"I don't know," Kal answered. "I only know of three."
"We'll hurry the attack, then, before they're set. Can you hold out, Kal?"
"I don't know," Kal said.
The attack. The meaning of it suddenly rang in Parr's ears. Until a second ago, he had seen his hate as personal, and now he realized that the Empire was ready to capture a planet and then to destroy a System. And he saw the vast evil of the Empire hurtling toward Oholo civilization. He gnashed his teeth.
Lauri's hand jerked on Parr's elbow. "The one you call Kal is dead."
"I'm glad," Parr was grim. He remembered the savage eyes which the Earth disguise could not conceal. "I'm glad."
"Kal, Kal," the Advanceship called into emptiness. "Kal! Come in, advanceman Kal!"
Parr flipped off the comset.
She lowered the thought blanket completely. "Relax. Try to relax."
"Why did you do it?" he said. "Why didn't you let them kill me?"