788
y(given)e(on)h(board)g(your)f(ship)h(en)g(route)f(to)h(Neemohne,)i(so)e(you)f
(won't)996 1838 y(have)16 b(much)h(time.)28 b(I'm)17 b(expecting)e(you)h(to)f
(keep)i(your)f(wits)f(and)996 1887 y(adapt)10 b(quickly.'')1037 1939 y(``What)
d(we)h(have)g(here)g(is)f(a)h(political)d(problem)i(in)g(the)g(Qol)f(District)
996 1988 y(of)12 b(Neemohne.)18 b(The)c(Qols')e(leader)h(is)f(a)h(political-r\
eligio)o(us)d(figure)996 2038 y(called)16 b(the)g(Shaheer.)29 b(The)17 b(Shah\
eer)g(isn't)e(royalty;)i(he)g(or)f(she)g(is)996 2088 y(chosen)d(by)g(the)g
(Qol)g(Loords')f(major)h(religious)f(body,)h(and)h(is)f(then)996 2138 y(train\
ed)c(to)h(govern.'')1037 2189 y(``If)22 b(the)g(Shaheer)h(has)f(to)g(be)g(tra\
ined)g(to)f(govern,'')j(Haezar)996 2239 y(interjected,)d(``then)e(what)g(do)g
(the)h(religious)d(leaders)k(base)f(their)996 2289 y(choice)10 b(on?'')1037
2340 y(``That's)f(the)g(interesting)f(part.)i(In)e(reality,)h(the)g(religious)
f(leaders-)996 2390 y(-the)j(Dyjins--don't)e(choose.)16 b(They)c(just)f(selec\
t)i(candidates.)j(In)11 b(the)996 2439 y(end,)f(the)h(Alat)e(chooses.'')1037
2491 y(``Who's)h(the)g(Alat?'')1037 2542 y(``Not)g(who--what.)f(The)i(Alat's)
f(a)h(crystal.'')1037 2593 y(Mongoe)f(snorted)g(in)f(laughter.)1037 2644 y
(``The)d(Qols)g(take)g(this)g(very)g(seriously,'')g(Noril)g(explained.)i(``Th\
ey)996 2694 y(claim)14 b(the)f(crystal)h(has)g(certain)g(powers)f(and)h(mysti\
cal)g(properties.)996 2744 y(The)g(Shaheer)f(is)g(supposedly)f(the)h(one)h
(who)e(can)i(best)f(channel)h(his)996 2794 y(or)c(her)g(mental)g(energy)h(thr\
ough)d(the)i(Alat.'')956 2918 y fj(25)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Mongoe)g(chuckle\
d.)i(``Hah.)f(What)h(a)g(load)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)t fg('')-33 37 y(Noril)16 b(shot)
i(him)f(a)i(look.)32 b(``Be)18 b(quiet,)i(Lieutenant.)33 b(I)18 b(didn't)-75
87 y(call)f(you)f(here)h(to)f(laugh.)28 b(You)17 b(can)g(be)g(skeptical)f(on)
g(your)g(own)-75 136 y(time.'')h(He)c(paused,)h(then)e(went)g(on.)17 b(``Righ\
t)11 b(now)h(the)g(Shaheer)i(is)-75 186 y(young--young)f(enough)i(to)f(be)i
(vulnerable.)26 b(The)16 b(Dyjins)e(believe)-75 236 y(that)j(the)h(man)g(who)
f(ranked)h(second)g(to)f(the)h(current)f(Shaheer)i(in)-75 286 y(ability)9 b
(to)i(use)h(the)f(Alat,)g(a)h(very)f(rich)g(upperclassman)h(called)g(Zyal,)
-75 336 y(has)18 b(been)g(plotting)d(the)i(discreet)g(assassination)h(of)f
(the)g(Shaheer.)-75 386 y(If)f(the)g(current)g(Shaheer)h(dies,)h(then)e(he,)i
(as)f(second)g(best,)h(comes)-75 435 y(to)d(power.)26 b(There)16 b(have)g(als\
o)f(been)h(numerous)f(attempts)g(to)g(steal)-75 485 y(the)e(Alat,)h(but)f(no)
g(one's)g(been)h(caught)f(alive)g(to)g(question.)19 b(Zyal)14 b(is)-75 535 y
(very)f(influential.)j(He)d(has)g(a)h(lot)d(of)i(connections.)18 b(We're)13 b
(not)f(sure)-75 585 y(if)k(he's)h(been)g(sending)f(third)f(parties)h(to)g(ste\
al)h(the)f(Alat)g(and)h(plot)-75 635 y(assassinations,)12 b(but)e(then,)h(we'\
re)h(not)e(sure)i(if)e(he's)i(involved)d(at)i(all,)-75 684 y(even)g(though)d
(everyone)j(would)e(like)h(to)f(assume)j(so.'')-33 736 y(``The)7 b(Shaheer)g
(is)g(important)f(to)g(us)h(politically)t(because)i(for)d(many)-75 786 y(year\
s)i(the)e(Qol)h(have)g(provided)f(us)h(with)e(certain)i(rare)h(elements)f(fou\
nd)-75 836 y(only)g(in)g(the)h(Qol)f(District--and)f(a)i(good)f(portion)f(of)
i(those)f(are)i(used)f(in)-75 886 y(the)h(military.)g(We've)h(always)g(mainta\
ined)f(good)f(relations)g(with)h(the)-75 935 y(Qol)i(government)f(and)i(the)f
(Shaheer.)j(Zyal,)e(however,)g(is)f(a)h(radical,)-75 985 y(and)f(a)h(very)f
(strong)f(one.)j(If)d(he)i(becomes)g(the)f(Shaheer)h(chances)h(are)-75 1035 y
(he'll)g(cut)h(off)g(or)f(worsen)h(relations)f(with)g(us,)j(and)e(no)f(one)h
(will)f(be)-75 1085 y(able)i(to)f(successfully)g(challenge)h(him.)23 b(That's)
15 b(the)f(last)h(thing)e(the)-75 1135 y(Emperor)g(wants)f(at)g(this)g(time.)
k(Our)c(relations)g(with)f(the)h(East)h(are)g(a)-75 1184 y(bit)c(shaky)h(alre\
ady.'')-33 1236 y(``Your)15 b(job)g(is)h(to)g(protect)g(the)g(Shaheer)h(at)g
(all)f(costs)g(until)f(the)-75 1286 y(crisis)c(blows)g(over,)h(and)f(to)g(tra\
ck)g(down)g(and)g(deal)h(with)e(whoever's)-75 1336 y(behind)h(the)h(problems,)
g(whether)g(it's)f(Zyal)h(or)f(not.)k(The)e(Shaheer's)-75 1386 y(forces)j(and)
g(investigative)e(agents)i(will)f(help)g(you.)26 b(Specifics)17 b(are)-75 1435
y(detailed)e(in)h(the)f(documents)h(I)g(gave)g(you.)27 b(You'll)14 b(meet)j
(the)e(rest)-75 1485 y(of)c(your)g(squadron)g(tomorrow,)g(and)h(leave)g(for)f
(Neemohne)i(the)e(day)-75 1535 y(after)h(that.)j(The)d(three)g(of)g(you)f(are)
i(to)e(report)g(to)g(my)h(office)g(at)g(0700)-75 1585 y(sharp)e(tomorrow.)g
(Understood?'')-33 1637 y(``Yes,)g(sir,'')g(the)g(three)h(officers)f(replied.)
-33 1688 y(``Good.)f(Dismissed.'')267 1849 y fh(3.)h(Room)g(and)g(Board)-16
1915 y fg(Eastern)h(Loord)e(Empire,)i(Planet)f(Neemohne,)i(Qol)e(District,)
277 1965 y(several)g(weeks)i(later.)-33 2094 y(Even)f(with)g(the)g(numerous)g
(briefings)f(behind)g(them,)i(Neemohne)-75 2144 y(turned)d(out)h(to)g(be)g
(a)h(shock)f(for)g(most)g(of)g(the)g(S.C.U.M.)i(squadron.)-33 2196 y(The)g
(unfortunate)e(reality)h(was)i(that)e(for)h(many)g(years)g(Loord,)h(the)-75
2246 y(homeworld)j(and)g(head)h(of)g(the)f(Empire,)j(had)d(been)h(decaying,)i
(in)-75 2295 y(part)d(from)f(age,)k(but)c(mostly)g(due)h(to)f(a)h(transient)f
(sun)h(which)f(had)-75 2345 y(settled)h(itself)f(too)h(close.)29 b(Fifty)16 b
(years)h(before,)h(the)e(new)h(star--or)-75 2395 y(the)12 b(``Rouge'',)h(as)g
(it)f(was)h(popularly)e(known--had)g(appeared,)j(and)-75 2445 y(ten)h(years)h
(after)f(that)g(the)g(population)e(which)i(had)g(chosen)g(or)g(had)-75 2495 y
(been)i(forced)f(to)g(remain)h(on)f(the)g(planet--a)g(good)g(ninety)f(percent)
-75 2545 y(of)e(the)g(people--had)g(moved)h(into)e(underground)g(cities.)20 b
(Since)14 b(the)-75 2594 y(government)8 b(did)f(not)g(want)h(to)g(further)f
(depress)i(an)f(already)h(unstable)-75 2644 y(populous,)h(talk)g(about)g(what)
g(the)h(world)e(had)i(been)g(and)g(about)f(other)-75 2694 y(worlds)f(in)g(gen\
eral)h(had)g(been)g(kept)g(to)f(a)h(minimum.)g(In)g(the)f(schools,)-75 2744 y
(ecology)j(and)h(zoology)e(courses)j(all)e(but)g(vanished.)17 b(The)d(net)e
(result)-75 2794 y(was)j(two)f(generations)g(of)g(people)h(to)e(whom)i(grass)
g(and)f(trees)h(and)996 -15 y(swimming)j(were)h(myths,)i(and)d(to)g(whom)h
(``sky'')f(was)h(a)g(vague)996 35 y(concept)10 b(at)h(best.)1037 87 y(The)d
(majority)e(of)g(the)h(unit)f(was)h(forced,)i(at)e(least)g(initially,)e(to)h
(shade)996 136 y(their)14 b(eyes)j(from)e(the)g(brightness)f(of)h(the)h(sun)f
(with)f(sunglasses,)k(a)996 186 y(curious)11 b(and)h(awkward)h(experience)g
(for)e(most.)17 b(As)12 b(a)h(general)f(rule,)996 236 y(the)c(S.C.U.M.)h(pers\
onnel)f(from)g(the)g(Space)i(Navy)e(fared)h(a)g(bit)e(better;)996 286 y(most)
j(of)g(them)h(had)f(been)h(to)f(other)g(planets,)g(even)h(if)f(only)f(briefly)
h(to)996 336 y(touch)d(down)h(for)f(refueling)g(and)h(supplies.)i(Of)e(them)g
(all,)g(Haezar)i(and)996 386 y(Quarq)15 b(had)g(the)h(most)f(experience)h(wit\
h)e(other)h(worlds,)h(but)f(even)996 435 y(Quarq)f(seemed)i(ill)e(at)g(ease.)
25 b(Only)14 b(Haezar)i(appeared)g(casual)f(and)996 485 y(uninterested)c(as)h
(the)g(others)f(gawked)h(after)g(landing)e(at)i(a)g(local)g(Qol)996 535 y(mil\
itary)d(base.)1037 587 y(``Are)18 b(you)e(that)h(untouched)f(by)h(the)g(beaut\
y?'')31 b(Quarq)17 b(asked)996 636 y(him)12 b(quietly.)k(He)d(seemed)i(to)d
(be)h(making)f(an)h(attempt)f(to)g(form)h(his)996 686 y(twisted)c(lips)g(into)
g(a)i(smile.)g(He)g(was)g(failing)d(miserably.)1037 738 y(Haezar)17 b(hesitat\
ed)e(for)g(a)h(moment,)i(not)c(quite)h(sure)g(if)g(the)h(man)996 788 y(was)9 b
(being)f(sarcastic)i(or)f(serious.)g(He)h(tried)e(to)g(ignore)g(the)g(lieuten\
ant)996 838 y(commander's)16 b(grimace)g(after)f(guessing)f(the)h(latter.)24 b
(``Well,'')16 b(he)996 887 y(replied,)9 b(``The)h(base)g(here)g(is)f(nothing.)
g(Wait)g('til)f(you)h(see)h(the)g(city.'')1037 939 y(``You've)g(been)h(here)f
(before?'')1037 991 y(``Oh,)e(yeah.)i(My)c(father's)h(an)g(ambassador.)k(Seni\
or)6 b(Ambassador,)996 1041 y(really.)16 b(He's)d(on)f(the)g(High)g(Council.)
j(He's)e(been)g(everywhere.)k(So)996 1090 y(have)11 b(I.)f(He)h(used)f(to)g
(take)h(the)f(family)f(with)h(him.'')1037 1142 y(The)e(city,)f(as)h(Haezar)h
(had)e(indicated,)g(proved)f(to)h(be)g(both)f(stunning)996 1192 y(and)17 b
(fascinating.)31 b(Like)17 b(Eastern)h(Loord)f(culture)f(as)i(a)g(whole,)h
(it)996 1242 y(was)f(an)f(unusual)g(mix)g(of)g(modern)g(and)g(arcane.)33 b
(Glass)18 b(paneled)996 1292 y(office)d(buildings)f(shared)i(the)f(same)i(str\
eets)f(as)g(ornate)g(stone)f(and)996 1341 y(wood)k(structures.)38 b(Many)20 b
(of)f(the)h(roads)f(still)g(retained)g(ancient)996 1391 y(cobblestones.)27 b
(Marble)16 b(statues)g(and)g(fountains)e(dotted)h(the)h(area.)996 1441 y(Just)
7 b(about)g(everything)g(was)h(decorated)g(to)f(the)h(hilt;)f(stone)g(and)h
(wood)996 1491 y(were)16 b(polished)e(and)i(amazingly)g(carved,)i(glass)d(was)
h(etched,)i(and)996 1541 y(clothing)12 b(was)j(brocaded.)23 b(Most)14 b(of)g
(the)g(men,)j(and)d(many)h(women)996 1590 y(as)c(well,)f(wore)g(swords)g(and)
g(knives)g(casually)g(at)g(their)f(sides)i(as)g(they)996 1640 y(bragged)e(abo\
ut)g(their)g(hovercars)h(and)g(watched)g(three-)f(dimensional)996 1690 y(holo\
-televisions)k(through)h(storefront)g(windows.)26 b(The)16 b(S.C.U.M.)996 1740
y(soldiers)9 b(gaped)h(and)g(pointed)f(all)h(the)g(way)g(to)f(their)g(lodging\
s)g(on)g(the)996 1790 y(Shaheer's)i(Grounds.)1037 1841 y(Once)i(they)e(had)h
(been)h(settled)e(in,)h(Quarq,)h(Mongoe)e(and)h(Haezar)996 1891 y(made)i(thei\
r)e(way)h(across)h(the)f(Grounds)f(to)g(the)h(palace)h(to)e(meet)i(the)996
1941 y(Shaheer.)1037 1993 y(``Wow,'')k(Mongoe)f(mumbled)g(as)g(he)g(craned)h
(his)e(head)i(up)e(at)996 2043 y(the)11 b(shining)e(spires)i(and)g(stained)g
(glass)g(windows)f(of)g(the)h(sprawling)996 2092 y(structure.)32 b(``Wow,'')
19 b(he)f(quietly)f(exclaimed)h(again)g(when)g(they)996 2142 y(were)13 b(esco\
rted)f(inside.)j(He)e(spun)e(in)h(circles)g(as)h(he)f(walked,)h(taking)996
2192 y(in)f(everything,)h(all)g(the)g(time)g(looking)e(very)i(stupid)e(and)j
(muttering)996 2242 y(``Wow'')8 b(over)g(and)h(over)f(again,)h(his)f(mouth)g
(hanging)g(open.)h(Haezar)996 2292 y(seemed)17 b(embarrassed)g(by)e(him,)i
(especially)e(when)h(the)f(lieutenant)996 2341 y(uttered)10 b(a)h(rather)f
(excited)h(``Wo-o-o-o-w!'')e(when)i(a)g(liberally)e(clad)996 2391 y(woman)h
(servant)h(passed)g(them)f(in)g(the)g(hall.)1037 2443 y(``Be)e(quiet!'')h(Hae\
zar)h(whispered)e(sharply)f(as)i(they)f(were)h(led)f(into)996 2493 y(an)j(ope\
n,)g(marble-floored)g(hall.)h(Their)f(escort)g(informed)g(them)g(that)996 2543
y(the)f(Shaheer)h(would)e(arrive)h(shortly)f(and)h(left)g(them)g(to)g(wait.)
1037 2594 y(After)k(a)g(short)f(time)h(an)g(impressive)g(middle)f(aged)h(man)
h(clad)f(in)996 2644 y(elaborately)c(brocaded)g(clothes)g(and)g(a)h(black,)g
(velvety)e(cloak)i(strode)996 2694 y(into)6 b(the)i(room.)i(At)d(his)g(side)h
(he)g(wore)g(shining)e(scabbard,)k(protruding)996 2744 y(from)16 b(which)f
(was)i(the)f(jeweled)g(hilt)e(of)i(a)h(sword.)27 b(He)17 b(smiled)e(as)996
2794 y(he)i(approached)f(the)h(threesome.)30 b(Again,)18 b(Haezar)g(seemed)g
(quite)956 2918 y fj(26)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(at)16 b(ease)h
(while)e(Quarq)h(and)f(Mongoe's)g(faces)i(registered)f(a)g(bit)f(of)-75 35 y
(nervousness.)-33 86 y(The)10 b(man)h(was)f(six)g(and)g(a)g(half)g(feet)g(tal\
l--slightl)o(y)d(above)j(average)-75 136 y(for)h(an)h(Eastern)h(Loord--and)e
(made)i(Quarq,)f(who)g(at)f(just)g(under)h(six)-75 186 y(feet)7 b(had)h(alway\
s)f(been)h(considered)f(tall,)g(seem)h(short)f(in)f(comparison.)-75 236 y(His)
13 b(skin)g(tone)f(was)i(darker,)h(and)e(his)g(eyes)h(were)g(slightly)d(slant\
ed.)-75 286 y(He)g(was)h(balding)d(up)h(top)g(but)g(the)h(rest)g(of)f(his)g
(hair)h(fell)f(to)g(his)g(waist,)-75 335 y(neatly)g(trimmed)g(and)g(accented)
i(by)e(the)g(occasional)g(braid.)-33 387 y(The)j(newcomer)g(held)f(his)g(hand\
s)h(out,)f(open)h(palms)f(up.)17 b(``Good)-75 437 y(afternoon,)f(warriors,'')
g(he)g(said)f(in)g(slightly)e(accented)j(Common.)-75 486 y(He)8 b(made)h(a)f
(circular)g(motion)e(with)h(his)g(hands.)i(``Welcome)g(to)e(Qol.'')-33 538 y
(There)14 b(was)g(an)f(awkward)h(hesitation.)19 b(Quarq)13 b(found)f(his)h
(voice.)-75 588 y(``Thank)22 b(you,)j(Shaheer,'')h(he)d(replied)f(with)f(a)i
(salute.)47 b(``I'm)-75 637 y(Lieutenant)21 b(Commander)i(Quarq.)44 b(These)
24 b(are)e(my)g(immediate)-75 687 y(subordinates,)10 b(Lieutenants)g(Haezar)i
(and)e(Mongoe.'')-33 739 y(The)c(older)g(man)g(chuckled.)11 b(``I'm)6 b(not)g
(the)g(Shaheer,)i(Commander.)-75 788 y(I)i(am)h(Hu-Jin,)f(his)g(Advisor.'')
-33 840 y(``Uh--My)f(apologies,)g(sir.'')-33 891 y(``No)h(need.'')h(Hu-Jin)f
(looked)g(off)g(to)g(the)h(side)f(as)i(another)e(Loord)-75 941 y(came)j(into)
d(the)h(room.)i(He)f(was)g(a)f(small)h(boy,)f(perhaps)g(nine)g(or)g(ten,)-75
991 y(wearing)i(fairly)f(simple)h(clothing.)18 b(The)c(child)f(came)i(up)e
(to)f(Hu-Jin)-75 1041 y(and)17 b(stood)e(in)h(front)g(of)g(him,)i(looking)d
(up)h(at)h(the)f(three)h(soldiers.)-75 1090 y(``This)10 b(is)g(Dyan,)h(our)e
(Shaheer,'')i(the)f(Advisor)g(informed)f(them.)-33 1142 y(``But--'')e(Mongoe)
j(sputtered.)f(Haezar)j(discreetly)d(elbowed)h(him)-75 1192 y(in)g(the)g(ribs\
.)-33 1243 y(Dyan,)15 b(like)e(Hu-Jin,)h(held)g(out)f(his)g(hands,)i(palms)g
(up,)f(and)g(also)-75 1293 y(made)g(a)g(circular)g(motion.)k(Unlike)13 b(the)
g(older)g(man's,)i(however,)f(it)-75 1343 y(was)d(an)f(all-encompassing)g(swe\
ep.)-33 1394 y(``Welcome)k(to)g(my)g(home,'')h(said)f(the)g(boy.)21 b(``You)
13 b(are)h(free)h(to)-75 1444 y(go)e(wherever)g(you)f(want)h(and)g(use)g(any)
g(services)h(and)f(facilities)f(we)-75 1494 y(have.'')-33 1545 y(``Th-thank)d
(you,)i(Shaheer,'')i(Quarq)d(replied,)h(a)h(bit)e(surprised)g(at)-75 1595 y
(how)g(articulate)g(the)g(child)f(was,)i(and)g(very)f(surprised)f(that)h(the)
g(boy's)-75 1645 y(face)i(registered)e(no)g(revulsion)g(or)g(fright)f(in)h
(reaction)g(to)g(his)g(terrible)-75 1695 y(appearance.)15 b(Until)10 b(now,)i
(the)f(commander)h(had)g(had)f(yet)g(to)g(meet)h(a)-75 1744 y(child)d(who)h
(did)g(not.)-33 1796 y(``Have)e(you)f(been)h(fully)e(briefed)h(on)g(the)h(sit\
uation)e(at)h(hand?'')j(Hu-)-75 1846 y(Jin)e(asked.)j(Quarq)d(nodded.)i(``Goo\
d.)f(As)g(you)f(can)h(see,)h(our)f(Shaheer)-75 1895 y(is)i(too)f(young)g(to)h
(fully)f(protect)g(himself)h(or)g(the)g(Alat.)i(We've)f(taken)-75 1945 y(full)
i(security)i(precautions)f(ever)h(since)g(the)f(first)g(attempt)g(to)g(steal)
-75 1995 y(the)c(Alat,)h(but)f(the)g(thieves)g(keep)h(trying.'')g(The)g(Advis\
or)f(smiled)g(in)-75 2045 y(an)h(unusual)g(way)g(which)f(did)h(not)f(seem)i
(to)f(fit)f(his)g(kindly)f(features.)-75 2095 y(The)i(grin)e(was)i(wide,)f
(very)g(pleased,)i(and)e(rather)g(sadistic.)i(``Which)-75 2144 y(essentially)
e(means,'')i(he)f(went)f(on,)h(``that)f(they)g(keep)h(dying.'')h(His)-75 2194
y(hand)e(fondled)e(the)i(hilt)f(of)g(his)g(sword.)i(``I)f(dispatched)f(two)h
(of)f(them)-75 2244 y(myself.'')g(The)g(smile)f(vanished)f(and)i(he)f(sighed.)
h(``We)f(thought)e(that)-75 2294 y(the)12 b(Shaheer's)h(rival,)f(Zyal,)h(whil\
e)e(angry)h(and)g(jealous,)g(would)f(not)-75 2344 y(attempt)h(to)g(do)h(any)f
(harm)h(to)f(our)g(leader.)19 b(But)12 b(there)g(were)i(rumors)-75 2394 y(and)
k(paranoia.)32 b(We)18 b(thought--and)d(still)h(think--that)f(the)j(thieves)
-75 2443 y(were)c(sent)f(by)g(him.)18 b(We)c(believed)f(he)g(thought)e(that)i
(if)f(he)h(had)h(the)-75 2493 y(Alat,)d(he)g(would)f(have)h(the)f(power)h(of)
f(the)h(Shaheer.)i(Unfortunately,)-75 2543 y(assuming)i(that)f(the)g(attempte\
d)g(thefts)g(were)i(directed)e(by)g(him,)i(he)-75 2593 y(must)11 b(have)g(gro\
wn)f(tired)g(of)h(failure,)g(because)h(last)f(week)h(there)f(was)-75 2643 y
(an)18 b(assassination)f(attempt)g(on)g(the)g(Shaheer.)32 b(Someone)18 b(plan\
ted)-75 2692 y(a)d(bomb)f(in)f(the)i(Shaheer's)g(limousine,)f(but)g(a)g(mecha\
nic)i(found)d(it)-75 2742 y(while)d(doing)f(some)i(repair)f(work.)-33 2794 y
(``What)h(we)i(want)e(from)h(your)f(unit)g(for)h(now)f(is)h(extra)g(protectio\
n)996 -15 y(for)19 b(the)g(Shaheer.)38 b(I)19 b(currently)f(have)i(investigat\
ive)e(agents)h(out)996 35 y(searching)f(for)f(clues)i(and)f(evidence.)34 b
(If)17 b(we)i(find)e(out)g(anything)996 85 y(conclusive,)e(namely)f(that)f
(Zyal)h(is)g(responsible,)g(we'll)g(need)g(your)996 135 y(forces)22 b(to)f
(move)h(in)f(and)h(take)g(him)f(down.'')44 b(Hu-Jin)21 b(paused)996 184 y(awk\
wardly.)f(``If)13 b(it)f(is)i(Zyal,)h(and)e(we)h(can't)g(bring)e(him)i(to)f
(justice)996 234 y(by)i(normal)g(means,)j(then)d(the)g(Shaheer)h(can't)g(move)
f(against)g(him)996 284 y(physically,)9 b(and)h(you'll)f(be)i(on)e(your)h(own\
.'')1037 335 y(``Why?'')h(Quarq)f(asked.)i(``Our)d(commanding)i(officer)f(led)
g(us)h(to)996 385 y(believe)f(you)g(would)f(help)h(us.'')1037 437 y(``We)18 b
(certainly)e(will.)30 b(But)16 b(if)h(you)f(have)i(to)f(attack)g(Zyal,)i(the)
996 486 y(Shaheer's)10 b(men)g(cannot)g(help.)g(I'm)f(surprised)g(your)g(supe\
rior)g(didn't)996 536 y(inform)k(you.)21 b(You)13 b(see,)k(the)c(people)h(who)
g(serve)g(the)g(Shaheer--all)996 586 y(the)d(people)g(on)g(the)g(Grounds--are)
g(from)g(a)h(very)g(special)g(class.)i(We)996 636 y(are)h(the)g(Yuns,)h(an)f
(ancient)f(clan)h(dedicated)g(to)f(the)h(Shaheer.)24 b(For)996 686 y(centurie\
s)9 b(we)i(had)f(a)g(rival)f(clan,)h(the)g(Morin-)e(shans,)j(the)f(renegades,)
996 735 y(so)d(to)g(speak,)g(of)g(the)g(Qol)g(people.)g(Only)g(a)g(century)g
(ago,)f(the)h(Yuns)g(and)996 785 y(the)12 b(Morin-shans)f(made)i(peace,)i(but)
c(it's)h(a)g(tentative)g(arrangement)996 835 y(at)j(best.)26 b(Zyal)15 b(is)g
(one)h(of)f(the)g(most)g(influential)e(Morin-shans.)24 b(If)996 885 y(we)11 b
(move)g(against)f(him)g(directly,)g(the)g(peace)i(would)d(be)i(broken)f(and)
996 935 y(there)g(would)f(be)i(chaos.'')1037 986 y(``What)16 b(about)g(the)g
(other)f(clans?'')29 b(Quarq)16 b(inquired.)27 b(``Can't)996 1036 y(they)10 b
(help?'')1037 1087 y(Hu-Jin)h(clenched)h(his)f(jaw.)k(``There)d(are)h(no)e
(other)g(clans)h(among)996 1137 y(the)e(Qol.'')1037 1188 y(``What)g(about)g
(help)g(from)g(other)f(Districts?'')1037 1240 y(``We)g(tried)f(that)g(already\
.)i(They)f(all)f(considered)g(the)g(situation)f(too)996 1290 y(trite)h(to)h
(pay)g(attention)f(to.)i(That's)f(why)g(we)h(looked)e(to)h(the)g(Emperor,)996
1339 y(toward)g(the)i(West.)g(That's)f(why)g(you're)g(here.'')1037 1391 y(``I)
g(see.'')1037 1442 y(Again)h(the)g(Advisor)f(sighed.)j(``The)e(Shaheer)h(and)
g(I)f(have)h(things)996 1492 y(to)g(attend)g(to)g(now.)k(The)e(three)e(of)g
(you)g(are)h(invited)e(to)h(stay)h(here)g(in)996 1542 y(the)h(palace.)24 b
(I'll)13 b(send)i(someone)g(to)f(show)g(you)g(to)f(your)h(quarters.)996 1592 y
(Tomorrow)7 b(morning)f(have)i(your)f(men)h(assembled)h(here)f(for)f(briefing)
996 1641 y(and)16 b(orientation.)27 b(Until)15 b(then,)i(feel)g(free)g(to)f
(explore)f(the)i(palace,)996 1691 y(the)e(Grounds,)i(and)e(the)h(city,)h(if)e
(you)g(like,)i(but)d(please)j(try)e(not)g(to)996 1741 y(cause)k(any)e(trouble\
,)i(especially)f(with)e(one)i(of)f(the)h(Morin-shans.)996 1791 y(You'll)8 b
(know)i(them)g(by)g(the)g(small,)h(red)f(diamond)g(tattooed)f(on)h(their)996
1841 y(foreheads.'')1037 1892 y(Quarq)k(frowned)f(in)h(thought.)19 b(``Were)c
(any)f(of)f(the)h(thieves)g(you)996 1942 y(killed)9 b(Morin-shan?'')1037 1993
y(``No.)14 b(Zyal)e(is)f(not)g(stupid.)i(If)e(he)h(is)f(behind)g(this,)g(he's)
h(imported)996 2043 y(someone)g(else)h(to)e(do)h(the)f(job)h(for)f(him.)k(I'm)
d(sure)g(he'd)g(rather)g(take)996 2093 y(power)j(without)e(starting)h(a)i(war\
.)27 b(Now,)16 b(if)f(you'll)f(please)i(excuse)996 2143 y(us)p fc(.)7 b(.)g
(.)e fg('')10 b(Hu-Jin)f(led)i(Dyan)f(away.)1264 2302 y fh(4.)h(A)f(Night)g
(Out)g(on)g(the)h(Town)1201 2367 y fg(Sometime)g(after)f(dinner,)g(the)g(same)
i(day.)1037 2495 y(Mongoe)c(was)g(awed)h(by)f(his)f(``quarters'',)h(the)g(bed\
room)g(of)g(which)996 2545 y(was)f(considerably)g(larger)g(than)g(his)g(famil\
y')o(s)g(apartment,)e(and)i(whose)996 2594 y(high)g(ceiling)g(sported)h(a)h
(huge)f(skylight)e(which)i(allowed)g(him)g(to)f(look)996 2644 y(up)j(at)h(the)
g(stars.)h(The)g(bathroom)e(included)g(a)h(shower,)h(sauna,)g(and)f(a)996 2694
y(whirlpool)5 b(tub,)j(all)g(alien)g(and)g(fascinating)f(to)h(him.)i(The)e
(situation)e(on)996 2744 y(his)12 b(homeworld)g(had)g(forced)h(his)f(people)g
(to)g(carefully)g(ration)g(their)996 2794 y(use)i(of)g(water;)i(the)e(``showe\
rs'')g(he)g(knew)g(were)h(really)f(chambers)956 2918 y fj(27)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(which)k(misted)f
(one)h(with)f(cleanser,)j(then)e(took)f(it,)h(along)f(with)g(any)-75 35 y(swe\
at)f(or)f(grime,)g(off)g(via)g(sonic)g(cleaning)g(methods.)-33 88 y(Still,)16
b(after)g(a)g(couple)g(of)g(hours)f(of)h(examination,)h(dinner,)g(and)-75 138
y(relaxation,)12 b(he)h(grew)g(restless.)k(He)c(changed)g(into)e(civilian)g
(clothes)-75 187 y(and)16 b(went)h(down)e(the)i(hall)e(to)h(Quarq's)g(quarter\
s.)29 b(He)17 b(found)f(the)-75 237 y(officer)10 b(sitting)e(in)i(the)g(livin\
g)e(room)i(area)i(reading)e(a)g(book.)-33 290 y(``Hey,'')g(Mongoe)f(greeted,)
i(``What's)f(up?'')-33 343 y(``Not)f(much,'')h(Quarq)h(replied,)f(``Why?'')
-33 396 y(``I)f(was)i(thinkin')p fc(.)c(.)g(.)s fg(Why)j(don't)g(we)g(go)g
(out,)g(have)h(a)g(drink,)e(hunt)-75 445 y(for)h(babes)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)f fg
(?'')-33 498 y(Quarq)12 b(shifted)g(uncomfortably.)k(``Oh,'')d(he)g(mumbled,)
h(``I)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(I)-75 548 y(don't)i(go)h(out)f(much)p fc(.)e(.)g
(.)f fg(.'')-33 601 y(``Aw,)k(c'mon!)g(Let's)h(have)g(some)g(fun.)f(I)g(wanna)
h(see)g(the)f(city.'')-33 654 y(``Well)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg(alright.'')k(The)g
(lieutenant)f(commander)i(set)f(down)f(his)-75 703 y(book.)24 b(``Lemme)17 b
(change,'')g(he)e(muttered,)i(obviously)c(unthrilled)-75 753 y(by)d(Mongoe's)
g(proposals.)f(``I'll)g(be)i(ready)f(in)g(a)h(minute.'')-33 806 y(As)i(they)f
(walked)h(out)g(of)f(the)h(palace,)j(Quarq)c(was)i(oddly)e(silent.)-75 856 y
(He)f(stared)f(at)h(the)f(floor)f(as)i(he)f(walked.)-33 909 y(``What's)f(wron\
g?'')h(Mongoe)g(asked.)-33 961 y(``Nothing,'')i(the)i(other)f(muttered,)h(the\
n)g(after)g(a)g(moment)g(said,)-75 1011 y(``You've)c(worked)f(with)h(Haezar)h
(before.)g(What's)f(he)h(really)f(like?'')-33 1064 y(Mongoe)f(grunted.)h(``Ah\
,)g(he's)g(okay,)g(y'know,)g(but)f(he's)h(a)h(flake.)-75 1114 y(Goes)f(by)g
(the)g(book)f(too)g(much.)i(I)f(dunno)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg(maybe)k(it's)e('cau\
se)i(he's)-75 1164 y(from)i(a)g(rich)f(family.)18 b(He's)13 b(all)g(proper)f
(and)h(shit.)k(I)c(don't)e(get)i(why)-75 1214 y(he's)e(in)e(the)h(military.)g
(Hell,)g(maybe)h(his)f(old)f(man)i(made)g(him.'')-33 1266 y(The)h(pair)f(left)
f(the)i(Grounds)e(and)i(made)g(their)f(way)g(into)f(the)i(city.)-75 1316 y
(Mongoe)i(immediately)g(headed)h(for)f(a)h(nightclub,)f(where)h(he)f(took)-75
1366 y(a)g(seat)g(at)g(the)f(bar,)i(followed)d(by)h(a)h(reluctant)f(Quarq,)h
(who)f(sulkily)-75 1416 y(kept)g(his)g(head)g(hanging.)19 b(Mongoe)13 b(order\
ed)g(drinks)f(and)h(began)h(to)-75 1466 y(chat)9 b(with)e(several)i(attractiv\
e)f(young)g(women.)i(Quarq)f(said)f(nothing.)-75 1515 y(Another)h(woman)i(cam\
e)h(up)e(to)g(the)g(bar)g(and)g(sat)h(down)e(next)h(to)g(him.)-33 1568 y(``He\
llo,)f(Westerner,'')h(she)g(said,)g(``How)f(do)g(you)g(like)g(it)f(way)i(out)
-75 1618 y(here?'')-33 1671 y(Quarq)16 b(lifted)f(his)h(head)h(and)f(looked)g
(at)g(her.)29 b(``It's)16 b(very)g(nice)-75 1721 y(here,'')11 b(he)f(replied.)
-33 1773 y(The)k(woman)g(stared)g(at)f(him.)21 b(Her)14 b(eyes)g(widened)g
(briefly.)19 b(She)-75 1823 y(swallowed)11 b(nervously)f(and)i(moved)f(away)h
(without)e(another)h(word.)-75 1873 y(Quarq)f(shrank)g(in)g(his)g(seat.)-33
1926 y(``What's)j(wrong?'')20 b(Mongoe)14 b(asked)g(him,)h(breaking)e(from)h
(his)-75 1976 y(own)c(conversation.)-33 2028 y(``Ooh)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg(frie\
nd)20 b(of)h(yours?'')42 b(one)21 b(of)f(the)h(women)g(he)h(was)-75 2078 y
(speaking)10 b(to)g(asked.)h(She)f(and)h(her)f(companions)g(leaned)h(over)f
(to)g(get)-75 2128 y(a)h(better)f(look.)-33 2181 y(``Yeah,'')g(Mongoe)g(told)
f(them.)i(``What's)f(wrong,)f(Quarq?'')-33 2234 y(Quarq)j(shook)g(his)h(head)
g(and)g(turned)f(to)h(Mongoe.)18 b(``Nothing,'')-75 2284 y(he)12 b(replied,)g
(so)f(quietly)f(Mongoe)h(could)g(barely)h(hear)g(him)f(over)h(the)-75 2333 y
(music)f(and)f(conversation,)g(``I'm)g(fine.'')-33 2386 y(The)17 b(women)h
(sitting)d(on)i(the)g(other)f(side)h(of)g(Mongoe)g(blinked)-75 2436 y(in)c
(surprise)g(as)h(they)f(looked)f(on.)19 b(One)14 b(quickly)e(averted)h(her)h
(eyes;)-75 2486 y(another)c(shuddered.)i(The)f(third)f(simply)g(stared.)i(Qua\
rq's)e(eyes)i(met)-75 2536 y(hers)k(and)g(she)g(looked)f(away.)28 b(The)17 b
(officer)e(frowned)g(and)h(closed)-75 2585 y(his)e(eyes)h(for)f(a)g(moment,)i
(then)e(abruptly)f(got)g(up)h(and)g(left,)h(coldly)-75 2635 y(pushing)9 b(his)
h(way)g(through)f(the)h(crowd.)-33 2688 y(``Quarq?'')f(Mongoe)h(inquired)f
(he)h(watched)h(him)f(go.)-33 2741 y(``--so)f(ugly!'')g(he)h(heard)h(one)f
(of)g(the)g(young)f(women)i(mutter.)-33 2794 y(``Hideous,'')e(another)h(added\
.)1037 -15 y(Mongoe)i(turned)f(back)h(to)f(them.)16 b(He)c(stared)g(at)g(them)
g(hard,)h(then)996 35 y(curled)k(his)g(lip)f(in)h(distaste.)32 b(``Bitches,'')
18 b(he)g(growled,)g(``All)e(of)996 85 y(you.'')k(He)14 b(got)f(up)h(and)f
(left)h(the)f(bar.)22 b(He)14 b(found)f(Quarq)g(standing)996 135 y(alone)d
(outside.)g(``I'm)g(sorry,)g(man,'')h(he)f(said.)h(``I)f(didn't)e(know--'')
1037 187 y(``Don't)h(worry)h(about)f(it,'')h(Quarq)g(told)f(him.)1037 239 y
(``Come)20 b(on,'')j(Mongoe)c(went)h(on,)j(``Let's)d(go)g(find)f(a)i(good)996
289 y(working-class)9 b(bar,)i(where)g(guys)f(go)g(to)f(get)i(away)g(from)f
(the)g(babes,)996 339 y(eh?'')1037 391 y(``Sure,'')j(the)f(commander)h(replie\
d)e(with)g(a)i(shrug.)i(The)e(pair)f(set)996 441 y(off)d(in)g(silence.)h(Afte\
r)f(a)h(time)g(Quarq)f(spoke)h(up)f(again.)h(``Mongoe,'')996 491 y(he)g(said.)
1037 543 y(``Yeah?'')1037 596 y(``You're)g(a)h(good)e(man.)i(You)f(don't)f
(judge)h(people.'')1037 648 y(The)k(lieutenant)e(laughed.)18 b(``The)13 b(hel\
l)f(I)h(don't!)k(The)d(difference)996 698 y(between)f(me)h(and)g(all)f(those)
g(other)f(assholes)i(out)e(there)h(is,)i(I)e(know)996 748 y(how)d(to)f(judge)
h(correctly.'')1037 800 y(Quarq)e(chuckled)f(and)g(attempted)h(a)g(smile)f
(which)g(came)i(out)e(much)996 850 y(more)j(like)g(a)h(sneer.)g(``Right.)e
(Gotcha.'')1037 902 y(``Hey!'')h(someone)h(called.)f(Haezar)i(jogged)d(up)h
(to)g(the)g(pair)f(from)996 952 y(across)i(the)f(street.)h(``Where)f(are)h
(you)f(off)g(to?'')1037 1004 y(``To)g(a)h(good)f(bar,'')g(Mongoe)g(replied.)
1037 1057 y(``Mind)f(if)h(I)g(come)h(with?'')1037 1109 y(The)17 b(lieutenant)
f(smiled.)29 b(``Isn't)15 b(it)g(past)i(your)e(bedtime,)k(Rich)996 1159 y(Boy\
?'')1037 1211 y(``Very)10 b(funny,)g(smartass.'')1037 1264 y(``Ooh)p fc(.)d
(.)g(.)e fg('')15 b(Mongoe)g(backed)h(off)e(in)h(mock)h(fear.)26 b(``I)15 b
(thought)996 1313 y(your)9 b(mommy)i(told)e(you)h(not)f(to)h(drink.'')1037
1366 y(``I)g(can)h(drink)e(you)h(under)g(the)g(table,)g(you)g(ugly)f(slab)h
(of)g(meat.'')1037 1418 y(``Hah!)g(We'll)g(see)i(about)d(that!'')1037 1470 y
(The)j(trio)d(made)j(their)e(way)h(into)e(a)i(darker,)h(more)f(sinister)e(sec\
tion)996 1520 y(of)i(the)g(city.)j(Haezar's)f(distaste)e(became)i(more)f(obvi\
ous)e(with)g(each)996 1570 y(passing)j(block;)i(he)f(was)h(in)e(fact)h(visibl\
y)e(relieved)i(when)g(Mongoe)996 1620 y(called)9 b(a)g(halt,)g(announcing)f
(that)h(he)g(had)g(found)f(just)g(the)h(right)e(place.)1037 1672 y(His)j(reli\
ef)g(turned)g(to)f(reservation)h(as)h(he)g(looked)e(the)h(place)h(over.)1037
1725 y(``Uh,)k(Mongoe,'')f(he)g(said,)g(``Something)f(tells)g(me)h(this)f(isn\
't)g(a)996 1774 y(place)e(of)f(good)f(repute.'')1037 1827 y(``'S'okay,'')24 b
(Mongoe)d(replied,)j(``I'm)d(not)g(a)h(man)g(of)f(good)996 1877 y(repute.'')
33 b(Grinning)17 b(mischievously,)i(he)f(went)g(in.)34 b(Quarq)18 b(and)996
1926 y(Haezar)12 b(followed.)1037 1979 y(The)h(bar)f(was)g(run)f(down,)h(dark\
,)g(and)g(smokey.)j(The)e(tables)e(were)996 2029 y(scarred,)19 b(the)e(chairs)
f(improperly)g(balanced;)k(the)c(same)i(could)e(be)996 2078 y(said)d(for)g
(most)h(of)f(the)g(patrons.)20 b(A)14 b(large)f(sign)g(bearing)g(the)h(words)
996 2128 y(``NO)9 b(DUELING'')h(hung)e(over)i(the)f(bar.)i(Most)d(of)i(the)f
(men)h(present)996 2178 y(wore)g(swords)g(at)g(their)g(sides.)1037 2230 y(``A\
re)h(you)e(sure)i(about)f(this?'')f(Haezar)j(asked)f(Mongoe)f(in)g(a)h(low)
996 2280 y(voice.)1037 2333 y(``Sure)f(I'm)h(sure.)g(It's)e(the)h(atmosphere)
h(that)f(makes)h(it)f(good.'')1037 2385 y(``People)g(are)h(staring)f(at)g(us.\
'')1037 2437 y(``That's)23 b('cause)g(we're)g(foreigners.)47 b(Loosen)22 b
(up)g(and)h(stop)996 2487 y(gawking.'')1037 2539 y(``Quarq)10 b(looks)f(like)
g(a)h(choir)g(boy)f(next)h(to)f(some)i(of)e(these)i(guys.'')1037 2592 y(``Wat\
ch)g(your)e(mouth,'')h(Quarq)g(growled.)1037 2644 y(The)16 b(trio)e(sat)i(dow\
n)e(at)i(a)f(table)g(and)h(ordered)f(a)h(pitcher)e(of)h(ale.)996 2694 y(Mongo\
e)g(slugged)f(it)h(down)g(with)f(delight.)25 b(Haezar)17 b(sniffed)e(at)h(it,)
996 2744 y(wrinkled)7 b(his)i(nose,)g(then)g(took)f(a)h(mouthful.)f(He)i(grim\
aced)f(and)g(spat)996 2794 y(it)g(out.)956 2918 y fj(28)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Haw,)h(haw!'')
f(one)h(of)f(the)g(patrons)g(cackled,)i(``Pretty)d(foreigner)-75 35 y(boy)i
(can't)g(hold)f(his)h(booze,)h(eh?'')-33 86 y(Haezar)k(frowned.)21 b(``I)14 b
(can)g(hold)f(it)g(fine,)i(as)g(long)d(as)j(it)e(doesn't)-75 135 y(taste)d
(like)g(it)g(came)i(out)d(of)h(the)g(sewer.'')-33 186 y(Mongoe)j(winced.)22 b
(``Shut)13 b(up!'')21 b(he)15 b(hissed.)22 b(``I'm)14 b(not)f(gonna)-75 236 y
(save)e(your)f(ass)h(if)e(you)h(get)g(it)g(into)f(trouble.'')-33 286 y(``I)f
(can)j(take)e(care)i(of)e(myself,)h(thank)f(you.)g(Things)g(have)h(changed)
-75 336 y(since)h(we)f(were)h(in)f(Qorant.'')-33 387 y(``Hey!'')19 b(the)14 b
(bartender)f(called,)i(``You)e(lowlifes)f(insulting)g(the)-75 437 y(house)e
(brew?!'')-33 487 y(Haezar)18 b(turned.)29 b(``You)16 b(have)h(anything)e(mor\
e)i(refined?'')29 b(he)-75 537 y(called)11 b(back.)-33 588 y(``Haezar,)g(you)
f(stupid)f(shithead!'')g(Mongoe)h(growled.)-33 638 y(One)19 b(of)g(the)g(near\
by)g(patrons)f(got)h(up)f(and)h(swaggered)h(up)f(to)-75 688 y(Haezar.)i(``You\
're)13 b(an)g(insulting)e(little)g(shit,)j(you)e(know)h(that?)19 b(We)-75 738
y(don't)9 b(like)h(to)f(be)i(insulted.'')-33 788 y(``I)h(wasn't)g(talking)f
(to)i(you,'')f(Haezar)j(countered.)i(Beside)c(him,)-75 838 y(Mongoe)d(sighed,)
g(closed)g(his)g(eyes,)i(and)e(shook)g(his)f(head.)-33 889 y fe(How'd)g(he)h
(ever)i(get)e(into)f(the)h(Elite)g(Task)h(Force?)g fg(he)g(wondered.)-33 939 y
(``Ass)e(hole,'')g(the)g(patron)g(snarled,)h(and)f(sent)h(his)f(fist)f(at)i
(Haezar's)-75 989 y(face.)15 b(It)c(never)h(got)e(there.)k(With)d(lightning)d
(speed,)13 b(Quarq)e(snapped)-75 1039 y(his)21 b(arm)h(out)e(and)h(caught)g
(the)g(man's)h(fist)e(inches)i(away)g(from)-75 1089 y(Haezar's)12 b(nose.)-33
1139 y(``Go)d(away,'')i(he)g(growled.)-33 1190 y(``Piss)f(off,)i(you)e(ugly)g
(fucker,'')i(replied)e(the)h(patron.)i(He)f(made)g(a)-75 1240 y(fist)h(with)f
(his)h(free)i(hand.)20 b(Quarq)14 b(altered)f(his)g(grip)g(and)h(squeezed.)
-75 1290 y(The)j(patron)e(yelped)h(in)g(pain.)28 b(Quarq's)16 b(lips)f(parted)
h(fully)f(into)g(a)-75 1340 y(frightening)8 b(grimace-grin.)k(He)f(squeezed)h
(harder.)g(The)f(patron)f(fell)-75 1389 y(to)g(his)f(knees,)j(groaning.)d(``L\
eggo!'')h(he)g(grunted.)-33 1440 y(Quarq)e(let)g(go)g(and)h(kicked)f(him)g
(over.)i(``Go)e(away,'')h(he)g(repeated.)-75 1490 y(The)14 b(patron)e(got)h
(up)g(and)g(left.)19 b(Quarq)13 b(looked)g(around.)19 b(The)14 b(other)-75
1540 y(patrons)20 b(seemed)i(amused.)43 b(They)21 b(looked)f(back)h(at)f(him)
h(for)f(a)-75 1589 y(moment,)11 b(then)f(returned)f(to)h(their)g(drinking.)
-33 1640 y(Haezar)h(cleared)h(his)d(throat.)h(``Uh)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)e fg(thanks\
.'')-33 1691 y(A)15 b(woman)g(came)i(to)e(the)g(table)g(and)g(sat)h(down.)25 b
(Quarq)15 b(imme-)-75 1740 y(diately)g(withdrew)g(to)h(an)h(adjacent)f(table.)
29 b(Haezar)17 b(more)g(or)f(less)-75 1790 y(ignored)7 b(the)i(new)f(arrival,)
h(but)f(Mongoe)f(began)i(to)f(talk)g(to)g(her.)i(After)-75 1840 y(twenty)f
(minutes)g(of)g(friendly)f(chatting,)h(another)g(patron,)g(very)g(large)-75
1890 y(and)i(not)g(quite)f(as)j(drunk,)d(stomped)i(up)f(to)f(the)i(table)f
(and)g(clapped)h(a)-75 1940 y(hand)e(on)g(Mongoe's)g(shoulder.)-33 1990 y(``W\
hat)f(the)i(hell)e(do)h(you)g(think)e(you're)i(doing?'')f(he)i(asked.)-33 2041
y(The)16 b(lieutenant)f(looked)f(up)i(at)g(him.)27 b(``Talkin')14 b(with)h
(the)h(lady)-75 2091 y(here.)11 b(Got)f(a)h(problem)e(with)h(that?'')-33 2141
y(``Yeah,'')f(the)f(man)h(replied,)f(``'Cause)g(that's)g(my)g(woman)h(you're)
-75 2191 y(making)h(the)g(moves)h(on.'')-33 2242 y(``Really?'')-33 2292 y(``R\
eally.)i(I)e(saw)i(you)d(touch)h(her.)k(Nobody)10 b(touches)h(my)h(woman)-75
2342 y(but)f(me.'')j(The)e(patron)f(looked)f(down)h(at)g(the)h(woman.)i(``Com\
e)d(on.)-75 2392 y(Get)f(up.'')-33 2443 y(``Go)f(to)h(hell,'')g(she)g(replied\
,)g(``I'm)g(just)g(talking)e(to)i(him.'')-33 2493 y(The)19 b(man's)h(eyes)f
(blazed)h(with)e(fury,)j(not)d(at)h(the)f(girl)g(but)g(at)-75 2543 y(Mongoe.)
29 b(He)17 b(stepped)f(back.)30 b(With)15 b(a)i(roar)g(he)g(shoved)f(several)
-75 2593 y(tables)i(out)f(of)h(the)g(way.)34 b(His)17 b(hand)h(went)g(to)f
(the)h(sword)g(at)g(his)-75 2643 y(side.)g(``You)12 b(offend)g(me!'')17 b(he)
c(shouted.)k(``Humble)c(yourself)e(and)-75 2692 y(apologize!'')-33 2743 y(Mon\
goe)c(looked)h(him)g(over,)h(smiling)f(sarcastically.)i(``Get)e(lost.'')-33
2794 y(``Uh,)i(Mongoe--'')f(Haezar)j(began.)1037 -15 y(The)f(patron)f(unsheat\
hed)g(his)g(sword.)1037 36 y(``Hey--can't)e(you)f(read?!'')j(the)d(bartender)
h(snapped,)h(tapping)d(the)996 86 y(``NO)i(DUELING'')i(sign.)f(He)h(was)f(ign\
ored.)h(Everyone's)f(attention)996 135 y(was)i(now)f(locked)g(on)f(Mongoe)h
(and)h(the)f(irate)g(patron.)1037 186 y(``Isn't)e(the)i(bouncer)f(going)f(to)
h(stop)f(this?'')i(Haezar)h(asked)f(a)g(man)996 236 y(a)h(nearby)f(table.)
1037 287 y(The)h(man)g(laughed.)f(``Kid,)g(that)g fe(is)g fg(the)g(bouncer.'')
1037 338 y(Haezar)17 b(swallowed)e(hard.)25 b(``Mongoe,'')15 b(he)h(went)f
(on)f(quietly,)996 387 y(``The)h(Eastern)h(Loords)f(take)h(sword)f(play)g(ver\
y)g(seriously.)25 b(Back)996 437 y(off.)10 b(This)g(guy'll)f(kill)f(you!'')i
(His)g(companion)f(ignored)h(him.)1037 488 y(The)g(patron)f(began)g(to)g(twir\
l)f(the)h(sword)g(in)g(elaborate)h(patterns:)f(in)996 538 y(front)j(of)h(him,)
i(to)e(the)g(side,)i(in)e(figure)f(eights,)i(over)g(his)f(head,)i(and)996 588
y(behind)e(his)g(back.)23 b(His)13 b(face)j(was)e(strained)g(with)f(anger.)22
b(Mongoe)996 637 y(looked)13 b(on,)h(amused)h(and)f(unimpressed.)21 b(He)14 b
(walked)g(over)f(to)g(the)996 687 y(door)6 b(and)h(picked)g(up)g(the)g(brick)
g(propping)e(it)h(open.)k(He)d(turned)g(it)f(over)996 737 y(in)k(his)h(hands,)
h(smiling)d(smugly)i(as)h(the)f(angry)f(patron)h(continued)f(to)996 787 y(twi\
rl)f(his)g(blade.)1037 838 y(Haezar's)j(eyes)f(widened.)g(``Mongoe,)e(no!)h
(Wait--!'')1037 888 y(Mongoe)15 b(wound)f(up)h(his)g(arm)h(in)e(a)i(fast)f
(underhand)g(pitch)f(and)996 938 y(sent)c(the)g(brick)g(into)f(his)h(antagoni\
st's)f(crotch.)1037 989 y(``Glug!'')20 b(the)14 b(patron)f(sputtered,)i(his)f
(eyes)h(bugging)d(out.)21 b(The)996 1039 y(sword)10 b(dropped)f(from)h(his)g
(limp)f(hand.)i(He)g(collapsed)f(on)g(the)g(floor.)1037 1090 y(``Yeah,'')h
(Mongoe)f(chuckled,)g(but)g(the)g(bar)g(fell)g(dead)h(silent.)1037 1140 y(``M\
ongoe,'')17 b(Haezar)g(muttered)e(frantically,)i(``That)e(man)h(was)996 1190 y
(doing)8 b(his)i(opening--his)e(challenge--with)h(the)h(sword.)g(It's)f(a)i
(ritual.)996 1240 y(It's)19 b(bad)g(etiquette--)p fe(very)h fg(bad)g(etiquett\
e)f(to)g(attack)g(before)h(both)996 1290 y(parties)10 b(have)h(completed)f
(their)f(opening.'')1037 1340 y(One)16 b(by)g(one,)h(the)f(patrons)f(unsheath\
ed)h(their)f(swords.)26 b(All)15 b(of)996 1390 y(them)10 b(were)h(glaring)e
(at)i(Mongoe,)f(and)g(they)g(weren't)g(very)g(pleased.)1037 1441 y(``Now)i
(you've)g(done)g(it,'')g(Haezar)i(mumbled.)j(He)c(edged)g(close)996 1491 y
(to)e(Mongoe.)16 b(Quarq)c(also)g(pulled)f(in)h(toward)f(them)i(from)f(his)f
(place)996 1541 y(off)f(to)f(the)h(side.)1037 1591 y(``Back)j(out)f(the)h(doo\
r)f(slowly,'')h(he)g(whispered)g(to)f(the)h(pair.)19 b(``I)996 1641 y(don't)9
b(want)h(an)g(incident.'')1037 1692 y(``These)j(jerks)f(don't)f(care)i(what)f
(you)f(want,'')i(Mongoe)e(replied.)996 1742 y(He)g(picked)f(up)f(a)i(chair)g
(and)f(held)g(it)f(out)h(in)f(front)g(of)h(him.)1037 1793 y(There)23 b(was)f
(one)f(final,)j(awkward)e(pause,)j(and)c(then)g(with)g(a)996 1842 y(collectiv\
e)d(cry)g(the)h(patrons)f(surged)g(forward,)i(blades)f(whirling.)996 1892 y
(The)e(three)f(commandoes)h(crowded)g(back)f(to)g(back.)29 b(Haezar)18 b(and)
996 1942 y(Quarq)7 b(followed)f(Mongoe's)h(example)i(and)e(each)i(picked)e
(up)h(a)g(chair.)1037 1993 y(Laughing)f(with)g(delight,)g(Mongoe)g(caught)h
(the)f(first)g(of)g(the)h(blades)996 2043 y(with)i(the)g(chair)h(and)g(drove)
g(his)f(free)i(fist)e(into)g(its)g(owner's)g(face.)k(On)996 2092 y(either)9 b
(side)h(of)f(him,)h(his)g(companions)f(were)i(busy)e(fending)g(off)g(their)
996 2142 y(own)h(attackers.)1037 2193 y(``Back)h(out!'')d(Quarq)j(yelled.)
1037 2244 y(``What,)18 b(so)f(soon?'')28 b(Mongoe)16 b(replied.)28 b(One)17 b
(of)f(the)g(patrons)996 2294 y(took)e(advantage)i(of)f(his)h(lapse)g(in)f(con\
centration)f(and)i(pummeled)996 2343 y(the)c(large)h(man)g(in)g(the)f(face)i
(with)e(the)g(hilt)f(of)i(his)f(sword.)18 b(Mongoe)996 2393 y(staggered)9 b
(back,)i(blood)d(gushing)f(from)j(his)e(nose,)i(roaring)f(in)f(anger.)996 2443
y(He)i(took)e(hold)g(of)h(his)g(chair)h(with)e(both)g(hands)i(and)f(swept)g
(it)g(through)996 2493 y(the)h(space)h(in)f(front)f(of)h(him,)g(taking)g(down)
f(several)i(more)g(people.)1037 2544 y(Sirens)i(sounded)g(in)f(the)h(distance\
.)19 b(Most)13 b(of)g(the)f(bar)i(customers)996 2593 y(froze.)1037 2644 y(``P\
olice!'')j(someone)c(yelled.)18 b(An)13 b(instant)e(later)i(the)f(crowd)h(ran)
996 2694 y(forward)i(in)g(a)h(human)g(tidal)e(wave)j(and)e(shoved)g(Mongoe,)i
(Quarq)996 2744 y(and)10 b(Haezar)i(aside.)f(They)g(ran)g(out)e(the)h(door)g
(and)g(scattered)h(into)e(the)996 2794 y(night.)956 2918 y fj(29)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Wait)k(a)h(min\
ute!'')19 b(Mongoe)14 b(exclaimed.)21 b(He)14 b(leaned)h(out)e(the)-75 35 y
(door.)29 b(``Come)17 b(back,)i(you)d(pussies!'')29 b(He)17 b(paused,)i(wipin\
g)d(the)-75 85 y(blood)10 b(off)h(his)g(face.)16 b(``Damn,'')c(he)g(muttered,)
g(``That's)f(the)h(fourth)-75 135 y(time)f(I've)f(gotten)g(my)g(nose)h(busted\
.)g(I)g(don't)e(even)j(remember)g(what)-75 184 y(it)d(used)i(to)f(look)f(like\
.'')-33 235 y(``Shut)k(the)h(hell)g(up,'')i(Quarq)e(rumbled.)23 b(He)15 b(bru\
shed)f(past)h(the)-75 285 y(lieutenant)g(and)h(grabbed)g(his)f(arm,)k(draggin\
g)14 b(him)i(out)f(the)h(door.)-75 335 y(Haezar)d(quickly)e(followed.)j(The)e
(trio)f(dodged)g(out)g(of)g(sight)g(just)g(as)-75 385 y(the)f(police)g(pulled)
f(up)h(to)g(the)g(bar.)-33 436 y(``That)15 b(was)h(a)g(stupid,)f(dumbass)h
(thing)e(you)g(did)h(back)h(there!'')-75 485 y(Quarq)c(snapped)g(at)g(Mongoe)
f(as)i(they)e(headed)i(back)f(to)f(the)h(palace.)-75 535 y(``You)f(heard)i
(what)e(Hu-Jin)h(said:)h(No)f(incidents!'')i(His)e(cold,)g(pale)-75 585 y(eye)
17 b(fell)e(on)h(Haezar.)29 b(``And)15 b(you)g(too!)27 b(Learn)17 b(to)e(beha\
ve)h(right,)-75 635 y(dammit!'')-33 686 y(Quarq's)c(irritation,)g(an)h(unusua\
l)g(enough)f(display)g(for)h(him,)h(lin-)-75 735 y(gered)8 b(on)g(even)g(afte\
r)h(they)e(returned)h(to)f(the)h(Shaheer's)h(Grounds.)g(He)-75 785 y(went)k
(to)g(his)g(quarters,)h(slamming)f(the)g(door)g(behind)f(him.)20 b(Haezar)-75
835 y(sulkily)6 b(returned)i(to)g(his)g(own)f(living)g(space,)j(leaving)e(Mon\
goe)f(alone)-75 885 y(and)j(bored.)-33 936 y(``Yer)i(no)h(fun,'')g(he)g(mutte\
red,)h(``Either)e(of)h(you.'')18 b(He)13 b(glanced)-75 986 y(at)g(his)g(watch\
.)20 b(As)13 b(far)h(as)g(he)f(was)h(concerned,)h(the)e(night)f(was)i(still)
-75 1035 y(young.)c(He)g(went)g(off)g(to)g(find)f(something)g(to)h(do.)-33
1086 y(Several)e(hours)g(later,)g(it)g(was)g(Haezar's)i(turn)d(to)h(be)g(bore\
d.)i(Feeling)-75 1136 y(restless)15 b(inside,)h(he)f(went)g(to)f(Quarq's)h
(quarters)f(and)h(knocked)g(on)-75 1186 y(the)10 b(door.)-33 1237 y(``Who)f
(is)h(it?'')g(came)i(the)e(commander's)h(voice)g(from)f(inside.)-33 1288 y
(``It's)f(Haezar.'')-33 1338 y(There)j(was)g(a)g(long)e(pause,)j(then,)e(``Co\
me)g(in.'')i(Haezar)g(stepped)-75 1388 y(inside.)c(``I'm)g(in)f(the)g(bath,'')
g(Quarq)h(informed)f(him.)h(The)h(lieutenant)-75 1438 y(went)16 b(in)g(and)g
(found)f(his)h(superior)f(sitting)f(in)i(the)g(whirlpool)e(tub,)-75 1488 y
(his)f(head)h(laid)f(back)h(against)f(the)g(tiles,)h(eyes)g(closed,)h(his)e
(hair)g(wet)-75 1538 y(and)e(limp)f(from)h(the)g(steam.)i(Haezar)g(sat)e(down)
f(on)h(the)f(floor)g(on)h(the)-75 1588 y(opposite)e(side)h(of)g(the)g(tub.)
-33 1638 y(``Well?'')k(Quarq)e(said)g(after)g(a)g(time)g(without)e(opening)h
(his)g(eyes)-75 1688 y(or)f(looking)e(up.)-33 1739 y(Haezar)13 b(shrugged.)g
(``Uh)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg(nothing,)10 b(sir,'')h(he)h(replied.)i(``I)d(was)
-75 1789 y(just)e(bored.)i(I)f(thought)e(I'd)i(stop)f(by)h(and)h(chat,)g(if)e
(you)h(don't)f(mind.'')-33 1840 y(Quarq)22 b(uttered)g(a)h(short,)i(hoarse)f
(laugh)e(and)g(grimaced--no,)-75 1890 y fe(smiled)q fg(,)17 b(Haezar)g(remind\
ed)f(himself.)27 b(``You)15 b(brownnosing)f(little)-75 1939 y(shit,'')9 b(the)
h(commander)i(said,)e(although)f(not)h(unkindly.)-33 1990 y(``I)p fc(.)d(.)g
(.)t fg(I)k(really)e(did)h(just)f(come)j(to)d(talk.'')-33 2041 y(``Mm-hm.'')i
(There)h(was)f(a)g(long)f(pause.)j(``Well,)d(go)h(on)f(and)h(ask)-75 2091 y
(me.'')-33 2142 y(``Ask)e(you)h(what?'')-33 2193 y(Quarq)k(stretched)h(out)f
(his)g(arm)h(and)g(plucked)f(a)i(bottle)d(of)i(wine)-75 2242 y(off)10 b(a)h
(tray)f(sitting)e(nearby.)j(He)g(took)e(a)i(swig.)g(``Ask)f(me)h(why)f(I)g
(look)-75 2292 y(like)f(I've)h(been)g(through)e(a)i(food)f(processor.)i(You'v\
e)e(been)i(dying)d(to)-75 2342 y(ever)j(since)g(you)e(first)g(saw)i(me.'')-33
2393 y(``Eh--Excuse)f(me?'')-33 2444 y(The)18 b(commander)h(chuckled.)34 b
(``Bet)18 b(your)f(father)h(taught)f(you)-75 2494 y(manners,)j(being)d(an)h
(ambassador)g(and)g(all.)31 b(Only)17 b(added)h(to)f(the)-75 2543 y(natural)e
(morbid)g(curiosity)f(we)i(all)f(have.)27 b(But)14 b(Mongoe,)j(he's)f(an)-75
2593 y(honest)10 b(one.)g(Probably)g(the)g(most)g(straightforward)e(guy)i(I)g
(ever)h(met.)-75 2643 y(He)g(doesn't)f(have)i(any)f(manners,)h(and)f(no)f(sha\
me,)i(either.)g(He)g(came)-75 2693 y(right)e(out)h(and)h(asked)g(me)g(one)g
(day.)j(Handed)d(me)g(a)h(brew)e(and)h(said,)-75 2743 y(`Tell)e(me)h(how)f
(you)g(earned)h(those)f(scars,)h(Ugly.')f('')-33 2794 y(``Uh,)g(I)p fc(.)d
(.)g(.)e fg('')1037 -15 y(``Go)10 b(on,)g(ask)h(me.)g(You)f(want)g(to.'')1037
36 y(Haezar)21 b(looked)e(quite)f(sheepish,)k(then)d(replied,)i(``Alright)p fc
(.)7 b(.)g(.)996 86 y fg(what)j(happened)g(to)g(you?'')1037 137 y(``Qorant.'')
1037 187 y(``You)g(were)h(there)f(for)g(the)g(war?'')1037 238 y(``Yup.)23 b
(Same)16 b(as)f(you.)23 b(Sent)15 b(to)f(help)g(the)g(Ground)g(Forces.)24 b
(A)996 288 y(bunch)11 b(of)g(unfriendlies)e(jumped)i(my)h(squadron)e(while)h
(we)g(were)h(on)996 338 y(patrol.)30 b(We)18 b(fought)d(back,)20 b(but)c(it)h
(didn't)e(do)i(any)g(good.)30 b(I)17 b(was)996 388 y(the)d(only)g(officer,)h
(so)g(they)f(kept)g(me)i(alive.)23 b(I)15 b(watched)g(them)g(kill)996 437 y
(whoever)10 b(was)h(left.)1037 488 y(``Back)16 b(at)g(their)e(base,)19 b(they)
c(asked)h(me)h(questions,)f(but)f(I'd)g(be)996 538 y(damned)e(if)f(I'd)h(tell)
f('em)h(anything.)k(So)c(they)f(beat)i(me)f(up,)h(burned)996 588 y(me,)f(ripp\
ed)d(up)h(my)h(face,)h(and)f(took)e(a)i(hammer)h(to)e(my)g(fingers)g(one)996
638 y(by)f(one.'')i(Quarq)f(wiggled)f(the)g(fingers)g(of)h(his)f(crooked)h
(right)e(hand)996 687 y(in)j(front)g(of)g(him.)18 b(``Good)12 b(thing)f(I'm)i
(a)h(lefty.)j(Assholes)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg(.'')19 b(He)996 737 y(paused,)10
b(sighed.)g(``So,)g(when)g(torture)e(didn't)g(work)h(they)g(got)g(bored.)996
787 y(They)h(knocked)f(me)h(out,)f(tied)g(me)i(up,)e(and)h(left)f(me)h(in)f
(the)g(middle)g(of)996 837 y(nowhere)h(to)g(rot.'')1037 888 y(``I)g(take)h
(it)e(you)h(were)h(rescued.'')1037 939 y(Quarq)h(took)f(another)g(swig)h(of)f
(the)h(wine.)j(``Mm-mm,'')e(he)f(said)996 988 y(as)j(he)h(gulped)e(it)g(down.)
24 b(``No.)g(I)15 b(got)f(loose)h(and)g(crawled)g(to)f(the)996 1038 y(nearest)
e(base.)i(Got)c(all)h(sick)g(and)h(infected)f(and)g(shit.)h(Lost)f(the)g(sigh\
t)996 1088 y(in)f(my)g(left)g(eye.)i(I)e(spent)h(months)e(in)h(the)h(hospital\
.)e(You)h(know)g(what)996 1138 y(I)g(got)f(for)h(my)h(trouble?'')1037 1189 y
(``I)f(suppose)g(you're)g(going)f(to)h(tell)f(me.'')1037 1239 y(``I)15 b(got)
g(a)h(medal,)h(a)f(promotion,)f(and)h(a)g(lifetime)f(guarantee)g(of)996 1289 y
(utter)g(rejection)h(from)f(society.'')28 b(The)17 b(commander)g(paused.)29 b
(He)996 1339 y(covered)13 b(his)f(eyes)i(with)d(his)i(free)g(hand.)18 b(``Lit\
tle)11 b(kids,)i(man)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)f fg(my)996 1389 y(niece)p fc(.)h(.)g
(.)f fg(for)16 b(a)i(long)f(time)g(she)g(wouldn't)f(come)i(near)g(me)p fc(.)7
b(.)g(.)f fg(But)996 1439 y(women--grown,)k(intelligent)f(women--they)h(think)
g(I'm)h(some)g(kind)996 1488 y(of)k(rapist)g(monster.)26 b(They)15 b(call)h
(me)g(repulsive,)h(right)c(to)i(my)h(face)996 1538 y(sometimes.)11 b(People)p
fc(.)c(.)g(.)e fg(just)10 b(steer)g(clear)h(of)f(me.)h(All)e(they)h(see)h(is)
f(the)996 1588 y(mask)h(I)f(wear.'')h(He)g(looked)e(up)h(and)g(stared)h(at)f
(the)g(wall,)g(narrowing)996 1638 y(his)i(eyes)h(in)e(anger.)17 b(``I've)12 b
(learned)h(to)e(live)h(with)f(it,'')h(he)h(growled.)996 1688 y(``Why)e(can't)
g(they?'')j(The)e(room)g(fell)f(silent,)g(save)h(for)g(the)f(hum)g(of)996 1738
y(the)h(whirlpool.)k(``Go)c(away,'')i(he)f(said)g(after)f(a)i(time.)j(``Leave)
d(me)996 1787 y(alone.'')c(Haezar)i(nodded,)e(got)f(up,)i(and)f(left.)1037
1838 y(The)g(lieutenant)e(headed)i(back)g(down)f(the)g(hall.)g(Hearing)h(gigg\
ling)996 1888 y(emitting)f(from)h(Mongoe's)f(quarters,)i(he)f(knocked)g(on)g
(the)g(door.)1037 1939 y(``Yeah?'')h(came)h(the)e(gruff)f(reply)h(after)g(a)h
(moment.)1037 1990 y(``It's)f(me.)h(Got)f(a)h(minute?'')1037 2040 y(``Maybe.)
g(Come)f(in.'')1037 2091 y(Haezar)g(entered)e(to)f(find)g(the)h(large)g(man)h
(lying)d(on)i(his)f(stomach)h(on)996 2141 y(a)g(couch,)h(naked)e(and)h(being)
f(massaged)i(by)e(a)h(luscious,)g(scantily-clad)996 2191 y(young)h(woman.)j
(``What--?!'')f(Haezar)h(sputtered,)f(``What)f(are)i(you)996 2241 y(doing?'')
1037 2291 y(``Gettin')17 b(massaged)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)g fg(and)18 b(revved)h
(up,)h(if)e(ya)g(know)g(what)g(I)996 2341 y(mean.'')1037 2392 y(``But)p fc
(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(where)p fc(.)g(.)g(.)f fg(what)k(are)h(you)f(doing)f(with)g
(that)h(girl?!'')1037 2443 y(The)16 b(young)e(woman)i(giggled)e(and)h(kept)g
(massaging.)26 b(Mongoe)996 2493 y(shot)11 b(Haezar)j(a)f(twisted)e(smirk.)17
b(``Well,)12 b(see,'')i(he)f(explained)f(as)h(if)996 2543 y(speaking)8 b(to)g
(a)i(curious)e(adolescent,)i(``first)d(there's)i(this)f(stuff)g(called)996
2592 y(`foreplay',)h(and)i(then,)f(when)g(the)g(guy)g(gets)g(nice)h(and)f(h--\
'')1037 2643 y(``Shut)f(up!)h(What)g(the)h(hell)e(do)h(you)g(think)e(you're)i
(doing?'')1037 2694 y(``Hey,)k(you)d(heard)i(the)f(Shaheer.)18 b(He)13 b(said)
g(we)f(could)g(make)i(use)996 2744 y(of)h(any)h(of)f(the)g(services)i(the)e
(palace)i(offered.'')26 b(Mongoe)15 b(smiled)996 2794 y(broadly.)9 b(``I)h
(guess)h(this)e(is)h(why)g(they)g(call)g('em)h(`servants'.'')956 2918 y fj
(30)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Haezar)23 b(scow\
led.)47 b(``You're)21 b(sick.)47 b(Don't)21 b(you)h(have)g(any)-75 35 y(moral\
s?'')-33 86 y(``Do)9 b(you)h(have)h(a)f(sex)h(life?'')-33 137 y(Haezar)g(grow\
led.)-33 188 y(Mongoe)6 b(chuckled.)k(He)e(raised)f(his)g(arm)h(and)g(snapped)
f(his)g(fingers)-75 238 y(twice.)23 b(A)15 b(second)g(young)e(woman)i(emerged)
h(from)e(the)g(bedroom.)-75 288 y(``Dorna,)f(babe,)i(do)d(me)i(a)g(favor)e
(and)h(give)g(my)g(friend)f(here)i(a)f(nice)-75 338 y(blow)c(job.)h(He)h(coul\
d)f(use)g(it.'')-33 389 y(``Mongoe!'')19 b(Haezar)d(snapped.)22 b(Dorna)14 b
(sauntered)g(up)f(behind)-75 438 y(him)h(and)f(ran)h(her)g(hands)g(over)g(his)
f(shoulders)g(and)h(down)f(past)h(his)-75 488 y(waist.)j(``Uh)p fc(.)7 b(.)g
(.)t fg(miss)p fc(.)g(.)g(.)f fg(no.)17 b(Please)c(stop.'')j(He)d(tried)f(to)
f(push)h(her)-75 538 y(away.)-33 589 y(``Stop)d(means)i(go,'')f(she)h(cooed,)
g(and)f(nibbled)f(on)h(his)g(ear.)-33 640 y(``Dorna,'')15 b(Mongoe)g(yawned,)
h(``Not)e(here,)j(doll.)24 b(His)15 b(room's)-75 690 y(across)c(the)f(hall.'')
-33 741 y(``Miss,)g(I)g(mean)h(it,'')f(Haezar)i(told)c(her,)j(albeit)f(a)h
(bit)e(weakly.)-33 792 y(``So)g(do)h(I,'')g(she)h(murmured,)g(reaching)f(into)
f(his)h(pants.)-33 843 y(``Have)j(fun,)i(Rich)e(Boy,'')g(Mongoe)g(said.)21 b
(``All)12 b(these)i(babes--)-75 893 y(they're)g(not)g(just)g(meat,)j(y'know.)
23 b(That)15 b(Hu-Jin)f(guy)g(assured)i(me)-75 943 y(that)e(every)i(one)f(was)
g(smart)h(and)f(good)f(conversation.)24 b(And)14 b(each)-75 993 y(one)c(has)h
(at)f(least)h(one)f(special)h(talent.'')-33 1044 y(Dorna)f(thrust)g(her)h(han\
d)g(farther)f(into)g(Haezar's)j(pants.)f(``Mine's)-75 1094 y(finding)e(that)h
(little)g(spot)g(that)g(makes)i(you)f(squirm,'')g(she)g(breathed,)-75 1143 y
(and)7 b(proceeded)g(to)g(prove)g(it.)g(Haezar)g(yelped)g(as)g(his)g(back)g
(reflexively)-75 1193 y(arched.)k(Mongoe's)f(massive)h(shoulders)f(shook)f
(with)g(laughter.)-33 1244 y(``Huh--h-how)19 b(nice,'')25 b(Haezar)e(squeaked\
,)i(pulling)20 b(Dorna's)-75 1294 y(hand)13 b(away.)19 b(``Better)12 b(show)h
(that)f(one)h(to)g(Mongoe.)18 b(Goodnight.'')-75 1344 y(He)d(hastily)d(backed)
j(out)e(of)h(the)g(room,)h(shutting)d(the)i(door)f(behind)-75 1394 y(him,)k
(then)f(ran)g(to)f(his)g(own)h(quarters,)h(shutting)d fe(and)h fg(locking)g
(the)-75 1444 y(door,)10 b(for)g(a)g(very)h(long,)e(very)h(cold)g(shower.)124
1601 y fh(5.)g(Bedtime)g(Stories)h(and)f(a)g(Nightmare)245 1666 y fg(The)h
(following)d(evening.)-33 1792 y(The)g(following)e(morning)h(Mongoe)g(did)g
(not)h(get)f(up)h(for)g(breakfast.)-75 1842 y(When)h(Haezar)h(went)e(to)g(wak\
e)h(him)f(he)h(found)e(the)i(lieutenant)e(in)h(bed,)-75 1892 y(half)13 b(a)h
(dozen)g(curvaceous)h(young)d(women)i(curled)f(up)h(against)f(his)-75 1942 y
(body.)-33 1993 y(``I'm)8 b(in)g(heaven,'')i(Mongoe)f(later)g(remarked)g(as)h
(he)f(got)f(dressed,)-75 2043 y(``Pure)f(heaven.'')i(At)e(breakfast)g(he)g
(livened)g(up)g(and)g(stuff)o(ed)g(himself,)-75 2092 y(however)j(at)h(Hu-Jin'\
s)e(briefing)g(he)h(nearly)g(fell)g(asleep.)-33 2144 y(``Rough)h(night?'')k
(Quarq)e(whispered)f(wryly.)k(Mongoe)c(chuck-)-75 2193 y(led.)-33 2244 y(Duri\
ng)e(the)i(briefing)e(Hu-Jin)h(informed)g(the)h(squadron)f(that)g(two)-75 2294
y(S.C.U.M.)20 b(personnel)f(were)h(to)e(remain)h(with)f(Shaheer)i(Dyan)f(at)
-75 2344 y(all)d(times,)j(in)d(addition)f(to)h(the)h(normal)f(number)h(of)f
(bodyguards.)-75 2394 y(Mongoe)11 b(and)g(Haezar)i(wound)d(up)h(on)g(the)g
(same)i(shift)d(that)h(evening)-75 2444 y(as)g(the)f(young)f(Shaheer)i(prepar\
ed)g(for)f(bed.)-33 2495 y(``I)d(feel)i(like)f(I'm)g(babysittin',)f(y'know?'')
h(Mongoe)g(grumbled)g(as)-75 2545 y(they)i(sat)g(in)f(Dyan's)h(quarters.)g
(Haezar)i(did)d(not)g(answer)i(him.)f(``Aw,)-75 2594 y(whatsa)17 b(matter,)i
(Rich)d(Boy?)29 b(Was)17 b(it)f(somethin')g(I)g(said?'')30 b(The)-75 2644 y
(lieutenant)12 b(glared)h(at)g(him,)h(and)f(seemed)i(about)d(to)h(say)g(somet\
hing)-75 2694 y(rather)j(unpleasant)f(when)h(the)g(Shaheer)h(came)g(in,)g(dre\
ssed)g(in)e(his)-75 2744 y(sleeping)c(clothes.)h(Haezar's)h(irritated)d(expre\
ssion)h(quickly)e(melted)-75 2794 y(into)g(a)i(smile.)1037 -15 y(``Hello,'')f
(he)g(greeted.)1037 36 y(``Hello,'')17 b(the)g(boy)f(returned.)28 b(He)17 b
(hopped)f(up)g(onto)g(his)g(bed.)996 86 y(``Are)10 b(you)g(here)g(to)g(guard)
g(me?'')1037 136 y(Haezar)i(nodded.)e(``Are)g(you)g(afraid?'')1037 187 y(Dyan)
h(glanced)f(at)h(Mongoe.)f(``Not)g(with)f(a)i(guy)f(as)h(big)e(as)j(him)e(to)
996 237 y(watch)i(over)f(me.'')k(The)d(boy)f(smiled.)j(Mongoe)d(smiled)h(back\
,)h(then)996 287 y(shot)d(a)i(smug)f(grin)f(at)h(Haezar.)k(``Anyway,'')c(the)
g(Shaheer)h(went)e(on)996 337 y(with)f(a)i(yawn,)g(``Nobody)e(can)i(break)g
(in)e(here.)j(And)e(if)g(they)g(do,)g(Hu-)996 386 y(Jin)g(will)f(take)h(care)
i(of)e(them.'')1037 437 y(Time)j(passed.)j(Dyan)c(fidgeted)f(in)g(bed,)i(then)
e(sat)h(up.)j(He)d(got)f(up)996 487 y(and)f(went)g(over)g(to)g(Haezar,)i(who)
e(was)h(sitting)d(on)i(a)h(couch)f(nearby.)1037 538 y(``Can't)g(sleep?'')g
(the)g(lieutenant)f(asked.)1037 589 y(The)h(Shaheer)g(shook)e(his)h(head.)i
(``No.'')e(He)h(paused.)g(``Have)g(you)996 638 y(been)h(all)e(over)i(with)e
(the)h(Space)h(Navy?'')1037 689 y(``Yeah,)j(I've)f(been)g(a)h(lot)d(of)i(plac\
es.)19 b(I've)13 b(been)g(a)g(lot)f(of)g(places)996 739 y(with)d(my)h(father,)
h(too.'')1037 790 y(``Have)g(you)f(fought)e(in)i(wars?'')1037 840 y(``One.'')
1037 891 y(``What)g(was)h(it)f(like?'')1037 942 y(``Unpleasant.'')1037 993 y
(``Did)f(you)f(ever)i(do)f(anything)f(really)h(neat,)h(like)f(blow)f(somethin\
g)996 1043 y(up?'')1037 1093 y(``Well,)i(I--'')1037 1144 y(``Did)g(you)f(spy)
h(on)g(people?'')1037 1195 y(Haezar)16 b(thought)11 b(for)j(a)g(moment.)21 b
(``Well,)15 b(once)f(I--hey!'')19 b(The)996 1245 y(lieutenant)14 b(scowled)h
(as)h(Mongoe)e(climbed)h(over)g(the)g(back)h(of)f(his)996 1294 y(couch)10 b
(and)h(shoved)f(him)g(aside.)1037 1345 y(``Kid)15 b(wants)h(a)g(story,)g(eh?'\
')27 b(he)16 b(said.)27 b(``How)15 b('bout)f(it,)j(your)996 1395 y(Shaheershi\
p?)10 b(Wanna)h(real)g(good,)f(true)g(story?'')1037 1446 y(Haezar)15 b(rolled)
d(his)h(eyes)h(at)f(the)g(ceiling,)h(but)e(Dyan)h(nodded)g(his)996 1496 y(hea\
d.)29 b(``I'd)15 b(like)h(to)f(hear)i(about)e(something)h(you've)f(done,'')j
(he)996 1545 y(replied.)1037 1596 y(``Good.)26 b(Okay.)h(Once)16 b(upon)f(a)h
(time)g(in)f(the)g(Qorantian)g(War,)996 1646 y(there)8 b(was)h(this)f(dickhea\
d)g(lieutenant)g(named)h(Haezar)h(who)e(was)h(sent)996 1696 y(in)16 b(with)h
(his)f(squad)i(by)e(the)i(Space)g(Navy)f(to)g(help)g(out)f(a)i(certain)996
1746 y(Sergeant-Major)d(Mongoe)h(and)g(his)f(troops.)27 b(The)17 b(Sarge)g
(and)f(his)996 1795 y(men)11 b(had)f(been)g(there)h(for)e(a)i(real)f(long)g
(time)g(and)g(knew)g(the)g(territory)996 1845 y(real)h(well.)h(They)g(knew)f
(a)g(lot)f(about)g(the)h(enemy,)h(too.)g(But)e(this)g(jerk)996 1895 y(Haezar,)
16 b(he)d(fucked)g(things)f(up)g(real)i(good.)k(See,)d(he)f(wasn't)e(a)i(bad)
996 1945 y(guy)g(or)g(nothin')e(but)i(he)h(was)g(one)g(of)f(them)g(know-it-al\
l)e(academy)996 1995 y(wussies.)f(Or)f(maybe)h(his)f(jock)g(strap)g(was)h(too)
e(tight.)g(I)h(dunno.)1037 2045 y(``Anyway,)18 b(since)f(Haezar)h(outranked)e
(Mongoe,)h(he)g(wouldn't)996 2095 y(listen)c(to)h(any)h(of)f(Mongoe's)g(advic\
e,)j(even)e(though)e(Mongoe)h(had)996 2145 y(been)9 b(in)f(the)h(military)e
(twice)i(as)h(long)d(and)i(had)g(been)g(in)g(Qorant)f(since)996 2195 y(the)i
(war)g(started.)h(This)f(got)f(everyone)i(into)e(trouble.)1037 2246 y(``See,)
j(one)e(day,)h(dickhead)f(Haezar)i(gets)f(this)e(dumbass)i(scheme:)996 2295 y
(He's)21 b(gonna)f(take)h(out)e(one)i(of)f(the)g(enemy's)h(major)g(defensive)
996 2345 y(trenches,)e(right?)29 b(Well,)19 b(Sarge)e(says)h(no,)g(the)f(cond\
itions)e(aren't)996 2395 y(right,)k(but)f(the)h(stupid)e(jerk)h(goes)h(on)f
(with)f(it)h(anyway.)36 b(Half)19 b(a)996 2445 y(squadron)13 b(of)h(Space)h
(Navy)f(and)h(Ground)e(Forces)h(troops)f(later,)j(he)996 2495 y(realizes)f
(his)g(mistake.)24 b(But)14 b(does)g(he)h(retreat)g(with)f(the)g(rest?)24 b
(No!)996 2545 y(He)12 b(keeps)h(chargin')f(the)g(fuckin')f(trench!)16 b(But)
11 b(Mongoe,)i(bein')e(the)996 2594 y(nice)k(guy)f(he)h(is,)h(goes)e(back)i
(out)d(and)i(covers)g(the)g(dickhead's)f(ass)996 2644 y(just)g(long)f(enough)
i(to)f(take)h(a)g(piece)h(of)f(shrapnel)f(in)g(his)h(side.)24 b(So)996 2694 y
(Haezar)15 b(drags)f(him)f(back)h(to)f(the)h(others,)g(cleans)h(him)e(up,)i
(patches)996 2744 y(the)e(wound,)i(then)e(like)g(the)h(dumbass)g(he)g(is)g
(asks)h(the)e(Sarge,)j(`Are)996 2794 y(you)9 b(okay?')i('')956 2918 y fj(31)p
eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``What)g(did)h
(you)g(say?'')g(Dyan)h(asked.)-33 36 y(``Nothin'.)d(I)j(planted)f(my)g(fist)g
(in)f(his)h(jaw)h(and)f(laid)g(him)g(out)g(cold)-75 86 y(in)i(the)h(dirt.)18 b
(But)12 b(all's)h(well)f(that)h(ends)g(well,)h(y'know.)k(The)13 b(squad)-75
136 y(managed)d(to)f(pull)f(out,)h(and)g(everybody)g(lived)f(more)i(or)f(less)
h(happily)-75 185 y(ever)16 b(after--except)g(the)g(ones)g(who)g(got)f(wiped)
g(before)h(their)f(tour)-75 235 y(was)e(up--and)e(good)g(ol')g(Sarge)i(wound)
e(up)g(with)g(a)i(huge,)g(ugly)d(scar)-75 285 y(runnin')f(from)h(hip)f(to)h
(ribcage.)h(The)g(end.'')-33 336 y(Haezar)18 b(refused)f(to)f(even)i(look)e
(at)g(Mongoe,)j(even)e(after)g(their)-75 386 y(shift)9 b(was)i(over)f(and)h
(they)e(went)i(to)e(bed.)-33 437 y(Their)h(grievance)h(did)f(not)g(last)g(lon\
g,)g(however,)i(because)g(several)-75 486 y(hours)e(later)g(they)g(were)h(awa\
kened)g(by)f(Hu-Jin's)f(frantic)h(cries:)-33 537 y(``)p fe(The)g(Shaheer)g
(is)g(gone!)g(The)h(Shaheer)f(is)g(gone!)p fg('')-33 588 y(A)k(minute)g(later)
g(and)g(all)g(of)g(them)g(were)h(assembled)h(in)d(Dyan's)-75 638 y(room:)19 b
(Mongoe,)d(Haezar,)i(Quarq,)f(and)e(Hu-Jin.)24 b(The)16 b(place)g(was)-75 688
y(crawling)i(with)g(investigative)f(agents.)36 b(On)19 b(the)f(floor)g(were)i
(the)-75 738 y(two)13 b(S.C.U.M.)i(personnel)f(who)f(had)h(taken)g(over)g(for)
f(Haezar)i(and)-75 787 y(Mongoe,)i(both)e(neatly)h(beheaded.)28 b(Their)16 b
(hands)g(still)f(held)g(their)-75 837 y(guns.)36 b(Their)20 b(severed)f(heads\
,)k(lying)17 b(several)j(feet)f(away,)k(were)-75 887 y(frozen)9 b(almost)g
(amusing,)h(shocked)f(expressions.)h(There)g(were)g(laser)-75 937 y(burns)15 b
(on)h(the)f(walls)h(from)g(their)f(weapons)h(but)f(no)h(indication)e(of)-75
987 y(anything)9 b(else)i(wrong,)e(let)h(alone)h(any)f(other)g(weapon.)-33
1037 y(``It's)18 b(spooky,)k(Advisor,'')f(one)f(of)f(the)h(agents)f(told)g
(Hu-Jin,)-75 1087 y(``Not)e(one)i(thing's)d(out)i(of)g(place.)35 b(No)18 b
(sign)g(of)f(a)i(struggle,)h(no)-75 1137 y(tracks,)d(no)e(fingerprints--nothi)
o(ng.)23 b(The)16 b(window)e(is)i(still)e(locked)-75 1187 y(from)g(the)g(insi\
de.)21 b(None)14 b(of)g(the)f(outside)g(guards)h(heard)h(anything,)-75 1237 y
(and)c(there's)f(no)h(indication)e(of)h(anyone)h(unauthorized)e(having)h(been)
-75 1287 y(on)g(the)g(Grounds.'')-33 1337 y(Hu-Jin)15 b(narrowed)i(his)g(eyes\
.)31 b(``You)16 b(know)g(what)h(this)f(has)h(to)-75 1387 y(mean,'')11 b(he)g
(replied)f(gravely.)g(``It)f(was)i(a)g(Nightmare.'')-33 1438 y(``A)f(what?'')
g(Quarq)g(asked.)-33 1489 y(``A)15 b(Nightmare.)27 b(They)16 b(are)g(Neemohne\
's)h(most)e(questionable)-75 1539 y(legends.'')-33 1590 y(``I)9 b(don't)g(und\
erstand.'')-33 1641 y(``The)g(Nightmares,)g(or)f(Nightmare--no)g(one)g(is)h
(sure;)g(we)g(assume)-75 1690 y(there)i(are)h(more)f(than)f(one--are)i(believ\
ed)e(to)h(be)g(a)g(group)f(of)h(profes-)-75 1740 y(sional)f(assassins,)j(spie\
s,)e(and)h(killers,)e(and)h(possibly)e(thieves.)k(They)-75 1790 y(might)d(be)
i(good)e(or)h(bad,)g(or)g(perhaps)g(neither.)i(They)f(may)f(work)g(for)-75
1840 y(people)f(or)g(act)h(on)f(their)g(own.)g(Maybe)h(both.)f(They)h(mostly)
f(strike)f(at)-75 1890 y(night,)j(hence)i(the)e(name.)20 b(Whatever)13 b(the)
f(case,)k(only)11 b(a)j(Nightmare)-75 1939 y(can)d(do)f(what)g(has)h(been)f
(done)g(here.'')-33 1990 y(``Wait)j(a)h(minute,'')g(Mongoe)f(interjected,)h
(``You)f(keep)h(saying)-75 2040 y(`maybe')h(and)f(`believed)f(to)h(be.')22 b
(And)14 b(then)g(you)f(said)h(something)-75 2090 y(about)h(`questionable)g
(legends.')28 b(Do)16 b(you)f(know)g(what)h(we're)h(up)-75 2140 y(against)10 b
(or)g(not?'')-33 2191 y(``No,'')j(Hu-Jin)g(replied.)20 b(``No)13 b(one)g(know\
s)g(if)g(the)h(Nightmares)-75 2240 y(actually)c(exist.'')-33 2291 y(``And)f
(why's)h(that?'')g(Quarq)g(inquired.)-33 2342 y(``Because)h(no)f(one)g(who)g
(sees)h(one)g(lives)f(to)f(tell)h(about)f(it.'')-33 2393 y(``Aw,)j(come)g(on!\
'')i(Mongoe)d(snapped.)k(``What)c(kinda)g(crap)i(are)-75 2443 y(you)h(feeding)
h(us?)25 b(Tell)15 b(your)g(stories)f(to)h(yer)g(kids,)h(man.)26 b(I)15 b(don\
't)-75 2493 y(believe)j(in)g(ghosts,)i(and)e(I)h(don't)e(believe)h(in)g(blami\
ng)f('em)i(just)-75 2542 y('cause)11 b(someone)g(turns)f(up)g(neatly)f(dead.'\
')-33 2593 y(``This)i(sort)g(of)h(thing)e(has)j(happened)f(throughout)d(the)j
(centuries.)-75 2643 y(It's)j(always)h(the)f(same:)21 b(the)15 b(deaths)h(are)
g(clean--by)f(poison)g(or)g(by)-75 2693 y(blade--and)10 b(there)g(are)h(no)f
(clues.'')-33 2744 y(``You)24 b(think)f(the)i(Shaheer)h(is)f(dead,)k(then,'')
g(Haezar)d(said)-75 2794 y(solemnly.)1037 -15 y(``Actually,)9 b(no,'')g(Hu-Ji\
n)f(replied.)i(``It's)e(obvious)g(the)h(child)f(was)996 35 y(kidnapped.)j(Who\
ever)h(is)e(receiving)h(the)f(boy,)h(however,)h(may)f(very)996 85 y(well)f
(intend)f(to)g(kill)g(him.'')1037 138 y(``What)i(about)f(the)h(Alat)g(crystal\
?'')i(Quarq)d(broke)h(in.)i(``Is)d(it)h(still)996 188 y(there?'')1037 241 y
(``Yes,)18 b(I)e(checked.)29 b(The)17 b(Alat)f(is)f(kept)h(in)f(a)i(very)f
(secure)h(area)996 291 y(to)c(begin)g(with,)h(and)f(it's)g(recently)g(been)i
(moved)e(to)g(an)h(even)g(safer)996 341 y(place.)d(But)f(even)h(if)f(someone)
h(does)f(get)h(it,)f(it)f(will)g(be)i(very)f(hard)h(for)996 391 y(them)e(to)g
(use)i(it.)e(The)h(Alat)g(knows)f(its)g(master.)i(As)f(long)e(as)i(he)g(or)g
(she)996 441 y(lives,)g(it)f(won't)h(give)f(in)h(to)g(a)h(new)f(one)g(so)h
(easily.'')1037 494 y(``You're)20 b(talkin')e(like)i(it's)f(a)i(person,'')h
(Mongoe)e(grumbled.)996 544 y(``And)9 b(whadduya)h(mean,)i(`give)e(in'?'')
1037 597 y(``The)h(Alat's)f(a)g(powerful)g(object.'')1037 651 y(``Yeah,)h(rig\
ht.)e(Sure.)i(I)f(don't)f(go)h(in)g(for)g(all)g(this)f(magic)i(crap.'')1037
704 y(``Mongoe!'')e(Quarq)h(snapped)h(in)e(warning.)1037 758 y(``It's)18 b
(alright,'')i(Hu-Jin)e(told)f(him.)36 b(He)20 b(looked)e(over)g(at)h(the)996
807 y(agents.)d(``Keep)d(searching,'')g(he)f(told)f(them,)i(then)f(turned)f
(back)i(to)996 857 y(the)d(threesome.)h(``Come,'')f(he)h(told)e(them,)i(``I'l\
l)e(show)h(you.'')1037 911 y(The)18 b(Advisor)d(led)i(them)f(through)f(the)i
(palace)g(to)g(a)g(restricted-)996 961 y(access)k(elevator.)38 b(He)20 b(used)
f(a)h(palm-scan)g(to)f(unlock)g(the)g(door)996 1010 y(guarding)c(the)i(elevat\
or,)i(then)d(a)i(special)f(code-card)g(to)g(open)f(the)996 1060 y(doors.)9 b
(Once)h(inside,)g(he)f(punched)g(out)g(another)g(code)h(on)f(a)g(series)h(of)
996 1110 y(buttons)e(to)h(turn)f(the)i(elevator)f(on,)h(then)f(used)h(a)g(tin\
y)f(key)h(to)f(actually)996 1160 y(get)g(it)g(moving.)h(The)g(car)h(descended)
g(several)f(floors.)g(The)g(four)g(men)996 1210 y(emerged)j(at)f(the)f(beginn\
ing)f(of)i(a)g(long,)g(plain)f(hall.)j(Hu-Jin)d(locked)996 1259 y(up)h(the)g
(elevator,)h(then)f(slid)g(another)g(code-card)h(into)e(a)i(slot)e(on)h(the)
996 1309 y(wall.)1037 1363 y(``What)e(are)h(you)f(doing)f(now?'')h(Haezar)i
(asked)f(him.)1037 1416 y(``Deactivating)h(the)i(security,'')f(the)g(Advisor)
g(replied.)19 b(``Quiet,)996 1466 y(now.'')12 b(He)g(looked)e(down)h(the)g
(hall)f(and)h(spoke)g(up.)i(``Deactivation)996 1516 y(password:)20 b(Vulnerab\
le.'')25 b(There)17 b(was)f(a)g(momentary)f(pause.)27 b(A)996 1566 y(tone)10 b
(sounded.)g(``It's)f(safe)i(to)f(pass)h(now.'')1037 1619 y(The)j(small)g(grou\
p)e(walked)i(to)e(the)i(end)f(of)g(the)h(hall,)g(where)f(Hu-)996 1669 y(Jin)c
(performed)h(yet)f(another)g(variety)g(of)h(tasks)f(to)g(gain)h(access)h(into)
e(a)996 1719 y(vault.)14 b(At)e(the)f(center)i(of)e(the)h(vault,)f(standing)g
(silently)f(on)i(within)e(a)996 1768 y(glass)g(case)i(on)e(a)h(pedestal,)f
(was)h(a)g(dull,)f(grayish)f(lump)h(of)g(crystal.)1037 1822 y(``Don't)c(go)g
(any)g(closer,'')g(Hu-Jin)g(warned.)j(``The)d(case's)g(sec)q(urity)996 1872 y
(system)k(is)h(still)d(on.'')1037 1925 y(``That's)i(it?'')f(Mongoe)g(burst)g
(out.)h(``That's)f(what)h(all)f(the)h(fuss)f(is)996 1975 y(over?)i(That)g(roc\
k?'')g(Quarq)f(shot)g(him)g(a)h(warning)f(look)f(uglier)h(than)996 2025 y(his)
g(face,)h(but)f(Hu-Jin)f(smiled.)1037 2078 y(``Watch--and)j(listen,'')f(he)h
(said.)j(He)d(closed)g(his)g(eyes)g(and,)h(still)996 2128 y(smiling)j(faintly\
,)j(his)e(breathing)g(slowed)g(and)h(his)f(body)g(became)996 2178 y(relaxed.)
1037 2231 y(The)k(Alat)f(seemed)h(to)f(light)e(up,)k(only)d(faintly)g(at)h
(first,)i(then)996 2281 y(suddenly)14 b(burst)h(into)f(life,)i(a)g(dazzling)f
(array)h(of)f(iridescent)g(blue-)996 2331 y(green)9 b(light)d(glowing)h(in)h
(its)g(core.)j(The)e(faint)f(sound)f(of)i(wind)e(chimes)996 2381 y(could)i
(be)i(heard)g(in)e(the)h(still)f(room.)1037 2434 y(``It)h(knows)f(its)h(maste\
r's)h(servant,'')f(Hu-Jin)g(murmured.)1037 2487 y(``Hmph,'')15 b(Mongoe)e(gru\
mped.)22 b(``Watcha)14 b(usin'?)21 b(A)14 b(hundred)996 2537 y(watt)c(bulb?'')
1037 2591 y(For)j(the)g(second)g(time)g(Hu-Jin's)f(sadistically)g(pleased)i
(grin)d(sur-)996 2641 y(faced.)17 b(A)12 b(wide)g(ray)h(of)e(light)g(shot)g
(out)h(from)g(the)g(crystal,)g(catching)996 2690 y(Mongoe)d(in)h(the)g(chest)
h(and)f(throwing)f(him)h(into)e(the)j(wall.)1037 2744 y(``What)f(the--?!'')g
(Quarq)f(started.)i(Hu-Jin)e(opened)h(his)g(eyes,)h(and)996 2794 y(the)f(crys\
tal)g(went)g(dark)g(again.)956 2918 y fj(32)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Woof,'')i(Mong\
oe)g(gasped)g(as)i(he)e(picked)h(himself)f(up.)j(``What)-75 35 y(hit)9 b(me?'\
')-33 86 y(``My)j(mind,)h(focused)g(and)g(amplified)f(through)f(the)i(Alat,'')
g(Hu-)-75 136 y(Jin)i(explained,)i(still)d(smiling.)25 b(``I)15 b(am)i(capabl\
e)f(of)f(some)i(control)-75 186 y(with)g(the)g(crystal)h(due)f(to)h(natural)f
(ability)f(and)h(my)h(closeness)h(to)-75 235 y(Dyan.)h(What)13 b(I)g(did)g
(was)h(a)g(simple)f(defense.)20 b(Are)14 b(you)f(convinced)-75 285 y(now,)d
(my)h(friend?'')-33 336 y(Mongoe)g(grumbled)g(something)g(under)h(his)f(breat\
h.)k(He)e(seemed)-75 386 y(a)e(bit)e(humbled.)-33 437 y(``Advisor,'')20 b(Qua\
rq)f(said,)j(looking)c(rather)h(distressed,)j(``We)-75 487 y(failed)9 b(to)h
(protect)f(the)h(Shaheer.)h(I'm)f(sorry.)g(I)g(take)g(full)e(responsibil-)-75
537 y(ity.'')-33 588 y(``It)j(wasn't)i(your)f(fault,'')g(Hu-Jin)g(replied,)h
(almost)f(gently.)17 b(``In)-75 638 y(any)10 b(case,)j(I)d(have)g(a)h(feeling)
f(this)f(isn't)g(over)i(yet.'')-33 689 y(``I)k(promise)i(to)f(do)g(my)g(best)
g(to)g(get)g(the)h(Shaheer)g(back,)i(sir,'')-75 739 y(Quarq)10 b(told)f(him.)
-33 790 y(The)j(Advisor)e(looked)h(down)f(at)i(him.)i(``I'm)d(sure)h(you)f
(will,'')f(he)-75 839 y(replied,)j(although)d(now)i(his)g(words)g(and)h(eyes)
g(were)g(flat)f(and)g(cold,)-75 889 y(almost)e(threatening.)218 1047 y fh(6.)
g(``And)g(if)g(you)g(don't)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)e fh('')166 1112 y fg(Shaheer's)11 b
(Palace,)h(early)e(morning.)-33 1238 y(``Advisor)e(Hu-Jin,'')h(greeted)h(one)
g(of)f(the)h(servants)g(as)h(the)e(group)-75 1288 y(returned)j(to)g(the)h(mai\
n)g(palace,)i(``There's)e(a)g(woman)g(on)f(the)h(video)-75 1338 y(communicati\
ons)c(channel.)i(She)f(claims)g(she)g(has)h(the)e(Shaheer,)i(and)-75 1387 y
(she's)g(making)f(demands.'')-33 1439 y(``Where's)g(the)g(signal)g(coming)g
(from?'')g(the)g(Advisor)f(asked.)-33 1490 y(``We)j(don't)g(know,)h(sir.)k
(It's)12 b(being)g(routed)g(through)f(one)h(of)h(the)-75 1539 y(public)c(chan\
nels.'')-33 1591 y(Hu-Jin)k(led)i(the)f(others)g(to)h(a)g(commons)g(room.)24 b
(A)14 b(large)h(video)-75 1640 y(screen)f(adorned)f(one)h(wall,)f(and)h(on)e
(it)h(was)h(a)f(poorly)f(broadcasted)-75 1690 y(picture.)e(The)g(person)g(on)
f(the)h(screen)h(was)f(a)h(woman,)f(but)f(one)h(could)-75 1740 y(only)f(disce\
rn)h(this)f(from)g(her)h(voice)g(and)g(curves;)g(she)h(was)f(shrouded)-75 1790
y(in)g(shadow.)-33 1841 y(``I)i(am)i(Hu-Jin,)f(Advisor)f(to)h(the)g(Shaheer,'\
')h(Hu-Jin)f(addressed)-75 1891 y(the)d(screen.)i(``I)e(demand--'')-33 1942 y
(``You)h(are)i(in)e(no)h(position)e(to)h(demand)i(anything,'')e(the)h(woman)
-75 1992 y(snapped,)j(then)e(went)h(on)f(in)h(a)g(more)g(silky,)g(amused)h
(tone.)20 b(``I)14 b(am)-75 2041 y(known)g(as)i(Shadow.)25 b(I)15 b(have)g
(your)f(Shaheer.'')26 b(Someone)15 b(out)g(of)-75 2091 y(camera)e(range)f(thr\
ust)e(Dyan)i(into)e(view.)k(The)e(boy)f(seemed)i(unhurt,)-75 2141 y(but)c(the\
re)i(were)g(tear)f(stains)g(on)g(his)g(face.)-33 2192 y(``Hu-Jin!)21 b(Help)
14 b(me!)23 b(Please)16 b(come)f(get)g(me!'')23 b(he)14 b(cried,)i(and)-75
2242 y(was)11 b(abruptly)e(pulled)g(away.)-33 2293 y(``I)g(have)h(no)g(desire)
g(to)f(hurt)g(the)g(child,'')g(Shadow)h(went)f(on.)i(``All)-75 2343 y(I)k(wan\
t)g(is)f(the)h(Alat.)24 b(Unfortunately,)15 b(your)f(security)h(was)g(simply)
-75 2393 y(too)c(good.)j(You)e(see,)h(I)f(ran)g(out)f(of)g(thieves)h(to)f(ste\
al)h(the)f(crystal)h(for)-75 2442 y(me,)k(so)e(I)f(made)i(special)f(arrangeme\
nts)h(to)e(steal)h(the)f(boy)g(instead.)-75 2492 y(My)g(demands)h(are)g(simpl\
e.)19 b(You)12 b(will)g(exchange)i(the)f(Alat)g(for)g(the)-75 2542 y(Shaheer.)
e(I)g(will)e(require)h(proof)f(that)h(the)g(crystal)g(is)g(genuine.'')-33 2593
y(``I)h(will)g(give)h(you)g(any)g(sum)g(of)g(money)g(for)g(the)g(Shaheer,'')i
(Hu-)-75 2643 y(Jin)e(replied.)18 b(``The)13 b(Alat)g(is)f(of)h(no)f(use)h
(to)g(anyone)g(but)f(the)g(Qol.)18 b(It)-75 2693 y(has)11 b(been)f(proven.)g
(No)h(one)f(will)f(buy)h(it)f(from)h(you.'')-33 2744 y(``No)e(deals!'')i(Shad\
ow)f(insisted.)g(``What)g(I)g(want)g(and)g(plan)g(to)g(do)-75 2794 y(with)g
(the)h(Alat)g(is)g(not)g(your)f(concern!'')1037 -15 y(``I)i(do)h(know.)h(I'm)
f(no)f(fool.)j(You're)d(in)g(this)f(with)h(Zyal.)j(You're)996 35 y(a)d(third)
d(party)i(hired)g(to)f(do)h(his)g(dirty)f(work.'')1037 88 y(``Stop)k(jerking)
g(me)i(around,)g(Advisor.)21 b(You)14 b(will)f(agree)i(to)e(the)996 138 y(arr\
angement.'')1037 191 y(``And)d(if)g(I)g(don't?'')1037 244 y(``And)j(if)g(you)
g(don't,'')h(Shadow)f(cooed,)i(``I'll)d(have)i(no)g(choice)996 294 y(but)9 b
(to)h(kill)f(the)h(child.'')1037 347 y(Quarq)17 b(pulled)e(Hu-Jin)h(aside.)31
b(``The)17 b(Shaheer's)g(life)f(is)h(more)996 397 y(important)8 b(than)h(the)
h(Alat,'')f(he)h(said)g(quietly.)f(``Agree)h(to)f(the)h(trade.)996 447 y(Hope\
fully)e(my)i(troops)f(can)i(stop)e(it)g(before)h(it)f(goes)h(through.)f(If)h
(they)996 496 y(can't,)j(keep)g(in)f(mind)g(that)g(we)h(can)h(always)f(go)f
(after)g(the)h(Alat,)g(but)996 546 y(the)d(Shaheer)h(is)f(irreplaceable.'')
1037 599 y(The)15 b(Advisor)e(nodded.)22 b(``You're)13 b(right.)21 b(Since)15
b(the)f(woman)g(is)996 649 y(Zyal's)e(hireling,)e(my)i(own)f(men)i(can)f(take)
g(action)f(against)g(her.)k(We)996 699 y(can)c(help)f(you.'')1037 752 y(At)16
b(this)f(point)g(Mongoe)h(leaned)g(close.)29 b(``I)16 b(don't)f(think)g(she's)
996 802 y(working)8 b(for)i(Zyal,'')h(he)f(said.)1037 855 y(``What)g(makes)i
(you)d(think)g(so?'')1037 908 y(``When)15 b(you)g(accused)i(her)e(of)g(workin\
g)e(for)i(him,)i(she)e(made)i(a)996 958 y(quick)10 b(comeback.)k(No)d(hesitat\
ion,)f(no)h(change)h(of)e(expression.)j(She)996 1008 y(didn't)d(flinch)h(or)h
(shift)f(or)h(move)g(at)g(all.)k(I)c(know)g(people,)g(sir,)h(and)f(I)996 1057
y(could)e(tell)g(she)h(didn't)d(know)i(what)h(you)f(were)h(talking)e(about.)i
(Trust)996 1107 y(me)g(on)f(this)f(one.'')1037 1160 y(``Hmm)p fc(.)e(.)g(.)f
fg(whatever)13 b(the)f(case,)j(I)d(agree)i(with)d(Quarq.'')17 b(Hu-Jin)996
1210 y(turned)9 b(back)i(to)f(Shadow.)g(``I'll)f(make)i(the)f(trade,'')h(he)f
(said.)1037 1263 y(``Good,'')j(she)h(replied.)k(``You)13 b(will)e(bring)h(the)
h(Alat)g(to)f(Quarry)996 1313 y(Ten.)f(Come)g(alone.'')1037 1366 y(The)g(Advi\
sor)e(frowned.)h(``I)g(told)f(you,)h(I'm)h(no)e(fool.'')1037 1419 y(Shadow)14
b(gave)g(a)g(somewhat)g(exasperated)h(sigh.)20 b(Although)12 b(her)996 1469 y
(face)18 b(remained)f(unseen,)i(he)d(gaze)i(could)e(be)h(felt)f(shifting)e
(to)i(the)996 1519 y(commandoes.)21 b(``Alright,'')12 b(she)i(said,)h(waving)
e(the)g(argument)h(off)996 1569 y(with)g(her)h(hand,)i(``You)d(can)i(bring)e
(these)h(three)g(Westerners)h(with)996 1618 y(you,)10 b(but)f(that's)h(all.)g
(If)g(I)g(see)i(or)e(hear)g(anyone)h(else,)g(the)f(boy)g(dies.'')1037 1672 y
(``Agreed,'')k(Hu-Jin)e(replied)h(with)f(a)h(nod.)19 b(``When)13 b(will)f(we)
h(do)996 1721 y(this?'')1037 1774 y(``Now,'')d(Shadow)g(told)f(him.)1037 1827
y(``Now?!'')1037 1881 y(``Well,)h(I)f(can't)h(give)f(you)g(time)h(to)f(prepar\
e,)h(can)h(I?'')e(the)h(woman)996 1930 y(laughed,)g(toying)f(with)g(a)i(lock)
f(of)g(her)g(hair.)g(``I)g(estimate)h(that)f(it)f(will)996 1980 y(take)14 b
(you)f(five)h(minutes)g(to)f(get)h(the)g(Alat)f(out)g(of)h(the)g(place)h(wher\
e)996 2030 y(you)e(keep)i(it,)f(and)g(I)g(know)f(it)h(takes)g(ten)g(minutes)f
(to)h(get)f(from)h(the)996 2080 y(palace)i(to)f(Quarry)h(Ten.)27 b(I)15 b(wil\
l)f(expect)i(you)f(in)g(fifteen)g(minutes.)996 2130 y(Don't)9 b(be)i(late.'')
f(The)h(screen)g(went)f(dark.)1037 2183 y(``I'll)18 b(get)h(the)g(troops)g
(organized)g(while)f(you)h(get)g(the)g(Alat,'')996 2233 y(Haezar)12 b(told)d
(Hu-Jin.)1037 2286 y(``Our)18 b(troops)e(don't)h(know)g(the)h(area,)k(and)c
(neither)f(do)h(you,'')996 2335 y(Quarq)10 b(replied.)g(``We'll)f(have)i(to)f
(use)h(Hu-Jin's)e(men.'')1037 2389 y(``No,'')h(Hu-Jin)g(replied,)g(``I)g(won'\
t)f(risk)h(the)g(Shaheer's)h(life.)f(We)996 2438 y(don't)f(have)i(time)f(to)f
(think)g(up)h(an)h(offensive.'')1037 2491 y(``Maybe)g(a)f(sniper?'')g(Haezar)
i(suggested.)1037 2545 y(``No,'')22 b(the)e(Advisor)f(repeated.)41 b(``Quarry)
19 b(Ten)i(is)f(on)f(high)996 2594 y(ground.)29 b(It's)16 b(dug)g(out)g(of)h
(a)g(mountain)f(side.)30 b(Whoever's)17 b(there)996 2644 y(can)12 b(see)g(any\
one)f(coming,)h(and)f(there)g(are)h(plenty)e(of)h(places)h(to)f(hide)996 2694
y(lookouts)h(and)i(troops.)21 b(We'll)14 b(do)f(what)h(the)g(woman)g(says.)23
b(But,'')996 2744 y(he)16 b(added,)i(lovingly)c(caressing)i(the)g(hilt)f(of)h
(his)f(sword,)j(``should)996 2794 y(the)11 b(opportunity)e(present)j(itself,)
g(I'm)g(sure)g(four)f(fine)g(warriors)h(like)956 2918 y fj(33)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(us)14 b(will)e
(do)i(just)f(fine.'')20 b(He)14 b(smiled)g(his)f(eerie)i(smile)f(again.)21 b
(``Go)-75 35 y(prepare)11 b(yourselves)f(while)f(I)i(get)f(the)g(Alat.'')-33
130 y(``Varkeshna,'')f(Zyal)g(of)g(the)g(Moran-shan)g(clan)g(said)g(to)g(the)
g(huge)-75 180 y(bodyguard)16 b(at)h(his)g(side)g(as)h(he)g(spun)f(lazily)f
(in)h(his)g(office)g(chair,)-75 230 y(``Make)g(a)h(note)e(in)g(my)h(log,)i
(will)c(you?'')30 b(Varkeshna)17 b(stationed)-75 279 y(himself)i(before)h(a)g
(desk-top)f(computer)g(and)h(rested)g(his)f(fingers)-75 329 y(lightly)7 b(on)
i(the)h(keyboard,)f(prepared)h(to)f(type.)h(``Tenth)g(day)f(of)h(Sixth)-75 379
y(Month,'')k(Zyal)g(began.)22 b(``While)13 b(experimenting)g(with)g(my)h(vide\
o)-75 429 y(broadcast)j(equipment,)h(I)e(came)j(upon)d(a)h(pirate)f(transmiss\
ion)g(on)-75 479 y(a)e(public)e(channel)h(to)g(the)g(Shaheer's)h(Palace.)21 b
(Apparently--to)11 b(my)-75 528 y(horror,)16 b(of)f(course--Shaheer)i(Dyan)e
(has)h(been)g(kidnapped)f(and)h(is)-75 578 y(being)c(held)g(for)f(ransom)i
(by)f(a)h(mercenary)g(woman)g(calling)e(herself)-75 628 y(Shadow.)25 b(The)16
b(ransom)f(is)g(the)g(Alat,)h(to)e(be)i(brought)d(by)h(Advisor)-75 678 y(Hu-J\
in)g(and)i(three)f(visiting)e(Western)j(Loords)f(to)g(the)g(old)g(Quarry)-75
728 y(Ten.)31 b(Since)17 b(I)g(fear)h(for)e(the)h(Shaheer's)g(life,)i(I)e(hav\
e)g(decided)g(to)-75 778 y(send)e(a)g(very)g(small)g(force)g(in)g(after)g(Hu-\
Jin)f(arrives)h(there.)24 b(When)-75 827 y(the)13 b(mercenary)i(is)e(convince\
d)g(of)g(her)h(safety)f(and)h(is)f(focusing)f(her)-75 877 y(attention)i(on)i
(Hu-Jin,)h(my)f(people)g(will)f(move)i(in)e(and)h(hopefully)-75 927 y(rescue)
11 b(the)g(Shaheer.)g(End)f(of)g(entry.'')-33 977 y(Zyal)j(leaned)g(back)g
(in)g(his)f(seat)i(as)f(Varkeshna)h(finished)e(typing.)-75 1027 y(``Varkeshna\
,'')e(he)g(said,)g(``take)g(our)f(best)g(sniper)h(and)f(go)h(to)f(Quarry)-75
1076 y(Ten.)25 b(It)14 b(is)h(our)f(duty)g(to)g(save)i(our)e(dear)h(Shaheer,)
i(as)f(well)e(as)i(the)-75 1126 y(Alat.)k(When)13 b(he)h(and)f(the)g(mercenar\
y)i(and)e(any)h(of)f(her)g(people)h(are)-75 1176 y(out)c(in)h(the)g(open,)g
(have)h(the)e(sniper)h(open)g(fire.'')h(Zyal)g(gave)f(a)h(tight,)-75 1226 y
(unpleasant)e(smile.)g(``Unfortunately,)e(poor)i(Dyan)g(will)f(take)h(a)h(str\
ay)-75 1276 y(shot.)g(What)g(a)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)f fg(tragic)k(end)h(to)f(my)h
(heroic)g(attempt)f(to)g(save)i(him.'')-75 1326 y(He)k(chuckled.)27 b(``But)
15 b(we)h(will)f(manage)i(to)e(save)h(the)g(Alat.)27 b(You)-75 1375 y(underst\
and,)10 b(Varkeshna?'')-33 1425 y(``Yes,)g(sir,'')g(the)g(bodyguard)f(rumbled\
.)-33 1475 y(``Good.)24 b(Go.'')g(The)16 b(huge)f(man)h(turned)e(to)g(leave.)
26 b(``Oh,)16 b(and)-75 1525 y(Varkeshna--'')-33 1575 y(``Yes,)10 b(sir?'')
-33 1624 y(``If)20 b(one)h(of)g(those)f(stray)h(shots)f(should)g(also)h(happe\
n)g(to)f(hit)-75 1674 y(Hu-Jin)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(.'')-33 1724 y(Varkeshna)
h(replied)f(with)f(a)i(wicked)g(grin.)h(``I'm)e(sure)h(we'll)f(enjoy)-75 1774
y(his)j(grand)g(warrior's)f(funeral)h(feast,)h(despite)f(our)g(grief.'')-49
1919 y fh(7.)h(Sticks)f(and)h(Stones)f(May)g(Break)h(My)f(Bones,)h(but)g(Part\
icle)63 1969 y(Acceleration)g(Beams)f(Really)f(Do)h(a)g(Nasty)g(Job)289 2030 y
fg(A)g(short)f(time)i(later.)-33 2146 y(``Ready)i(to)g(go?'')19 b(Haezar)c
(asked)f(as)g(he)g(came)h(into)d(Mongoe's)-75 2196 y(quarters.)d(Both)d(of)g
(them)g(were)g(in)g(battle)g(armor,)i(however)e(Mongoe's)-75 2246 y(was)k(old\
er)e(and)h(much)g(heavier,)h(and)f(made)g(him)g(look)f(twice)h(as)g(large)-75
2295 y(than)16 b(he)h(actually)f(was.)31 b(His)16 b(gear)i(was)f(in)f(fact)h
(the)g(same)h(as)f(he)-75 2345 y(had)c(used)g(in)f(Qorant.)18 b(There)c(was)f
(a)g(thick)f(welded)h(and)g(bolted)f(on)-75 2395 y(metal)d(patch)f(on)g(the)g
(torso)f(piece's)i(side)f(where)h(it)f(had)g(been)h(pierced.)-75 2445 y(Haeza\
r)j(mentally)e(winced)g(from)g(the)g(reminder.)-33 2495 y(``Yeah,)f(just)e
(about,'')i(the)f(large)g(lieutenant)f(replied.)j(He)f(pulled)e(a)-75 2545 y
(case)j(out)e(from)g(the)h(closet,)g(laid)f(it)g(on)g(a)h(table,)g(and)g(open\
ed)g(it.)g(Inside)-75 2594 y(was)i(a)h(large,)f(outdated)f(bazooka,)i(meant)f
(to)f(be)h(braced)h(against)f(the)-75 2644 y(side,)i(and)f(not)f(placed)i(on)
e(the)h(shoulder.)j(Despite)d(its)f(battered)h(and)-75 2694 y(worn)j(casing,)
j(it)c(was)j(obvious)d(that)h(new)h(parts)f(had)h(been)g(added)-75 2744 y(and)
e(that)g(the)g(back)g(and)g(front)f(of)h(the)g(barrel)g(had)g(been)h(modified\
.)-75 2794 y(Mongoe)d(checked)i(the)e(weapon)h(over,)g(fastened)g(a)g(strap)g
(to)f(it,)g(and)996 -15 y(slung)i(it)h(over)g(his)g(shoulder.)25 b(``Now)15 b
(I'm)g(ready,'')i(he)f(informed)996 35 y(Haezar.)1037 86 y(``You)d(still)e
(have)j(that)f(thing?'')k(Haezar)e(returned)e(in)g(disbelief.)996 136 y(``Hav\
en't)c(they)h(caught)g(you)g(yet?'')1037 186 y(``Nope.'')1037 237 y(``You)g
(can't)g(use)h(that!)e(Quarq)h(could)g(report)g(you!'')1037 288 y(``So)g(let)
g(him.'')1037 339 y(``Oh,)k(you)f(seem)i(real)f(concerned,'')h(Haezar)g(sneer\
ed.)22 b(``We'll)996 389 y(see)13 b(how)e(smug)h(you)g(are)g(when)g(someone)h
(in)e(the)h(right)e(place)j(finds)996 438 y(out)c(what)h(really)g(happened)h
(to)e(their)h(experimental)g(weapons!'')1037 489 y(Mongoe)18 b(frowned.)35 b
(``Look,)21 b(shit-fer-brains,'')d(he)h(rumbled,)996 539 y(``You)11 b(could'v\
e)h(reported)f(me)i(a)g(hundred)e(times)h(between)h(Qorant)996 589 y(and)h
(now,)h(but)f(you)f(didn't.)21 b(You)14 b(know)f(why?)22 b(`Cause)15 b(my)f
(baby)996 639 y(here)g(saved)g(your)e(ass.)21 b(Maybe)13 b(today)g(it'll)e
(save)j(it)f(again.)20 b(Maybe)996 688 y(the)13 b(Shaheer's,)j(and)d(maybe)i
(even)f(Quarq's,)g(too.)20 b(People)14 b(tend)f(to)996 738 y(overlook)j(littl\
e)g(details)h(when)g(you)g(save)i(their)d(life,)j(right,)g(Rich)996 788 y(Boy\
?'')1037 839 y(``Um)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)f fg(right.'')1037 890 y(``So)j(shuddup)
f(and)i(mind)e(your)h(own)g(business.'')g(Mongoe)g(made)996 940 y(his)20 b
(way)h(to)f(the)g(door.)41 b(``I'd)19 b(rather)i(be)g(demoted)f(than)g(dead,)
996 989 y(anyway,'')10 b(he)h(mumbled.)f(``Come)h(on.'')1037 1040 y(Ten)j(min\
utes)e(later)g(Hu-Jin)g(pulled)g(an)h(unmarked)g(hovercar)g(off)996 1090 y
(the)i(main)g(road)g(and)h(up)e(a)i(narrower,)h(winding)c(trail.)25 b(Before)
15 b(the)996 1140 y(foursome)10 b(lay)h(a)g(grouping)e(of)h(barren,)i(rocky)e
(hills,)g(quietly)f(baking)996 1190 y(in)17 b(the)g(living)f(desert)h(of)g
(Qol.)32 b(Even)18 b(from)g(a)g(distance)f(the)h(old,)996 1239 y(abandoned)11
b(quarry,)h(which)e(had)i(been)g(scooped)f(out)g(of)g(the)g(side)g(of)996 1289
y(the)f(largest)g(hill,)f(seemed)j(large)e(and)h(foreboding.)1037 1340 y(``Mo\
ngoe,'')d(Quarq)h(said)f(as)i(he)f(eyed)g(the)f(lieutenant's)g(``baby'',)996
1390 y(``what)h(is)i(that)e(thing?'')1037 1441 y(``Just)h(an)g(old)g(bazooka,)
h(sir,'')f(Mongoe)g(replied.)1037 1491 y(``I've)g(never)h(seen)g(one)f(like)g
(that)f(before.'')1037 1542 y(Mongoe)g(shot)g(Haezar)j(a)e(discreet)g(look)e
(through)g(his)h(sunglasses.)996 1592 y(``Oh,)h(hell,'')h(Haezar)h(put)e(in)g
(after)h(a)g(slight)e(hesitation,)h(``my)g(uncle)996 1642 y(used)e(to)g(use)h
(one)g(of)f(those)g(things.)h(That)g(piece)g(of)f(crap's)h(so)g(ancient,)996
1692 y(I'm)h(surprised)g(the)g(Ground)f(Forces)i(haven't)f(retired)g(it.'')
1037 1743 y(``They're)k(just)g(stingy,)f(that's)h(all,'')g(Mongoe)g(laughed.)
21 b(``Had)996 1792 y(to)12 b(be)i(modified)e(just)g(to,)i(ah,)h(pack)e(a)h
(noticeable)f(whollop)e(against)996 1842 y(today's)e(equipment.'')1037 1893 y
(``Mm,'')20 b(Quarq)e(replied,)i(and)e(returned)f(his)h(attention)e(to)h(the)
996 1943 y(quarry)12 b(ahead.)17 b(``Remember,'')d(he)f(said,)g(``first)e(sig\
n)h(of)g(a)h(slip-up)996 1993 y(on)8 b(the)h(enemy's)g(part)f(and)h(we)g(move)
g(for)f(the)h(kill.)f(Otherwise,)h(don't)996 2042 y(do)14 b(anything)f(stupid)
h(or)g(without)f(my)i(or)f(Hu-Jin's)g(orders.'')23 b(The)996 2092 y(commander)
14 b(reached)h(into)d(his)i(pocket)f(and)g(pulled)g(out)g(a)h(curious)996 2142
y(device)h(which)f(he)h(proceeded)g(to)f(place)h(over)f(his)g(sighted)g(eye.)
24 b(It)996 2192 y(fitted)9 b(like)g(an)i(eye)g(patch,)g(and)f(looked)f(like)
h(half)g(a)h(pair)f(of)g(goggles.)1037 2243 y(``What's)g(that?'')g(Mongoe)g
(asked)h(him.)1037 2293 y(``Just)h(some)g(insurance,'')h(Quarq)f(replied.)j
(``I've)c(only)g(got)g(one)996 2343 y(eye)g(left;)e(I)h(don't)f(plan)h(on)g
(losing)f(it.'')1037 2394 y(When)20 b(Hu-Jin)f(pulled)g(into)g(Quarry)g(Ten,)
k(no)d(one)g(could)f(be)996 2444 y(seen.)11 b(The)g(only)d(thing)g(stirring)g
(was)j(the)e(dust)g(cloud)g(the)h(hovercar's)996 2494 y(engines)g(kicked)g
(up.)1037 2545 y(``Turn)20 b(the)g(engine)g(off!'')38 b(a)21 b(woman's)f(voic\
e,)j(presumably)996 2594 y(Shadow's,)15 b(demanded)g(through)e(a)h(speaker)i
(or)d(megaphone.)23 b(The)996 2644 y(Advisor)14 b(obliged)f(her.)25 b(``Get)
15 b(out)f(of)g(the)h(car.'')25 b(Hu-Jin)14 b(and)h(the)996 2694 y(commandoes)
d(stepped)g(out.)h(``Good.)h(Now)d(walk)g(to)g(the)g(center)h(of)996 2744 y
(the)h(quarry.'')20 b(The)14 b(foursome)g(obeyed)f(without)f(hesitation.)19 b
(``Put)996 2794 y(down)9 b(your)h(weapons.'')956 2918 y fj(34)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``I)g(ain't)h
(stupid,)f(lady!'')g(Mongoe)h(shouted)g(back.)-33 36 y(``Funny,)f(you)h(look)
f(stupid)g(to)g(me,'')j(Shadow)e(returned.)-33 87 y(``Where)k(is)f(the)g(Shah\
eer?!'')21 b(Hu-Jin)13 b(yelled,)i(his)e(hand)g(on)h(the)-75 137 y(grip)9 b
(of)h(his)g(sword)g(as)h(he)f(scanned)h(the)g(high)e(walls)h(of)g(the)g(quarr\
y.)-33 187 y(Shadow's)j(chuckling)f(echoed)h(across)h(the)f(quarry.)19 b(``Yo\
u)13 b(men)-75 237 y(are)j(such)f(morons,'')h(she)g(mused.)26 b(``Patience,)
17 b(oh)e(Balding)f(One,)-75 287 y(and)c(don't)f(get)h(carried)h(away.)g(You'\
re)f(past)h(your)e(prime.'')-33 338 y(Hu-Jin)16 b(snorted.)30 b(``Come)17 b
(down)f(here,)k(bitch,'')d(he)h(said,)h(his)-75 388 y(horrible)13 b(grin)h
(adorning)f(his)h(features,)j(``and)d(I'll)f(show)i(you)f(how)-75 437 y(quick\
ly)9 b(I)h(can)h(flay)f(a)h(person)f(without)e(killing)g(them.'')-33 488 y
(The)14 b(mercenary)h(laughed.)21 b(``Alright,'')12 b(she)i(said,)h(``keep)f
(your)-75 538 y(little)d(toys.)16 b(But)11 b(keep)i(them)g(sheathed)g(or)f
(in)f(their)h(holsters.)k(Now,)-75 588 y(where)11 b(is)f(the)g(Alat?'')-33 639
y(Hu-Jin)g(reached)j(into)d(his)h(jacket)g(and)h(produced)f(a)h(pouch.)h(``It\
's)-75 688 y(in)d(here.'')-33 739 y(``Show)h(me.'')17 b(Reluctantly,)11 b(the)
h(Advisor)f(took)g(the)h(crystal)g(out)-75 789 y(and)h(held)f(it)g(up.)18 b
(As)13 b(if)f(sensing)g(the)h(proximity)e(of)h(the)h(Shaheer,)h(it)-75 839 y
(lit)c(up)h(with)f(a)i(warm)g(glow.)i(The)e(sound)e(of)h(chimes)i(echoed)f
(off)f(the)-75 889 y(rocks.)g(``Excellent.)f(Put)g(it)f(down)h(and)g(back)h
(away.'')-33 940 y(``So)e(your)h(people)g(can)h(kill)e(us?'')h(Quarq)g(spoke)
g(up.)-33 990 y(``My)d(people,'')i(Shadow)g(replied)f(with)f(distaste,)i(``ha\
ve)g(all)f(been)-75 1040 y(slaughtered)h(while)f(attempting)g(to)h(steal)g
(the)h(Alat.)f(And)g(they)g(called)-75 1090 y(themselves)21 b(thieves.'')39 b
(She)21 b(sighed.)39 b(``Well,)22 b(no)e(small)g(loss,)-75 1140 y(especially)
c(now)f(that)h(I)f(am)i(currently)e(employing)f(more)j(reliable)-75 1190 y
(help.)10 b(I)g(have)h(no)f(desire)h(to)e(start)h(a)h(fight.)e(I)h(only)f(wan\
t)i(the)f(Alat.'')-33 1240 y(``Show)17 b(yourself,'')j(Hu-Jin)d(demanded,)22 b
(``and)c(the)g(Shaheer.)-75 1290 y(Otherwise)10 b(there's)g(no)g(deal.'')-33
1341 y(There)17 b(was)f(a)h(long)e(pause,)j(and)f(then)e(the)h(sound)g(of)f
(footsteps)-75 1391 y(on)f(gravel.)23 b(Two)15 b(figures)f(appeared)h(on)f
(the)h(opposite)e(end)h(of)h(the)-75 1441 y(quarry.)k(One)14 b(was)g(a)g(tall\
,)f(slender)h(offworlder)e(woman)h(with)f(long)-75 1490 y(raven-hued)e(hair.)
g(The)h(other)e(was)i(much)f(smaller,)h(quite)e(obviously)-75 1540 y(the)h
(Shaheer.)-33 1591 y(``Hu-Jin!)e(Hu-Jin!'')h(Dyan)h(cried.)-33 1642 y(``It's)
k(alright,)i(little)e(master,'')j(the)f(Advisor)e(returned,)i(for)g(the)-75
1692 y(first)j(time)h(looking)e(worried,)k(``You'll)c(be)i(fine.'')40 b(He)20
b(looked)-75 1742 y(around,)d(and)f(his)f(eyes)i(fell)e(upon)g(a)i(double)e
(set)h(of)g(rails)f(leading)-75 1791 y(across)j(the)f(quarry.)30 b(On)17 b
(each)h(pair)f(of)f(tracks)i(was)f(an)g(old)g(cart,)-75 1841 y(probably)12 b
(used)i(at)f(one)g(time)h(for)e(transporting)f(rubble)i(or)g(ore.)20 b(He)-75
1891 y(went)10 b(over)g(to)g(one,)h(disengaged)f(the)g(brake,)h(and)f(with)f
(a)i(grunt)e(gave)-75 1941 y(it)g(a)h(good)e(shove.)i(To)g(his)f(surprise)g
(it)f(was)j(in)d(fair)h(condition)f(after)h(so)-75 1991 y(much)h(disuse;)f
(it)g(glided)g(easily)g(across)i(the)e(quarry.)h(``Woman,'')g(he)-75 2040 y
(called)g(with)g(a)g(sneer,)i(``Put)d(the)h(Shaheer)h(in)f(the)g(cart)h(and)f
(push)g(him)-75 2090 y(back--if)g(you)h(can.)i(I'll)c(put)h(the)h(Alat)g(in)f
(this)g(cart)h(here,)h(and)f(push)f(it)-75 2140 y(to)g(you.)g(Agreed?'')-33
2191 y(``Agreed,'')g(Shadow)g(replied.)-33 2242 y(``No,)g(Hu-Jin!'')e(the)j
(Shaheer)g(yelled,)f(``Don't!'')-33 2292 y(``Don't)d(worry,)j(master,'')g(Hu-\
Jin)e(replied.)i(``Do)f(as)h(I)f(tell)g(you.'')-33 2343 y(``And)h(no)h(tricks\
!'')h(Shadow)f(snapped.)j(``I)c(know)h(what)g(the)g(boy)-75 2393 y(can)17 b
(do)f(with)g(the)g(stone.'')29 b(She)17 b(drew)g(a)g(pistol)e(with)g(an)i(aim\
ing)-75 2443 y(scope.)35 b(``If)18 b(anything)f(funny)g(starts)h(happening)f
(when)i(the)f(boy)-75 2493 y(passes)11 b(the)g(Alat,)f(I'll)f(kill)g(him.'')
-33 2544 y(``And)j(what)g(assurance)i(do)f(we)g(have)h(that)e(your)g(`reliabl\
e)g(help')-75 2593 y(won't)d(fire)h(down)g(on)g(him)g(anyway?'')-33 2644 y
(``You)d(don't.)h(But)f(then,)h(you're)f(in)h(no)f(place)i(to)e(argue.'')i
(Shadow)-75 2694 y(dragged)15 b(Dyan)f(over)h(to)f(the)h(cart)g(and)g(set)g
(him)f(inside.)24 b(``Put)14 b(the)-75 2744 y(Alat)19 b(in)g(your)f(cart.'')
38 b(Hu-Jin)19 b(did)f(as)i(told.)37 b(He)20 b(and)f(Shadow)-75 2794 y(locked)
9 b(stared)g(at)g(each)i(other)d(from)h(across)h(the)f(quarry,)g(then)g(almos\
t)996 -15 y(simultaneously)19 b(set)i(their)f(carts)h(in)f(motion.)41 b(The)
21 b(mercenary,)996 35 y(contrary)12 b(to)f(Hu-Jin's)h(assumption,)h(had)f
(little)f(difficulty)f(with)h(the)996 85 y(task.)f(For)g(a)h(moment)g(the)f
(Advisor)f(seemed)j(impressed.)1037 136 y(When)k(the)f(two)g(carts)h(drew)f
(near,)j(a)e(large)g(man)g(suddenly)e(ap-)996 186 y(peared)d(from)g(the)f(roc\
ks,)h(running)e(at)i(breakneck)g(speed)g(toward)f(the)996 236 y(cart)g(holdin\
g)f(the)h(Alat.)1037 287 y(``What)j(the--?!'')20 b(Quarq)13 b(started.)20 b
(He)14 b(and)g(the)f(others)g(instinc-)996 337 y(tively)k(raised)i(their)f
(weapons,)k(but)c(by)g(that)g(time)h(the)g(man)g(had)996 387 y(already)12 b
(grabbed)g(the)g(Alat)f(and)i(jumped)e(off.)16 b(Quarq)c(and)g(Haezar-)996 436
y(-and)19 b(Shadow,)j(to)d(their)g(surprise--squeezed)h(off)f(several)i(shots)
996 486 y(which)14 b(hit)f(the)h(vacated)i(cart)f(as)g(the)f(man)h(fled)f(acr\
oss)h(the)g(quarry)996 536 y(and)10 b(up)g(into)f(the)h(rocks.)1037 587 y(``G\
et)g(him!'')g(Haezar)i(yelled,)e(and)g(ran)g(after)h(the)f(man.)1037 639 y
(``Wait!'')i(Mongoe)f(called,)g(and)h(was)f(ignored.)h(He)g(started)f(after)
996 688 y(the)f(lieutenant,)f(then)h(halted.)g(A)h(shot)e(from)h(somewhere)i
(above)e(and)996 738 y(to)k(the)g(left)h(scorched)g(a)g(piece)h(of)e(abandone\
d)h(equipment)f(he)h(had)996 788 y(been)d(leaning)f(against.)k(``SNIPER!'')c
(he)h(bellowed,)f(and)h(dove)g(for)996 838 y(cover)i(behind)e(the)i(machine.)
21 b(Hu-Jin)13 b(and)h(Quarq)f(joined)g(him.)20 b(A)996 888 y(shot)12 b(hit)g
(the)h(front)f(right)g(wheel)h(of)g(the)g(cart)g(the)g(Shaheer)h(rode)f(in,)
996 937 y(and)g(it)g(ground)f(to)h(a)h(halt.)19 b(Dyan)13 b(crowded)h(his)f
(small)g(body)f(into)h(a)996 987 y(corner,)e(pulling)d(rubble)h(and)h(old)g
(tools)f(around)h(him.)1037 1038 y(``The)j(Shaheer!'')k(the)c(Advisor)e(excla\
imed,)j(horrified.)i(He)d(got)996 1088 y(up)e(and)i(ran)f(toward)f(the)h(seco\
nd)g(cart,)i(dodging)c(behind)h(rocks)h(and)996 1138 y(equipment)d(as)i(he)g
(went.)1037 1189 y(``Come)g(back,)i(sir!'')f(Quarq)f(shouted.)i(He)f(growled)
f(and)g(turned)996 1239 y(to)c(Mongoe.)i(``Go)f(after)g(Haezar!'')j(he)d(snap\
ped,)h(his)e(face)i(a)g(hideous)996 1289 y(mask)15 b(of)g(rage.)25 b(The)16 b
(lieutenant)e(took)g(off)g(as)i(Quarq)e(fired)h(in)f(the)996 1339 y(general)h
(direction)e(the)i(sniper's)f(shots)h(were)g(coming)g(from)g(in)f(an)996 1389
y(attempt)c(to)f(cover)i(Hu-Jin.)1037 1440 y(Haezar,)22 b(meanwhile,)e(stoppe\
d)d(abruptly)f(in)h(his)g(tracks)h(as)h(he)996 1490 y(heard)14 b(a)g(sharp)f
(cry)h(of)f(pain.)20 b(He)14 b(clutched)g(his)f(rifle)f(tightly)g(as)i(he)996
1540 y(cautiously)9 b(advanced.)k(His)e(prey)f(had)h(vanished)f(through)f(a)i
(narrow)996 1589 y(pass)f(in)g(the)g(rocks)g(and)g(had)g(turned)f(to)h(the)g
(right)e(before)j(he)f(had)g(lost)996 1639 y(sight)j(of)g(him.)21 b(Moving)13
b(as)i(quietly)d(as)j(possible,)f(Haezar)h(quickly)996 1689 y(sidestepped)d
(through)e(the)i(pass)h(and)g(spun)e(out,)i(his)e(weapon)i(at)f(the)996 1739 y
(ready.)f(No)f(one)g(was)h(there.)1037 1790 y(No)f(one)h(living,)d(that)i(is.)
1037 1841 y(The)j(large)e(man's)h(body)f(lay)h(crumpled)f(on)g(the)h(rocks.)i
(His)e(head)996 1891 y(was)f(nowhere)f(in)g(sight.)g(Nervously,)f(the)i(lieut\
enant)e(advanced)i(and)996 1941 y(turned)i(the)h(body)f(over.)22 b(Underneath\
,)16 b(still)c(in)i(his)f(hand,)i(was)g(the)996 1991 y(Alat.)10 b(Haezar)i
(gingerly)d(picked)h(it)f(up.)1037 2042 y(Something)g(hit)f(him)h(in)g(the)h
(back.)h(With)d(a)i(cry)g(of)f(alarm,)i(he)f(spun)996 2092 y(around,)i(firing)
f(his)h(rifle.)k(He)d(hit)f(only)f(the)h(rocks.)17 b(No)12 b(one)h(was)g(in)
996 2142 y(sight.)g(He)f(looked)e(down)h(at)h(his)f(feet)h(to)f(see)h(what)f
(had)h(struck)f(him,)996 2191 y(and)j(saw)i(the)e(dead)h(man's)h(head)f(stari\
ng)f(up)g(at)h(him,)g(wearing)g(an)996 2241 y(expression)10 b(of)g(pure)g(ter\
ror.)1037 2293 y(A)18 b(leather-gloved)f(hand)h(closed)g(tightly)d(around)i
(the)h(back)g(of)996 2342 y(Haezar's)12 b(neck.)h(The)e(lieutenant)f(immediat\
ely)g(moved)h(to)f(counter,)996 2392 y(but)17 b(the)i(new)f(intruder's)f(fing\
ers)h(dug)g(into)f(his)h(spine)g(and)h(held)996 2442 y(on)c(with)g(an)h(iron)
f(grip.)27 b(Haezar's)17 b(knees)g(buckled.)27 b(The)17 b(unseen)996 2492 y
(attacker)f(shifted)e(his)h(hold)g(ever)g(so)h(slightly)d(and)j(squeezed)g
(a)g(bit)996 2542 y(harder.)k(Haezar)15 b(cried)e(out)f(in)h(pain.)19 b(The)
14 b(rifle)f(dropped)f(from)i(his)996 2591 y(right)9 b(hand,)h(but)f(his)h
(left)g(refused)h(to)e(part)h(with)f(the)h(Alat.)1037 2643 y(``Stupid)g(boy,'\
')g(the)h(man)h(behind)e(him)h(growled.)h(``Shall)e(I)h(snap)996 2693 y(your)
e(neck)i(now?)f(Perhaps.)h(But)f(first,)f(give)h(me)h(the)g(crystal.'')1037
2744 y(Haezar)g(grit)d(his)h(teeth.)h(``No,'')f(he)g(managed.)i(``You)e(can)p
fc(.)e(.)g(.)f fg(take)996 2794 y(it)p fc(.)h(.)g(.)t fg(off)j(my)g(dead)p fc
(.)d(.)g(.)f fg(body.'')956 2918 y fj(35)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(His)j(attacker)h
(laughed.)18 b(``Stupid,)12 b(stupid,)g(boy!'')17 b(With)12 b(almost)-75 35 y
(inhuman)20 b(strength,)h(he)g(threw)f(Haezar)h(against)f(the)g(rock)g(wall.)
-75 85 y(``That)10 b(is)g(exactly)g(how)g(I)h(intended)e(it)g(in)h(the)g(firs\
t)f(place!'')-33 136 y(The)f(lieutenant)g(looked)f(up.)i(Standing)e(over)i
(him)f(was)g(a)h(man)g(clad)-75 186 y(entirely)h(in)h(the)f(blackest)i(of)f
(black)g(clothing)e(imaginable,)i(his)g(head)-75 236 y(covered)i(by)g(a)g(bla\
ck)g(hood,)g(his)f(face)i(hidden)e(by)h(a)g(visor)f(attached)-75 285 y(to)f
(a)i(lightweight)c(helm.)16 b(At)c(his)g(side)g(was)g(a)h(long,)f(slender,)h
(black-)-75 335 y(handled)f(sword)f(with)g(a)i(black,)f(skull-shaped)f(pummel\
,)i(nestled)f(in)-75 385 y(a)i(black)g(scabbard.)21 b(There)14 b(were)g(other)
f(bladed)g(items)h(fastened)g(to)-75 435 y(his)c(belt)f(as)i(well,)g(ones)f
(which)g(Haezar)i(could)d(not)h(recognize.)-33 486 y(``Who--?'')f(Haezar)i
(gagged,)f(almost)f(in)f(a)i(whimper.)g(There)h(was)-75 536 y(something)e(utt\
erly)g(terrifying)f(about)i(this)f(strange)i(man.)-33 587 y(In)f(each)i(hand,)
f(the)f(man)h(took)f(a)h(curious)f(weapon)h(from)f(his)h(belt.)-75 637 y(They)
j(consisted)f(of)g(a)h(handle)f(with)f(the)h(skull)g(pummel)g(\(black,)i(of)
-75 687 y(course\))9 b(and)h(a)f(short)f(length)g(of)h(chain)g(which)g(ended)
g(in)g(a)g(foot-long,)-75 736 y(very)g(sharp-looking)d(blade.)k(The)g(man)f
(began)g(to)f(twirl)f(the)i(blades)g(in)-75 786 y(patterns)j(at)h(dizzying)f
(speeds.)18 b(``You)12 b(are)i(fortunate)d(to)h(have)h(seen)-75 836 y(me,'')g
(he)f(murmured,)g(``Few)g(do.'')h(He)f(paused,)h(then)e(proclaimed,)-75 886 y
(``I)e(am)i(your)e(death!)h(Know)g(me,)h(boy--I)d(am)j(Sorasta,)g(Champion)e
(of)-75 936 y(the)h(Dancing)g(Blades!'')-33 987 y(Haezar)20 b(cringed.)36 b
(He)20 b(heard)f(something)f(off)h(to)f(the)h(side)g(as)-75 1037 y(Sorasta)f
(bore)g(down)f(on)h(him;)i(quite)d(like)h(the)f(sound)h(of)f(a)h(very)-75 1086
y(muffled)11 b(cannon)h(blast.)j(Suddenly)c(Sorasta)h(seemed)i(to)d(glow.)k
(His)-75 1136 y(expression)d(of)h(astonishment)f(could)g(be)h(felt)f(through)
f(his)i(visor)f(as)-75 1186 y(he)g(looked)g(down)f(at)i(his)e(midsection,)i
(only)e(to)g(find)g(it)h(was)h(rapidly)-75 1236 y(disintegrating.)8 b(An)i
(instant)f(later)h(he)h(was)g(gone.)-33 1287 y(Mongoe)g(plodded)g(up)g(to)g
(his)h(companion,)g(hawked)g(and)g(spit)f(on)-75 1337 y(the)f(rocks,)g(and)g
(affectionately)f(patted)g(his)g(strange)h(bazooka.)h(``An')-75 1387 y(I'm)20
b(Mongoe,)i(Bearer)f(of)e(the)h(Unauthorized)f(Custom)g(Particle)-75 1436 y
(Acceleration)10 b(Beam,'')i(he)e(snorted.)-33 1488 y(``You--you)e(saved)j
(my)f(life!'')f(Haezar)j(squawked,)f(wide-eyed.)-33 1539 y(Mongoe)6 b(rolled)
g(his)h(eyes.)j(``Brilliant)t(observation.)f(Man,)f(you're)-75 1589 y(flakier)
g(than)g(an)g(unwashed)h(jock)f(strap!'')g(He)h(hauled)f(the)h(lieutenant)-75
1638 y(to)15 b(his)h(feet.)28 b(``Come)16 b(on,'')g(he)h(grunted.)26 b(He)17 b
(disappeared)f(back)-75 1688 y(through)10 b(the)h(pass.)j(Haezar)f(paused)f
(briefly.)g(He)g(picked)f(up)g(one)h(of)-75 1738 y(the)f(strange)h(twirling)c
(weapons,)13 b(which)e(Sorasta)g(had)h(dropped)e(just)-75 1788 y(before)g(his)
g(atoms)h(had)f(scattered,)h(and)g(followed)e(Mongoe.)-33 1839 y(Down)e(in)g
(the)h(main)g(area)h(of)f(the)f(quarry,)i(Shadow)e(ducked)h(behind)-75 1889 y
(a)j(pile)e(of)h(gravel)h(and)f(fired)g(off)f(several)i(shots)f(at)g(Hu-)g
(Jin.)-33 1940 y(``You)i(lousy)h(bastards!'')19 b(she)14 b(screamed.)23 b(She)
14 b(tore)f(a)h(grenade)-75 1990 y(from)9 b(her)g(belt)f(and)h(pitched)f(it)g
(at)g(the)h(Advisor.)g(The)h(explosive)e(went)-75 2040 y(wide,)19 b(however,)
g(and)e(he)h(managed)g(to)e(escape)j(unharmed.)31 b(She)-75 2089 y(unslung)12
b(a)i(high-powered)e(rifle)g(from)i(her)f(back,)i(switched)e(it)g(into)-75
2139 y(rapid)d(fire)g(mode,)h(and)f(fired)g(across)h(the)f(quarry)g(at)g(Quar\
q.)-33 2190 y(``You)e(stupid)g(crazy)i(bitch!'')e(he)i(bellowed)e(after)h(the)
g(first)f(volley)-75 2240 y(narrowly)h(missed)i(him.)-33 2291 y(``We)i(did)f
(what)g(you)h(said!'')k(Hu-Jin)12 b(shouted.)17 b(``Have)d(you)e(no)-75 2341 y
(honor?!'')-33 2392 y(Shadow)j(let)g(loose)g(a)h(burst)e(of)h(fire)g(which)g
(came)i(dangerously)-75 2442 y(close)c(to)g(the)g(cart)g(the)g(Shaheer)h(lay)
f(in.)18 b(``Call)12 b(off)h(your)f(sniper)h(or)-75 2492 y(I'll)c(blow)h(the)
g(boy)f(to)h(hell!'')-33 2543 y(``Our)g(sniper?!)j(That's)e(not)f(my)i(sniper\
!)g(He's)f(been)h(shooting)d(at)-75 2593 y(me,)i(or)f(haven't)g(you)g(noticed\
?'')-33 2644 y(Shadow's)20 b(face)i(flushed)e(in)g(anger)h(and)g(humiliation)
d(as)k(she)-75 2694 y(realized)d(her)h(mistake.)36 b fe(But,)22 b fg(she)d
(thought,)h fe(if)e(the)h(sniper)f(isn't)-75 2744 y(theirs,)13 b(and)e(it's)h
(definitely)e(not)i(mine--not)e(unless)i(Sorasta's)g(gone)-75 2794 y(trigger-\
happy,)h(which)f(he)h(shouldn't)d(have,)15 b(for)d(what)g(I'm)g(paying)996 -15
y(him--then)h(who's)g(firing)g(at)h(us?)23 b fg(She)14 b(moved)h(along)f(thro\
ugh)e(the)996 35 y(rubble,)20 b(scanning)d(the)i(rocks)f(above)g(for)g(the)g
(gunman.)34 b(``What)996 85 y(the)19 b(hell)g(is)g(going)f(on)h(here?'')38 b
(she)20 b(muttered.)38 b(Several)20 b(shots)996 135 y(from)g(somewhere)i(abov\
e)e(came)i(dangerously)e(close)h(to)f(hitting)996 184 y(her.)d(``Alright,'')
10 b(she)j(snarled,)g(``now)e(I'm)i(pissed!'')i(She)e(ducked)996 234 y(behind)
g(a)i(rock)g(and)f(fired)g(blindly)e(up)i(in)g(the)g(direction)f(the)i(shots)
996 284 y(had)10 b(come)h(from.)1037 335 y(Hu-Jin,)21 b(realizing)e(the)g(sni\
per)f(was)i(now)f(occupied)g(with)f(the)996 384 y(mercenary,)c(made)f(a)f(das\
h)g(for)f(the)h(cart.)k(He)c(plucked)g(the)f(Shaheer)996 434 y(from)g(his)g
(hiding)f(place)i(and)g(ran)g(back)g(toward)f(Quarq.)j(The)f(sniper)996 484 y
(realized)18 b(what)f(had)g(happened)g(and)h(fired)e(at)i(the)f(Advisor.)30 b
(The)996 534 y(man)19 b(was)h(moving)e(astonishingly)f(well)h(for)h(his)f(age\
,)23 b(however,)996 584 y(and)12 b(somehow)g(managed)h(to)e(get)h(back)h(to)e
(Quarq)h(only)f(singed)g(and)996 634 y(slightly)d(bloody)h(from)h(a)h(shot)e
(which)h(had)h(grazed)g(his)f(back)g(instead)996 683 y(of)g(cutting)e(him)i
(in)g(half)g(at)g(the)g(waist.)1037 734 y(``Are)h(you)e(alright?'')g(the)h
(commander)h(asked)g(him.)1037 785 y(``Never)e(better,'')f(Hu-Jin)f(replied,)
h(setting)f(Dyan)h(down.)i(``Noth-)996 835 y(ing)g(like)g(an)i(annoying)d(fle\
sh)i(wound)g(to)f(get)h(you)f(really)h(pissed)g(and)996 884 y(ready)k(to)g
(lop)g(off)g(a)h(few)g(limbs!'')24 b(He)16 b(drew)g(his)f(sword,)h(a)g(wide)
996 934 y(and)8 b(powerful)g(blade,)h(etched)g(with)f(designs)g(and)h(brightl\
y)d(polished.)996 984 y(``I'm)11 b(going)f(to)g(try)h(to)g(sneak)h(around)e
(and)i(up,'')f(he)g(said.)j(``Maybe)996 1034 y(I)c(can)h(find)f(the)g(bastard)
g(and)h(jump)f(him)g(from)g(behind.)g(Cover)g(me.'')996 1084 y(Without)e(wait\
ing)h(for)h(Quarq's)g(approval,)g(he)h(scampered)g(off.)1037 1134 y(No)h(soon\
er)f(had)h(he)g(gone)g(than)f(Mongoe)g(and)h(Haezar)i(came)f(out)996 1184 y
(of)d(the)g(rocks)g(behind)f(the)i(commander.)1037 1235 y(``That)i(guy's)f
(toast,)h(and)g(Haezar's)i(got)d(the)g(crystal,'')i(Mongoe)996 1285 y(informe\
d)9 b(him.)1037 1335 y(``Where's)i(Hu-Jin?'')e(Haezar)j(asked.)1037 1386 y
(Dyan)20 b(smiled)f(a)g(wicked)h(little)d(grin,)k(a)f(perfect)f(copy)g(of)g
(the)996 1436 y(Advisor's.)9 b(``He)i(went)f(to)f(kick)h(ass,'')h(he)g(replie\
d.)1037 1486 y(The)23 b(sniper's)f(firing,)h(however,)j(continued)21 b(to)g
(pour)g(down.)996 1536 y(Mongoe,)11 b(deciding)f(that)g(it)h(was)g(not)f(wort\
h)g(the)h(risk)g(to)f(Hu-Jin,)h(set)996 1586 y(his)g(particle)g(acceleration)
i(beam)f(aside,)h(pulled)e(a)h(laser)g(pistol,)f(and)996 1636 y(fired)f(back)
g(at)h(the)f(unseen)g(foe)h(along)e(with)h(Haezar)h(and)g(Quarq.)1037 1687 y
(At)d(length)f(Hu-Jin)g(returned.)i(``I)f(know)f(where)h(he)h(is,'')f(he)g
(huffed.)1037 1737 y(``So)i(why)g(didn't)f(you)g(ace)j(him?'')e(Mongoe)g(aske\
d.)1037 1788 y(``I)j(couldn't.)k(He)c(didn't)f(see)i(me,)h(but)d(I)h(saw)g
(his)g(face.)20 b(He)13 b(had)996 1838 y(the)c(diamond)h(tattoo--the)d(mark)k
(of)e(the)h(Morin-shans.)f(I)h(cannot)g(kill)996 1887 y(him.'')1037 1938 y
(``He)h(doesn't)e(seem)j(to)e(give)f(a)i(shit)f(about)f(killing)f(you!'')1037
1989 y(``It)j(does)g(not)g(matter.)j(The)e(situation)e(is)h(such)g(that)g(I)h
(cannot)f(risk)996 2039 y(violating)d(our)h(treaty.'')1037 2089 y(``Morin-sha\
n?'')g(Quarq)h(muttered,)g(``Maybe)h(Zyal)f(sent)h(him.'')1037 2140 y(``Maybe\
,'')i(Mongoe)e(grunted.)j(``Who)e(cares?'')k(He)d(picked)e(up)996 2190 y(his)
16 b(bazooka--or)g(rather,)j(the)d(weapon)h(which)f(appeared)i(to)e(be)h(a)
996 2240 y(bazooka.)11 b(``Where)f(is)h(he?'')1037 2290 y(Hu-Jin)f(pointed.)f
(``Up)h(there.'')1037 2341 y(``Hey,'')e(Quarq)f(remarked,)h(shooting)f(a)g
(glance)g(back)g(at)g(Mong)o(oe,)996 2391 y(``That)j(thing's)f(not)g(loaded!'\
')1037 2441 y(Mongoe)14 b(quickly)g(jumped)g(into)g(the)g(open)h(and)g(fired.)
23 b(A)15 b(large)996 2491 y(portion)8 b(of)i(the)g(top)g(of)g(the)g(quarry)f
(disintegrated.)1037 2542 y(Quarq's)h(mouth)g(fell)g(open.)g(``What)g(the--?'\
')1037 2593 y(``Yeah!'')g(Mongoe)g(laughed.)g(``End)g(of)g(problem.'')1037
2643 y(The)j(commander)h(looked)d(over)h(at)h(him,)g(astonished.)j(``What)c
(is)996 2693 y(that)d(thing?'')1037 2744 y(The)h(lieutenant)d(kissed)i(the)g
(barrel)g(of)f(his)h(weapon.)h(``My)e(baby,'')996 2794 y(he)i(replied.)956
2918 y fj(36)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Hu-Jin)i(got)g
(to)h(his)g(feet.)17 b(``Well,)c(that's)e(more)i(or)f(less)h(settled,'')-75 35
y(he)j(remarked,)j(``except)e(for)e(that)h(blasted)g(woman.)29 b(At)15 b(leas\
t)i(we)-75 85 y(have)11 b(the)f(Shaheer)g(and)h(the)f(Alat)f(back.)i(Good)f
(work,)g(Lieutenant.'')-75 135 y(He)h(turned)e(to)h(Haezar.)-33 185 y(The)g
(man)h(was)g(facedown)g(in)f(the)g(gravel,)g(quite)g(unconscious.)-33 236 y
(The)g(Alat)g(was)h(nowhere)g(in)e(sight.)-33 339 y(In)i(his)g(office,)h(Zyal)
g(closed)g(his)f(eyes)h(and)g(reached)h(out)d(with)h(his)-75 389 y(mind.)20 b
(He)14 b(could)f(feel)h(the)g(Alat)f(moving)f(away)j(from)e(the)h(quarry.)-75
438 y(He)g(frowned.)20 b(It)13 b(was)i(not)d(moving)h(toward)g(him.)20 b(His)
14 b(expression)-75 488 y(darkened.)-33 539 y fe(Varkeshna)20 b(and)g(the)g
(sniper)g(must)g(have)g(failed)q fg(,)i(he)e(thought)-75 588 y(angrily.)11 b
fe(Either)f(that)f(or)i(they've)h(betrayed)f(me)p fg(.)h(He)f(sought)f(out)g
(the)-75 638 y(crystal)e(a)i(second)f(time.)h(To)f(his)f(surprise,)h(the)f
(Alat)g(was)i(not)d(moving)-75 688 y(toward)14 b(the)h(Shaheer's)h(Grounds.)
23 b(It)14 b(was)i(moving)e(quite)g(rapidly)-75 738 y(and)c(very)g(definitely)
f(in)h(the)g(direction)f(of)h(the)g(aerospaceport.)-33 788 y(He)g(left)g(his)
g(office)g(and)g(called)h(for)f(his)f(chauffeur.)-33 892 y(Shadow)h(smiled)h
(as)h(she)f(pulled)f(into)f(Qol's)i(aerospaceport.)i(Her)-75 941 y(ship)k(was)
h(there,)i(and)e(in)f(minutes)h(she)g(and)g(the)f(Alat)g(would)g(be)-75 991 y
(safely)10 b(in)e(it.)i(With)e(a)i(little)e(luck,)h(air)g(traffic)g(control)f
(would)g(give)h(her)-75 1041 y(priority)h(takeoff)h(for)h(some)h(reason)f(she\
'd)g(make)h(up,)g(and)f(she'd)g(be)-75 1091 y(off)c(the)h(planet)f(before)h
(anyone)g(caught)g(on)f(to)h(what)f(was)i(happening.)-33 1141 y(Briefly)g(she)
j(wondered)f(about)f(Sorasta.)16 b(She)d(had)f(not)f(seen)i(him)-75 1191 y
(leave)e(the)g(quarry,)f(but)g(then,)h(the)f(only)g(time)h(she)g(actually)f
(had)g(seen)-75 1241 y(him)g(was)g(when)g(he)g(had)g(brought)e(her)i(Dyan,)g
(and)g(even)h(then)e(he)h(had)-75 1291 y(been)k(a)h(dark)f(form)f(lurking)f
(in)h(the)h(shadows.)22 b(She)14 b(did)f(not)g(dwell)-75 1341 y(on)g(his)h
(whereabouts)f(for)g(long.)20 b(He)15 b(had)e(already)h(been)g(well)g(paid)
-75 1390 y(for)h(his)g(services,)i(and)f(his)e(kind)h(could)f(very)h(easily)h
(take)f(care)i(of)-75 1440 y(themselves,)11 b(from)f(what)g(she)h(had)f(heard\
.)-33 1491 y(She)i(smuggled)g(the)g(Alat)g(easily)h(through)d(what)j(she)f
(considered)-75 1541 y(to)d(be)h(the)f(Qols')g(rather)g(primitive)f(customs)i
(system,)g(then)g(drove)f(on)-75 1590 y(to)i(her)g(ship.)i(It)e(was)h(docked)
f(with)f(numerous)h(other)g(small,)h(private)-75 1640 y(ships)e(in)f(a)i(hang\
ar)g(out)e(beyond)h(the)g(main)g(take-off)g(sites.)-33 1691 y(As)16 b(she)i
(opened)e(the)h(cargo)g(bay)g(hatch)g(so)f(she)i(could)e(get)g(her)-75 1740 y
(hovercar)11 b(in,)f(a)g(man)h(in)f(expensive)g(attire)g(strode)g(up)g(to)f
(her.)-33 1791 y(``What)g(do)h(you)g(want?'')g(she)h(asked)g(him)f(as)h(she)f
(worked.)-33 1842 y(``I)h(have)i(come)h(for)e(something,'')g(the)g(man)h(repl\
ied)e(in)h(cultured)-75 1891 y(tones.)-33 1942 y(``Yeah?'')i(There)e(was)h
(something)d(about)h(him)g(Shadow)h(did)e(not)-75 1992 y(care)h(for.)-33 2042
y(``You)f(have)h(in)f(your)h(possession)f(something)g(which)h(belongs)f(to)
-75 2092 y(my)g(people.'')-33 2143 y(Shadow)g(froze)h(for)f(an)h(instant,)f
(then)h(casually)f(put)g(her)h(hands)g(on)-75 2192 y(her)g(hips.)g(Her)g(fing\
ers)f(carefully)g(made)i(their)e(way)g(toward)h(the)f(gun)-75 2242 y(tucked)k
(under)g(her)g(jacket.)22 b(``I)14 b(don't)f(know)g(what)h(you're)g(talking)
-75 2292 y(about,'')c(she)g(said.)-33 2342 y(``You)j(do,'')i(the)f(visitor)e
(replied.)22 b(``It's)13 b(in)g(the)h(satchel)h(you're)-75 2392 y(wearing.)23
b(Kindly)13 b(hand)h(it)g(over,)h(and)g(I)f(will)f(allow)h(you)g(to)g(leave)
-75 2442 y(Neemohne.'')-33 2493 y(Shadow)c(sneered)h(and)f(drew)g(her)h(gun.)
-33 2543 y(Her)f(arm)h(froze.)-33 2594 y(The)j(man)h(smiled)e(faintly.)20 b
(``What's)14 b(wrong,)g(my)g(dear?)23 b(Have)-75 2643 y(your)10 b(joints)f
(locked?)i(Having)f(a)h(little)e(trouble)g(pulling)f(that)i(trigger,)-75 2693
y(hm?)h(Take)g(a)g(look)e(at)i(your)e(satchel.'')-33 2744 y(The)j(mercenary)h
(briefly)e(glanced)h(down)f(at)h(the)f(bag.)16 b(She)c(could)-75 2794 y(make)
f(out)f(a)h(faint)e(glow)g(from)h(under)g(the)g(front)g(flap.)1037 -15 y(``Yo\
u)h(have)h(the)g(Alat,'')f(Zyal)h(smiled,)g(``and)g(I)f(know)g(that)g(for)h
(a)996 35 y(fact)e(because)i(I'm)e(using)g(it)f(against)h(you.'')1037 85 y
(Shadow)19 b(growled)e(and)i(tried)e(to)h(will)f(her)i(finger)e(to)h(pull)f
(the)996 135 y(trigger.)31 b(She)18 b(failed.)31 b(Her)18 b(antagonist)e(narr\
owed)i(his)f(eyes)h(and)996 184 y(breathed)10 b(in)g(sharply.)h(Her)g(whole)f
(body)f(froze.)j(``Let)e(me)i(go!'')e(she)996 234 y(demanded.)1037 284 y(Zyal)
15 b(looked)f(into)f(her)i(eyes.)24 b(``Relax,'')15 b(he)g(commanded)h(in)e
(a)996 334 y(deep,)e(quiet)f(voice.)j(``Look)d(into)f(me.)15 b(Deep)d(into)f
(me.'')j(Shadow's)996 384 y(face)d(became)h(calm.)f(Bewilderment)f(showed)g
(through)e(in)i(her)g(eyes.)996 433 y(``Board)i(your)h(ship)g(and)h(prepare)g
(for)f(takeoff.)20 b(I)13 b(will)g(arrange)h(for)996 483 y(your)9 b(immediate)
i(departure.'')1037 533 y(``Buh)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)t fg(bastard)p fc(.)g(.)g(.)f
fg('')1037 583 y(``Your)17 b(will)f(is)h(mine)g(until)f(you)g(leave)i(here!'')
31 b(Zyal)18 b(hissed.)996 633 y(Inside)i(the)g(satchel,)k(the)c(Alat)g(began)
h(to)f(glow)f(more)i(brightly.)996 682 y(``Now,)13 b(you)g(may)h(move)f(your)
f(arm--the)i(one)f(without)e(gun.)18 b(Give)996 732 y(me)11 b(the)f(Alat.'')
1037 782 y(``Nnnnnoooo)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)s fg(.'')29 b(Shadow)16 b(moaned,)i(but)
e(the)g(limb)f(did)g(as)996 832 y(told.)9 b(Zyal)i(took)e(the)h(crystal.)1037
882 y(``Put)16 b(away)h(the)g(gun.'')28 b(Again,)18 b(his)e(command)i(was)f
(obeyed,)996 932 y(although)f(now)h(the)g(woman)h(was)h(scowling)d(terribly.)
31 b(Beads)18 b(of)996 981 y(sweat)8 b(dotted)f(her)g(forehead)h(as)h(she)f
(tried)f(to)g(resist.)i(Zyal)f(stared)g(hard)996 1031 y(into)i(her)i(eyes)g
(and)g(concentrated.)j(``Relax)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)e fg(,'')12 b(he)g(commanded.)
996 1081 y(The)j(Alat)g(throbbed)f(with)g(light.)23 b(``Load)15 b(your)f(ship\
,)i(get)f(in,)h(and)996 1131 y(leave)11 b(when)f(you)g(are)h(cleared!)g(Is)f
(that)g(clear?'')1037 1181 y(``Yes,'')h(Shadow)f(replied.)1037 1230 y(Zyal)k
(backed)h(off.)21 b(``My,)14 b(you're)g(a)g(spunky)f(one,'')i(he)f(smiled.)
996 1280 y(``When)19 b(you)h(leave)g(this)f(world,)j(you)d(will)f(not)h(remem\
ber)j(our)996 1330 y(encounter)10 b(or)g(what)h(business)f(you)g(had)g(here.)
i(You)f(will)e(not)g(return.)996 1380 y(Now)h(go.'')1037 1430 y(Shadow)f(even\
tually)g(did)f(remember)j(the)e(Alat--Zyal)f(did)h(not)f(tell)996 1479 y(her)
13 b(to)g(forget)g(that,)h(only)e(her)i(business)f(in)g(Qol--however,)g(by)g
(the)996 1529 y(time)e(she)i(did)e(and)g(managed)i(to)e(put)g(the)h(pieces)h
(together,)e(she)h(was)996 1579 y(much)e(to)g(far)g(away)h(to)f(do)g(anything)
f(about)g(it.)1333 1723 y fh(8.)i(Temper)g(Tantrum)1041 1783 y fg(Shaheer's)g
(palace,)g(shortly)e(after)i(the)f(incident)f(at)h(the)g(quarry;)1234 1833 y
(Zyal's)h(mansion,)f(shortly)f(after)h(that)1037 1947 y(``Tell)i(me)h(again)f
(what)g(happened,'')g(Hu-Jin)f(prompted)g(Haezar)996 1997 y(as)g(they)f(sat)g
(in)g(the)g(Advisor's)f(office.)1037 2046 y(The)j(lieutenant)e(put)g(a)h(fres\
h)g(cold)g(pack)g(to)f(the)h(lump)f(at)h(the)g(base)996 2096 y(of)d(this)f
(skull.)i(``I)f(chased)i(the)e(guy)g(with)f(the)h(Alat)g(through)f(a)i(passag\
e)996 2146 y(in)j(the)g(rocks.)17 b(When)12 b(I)g(came)i(through)d(he)i(was)g
(dead.)k(I)12 b(picked)g(up)996 2196 y(the)i(Alat.)22 b(Someone)15 b(threw)f
(his)g(head)g(at)h(me,)h(but)d(when)i(I)f(turned)996 2246 y(around)c(no)g(one)
h(was)h(there.)g(Then)f(someone)h(else)f(dressed)h(in)e(black)996 2295 y(trie\
d)f(to)h(kill)f(me,)i(but)f(Mongoe)f(got)h(to)f(him)h(first.'')1037 2345 y
(``Shouldn't've)d(stopped)i(to)g(recite)g(his)g(damn)h(poetry,'')f(Mongoe)996
2395 y(put)g(in.)h(``Fuckin')f(looney.'')1037 2445 y(``Poetry?'')h(Hu-Jin)f
(inquired.)1037 2495 y(``Yeah.)31 b(He)18 b(said)f(somethin')f(about)g(bein')
g(So-and-so)h(of)f(the)996 2545 y(Dancing)10 b(Blades.)h(`Know)e(your)h(death\
,)g(boy,')g(and)g(all)g(that.'')1037 2594 y(The)k(Advisor's)e(eyes)i(narrowed)
f(in)g(concentration.)18 b(``How)13 b(did)996 2644 y(he)d(try)g(to)f(kill)g
(you,)h(Lieutenant?'')1037 2694 y(Haezar)19 b(reached)f(into)e(his)g(fatigue)
h(pocket)g(and)g(produced)f(the)996 2744 y(strange,)10 b(bladed)f(weapon)h
(he)g(had)g(picked)f(up)g(at)h(the)f(quarry.)h(``With)996 2794 y(a)h(couple)f
(of)g(these,'')g(he)h(said,)f(handing)g(it)f(over)h(to)g(Hu-Jin.)956 2918 y fj
(37)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Did)g(he)h(car\
ry)h(a)g(firearm?'')-33 38 y(``Not)e(that)g(I)i(could)e(see.'')-33 90 y(``How)
21 b(interesting,'')j(Hu-Jin)d(remarked)i(as)g(he)f(looked)g(the)-75 140 y
(weapon)17 b(over.)30 b(``I)16 b(do)h(believe)g(the)f(two)g(of)h(you)f(encoun\
tered)h(a)-75 190 y(Nightmare.'')10 b(He)h(paused.)g(``Imagine)f(that.)h(You)
e(saw)i(and)g(killed)e(a)-75 240 y(Nightmare.)g(Extraordinary.)g(I'll)d(have)
j(to)e(go)g(look)g(at)g(the)h(remains.'')-33 293 y(``Uh)p fc(.)f(.)g(.)t fg
(,'')k(Mongoe)e(mumbled,)i(``There)g(aren't)f(any.'')-33 345 y(``None?)g(Not)
g(even)g(parts?'')-33 398 y(``No.'')-33 451 y(``No)f(blood?'')-33 503 y(``No.)
h(Sorry.'')-33 556 y(Hu-Jin)f(snorted.)h(``What)g(a)h(dull)e(kill.'')-33 609 y
(Quarq)j(came)h(into)e(the)h(room.)17 b(``We)12 b(contacted)h(the)f(authoriti\
es,)-75 658 y(then)c(called)i(the)e(aerospaceport,'')i(he)f(informed)f(the)h
(Advisor,)g(``but)-75 708 y(we)f(were)h(too)e(late.)j(A)e(woman)g(answering)g
(to)f(Shadow's)h(description)-75 758 y(was)13 b(cleared)h(for)e(priority)e
(takeoff)i(before)h(we)g(got)f(a)h(chance)h(to)e(do)-75 808 y(anything.'')-33
861 y(``Damn,'')f(Hu-Jin)f(growled,)g(raking)g(his)h(fingernails)e(across)j
(his)-75 910 y(desk.)17 b(With)11 b(each)i(passing)f(second,)i(he)e(was)h(loo\
king)d(less)j(like)f(the)-75 960 y(kindly,)d(aging)g(man)i(the)f(commandoes)i
(had)e(originally)e(met.)-33 1013 y(``The)17 b(people)g(at)g(air)g(traffic)f
(control)g(told)g(me)i(Zyal)f(gave)h(the)-75 1063 y(order)10 b(for)g(her)g
(clearance.'')-33 1115 y(With)j(a)h(roar,)i(Hu-Jin)d(leapt)h(to)f(his)h(feet,)
i(drew)e(his)f(sword,)i(and)-75 1165 y(buried)c(it)h(in)f(the)i(desk.)j(Haeza\
r)e(involuntarily)9 b(jerked)j(away)h(while)-75 1215 y(Quarq)i(remained)g(unm\
oved.)25 b(Mongoe)14 b(looked)g(on,)i(amused)g(and)-75 1265 y(impressed.)-33
1317 y(``I'll)6 b(throttle)h(him)h(with)f(his)h(entrails!'')g(the)g(Advisor)f
(declared.)k(It)-75 1367 y(was)f(far)f(from)g(an)h(idle)e(threat.)i(``I'll)e
(feed)i(him)e(his)h(privates!)g(I'll--!'')-33 1420 y(He)f(was)g(cut)f(short)g
(as)h(Dyan)g(entered)f(the)h(office.)h(Immediately)f(his)-75 1470 y(furor)f
(melted,)i(or)e(at)h(least)g(became)i(masked)e(by)g(a)g(placid)f(expression.)
-75 1520 y(``What)j(are)h(you)e(doing)g(out)g(of)h(bed,)h(master?'')g(he)f
(inquired.)f(``You)-75 1569 y(should)g(be)i(resting.'')-33 1622 y(The)h(boy)f
(approached)h(and)g(ran)g(his)f(hand)h(along)f(the)g(flat)g(of)h(Hu-)-75 1672
y(Jin's)g(sword.)j(``I)d(went)g(to)f(sleep)i(and)f(had)g(a)h(dream,'')g(he)g
(said.)j(He)-75 1722 y(seemed)f(somehow)e(upset)g(or)g(disturbed.)18 b(``The)
c(Alat)f(was)h(pulling)-75 1772 y(me.)24 b(It)14 b(was)h(crying)e(and)i(telli\
ng)d(me)j(to)f(come)h(and)g(asking)f(me)h(to)-75 1821 y(help.'')-33 1874 y
(Hu-Jin)6 b(leaned)j(forward.)g(``Do)f(you)f(still)f(feel)i(the)g(pulling)e
(now?'')-33 1927 y(``Yes,'')k(Dyan)h(replied,)g(and)f(began)h(to)f(cry.)i(``I)
e(can)h(feel)g(it)f(and)g(I)-75 1977 y(can)h(see)g(it)f(and)g(I)g(can)h(hear)
g(it)f(in)f(my)i(head!'')-33 2029 y(The)f(Advisor)f(picked)g(the)h(boy)f(up.)
h(``Then)g(the)f(woman)h(does)g(not)-75 2079 y(have)k(it,'')g(he)g(said.)20 b
(``If)13 b(you)g(feel)h(this)f(strongly,)f(it's)h(somewhere)-75 2129 y(nearby\
.)29 b(He)17 b(affectionately)e(tousled)h(the)g(child's)f(hair.)29 b(``Reach)
-75 2179 y(out,'')9 b(he)i(told)e(the)h(Shaheer.)i(``Who)d(has)i(it?)f(Where)
h(is)f(it?'')-33 2231 y(Dyan)17 b(sniffled,)h(closed)f(his)f(eyes,)k(and)d
(remained)h(quiet)e(for)h(a)-75 2281 y(time.)d(``Someone's)e(trying)e(to)h
(make)i(it)e(do)g(things)f(it)h(doesn't)g(want)-75 2331 y(to,'')i(he)g(said)g
(at)h(length.)j(``There's)d(a)f(lot)f(of)h(power.)19 b(There's)p fc(.)7 b(.)g
(.)f fg(a)-75 2381 y(mansion)p fc(.)h(.)g(.)e fg(.'')-33 2433 y(``Zyal?'')10 b
(Quarq)g(inquired.)-33 2486 y(Hu-Jin)15 b(nodded.)29 b(``He)17 b(must)g(have)
g(taken)f(the)h(Alat)f(from)h(the)-75 2536 y(mercenary.'')31 b(He)17 b(set)g
(Dyan)f(down.)29 b(``Go)17 b(back)g(to)f(your)g(room)-75 2586 y(now,'')10 b
(he)g(told)f(the)i(boy.)f(``We'll)f(get)h(the)g(Alat.'')-33 2638 y(``But--'')
-33 2691 y(``Go.'')-33 2744 y(The)f(Shaheer)h(turned)e(to)h(leave,)h(then)f
(paused)g(briefly)f(to)h(consider)-75 2794 y(the)k(massive)i(sword)e(stuck)g
(in)g(the)g(Advisor's)f(desk.)21 b(``You)13 b(really)996 -15 y(shouldn't)8 b
(do)i(that)f(to)h(your)f(sword,'')h(he)h(offered)f(thoughtfull)o(y.)e(``It)
996 35 y(dulls)f(the)i(blade.'')h(He)f(managed)g(a)h(slight)d(smile)h(and)h
(left)f(the)h(office.)1037 85 y(Hu-Jin)16 b(sighed)g(as)i(he)f(removed)g(the)
g(weapon)g(from)f(his)h(desk.)996 135 y(``We)11 b(have)g(no)f(proof)g(that)g
(Zyal)h(hired)f(the)h(woman,'')g(he)g(informed)996 184 y(the)i(others)g(as)h
(he)g(sheathed)g(it,)g(``but)e(he)i(did)e(send)i(the)f(sniper)g(and)996 234 y
(the)e(other)g(man.)k(Still,)c(I)h(want)f(to)g(go)g(to)g(him)h(as)g(civilly)e
(as)i(possible)996 284 y(and)g(request)g(that)f(he)h(return)f(the)h(Alat.)j
(I)d(want)f(the)h(three)g(of)f(you)h(to)996 334 y(come)h(with)e(me,)i(and)f
(I)g(want)g(you)f(to)g(bring)g(your)g(troops.)k(If)d(things)996 384 y(are)d
(anything)e(less)i(than)f(civil,'')g(he)h(added,)g(smiling)e(evilly,)h(``I)g
(want)996 433 y(to)k(be)g(able)h(wash)g(my)f(hands)h(in)f(the)g(Morin-shans')
f(blood)g(without)996 483 y(causing)f(a)h(war.'')1037 567 y(The)j(Alat)e(was)
h(fascinating,)g(invigorating--)o(Zyal)d(could)i(not)g(put)996 617 y(it)g(dow\
n.)17 b(He)c(sat)g(in)f(his)g(office,)i(so)f(absorbed)f(with)g(his)g(newfound)
996 667 y(power)e(he)i(did)e(not)g(respond)g(to)g(the)h(person)g(pounding)e
(on)h(for)g(some)996 717 y(time.)17 b(Finally,)12 b(he)g(tore)g(his)g(attenti\
on)f(away)i(from)f(the)h(Alat,)f(hid)g(it)996 767 y(in)e(his)h(desk,)h(and)f
(answered)h(the)f(door.)h(His)f(security)g(chief)g(greeted)996 816 y(him,)f
(looking)e(somewhat)j(ill)e(at)h(ease.)1037 866 y(``Sir,'')i(he)g(said,)h(``A\
dvisor)e(Hu-Jin)g(has)h(been)h(spotted)e(heading)996 916 y(this)e(way.)i(He's)
g(leading)e(a)i(small)g(squadron)e(of)h(foreign)f(troops.'')1037 966 y(Zyal)i
(considered.)f(``Fine.)h(Let)f(them)h(in.'')1037 1016 y(``Sir?'')1037 1066 y
(``Do)f(as)h(I)f(say.)h(I'll)e(grant)h(them)g(audience.'')1037 1115 y(``Yes,)
h(sir,'')f(the)g(security)g(chief)g(replied,)g(and)h(exited)f(the)g(office.)
1037 1165 y(Zyal)j(went)g(to)f(his)g(desk)i(and)e(removed)i(the)e(Alat.)18 b
fe(And)13 b(then)f(I'll)996 1215 y(destroy)e(them.)1037 1299 y fg(``And)e(wha\
t)h(can)g(I)g(do)f(for)h(you,)f(Advisor?'')h(Zyal)g(smiled)g(as)g(both)996
1349 y(his)h(and)g(the)g(S.C.U.M.)i(troops)d(stood)g(in)h(his)g(meeting)g(hal\
l.)1037 1399 y(``It)g(has)g(come)i(to)d(my)i(attention,'')d(Hu-Jin)i(replied)
f(stiffly,)g(``that)996 1449 y(you)g(have)i(the)f(Alat.'')1037 1498 y(Zyal)h
(simply)e(looked)h(at)g(him,)g(his)g(hands)g(behind)g(his)f(back.)1037 1548 y
(``I)i(thank)f(you)h(for)g(recovering)f(it.)j(All)d(of)h(Qol)f(will)g(thank)h
(you.'')996 1598 y(The)g(Advisor)f(was)h(outwardly)e(calm,)j(yet)f(it)e(was)j
(obvious)d(from)i(his)996 1648 y(stance)g(that)f(he)g(was)h(fighting)d(to)i
(control)e(his)i(temper.)1037 1698 y(``Why)18 b(have)g(you)f(brought)g(all)g
(these)i(soldiers)e(here?'')34 b(Zyal)996 1748 y(asked.)11 b(He)f(briefly)f
(glanced)h(at)h(his)e(own)h(troops,)f(lined)g(up)h(on)f(either)996 1797 y(sid\
e)h(of)g(the)g(hall.)1037 1847 y(``Simply)16 b(to)g(ensure)i(the)f(Alat's)f
(safe)i(return)f(to)f(the)h(palace,'')996 1897 y(Hu-Jin)9 b(replied.)1037 1947
y(``Why)h(are)h(they)f(foreign)f(troops?'')1037 1997 y(``They)i(were)h(sent)f
(here)h(to)e(assist)h(me)h(in)e(certain)i(matters.)h(Right)996 2046 y(now)h
(my)g(own)g(forces)h(are)g(fully)e(occupied)h(with)f(making)h(sure)g(no)996
2096 y(further)9 b(harm)i(will)e(come)i(to)f(our)f(Shaheer.'')1037 2146 y(``I)
h(see.'')1037 2196 y(Hu-Jin)g(held)f(out)h(his)g(hand.)g(``Now,)g(if)g(you)g
(please,)h(the)f(Alat.'')1037 2246 y(Zyal)h(brought)d(out)i(the)g(crystal)g
(from)g(behind)f(his)h(back.)h(It)f(pulsed)996 2295 y(with)e(energy.)j(He)f
(could)e(feel)i(the)g(power)f(oozing)g(through)e(his)i(veins)996 2345 y(as)16
b(he)f(stared)h(deep)f(into)f(the)h(brilliant)e(color)i(emanating)g(from)g
(its)996 2395 y(center.)c(He)g(concentrated.)1037 2445 y(``No,'')f(he)h(repli\
ed,)f(``I)f fe(don't)h fg(please.'')1037 2495 y(The)h(hall)e(became)j(hushed)
e(as)h(confused)f(murmurings)f(broke)h(out)996 2545 y(amongst)g(Zyal's)g(secu\
rity)g(troops.)1037 2594 y(``So,'')25 b(Hu-Jin)c(said)h(in)f(a)i(low)e(voice,)
k(``you)c(did)h(hire)f(the)996 2644 y(woman.'')1037 2694 y(``I)15 b(did)g(not\
,'')h(Zyal)g(replied.)25 b(``Her)16 b(coincidental)e(appearance)996 2744 y
(here)e(only)f(provided)g(the)h(necessary)h(vehicle)f(for)g(my)g(ascension)h
(to)996 2794 y(Shaheership.'')956 2918 y fj(38)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``Dyan)g(is)i
(the)f(Shaheer.'')-33 36 y(``Dyan)f(is)h(a)g(child!'')f(Zyal)h(snapped,)g(sti\
ll)f(absorbed)g(in)h(the)f(Alat.)-75 86 y(``I)h(am)h(a)g(man.)g(I)f(am)h(fit)
f(to)f(rule.'')-33 137 y(``If)k(enough)h(of)g(your)f(people)h(side)h(with)e
(you,)i(you)f(will)f(restart)-75 187 y(the)d(ancient)g(blood)f(feud.'')-33 238
y(``No)k(matter.)21 b(With)13 b(the)g(Alat,)i(I)f(am)g(more)g(powerful)f(than)
g(any)-75 287 y(army.)38 b(Now,)22 b(old)d(man,)j(arrange)e(for)f(Dyan)h(to)e
(relinquish)g(his)-75 337 y(position.'')-33 388 y(``No,'')f(Hu-Jin)f(replied)
f(firmly.)28 b(``Give)16 b(me)i(the)e(Ala--'')g(His)-75 438 y(words)e(were)i
(cut)f(off)f(as)i(a)f(burst)f(of)h(light)e(shot)h(from)h(the)f(crystal,)-75
488 y(caught)e(him)f(in)h(the)g(chest,)h(and)f(bowled)f(him)h(across)h(the)f
(hall.)j(The)-75 538 y(S.C.U.M.)g(troops)e(raised)g(their)g(weapons.)22 b(Zya\
l's)13 b(troops)g(readied)-75 587 y(theirs.)-33 638 y(``That)g(was)i(a)f(warn\
ing,'')g(Zyal)g(announced)g(as)h(Hu-Jin)e(picked)-75 688 y(himself)i(up)g(wit\
h)f(a)i(groan.)25 b(The)16 b(Advisor's)e(face)i(darkened.)26 b(He)-75 738 y
(pulled)9 b(his)h(sword)g(from)g(its)f(scabbard.)-33 789 y(``Come)h(face)h
(me)g(like)f(a)h(man!'')f(he)h(shouted.)-33 840 y(Zyal)f(laughed)g(at)g(him.)
-33 891 y(With)k(an)j(enraged)f(cry,)i(Hu-Jin)d(sent)h(the)f(large)h(blade)g
(soaring)-75 940 y(through)9 b(the)h(air)h(at)g(Zyal.)h(A)f(bubble)f(of)g(lig\
ht)f(appeared)i(around)g(the)-75 990 y(younger)d(man,)i(and)e(the)h(sword)f
(bounced)g(off,)h(skimming)f(across)i(the)-75 1040 y(marble)h(floor)e(until)f
(it)i(came)i(to)d(rest)i(some)g(distance)f(away.)-33 1091 y(``Do)j(as)i(I've)
g(told)e(you!'')21 b(Zyal)15 b(shouted.)22 b(``This)14 b(is)g(your)g(last)-75
1141 y(warning!)9 b(Now)h(go!'')-33 1192 y(``Give)f(me)i(the)f(Alat!'')g(Hu-J\
in)f(seethed.)-33 1243 y(Zyal)h(eyed)h(his)f(troops.)f(``Remove)h(these)h(peo\
ple!'')f(he)g(ordered.)-33 1294 y(``G'wan)g(and)g(try!'')f(Mongoe)h(replied.)
g(He)h(fired)f(his)g(``baby'')f(at)-75 1343 y(the)h(grouping)e(of)i(guards)g
(to)f(the)h(left.)g(They)h(vanished,)f(and)g(so)h(did)e(a)-75 1393 y(large)h
(portion)e(of)i(the)g(wall)g(behind)f(them,)i(a)g(good)e(deal)h(of)g(furnitur\
e)-75 1443 y(in)g(the)g(next)g(room,)g(the)g(wall)g(after)g(that,)g(and)h(the)
f(wall)g(after)g(that)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)-33 1494 y fg(Zyal)g(smiled)h(wickedly)e
(as)j(he)f(watched)f(the)h(two)f(factions)g(collide.)-75 1544 y(He)k(wanted)f
(this.)g(He)h(wanted)g(another)f(excuse)h(to)f(use)h(the)f(Alat.)h(He)-75 1594
y(wanted)g(to)f(blast)h(them)g(all)f(into)g(eternity)g(with)g(a)h(thought,)f
(to)g(watch)-75 1643 y(them)h(die)f(at)h(his)f(fancy.)j(He)e(concentrated)g
(harder)g(as)g(the)f(crystal)h(in)-75 1693 y(his)g(hands)g(throbbed.)g(The)h
(pleasant,)g(chime-like)e(noises)h(it)f(usually)-75 1743 y(emitted)g(turned)g
(to)h(squeals)g(and)f(shrieks.)i(He)g(channeled)f(his)f(anger)-75 1793 y(into)
j(the)h(Alat,)i(sending)e(rays)g(of)g(pure)h(hatred)f(out)g(at)g(the)g(battli\
ng)-75 1843 y(troops.)g(One)e(of)f(the)h(S.C.U.M.)h(soldiers)e(quite)g(litera\
lly)f(exploded,)-75 1892 y(causing)g(him)g(to)g(roar)g(with)g(laughter.)g(Ano\
ther)f(caught)h(on)g(fire.)h(His)-75 1942 y(aim)h(was)g(off)f(the)h(third)e
(time;)i(he)g(managed)g(to)g(disintegrate)e(one)i(of)-75 1992 y(his)e(own)g
(men.)i fe(No)e(matter)p fg(,)g(he)h(thought.)e fe(I)i(don't)e(need)i(him--or)
e(any)-75 2042 y(of)h(them.)g(I)g(am)g(more)h(powerful)e(than)g(them)h(all.)
-33 2093 y fg(Across)j(the)g(hall,)h(Quarq)f(found)g(himself)g(pinned)f(faced\
own)i(on)-75 2143 y(the)9 b(floor)e(by)i(a)g(man)g(easily)g(twice)g(his)f(siz\
e.)j(He)e(fought,)f(kicked,)h(and)-75 2192 y(struggled,)g(but)g(his)g(attacke\
r)h(managed)h(to)e(plant)g(a)h(knee)g(in)f(the)h(back)-75 2242 y(of)h(his)g
(neck,)i(pinning)c(him)i(to)g(the)h(floor.)h(The)f(soldier)e(then)h(drew)h
(a)-75 2292 y(rifle)d(across)i(his)e(neck)h(and)g(pulled)f(back,)h(throttling)
d(him)i(as)i(worked)-75 2342 y(on)h(breaking)h(the)f(lieutenant)g(commander's)
i(neck.)k(Quarq)13 b(got)f(his)-75 2392 y(hands)e(on)g(the)h(rifle)e(and)i
(pushed)f(forward)g(as)h(hard)f(as)h(he)g(could)f(in)g(a)-75 2442 y(desperate)
i(attempt)f(to)g(stay)g(alive.)j(He)e(looked)f(up)g(and)g(saw)h(Hu-Jin)-75
2491 y(not)d(far)i(away,)g(retrieving)e(his)h(sword.)-33 2542 y(``Advisor!'')
e(he)i(croaked.)-33 2593 y(Hu-Jin)16 b(drew)i(near.)33 b(``I'm)17 b(sorry,'')
i(he)e(said,)j(looking)15 b(rather)-75 2643 y(awkward)d(through)d(his)i(anger\
,)i(``I)d(cannot)i(kill)d(him!)14 b(He)d(is)h(Morin-)-75 2693 y(shan!'')-33
2744 y(``I)g(think)f(Zyal's)i(already)h(broken)e(the)h(treaty,'')g(Quarq)g
(gasped.)-75 2794 y(``Help)d(me,)h(damn)g(you!'')1037 -15 y(Hu-Jin)f(disappea\
red.)1037 36 y(Quarq's)k(attacker)g(laughed.)19 b(``Relax)13 b(and)h(I'll)e
(snap)i(your)f(neck)996 86 y(quickly,'')c(he)h(sneered.)i(Quarq)e(merely)h
(growled)e(and)h(fought)f(on.)1037 137 y(He)i(did)e(not)g(have)i(to)e(struggl\
e)g(much)h(longer,)g(as)g(Hu-Jin's)g(sword)996 187 y(planted)f(itself)h(firml\
y)f(between)i(the)f(guard's)g(shoulder)f(blades.)1037 238 y(``Oh,)18 b(my!'')
28 b(Hu-Jin)15 b(said,)j(terribly)d(overacting,)i(``I)f(seem)i(to)996 288 y
(have)d(tripped)e(over)i(this)e(poor)h(man,)j(fumbling)c(my)h(weapon)h(with)
996 337 y(terrible,)9 b(unfortunate)g(results.)h(What)h(a)f(dreadful)g(accide\
nt.'')1037 388 y(Quarq)h(hauled)f(himself)g(out)g(from)h(under)f(the)g(dead)h
(man's)h(body.)996 438 y(``Thanks.'')1037 489 y(Zyal,)23 b(meanwhile,)f(found)
c(that)h(his)g(attacks)h(were)g(becoming)996 539 y(increasingly)8 b(difficult\
.)g(Every)h(time)g(he)h(used)f(the)g(Alat)g(offensively,)996 589 y(there)15 b
(seemed)i(to)e(be)h(a)g(wall)f(blocking)f(the)h(channel)h(through)d(the)996
639 y(crystal,)h(a)g(wall)f(which,)i(if)e(he)h(did)e(not)h(concentrate)h(hard)
f(enough,)996 688 y(would)e(bounce)h(his)g(anger)g(back)h(at)f(him)g(and)h
(made)g(his)f(head)g(spin.)996 738 y(It)g(was)i(tiring)d(him,)j(but)e(it)g
(also)h(made)h(him)f(more)g(determined)g(and)996 788 y(more)h(furious.)22 b
(He)15 b(tried)e(again)i(and)f(again,)i(though)c(each)k(time)e(it)996 838 y
(became)d(harder)f(to)f(use)h(the)f(Alat.)h(His)f(attacks)h(became)i(weaker)e
(and)996 888 y(more)g(sporadic.)1037 939 y(Sensing)j(Zyal's)g(difficulties,)e
(Hu-Jin)h(broke)g(free)i(of)e(the)h(melee)996 988 y(and)h(charged)h(him.)23 b
(Zyal)15 b(saw)g(him)f(coming.)23 b(A)14 b(burst)g(of)g(energy)996 1038 y(tri\
pped)h(the)g(Advisor)g(up,)j(and)e(then)g(a)g(tendril)f(of)h(light)e(wrapped)
996 1088 y(around)e(his)g(legs)h(and)g(arms)g(and)g(dragged)g(him)f(in.)17 b
(Grinning)11 b(with)996 1138 y(insane)f(pleasure,)h(Zyal)g(bent)f(over)g(him.)
1037 1189 y(``You,)15 b(old)e(man,'')i(he)g(growled,)f(``you)f(I'll)g(kill)f
(slowly.'')21 b(He)996 1239 y(put)14 b(his)h(hand)f(to)h(the)g(Advisor's)f
(chest)h(and)g(bore)g(down)g(with)f(his)996 1289 y(mind.)g(His)d(fingertips)f
(began)i(to)f(glow.)j(Still)c(held)h(by)g(the)h(cords)f(of)996 1338 y(light,)
e(Hu-Jin)g(could)h(do)g(no)f(more)i(than)f(stiffen)f(and)i(groan)f(in)f(pain.)
1037 1389 y(``Hey!'')h(Mongoe)e(shouted,)i(bringing)d(his)i(particle)f(accele\
ration)996 1439 y(beam)j(to)f(bear)h(on)e(Zyal,)i(``Let)g(him)f(go!'')1037
1490 y(``Are)16 b(you)g(crazy?!'')29 b(Haezar)17 b(cried)g(as)f(he)h(threw)f
(off)f(one)h(of)996 1540 y(Zyal's)d(men,)j(``If)c(you)h(fire)g(you'll)f(take)
i(out)e(the)i(Advisor)e(and)h(the)996 1590 y(Alat!'')1037 1641 y(With)c(a)h
(sneer,)h(Mongoe)e(fired)g(to)g(the)g(right)f(of)i(Zyal)f(and)h(Hu-)f(Jin.)
996 1691 y(The)k(wide)g(beam)h(melted)f(the)f(wall)h(behind)f(them,)i(then)e
(continued)996 1740 y(on)h(its)g(way)i(through)d(the)i(mansion.)21 b(``Next)
13 b(time)h(I'll)f(narrow)g(the)996 1790 y(beam,)e(and)g(the)f(same'll)g(happ\
en)h(to)e(you!'')1037 1841 y(``You)16 b(can't)g(narrow)g(the)g(beam!'')28 b
(Haezar)18 b(snapped,)g(cutting)996 1891 y(down)9 b(several)i(oncoming)f(guar\
ds)g(with)f(a)i(burst)e(of)h(gunfire.)1037 1942 y(``He)h(doesn't)e(know)h(tha\
t,'')g(Mongoe)f(replied.)1037 1993 y(Zyal,)15 b(however,)f(did)e(not)g(seem)i
(to)f(care.)20 b(He)14 b(removed)f(his)f(free)996 2043 y(hand)f(from)g(Hu-Jin)
f(and)i(lashed)f(it)g(out)f(in)h(the)g(lieutenants')f(general)996 2093 y(dire\
ction.)24 b(Haezar)17 b(knocked)e(Mongoe)f(to)h(the)g(floor)f(as)i(a)f(deadly)
996 2142 y(burst)g(of)h(energy)g(scorched)g(the)g(air)g(above)g(them.)28 b
(Satisfied)16 b(that)996 2192 y(this)10 b(would)h(do,)g(Zyal)h(returned)f(his)
g(attention)f(to)h(torturing)e(Hu-Jin.)996 2242 y(Mongoe,)k(Haezar,)h(and)f
(Quarq)f(gathered)h(together)e(several)i(troops)996 2292 y(and)7 b(rushed)g
(the)g(man.)j(Again)d(the)g(defensive)h(bubble)e(rose)i(up)f(around)996 2342 y
(him.)12 b(Nothing)e(got)g(through,)g(not)g(even)h(lasers.)j(Zyal)d(ignored)f
(them)996 2392 y(all)g(as)h(he)f(worked)g(on)g(killing)e(the)i(Advisor.)1037
2443 y(``This)22 b(is)f(crazy,'')26 b(Quarq)c(growled.)44 b(``There's)23 b
(got)e(to)g(be)996 2492 y(something)10 b(we)i(can--'')g(He)g(broke)f(off)g
(as)h(his)f(attention)f(fell)h(on)g(the)996 2542 y(Alat.)f(The)i(crystal)e
(was)h(glowing)d(more)j(brightly)d(than)i(any)h(of)f(them)996 2592 y(had)f
(ever)h(seen,)h(no)d(longer)h(throbbing,)e(but)i(with)f(a)i(steady,)g(blindin\
g)996 2642 y(light.)1037 2693 y(Even)h(Zyal)f(seemed)i(startled.)e(``What)g
(the--?'')g(he)h(began.)1037 2744 y(``)p fe(STOP!)p fg('')k(someone)h(called)
f(in)g(a)h(shrill)e(voice,)j(and)e(everyone)996 2794 y(did)9 b(exactly)h(that\
.)g(Literally.)956 2918 y fj(39)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Both)g(commandoe\
s)i(and)f(security)g(guards)g(froze)h(in)e(their)h(tracks,)-75 35 y(and)17 b
(stayed)h(that)f(way,)j(unable)d(to)g(move)g(or)h(speak.)32 b(Confusion)-75 85
y(played)10 b(over)g(their)g(features.)-33 135 y(There)i(came)h(the)e(padding)
f(of)h(small)h(feet)g(on)e(marble,)j(and)e(Dyan)-75 185 y(appeared)j(in)f(the)
g(hall,)h(looking)d(very)j(fearsome)g(for)f(someone)h(not)-75 235 y(quite)9 b
(a)i(decade)h(old.)-33 286 y(``You)i(leave)i(Hu-Jin)e(alone!'')25 b(the)15 b
(boy)g(shrieked.)25 b(Inside)15 b(his)-75 336 y(glowing)c(bubble,)j(Zyal,)g
(the)f(only)f(one)h(apparently)f(uneffected)i(by)-75 386 y(Dyan's)h(command,)
j(took)c(his)h(hand)f(off)h(the)g(Advisor.)24 b(The)16 b(light)-75 435 y(bond\
s)9 b(vanished)g(as)h(well.)g(Hu-Jin)f(went)g(limp)g(and)g(crumpled)h(to)f
(the)-75 485 y(floor.)-33 536 y(``You're)h(MEAN!'')h(Dyan)g(declared.)j(``You\
're)d(mean)h(and)f(you)-75 586 y(take)g(things)d(that)i(don't)f(belong)g(to)h
(you!'')-33 636 y(Zyal)j(stood)g(up)g(to)g(his)g(full)g(height.)19 b(He)c(smi\
led,)f(then)f(laughed.)-75 686 y(``Oh,)d(my,'')h(he)f(chuckled.)-33 737 y(``D\
yan,'')19 b(Hu-Jin)f(groaned,)i(his)d(chest)i(heaving,)h(``get)e(away)-75 787
y(from)10 b(here.'')-33 838 y(``I)i(HATE)i(YOU!'')f(the)g(Shaheer)h(shrieked)
g(at)f(Zyal.)20 b(The)14 b(Alat)-75 887 y(began)9 b(to)g(glow)g(red)g(deep)h
(within)d(the)i(blinding)e(light.)h(``GIVE)i(THE)-75 937 y(ALAT)h(BACK!'')-33
988 y(Zyal)g(glanced)g(down)g(at)g(Hu-Jin.)i(``I)e(detest)g(insolent)f(childr\
en,'')-75 1038 y(he)17 b(said.)30 b(``Haven't)16 b(you)g(taught)g(the)g(boy)h
(any)f(manners?'')31 b(He)-75 1088 y(paused,)11 b(chuckled.)g(``I)e(suppose)i
(I'll)e(have)h(to)g(punish)f(him.'')-33 1138 y(``No!'')g(the)h(Advisor)f(prot\
ested.)-33 1189 y(``Shut)15 b(up,'')k(Zyal)e(sneered,)j(and)d(lay)f(his)h(han\
d)g(on)f(the)h(older)-75 1239 y(man's)11 b(chest)g(again.)f(Hu-Jin)g(cried)g
(out)f(in)h(agony.)-33 1290 y(``I)e(SAID)i(LEAVE)g(HU-JIN)f(ALONE!'')g(Dyan)h
(bellowed)e(at)i(the)-75 1340 y(top)k(of)h(his)g(lungs.)25 b(The)16 b(Alat's)
f(light)e(throbbed)h(once.)26 b(Zyal)16 b(was)-75 1389 y(blown)c(back)i(again\
st)f(the)g(wall,)h(the)f(crystal)g(still)e(in)i(his)g(hand.)19 b(He)-75 1439 y
(picked)10 b(himself)g(up.)-33 1490 y(``DIE!'')j(he)h(shouted,)g(and)g(focuse\
d)g(every)h(ounce)f(of)f(hate)h(and)-75 1540 y(jealousy)c(in)f(him)h(on)g(the)
g(Alat.)-33 1590 y(With)e(Dyan)h(present,)g(the)g(wall)g(he)g(had)h(encounter\
ed)f(before)g(now)-75 1640 y(became)14 b(impenetrable.)j(Some)c(of)f(the)g
(energy)h(was)g(absorbed,)g(but)-75 1690 y(not)d(channeled)i(through.)f(The)h
(rest)f(bounced)g(back)h(in)f(his)f(face.)15 b(He)-75 1740 y(screamed)i(as)e
(his)g(own)f(mental)h(violence)g(burned)f(his)g(face,)k(chest)-75 1790 y(and)
10 b(arms.)i(He)f(fell)e(to)h(his)g(knees)h(and)f(dropped)f(the)h(Alat.)-33
1841 y(The)g(crystal)g(rose)h(into)e(the)h(air.)h(The)f(frozen)h(soldiers)e
(watched)i(in)-75 1890 y(amazement)j(as)e(it)f(floated)g(into)f(the)i(Shaheer\
's)g(waiting)e(arms.)16 b(The)-75 1940 y(chime)h(noises)f(were)h(no)f(longer)
g(shrieking,)h(but)e(were)j(becoming)-75 1990 y(louder)11 b(now)h(as)h(the)f
(light)e(within)h(the)h(brightness)f(turned)g(from)h(red)-75 2040 y(to)e(rays)
g(of)g(yellow)g(and)g(blue.)-33 2091 y(``You'll)e(never)i(be)g(mean)h(to)f
(me)h(or)e(Hu-Jin)h(or)f(the)h(Alat)g(again!'')-75 2140 y(Dyan)15 b(declared.)
25 b(The)16 b(blue)f(and)g(yellow)f(lights)f(enveloped)i(Zyal.)-75 2190 y(He)
h(cried)f(out)f(once.)25 b(When)16 b(the)f(light)e(receded,)18 b(he)d(was)h
(pressed)-75 2240 y(to)d(the)h(wall,)h(curled)f(up)f(and)h(whimpering.)21 b
(The)14 b(soldiers)f(present)-75 2290 y(suddenly)8 b(found)g(they)g(could)g
(move,)i(but)e(they)g(did)g(not)g(resume)i(their)-75 2340 y(fight.)f(The)i
(hall)f(was)h(quiet.)-33 2390 y(Haezar)g(helped)f(Hu-Jin)g(up.)g(``Are)g(you)
g(alright?'')-33 2441 y(The)j(Advisor)e(nodded.)16 b(``I)c(think)f(so.'')17 b
(He)c(went)f(over)g(to)g(Zyal,)-75 2491 y(who)e(shied)g(away)h(as)g(he)f(came\
.)-33 2542 y(``Get)e(away)i(from)f(me!'')h(he)f(cried)g(as)h(he)f(cowered,)i
(``Please)e(stay)-75 2591 y(away!'')-33 2642 y(``It's)g(okay)h(now,)g(Hu-Jin,\
'')f(Dyan)h(said.)h(``I)e(took)g(care)j(of)e(him.'')-33 2693 y(``What)f(did)h
(you)g(do?'')f(the)i(older)e(man)i(asked.)-33 2744 y(``He's)h(scared)h(now,'')
g(the)f(boy)f(explained.)16 b(``Of)c(you,)g(me,)i(and)-75 2794 y(the)c(Alat.'\
')1037 -15 y(``You)g(did)f(that?'')1037 36 y(``Mm-hm.'')1037 87 y(``Good.)30 b
(Very)17 b(good.)30 b(And)16 b(since)i(you)e(didn't)f(kill)h(him,)i(the)996
137 y(Yun/Morin-shan)7 b(treaty)h(is)h(unbroken.)g(Excellent.'')h(He)f(went)g
(over)996 187 y(to)17 b(the)g(Shaheer)h(and)f(put)g(his)g(arm)h(around)f(the)
g(boy's)g(shoulder.)996 237 y(``But)9 b(you)g(still)g(shouldn't)f(have)j(come)
g(here,)h(especially)e(alone.'')1037 288 y(``But)k(I)i(told)e(you,'')i(Dyan)f
(protested,)h(``the)f(Alat)g(was)h(calling)996 338 y(me.)11 b(I)f(had)h(to)e
(come.'')1037 389 y(``Alright,)g(alright,'')f(Hu-Jin)i(murmured.)1037 440 y
(``Are)h(you)e(angry?'')1037 491 y(``No.)23 b(Come)14 b(on,)i(let's)d(go)h
(home.'')23 b(The)15 b(Advisor)e(lead)i(Dyan)996 541 y(out.)10 b(Quarq)g(call\
ed)g(his)g(troops)f(together)h(and)g(followed.)1037 592 y(Mongoe)i(paused)h
(on)f(his)g(way)h(out)e(to)h(consider)g(his)g(handiwork,)996 642 y(and)f(to)f
(attempt)h(to)f(soak)h(in)f(what)h(had)g(just)f(happened.)j(He)e(found)f(it)
996 692 y(difficult.)1037 743 y(``In-fucking-credible,'')f(he)i(muttered,)g
(and,)g(shaking)f(his)g(head,)996 793 y(followed)f(the)h(others)g(out)f(of)h
(the)g(hall.)1360 951 y fh(9.)g(The)h(Beginning)1019 1016 y fg(Third)e(High)h
(Commander)g(Noril's)f(office,)i(several)g(weeks)g(later.)1037 1143 y(``I)17 b
(must)f(compliment)h(you)f(all)g(on)h(the)f(success)j(of)d(your)g(first)996
1193 y(mission,'')c(Third)f(High)h(Commander)g(Noril)f(told)g(Quarq,)i(Haezar\
,)996 1243 y(and)g(Mongoe.)19 b(``The)13 b(War)h(Council)d(is)i(impressed,)i
(and)e(the)g(High)996 1292 y(Council)j(has)i(decided)f(to)g(give)g(me)i(the)e
(funding)f(to)h(expand)g(the)996 1342 y(S.C.U.M.)9 b(project)f(further.)h(How\
ever,''--he)f(shot)g(an)g(angry)g(look)f(at)996 1392 y(Mongoe-)k(-''there)g
(is)h(one)g(more)g(matter)g(to)f(be)h(dealt)g(with.'')h(Noril)996 1442 y(paus\
ed,)j(looking)d(rather)i(grave.)24 b(``I)15 b(received)g(a)g(very)g(long,)g
(very)996 1492 y(angry)8 b(complaint)g(by)g(several)h(wealthy)f(families,)h
(including)e(Zyal's,)996 1541 y(among)h(the)h(Qol.)g(According)f(to)f(the)i
(complaint,)f(on)g(the)g(day)h(of)f(your)996 1591 y(hostile)k(encounter)h(wit\
h)f(Zyal,)i(a)g(large)f(section)g(of)g(the)g(outer)g(wall)996 1641 y(surround\
ing)6 b(his)j(mansion)g(melted.)h fe(Melted.)g fg(Melted)e(and)h(vanished)996
1691 y(with)g(almost)h(no)g(residue.)h(A)f(pale)h(blue-violet)d(light)h(emerg\
ed)i(from)996 1741 y(the)16 b(wall,)h(went)f(through)e(the)i(neighbor's)f(wal\
l)h(and)g(every)g(room)996 1791 y(in)e(their)g(house,)i(continued)d(out)h(thr\
ough)f(the)h(opposite)f(wall,)j(and)996 1840 y(halfway)d(through)g(the)g(next)
h(neighbor's)e(home)i(before)g(dispersing)996 1890 y(completely.)25 b(The)16 b
(same)g(light)e(with)g(the)h(same)h(effects)g(came)h(out)996 1940 y(of)c(the)
h(back)h(of)f(the)f(mansion)h(and)g(went)g(through)e(a)j(couple)f(more)996
1990 y(homes.)k(Half)13 b(of)f(Zyal's)h(family)f(mansion,)i(where)f(the)f(lig\
ht)f(came)996 2040 y(from,)f(has)h(been)g(gutted.'')f(Again)g(Noril)f(paused,)
j(staring)d(intensely)996 2089 y(at)j(Mongoe.)k(``I'd)c(say)g(that)g(sounds)g
(like)g(the)g(effects)h(of)f(a)h(particle)996 2139 y(acceleration)e(beam,)g
(wouldn't)e(you,)h(Lieutenant?'')1037 2190 y(``Yes,)h(sir,'')f(Mongoe)g(repli\
ed.)1037 2242 y(``Now,)17 b(I)f(wonder)g(how)f(one)h(of)g(those)f(got)g(into)
g(the)h(hands)f(of)996 2291 y(a)g(S.C.U.M.)g(commando?)23 b(By)14 b(my)h(reco\
rds,)h(the)e(only)f(hand-held)996 2341 y(particle)i(acceleration)h(weapons)g
(were)g(issued)g(to)f(Special)g(Forces)996 2391 y(for)i(a)h(brief)f(period)g
(of)g(time,)j(during)c(which)i(the)f(soldiers)g(using)996 2441 y(them)f(exper\
ienced)h(power)f(failures)g(and)g(self-destruction)e(of)i(the)996 2491 y(weap\
ons.)11 b(I)f(believe)g(you're)g(familiar)g(with)f(this,)h(Lieutenant.'')1037
2542 y(``Yes,)h(sir.'')1037 2593 y(``You)g(should)f(be--your)g(platoon)g(was)
h(issued)g(them.)j(And)d(coin-)996 2643 y(cidentally)f(enough,)h(according)g
(to)f(records,)i(you)f(were)h(disciplined)996 2693 y(over)g(the)g(disappearan\
ce)h(of)f(some)g(of)g(the)g(weapons)g(which)g(turned)996 2742 y(up)e(unaccoun\
ted)g(for.'')1037 2794 y(``Some)h(were)g(lost)e(in)h(battle,)g(sir.'')956 2918
y fj(40)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(``I'm)g(sure)i
(they)f(were.)h(You)f(have)h(one,)g(don't)e(you?'')-33 36 y(No)h(reply.)-33 86
y(``Someone)16 b(who)g(worked)g(on)g(the)g(project)g(told)f(me)i(that)f(after)
-75 136 y(the)10 b(hand-held)g(pieces,)h(they)f(tried)g(making)g(shoulder)f
(cannons,)i(but)-75 186 y(they)i(were)i(too)e(heavy)h(and)f(clumsy)h(for)f
(the)h(average)h(soldier.)20 b(He)-75 236 y(told)9 b(me)i(these)g(things)e
(were)i(about)e(the)h(size)h(of)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)15 b fg(oh,)c(I)f(believe)g
(he)-75 286 y(said)j(bazookas.)20 b(You)13 b(did)f(bring)g(your)g(bazooka)i
(like)e(I)h(asked)h(you)-75 336 y(to,)c(didn't)f(you?'')-33 386 y(Mongoe)g
(held)h(up)g(his)g(carrying)g(case.)i(``Yes,)f(sir.'')-33 437 y(``Take)i(it)e
(out)h(and)h(put)e(it)h(on)g(my)g(desk.'')18 b(Mongoe)11 b(did)h(as)h(told.)
-75 487 y(Noril)c(looked)g(it)h(over.)g(``What)g(is)g(this)g(thing?'')-33 537
y(``It's)f(a)i(bazooka,)g(sir.'')-33 588 y(The)k(High)f(Commander)i(toyed)e
(with)g(the)h(weapon,)h(looking)d(at)-75 638 y(it)i(more)g(closely.)26 b(``Ye\
s,)17 b(it)e(is.)25 b(An)15 b(old)g(one,)i(too.'')24 b(He)16 b(looked)-75 688
y(up)c(at)h(the)g(lieutenant,)f(his)h(eyes)g(cold.)18 b(``With)12 b(an)h(almo\
st)f(plugged)-75 737 y(barrel)d(and)g(that)f(odd)h(addition)e(on)i(the)f(fron\
t)g(end.'')i(He)g(took)e(several)-75 787 y(tools)13 b(from)g(his)g(desk,)i
(pried)e(open)h(the)f(back)h(of)g(the)f(weapon,)i(and)-75 837 y(began)e(teari\
ng)e(parts,)i(insulation,)e(and)i(padding)e(out)h(of)g(it.)k(``What)-75 887 y
(is)c(this?'')17 b(he)c(demanded,)h(gesturing)d(to)h(the)h(array)g(of)f(parts)
g(on)h(the)-75 937 y(desk.)-33 987 y(``It's)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg(it's)12 b
(the)g(modified)f(remains)j(of)e(several)h(particle)f(accel-)-75 1037 y(erati\
on)e(guns,'')f(Mongoe)h(muttered.)-33 1088 y(``I)k(see.'')24 b(Noril)13 b(loo\
ked)h(at)g(Quarq.)23 b(``And)14 b(you)g(didn't)f(notice)-75 1138 y(anything)c
(peculiar?'')-33 1188 y(``I)p fc(.)e(.)g(.)t fg(I)k(didn't)d(realize)j(what)f
(it)g(was,)h(sir.'')-33 1239 y(``Why)h(is)h(it)f(that)h(in)g(your)f(report)g
(you)h(write)g(that)f(several)i(man-)-75 1289 y(sions,)f(including)e(Zyal's,)
k(were)e(damaged,)i(but)d(you)h(don't)e(say)j(by)-75 1339 y(what?'')-33 1389 y
(``I)9 b(wasn't)h(sure)h(what)f(it)f(was,)j(sir.'')-33 1440 y(Noril)k(scowled\
.)33 b(``Mongoe,)19 b(Quarq--I)e(could)g(fry)h(both)e(your)-75 1490 y(asses)c
(over)e(this--especially)f(you,)i(Lieutenant!)f(But)g(I'm)g(not)g(going)-75
1540 y(to.)g(Not)g(now,)g(anyway.'')-33 1590 y(``Sir?'')f(Quarq)h(replied.)
-33 1641 y(``If)c(I)i(dismiss)f(and)g(discipline)f(you)h(now,)h(it'll)e(make)
i(me)h(look)d(bad.)-75 1691 y(I)13 b(thought)e(I)i(was)h(dealing)e(with)g(thr\
ee--well,)i(at)f(least)g(two--highly)-75 1741 y(disciplined)6 b(officers,)i
(and)f(so)h(did)e(the)i(War)g(Council.)g(They're)g(under)-75 1790 y(the)j(imp\
ression)g(that)g(everything)f(went)h(smoothly.)i(I)e(want)g(to)g(keep)-75 1840
y(it)f(that)g(way.)h(If)f(I)h(dismiss)f(any)h(of)f(you)g(now)g(for)g(improper)
f(conduct,)-75 1890 y(my)i(whole)g(project)f(could)h(be)g(scrapped.'')j(Noril)
9 b(turned)i(to)f(Quarq.)-75 1940 y(``You--I'll)e(overlook)h(your)g(error.)i
(Your)e(record's)i(clean.)g(Between)-75 1990 y(you)i(and)h(me,)i(we'll)d(say)
i(Mongoe)e(here)h(kept)g(the)f(damn)h(thing)f(on)-75 2040 y(your)g(blind)f
(side)i(the)g(whole)f(time.)22 b(As)14 b(for)f(you,'')i(he)f(went)f(on)h(to)
-75 2089 y(Mongoe,)g(``you)e(watch)i(yourself.)19 b(Durn)12 b(just)h(barely)g
(managed)h(to)-75 2139 y(convince)d(me)g(to)f(let)h(you)f(in.)h(One)g(more)g
(foul-up,)f(in)g(any)h(way,)g(and)-75 2189 y(I'll)e(see)i(you)f(court-martial\
led.)f(Understood?'')-33 2240 y(``Yes,)h(sir,'')g(Quarq)g(and)h(Mongoe)f(repl\
ied.)-33 2290 y(``You)c(and)i(Haezar)h(keep)f(an)g(eye)h(on)e(this)f(shithead\
,)i(Quarq.'')i(No-)-75 2340 y(ril)g(picked)h(up)g(the)f(bazooka)i(casing)f
(and)g(shoved)g(it)f(into)g(Mongoe's)-75 2390 y(arms.)h(``Get)f(rid)g(of)g
(this,'')f(he)i(snarled.)f(``Dismissed.'')-33 2494 y(Late)j(that)f(night,)h
(Mongoe)f(sat)h(in)f(his)g(quarters,)i(the)e(remains)i(of)-75 2544 y(his)d
(``baby'')g(on)g(his)g(lap.)j(He)f(didn't)c(have)j(the)g(heart)f(to)g(dispose)
h(of)-75 2593 y(it.)e(He)g(stroked)g(the)g(barrel)g(affectionately)f(and)h
(sighed,)g(then)g(set)h(the)-75 2643 y(weapon)f(down)g(on)g(the)g(bed.)-33
2694 y(He)21 b(got)f(onto)g(the)g(floor)g(and)h(reached)h(underneath)e(his)h
(bed,)-75 2744 y(digging)9 b(through)h(the)h(assorted)g(junk,)g(gear,)h(and)f
(boxes.)i(At)e(last)g(he)-75 2794 y(found)j(what)h(he)g(was)g(looking)e(for.)
25 b(He)15 b(pulled)f(out)g(a)h(box,)h(taped)996 -15 y(shut)11 b(and)g(addres\
sed)i(as)f(if)f(it)g(were)h(to)g(be)f(mailed,)i(and)f(cut)f(it)g(open.)996 35
y(After)h(digging)e(through)g(the)i(styrofoam)f(bits)h(and)g(tissue)g(paper,)
h(he)996 85 y(reached)e(in)f(and)g(smiled.)1037 135 y(He)g(pulled)f(out)f(two)
h(large,)h(awkward-looking,)e(hand-held)h(parti-)996 184 y(cle)i(acceleration)
f(guns.)1037 234 y fe(Yeah,)17 b fg(he)f(thought)d(as)j(he)g(sat)f(down)g(nex\
t)g(to)f(the)h(old)g(bazooka)996 284 y(casing)10 b(and)h(went)f(to)f(work,)h
fe(I)h(think)e(I'm)h(gonna)f(like)h(this)g(job.)996 2231 y 1030 2 v 41 x(Faye)
15 b(Levine)f(is)g(a)g(Freshman)g(in)f(Carnegie)h(Mellon)e(University's)996
2322 y(Art/Design)18 b(core)h(program.)35 b(After)19 b(spending)e(her)i(high)
f(school)996 2372 y(years)9 b(writing)e(a)h(novella)g(and)g(a)g(500+)g(page)g
(novel)h(\(Single)e(spaced!)996 2422 y(Wow!\),)15 b(she's)h(having)e(a)h(litt\
le)e(trouble)h(writing)g(SHORT)h(stories.)996 2472 y(Her)g(recent)g(endeavors)
h(include)d(becoming)h(addicted)g(to)g(``Grim-)996 2521 y(Jack'',)j(blowing)
12 b(up)j(a)f(borrowed)g(amplifier,)h(fending)e(off)h(mushy)996 2571 y(attack\
s)e(from)h(a)f(suitor,)h(and)f(teaching)g(innocent)g(bunnies)g(to)h(stalk)996
2621 y(and)d(kill)g(Elvis)h(impersonators.)h(In)f(her)g(friends')g(opinions,)
e(``She's)996 2671 y(gone)h(funny.'')996 2770 y fa(fl0m+@andrew.cmu.edu)996
2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj(41)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)573 0 y fk(The)19 b(Painted)h
(Viper)g(Cries)1125 99 y fe(---)10 b(Albert)g(L.)h(Evans)8 191 y fg(I.)8 291 y
(I)f(remember)i(my)e(first)g(kill.)8 341 y(Were)h(you)f(there,)h(in)e(a)i(for\
m?)8 390 y(I've)f(always)h(felt)f(as)h(if)e(someone)i(were)g(watching.)8 440 y
(I)f(hated)h(you)e(for)h(not)f(helping)g(me.)8 490 y(The)i(blood)p fc(.)c(.)g
(.)14 b fg(the)c(blood)f(was)i(all)f(around)g(me)8 540 y(it)f(sprayed)i(into)
e(my)h(hair.)8 590 y(A)g(thousand)g(years)h(passed)8 639 y(and)f(still)f(the)
h(red)h(stains)e(my)i(hair.)8 739 y(II.)8 839 y(He)g(never)f(told)f(me,)j(you)
d(see,)8 889 y(when)h(he)h(took)e(me)i(to)f(bed.)8 938 y(And)g(when)g(he)h
(bit)e(me)8 988 y(\(yes,)i(it)e(was)i(on)f(the)g(neck,)h(just)f(like)f(Dracul\
a\))8 1038 y(I)h(cried)h(out.)8 1088 y(He)g(said)f(I)g(would)f(live)h(forever\
.)8 1138 y(But)f(to)h(live)g(is)g(to)f(kill.)8 1187 y(You)h(can)h(resist,)f
(sure.)h(But)f(the)g(pain)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)8 1237 y fg(Eventually)i(it)h(takes)
g(control.)8 1287 y(It's)g(easier)h(to)f(submit,)8 1337 y(make)h(it)f(clean.)
8 1387 y(Eventually)f(we)i(gathered)f(together)8 1436 y(his)g(past)g(lovers.)
8 1486 y(We)h(killed)e(him)h(as)h(only)e(a)i(vampire)f(can)8 1536 y(and)g(swo\
re)h(on)f(his)g(corpse)8 1586 y(never)h(to)e(visit)g(our)h(fate)g(on)g(anothe\
r.)8 1686 y(III.)8 1785 y(A)g(vampire)h(lives)f(forever.)g(It's)g(a)h(curse.)
8 1835 y(Even)g(vampires)f(fall)g(in)g(love.)8 1885 y(My)g(blood)f(burns)h
(when)g(I)g(lie)g(with)f(you.)8 1935 y(My)h(mind)g(controls)f(the)h(urge,)8
1984 y(an)h(instinct)8 2034 y(to)f(kill)e(you.)8 2084 y(My)i(body)f(wants)i
(your)e(blood;)8 2134 y(I)h(need)h(your)e(heart.)1079 191 y(IV.)1079 291 y
(The)i(men)g(begin)e(to)h(blur,)1079 341 y(faces)h(melting)f(into)f(one,)h
(one)h(man.)1079 390 y(I've)f(loved)g(you)f(for)h(a)h(thousand)e(years.)1079
440 y(I)h(even)h(loved)e(you)h(when)g(you)g(bit)f(me,)1079 490 y(and)h(later,)
h(when)f(I)g(killed)f(you.)1079 540 y(I've)h(watched)h(you)e(die)h(a)h(hundre\
d)f(times.)1079 590 y(Once)h(you)e(called)i(me)g(a)g(painted)e(viper)1079 639
y(and)h(I)g(didn't)f(understand.)1079 689 y(You'd)g(seen)i(me,)h(blood)d(runn\
ing)f(from)i(my)h(lips;)1079 739 y(I)f(would)f(have)i(spared)g(you)e(that,)
1079 789 y(but)g(you)h(pry)g(so)g(hard)g(sometimes)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)1079 839 y
fg(You)j(question)f(the)h(news)g(and)h(wonder.)1079 889 y(Everywhere)g(we)f
(go,)h(people)f(disappear.)1079 938 y(Painted,)g(hiding)f(the)h(truth.)1079
988 y(I)g(never)h(bit)e(you.)1079 1088 y(V.)1079 1187 y(You're)h(old.)1079
1237 y(Lines)g(on)g(your)g(face)1079 1287 y(cut)g(my)g(eyes.)1079 1337 y(You)
g(never)g(understand)g(when)g(I)g(tell)g(you.)1079 1387 y(Go)g(away,)h(I)f
(said.)h(Stupid)e(bastard)1079 1436 y(Vampires)i(live)e(forever!)1079 1486 y
(You)h(didn't)e(know)i(I'd)g(have)g(to)g(watch)h(you)e(die)1079 1536 y(when)h
(you)g(decided)g(to)g(stay.)1079 1586 y(And)g(I)g(couldn't)f(send)h(you)g(awa\
y,)h(you)f(see)1079 1636 y(because)i(I)e(love)g(you.)1079 1686 y(I)g(knew.)
1079 1735 y(Damn)h(you,)f(I)g(knew.)996 2408 y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Bert)36 b(Eva\
ns)g(is)g(an)f(Information)f(Systems/Computer)g(Sci-)996 2499 y(ence/Creative)
17 b(Writing)e(Major)h(at)g(Carnegie)g(Mellon)g(who)g(likes)996 2549 y(to)j
(write)g(about)f(anything)g(and)h(everything)h(in)f(any)g(format.)38 b(A)996
2599 y(football)13 b(player)j(for)g(the)g(Tartans)f(\(please)i(don't)d(ask)j
(him)e(about)996 2649 y("diskette)e(day"\))f(he)h(likes)g(to)f(do)g(just)g
(about)f(everything.)18 b(He)13 b(loves)996 2698 y(to)c(write)h(and)g(receive)
i(mail.)996 2773 y fa(ae0i+@andrew.cmu.edu)996 2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj
(42)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 824 61 a fk
(Fair)20 b(Play)690 175 y fi(by)15 b(Kenneth)h(A.)f(Kousen)841 250 y ff(Copyr\
ight)1004 249 y fg(c)993 250 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 320 y 2100 2 v -33 374 a
fg(In)8 b(the)g(cold)g(of)g(the)g(desert)g(night,)g(two)g(figures)g(huddled)f
(shivering)-75 424 y(around)15 b(a)i(flickering)d(fire.)28 b(At)16 b(first)f
(glance,)j(they)d(looked)g(rather)-75 473 y(alike.)k(Both)12 b(were)i(of)e
(medium)i(height)e(and)h(medium)g(build.)18 b(Both)-75 523 y(had)10 b(dark)g
(hair)g(and)g(dark)g(eyes.)i(Both)d(leaned)h(in)g(closely)g(to)f(the)h(fire,)
-75 573 y(in)g(an)g(effort)g(to)f(warm)i(themselves.)-33 629 y(Closer)f(exami\
nation,)i(however,)g(revealed)g(striking)e(differences)-75 679 y(between)i
(the)g(two)g(men.)k(The)d(face)g(of)e(one)i(showed)e(an)i(expression)-75 728 y
(of)18 b(worry)h(and)f(fear,)k(as)e(though)d(expecting)h(at)h(any)g(moment)g
(to)-75 778 y(be)c(attacked.)25 b(His)15 b(eyes)g(darted)g(from)g(side)g(to)f
(side,)i(peering)f(into)-75 828 y(the)20 b(darkness.)42 b(His)20 b(ears)i(hea\
rd)f(every)f(sound,)j(both)c(real)i(and)-75 878 y(imagined,)10 b(from)g(the)g
(scampering)h(of)f(small)g(burrowing)e(animals)j(to)-75 928 y(the)f(whistling)
e(of)i(the)g(wind)f(through)g(the)h(rolling)e(tumbleweed.)-33 984 y(The)j(oth\
er)f(man,)i(by)f(contrast,)g(was)g(calm.)j(He)d(too)f(shivered,)h(but)-75 1033
y(from)i(the)g(cold)g(instead)g(of)f(fear.)20 b(His)13 b(face)i(looked)d(plac\
id,)i(except)-75 1083 y(for)h(an)g(eerie)h(smile.)26 b(He)16 b(leaned)f(his)g
(shoulder)g(towards)f(the)h(first)-75 1133 y(man)c(and)f(spoke.)-33 1189 y
(``You)e(do)h(not)g(have)h(a)g(choice,)h(Vol.)e(If)h(you)f(are)h(going)e(to)h
(survive)-75 1239 y(this)g(night,)g(you)h(must)g(kill)f(me,'')i(he)g(said.)
-33 1295 y(``Shut)e(up,)h(Aanoch,'')g(Vol)g(replied.)-33 1350 y(``You)j(know)
g(full)g(well)h(that)f(I)h(would)f(kill)g(you)g(if)h(I)g(were)h(able.)-75 1400
y(You)g(can)i(not)e(watch)g(me)i(all)e(night.)26 b(I)15 b(assure)i(you)e(that)
g(the)g(first)-75 1450 y(chance)c(I)e(get,)h(I)f(will)f(slit)g(your)h(throat.\
'')g(He)g(leaned)h(back,)h(satisfied.)-33 1506 y(Vol)j(jumped)h(to)f(his)g
(feet.)26 b(``Damn)15 b(it,)h(I)f(said)g(shut)f(up!)24 b(I)15 b(will)-75 1556
y(listen)9 b(to)g(no)h(more)g(of)g(your)f(foul)f(treachery.)j(If)f(you)f(are)
i(not)e(silent,)g(I)-75 1606 y(will---'')-33 1661 y(``You)f(will)h(what?)h
(Kill)e(me?)k(Fine.'')e(He)g(grinned.)f(``Like)g(I)h(said,)-75 1711 y(it)f
(is)i(really)e(your)h(only)f(option.'')-33 1767 y(With)18 b(a)i(growl,)h(Vol)
e(stormed)g(away,)j(but)d(the)g(cold)g(and)h(the)-75 1817 y(darkness)13 b(pre\
vented)g(him)g(from)f(venturing)g(too)g(far)h(from)f(the)h(fire.)-75 1867 y
(Instead,)k(he)f(paced)h(back)f(and)g(forth,)g(beating)f(his)g(arms)h(with)f
(his)-75 1917 y(hands)j(to)f(keep)h(his)g(circulation)e(going.)32 b(Aanoch)18
b(watched)h(him)-75 1966 y(intently,)7 b(trying)g(to)h(make)h(eye)g(contact.)
h(Vol)e(finally)f(looked)h(up,)g(and)-75 2016 y(for)k(a)i(moment)e(the)h(two)
f(stared)h(at)g(each)h(other.)j(Aanoch)c(suddenly)-75 2066 y(grinned,)d(and)g
(lunged)f(toward)h(the)g(fire.)-33 2122 y(``No!'')j(Vol)e(yelled,)h(running)e
(to)h(his)g(aid.)k(He)d(grabbed)f(Aanoch)-75 2172 y(by)i(the)g(blanket)g(that)
g(was)h(wrapped)f(around)g(him,)h(and)g(threw)f(him)-75 2221 y(back)7 b(onto)
f(to)g(the)h(ground.)h(In)f(the)f(process,)j(the)d(blanket)h(surrounding)-75
2271 y(Aanoch)j(fell)g(away,)-33 2327 y(The)g(loss)g(of)f(the)h(blanket)f(rev\
ealed)h(another)g(difference)g(between)-75 2377 y(the)k(two)h(men.)24 b(Aanoc\
h)15 b(was)g(bound)f(hand)g(and)h(foot)f(with)f(heavy)-75 2427 y(ropes.)-33
2483 y(He)g(laughed.)20 b(``You)12 b(see?'')21 b(he)14 b(said.)20 b(``You)12 b
(can)i(not)f(stop)g(me)-75 2532 y(forever.)k(If)12 b(you)g(untie)g(me,)i(I)e
(will)f(kill)g(you.)17 b(If)12 b(you)g(do)g(not,)g(I)h(will)-75 2582 y(find)d
(a)i(way)g(to)f(kill)f(myself.)k(If)e(you)f(leave)h(me)g(in)f(the)g(desert)h
(alone,)-75 2632 y(I)h(will)e(freeze)j(to)e(death.)18 b(One)13 b(way)g(or)f
(another,)i(I)e(will)g(be)h(dead)g(by)-75 2682 y(morning.'')c(He)i(paused.)g
(``And)e(you)h(will)f(pay)h(the)g(penalty.'')-33 2738 y(``You)f(are)i(insane.)
g(I)f(can)h(not)f(help)f(that.'')-33 2794 y(``It)g(does)h(not)g(matter.)h(You)
e(will)g(die.'')1037 374 y(Vol)14 b(trembled,)g(both)f(from)h(the)g(cold)f
(and)h(from)g(anger.)22 b(``Does)996 424 y(your)9 b(life)h(mean)h(nothing)d
(to)i(you?'')g(he)g(said.)1037 475 y(Aanoch)18 b(grinned)e(at)i(him.)32 b(``O\
n)17 b(the)g(contrary,'')i(he)e(replied.)996 525 y(``My)d(life)g(is)h(most)f
(precious.)24 b(But)14 b(my)h(death)g(means)h(more.)24 b(My)996 575 y(death)
18 b(accomplishes)h(your)e(own,)j(and)e(that)g(is)g(a)g(sacrifice)h(I)f(am)
996 625 y(willing)8 b(to)h(make.'')1037 677 y(``But)g(what)g(of)g(your)g(clan\
?)i(Would)e(you)g(sentence)h(them)g(to)f(death)996 727 y(as)i(well?)f(Have)h
(you)f(no)g(honor?'')1037 778 y(For)f(the)g(first)e(time,)j(the)f(smile)g(lef\
t)f(Aanoch's)h(face.)i(``Do)e(not)f(talk)996 828 y(to)14 b(me)h(about)f(honor\
,)h(you)f(Hull)g(cur.)24 b(Your)14 b(clan)h(knows)f(nothing)996 878 y(about)i
(it.)30 b(It)17 b(is)f(we)i(who)f(shall)f(die,)j(to)e(a)g(man)h(if)e(necessar\
y,)21 b(to)996 928 y(achieve)11 b(the)f(extinction)e(of)i(the)g(Hull)g(clan.'\
')1037 980 y(Vol's)h(eyes)h(flashed)f(menacingly.)i(He)f(seized)g(the)f(blank\
et)f(from)996 1030 y(the)i(ground)f(and)h(advanced)h(towards)f(Aanoch,)h(pois\
ed)f(to)f(smother)996 1079 y(the)f(bound)f(man.)i(Aanoch)g(watched)f(him)g
(calmly.)1037 1131 y(``Good,'')17 b(Aanoch)g(said.)29 b(``Inefficient,)18 b
(but)d(effective.'')30 b(He)996 1181 y(bared)10 b(his)g(neck)h(to)f(his)f(opp\
onent,)h(and)g(closed)g(his)g(eyes.)1037 1233 y(With)20 b(a)i(scream)g(of)f
(frustration,)h(Vol)e(threw)g(the)h(blanket)f(at)996 1283 y(Aanoch)13 b(and)h
(stormed)f(off.)20 b(He)14 b(looked)f(back)h(just)f(in)g(time)g(to)g(see)996
1333 y(Aanoch)e(moving)g(toward)g(the)g(fire)g(once)h(again.)i(Vol)d(ran)g
(back)h(and)996 1382 y(pulled)d(Aanoch)h(away.)1037 1434 y(``Now)16 b(stop)g
(that,)h(will)e(you?'')28 b(He)17 b(grabbed)f(Aanoch)g(by)g(the)996 1484 y
(rope)11 b(binding)e(his)i(wrists)g(and)g(dragged)g(him)g(away)h(from)f(the)g
(camp)996 1534 y(into)e(the)g(darkness.)i(Aanoch)g(made)g(no)f(move)g(to)f
(interfere.)i(Instead,)996 1584 y(he)j(began)f(whistling)e(an)j(odd,)g(rambli\
ng)f(tune.)20 b(Vol)13 b(dropped)f(him)996 1633 y(about)f(thirty)g(paces)i
(from)f(camp)i(and)e(returned)g(to)g(the)g(fire.)k(He)d(sat)996 1683 y(down)c
(heavily.)1037 1735 y(``You)i(can)h(freeze)h(for)f(all)f(I)g(care!'')k(he)d
(yelled)f(to)g(Aanoch,)i(who)996 1785 y(just)c(continued)g(whistling)f(a)j
(tuneless,)f(melancholy)h(song.)1037 1895 y(The)22 b(Cooperation)e(Duel)h(was)
h(formed)g(to)f(accomplish)g(what)996 1945 y(centuries)14 b(of)f(ceaseless)j
(fighting)c(had)i(not---the)e(safety)i(of)f(people)996 1995 y(fortunate)8 b
(enough)i(to)f(have)h(been)g(born)f(in)g(a)i(clan)f(other)f(than)g(that)g(of)
996 2044 y(Hull)j(and)h(Malmeus.)21 b(Prior)12 b(to)h(its)f(establishment,)i
(the)f(twin)g(clans)996 2094 y(of)e(Hull)f(and)i(Malmeus)g(had)g(fought)e(an)
h(unending)g(war)g(of)h(revenge)996 2144 y(and)f(counterrevenge,)g(each)h(sid\
e)f(performing)f(successively)i(worse)996 2194 y(acts)g(of)e(brutality)f(unti\
l)h(the)h(senses)h(became)h(dulled)d(to)h(the)g(horrors.)996 2244 y(Children)
i(of)i(each)h(clan)f(were)g(taught)f(the)h(use)g(of)g(weapons)g(at)g(an)996
2293 y(early)20 b(age)g(and)g(then)f(loosed)h(upon)f(one)g(another.)39 b(Thos\
e)21 b(who)996 2343 y(survived)14 b(were)i(hard)e(and)h(strong,)h(and)f(compl\
etely)g(dedicated)g(to)996 2393 y(the)f(destruction)f(of)h(the)g(other)g(side\
.)23 b(Each)15 b(atrocity)e(brought)g(new)996 2443 y(cries)d(of)f(vengeance;)
h(an)g(eye)g(for)f(an)g(eye)i(trying)c(to)i(make)h(the)g(whole)996 2493 y(wor\
ld)f(blind.)1037 2545 y(Though)j(many)g(outside)f(clans)i(deplored)f(the)g
(violence,)g(the)g(ma-)996 2594 y(jority)k(of)j(the)f(people)h(took)e(no)h
(action.)36 b(Rather,)20 b(they)f(felt)f(that)996 2644 y(the)g(overall)g(good)
f(was)i(best)g(served)g(by)f(having)f(the)i(Hulls)e(and)996 2694 y(the)d(Malm\
eusians)i(continue)e(to)g(kill)f(each)j(other)f(until)e(both)g(were)996 2744 y
(gone,)g(thus)f(eliminating)g(the)g(problem.)18 b(Unfortunately,)12 b(however\
,)996 2794 y(innocent)f(outsiders)f(had)i(a)g(habit)f(of)g(`getting)f(in)i
(the)f(way')h(of)f(traps)956 2918 y fj(43)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(left)i(by)h(one)
g(warring)f(clan)h(for)g(the)g(other.)j(Such)d(casualties)h(started)-75 35 y
(occurring)h(with)h(increasing)g(frequency,)i(and)e(when)g(Iir,)h(the)f(only)
-75 85 y(son)i(and)h(heir)f(of)g(the)g(plutarch,)i(died)e(in)g(a)h(Hull)e(exp\
losion,)j(the)-75 135 y(situation)8 b(had)j(degenerated)g(too)e(far.)-33 186 y
(The)17 b(plutarch)f(wanted)h(to)f(stop)g(the)h(fighting)d(entirely,)k(but)e
(he)-75 235 y(knew)d(that)g(was)g(impossible.)19 b(Instead,)14 b(he)f(hit)f
(upon)g(an)i(ingenious)-75 285 y(compromise:)26 b(The)19 b(Cooperation)d(Duel\
.)35 b(Any)17 b(time)h(a)h(member)-75 335 y(of)e(each)h(clan)f(came)i(into)d
(conflict,)i(they)e(were)i(captured)f(by)g(the)-75 385 y(plutarch's)c(troops,)
h(bound)f(together,)h(and)g(sent)g(into)e(the)i(desert)g(at)-75 435 y(the)8 b
(Tir)h(Oasis.)h(Their)f(only)e(hope)i(for)f(escape)i(was)f(to)f(reach,)j(on)d
(foot,)-75 484 y(the)k(Oasis)g(of)g(Sil,)g(which)g(lay)g(forty)e(miles)j(to)e
(the)h(southwest,)g(deep)-75 534 y(in)f(the)g(heart)g(of)g(the)g(desert.)i
(The)f(ultimate)e(requirement,)i(however,)-75 584 y(was)h(that)e(they)h(must)
f(reach)i(this)e(goal)h fe(together)p fg(.)j(Neither)d(side)g(was)-75 634 y
(allowed)i(to)g(leave)h(without)d(the)j(other.)22 b(If)14 b(either)g(emerged)
i(alone,)-75 684 y(he)d(was)g(put)e(to)h(death)h(and)f(his)g(nearest)h(clansm\
an)h(was)f(sent)f(out)g(in)-75 734 y(his)f(place.)j(This)d(process)h(would)e
(continue)g(until)g(either)g(a)i(Hull)e(and)-75 783 y(a)j(Malmeusian)g(both)f
(arrived)h(at)f(Sil,)h(alive)g(and)g(together,)g(or)f(until)-75 833 y(there)g
(were)h(no)f(members)h(of)f(either)g(clan)g(left)g(to)f(be)i(banished)f(into)
-75 883 y(the)e(desert.)h(Either)f(way,)h(the)f(fighting)e(would)h(be)h(over.)
-33 934 y(Naturally,)e(both)g(the)h(Hull)f(and)h(Malmeus)h(clans)f(protested.)
h(They)-75 984 y(soon)19 b(realized,)24 b(however,)e(that)d(the)h(weight)f
(of)h(public)e(opinion)-75 1034 y(\(and,)12 b(far)g(more)g(importantly,)e(the)
h(power)g(of)g(the)h(plutarch's)e(army\))-75 1084 y(was)15 b(against)f(them.)
23 b(In)14 b(addition,)g(some)h(of)f(the)g(more)h(aggressive)-75 1133 y(membe\
rs)h(of)e(each)h(clan)g(viewed)f(the)g(prospect)g(of)g(single)g(combat)-75
1183 y(in)c(the)h(desert)g(with)f(enthusiasm.)i(Among)e(the)h(most)g(vocal)f
(of)h(these)-75 1233 y(were)j(Vol,)f(eldest)g(son)g(of)f(the)h(Casar)h(of)e
(Clan)h(Hull,)g(and)g(Aanoch,)-75 1283 y(Warrior)g(Chieftan)g(of)g(Clan)g(Mal\
meus.)21 b(They)13 b(were)i(sentenced)f(to)-75 1333 y(be)d(the)f(first)f(pair)
h(sent)h(into)e(the)h(desert;)h(to)e(emerge)j(together,)e(or)g(not)-75 1382 y
(at)g(all.)-33 1488 y(Vol)f(slumped)h(listlessly)e(in)i(front)f(of)h(the)g
(fire.)g(He)h(was)f(no)g(longer)-75 1538 y(sure)17 b(how)g(long)e(they)i(had)
g(been)g(in)g(the)f(desert.)31 b(He)18 b(only)d(knew)-75 1588 y(that)f(what)h
(had)f(seemed)j(to)d(be)h(an)g(adequate)g(amount)g(of)f(supplies)-75 1638 y
(was)k(nearly)g(exhausted.)32 b(He)18 b(thought)e(about)h(this,)i(and)e(decid\
ed)-75 1688 y(for)d(the)h(hundredth)e(time)i(that)f(this)g(must)g(be)h(due)g
(to)f(Malmeusian)-75 1737 y(trickery)i(and)h(sabotage.)32 b(He)17 b(certainly)
g(didn't)e(remember)j(using)-75 1787 y(them)10 b(himself,)h(although)d(he)j
(was)g(forced)f(to)g(admit)g(that)f(there)i(were)-75 1837 y(several)j(blank)f
(periods)g(of)g(time)h(in)f(his)g(own)g(memory)h(since)g(their)-75 1887 y(ent\
ry)c(into)f(the)h(desert.)-33 1938 y(Staring)h(into)f(the)i(fire)g(tired)f
(him.)16 b(Slowly,)c(his)f(eyelids)h(drooped)-75 1988 y(downward)e(and)i(his)
e(head)i(fell)f(forward.)h(A)g(thought)d(jolted)h(him.)j(If)-75 2038 y(he)h
(slept)g(now,)g(he)g(realized)h(that)e(Aanoch)h(would)f(freeze)i(to)e(death)
-75 2087 y(before)d(he)h(reawakened.)-33 2138 y(``Just)f(a)i(few)f(minutes,)g
(or)g(maybe)h(half)f(an)g(hour,'')g(he)g(muttered.)-75 2188 y(``Surely)e(Aano\
ch)i(can)g(survive)e(that.)h(Let)h(him)f(suffer,)h(anyway.'')-33 2239 y(``He)
f(will)f(not)g(survive.)h(His)g(condition)f(is)h(as)h(bad)f(as)h(yours.'')-33
2290 y(Vol)k(rose)g(with)g(a)h(start.)27 b(He)16 b(looked)f(around)g(in)g(pan\
ic)g(for)h(the)-75 2340 y(source)11 b(of)f(the)g(answering)g(voice.)-33 2391 y
(``Over)g(here,'')g(it)g(said.)-33 2442 y(He)j(whirled)e(around.)17 b(Directl\
y)12 b(behind)g(him,)h(leaning)f(with)f(one)-75 2492 y(leg)j(propped)g(upon)f
(a)i(rock,)g(was)g(the)f(Stranger.)23 b(He)15 b(was)g(dressed)-75 2542 y(in)d
(desert)h(garb,)g(and)g(had)g(a)g(heavy,)h(dark)f(beard)f(that)h(flecked)f
(with)-75 2592 y(grey.)h(He)f(looked)e(relaxed)h(and)g(confident,)g(and)g(his)
g(eyes)h(bore)f(into)-75 2642 y(Vol)f(with)f(painful)g(intensity.)-33 2693 y
(``Who)g(are)i(you?'')f(Vol)g(asked.)-33 2744 y(The)f(Stranger)g(raised)h(his)
f(eyebrows)g(in)g(mild)f(surprise.)i(``You)f(do)-75 2794 y(not)g(remember?'')
1037 -15 y(``No,)f(of)f(course)i(not.)f(Where)h(did)d(you)h(.)j(.)g(.)g(.'')f
(Vol's)e(voice)h(trailed)996 35 y(off)k(into)f(silence.)19 b(The)13 b(Strange\
r)g(did)e(seem)j(vaguely)f(familiar,)g(but)996 85 y(Vol)c(couldn't)g(quite)h
(place)g(him.)1037 137 y(``No)f(matter.)h(Place)g(another)f(log)f(on)h(the)g
(fire)g(and)g(we)h(will)e(talk.'')1037 189 y(Mystified,)24 b(but)d(too)h(tire\
d)f(to)h(argue,)j(Vol)d(complied.)45 b(The)996 238 y(Stranger)14 b(moved)g
(toward)g(the)g(fire)h(and)f(warmed)h(himself.)23 b(``Feel)996 288 y(better)
10 b(now?'')g(he)g(asked.)1037 340 y(Vol)f(realized)g(that)g(he)g(did)f(feel)
h(better.)h(Much)f(of)g(the)g(fear)h(had)f(left)996 390 y(him,)h(and)g(with)g
(it,)f(much)i(of)f(his)g(exhaustion.)f(He)i(nodded.)1037 442 y(``Good.)25 b
(Then)16 b(you)f(realize)h(that)f(there)h(is)f(a)h(solution)d(to)i(your)996
492 y(dilemma.'')1037 543 y(``There)g(is?'')22 b(Vol)14 b(asked,)j(astonished\
.)22 b(``What)14 b(is)g(it?)22 b(I)14 b(must)996 593 y(know.'')1037 645 y(The)
19 b(Stranger)e(regarded)h(him)f(with)g(a)h(wry)g(smile.)33 b(``You)16 b(do)
996 695 y(know.)10 b(You)g(just)f(don't)g(remember)j(it)d(yet.'')1037 747 y
(``Damn)h(you,)g(don't)f(give)g(me)i(any)f(of)f(your)h(riddles!)f(Just)g(tell)
g(me)996 797 y(the)h(answer.'')i(Vol)e(thumped)f(the)i(ground)e(in)h(frustrat\
ion.)f(``I)h(am)i(in)996 847 y(no)e(mood)g(to)f(be)i(trifled)e(with.'')1037
898 y(The)j(Stranger)f(yawned)g(and)g(stretched)g(elaborately.)h(``All)e(righ\
t,)996 948 y(ask)g(me)i(yes-or-no)d(questions)g(and)i(I)f(will)f(try)g(to)h
(answer.'')1037 1000 y(``I)g(do)g(not)f(wish)h(to)g(play)g(any)g(foolish)f
(games.'')1037 1052 y(The)i(Stranger)f(didn't)f(reply.)1037 1104 y(Vol)h(sigh\
ed.)g(``Who)g(are)h(you?'')1037 1156 y(``Yes.'')1037 1208 y(``Yes?)g(What)g
(kind)e(of)h(an)g(answer)h(is)f(`yes'?'')1037 1260 y(``No?'')g(the)g(Stranger)
g(inquired.)1037 1312 y(Vol)k(rolled)g(his)g(eyes.)25 b(``Very)15 b(well,)g
(have)h(it)d(your)h(way.)25 b(Do)14 b(I)996 1361 y(know)9 b(you?'')1037 1413 y
(``Yes.'')1037 1465 y(``Are)i(you)e(a)i(member)g(of)f(my)h(clan?'')1037 1517 y
(``Yes.'')1037 1569 y(``Are)g(you)e(related)h(to)g(me?'')1037 1621 y(``Yes.'')
1037 1673 y(``Yes?)25 b(That)15 b(is)g(impossible.)24 b(I)15 b(do)f(not)g(rec\
ognize)i(you)e(at)h(all.)996 1723 y(How)10 b(can)h(you)e(be)i(related)f(to)g
(me?'')1037 1774 y(The)h(Stranger)f(simply)g(looked)f(at)h(him.)1037 1826 y
(The)23 b(shivers)e(that)g(had)h(left)f(at)h(the)g(Stranger's)f(arrival)h(now)
996 1876 y(returned.)9 b(Vol)f(rose)h(and)g(paced)h(back)f(and)g(forth)e(in)h
(front)g(of)g(the)h(fire.)996 1926 y(Suddenly)g(he)i(stopped)e(and)h(stared)h
(in)f(awe)h(at)f(the)g(Stranger.)1037 1978 y(``Are)h(you)e(real?'')i(he)f(ask\
ed,)i(quietly.)1037 2030 y(``Real)f(enough,'')f(the)h(Stranger)g(replied.)h
(``Look,)f(leave)g(me)h(out)996 2080 y(of)d(it)g(for)g(the)g(time)h(being,)f
(will)f(you?)i(Aanoch)g(is)f(dying)g(and)g(you)g(are)996 2129 y(wasting)g(tim\
e.'')1037 2181 y(Vol)j(turned)f(and)h(looked)g(toward)f(where)i(he)g(had)f
(left)f(his)h(bound)996 2231 y(companion.)18 b(He)c(realized)f(that)g(the)f
(whistling)f(had)i(stopped)f(some)996 2281 y(time)e(ago.)h(``I)e(should)h(jus\
t)f(let)h(him)g(die,'')g(he)g(muttered.)1037 2333 y(``No.'')1037 2385 y(``No?\
'')1037 2437 y(``No.'')1037 2488 y(``Then)h(I)f(should)f(go)h(save)h(him?'')
1037 2540 y(``Yes.'')1037 2592 y(Vol)f(spat)g(in)g(disgust.)g(``Surely)f(you)
h(are)h(not)e(telling)g(me)i(I)f(should)996 2642 y(forget)f(all)h(of)g(the)g
(Malmeusian)h(crimes)g(and)f(walk)g(out)f(of)h(here)h(with)996 2692 y(him.'')
1037 2744 y(The)i(Stranger)f(smiled.)k(``No.)f(I)d(said)h(that)e(there)h(was)
h(a)g(way)f(out)996 2794 y(of)e fe(your)g fg(dilemma.)h(Not)f(necessarily)h
(out)e(of)h fe(his)p fg(.'')956 2918 y fj(44)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(A)i(light)e(dawn\
ed)i(on)g(Vol's)g(face,)h(as)g(though)e(a)h(long-suppressed)-75 35 y(memory)i
(had)f(forced)h(its)f(way)h(to)e(the)i(surface.)18 b(He)13 b(smiled)f(an)h
(evil)-75 85 y(smile.)e(``Yes,'')f(he)h(said.)-33 138 y(``Yes,'')f(he)h(answe\
red.)-33 252 y(When)f(Aanoch)h(regained)g(consciousness,)g(his)f(immediate)h
(reac-)-75 302 y(tion)f(was)j(to)e(cry)h(out)f(with)f(joy)h(and)h(relief.)j
(The)d(frost)f(demons)h(that)-75 352 y(had)k(haunted)g(his)f(nightmares)h(had)
g(treated)g(him)f(with)g(contempt,)-75 402 y(both)f(for)h(bringing)e(about)i
(his)g(own)g(death,)i(and)e(for)g(condemning)-75 451 y(others)d(in)g(his)g
(clan)h(to)f(the)g(same)i(fate.)k(The)13 b(horrible)e(image)j(of)e(his)-75 501
y(younger)e(brother)h(Roul)f(staggering)g(in)h(the)g(desert,)h(dying)e(of)h
(thirst,)-75 551 y(had)f(shaken)h(him)f(to)f(the)h(core.)h(How)f(foolish)f
(he)h(had)g(been,)h(to)f(force)-75 601 y(such)g(an)h(end)f(on)g(his)g(own)g
(brother!)-33 654 y(The)15 b(image)g(of)f(death)g(still)f(hovered)h(just)g
(beyond)g(the)g(horizon.)-75 703 y(Aanoch)d(shuddered.)g(It)e(was)j(one)e(thi\
ng)f(to)h(speak)h(of)f(defying)f(death)-75 753 y(with)15 b(bravery;)j(it)d
(was)h(quite)f(another)h(thing)e(to)h(actually)h(have)g(to)-75 803 y(face)11 b
(it.)e(His)h(mind)f(rebelled)g(at)h(the)g(memory.)h(He)f(turned)e(away,)j(and)
-75 853 y(accidentally)f(looked)f(directly)h(into)e(the)j(nearby)f(fire.)-33
906 y(Nearby)e(fire?)i(he)e(thought)e(with)h(astonishment.)i(He)g(then)f(real\
ized)-75 955 y(that)15 b(the)g(ropes)h(binding)d(his)i(wrists)g(and)g(ankles)
h(were)g(gone.)26 b(He)-75 1005 y(was)16 b(covered)h(with)d(a)i(blanket,)h
(resting)e(next)g(to)g(the)h(fire)f(in)g(their)-75 1055 y(encampment.)36 b
(He)19 b(sat)f(up)g(abruptly)f(and)h(rubbed)g(his)g(stiffened)-75 1105 y(join\
ts.)-33 1158 y(``Feeling)9 b(better?'')h(said)g(a)h(voice)f(behind)g(him.)-33
1211 y(Aanoch)19 b(turned)g(and)h(faced)h(the)e(speaker.)40 b(It)19 b(was)h
(Vol,)i(but)-75 1260 y(somehow)15 b(not)e(the)h(Vol)g(he)h(had)f(left.)22 b
(This)15 b(Vol)e(did)h(not)g(fear)h(the)-75 1310 y(darkness.)d(Instead,)f(he)
f(seemed)j(to)c(welcome)j(it.)f(This)f(Vol)g(laughed)-75 1360 y(malevolently.)
-33 1413 y(``Can)f(you)h(move?'')h(Vol)e(asked.)-33 1466 y(``Yes,)18 b(I)f
(believe)f(so,'')i(Aanoch)f(answered,)i(flexing)c(his)h(legs.)-75 1515 y(``Yo\
u)10 b(saved)g(me,'')i(he)e(said,)h(surprised.)-33 1568 y(``Yes.'')-33 1621 y
(``Why?'')-33 1674 y(``So)e(I)i(can)g(exact)g(my)f(revenge.'')-33 1727 y(With)
j(a)h(laugh,)h(Vol)e(lunged)g(toward)g(Aanoch.)22 b(Aanoch)15 b(barely)-75
1776 y(had)20 b(time)g(to)f(stagger)h(to)f(his)g(feet)h(and)g(dodge)g(the)f
(unexpected)-75 1826 y(onslaught.)j(Vol)14 b(rushed)g(toward)g(him)h(again,)h
(fists)e(flailing.)21 b(One)-75 1876 y(struck)c(Aanoch)g(on)g(the)g(jaw,)i
(and)f(he)f(lost)g(his)f(balance.)33 b(In)17 b(the)-75 1926 y(process,)c(howe\
ver,)f(he)g(managed)g(to)f(trip)g(Vol,)g(whose)h(momentum)-75 1976 y(carried)
c(him)g(forward)f(until)f(he)i(landed)f(in)h(a)g(heap)g(a)g(few)g(yards)g(awa\
y.)-75 2025 y(As)13 b(Vol)e(started)h(to)g(rise,)i(Aanoch)e(looked)g(around)f
(desperately)i(for)-75 2075 y(some)i(way)g(to)e(protect)h(himself.)22 b(He)15
b(saw)g(the)f(pile)g(of)g(torchwood)-75 2125 y(off)c(to)g(the)g(left,)g(and)g
(seized)h(a)g(log.)f(Swinging)f(it)g(back)i(and)g(forth,)e(he)-75 2175 y(yell\
ed)h(at)g(Vol.)-33 2228 y(``Stay)f(away!)i(I)f(don't)f(want)h(to)g(have)h(to)
f(kill)e(you!'')-33 2281 y(Vol)h(stood)g(and)i(began)f(talking)f(to)h(himself\
.)-33 2333 y(``He)g(really)g(doesn't)f(want)h(to)g(kill)f(me,)i(does)g(he?'')
g(he)f(said.)-33 2386 y(``Yes,'')g(he)h(answered.)-33 2439 y(Vol)c(laughed)h
(hysterically)f(and)h(jumped)g(at)g(Aanoch,)h(who)f(swung)-75 2489 y(the)14 b
(torchwood)e(at)i(Vol's)g(legs.)21 b(He)15 b(connected)f(with)f(a)h(sickening)
-75 2539 y(thud,)c(and)g(Vol)g(collapsed,)g(still)f(laughing.)g(Crippled)g
(as)i(he)g(was,)g(he)-75 2588 y(began)g(crawling)e(towards)h(Aanoch.)-33 2641
y(``Get)f(away!'')h(Aanoch)f(yelled,)h(but)f(Vol)f(kept)h(coming)g(forward.)
-75 2691 y(Aanoch)14 b(ran)g(to)g(the)g(other)f(side)h(of)g(the)g(fire,)h(whe\
re)f(he)h(found)e(the)-75 2741 y(ropes)d(that)g(had)g(until)f(recently)h(boun\
d)f(his)h(own)g(limbs.)-33 2794 y(``Stop!'')e(he)j(said.)f(``I)g(mean)h(it.)f
(Do)g(not)g(make)h(me)g(tie)f(you)g(up.'')1037 -15 y(Vol)19 b(continued)f(his)
h(crawl.)38 b(With)19 b(a)h(scream)h(of)e(frustration,)996 35 y(Aanoch)12 b
(ran)g(to)f(Vol.)j(He)f(managed)f(to)g(dodge)f(Vol's)g(punches)h(and)996 85 y
(bites)f(long)g(enough)g(to)g(bind)g(his)g(wrists.)j(Hurt)d(or)h(not,)g(Vol)f
(tried)g(to)996 135 y(kick)h(him,)i(and)g(Aanoch)f(was)h(forced)f(to)f(bind)g
(his)h(ankles)g(as)h(well.)996 184 y(He)d(dragged)f(Vol)g(over)h(to)f(a)h(roc\
k)g(in)f(front)f(of)i(the)f(fire)h(and)f(left)g(him)996 234 y(there.)1037 285
y(Vol)16 b(appeared)h(to)e(calm)i(down,)g(but)f(as)g(the)g(adrenalin)g(left)g
(his)996 335 y(system)f(he)g(began)f(to)g(shiver.)23 b(Aanoch)15 b(picked)f
(up)h(the)f(discarded)996 384 y(blanket)9 b(and)i(wrapped)f(it)f(around)h(Vol\
's)g(shoulders.)1037 435 y(``There,'')j(Aanoch)f(said.)k(``Now)c(be)g(quiet)f
(and)h(let)g(me)h(think.'')996 485 y(He)e(moved)f(toward)g(the)g(other)f(side)
i(of)f(the)g(fire)g(and)g(sat)g(down.)1037 536 y(``You)k(do)g(not)g(have)h
(a)g(choice,)i(Aanoch.)24 b(If)14 b(you)g(are)h(going)f(to)996 585 y(survive)
9 b(this)h(night,)f(you)g(must)i(kill)d(me,'')j(Vol)f(said.)1037 636 y(Aanoch)
19 b(stared)h(at)f(him)f(in)h(astonishment.)36 b(``What)19 b(did)f(you)996 686
y(say?'')11 b(he)f(said.)1037 737 y(``I)f(will)f(kill)g(you)h(the)g(first)g
(chance)h(I)g(get.)g(You)f(can)h(not)f(watch)g(me)996 786 y(all)h(night.'')e
(He)j(leaned)g(back,)g(satisfied.)1037 837 y(Angry,)j(Aanoch)g(jumped)g(to)f
(his)g(feet.)21 b(``No!)f(Do)14 b(not)f(do)g(this!)996 887 y(Stop,)d(or)g(I)g
(will)f(be)h(forced---'')1037 938 y(``To)j(do)f(what?)18 b(Kill)11 b(me?)19 b
(Fine.'')f(He)13 b(grinned.)k(``Like)12 b(I)h(said,)996 987 y(it's)c(really)h
(your)g(only)f(option.'')1037 1038 y(``Please!'')16 b(Aanoch)d(begged.)j(``We)
d(must)f(stop)f(this.)k(We)e(must)996 1088 y(break)c(the)f(cycle,)i(or)e(we)h
(will)e(be)i(doomed)g(to)f(repeat)h(it)e(until)g(we)i(both)996 1138 y(die.)h
(Does)h(that)f(not)f(matter)h(to)g(you?'')1037 1188 y(Vol)17 b(grinned)f(at)h
(him.)31 b(``Certainly,'')18 b(he)f(replied.)31 b(``My)17 b(life)996 1238 y
(is)i(most)h(precious.)39 b(But)19 b(my)h(death)g(means)h(more.)40 b(My)19 b
(death)996 1288 y(accomplishes)12 b(your)e(own,)h(and)h(that)e(is)h(a)h(sacri\
fice)g(I)f(am)h(willing)d(to)996 1338 y(make.'')1037 1388 y(Aanoch)16 b(pulle\
d)e(his)g(hair)h(in)g(frustration.)23 b(``But)14 b(what)h(of)g(your)996 1438 y
(clan?)k(Would)13 b(you)f(sentence)i(them)f(to)g(death)g(as)h(well?)19 b(Have)
14 b(you)996 1488 y(no)c(honor?'')1037 1539 y(The)i(smile)g(left)f(Vol's)g
(face.)k(``Do)c(not)g(talk)g(to)g(me)h(about)f(honor,)996 1589 y(you)j(Malmeu\
sian)i(cur.)25 b(Your)15 b(clan)h(knows)e(nothing)f(about)i(it.)25 b(It)996
1638 y(is)17 b(we)h(who)f(shall)g(die,)i(to)e(a)h(man)g(if)e(necessary,)21 b
(to)c(achieve)h(the)996 1688 y(extinction)8 b(of)i(the)g(Malmeusian)h(clan.'')
1037 1739 y(``You)h(are)g(not)g(listening!)h(You)f(have)g(not)f(heard)i(a)f
(word)g(I)g(have)996 1789 y(said!'')1037 1839 y(Vol)e(leaned)h(in)e(ominously)
g(toward)h(the)g(fire.)1037 1890 y(Realizing)16 b(what)g(he)h(intended,)g(Aan\
och)g(ran)f(toward)g(him)g(and)996 1940 y(pulled)c(him)i(away)g(from)g(the)f
(fire.)21 b(He)14 b(dragged)g(him)f(about)g(thirty)996 1990 y(paces)i(into)e
(the)h(desert,)i(and)f(dumped)f(him)g(onto)f(the)h(ground.)22 b(He)996 2040 y
(returned)10 b(to)f(the)h(camp)i(and)e(collapsed.)h(He)g(looked)e(dejectedly)
h(into)996 2089 y(the)e(fire,)h(and)f(listened)g(as)h(Vol)e(in)h(the)g(distan\
ce)h(whistled)e(an)h(off-key,)996 2139 y(melancholy)i(tune.)1037 2190 y(``We)
i(are)h(lost,'')e(Aanoch)h(said)f(out)g(loud.)j(Tears)f(began)f(to)f(pour)996
2240 y(from)h(his)g(eyes.)19 b(``I)12 b(can)i(not)e(save)h(him,)g(or)g(he)g
(will)e(kill)g(me.)19 b(I)12 b(can)996 2289 y(not)h(kill)f(him,)j(or)f(I)f
(and)h(others)g(of)f(my)h(clan)h(will)d(die.)21 b(Somebody)996 2339 y(please)
11 b(tell)e(me)i(what)f(to)g(do.'')1037 2390 y(``You)g(must)g(save)h(him,'')f
(said)g(the)g(Stranger.)1037 2441 y(Aanoch)h(whirled)e(around)h(and)g(faced)h
(him.)g(``What?'')1037 2491 y(``Surely)f(you)f(realize)i(there)g(is)f(a)h(way)
f(out)g(of)f(your)h(dilemma.'')1037 2542 y(``There)h(is?)g(What)f(is)g(it?)g
(I)g(must)g(know.'')1037 2593 y(``You)k(do)h(know,'')h(the)e(Stranger)h(repli\
ed.)24 b(``You)14 b(just)g(do)h(not)996 2642 y(remember.'')1037 2693 y(Aanoch)
k(covered)g(his)g(face)h(with)d(his)i(hands.)36 b(``Of)18 b(course)h(I)996
2743 y(remember,)12 b(but)d(I)h(do)g(not)g(wish)g(to.)g(The)h(cycle)f(must)h
(be)f(broken.'')1037 2794 y(``You)g(would)f(rather)h(die?'')956 2918 y fj(45)
p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(Once)f(again,)i
(Aanoch)e(saw)h(the)f(Spectre)h(of)f(Death)h(hovering)d(over)-75 35 y(him,)16
b(and)g(he)f(could)g(not)f(face)i(it.)25 b(Aanoch's)15 b(shoulders)g(slumped)
-75 85 y(forward.)23 b(He)15 b(desperately)f(wanted)h(to)f(say)h(yes,)h(but)e
(he)h(knew)f(he)-75 135 y(could)e(not.)k(``No,'')d(he)g(said.)k(``I)12 b(will)
f(do)h(what)h(I)f(must.)17 b(Yes,'')d(he)-75 184 y(said.)-33 234 y(``Yes,'')
26 b(he)c(replied,)k(as)d(his)f(mind)g(slipped)g(back)h(into)f(the)-75 284 y
(madness.)-75 2455 y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Kenneth)e(A.)h(Kousen)f(is)g(an)g(Assoc\
iate)g(Research)i(Engineer)f(at)-75 2546 y(United)13 b(Technologies)h(Researc\
h)i(Center)f(in)e(East)i(Hartford,)f(CT.)-75 2596 y(When)19 b(he's)g(not)g
(writing)e(fiction,)j(he)f(works)h(on)e(computational)-75 2646 y(models)c(for)
h(the)f(aerodynamics)h(inside)f(turbomachinery.)23 b(Of)15 b(the)-75 2696 y
(two,)10 b(he)g(says,)i(writing)c(is)i(much)g(harder.)-75 2770 y fa(kak%utrc@\
utrcgw.utc.com)-75 2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj(46)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -55 y 2100 2 v 769 61 a fk
(Being)20 b(There)676 175 y fi(by)c(Christopher)f(Kempke)841 250 y ff(Copyrig\
ht)1004 249 y fg(c)993 250 y fb(\015)o ff(1990)-75 320 y 2100 2 v 370 455 a fh
(Student)-33 536 y fg(On)h(the)g(side)h(of)f(a)h(mountain)f(in)f(Colorado,)j
(a)f(young)e(woman)-75 586 y(shifted)c(her)g(backpack)i(and)e(peered)h(off)f
(of)h(the)f(trail)f(into)h(the)g(brush)-75 635 y(for)j(the)f(fiftieth)g(time)
h(in)f(as)i(many)f(minutes.)22 b(The)14 b(trail)g(itself)f(was)-75 685 y(rema\
rkable)d(only)d(in)h(that)g(it)g(appeared)i(well)e(used,)i(for)e(it)g(was)h
(a)g(good)-75 735 y(distance)i(off)f(of)g(any)h(road)f(and)h(practically)e
(inaccessible)j(overland.)-75 785 y(The)i(woman)g(had)f(herself)h(had)f(arriv\
ed)g(via)g(helicopter)g(to)f(a)i(small)-75 835 y(clearing)c(some)h(ways)g(dow\
n)e(the)h(mountain.)-33 886 y(After)f(a)i(time)f(she)h(seated)g(herself)f(on)
g(a)g(rock,)h(pulled)e(a)h(sandwich)-75 936 y(from)21 b(a)h(coat)g(pocket,)i
(and)d(began)h(to)f(eat,)k(never)c(ceasing)h(her)-75 985 y(relentless)13 b
(scan)i(of)e(the)g(surrounding)f(terrain.)20 b(Thus,)14 b(she)g(saw)h(the)-75
1035 y(hiker)e(approach)i(without)c(his)j(seeing)g(her.)22 b(A)14 b(quick)f
(examination)-75 1085 y(led)k(her)h(to)e(believe)h(he)h(was)g(no)f(more)h(tha\
n)e(what)h(he)h(appeared,)-75 1135 y(and)13 b(she)g(resumed)h(eating.)19 b
(A)13 b(soft)f(peal)h(of)g(thunder)f(rolled)g(up)h(the)-75 1185 y(mountain)h
(a)h(moment)g(later,)h(and)f(her)g(eyes)g(snapped)g(back)g(to)g(the)-75 1234 y
(hiker.)f(He)e(was)h(no)e(longer)g(there,)h(leaving)f(the)g(trail)g(as)h(empt\
y)g(as)g(it)-75 1284 y(had)e(been)h(most)f(of)g(the)g(day.)-33 1335 y(``Damn,\
'')e(she)g(muttered)g(under)f(her)h(breath,)h(and)f(began)g(the)f(easy)-75
1385 y(descent)14 b(to)f(where)h(she)g(had)g(seen)g(him)f(last.)21 b(Reaching)
13 b(it,)h(she)g(sat)-75 1435 y(down)c(again)g(and)g(waited.)-33 1486 y(The)
23 b(wait)e(paid)h(off)g(about)g(an)h(hour)e(later)h(when)h(the)f(hiker)-75
1536 y(reappeared)17 b(in)e(a)h(flash)f(of)g(light)f(that)h(made)h(her)g(grin)
e(with)h(some)-75 1586 y(private)10 b(joke.)-33 1637 y(``You)e(need)h(to)f
(work)g(on)h(that,)g(kiddo.'')f(The)i(hiker)e(stiffened)g(and)-75 1687 y(spun)
i(at)g(the)g(sound)g(of)g(her)g(voice.)-33 1738 y(``Who)f(are)i(you?'')-33
1789 y(``Currently,)18 b(a)g(damsel)g(in)g(distress.)33 b(I)18 b(need)g(to)f
(get)h(into)f(the)-75 1838 y(Academy.)c(I've)e(found)e(the)i(ventilation)d
(shafts,)j(but)f(doors)g(seem)i(to)-75 1888 y(be)f(a)f(commodity)g(you)g(folk\
s)f(don't)g(have.'')-33 1939 y(``Of)17 b(course)i(not.)35 b(What)18 b(use)h
(is)f(a)h(door)f(to)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)t fg('')18 b(He)h(halted,)-75 1989 y(unc\
ertain,)10 b(tried)g(to)f(look)h(stern.)g(``Just)g(who)f(are)j(you?'')-33 2040
y(``I'm)e(not)g(a)h(Teletrix,)g(obviously.)f(Would)g(you)g(be)h(so)g(kind)e
(as)j(to)-75 2090 y(take)f(me)g(in?'')-33 2141 y(He)g(still)f(looked)g(uncert\
ain.)k(``I'm)d(just)f(a)i(student,)f(I)g(don't)f(think)-75 2191 y(I)i(can)h
(do)f(that.)j(But)c(I'll)g(tell)h(Mr.)g(Morlen)f(that)h(you're)g(here.)k(What)
-75 2241 y(did)9 b(you)h(say)h(your)e(name)j(was?'')-33 2292 y(``June)e(Kenda\
ll.'')-33 2343 y(He)k(was)g(obviously)e(nervous;)j(the)f(peal)g(of)f(thunder)
g(that)g(rolled)-75 2393 y(down)k(the)g(mountain)g(at)h(his)f(disappearance)i
(made)f(June's)g(head)-75 2442 y(hurt.)46 b(By)21 b(contrast,)26 b(Anthony)20
b(Morlen's)i(appearance,)27 b(a)c(few)-75 2492 y(minutes)16 b(later,)i(was)e
(silent.)28 b(A)16 b(tall)f(man)i(in)e(a)i(business)f(suit,)h(he)-75 2542 y
(merely)11 b fe(was)p fg(,)f(where)h(a)g(moment)f(before)g(he)h(was)g(not.)
-33 2593 y(Anthony)e(smiled)j(``Good)e(day,)j(Mrs.)h(Kendall.)g(I)e(apologize)
f(for)-75 2643 y(keeping)j(you)g(waiting)f(out)h(here,)i(but)e(we)g(had)h(no)
f(idea)h(you)f(were)-75 2693 y(coming.)c(Why)f(didn't)e(you)i(just)f(call?)j
(We)e(could)g(have)h(brought)d(you)-75 2743 y(here)k(quite)e(easily,)i(you)e
(know.'')-33 2794 y(``I)15 b(needed)i(the)f(fresh)h(air)f(and)g(I)g(like)g
(flying.'')26 b(She)17 b(gestured)996 374 y(expansively.)24 b(``And)15 b(the)
f(mountains)h(are)g(beautiful)f(this)g(time)h(of)996 424 y(year.'')k(She)14 b
(paused,)g(fixed)f(her)g(gaze)i(firmly)d(on)h(him.)19 b(``Are)13 b(you)996 473
y(going)c(to)g(invite)g(me)i(in?'')1037 523 y(Anthony)j(looked)f(around,)j
(as)g(if)e(just)g(now)g(noticing)f(their)h(sur-)996 573 y(rounding.)8 b(He)h
(smiled,)g(and)g(a)g(moment)g(later,)h(they)e(stood)g(in)g(a)h(plush)996 623 y
(office.)25 b(He)16 b(sat)f(behind)g(the)g(heavy)g(desk,)i(motioned)e(for)f
(June)i(to)996 673 y(take)10 b(a)h(seat)g(as)g(well.)1037 723 y(``How)f(can)i
(I)e(help)g(you?'')h(His)f(smile,)h(if)g(not)e(handsome,)j(was)f(at)996 773 y
(least)f(sincere.)i(June)e(didn't)f(smile)h(at)g(all.)1037 823 y(``I)k(want)g
(to)f(know)h(where)g(Martin)f(is.)22 b(I)14 b(haven't)g(seen)h(him)f(for)996
873 y(two)e(weeks.)20 b(No)12 b(phone)h(call,)h(nothing.)i(Last)e(time)f(I)g
(saw)g(him,)h(he)996 922 y(was)d(on)f(his)f(way)i(here.'')1037 972 y(Anthony)
f(didn't)f(lose)h(his)h(smile,)g(but)f(his)h(face)h(showed)f(concern)996 1022
y(as)f(well.)g(``It's)f(strange)h(that)f(he)h(wouldn't)e(call.)i(But)f(I'm)h
(afraid)g(that)996 1072 y(he's)k(on)g(Academy)h(business,)h(and)e(I)g(can't)g
(tell)f(you)h(where)g(he)h(is.)996 1122 y(Rules,)10 b(you)g(know.'')1037 1172
y(``Damn)h(your)e(rules.)i(I)f(think)f(something's)g(happened)h(to)g(him.'')
1037 1222 y(``I'm)g(sure)h(he's)f(just)g(fine.)g(Quite)g(sure.'')1037 1272 y
(June)i(relaxed,)h(sat)f(back)h(a)f(little)e(bit.)15 b(``All)10 b(right,)i
(all)f(right.)j(Can)996 1322 y(you)9 b(get)i(a)f(message)i(to)e(him?'')1037
1372 y(Anthony)16 b(nodded,)j(June)e(continued.)31 b(``Just)17 b(ask)g(him)g
(to)g(call)996 1422 y(home)10 b(as)h(soon)f(as)h(he)g(can.'')1037 1472 y(``I)
i(will,)h(but)e(it)h(may)h(be)f(a)h(while.)20 b(Can)13 b(I)h(do)f(anything)f
(else)i(for)996 1521 y(you?'')1037 1571 y(``Yes,)h(as)f(a)g(matter)f(of)g(fac\
t.)20 b(You)12 b(could)h(feed)h(me)g(dinner.)k(My)996 1621 y(husband)9 b(is)i
(always)f(raving)g(about)f(the)h(food)g(here.'')1037 1671 y(Anthony)g(smiled)
g(broadly.)i(``Then)f(he)g(was)h(indeed)e(raving.)i(But)996 1721 y(I'll)d(arr\
ange)i(it)e(immediately.)h(One)h(moment.'')f(He)h(vanished.)1037 1771 y(June)
16 b(was)f(up)g(instantly,)g(crossing)g(the)g(room)g(to)f(the)h(large)h(file)
996 1821 y(cabinet)10 b(on)g(the)g(wall.)h(It)f(was)h(locked)f(tight,)f(in)h
(that)g(annoying)f(habit)996 1871 y(of)g(the)h(Teletrix,)f(but)g(she)h(produc\
ed)g(a)g(lockpick)f(from)g(a)i(pocket)e(and)996 1921 y(opened)h(it)f(in)h(a)h
(few)g(seconds.)1037 1971 y(Acting)k(quickly,)h(she)g(emptied)g(the)f(folder)
g(labeled)h(``Kendall,)996 2020 y(Martin'')e(into)g(her)i(knapsack,)i(filled)
c(it)h(with)g(papers)h(pulled)e(ran-)996 2070 y(domly)9 b(from)h(nearby)h(fol\
ders,)f(and)g(closed)g(the)h(drawer.)1037 2120 y(She)g(was)g(back)g(in)e(the)
h(chair)h(before)f(Anthony)f(reappeared.)1037 2196 y(By)d(the)g(time)g(the)g
(helicopter)g(landed)g(at)g(a)g(friend's)g(private)g(airfield,)996 2245 y(she)
15 b(was)h(completely)e(familiar)h(with)f(the)h(contents)f(of)h(the)f(folder,)
996 2295 y(including)9 b(the)h(short)g(addition.)h(``Wife:)g(June)g(Kendall,)
g(Chemistry)996 2345 y(Teacher,)19 b(Springfield)13 b(High.)25 b(Harmless.'')
i(She)16 b(was)g(somewhat)996 2395 y(amazed)j(at)e(the)g(number)g(of)f(missio\
ns)h(her)g(husband)g(ran)g(for)f(the)996 2445 y(academy)i(--)e(almost)g(a)g
(dozen)h(in)e(the)h(last)g(year)h(alone.)28 b(She)17 b(had)996 2494 y(thought)
10 b(his)i(connection)g(with)f(the)h(academy)i(almost)e(nonexistent,)996 2544
y(and)f(knew)g(of)f(his)h(distaste)f(for)g(the)h(administration)e(that)h(ran)
h(it.)h(Not)996 2594 y(for)7 b(the)h(first)f(time,)h(she)h(wondered)e(just)g
(how)h(powerful)f(the)g(academy)996 2644 y(and)j(its)g(rather)g(special)h(gra\
duates)f(were.)1037 2694 y(As)15 b(for)f(Martin)g(himself,)h(the)f(folder)g
(placed)h(him)f(in)g(Glasgow,)996 2744 y(investigating)9 b(the)j(disappearanc\
e)h(of)f(several)g(Teletrix)g(there.)j(An-)996 2794 y(thony)h(Morlen)i(had)g
(lied)f(about)h(at)g(least)g(one)g(point;)i(the)e(folder)956 2918 y fj(47)p
eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(listed)16 b(his)
g(status)g(as)h(``missing,)g(whereabouts)f(unknown.'')28 b(She)-75 35 y(force\
d)14 b(herself)g(rather)g(sternly)f(to)g(remain)i(calm.)22 b(The)15 b(folder)
e(was)-75 85 y(remarkably)d(sparse)i(on)d(details.)-33 135 y(She)16 b(took)f
(her)h(friend's)g(car)g(to)g(her)g(home,)i(parked)f(across)g(the)-75 184 y
(street,)24 b(observing)19 b(her)i(house.)41 b(After)20 b(a)i(short)d(time,)
24 b(she)d(saw)-75 234 y(someone)12 b(moving)f(in)f(the)i(living)d(room.)14 b
(June)e(started)f(the)g(car,)i(and)-75 284 y(drove)d(away.)-33 334 y(A)e(few)
h(minutes)f(later,)h(she)g(pulled)e(up)h(in)g(front)f(of)h(the)g(Springfield)
-75 384 y(High)j(School)g(and)h(let)g(herself)g(in)f(with)g(the)h(master)h
(key.)i(The)e(halls)-75 433 y(were)h(deserted;)g(apparently)f(Anthony)e(had)i
(not)g(sent)g(anyone)g(here)-75 483 y(to)c(intercept)h(her.)g(A)g(storeroom)g
(door)f(covered)h(with)f(``DANGER'')-75 533 y(signs)g(opened)g(to)f(her)h(key\
,)h(as)g(did)e(a)i(small)f(refrigerated)g(chest)g(in)g(the)-75 583 y(back.)24
b(From)15 b(the)f(rows)g(of)h(chemical)g(vials)f(therein,)i(she)f(selected)
-75 633 y(about)8 b(two)h(dozen,)h(placing)e(them)h(with)f(some)i(others)f
(in)f(a)i(protected)-75 682 y(case)i(in)d(her)i(knapsack.)-33 732 y(Before)20
b(leaving,)j(she)e(placed)h(a)f(long)f(distance)g(collect)h(call.)-75 782 y
(Anthony's)9 b(voice)h(came)i(on)e(the)g(other)g(end.)g(She)h(cut)f(him)g(off\
.)-33 832 y(``Nice)g(try.)g(You)g(can)h(tell)e(the)h(dudes)g(in)g(my)g(house)
g(to)g(forget)g(it.)f(I)-75 882 y(won't)i(be)h(attending)e(their)h(party.)k
(And)c(if)h(anything)e(has)i(happened)-75 932 y(to)h(Martin)p fc(.)7 b(.)g
(.)e fg('')14 b(She)g(let)g(the)g(threat)f(trail)g(off,)i(hung)e(up)h(before)
g(he)-75 981 y(could)c(answer.)-33 1050 y(Less)j(than)f(24)g(hours)f(later)h
(she)h(stepped)f(off)g(a)h(bus)f(in)f(Glasgow.)-75 1100 y(She)i(had)g(taken)f
(rather)h(a)g(roundabout)e(path)h(to)g(get)g(here,)i(since)g(the)-75 1150 y
(Academy)h(appeared)f(to)f(be)g(taking)g(an)g(active)h(interest)f(in)g(her,)h
(but)-75 1200 y(she)j(had)g(little)e(problem)i(getting)e(a)j(flight;)f(money)
g(talks)g(loudly,)-75 1249 y(and)f(June)h(Kendall)e(talked)h(fast.)29 b(She)
16 b(got)g(lucky)f(going)g(through)-75 1299 y(customs,)f(her)f(handbag)f(was)
h(not)f(searched,)j(the)e(chemicals)g(in)g(the)-75 1349 y(false)e(bottom)e
(remained)i(undiscovered.)-33 1399 y(Her)18 b(first)f(stop)h(was)h(in)e(a)i
(small)f(hotel)g(on)f(the)h(opposite)f(side)-75 1449 y(of)g(town)f(from)h(the)
h(one)f(in)g(which)f(Martin)h(supposedly)f(resided.)-75 1498 y(She)e(got)f
(a)h(room)f(without)f(difficulty,)g(a)i(fairly)f(small)h(but)e(modern)-75 1548
y(one,)21 b(comfortable)c(but)h(not)f(plush)g(enough)h(to)g(attract)g(attenti\
on.)-75 1598 y(The)i(innkeeper's)e(accent)i(amused)g(her)f(briefly,)h(her)f
(attempt)g(to)-75 1648 y(mimic)13 b(it)f(back)h(was)h(apparently)e(successful\
;)i(the)f(Scottish)f(dialect)-75 1698 y(was)i(familiar)g(to)f(her)h(from)f
(several)h(vacations)g(with)f(Martin.)20 b(The)-75 1748 y(thought)11 b(of)h
(him)g(kept)g(her)h(moving)f(quickly,)g(but)f(with)h(caution.)17 b(It)-75 1797
y(had)d(taken)h(her)f(hours)g(to)g(cross)h(the)f(sea;)j(if)d(a)h(Teletrix)f
(found)f(her)-75 1847 y(snooping,)e(it)g(would)f(take)j(less)f(than)f(a)h(sec\
ond)h(to)e(make)i(the)e(return)-75 1897 y(trip.)-33 1947 y(Safely)i(in)g(her)
h(room,)h(she)f(spread)g(out)f(an)h(array)g(of)f(bottles)f(and)-75 1997 y(via\
ls,)20 b(and)e(looked)f(them)h(over)g(carefully.)34 b(It)17 b(took)g(only)g
(a)i(few)-75 2046 y(minutes)10 b(to)g(mix)f(the)i(concoctions)e(she)i(needed.)
-33 2096 y(When)16 b(she)h(emerged)h(from)e(her)h(room)f(an)h(hour)f(later,)i
(no)e(one)-75 2146 y(would)j(have)i(recognized)f(her.)41 b(Her)20 b(usually-l\
ight)d(hair)j(was)h(a)-75 2196 y(burgundy)14 b(so)h(deep)h(it)f(would)f(pass)
i(for)f(black,)i(tied)e(in)g(a)h(fashion)-75 2246 y(different)10 b(from)g(her)
g(usual)h(style.)g(All)e(of)i(her)f(visible)f(skin)h(had)h(been)-75 2295 y
(lightened)h(by)i(several)g(shades.)22 b(A)13 b(short)g(stop)g(to)g(a)i(local)
e(clothing)-75 2345 y(shop)e(completed)g(her)g(change.)j(In)d(her)g(new)g(pur\
se,)h(three)f(vials)g(of)g(a)-75 2395 y(light)e(powder)g(were)i(carefully)f
(protected)g(from)g(jarring.)-33 2445 y(In)h(this)f(guise)h(she)h(approached)
g(Martin's)e(hotel.)k(It)c(was)i(a)g(larger)-75 2495 y(structure)c(than)g(the)
h(one)f(in)g(which)h(she)g(had)f(decided)h(to)f(stay,)i(several)-75 2545 y
(stories)i(high)f(and)h(built)e(of)i(attractive)g(red)g(brick.)k(She)d(scanne\
d)g(the)-75 2594 y(outside)k(briefly,)h(then)g(entered.)33 b(The)18 b(lobby)f
(contained)g(various)-75 2644 y(brochures)9 b(and)g(posters,)g(and)g(several)
g(large)g(stuffed)f(chairs.)j(Two)e(of)-75 2694 y(them)j(were)g(occupied)g
(by)f(men)h(reading;)g(one)g(paid)f(no)g(attention)f(at)-75 2744 y(all)g(to)g
(her,)i(the)e(second)h(surveyed)g(her)f(briefly)g(as)h(she)g(entered,)h(then)
-75 2794 y(looked)h(back)i(to)f(his)f(book.)22 b(He)15 b(might)e(be)h(innocen\
t;)h(then)f(again,)996 -15 y(he)f(might)f(be)h(a)h(Teletrix.)19 b(Careful)12 b
(not)g(to)h(show)g(too)f(much)h(of)g(her)996 35 y(face)g(to)f(him,)h(she)g
(sat)g(down)f(in)f(the)i(seat)g(next)f(to)g(him)g(and)g(opened)996 85 y(her)h
(purse.)19 b(Carefully,)13 b(she)g(dumped)g(one)g(of)g(the)f(vials)h(of)g(pow\
der)996 135 y(into)g(her)i(makeup)g(kit,)g(then)f(withdrew)g(it.)22 b(The)16 b
(man)f(next)f(to)g(her)996 184 y(continued)c(his)h(reading,)g(but)g(looked)f
(up)h(to)g(scan)h(each)h(new)f(arrival)996 234 y(in)d(the)i(room.)1037 285 y
(She)19 b(took)e(a)h(small)g(brush)g(out)f(of)h(the)f(makeup)i(case)g(as)g
(if)f(to)996 335 y(apply)c(the)h(powder)f(to)h(her)g(face,)j(but)c(sneezed)i
(violently)d(instead.)996 385 y(The)h(man)f(next)g(to)g(her)g(looked)g(up)f
(at)i(the)f(sneeze,)j(brushing)11 b(away)996 435 y(the)k(cloud)h(of)f(dust)g
(that)g(had)h(formed)g(about)f(him.)27 b(June)16 b(grinned)996 484 y(shyly,)e
(hiding)d(her)j(face)h(and)f(holding)d(her)j(breath)f(until)f(the)i(cloud)996
534 y(settled.)d(He)g(mumbled)g(something)f(and)g(went)h(back)g(to)f(his)g
(reading.)996 584 y(A)h(few)g(seconds)g(later,)h(as)f(the)g(sleep)g(powder)f
(took)g(effect,)i(his)f(head)996 634 y(dropped)e(back)i(in)f(the)g(chair.)
1037 685 y(June)18 b(looked)f(around.)32 b(The)18 b(incident)f(had)g(not)g
(disturbed)f(the)996 735 y(other)11 b(reader,)i(and)f(passing)g(guests)g(had)
g(abandoned)f(the)h(lobby)f(for)996 784 y(rooms)f(within.)f(She)h(approached)
h(the)f(desk)h(and)f(rang)g(the)g(bell.)1037 835 y(A)j(short)e(man)i(approach\
ed)g(and)f(politely)e(asked)j(how)f(she)h(could)996 885 y(be)d(helped.)1037
936 y(``I'm)20 b(looking)e(for)i(Martin)f(Kendall.)39 b(I'm)21 b(his)e(wife,)
k(and)d(I)996 986 y(understand)9 b(he)i(has)g(a)f(room)g(here.'')1037 1037 y
(The)i(clerk's)g(eyes)g(snapped)f(briefly)f(to)h(the)g(sleeping)g(man)h(in)e
(the)996 1087 y(chair.)g(June)h(noticed.)1037 1138 y(``I'd)f(really)h(rather)
g(you)g(didn't)e(tell)h(that)h(man)g(I'm)g(here.)j(I)d(know)996 1188 y(he)j
(wanted)h(you)f(to)f(watch)i(out)f(for)f(me,)k(but)d(he's)g(certainly)g(not)g
(a)996 1238 y(friend)e(of)g(mine.'')18 b(She)13 b(slid)e(a)i(few)g(pound)f
(notes)g(across)i(the)e(table)996 1287 y(to)d(him.)1037 1338 y(The)i(clerk)e
(pushed)h(them)f(back.)i(``That)f(isn't)e(necessary.)k(I)e(didn't)996 1388 y
(really)16 b(like)g(his)h(attitude)e(anyhow.'')30 b(The)17 b(clerk)g(signalle\
d)f(for)h(a)996 1438 y(bellhop,)9 b(handed)h(him)g(a)h(key.)g(The)g(bellhop)e
(accepted)i(it,)f(vanished.)1037 1489 y(``Mr.)i(Kendall)f(has)h(not)f(checked)
i(in,)f(but)e(he)i(called)g(and)g(said)g(to)996 1539 y(hold)g(that)g(room)h
(for)g(him,)h(and)f(that)f(he'd)h(be)h(back)f(in)g(a)h(couple)e(of)996 1589 y
(days.)f(This)f(was)h(about)e(two)h(weeks)h(ago,)g(though.'')1037 1640 y(``An\
d)f(that)f(man?'')i(June)g(prompted.)1037 1691 y(``He)i(said)g(he)h(was)f(a)h
(friend)e(of)h(Mr.)g(Kendall,)g(sent)g(to)g(meet)h(his)996 1740 y(wife)h(when)
h(she)g(arrived.)27 b(I)15 b(was)h(supposed)g(to)f(point)f(you)h(out)g(to)996
1790 y(him.'')1037 1841 y(June)c(nodded.)f(``Thanks)g(for)g(not)f(giving)g
(me)i(away.'')1037 1892 y(``Are)e(you)f(in)g(some)h(sort)f(of)g(trouble?)h
(I)f(could)g(call)h(the)f(police)g(and)996 1942 y(have)j(him)e(removed.'')i
(The)g(man)g(seemed)h(genuinely)d(concerned.)1037 1993 y(June)g(grinned)e(at)
h(the)h(thought)d(of)i(a)h(Teletrix)f(in)f(jail.)j(``It)d(wouldn't)996 2043 y
(do)j(any)g(good.)g(Besides,)h(it)e(would)g(let)h(him)g(know)g(I'm)g(here.'')
1037 2094 y(The)h(clerk)f(shrugged,)g(but)f(his)g(eyes)i(said)f(that)g(he)g
(didn't)e(approve)996 2144 y(of)14 b(her)h(decision.)25 b(``If)14 b(you)g(nee\
d)i(help,)g(don't)d(hesitate)i(to)g(let)f(me)996 2193 y(know.)c(The)g(bellhop)
f(should)f(be)i(making)g(up)f(your)g(husband's)g(room)996 2243 y(now,)h(so)g
(you)g(should)f(be)i(ready)f(in)g(a)h(few)p fc(.)c(.)g(.)e fg('')1037 2294 y
(A)j(tremendous)f(explosion)g(shook)g(the)g(building,)f(pulling)g(pictures)
996 2344 y(down)11 b(from)h(the)f(walls)h(and)g(throwing)e(both)h(June)h(and)
g(the)g(clerk)g(to)996 2394 y(the)i(floor.)21 b(Beams)15 b(split)e(from)h(the)
g(ceiling,)g(raining)f(debris)h(down)996 2444 y(upon)7 b(the)h(occupants)g
(of)g(the)g(lounge.)h(June)f(rolled)f(under)h(the)g(desk)g(as)996 2494 y(a)j
(rafter)g(crashed)g(down)f(where)h(she)g(had)g(been)g(standing.)g(The)g(clerk)
996 2543 y(looked)e(at)h(her)g(from)f(the)h(other)f(side)h(his)f(eyes)i(wide)
f(with)e(confusion)996 2593 y(and)14 b(fear;)j(she)e(gestured)g(at)f(him)h
(to)f(cover)h(his)f(head,)i(then)e(did)g(so)996 2643 y(herself)c(without)e
(waiting)h(to)h(see)h(if)f(he)h(complied.)1037 2694 y(After)d(a)g(few)g(long)
e(moments)i(the)f(rubble)g(ceased)j(and)d(the)h(constant)996 2744 y(rain)k
(of)h(debris)g(turned)f(to)g(a)i(lingering)d(cloud)h(of)h(dust.)18 b(She)13 b
(pulled)996 2794 y(herself)g(up,)h(and)g(shortly)d(realized)j(that)f(reaching)
g(the)h(door)e(would)956 2918 y fj(48)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(now)g(be)h(impos\
sible,)f(but)g(there)h(appeared)g(little)e(immediate)i(danger)-75 35 y(and)g
(plenty)f(of)h(air,)h(so)f(she)h(settled)f(back)g(to)g(wait)g(for)g(rescue.)
-33 86 y(Only)k(seconds)i(later)g(a)g(human)f(figure)g(emerged)h(from)g(the)f
(air,)-75 136 y(looking)20 b(around)h(with)g(a)i(look)e(of)g(shock)h(on)g(his)
f(face.)47 b(June)-75 185 y(recognized)10 b(him)g(at)h(once.)-33 236 y(``Mart\
in!'')-33 287 y(Martin)h(Kendall)i(immediately)f(turned)g(in)h(the)f(directio\
n)g(of)g(her)-75 337 y(voice.)-33 388 y(``June?)26 b(Are)16 b(you)f(okay?'')
26 b(The)16 b(piles)f(of)h(rubble)e(around)h(her)-75 438 y(vanished)g(without)
f(a)j(trace,)h(fresh)e(air)f(wafted)h(over)g(her.)27 b(Martin)-75 487 y(himse\
lf)13 b(covered)i(the)e(distance)h(in)g(a)g(few)g(short)f(steps,)j(taking)c
(her)-75 537 y(into)h(his)h(arms)i(as)f(she)g(stood.)23 b(The)15 b(clerk)g
(behind)e(them)i(stood)f(up)-75 587 y(uncertainly,)e(shaking)f(his)h(clothes)
g(to)f(clear)i(them)f(of)g(dust.)j(Martin)-75 637 y(nodded)10 b(briefly)g(in)
g(the)h(clerk's)g(direction,)f(then)h(led)f(June)i(around)e(a)-75 687 y(ceili\
ng)f(beam)j(that)d(jutted)g(out)h(nearby.)-33 738 y(The)f(moment)f(they)h(wer\
e)g(obscured)f(from)h(the)f(clerk's)h(vision,)f(the)-75 787 y(ruined)13 b(hot\
el)h(ceased)h(to)f(exist,)h(replaced)g(by)e(a)i(plushly)d(furnished)-75 837 y
(room.)e(Martin)d(gestured)i(toward)f(one)g(of)g(the)h(chairs,)g(seated)h(him\
self)-75 887 y(in)g(the)g(other.)-33 938 y(``Good)h(morning,'')g(he)h(said,)h
(without)d(a)j(trace)g(of)f(humor)f(in)h(his)-75 988 y(voice.)f(There)g(was)g
(an)f(implied)g(question)f(in)g(the)h(tone.)-33 1039 y(``Came)g(looking)f(for)
g(you.)h(What's)h(going)e(on?'')-33 1089 y(Martin)15 b(shrugged.)26 b(``I)16 b
(wish)f(I)h(knew.)28 b(Fifteen)15 b(Teletrix)h(have)-75 1139 y(disappeared)i
(here)h(in)e(the)g(last)h(couple)g(months.)32 b(Inexperienced)-75 1189 y(ones)
20 b(seem)i(to)d(vanish)h(from)g(the)g(Earth,)j(more)d(powerful)f(ones)-75
1239 y(are)d(murdered.)25 b(The)16 b(explosion)d(you)i(just,)h(uh,)g(experien\
ced)g(was)-75 1289 y(probably)f(a)j(bomb)e(in)g(my)h(``reserved'')g(room.)30 b
(I)17 b(took)e(this)h(one)-75 1338 y(instead)10 b(under)g(an)g(assumed)i(name)
f(when)f(I)h(got)e(here.'')-33 1389 y(``How)g(would)g(they)h(know)g(where)h
(you)e(were)i(going)e(to)h(be?'')-33 1440 y(``Apparently)20 b(the)i(people)g
(responsible)f(have)i(access)h(to)e(the)-75 1490 y(Academy's)13 b(records.)h
(Since)e(you)f(managed)h(to)f(find)g(me,)i(I)e(have)h(to)-75 1540 y(guess)d
(that)f(those)h(records)g(aren't)g(as)g(secure)h(as)g(they)e(might)g(be.'')i
(He)-75 1590 y(grinned.)-33 1641 y(June)i(extracted)h(his)g(file)f(from)g(the)
h(remains)g(of)g(her)f(tote,)h(tossed)-75 1690 y(it)e(to)h(the)g(table.)k(``A\
nthony)10 b(figured)h(it)h(out,)g(of)g(course.)k(He's)d(been)-75 1740 y(chasi\
ng)d(me)h(down)f(since)h(I)f(got)f(them.'')-33 1791 y(Martin)k(nodded.)21 b
(``Probably)13 b(for)g(your)g(protection.)21 b(Whatever)-75 1841 y(game)11 b
(is)f(going)f(on)h(here)h(is)f(quite)g(dangerous.)g(He's)h(a)g(good)f(man,)h
(if)-75 1891 y(a)g(bit)e(sticky)h(on)f(the)i(rules)f(sometimes.'')-33 1942 y
(``Apparently.)36 b(I)20 b(take)f(it)g(that)g(this)f(is)i(why)f(you)g(didn't)
e(call)-75 1991 y(home?'')-33 2042 y(``Exactly.)d(I)e(want)g(my)g(file)f(to)g
(read)i(`missing.')h(I'd)d(rather)h(have)-75 2092 y(people)i(believe)h(me)g
(dead.)24 b(Sorry)14 b(I)g(couldn't)f(let)h(you)g(know,)h(but)-75 2142 y(I'm)
10 b(being)f(very)g(careful.)i(For)f(a)g(while)f(I)h(even)g(suspected)g(that)
f(these)-75 2192 y(people)h(had)h(a)g(device)h(that)e(could)g(detect)h(telepo\
rtation,)e(so)h(I)h(didn't)-75 2241 y(want)f(to)g(risk)f(a)i(hop)f(home.'')
-33 2292 y(``You)f(don't)g(think)g(so)h(any)g(more?'')-33 2343 y(``No.)39 b
(I'm)20 b(fairly)f(sure)h(I)g(was)g(found)f(more)h(as)h(a)f(result)g(of)-75
2393 y(impeccable)g(record-)f(keeping)g(on)f(the)h(part)g(of)f(Anthony.)36 b
(Any)-75 2443 y(Teletrix)9 b(who)f(knew)h(where)h(those)e(records)i(were)f
(located)g(could)g(get)-75 2493 y(a)i(hold)e(of)h(them)g(at)h(any)f(time.'')
-33 2543 y(``You)f(think)g(it's)g(a)i(Teletrix?'')-33 2594 y(``Who)h(else)h
(would)f(know)g(of)g(our)h(existence?)18 b(Or)13 b(care)h(enough)-75 2644 y
(to)c(try)f(to)h(kill)e(us?)j(And)f(the)g(murders)g(have)h(all)f(succeeded,)i
(with)e(the)-75 2694 y(exception)h(of)h(mine.)j(It's)c(very)h(hard)f(to)g(kil\
l)g(a)h(Teletrix)f(-)h(you)f(have)-75 2744 y(to)f(do)g(it)g(almost)g(instantl\
y,)f(and)h(so)h(unexpectedly)f(that)g(they)g(cannot)-75 2794 y(react.)h(Usual\
ly)f(it's)f(been)i(bombs.'')1037 -15 y(He)h(reached)h(under)e(the)h(nightstan\
d,)e(pulled)h(out)g(several)h(manila)996 35 y(folders.)d(``Here's)h(everythin\
g)e(I've)h(been)h(able)f(to)g(come)h(up)f(with)f(on)996 85 y(the)g(cases.)k
(Some)d(of)f(this)g(is)g(information)f(Anthony)g(gave)i(me)g(before)996 135 y
(I)i(left,)g(most)g(of)g(it)f(I)h(gathered)g(myself)h(from)f(police)f(reports\
.)j(I)e(can't)996 184 y(find)i(anything)f(in)h(it,)i(but)e(maybe)h(I'm)g(look\
ing)e(too)h(hard.)22 b(Take)15 b(a)996 234 y(peek)c(yourself)e(and)h(tell)g
(me)h(if)f(you)f(can)i(find)e(anything)g(I)h(missed.'')1037 286 y(June)h(shoo\
k)g(her)g(head,)h(and)f(a)g(small)g(cloud)g(of)f(dust)g(dropped)h(off)996 336
y(it.)f(``A)g(shower)g(first,)f(I)i(think.)e(Care)i(to)e(join)g(me?'')1438 447
y fh(Teacher)1037 529 y fg(June)k(Kendall)f(saw)g(the)h(young)e(blond)g(woman)
h(standing)f(by)h(the)996 579 y(luggage)f(claim,)h(and)f(carefully)g(eased)i
(a)e(syringe)g(out)f(of)h(her)h(purse.)996 629 y(The)j(maneuver)g(was)g(almos\
t)g(too)e(easy;)18 b(she)c(slid)g(the)g(needle)h(into)996 679 y(the)f(blond)e
(woman's)j(leg,)g(then)e(had)i(it)e(back)h(in)g(her)g(purse)g(before)996 728 y
(anyone)e(could)g(notice.)17 b(The)c(blond)f(woman)g(spun)h(around)e(quickly)
996 778 y(at)f(the)g(sharp)g(pain,)h(her)f(eyes)h(going)e(wide.)1037 830 y
(``Sorry,'')19 b(June)f(said,)j(a)d(moment)g(before)g(the)g(blond)f(woman)996
880 y(slumped)10 b(into)f(her)h(arms.)1037 931 y(``She)15 b(seems)i(to)d(have)
h(fainted,'')h(June)f(said)f(aloud,)i(``give)e(me)996 981 y(some)h(room.'')24
b(Carefully)13 b(supporting)f(her)j(unconscious)f(burden,)996 1031 y(she)f
(backed)h(out)e(of)g(the)h(crowd)g(and)g(headed)g(for)f(the)h(ladies)g(room.)
996 1081 y(Several)18 b(people)f(offered)g(to)g(help,)j(but)c(she)i(turned)f
(them)g(down.)996 1131 y(``This)e(happens)h(all)g(the)f(time)h(to)g(her,)h
(all)f(it)f(takes)h(is)g(some)h(cold)996 1181 y(water)10 b(to)g(bring)f(her)h
(back.'')1037 1232 y(Across)22 b(the)f(wide)g(aisle,)j(Martin)c(Kendall)h(wai\
ted)g(until)e(the)996 1282 y(bathroom)d(door)g(closed,)j(then)d(teleported)g
(them)h(all)g(back)g(to)f(the)996 1332 y(hotel.)1037 1384 y(``Nice)11 b(job,'\
')e(he)i(said.)f(``How)g(long)f(will)g(that)h(keep)h(her)f(out?'')1037 1435 y
(``Only)e(a)i(few)f(minutes,)g(but)g(I'll)e(give)i(her)g(something)f(before)i
(she)996 1485 y(wakes)j(up)f(to)f(keep)i(her)f(asleep)h(for)f(eight)g(to)f
(ten)h(hours.'')k(Even)c(as)996 1535 y(she)e(spoke,)h(she)g(was)g(filling)d
(her)i(hypodermic)g(with)f(a)i(clear)g(liquid.)1037 1587 y(They)16 b(waited)f
(several)h(minutes)e(until)g(the)h(woman's)g(breathing)996 1636 y(slowed)k
(to)f(almost)h(imperceptible,)i(then)e(stripped)f(her)h(quickly,)996 1686 y
(wrapping)d(her)i(in)f(a)h(hotel)e(bathrobe.)32 b(June)18 b(quickly)e(dressed)
i(in)996 1736 y(her)g(clothes,)j(making)e(an)f(occasional)h(adjustment)f(to)g
(cover)h(the)996 1786 y(relatively)13 b(poor)g(fit.)20 b(Martin)13 b(arranged)
i(June's)f(hair)f(as)i(closely)e(as)996 1836 y(they)d(could)f(to)h(the)g(blon\
d)f(woman's)i(style.)1037 1887 y(``Why)e(would)f(a)i(Teletrix)e(take)i(a)f
(plane,)h(anyhow?'',)g(she)f(said)g(as)996 1937 y(he)h(worked.)1037 1989 y
(``Probably)20 b(she)i(doesn't)f(have)h(enough)f(experience)h(to)f(leap)996
2039 y(overseas,)9 b(or)e(she's)g(never)h(been)f(here)h(before.)i(Or)d(maybe)
h(Anthony's)996 2089 y(working)g(on)i(my)h(teleport)e(detection)h(theory.'')
1037 2140 y(``He)j(certainly)e(doesn't)h(protect)g(his)g(files)g(any)g(better\
.'')k(Martin)996 2190 y(had)10 b(teleported)f(the)h(files)f(here)i(earlier,)g
(allowing)d(them)i(to)f(meet)i(the)996 2240 y(young)g(woman)i(at)f(the)h(airp\
ort.)j(They)c(had)h(been)g(returned)f(equally)996 2290 y(easily.)26 b(Since)
16 b(the)f(woman)h(had)g(arrived)f(on)g(schedule,)j(Anthony)996 2340 y(had)10
b(not)g(noticed)f(the)h(absence.)1037 2391 y(An)f(hour)f(later,)i(June)f(was)
g(back)h(on)e(the)h(street,)h(Martin)e(following)996 2441 y(at)16 b(a)h(cauti\
ous)e(distance,)j(maintaining)d(a)h(teleportation)f(``shield'')996 2491 y(aro\
und)j(her.)36 b(They)19 b(walked)g(several)g(blocks)f(without)f(incident,)996
2541 y(arriving)9 b(at)h(last)g(at)g(a)h(small)f(inn.)1037 2592 y(``Marie)15 b
(Jacobsen,)j(I)e(have)g(a)f(reservation,'')i(June)e(said)h(to)e(the)996 2642 y
(innkeeper,)j(just)d(loudly)g(enough)g(that)h(others)g(in)g(the)g(room)g(coul\
d)996 2692 y(hear.)1037 2744 y(``Of)10 b(course,)h(Lass.)g(Room)f(twelve.'')g
(He)g(placed)h(the)f(key)g(on)f(the)996 2794 y(counter.)956 2918 y fj(49)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(June)14 b(didn't)
e(touch)h(it.)21 b(``Twelve's)14 b(my)g(unlucky)f(number,)i(I'm)-75 35 y(afra\
id.)c(Can)f(I)g(have)h(another)f(room?'')-33 87 y(The)j(innkeeper)f(shrugged.)
k(``Fine)c(w')h(me.)18 b(How)12 b('bout)f(seven?)-75 137 y(Canna)f(be)h(unluc\
ky.'')-33 189 y(June)f(nodded.)g(``That)g(would)f(be)i(fine.'')f(She)g(took)f
(the)h(new)h(key,)-75 239 y(left)h(the)g(lobby)f(for)h(the)h(hall.)j(As)d(soo\
n)f(as)h(she)g(was)g(out)e(of)i(sight,)f(a)-75 289 y(man)f(stood)e(up)h(quick\
ly)f(in)h(the)g(lobby)f(and)h(headed)h(for)f(the)g(door.)-33 341 y(Martin,)15
b(who)g(had)h(entered)f(during)f(the)h(exchange,)j(stepped)d(in)-75 391 y(fro\
nt)9 b(of)h(him.)-33 443 y(``Going)k(places?)29 b(Maybe)17 b(you)e(have)i(som\
ething)e(to)h(report)f(to)-75 492 y(someone?'')-33 545 y(The)21 b(man's)g(eye\
s)g(flickered)f(only)f(for)h(an)h(instant.)40 b(He)21 b(was)-75 594 y(a)f(pro\
fessional,)h(it)d(seemed.)40 b(His)19 b(hands)g(snapped)h(to)f(his)g(belt,)
-75 644 y(emerged)11 b(with)e(a)i(knife,)f(which)g(promptly)f(vanished.)-33
696 y(``Next)g(time)g(that)g(will)g(be)h(your)e(hand,'')i(Martin)f(warned.)i
(``Take)-75 746 y(a)g(walk)f(out)f(the)h(door,)g(and)h(don't)e(even)h(think)f
(of)h(running)f(away.'')-33 798 y(As)f(the)h(man)g(complied,)g(Martin)f(telep\
orted)f(a)i(bit)f(of)g(June's)h(sleep)-75 848 y(serum)15 b(into)e(him.)23 b
(Clearly)14 b(in)g(the)g(prime)h(of)f(health,)h(the)f(assassin)-75 898 y(mana\
ged)f(almost)f(a)g(dozen)g(steps)g(before)g(collapsing)f(to)g(the)h(street.)
-75 948 y(Checking)e(that)g(there)g(was)h(no)f(one)h(in)f(sight,)f(Martin)h
(teleported)g(the)-75 998 y(man)h(back)g(to)e(the)h(hotel)g(room,)g(and)g(wen\
t)h(to)e(look)g(for)h(June.)-33 1079 y(Martin)c(Kendall)h(handed)g(his)g(bino\
culars)f(to)h(his)g(wife.)i(The)f(two)f(of)-75 1129 y(them)k(were)h(perched)g
(on)f(a)h(hilltop)d(overlooking)g(a)j(mansion)f(on)g(the)-75 1179 y(edge)g
(of)f(the)h(moors.)g(Below,)f(guards)h(walked)f(the)h(perimeter)f(of)h(the)
-75 1229 y(mansion's)h(garden)g(wall,)g(but)f(they)h(were)h(apparently)e(orna\
mental;)-75 1278 y(none)d(carried)g(a)g(weapon)g(that)f(either)h(Kendall)f
(could)g(see.)k(The)d(house)-75 1328 y(itself)13 b(was)i(clearly)e(still)g
(inhabited)f(by)i(wealth;)h(the)f(gardens)g(were)-75 1378 y(impeccable,)e(the)
e(manor)g(in)g(excellent)g(repair.)-33 1430 y(Both)19 b(Martin)h(and)g(June)h
(were)g(disguised)f(quite)g(thoroughly.)-75 1480 y(They)15 b(would)e(pass)h
(for)g(travellers)f(at)i(worst,)f(displaced)g(natives)g(at)-75 1530 y(best.)
25 b(June)15 b(carried)h(a)f(smaller)h(tote)e(than)h(usual,)h(a)g(secret)g
(pocket)-75 1580 y(within)10 b(concealing)h(the)g(usual)g(array)h(of)f(sleepi\
ng)g(powders,)g(mixed)-75 1629 y(chemicals,)16 b(and)d(three)g(grenades)h(Mar\
tin)e(had)i(``borrowed'')e(from)-75 1679 y(an)g(armory)f(somewhere.)16 b(Mart\
in)10 b(had)i(only)e(himself)i(as)g(a)g(weapon,)-75 1729 y(more)f(than)f(suff\
icient)f(for)g(any)i(probable)e(confrontation.)-33 1781 y(After)i(confirming)
g(that)h(no)f(more)i(could)f(be)g(learned)g(from)g(here,)-75 1831 y(June)e
(backed)h(down)e(the)g(hill)g(and)h(stood)e(up.)j(Martin)e(followed.)g(The)
-75 1881 y(last)16 b(light)f(was)i(just)f(fading)g(from)g(the)g(sky)h(as)g
(they)f(rounded)g(the)-75 1931 y(bottom)9 b(of)h(the)g(hill)f(toward)g(the)i
(mansion.)-33 1983 y(One)f(of)g(the)g(guards)g(challenged)g(them)h(immediatel\
y.)-33 2035 y(``Sorry)f(to)g(bother)h(you,'')g(Martin)f(replied,)h(``but)f
(our)h(car)h(seems)-75 2085 y(to)18 b(have)h(stopped)e(working.)33 b(Any)18 b
(chance)i(we)f(could)e(use)i(your)-75 2134 y(phone?'')-33 2187 y(The)14 b(gua\
rd)g(nodded.)21 b(``Shouldn't)12 b(be)i(any)g(problem)g(with)f(that.)-75 2236
y(I'll)e(have)i(one)g(of)f(the)h(servants)f(show)h(you)f(to)g(it.'')k(He)d
(touched)f(an)-75 2286 y(intercom)h(on)f(the)h(wall,)h(spoke)f(briefly)f(into)
f(it.)19 b(He)13 b(turned)f(back)i(a)-75 2336 y(few)d(moments)f(later.)-33
2388 y(``Actually,)d(the)h(master)g(of)g(the)g(house)g(will)e(meet)j(you)e
(at)h(the)g(door.)-75 2438 y(It's)i(just)f(up)h(the)g(path,)g(but)g(be)g(care\
ful)h(of)f(the)g(roses.'')h(He)f(smiled.)-33 2490 y(``Thank)g(you,'')g(Martin)
g(said,)h(then)f(turned)g(and)g(led)h(June)f(up)h(the)-75 2540 y(path)f(to)g
(the)g(door.)f(They)i(knocked)f(gently.)-33 2592 y(An)g(elderly)f(man)i(met)g
(them)f(at)h(the)f(door.)-33 2644 y(``Good)18 b(evening,)k(and)e(welcome)g
(to)f(my)h(house.)38 b(I)20 b(am)g(Mr.)-75 2694 y(Cavendal,)13 b(but)f(you)f
(may)i(call)f(me)i(`Robert.')h(Should)c(you)h(require)-75 2744 y(it,)j(please)
g(feel)f(free)h(to)e(be)h(my)h(guests)f(tonight;)f(there)h(are)h(always)-75
2794 y(guest)10 b(rooms)g(prepared.'')1037 -15 y(``Thanks,'')f(said)g(Martin,)
g(closing)f(the)h(door.)g(``But)f(I)h(think)e(we'd)996 35 y(rather)12 b(just)
f(talk)h(to)f(you,)i(if)e(you)h(don't)f(mind.)k(You)d(have)h(arranged)996 85 y
(numerous)d(times)h(for)g(assassinations)g(in)f(the)h(last)f(few)h(months,)g
(and)996 135 y(we'd)f(really)g(like)g(to)f(know)h(why.'')1037 186 y(Robert)e
(paled.)i(``Assassinations?)f(I)g(was)g(told)e(that)p fc(.)g(.)g(.)e fg(Oh)k
(dear.'')996 235 y(He)14 b(turned)f(and)g(retreated)h(into)f(the)g(room)g(beh\
ind)g(him,)h(gesturing)996 285 y(absently)i(for)h(the)f(Kendalls)h(to)f(follo\
w.)29 b(Several)18 b(elegant)f(chairs)996 335 y(and)10 b(a)h(few)g(comfortabl\
e-looking)d(ones)i(waited)g(in)g(the)g(other)g(room.)996 385 y(Robert)j(selec\
ted)i(one)f(of)g(the)g(latter)f(and)h(sat)g(down.)22 b(June)14 b(did)f(the)
996 435 y(same,)f(Martin)d(stood.)1037 486 y(``You)h(were)h(saying?'')f(he)g
(prompted.)1037 537 y(``Yes,)h(yes.)g(Are)f(you)f(the)h(police?)g(I)f(really)
h(think)e(that)h(we)h(should)996 587 y(call)g(the)g(police.'')1037 638 y(``I)
c(assure)h(you,)g(Mr.)g(Cavendal,)g(that)g(the)g(police)g(could)f(do)g(not)o
(hi)o(ng)996 688 y(about)11 b(this.)k(Try)d(telling)e(us)i(what)f(you)h(know.)
i(If)e(it)f(will)g(make)i(you)996 737 y(feel)d(more)h(comfortable,)f(you)g
(may)h(record)f(the)g(conversation.'')1037 788 y(``Please)16 b(call)g(me)g
(Robert.)25 b(No,)17 b(I)e(don't)f(think)g(that)h(recording)996 838 y(will)9 b
(be)h(necessary.)i(It's)e(all)g(very)g(clear)h(to)f(me)h(now.)1037 889 y(``Be\
hind)h(the)g(manor)h(are)h(some)f(old)f(buildings)f(that)h(were)i(once)996 939
y(used)8 b(as)h(stables.)h(I'm)e(rather)f(afraid)h(of)g(horses,)h(and)f(my)g
(children)f(are)996 989 y(in)h(England)g(at)h(the)g(University,)f(so)h(there)
g(wasn't)f(much)h(point)f(in)g(my)996 1039 y(keeping)i(them)h(open.)h(I)f(pla\
ced)g(an)h(advertisement,)f(and)g(some)h(men)996 1089 y(came)j(to)d(look)g
(at)i(the)f(buildings.)k(They)c(agreed)h(to)f(rent,)h(and)f(con-)996 1138 y
(verted)e(them)h(into)f(some)i(sort)e(of)g(laboratories.)k(Occasionally)d(the\
y)996 1188 y(would)d(leave)h(envelopes)g(with)f(me)i(to)e(give)g(to)h(specifi\
c)g(people)g(who)996 1238 y(came)k(to)e(the)h(door.)k(I)c(always)g(assumed)h
(it)e(was)h(for)f(equipment)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)996 1288 y fg(Are)j(you)g(sure)h
(the)f(police)f(shouldn't)g(know)g(about)h(this?'')1037 1339 y(June)k(withdre\
w)f(a)i(badge)f(from)g(her)g(tote,)g(passed)h(it)e(to)h(Robert.)996 1389 y
(``We)f(are)h(the)e(police,)i(Robert.)k(I)12 b(am)i(Marie)f(Johnson,)g(and)g
(this)f(is)996 1439 y(my)e(husband)f(Richard.)h(We're)h(with)d(special)j(inve\
stigations.'')c(The)996 1488 y(badge)j(had)f(been)h(forged)g(earlier;)f(Marti\
n)g(grinned)f(at)i(her)g(when)g(she)996 1538 y(produced)g(it.)1037 1589 y(Rob\
ert)g(looked)f(somewhat)i(relieved.)f(``How)g(can)h(I)f(help)g(you?'')1037
1640 y(``By)h(not)g(mentioning)f(that)h(we)h(were)g(here.)j(I)d(think)e(we'd)
h(better)996 1690 y(take)f(a)h(look)e(at)i(that)e(lab.'')1037 1741 y(``By)15 b
(all)h(means;)j(it's)c(behind)g(the)g(house.)27 b(They)17 b(use)f(the)f(rear)
996 1791 y(entrance)c(to)f(get)g(to)f(it,)h(but)g(you)g(can)h(just)e(take)i
(the)f(path)g(through)e(the)996 1841 y(rear)j(garden.'')1037 1892 y(June)j
(stood)f(up.)21 b(``Thank)14 b(you)f(for)g(your)g(help.)21 b(Don't)13 b(conce\
rn)996 1942 y(yourself)g(about)f(this)h(matter,)i(it's)e(clear)h(that)f(you)g
(are)i(innocent)d(of)996 1992 y(wrongdoing.)f(Simply)f(continue)h(to)f(behave)
i(as)g(before,)g(and)g(things)996 2041 y(should)d(be)h(taken)h(care)g(of)f
(in)g(a)h(few)f(days.'')1037 2092 y(Robert)e(led)h(them)g(through)e(the)h(maz\
e)j(of)d(the)h(household,)f(showed)996 2142 y(them)i(the)g(path)g(they)g(need\
ed)h(to)f(follow.)1037 2193 y(The)20 b(stables)g(were)g(clearly)f(of)g(a)h
(bygone)f(era,)k(spacious)c(and)996 2243 y(well-built,)11 b(apparently)i(more)
g(than)g(capable)h(of)f(housing)e(humans.)996 2293 y(There)17 b(was)g(an)g
(elaborate)f(electronic)g(lock)g(on)g(the)h(door,)g(Martin)996 2343 y(telepor\
ted)9 b(it)h(a)g(few)h(feet)g(away)g(and)f(opened)g(the)g(door.)1037 2394 y
(Within,)e(surgically)f(clean)i(tables)f(stood)g(in)f(neat)i(rows,)g(most)f
(with)996 2444 y(nothing)14 b(on)i(them.)28 b(On)16 b(the)g(walls,)i(shelves)
f(were)g(covered)f(with)996 2493 y(books,)11 b(chemical)i(equipment)d(and)i
(assorted)g(small)f(items.)k(Several)996 2543 y(large)8 b(white)g(rats)g(wand\
ered)h(about)f(in)f(cages)j(on)e(a)h(few)g(of)f(the)g(tables.)1037 2594 y(Jun\
e)e(moved)g(to)g(examine)g(these.)12 b(Housed)6 b(in)g(small)g(cages,)j(the)d
(rats)996 2644 y(appeared)16 b(well-fed,)g(climbing)d(about)i(on)f(various)h
(miscellaneous)996 2694 y(objects)d(within)f(the)i(cages.)20 b(It)12 b(was)h
(an)h(odd)e(collection)f(of)i(objects,)996 2744 y(pens,)f(lab)f(equipment,)g
(articles)h(of)e(clothing,)h(things)e(which)i(should)996 2794 y(not)e(have)i
(been)g(in)e(a)i(rat's)f(cage.)956 2918 y fj(50)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-33 -15 y fg(As)k(she)h(puzzl\
ed)f(it)g(out,)g(a)h(rat)f(vanished)g(from)g(one)g(cage,)j(reap-)-75 35 y(pea\
ring)d(in)g(another)h(at)f(the)h(same)h(moment)f(with)f(a)h(flash)f(of)h(ligh\
t.)-75 85 y(Thunder)j(sounded)h(softly.)31 b(June)18 b(spun)f(instantly,)h
(but)f(Martin's)-75 135 y(attention)7 b(was)i(fixed)e(on)h(something)f(on)h
(the)g(other)g(side)g(of)g(the)g(room.)-33 188 y(``Martin,)h(could)h(you)f
(come)i(here)g(a)g(minute?'')-33 241 y(Her)f(husband)g(complied)g(silently.)
-33 294 y(``Watch)16 b(the)h(cage.'')30 b(She)17 b(continued)e(to)h(state)h
(intently)d(at)j(it.)-75 344 y(A)e(few)h(moments)g(later,)g(a)g(rat)f(telepor\
ted)g(to)f(the)h(water)h(bottle)e(in)-75 394 y(another)f(cage.)23 b(The)14 b
(soft)f(peal)h(of)g(thunder)e(was)j(repeated,)g(as)g(was)-75 444 y(the)10 b
(light.)-33 497 y(June)17 b(looked)f(at)i(her)f(husband,)i(who)e(returned)g
(the)g(look)f(with)-75 547 y(wide)10 b(eyes.)-33 600 y(``Rats?)21 b(I)14 b
(didn't)e(think)g(that)h(TP)i(occurred)f(except)g(in)g(humans.)-75 650 y(Some\
thing's)6 b(weird)h(here.)j(Keep)d(looking.'')g(He)h(himself)f(continued)-75
700 y(to)i(state)g(at)g(the)h(cage,)h(as)e(if)g(unable)g(to)g(convince)g(hims\
elf)g(of)g(what)g(he)-75 749 y(saw.)-33 803 y(June)i(walked)g(to)g(a)g(large)
h(door)e(on)h(the)g(side)g(of)g(the)g(room,)h(with)e(a)-75 853 y(heavy)h(hand\
le)f(and)g(a)h(lock.)f(``Martin?'')-33 906 y(Martin)16 b(looked)h(up)h(long)f
(enough)g(to)g(remove)h(the)g(lock,)i(then)-75 956 y(returned)13 b(his)g(scru\
tiny.)19 b(June)14 b(pulled)e(the)h(door)g(open.)20 b(A)14 b(wave)g(of)-75
1005 y(cold)g(air)g(rolled)f(out,)h(along)g(with)f(the)h(hum)g(of)g(refrigera\
tors.)21 b(She)-75 1055 y(stepped)10 b(into)f(the)h(doorway)g(and)g(froze.)
-33 1108 y(``Oh)f(my)i(god.'')-33 1162 y(The)i(soft)f(exclamation)h(of)f(horr\
or)f(brought)g(Martin)h(to)g(her)h(side.)-75 1212 y(He)e(peered)g(into)e(the)
h(freezer.)-33 1265 y(Within,)d(seventeen)h(bodies)g(lay)g(on)f(tables,)i(all)
f(surgically)e(opened)-75 1315 y(and)i(in)f(various)g(stages)h(of)f(dismember\
ment.)k(Martin)6 b(stood,)i(staring,)-75 1364 y(for)i(a)h(few)f(moments)h(bef\
ore)f(he)h(spoke.)-33 1418 y(``Only)16 b(the)i(experienced)h(Teletrix)e(were)
i(murdered)f(publicly.)-75 1468 y(Those)c(less)h(cautious)e(simply)g(vanished\
.'')21 b(He)15 b(looked)e(at)h(several)-75 1517 y(faces,)k(looked)c(away.)26 b
(``That's)15 b(them.)25 b(Every)15 b(single)f(one.'')25 b(He)-75 1567 y(pushe\
d)11 b(the)g(door)g(closed)g(with)g(anger,)h(just)e(before)i(the)f(light)f
(in)h(the)-75 1617 y(main)f(lab)h(snapped)f(on.)-33 1670 y(A)17 b(man)g(stood)
f(in)h(the)f(doorway,)j(a)e(gun)g(levelled)f(at)h(Martin's)-75 1720 y(chest.)
-33 1773 y(He)i(started)f(to)g(say)h(something,)i(never)e(managed)g(it.)35 b
(Martin)-75 1823 y(teleported)12 b(away)i(the)f(gun)g(and)g(half)g(his)g(arm,)
i(a)f(crash)g(of)e(thunder)-75 1873 y(testifying)k(that)h(the)g(Teletrix's)g
(control)f(was)j(nearly)e(gone.)33 b(The)-75 1923 y(gunman)17 b(crumpled)g
(to)g(the)g(floor)f(clutching)f(the)i(remains)h(of)f(his)-75 1973 y(arm.)11 b
(His)f(white)g(lab)g(coat)h(was)g(splattered)e(red.)-33 2026 y(Martin)j(cover\
ed)i(the)f(distance)h(to)f(him)g(in)g(a)g(flash,)i(June)e(took)g(a)-75 2076 y
(few)g(seconds)h(longer.)k(The)c(man)g(on)e(the)h(floor)f(looked)g(up)h(at)g
(him,)-75 2125 y(whispered)d(``my)g(arm)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)f fg('')-33 2179 y(Mar\
tin)j(knelt)h(and)g(slapped)h(him.)g(``If)f(you)g(go)g(into)f(shock)h(on)h
(me)-75 2228 y(you're)j(a)i(dead)f(man.)25 b(And)15 b(if)f(you)g(want)h(to)f
(see)i(a)f(hospital)f(soon)-75 2278 y(enough)c(to)g(save)i(your)e(life,)h(you\
'd)e(damn)i(well)g(better)f(tell)g(me)i(what)-75 2328 y(this)d(lab)h(is)h(for\
.in)e(a)i(big)e(hurry.'')-33 2381 y(The)k(man)h(started)f(talking)f(incoheren\
tly,)h(stopped)f(himself)h(and)-75 2431 y(started)d(again.)-33 2484 y(``It's)
18 b(for)i(development)f(and)h(production)e(of)h(a)h(teleportation)-75 2534 y
(drug.)10 b(Help)g(me!'')-33 2587 y(``Tell)f(me)j(more)e(about)g(the)g(drug,)
g(first.'')-33 2641 y(``It's)g(a)i(derivative)f(of)h(the)f(spinal)g(fluids)f
(of)i(natural)f(teleporters.)-75 2691 y(It)g(gives)g(people)g(who)g(can't)g
(produce)g(the)g(chemicals)i(naturally)d(the)-75 2740 y(ability)e(to)i(telepo\
rt.'')-33 2794 y(``Why)f(all)h(the)g(bodies?'')1037 -15 y(``For)20 b(the)h
(spinal)f(fluids.)40 b(A)21 b(single)f(natural)g(teleporter)f(can)996 35 y
(produce)10 b(ten)h(or)f(twelve)h(doses.)h(The)f(drug)f(is)g(extremely)h(addi\
cting,)996 85 y(so)c(Anthony)f(needs)j(about)e(four)g(doses)h(a)g(week,)h(now\
.)h(Used)e(to)f(be)h(we)996 135 y(could)h(get)h(by)g(with)f(latent)g(teleport\
ers,)h(but)g(now)f(it)h(takes)g(ones)h(who)996 184 y(have)d(been)g(using)f
(the)h(ability,)e(producing)h(the)g(teleport)g(chemicals)i(in)996 234 y(large)
h(quantities.)f(We're)i(trying)d(to)i(refine)g(the)g(process.)h(Enough?'')
1037 286 y(``Anthony)e(who?'')1037 337 y(``Morlen.)h(He's)h(the)f(one)h(who)f
(funds)g(all)g(this,)g(tells)f(us)i(when)f(the)996 387 y(teleporters)i(are)i
(arriving,)e(which)g(ones)h(to)g(have)g(killed)f(and)h(which)996 437 y(ones)g
(to)g(subdue)g(for)g(fluids.)18 b(He)c(invented)f(the)g(process)h(himself)f
(a)996 487 y(few)d(years)h(ago.'')1037 538 y(Martin's)16 b(eyes)h(flashed.)30
b(``Anthony)14 b(Morlen's)i(not)g(a)h(natural)996 588 y(teleporter?)36 b(``)
19 b(His)g(tone)g(was)g(carefully)g(neutral,)i(dangerously)996 638 y(controll\
ed.)1037 689 y(``Yes.)47 b(But)21 b(we're)i(trying)e(to)g(make)j(the)e(killin\
g)d(unneces-)996 739 y(sary.)50 b(We've)24 b(almost)f(been)h(able)g(to)f(prod\
uce)g(the)g(chemical)996 789 y(artificially)p fc(.)7 b(.)g(.)s fg('')1037 840
y(Martin)i(cut)g(him)g(off)g(with)g(a)h(wave)g(of)f(his)g(hand.)h(``Your)f
(research)996 890 y(is)g(over,)h(is)g(that)f(understood?)g(If)h(even)g(one)g
(more)g(Teletrix)f(is)h(killed,)996 940 y(I)f(will)e(return)i(here)g(and)g
(take)g(you)g(and)g(your)f(associates)i(apart)f(a)h(little)996 990 y(bit)f
(at)h(a)h(time.'')1037 1041 y(``Help)f(me.'')1037 1093 y(``I)j(will.)k(But)12
b(only)g(so)h(you)f(can)h(pass)h(that)e(warning)g(on)h(to)f(your)996 1143 y
(co-workers.)k(And)c(I)g(expect)g(you)g(to)g(make)h(sure)f(that)g(those)g(bod\
ies)996 1192 y(are)g(returned)f(to)f(their)h(families.)i(How)e(you)g(do)g(tha\
t,)g(and)h(what)f(you)996 1242 y(tell)e(them,)i(is)f(up)g(to)g(you.'')1037
1294 y(The)f(man)g(slumped;)f(there)g(was)h(no)f(way)g(to)g(know)f(if)h(he)h
(had)f(heard)996 1344 y(Martin's)h(last)h(words.)g(Martin)g(looked)f(at)h(his)
g(wife.)1037 1395 y(``I'll)f(take)h(him)g(to)g(the)g(hospital.)f(Keep)i(your)
f(disguise)f(and)h(catch)996 1445 y(the)h(first)f(plane)h(back)h(to)f(the)g
(United)f(States.)k(I'll)c(meet)i(you)f(at)g(your)996 1495 y(mother's)f(house)
g(after)g(I)h(kill)d(Anthony.'')1037 1546 y(``I'm)i(coming)g(along.'')1037
1598 y(``No)j(you're)f(not.)19 b(Anthony)11 b(isn't)h(an)i(amateur,)h(he)e
(knows)g(that)996 1647 y(you)e(can't)g(protect)g(yourself)g(and)g(that)g(I)h
(can't)f(afford)g(to)g(protect)g(us)996 1697 y(both.'')1037 1749 y(``I)f(can)
h(help)f(you)g(with)p fc(.)d(.)g(.)t fg('')1037 1800 y(``No.)j(I'm)h(sorry,)f
(but)f(I've)h(got)g(to)g(do)f(this)h(one)g(myself.'')1037 1852 y(``But)p fc
(.)d(.)g(.)t fg('')j(June)h(trailed)e(off.)h(Martin)g(was)h(no)f(longer)f(the\
re.)1415 1963 y fh(Academics)1037 2045 y fg(Martin)e(reappeared)i(silently)e
(beneath)h(the)g(Colorado)e(Mountains,)996 2095 y(in)14 b(Anthony)g(Morlen's)
h(plushly)e(furnished)h(office.)26 b(The)16 b(Teletrix)996 2144 y(Academy)f
(director)e(was)h(not)f(there,)i(but)e(his)g(desk)h(was.)22 b(One)14 b(at)g
(a)996 2194 y(time,)h(the)f(contents)g(of)g(the)g(drawers)h(appeared)g(on)f
(the)g(top)f(of)h(the)996 2244 y(desk.)f(In)d(the)h(back)g(of)g(the)g(bottom)
f(one,)h(Martin)f(found)g(the)h(syringe)996 2294 y(and)f(several)h(small)f
(bottles)f(of)h(a)g(pale)h(reddish)e(liquid.)g(More)h(was)h(in)996 2344 y(the)
d(bottom)g(file)g(cabinet)h(drawer,)h(still)d(more)j(in)e(the)h(safe)g(behind)
f(the)996 2393 y(desk.)i(Satisfied)g(that)f(he)h(had)f(found)g(all)g(this)g
(office)h(had)g(to)f(offer,)h(he)996 2443 y(teleported)f(all)h(save)h(a)g(sin\
gle)f(bottle)e(into)h(the)i(sun.)1037 2495 y(The)19 b(remaining)e(bottle)g
(he)h(lifted)f(and)h(stared)g(into)f(for)g(a)i(few)996 2545 y(moments.)24 b
(The)16 b(liquid)d(within)g(glistened)h(with)f(sterilized)h(purity,)996 2594 y
(but)20 b(to)g(Martin's)g(mind)g(it)g(looked)g(like)h(blood.)41 b(Still,)22 b
(he)f(had)996 2644 y(unconsciously)16 b(wished)h(for)g(years)h(that)e(such)i
(a)g(drug)e(existed,)k(a)996 2694 y(way)e(to)e(give)i(his)f(wife)g(the)g(same)
i(abilities)d(and)i(protection)e(that)996 2744 y(he)g(possessed.)28 b(That)16
b(her)g(life)f(should)g(be)h(subject)f(to)h(the)f(whims)996 2794 y(of)d(natur\
e,)i(traffic)e(accidents)h(she)g(could)f(not)g(control,)g(cancers)j(she)956
2918 y fj(51)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(could)g(not)h
(remove,)h(bullets)d(and)i(knives)g(she)g(could)g(not)f(protect)g(her)-75 35 y
(body)g(against,)i(this)e(was)i(the)f(secret)h(fear)g(he)g(lived)e(with)g(con\
stantly;)-75 85 y(that)18 b(she)i(be)f(taken)g(from)f(him)h(because)h(she)g
(could)e(not)g(protect)-75 135 y(herself)e(as)g(he)g(could.)26 b(It)16 b(was)
g(too)f(bad)h(that)f(the)g(drug)g(had)h(to)f(be)-75 184 y(purchased)8 b(at)g
(a)h(cost)f(in)f(human)h(lives.)i(With)d(a)i(sigh)e(that)g(did)g(nothing)-75
234 y(to)i(soothe)g(his)h(anger,)g(he)g(flung)f(the)h(final)f(bottle)f(to)h
(the)h(limits)e(of)i(his)-75 284 y(abilities,)f(into)g(the)h(dark)g(emptiness)
h(of)f(infinity.)-33 336 y(``I)18 b(have)g(more,)k(you)c(know.'')34 b(The)19 b
(soft)f(voice)g(behind)g(him)-75 386 y(carried)13 b(a)f(menace)i(that)e(could)
g(almost)g(be)g(physically)f(felt.)16 b(Martin)-75 436 y(spun)10 b(to)f(face)
j(Anthony)d(Morlen.)-33 487 y(The)15 b(director)f(stood,)h(his)f(unruffled)f
(business)i(suit)f(giving)f(him)-75 537 y(an)22 b(impression)f(of)h(confidenc\
e)g(that)f(was)i(somehow)f(amusing.)-75 587 y(Anthony)7 b(Morlen)h(had)h(been)
g(the)g(director)f(of)g(the)g(Teletrix)h(academy)-75 637 y(for)g(two)f(years,)
i(a)g(physician)e(who)h(had)g(discovered)g(the)g(existence)h(of)-75 687 y(the)
g(Teletrix)f(and)h(chemically)g(duplicated)e(their)h(abilities,)g(although)
-75 737 y(the)i(process)h(required)f(killing)e(a)j(natural)f(teleporter.)i
(When)f(he)f(had)-75 786 y(manifested)h(this)e(ability)g(a)i(few)g(times,)h
(he)f(had)f(been)h(picked)g(up)f(by)-75 836 y(a)16 b(Seeker,)i(and)e(brought)
e(to)h(the)g(Academy.)28 b(When)16 b(the)f(previous)-75 886 y(director)10 b
(died,)h(Anthony's)f(administrative)f(experience)j(and)f(more-)-75 936 y(than\
-average)16 b(age)g(made)h(him)e(the)h(logical)e(replacement.)28 b(It)15 b
(was)-75 986 y(not)c(quite)g(the)g(life)h(Anthony)e(had)i(envisioned)e(as)j
(a)f(Teletrix,)g(but)f(it)-75 1035 y(gave)e(him)g(access)i(to)d(an)h(unlimite\
d)e(supply)g(of)i(``naturals'')e(when)i(he)-75 1085 y(needed)h(them.)h(Cautio\
n,)d(and)h(the)h(elimination)d(of)i(those)g(who)g(might)-75 1135 y(suspect)14
b(him,)g(were)g(all)f(that)g(were)h(required)f(to)g(keep)h(his)e(position)-75
1185 y(and)18 b(his)g(supply.)34 b(However,)21 b(his)d(net)g(had)g(missed)h
(in)f(a)h(single,)-75 1235 y(important)14 b(case,)k(and)d(both)f(men)i(now)f
(knew)g(the)g(other)g(for)g(what)-75 1284 y(he)10 b(was;)g(Anthony)f(Morlen)g
(a)h(powerful)f(and)h(dangerous)f(killer,)g(and)-75 1334 y(Martin)16 b(Kendal\
l,)h(an)g(equally)f(dangerous)g(and)h(seethingly)e(angry)-75 1384 y(enemy.)
-33 1436 y(Martin)e(tried)g(to)g(teleport)g(a)i(large)f(section)g(of)g(Anthon\
y's)e(body)-75 1486 y(across)18 b(the)e(room,)i(knowing)e(that)g(it)g(wouldn'\
t)e(work.)30 b(It)16 b(didn't.)-75 1536 y(Both)11 b(men)h(were)h(protecting)e
(themselves,)i(teleporting)d(a)i(thousand)-75 1585 y(times)17 b(a)h(second)g
(into)e(the)h(same)i(place,)h(in)d(effect)h(``hardening'')-75 1635 y(their)g
(bodies)f(against)h(physical)g(and)g(other)g(threats.)35 b(It)18 b(was)h(the)
-75 1685 y(first)9 b(lesson)i(the)f(academy)i(taught)e(after)g(its)g(students)
g(could)g(control)-75 1735 y(the)17 b(Teletrix)g(grid,)i(an)f(unconscious)f
(mechanism)h(that)f(could)g(be)-75 1785 y(maintained,)c(if)f(necessary,)j(eve\
n)e(while)e(asleep.)18 b(The)c(only)d(reason)-75 1835 y(it)i(wasn't)g(constan\
tly)f(in)h(use)g(was)h(that)f(it)g(interfered)f(with)h(normal)-75 1884 y(move\
ment)18 b(and)f(eating,)i(as)f(well)f(as)g(causing)h(a)f(hard-to-explain)-75
1934 y(imperviousness)10 b(to)f(touch)h(and)g(pressure.)-33 1986 y(Anthony)5 b
(didn't)h(even)h(notice)g(the)g(attempt.)i(``So)e(it's)f(a)i(stalemate,)-75
2036 y(no?)20 b(You)12 b(can't)i(hurt)e(me,)j(I)f(can't)f(hurt)f(you.)20 b
(I)13 b(have)h(more)f(of)h(the)-75 2086 y(drug,)c(hidden)f(in)h(places)h(you'\
d)e(never)i(think)e(to)g(look.'')-33 2138 y(Martin)e(teleported)h(away)i(a)f
(large)g(section)f(of)g(the)h(floor.)g(Anthony)-75 2187 y(continued)i(to)g
(hover)g(in)g(the)h(air,)g(looking)e(down)h(once)i(with)d(a)j(trace)-75 2237 y
(of)e(puzzlement)g(in)f(his)g(eyes,)j(then)d(flashed)h(to)f(the)h(edge)g(of)f
(the)h(new)-75 2287 y(pit.)f(Martin)f(struggled)g(to)h(think)e(of)i(an)h(effe\
ctive)f(attack.)-33 2339 y(Anthony)d(met)i(his)g(gaze.)i(``And)d(if)h(you)f
(continue)g(to)h(make)h(things)-75 2389 y(difficult,)f(I'll)g(have)h(your)g
(wife)g(killed.'')-33 2441 y(``I)e(can)h(protect)f(her,)i(too.)f(And)f(I've)h
(been)g(doing)e(this)h(longer)g(than)-75 2491 y(you)j(have,)j(Anthony.)g(I)e
(was)h(born)e(to)g(this,)h(you)g(weren't.)k(Are)c(you)-75 2540 y(so)e(confide\
nt)f(that)h(you)g(can)h(challenge)f(me?'')-33 2592 y(``So)k(far,)j(the)e(chal\
lenge)h(hasn't)f(been)g(great.)26 b(Do)15 b(you)g(think)e(I)-75 2642 y(got)d
(to)g(be)h(director)g(of)f(the)h(Academy)h(because)g(of)f(my)g(good)f(looks?)
-75 2692 y(We're)h(equals)g(in)e(the)h(art,)h(and)f(we)h(both)e(know)h(we're)
h(safe.'')-33 2744 y(Martin)d(suspected)j(he)f(was)h(right,)d(but)i(didn't)e
(say)i(so.)h(``)e(Yes,)i(but)-75 2794 y(my)k(ability)e(is)h(permanent.)25 b
(Eventually)14 b(your)f(stores)i(of)g(the)f(drug)996 -15 y(will)e(be)h(wiped)
g(out.)19 b(You)13 b(can't)h(make)g(more,)h(I've)e(destroyed)g(the)996 35 y
(laboratory)c(and)i(the)g(notes.)g(If)g(you)f(attempt)g(to)g(create)i(another)
f(one,)996 85 y(I'll)k(lobotomize)h(the)h(researchers)i(if)d(necessary)j(to)d
(keep)h(it)f(from)996 135 y(being)9 b(produced.'')1037 187 y(Anthony's)g(eyes)
j(flickered)e(for)g(a)h(brief)g(instant)e(at)i(the)f(threat.)i(``I)996 236 y
(have)i(enough)f(for)g(now.)20 b(And)13 b(I)g(know)g(enough)g(of)g(the)h(proc\
ess)g(to)996 286 y(produce)e(more,)h(without)d(aid.)16 b(I'll)11 b(just)g(be)
i(a)f(bit)f(less,)i(ah,)h(efficient)996 336 y(about)9 b(it.'')h(His)g(grin)f
(was)i(not)e(at)i(all)f(pleasant.)1037 388 y(Martin)f(slapped)g(his)g(finger)
f(down)h(on)g(the)g(desk)h(intercom,)f(spoke)996 438 y(quickly)g(and)h(loudly\
.)1037 490 y(``Students!)19 b(Protect)13 b(yourselves)h(and)f(don't)g(let)g
(it)g(drop)f(until)g(I)996 540 y(say)i(so!)20 b(Ignore)14 b(any)f(request)h
(from)g(anyone)f(else,)j(especially)e(Mr.)996 590 y(Morlen!)9 b(Your)h(lives)
g(are)h(at)f(stake!'')1037 642 y(Anthony)f(blinked.)g(``They'll)g(never)i(bel\
ieve)f(you.'')1037 694 y(``If)18 b(I)f(gave)i(you)e(the)h(same)h(warning,)g
(would)e(you)g(ignore)g(it?)996 744 y(Where)11 b(are)g(you)e(going)g(to)h(fin\
d)f(Teletrix)h(now?'')1037 796 y(Anthony)16 b(laughed.)31 b(``How)17 b(about)
f(the)i(latents?)31 b(How)17 b(about)996 846 y(the)11 b(students)f(who)g(have\
n't)h(learned)g(how)g(to)f(maintain)g(protection?)996 896 y(How)15 b(about)h
(the)f(students)g(who)h(aren't)g(here,)i(and)e(the)f(ones)i(who)996 945 y(I)e
(can)g(surprise)g(while)f(they're)h(eating?)24 b(I'm)15 b(completely)g(beyond)
996 995 y(your)9 b(control,)h(Kendall.'')1037 1047 y(Anthony)f(vanished.)1037
1129 y(June)17 b(Kendall)f(appeared)h(in)f(the)h(bedroom)f(of)g(a)h(small)g
(house.)996 1179 y(With)e(her)i(was)g(Marie)g(Jacobsen,)j(whom)c(not)g(eleven)
h(hours)f(ago)996 1229 y(June)d(had)g(kidnapped)f(from)g(a)i(Scotland)e(Airpo\
rt.)17 b(Now)c(however,)996 1278 y(they)k(appeared)i(to)e(be)i(the)e(best)h
(of)g(friends,)h(talking)e(jovially)e(as)996 1328 y(though)8 b(they)i(had)h
(know)e(each)j(other)d(for)h(years.)1037 1380 y(``Ain't)15 b(much,)k(but)d
(I)h(call)g(it)f(home,'')i(Marie)f(piped,)i(pushing)996 1430 y(piles)12 b(of)
h(clothing)e(off)i(a)g(bookcase.)19 b(She)14 b(continued)d(to)i(rummage,)996
1480 y(occasionally)j(teleporting)f(small)i(objects)g(out)f(of)h(her)g(way,)i
(until)996 1530 y(with)f(a)h(triumphant)e(grin)h(she)h(pulled)f(a)i(small)e
(folder)h(from)f(the)996 1580 y(depths)10 b(of)f(a)i(sheaf)g(of)f(papers.)h
(``Here)g(it)e(is.'')1037 1632 y(The)14 b(two)e(women)h(took)e(seats)j(on)e
(the)g(opposite)g(side)g(of)h(a)g(table,)996 1682 y(spreading)18 b(the)g(cont\
ents)g(of)g(the)g(folder)f(between)i(them.)35 b(Marie)996 1731 y(carefully)11
b(examined)h(each)g(sheet)g(of)f(paper,)h(June)g(glanced)g(at)f(them)996 1781
y(quickly)d(before)h(selecting)g(one)g(in)g(the)g(center)h(of)f(the)g(pile.)g
(A)h(picture)996 1831 y(of)f(Anthony)f(Morlen)g(was)i(paper-clipped)f(to)g
(the)g(upper)g(left)g(corner,)996 1881 y(the)j(sheet)h(itself)e(contained)h
(various)g(pieces)h(of)f(information)f(about)996 1931 y(him.)f(His)g(home)h
(address)g(was)g(printed)e(near)h(the)g(top.)1037 1983 y(``Baltimore.)g(Been)
g(there?'')1037 2035 y(Marie)i(nodded.)i(``I)d(think)f(I)i(can)g(take)g(us)f
(to)g(a)h(hotel)f(room)g(that)g(I)996 2085 y(stayed)g(in)f(once.)i(But)e(it)g
(might)g(be)h(occupied)g(--)f(I)h(don't)e(know)h(what)996 2134 y(the)g(safe-j\
umping)f(points)g(there)i(are.'')1037 2187 y(``We)g(don't)e(have)i(much)f(cho\
ice.)h(I)g(need)f(to)g(get)g(there.'')1037 2239 y(Marie)19 b(considered,)h
(but)d(her)h(trained)g(reluctance)g(to)g(allowing)996 2289 y(outsiders)11 b
(to)g(witness)g(teleportation)f(gave)i(way)g(to)g(June's)g(obvious)996 2338 y
(need.)f(``Okay.)f(Prepare)h(yourself)f(again.'')1037 2390 y(June)17 b(decide\
d)g(not)f(to)g(point)f(out)h(that)g(she)i(was)f(quite)f(used)h(to)996 2440 y
(teleportation)8 b(as)j(a)g(method)f(of)g(travel.)g(``I'm)g(prepared.)h(Let's)
f(go.'')1037 2492 y(The)17 b(bedroom)e(was)h(replaced)g(by)g(one)f(slightly)e
(larger.)27 b(In)15 b(the)996 2542 y(center)22 b(of)g(the)g(bed,)k(a)c(young)
f(couple)h(ceased)i(their)d(activities)996 2592 y(suddenly)15 b(to)g(look)g
(up)g(at)h(the)g(two)f(intruders)g(who)g(had)h(suddenly)996 2642 y(appeared)
11 b(by)f(the)g(side)g(of)g(the)g(bed.)1037 2694 y(``Aren't)16 b(peeping)g
(Tom's)i(terrible?'')28 b(June)17 b(asked)h(conversa-)996 2744 y(tionally)12 b
(as)j(she)f(crossed)h(to)e(the)h(door)f(and)h(pulled)f(it)h(open.)21 b(``But)
996 2794 y(everyone)6 b(needs)g(some)g(excitement)g(in)g(their)g(life,)i(don'\
t)e(you)g(think?'')956 2918 y fj(52)p eop
 bop -75 -160 a fj(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)-75 -15 y fg(June)i(and)f(Mar\
ie)h(exited)e(quickly,)h(pulling)e(the)i(door)g(closed)g(behind)-75 35 y(them\
.)-33 85 y(Another)19 b(ten)h(minutes)g(brought)e(them)j(to)e(Anthony's)g(hou\
se.)-75 135 y(Marie)9 b(``unlocked'')e(a)h(window,)g(and)h(the)f(two)g(of)g
(them)g(slid)g(quickly)-75 184 y(into)e(the)g(house.)k(June)d(headed)g(at)g
(once)g(for)g(the)f(kitchen,)i(but)e(a)h(careful)-75 234 y(search)14 b(turned)
e(up)g(nothing.)k(She)d(had)f(just)g(started)h(examining)f(the)-75 284 y(livi\
ng)c(room)i(when)h(Marie's)f(voice)g(summoned)h(her)f(upstairs.)-33 334 y(The)
k(blond)e(woman)h(help)g(up)h(a)g(bottle)e(of)h(reddish-clear)g(liquid.)-75
384 y(``There's)f(about)e(twenty)g(of)h(these)h(in)e(a)i(hollow)e(of)h(the)g
(wall,)g(along)-75 433 y(with)g(a)h(syringe.'')h(She)f(knocked)g(once)g(on)f
(the)h(wall,)g(a)g(slight)e(echo)-75 483 y(emphasizing)g(her)h(point.)-33 533
y(June)16 b(nodded.)29 b(``That)17 b(has)g(to)f(be)h(it.)28 b(Keep)18 b(looki\
ng,)e(there's)-75 583 y(probably)9 b(more)i(around.'')-33 652 y(Twelve)i(hour\
s)e(later,)j(Martin)d(Kendall)h(entered)h(the)f(main)h(audi-)-75 701 y(torium)
g(of)h(the)g(Teletrix)g(academy,)k(his)c(face)h(barely)f(showing)g(the)-75 751
y(strain)e(of)h(hours)f(without)e(sleep)j(or)g(food.)k(Thirty)12 b(faces)i
(looked)e(up)-75 801 y(at)k(him,)h(he)f(scanned)h(them)f(cursorily)e(a)j(mome\
nt,)h(then)d(his)g(eyes)-75 851 y(widened)c(as)i(he)f(saw)g(his)f(wife)h(sitt\
ing)d(in)i(the)h(back)g(row.)j(Instantly,)-75 901 y(he)h(tried)f(to)g(extend)
h(his)g(protection)e(to)h(her,)j(discovered)e(that)f(she)-75 951 y(was)f(alre\
ady)f(invulnerable.)18 b(After)12 b(a)i(few)f(seconds)h(confusion,)f(he)-75
1000 y(recognized)d(Marie)h(Jacobsen)g(sitting)d(next)i(to)g(her.)-33 1050 y
(He)h(had)g(expected)h(June)f(to)g(follow)e(him,)j(but)e(hadn't)g(considered)
-75 1100 y(the)h(possibility)e(of)h(her)i(enlisting)d(the)i(aid)h(of)e(the)i
(Teletrix)e(they)h(had)-75 1150 y(``waylaid.'')29 b(June)17 b(flashed)g(him)f
(a)i(smug)f(smile,)h(he)g(returned)e(a)-75 1200 y(helpless)10 b(one.)-33 1249
y(``Keep)15 b(yourself)e(protected,'')j(he)f(said)g(loudly,)f(directing)f(it)
h(at)-75 1299 y(her)g(as)h(well)f(as)g(the)g(students)f(in)h(the)g(auditorium\
.)20 b(He)15 b(moved)f(his)-75 1349 y(eyes)d(from)f(her)h(to)e(address)i(the)
f(class)h(before)g(he)f(spoke)h(again.)-33 1399 y(``For)19 b(the)h(reasons)h
(I)f(discussed)h(earlier,)i(Anthony)c(probably)-75 1449 y(won't)14 b(be)h(her\
e)h(to)e(give)h(the)g(lecture)g(today,)h(so)f(you)f(get)h(me)h(as)g(a)-75 1498
y(guest-speaker)c(of)g(sorts.'')i(He)f(smiled,)f(but)f(the)h(tension)f(was)i
(clear)-75 1548 y(in)f(the)h(faces)h(of)e(the)h(students,)g(especially)f(the)
h(younger)f(ones)h(who)-75 1598 y(were)e(not)e(yet)i(sure)f(of)g(their)g(abil\
ity)e(to)i(maintain)f(their)h(protections.)-33 1648 y(Martin)k(ignored)g(it.)
25 b(``The)16 b(topic)e(today)h(is)g(momentum.'')26 b(He)-75 1698 y(waited)10
b(until)f(the)i(tension)f(relaxed)g(a)i(bit)d(and)i(some)g(of)g(the)f(student\
s)-75 1748 y(began)15 b(taking)f(notes.)23 b(``Although)13 b(the)h(same)i(vis\
ualization)d(tech-)-75 1797 y(niques)c(that)g(you)h(use)g(to)f(see)i(the)e
(Teletrix)h(grid)e(takes)j(care)g(of)e(fixing)-75 1847 y(the)17 b(velocity)f
(of)h(teleported)g(objects,)i(it)e(is)g(possible)f(to)h(overrule)-75 1897 y
(them)i(and)g(change)h(the)e(velocity)g(of)h(an)g(object)f(relative)h(to)f
(you)-75 1947 y(during)7 b(transportation.)h(This)g(is)g(useful,)h(for)e(exam\
ple,)j(if)e(a)h(priceless)-75 1997 y(Ming)j(vase)j(were)f(falling)d(off)i(a)h
(cliff.)19 b(If)13 b(you)g(simply)f(transported)-75 2046 y(it)e(to)h(yourself)
f(using)g(grid)g(visualization,)g(it)h(would)f(smash)i(into)e(the)-75 2096 y
(ground)f(at)h(your)g(feet,)h(or)f(worse,)h(injure)e(you.)-33 2146 y(``It's)i
(not)g(much)i(harder)g(to)e(teleport)h(off)f(your)h(own)g(power)g(as)h(it)-75
2196 y(is)h(off)f(the)h(grid,)h(but)e(it)g(will)g(tire)g(you)g(quickly,)h(and)
h(there's)f(some)-75 2246 y(flashy)h(side)g(effects.)27 b(Most)15 b(of)g(you)
g(remember)h(the)g(thunder)e(that)-75 2295 y(accompanied)f(your)d(first)g(exp\
eriences)j(with)d(teleportation.)i(That's)-75 2345 y(a)h(matter)g(of)f(not)g
(putting)f(air)h(back)h(when)g(you)f(move)h(the)f(object)h(--)-75 2395 y(you)
f(force)h(it)e(out)h(of)g(the)h(way)f(on)h(the)f(other)g(end,)h(too;)g(that's)
f(what)-75 2445 y(causes)k(the)f(light)e(flash,)k(although)c(I)i(couldn't)e
(tell)i(you)f(the)h(exact)-75 2495 y(method.)10 b(When)e(you)f(deal)h(with)f
(rapidly)g(moving)g(or)h(falling)e(objects,)-75 2545 y(you)k(need)h(to)g(reme\
mber)h(to)e(put)g(air)h(back)g(in)f(the)h(right)e(place)i(and)g(at)-75 2594 y
(the)f(right)f(speed,)i(or)f(you)g(get)g(the)g(same)i(effects.'')-33 2644 y
(Everyone)20 b(was)h(paying)f(attention)e(now.)41 b(Martin)19 b(tested)i(the)
-75 2694 y(protections)8 b(of)g(all)h(of)g(them;)g(they)g(held.)h(He)f(smiled)
g(and)g(continued.)-33 2744 y(``Okay,)19 b(here's)g(the)f(technique.)33 b(Cha\
nging)17 b(velocity)f(can)j(be)-75 2794 y(hard)c(without)f(combining)g(it)h
(with)f(actual)i(transportation,)f(so)h(the)996 -15 y(easiest)k(method)f(is)g
(to)g(stop)f(the)i(object)e(first)h(by)g(the)g(`pushing')996 35 y(technique)
12 b(we)h(learned)g(last)g(week,)h(then)f(teleport)e(it.)18 b(However,)c(if)
996 85 y(you)f(remember,)j(this)d(caused)h(problems)f(objects)h(more)g(breaka\
ble)996 135 y(than,)c(say,)h(titanium.)e(A)i(general-case)g(solution)e(it's)g
(not.'')1037 184 y(He)i(actually)g(got)e(some)j(laughs)e(from)g(that)g(one.)i
(One)f(came)h(from)996 234 y(the)e(doorway,)g(causing)g(Martin)f(to)h(turn.)
1037 284 y(Anthony)h(stood)h(there,)i(an)f(empty)g(vial)f(in)g(one)h(hand,)g
(which)g(he)996 334 y(casually)c(tossed)g(to)g(Martin.)g(It)g(vanished)f(half\
way)h(through)f(it's)g(arc.)1037 384 y(``Just)18 b(so)g(you)g(know,'')i(Antho\
ny)d(said)h(softly.)34 b(Then,)21 b(more)996 433 y(loudly,)9 b(``Please,)i
(continue.'')1037 483 y(Martin)j(made)i(one)f(attempt)f(to)g(kill)f(him,)j
(then)f(turned)e(back)j(to)996 533 y(the)9 b(class.)j(No)d(one)h(was)g(even)h
(pretending)d(to)h(be)h(calm)h(now.)f(Martin)996 583 y(clapped)g(for)g(their)
f(attention)g(and)h(continued)g(his)f(lecture.)1037 633 y(``Observe,)k(please\
.'')i(Martin)c(pulled)g(a)h(rubber)f(eraser)i(from)f(his)996 682 y(pocket,)i
(threw)e(it)h(full)f(force)h(toward)g(the)g(other)f(side)h(of)g(the)g(room.)
996 732 y(An)f(instant)f(later,)h(it)g(reappeared)h(in)f(another)f(place,)j
(to)d(bounce)i(off)996 782 y(the)g(top)g(of)h(Anthony's)e(head.)21 b(The)14 b
(director)f(showed)h(no)f(signs)g(of)996 832 y(having)g(noticed,)j(but)e(a)h
(nervous)f(laughter)g(broke)g(out)g(among)g(the)996 882 y(assembled.)1037 932
y(``This)c(is)g(what)g(happens)h(when)f(you)g(fail)g(to)g(negate)g(the)h(mome\
n-)996 981 y(tum.)25 b(On)15 b(the)g(other)g(hand,)i(a)f(careful)f(Teletrix)g
(would)f(do)h(it)g(like)996 1031 y(this:'')10 b(The)h(eraser)i(reappeared)f
(in)e(his)h(hand;)f(he)h(threw)g(it)f(again.)j(A)996 1081 y(moment)f(later)h
(it)e(appeared)i(in)f(front)f(of)h(Anthony's)f(face,)k(motion-)996 1131 y(les\
s)g(for)g(an)h(instant)e(until)f(it)i(plummeted)g(to)f(the)h(floor.)25 b(Anth\
ony)996 1181 y(blinked,)8 b(then)g(doubled)g(over.)i(Martin's)e(eyes)i(widene\
d)f(briefly,)f(but)996 1230 y(he)g(recovered)g(fast)g(enough)f(to)h(make)g
(another)g(teleportation)d(attempt)996 1280 y(on)10 b(the)g(director's)g(hear\
t.)i(It)e(failed;)f(Anthony)g(was)j(maintaining)d(his)996 1330 y(protection)f
(despite)i(his)g(apparent)h(pain.)1037 1380 y(Another)d(spasm)h(appeared)h
(to)d(shake)j(Anthony's)c(body,)j(this)e(time)996 1430 y(dropping)17 b(him)j
(to)f(the)g(floor.)37 b(Martin)19 b(looked)g(to)g(the)g(students)996 1479 y
(and)d(shrugged.)26 b(They)17 b(held)e(onto)g(desks,)j(seats,)g(and)e(noteboo\
ks,)996 1529 y(knuckles)11 b(universally)e(white,)i(not)g(understanding)e(wha\
t)i(they)g(saw.)996 1579 y(The)g(one)f(person)g(who)g(did)f(understand)h(spok\
e)g(softly.)1037 1629 y(``Cyanide,'')16 b(June)f(Kendall)g(said,)i(standing)c
(up)i(carefully)g(and)996 1679 y(walking)c(to)i(the)g(front)e(of)i(the)f(room\
.)19 b(``Marie)13 b(and)f(I)h(put)f(a)i(sizable)996 1729 y(quantity)8 b(of)i
(it)g(into)f(the)h(drugs)f(we)i(found)e(in)h(his)g(house.'')1037 1778 y(Antho\
ny's)d(eyes)h(looked)f(up)h(toward)f(her)h(as)h(he)f(spasmed)h(again,)g(a)996
1828 y(mixture)e(of)g(pain,)h(hatred,)h(and)f(other)f(less)h(pure)f(emotions;)
h(whatever)996 1878 y(attack)g(he)g(made)h(on)f(her)g(in)f(that)h(instant)f
(failed,)h(and)g(his)g(eyes)h(closed.)1037 1928 y(Martin)15 b(looked)h(at)g
(his)g(wife.)28 b(June)16 b(shook)f(her)h(head)h(quickly.)996 1978 y(``It)e
(will)f(take)i(about)f(another)g(minute,)i(but)e(I)g(doubt)f(he'll)h(regain)
996 2027 y(consciousness.'')1037 2077 y(For)i(the)g(next)g(several)h(minutes)
f(they)g(watched)h(as)g(Anthony's)996 2127 y(breathing)11 b(slowed,)h(then)g
(stopped.)j(Even)e(after)f(there)g(was)h(no)f(sign)996 2177 y(of)e(life,)g
(no)g(one)g(made)h(a)g(sound)f(for)f(long)h(minutes.)1037 2227 y(Finally)g
(Martin)g(turned)h(back)g(to)g(the)g(class.)j(His)c(voice)i(was)f(soft,)996
2277 y(but)e(carried)i(in)e(the)i(silence.)1037 2326 y(``It)h(would)g(appear,)
i(ladies)f(and)f(gentlemen,)i(that)e(this)g(lesson)g(is)996 2376 y(over.'')
996 2418 y 1030 2 v 41 x fe(Christopher)7 b(Kempke)h(is)g(a)g(graduate)f(stud\
ent)g(in)h(computer)g(science)996 2509 y(at)16 b(Oregon)h(State)f(University.)
31 b(He)18 b(is)f(generally)g(acknowledged)996 2559 y(to)i(have)h(gone)f(insa\
ne)g(trying)g(to)f(decide)i(on)f(a)h(plural)e(form)h(of)996 2609 y(``Teletrix\
.'')9 b(He)h(would)d(like)i(to)f(thank)g(his)g(fans)g(for)h(their)f(electroni\
c)996 2658 y(flurry)i(of)g(mail,)h(but)f(this)f(is)i(the)g(LAST)g(Teletrix)g
(story)g(he)g(intends)f(to)996 2708 y(produce)g(for)g(a)g(while.)996 2770 y fa
(kempkec@ure.cs.orst.edu)996 2794 y 1030 2 v 956 2918 a fj(53)p eop eos end
TeXDict begin 300 300 @start bos /fa [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 29 37 58 58 92 69 23 35 35 40 61 29 35 29 29 58 58
58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 29 29 61 61 61 58 105 69 69 75 75 69 63 81 75 29 52 69
58 86 75 81 69 81 75 69 63 75 69 98 69 69 63 29 29 29 49 58 23 58 58 52 58 58
29 58 58 23 23 52 23 86 58 58 58 58 35 52 29 58 52 75 52 52 52 35 27 35 61 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 58 58 17 58
58 58 58 20 35 58 35 35 52 52 0 58 58 58 29 0 56 36 23 35 35 58 104 104 0 63 0
35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 0 35 35 0 35 35 35 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
104 0 38 0 0 0 0 58 81 104 38 0 0 0 0 0 92 0 0 0 29 0 0 23 63 98 63 0 0 0 0 ]
/Helvetica 1000 1638400 rf /fb [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 28 10 14 10 12 21 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 14 14 28 28 28 21 38 25 25 28 30 25 25 30 30 14 18 28 23 35
28 30 25 30 25 21 23 30 25 35 25 23 23 16 12 16 18 21 14 21 21 18 21 18 12 21
21 12 12 18 12 30 21 21 21 21 16 16 12 21 18 28 18 18 16 17 11 17 22 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 21 7 21 21 21
21 9 23 21 14 14 21 21 0 21 21 21 10 0 22 15 14 23 23 21 37 42 0 21 0 14 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0 11 0
0 0 0 23 30 39 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 28 21 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Italic 1000 655360 rf /fc [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 14 17 21 21 35 32 14 14 14 21 23 10 14 10 12 21 21 21
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 12 12 23 23 23 18 38 30 28 28 30 25 23 30 30 14 16 30 25
37 30 30 23 30 28 23 25 30 30 39 30 30 25 14 12 14 19 21 14 18 21 18 21 18 14
21 21 12 12 21 12 32 21 21 21 21 14 16 12 21 21 30 21 21 18 20 8 20 22 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 21 21 7 21 21
21 21 7 18 21 14 14 23 23 0 21 21 21 10 0 19 15 14 18 18 21 42 42 0 18 0 14 14
14 14 14 14 14 14 0 14 14 0 14 14 14 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 0
11 0 0 0 0 25 30 37 13 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 21 30 21 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 655360 rf /fd [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 21 25 31 31 52 48 21 21 21 31 35 16 21 16 17 31 31 31
31 31 31 31 31 31 31 17 17 35 35 35 28 57 45 42 42 45 38 35 45 45 21 24 45 38
55 45 45 35 45 42 35 38 45 45 59 45 45 38 21 17 21 29 31 21 28 31 28 31 28 21
31 31 17 17 31 17 48 31 31 31 31 21 24 17 31 31 45 31 31 28 30 12 30 34 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 31 31 10 31
31 31 31 11 28 31 21 21 35 35 0 31 31 31 16 0 28 22 21 28 28 31 62 62 0 28 0
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 0 21 21 0 21 21 21 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
55 0 17 0 0 0 0 38 45 55 19 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 31 45 31 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 983040 rf /fe [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 16 19 19 31 29 12 12 12 19 25 9 12 9 10 19 19 19 19
19 19 19 19 19 19 12 12 25 25 25 19 34 23 23 25 27 23 23 27 27 12 17 25 21 31
25 27 23 27 23 19 21 27 23 31 23 21 21 15 10 15 16 19 12 19 19 17 19 17 10 19
19 10 10 17 10 27 19 19 19 19 15 15 10 19 17 25 17 17 15 15 10 15 20 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 19 19 6 19 19 19
19 8 21 19 12 12 19 19 0 19 19 19 9 0 20 13 12 21 21 19 33 37 0 19 0 12 12 12
12 12 12 12 12 0 12 12 0 12 12 12 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 10 0
0 0 0 21 27 35 12 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 19 25 19 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Italic 1000 589824 rf /ff [ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 28 34 42 42 69 65 28 28 28 42 47 21 28 21 23 42 42 42
42 42 42 42 42 42 42 23 23 47 47 47 37 76 60 55 55 60 51 46 60 60 28 32 60 51
74 60 60 46 60 55 46 51 60 60 78 60 60 51 28 23 28 39 42 28 37 42 37 42 37 28
42 42 23 23 42 23 65 42 42 42 42 28 32 23 42 42 60 42 42 37 40 17 40 45 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 42 42 14 42
42 42 42 15 37 42 28 28 46 46 0 42 42 42 21 0 38 29 28 37 37 42 83 83 0 37 0
28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 0 28 28 0 28 28 28 83 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
74 0 23 0 0 0 0 51 60 74 26 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 23 0 0 23 42 60 42 0 0 0 0 ]
/Times-Roman 1000 1310720 rf end
 TeXDict begin @letter
 bop -75 -160 a fe(Quanta)1826 b(April)9 b(1990)546 -15 y fc(If)d(you)h(enjoy\
ed)f fb(Quanta)p fc(,)h(you)f(might)g(want)h(to)f(check)i(out)e(the)546 35 y
(following)k(publications,)i(also)h(produced)g(and)g(distributed)546 85 y(ele\
ctronically:)830 304 y ff(ATHENE)621 354 y 750 2 v 724 408 a fd(The)j(Online)
g(Magazine)635 468 y(of)g(Amateur)f(Creative)g(Writing)621 496 y 750 2 v -75
578 a fc(Athene)c(is)g(a)h(free)f(network)g(``magazine'')g(devoted)g(to)f(ama\
teur)i(fiction)e(written)g(by)h(the)g(members)h(of)f(the)g(online)f(community\
.)i(Athene)f(is)-75 627 y(not)e(limited)g(to)h(any)g(specific)h(genre,)g(but)
e(will)g(publish)g(quality)g(short)g(stories)h(dealing)f(with)h(just)f(about)
h(any)g(interesting)e(topic.)-75 690 y(The)13 b(magazine)g(is)f(published)f
(monthly,)h(and)g(comes)h(in)f(two)g(formats)g(--)g(ASCII)g(and)g(PostScript.)
j(The)e(content)f(is)g(identical)f(across)i(both)-75 739 y(formats,)e(but)e
(the)h(PostScript)f(version)h(is)g(designed)g(for)g(printing)e(on)i(laser)h
(printers)e(while)h(the)g(ASCII)g(edition)f(can)i(be)f(read)h(online)e(as)j
(well)-75 789 y(as)f(printed.)-75 851 y(To)f(subscribe,)h(send)g(mail)f(\(no)
f(interactive)h(messages,)j(please\))d(to:)890 926 y(Jim)h(McCabe)755 988 y fb
(MCCABE@MTUS5.BITNET)-75 1063 y fc(Please)g(indicate)e(which)g(format)g(\(ASC\
II)g(or)g(PostScript\))f(you)h(prefer)h(to)e(to)h(receive.)j(Back)e(issues,)g
(an)g(index,)f(and)h(submission)e(information)-75 1113 y(are)j(also)f(availab\
le)h(upon)e(request.)-75 1304 y 2100 2 v 725 1559 a fa(DargonZine)-75 1638 y
fc(The)i(Magazine)g(of)f(the)g fb(Dargon)g fc(Project)793 b(Editor:)8 b(Dafyd\
d)i fb(WHITE@DUVM.BITNET)-75 1700 y fc(DargonZine)g(is)g(an)g(electronic)h
(magazine)g(printing)d(stories)h(written)g(for)h(the)g(Dargon)g(Project,)g
(a)h(shared-world)f(anthology)e(similar)i(to)f(\(and)-75 1750 y(inspired)k
(by\))g(Robert)g(Asprin's)g(Thieves')h(World)f(anthologies,)g(created)i(by)e
(David)h(``Orny'')e(Liscomb)i(in)g(his)f(now)g(retired)h(magazine,)-75 1800 y
(FSFNet.)c(The)g(Dargon)e(Project)h(centers)g(around)f(a)h(medieval-style)g
(duchy)f(called)h(Dargon)f(in)g(the)h(far)g(reaches)h(of)f(the)f(Kingdom)g
(of)g(Baranur)-75 1850 y(on)i(the)g(world)f(named)i(Makdiar,)g(and)f(as)h(suc\
h)f(contains)g(stories)g(with)f(a)i(fantasy)f(fiction/sword)e(and)i(sorcery)h
(flavor.)-75 1912 y(DargonZine)g(is)f(\(at)h(this)f(time\))h(only)f(available)
g(in)h(flat-file,)f(text-only)f(format.)j(For)f(a)g(subscription,)f(please)h
(send)h(a)f(request)g(via)g(MAIL)g(to)-75 1962 y(the)e(editor,)g(Dafydd,)h
(at)g(the)f(userid)g fb(WHITE@DUVM.BITNET)p fc(.)i(This)e(request)h(should)e
(contain)h(your)g(full)f(userid)h(\(logonid)f(and)h(node,)h(or)g(a)-75 2012 y
(valid)g(internet)g(address\))i(as)g(well)e(as)i(your)e(full)g(name.)15 b(Int\
erNet)10 b(\(all)h(non-BITNET)g(sites\))f(subscribers)h(will)f(receive)i(thei\
r)f(issues)g(in)g(Mail)-75 2061 y(format.)h(BitNet)d(users)j(have)f(the)f(opt\
ion)f(of)i(specifying)f(the)g(file)h(transfer)f(format)h(you)f(prefer)h(\(eit\
her)f(DISK)h(DUMP,)g(PUNCH/MAIL,)f(or)-75 2111 y(SENDFILE/NETDATA\).)i(Note:)
e(all)g(electronic)g(subscriptions)e(are)j(Free!)956 2918 y fe(54)p eop eos
end