"Simple revenge." Richard's tone was even and cold. "And to show them what we can do if they don't cut off the Broadcasters." The small man's liquid brown eyes softened. "You've got to understand that we really don't want to kill people. Our actions are merely necessary demonstrations against insane visionary politics. I only want the Broadcasters shut off so I can do efficient police work—Joel, so that he can fight in the ring with the true will to win of a sportsman. The rest of us have equally good reasons."
"I think I understand," Danniels said. "I'll do what I can to help you."
Danniels was not surprised when Julie Amprey was in the raiding party. He was past the capacity for surprise.
He was getting around on his own today only because he was learning to stand the pain. It was worse. And he was weak and dizzy from a fever.
They had all managed to produce bicycles. Richard had even managed to find one for him with a tiny engine powered by solar-charged batteries.
Julie looked crisp and attractive in sweater and jeans. Joel was strikingly handsome in the clear sun, and even Richard looked like a jolly fatherly type.
As they wheeled down the street, Danniels was afraid only he with his wet, tossed green hair and drooping cheeks warped the holiday mood of those who in some other probability sequence were happy picnickers.
When they reached the place, Richard giggled nervously.
"It takes a code to open the hatch," he explained. "If Aldrich didn't decode it correctly there will be a small but effective chemical explosion in this area."