Steve pondered these questions. Not brackish. Poisoned. He scowled, not understanding. "The Kumaji--"
"You're Kumaji." More water." Actually, though, Steve could guess. When Steve was a boy,
Kumaji raids were frequent. Steve demanded. "Last night." It was now midafternoon. "And they have to hurry. "Come on," Steve said, making up his mind. They're my people. Now I remember." I've no regrets. "No," Steve said. "Too bad. This is my home. Yeah, I
remember you. Oh,
no. Steve
said. She was the only family he remembered. Brace yourself for a shock. Steve did not recognize her. "Who is he, Dad?" the
girl said. Mary said. "Of course I remember. Hello, Steve. He appreciated it. It was
comforting and reassuring. someone asked. At first there was no answer. "Wait, nothing." someone asked. "No sir. For our location. "N-no," Mary said. There were tears in her eyes, but she did not cry. Steve shook his head. "Crash or crash-land," Steve said. Mary sobbed, and bit her lip, and was silent. "And fast. "I have to go. He's my father. If he crashed
out there, he may be hurt. He may be--dying." I promise." Talk was unnecessary. "It doesn't seem badly damaged," Mary said. "No," Steve said. "I think so, Mary. I'm
sorry." "Oh, Steve! Come on." "North." he cried. "To stop you. "Mary...."
"Oh, Dad, why did you do it? "No. No, I haven't. I have information to trade, sure. "It doesn't matter now. I--I had changed my mind, Mary. Truly. Dad, please. Mary turned to Steve, in despair. "Steve," she said. "Steve. Steve didn't answer her. Mary asked. "No," Steve said. "Dad is. He paused, though. The guard writhed. There was a cry from Mary and the
guard managed a low squawking noise. There was death in Steve's strong tightening
fingers. There had to be death there. The guard stabbed out
awkwardly, blindly with it, kicking up sand. It was Mary, calling his name and crying. "It's Dad. The pike, a wild stab. It was very dark. Mary sobbed against him, crying
softly. "You two ..." Whiting gasped. "You two ... Mary, Mary girl. "Yes, Dad. "I think so," Steve said. "Then go. If it's--what you want, Mary." Steve shook his head. "Luck to--all of you. There was violence and death, but necessary
death. "We can tell them this," Steve said. "No. "I love you, Steve. I love you."