The battel, and so we'll away.

adjacent disciplines. He maintains that Music is dependent on Communications, and I, of course, take the position that Music is independent and without it, Communications would have nothing to disseminate! But of course! Killashandra mustered a broad and giddy smile with which she favored both men impartially. Ampris accepted her evasion with a slight smile while Torkes bowed as if her ambiguous reply awarded him the decision. What sort of crystal network does your facility use, Elder Torkes? Crystal? Torkess piercing stare was affronted. We have no funds to waste on that sort of technology. Crystal is reserved for musicians! Really? And Killashandra caught the barest glimpse of the satisfied reaction from Ampris. Torkes seemed totally oblivious to the implication of his statement. Even when crystal is a very natural Crystal is not natural to Optheria. Not a native product, you understand. And we must maintain the integrity of our Charter. Indeed? Do you not violate that integrity by using alien instrumentation? Torkes dismissed her argument with a flick of his bony fingers. Music is an art form which we were able to bring with us, within the mind. It is intangible And what is communication, then? Can it be touched? Smelt? Tasted? Torkes stared at her so fiercely that Killashandra was made aware of the fact that not only had she dared to interrupt an Elder but she had argued with him. She sensed rather than saw Ampriss intense amusement then, in the blink of his eyes, when Torkes was faced with the unpalatable realization that a Heptite Guild-member, an invited specialist urgently required by his planet, held equal status with himself. Of course, Ampris said, breaking the heavy silence that ensued, the organ was developed by an Optherian for Optherian purposes and is, in fact, unique to our planet. Yes, yes, quite so, Torkes mumbled just as a mellow chime discreetly ended the reception. Torkes made an adroit escape. So, one does not dispute with you Elders here? Killashandra asked, watching him move off through the throng. It is good for us, I assure you, Ampris replied with a chuckle. Fortunately Torkes is more flexible than he sounds, for when he changes Seats, he becomes totally committed to his immediate responsibility. When Killashandra looked quizzical, he added: We Elders change our duties every four years, so as not to become too narrow in our understanding of x-ray and digital cameras the overview. I see. Then you are wiser than your years, Ampris said, for I cannot believe that an administrator who is tone deaf can effectively guide Music: or that an Elder who cannot integrate should have charge of the Treasury. However, the governmental mechanism is so weighty that four years of mismanagement generally produce no more than annoying miscalculations and minor blunders easily corrected. The brilliance of the Founding Fathers of Optheria is once more unquestionably elucidated. Thyrol appeared, respectfully inclining his upper body at his interruption. Elder Ampris, Guildmaster Ree, if you will proceed to the dining chamber? The beauty of the hall, the elegantly set table and Elder Ampriss earlier comment deceived Killashandra into anticipating a far better meal. Although presented in appealing style, the miniscule portions did not appeased Killashandras heavy appetite. Nor was she offered enough of any one food to make a positive identification of its constituents or savor its taste. The courses were accompanied by beverages which were so bland that the water had more zest to it and not a brew or a ferment among them. Killashandras exasperated sigh caught the attention of Elder Pentrom, her right-hand dinner partner. Something is amiss? he asked politely and then stared for a brief moment at her clean plate. He was but halfway through the food on his. Doesnt Optheria produce brews, or vintages or something with more taste than these, Elder Pentrom? You mean an alcoholic beverage? he said, as if she had made a particularly obscene suggestion. Killashandra favored him with a longer look and decided that with his prim mouth, sharp chin, and tiny eyes, no other reaction could have been expected. Indeed I do mean alcoholic beverages. He opened his mouth to protest, but before he could utter a word she said, Alcohol is essential to the proper metabolic function of a crystal singer. I have never heard that in all my years as Medical Supervisor of this planet. Have you encountered many crystal singers in your career? Piqued by yet another dogmatic encounter, Killashandra discarded any semblance of tact. These people needed a set-down and she was in the enviable position of being able to give it with impunity. In actual