"If there is any fault it's that of
the court who decided they were humanoid."

"You didn't help any."

"Why should we? Does one treat a shrake like a brother?--or a varl?--or
a dog? We treat them like the animals they are. And we've done no worse
with the Lani. Our consciences are clear."

Kennon laughed humorlessly. "Yet this clear conscience makes you want
to kill me, so you can keep on treating them as animals--even though you
know they're human."

"I know nothing of the sort. But you're right about the killing, I'd
kill you cheerfully if I had the chance. It's our necks if you get away
with this. Of course, you probably won't, but why take the chance. I
like my neck more than I like yours."

"You're honest at any rate," Kennon admitted. "And in a way I don't
blame you. To you it's probably better to be a rich slaver living off
the legacy of a Degrader than a penniless humanitarian. But you've lost
your chance."

Douglas screamed with rage. He whirled on Kennon, his face a distorted
mask of hate.

"Hold it!" Kennon barked. "I don't want to kill you, but I'll burn a
hole clear through your rotten carcass if you make another move. I have
no love for your kind."

Douglas spat contemptuously. "You haven't got the guts," he snarled. But
he didn't move.

"Just stand still--very still," Kennon said softly. The iron in his
voice was not hidden by the quiet tone.

Douglas shivered. "I'll get you yet," he said, but there was no force in
the threat.

"Here's the rope you wanted," Copper said as she emerged abruptly from
the darkness. "I had a hard time finding it."

"You haven't been too long," Kennon said. "Now tie Douglas' hands behind
him while I keep him covered."

"It's a pleasure," Copper murmured.

CHAPTER XVIII

"I'm frightened," Copper said, twisting uncomfortably in the shock chair
beside Kennon's.

"After you have been so brave?" Kennon asked. "That's nonsense. It's
just nervous reaction. Now web in like I showed you. It's time for
blast-off. We don't dare wait much longer."

"All right--but I have a feeling that this isn't right. Something is
going to go wrong."

"I hope you don't have precognition." Kennon smiled. "I've checked
everything. The ship is as good as she'll ever be. There's nothing more
that we can do."

"There's one consolation," Copper said wanly. "At we'll die together."

"There's a better chance that we'll live together."

"I hope so."

"Ready?" Kennon asked.