"Yes," said Barton. "Choice is of both. But then?"

"He was of force to me-of pain. I could not under- stand-we are not of that way; it is not known to us. And when I knew his intent-"

218.

"You clawed the living hell out of him." He rephrased the remark in Tilaran. "You were of need that he stop.

You were of hurt to him, but the hurt was not of your pur- pose."

"You are of understanding. So it was,"

Since no one else volunteered, Barton said the things necessary to take the woman off the hook of the situation.

As he rose to rejoin Tarieton, Max Cummings entered, and Barton forgot the woman entirely. He followed the surgeon across the large room and had his first look at what had befallen Terik-e ap Fenn.

He didn't like it, and didn't look twice. He waited long minutes until Cummings completed his work before he asked any questions.

Cummings looked mild and wispy; he didn't talk that way. "Well, I saved his balls-he may end up sterile, but they'll keep, I think. Anyway, no one deserves to perpet- uate his genes if he's stupid enough to try to force a Tilaran woman."

"Or any woman," said Barton.

"There is that. Next-he retains his damaged left eye, but it may not be much use to him. And there are possible internal injuries-a bad bruise under the sternum, per- haps from a kick-without laboratory facilities, I can't be certain." Cumoungs shrugged. "Unfortunately, that's the best I can do."

"Under the circumstances you're doing just fine. And thanks. Now, if you'll pardon me"-be turned to Tarie- ton-"What I'm sweating is how the bastard got here in the first place."

Tarieton shook his head. "I don't know."

"You don't know? Why the hell not?"

"We can't contact the ship."

**And we're still pooping around, here?" In reflex he reached a hand out toward Tarieton, then pulled it back.

"I don't believe this-it has to be a bad joke." The hand clenched into a fist. "Let's move."

"I've asked for a car. Wait a minute-here comes Vertan." H

The Tilaran approached. "I have called. A vehicfe wilt be of your service, shortly."

"Yen, thanks," said Barton.. "And while we're waiting -Vertan, what's this about your refusing to help? Re- member, * Tarieton?-you said that, when I got here.

What happened?"

219.

"When the shouting started," said Tarleton, "Vertan *and I went to see what was up. When we saw, I asked him to get help. He refused-that's alt."

"The hell you say." Then, "Vertan, why is it you would not be of help to an Earthani in need of that help? Is this how you are of friendship?"

"Barton-were you not told of his act?"

"Yeh-he got rough. I mean, he was of force to the woman. If he lives, there will be punishment. Of - your jail, or ours?" ^

"I do not know of jail. But why must he live?"

Barton considered what he had heard. "Vertan- what is the Tilaran way, with those who violate your laws?"

"We are of reason, of persuasion, that all be of good ac- tions. If a person will not, and al! cannot be of safety from that person, the matter is of death. But first there is talk and agreement."

"Your custom is of greater harshness than ours. But of this man's act, where was talk and agreement?"

"The woman said he was of force; she showed the marks- No more was needed-all were of agreement."

"I don't exactly remember being asked for my vote."

"You were not of presence." Vertan turned aside as another Tilaran spoke to him, then said, "Your car is now of readiness."

"All right," said Tarleton. "Thank you. Later, Vertan, we will speak of this matter."

The Tilaran inclined his head as the two men left.

Tarleton beckoned to Slobodna. "You heard most of that, Slowboat?"

"Enough, I think. I've alerted the ships, as you said.

And appointed some folks to pass the word that we leave the party early-and all together. When do you want me to pull the chain?"

"Hmm-stay near a squawkbox, or have someone on it who can find you in a hurry. Barton or I will give you the office, either over the box or by messenger."

"You think we're in a jam?"

"I don't know. Not in danger, I think, but maybe on our own, from here out."

"I hope not," said Slobodna. "I've come to like these folks."

"Me too," said Barton. "But have we come to know them?"

220.

"That's the question, all right," Tarleton said. "Well, there's the car-let's go. See you, Slowboat. And stay oa top of it. Right?"

"Will do." Slobodna turned back to the group inside, as the other two entered the car.

To Barton, the ride to the ship was interminable. Nei- ther man spoke-what was there to say?

The ship was supposed to be buttoned up. It wasn't- it was wide open, the main ramp down and the airlock door ajar. Barton won the sprint to the ramp. Peripher- ally, he saw the other man turn aside, into shadows. No matter-he charged into the ship, nerves keyed high in readiness for the unknown.

Empty-all compartments, the lounges, and galley.

No need to explore the drive room-its seal was intact.

The control room was locked from inside, and his pound- ing on the door brought no response. He heard a sound of thin crying-but it came from the airlock. On the double, he went there.

Just inside, he met Tarleton, half-supporting, half- carrying Helaise Renzel-it was she who cried, standing crouched, blonde hair plastered wetly across one side of her face. Her mouth gaped squarely, in agony.

Barton spoke first. "Hishtoo has the ship! How the hell can we break into the controtroom?"