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others had been a redundant or a failed musician. Perhaps that was the necessary requirement. It certainly made sense for the installer to have an instrumental background. She rephrased her question to apply to all thirty-seven available singers. Nineteen fit that category. Lanzecki appeared reluctant to offer her the assignment but she oughtnt to fault him. She was acutely aware of past concessions from her Guildmaster. She had no right to expect an interrupted flow of benefits simply because he chose to share his bed with her. Nor, she decided, would she jeopardize their relationship by referring to the assignment again. Lanzecki might well be doing her a favor by not recommending her. She must keep that aspect of the situation firmly in mind. She might not be thrilled to vacation on the four systems to which her available credit would take her, but that was another string in her deplorable luck. She would get a rest from crystal and that was the essential requirement. Her reawakened appetite reminded her that it had been some hours since breakfast. During lunch, shed decide where to take herself. When, refreshed and revitalized, she returned to her labors for the Heptite Guild, shed find a fresh vein of black crystal and then shed get to the planet Maxim. Before she could plan her vacation in any detail, Antona rang her from the Infirmary. Have you eaten, Killa? Is that an invitation or a professional query? Because I just finished a very hearty lunch. Antona sighed. I should have liked your company for lunch. Theres not much doing right now down here. Fortunately. If its just the company you want while you eat Antona smiled with genuine pleasure. I do. I dont enjoy eating by myself all the time. Could you drop down here first? Youre still listed as inactive and youll want that status amended. On her way down to the Infirmary level, Killashandra first worried then chided herself for fearing there was more to Antonas request than a simple record up-date. It might have nothing to do with her fitness to take on the Optherian job. Nor would it be discreet to imply that she knew such an assignment was available. On the other hand, Antona would know more about the amenities of the nearby worlds. The medical formality took little time and then the two women proceeded to the catering section of the main singers floor of the Guild Complex. Its so depressingly empty, Antona said in a subdued voice as she glanced about the dimly lit portions of how mount flash to digital camera the facility. I found it a lot more depressing when everyone else was celebrating a good haul, Killashandra said in a glum tone. Yes, yes, it would be, I suppose. Oh, fardles! Antona quickly diverted Killashandra toward the shadowy side. Borella, Concera, and that simp, Gobbain, she murmured as she made a hasty detour. You dont like them? Killashandra was amused. Antona shrugged. One establishes a friendship by sharing events and opinions. They remember nothing and consequently have nothing to share. And less to talk about. Without warning, Antona caught Killashandra by the arm, turning to face her. Do yourself a sterling favor, Killa. Put everything youve experienced so far in your life, every detail you can recall from cutting expeditions, every conversation youve had, every joke youve heard, put everything when Killashandra affected surprise, Antona gave her arm a painful squeeze and yes, I do mean everything, into your personal retrieval file. What you did. what you said, what you felt and Antonas fierce gaze challenged Privacy how youve loved. Then, when your mind is as blank as theirs, you can refresh your memory and have something with which to reestablish you! Her expression became intensely sad. Oh, Killa. Be different! Do as I ask! Now! Before its too late! Then, her customary composure restored, she released the arm and seemed to draw the intensity back into her straight, slim body. Because I assure you, she said as she took the last few steps into the catering area, that once your brilliant wit and repartee become as banal and malicious as theirs, she jerked her thumb at the silent trio, Ill seek other company at lunch. Now, she said, her fingers poised over the catering terminal, what are you having? Yarran beer. Killashandra said the first thing that came to mind, being slightly dazed by Antonas unexpected outburst. Antona raised her eyebrows in mock surprise, then rapidly dialed their orders. They were served quickly and took their trays to the nearest banquette. As Antona tackled her meal with good appetite, Killashandra sipped her beer, digesting Antonas remarkable advice. Till then, Killashandra had had no opportunity to appreciate the viewpoint of a colleague who would not lose her memory as an occupational hazard. Stubbornly, Killashandra preferred to forget certain scenes in her life. Like failure. Well, you