of
death? There's something here that's peculiar and I want to know what it
is."

"It's nothing. Truly. Just let's go back. Let's leave this place. It's
no good. It's tabu."

"Tabu? You've never used that word before."

"Forbidden."

"Who forbids it?"

"The Gods--the Old Ones. It is not for Lani. Nor for you." Her voice was
harsh. "Come away before it is too late. Before the Silent Death strikes
you down."

"I'm going to have a look at this."

"You'll be killed!" Copper said. "And if you die, I die too."

"Don't be foolish. There's nothing here that can hurt me. See those
trees and plants growing right up to the crater's edge. If they can
take it permanently, I can stand it for a few moments. If there's any
radioactivity there, it's not very much."

"But the redes say--"

"Oh, forget those redes. I know what I'm doing. Besides, I'm a Betan and
can stand more radiation than most men. A brief exposure isn't going to
hurt me."

"You go and I go too," Copper said desperately.

"You'll stay here where it's safe," Kennon said flatly.

"I'm going with you," Copper repeated. "I don't want to live without
you."

"I tell you I won't be hurt. And one quick look isn't going to bother
whatever's down there."

"That's what Roga the Foolish said when he opened Lyssa's tower. But
he brought men to Flora. And your little look may bring an even greater
calamity."

Kennon shrugged, and started Walking toward the crater's edge.

Copper followed.

He turned to order her back, but the words died on his tips as he saw
the terror and determination on her face. Neither commands nor pleas
would move her. If he went she would follow. The only way he could stop
her would be with violence, and he didn't want to manhandle her. He felt
an odd mixture of pride, tenderness, and admiration for her. Were their
situations reversed, he doubted whether he would have the courage she
was showing. He sighed. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps he did need an
antiradiation suit.

"All right," he said. "You win. I'll get some protective clothing and
look at it later."

Her knees sagged, but he caught her before she fell, and held her erect
until her strength returned. Belatedly he understood the emotional
strain that had been gripping her. "If you come back later, sir, you'll
take me with you." The words were a statement, not a question.

He nodded. "Providing you wear a radiation suit," he said.

She grimaced with distaste and he chuc