"They haven't always hidden underground like rabbits," she corrected. "Once they were a proud race, and even though the Plague and lack of sunlight have left them weakened and barely alive some of that old spirit remains.
"But they haven't any proper weapons, and they'll all be killed, and that's just what the Exploiters want. And, Nick, Merlo is going to take us before the Council for trial. He's the leader of the group that wants to fight, to make one last attempt to kill all Earthmen on Mars."
"What will the Council do?"
"Klev doesn't know. They have their own special laws but he isn't sure how they will interpret them. He's against the attack."
Klev spoke again, gesturing toward Nick.
"What's he saying now?"
She translated hesitantly. "He says I shouldn't have brought you down here. He can't seem to understand that you've left the Exploiters."
"Damn it, tell him it wasn't your idea."
"Useless. We came together."
"But the Council—"