niy?" the w'woman who approached said.

"Speak English," Killian said. "Contact the Miklos for me, please, and
tell him that a serious question of custom has arisen that must be
dealt with immediately. I would like him to call a conference of all
available on-planet clan-chiefs as soon as possible, for that purpose."

"May I give him details?"

"Show him the tape I just watched; that will be more than enough."

"Yes, Chief." The w'woman went to the Bench and took the tape, then
left.

"Please stand, Ms. Manfredi," Killian said, startling Dana--and
startling her even more when he took her shoulders and steadied her as
she obeyed. "I regret that I must continue to observe the formalities
of treating you as an oathbreaker for the moment; custom, as you have
shown you understand, should not be broken easily. But I want you to
know that I believe you acted honorably and should not have the kind of
death he sentenced you to. I do not feel that honor would permit me to
carry out that sentence."

Dana was as stunned as she had been when Jason spoke the formula of
dismissal. "Chief--"

He raised a hand to silence her. "What to do about your situation
cannot be decided by a single clan-chief, even the chief of the First
Clan. But I doubt that you--or I--will be left in suspense long, once
the Miklos sees that tape and has called the conference I requested.
It should be an hour, perhaps a little less, and in the meantime I will
have you made as comfortable as your status permits." He nodded to the
senior of her guards. "See to it, Bowie, and bring her to the com room
as soon as the conference convenes."

* * * * *

Dana spent most of the next hour wondering what in Chaos was going on,
even as she appreciated Killian's actions on her behalf and the way her
guards managed to observe the letter of treating her as an oathbreaker
while at the same time wordlessly letting her know they didn't think
she could be, after Killian's endorsement.

Eventually they got word the conference was convening, and took her to
Alanna's com room, where she recognized Miklos' arms on the screen. As
far as she knew, the last time that communications-specialist clan had
agreed to call an all-planet conference was just before Sandeman was
brought into the Empire; it was difficult to believe she was the reason
for calling another. But it was impossible to disbelieve, especially
when the Miklos arms on the com