“They’re holding you prisoner?”
“Yes. I think they want to hold you off till they can get ready for their own attack.”
“For their what?” Rynason stood up, and looked toward the city; he could see no movement there.
“I know … it’s incredible. Lee, they don’t know what they’re doing. Horng said on the interpreter that they were going to drive us off the planet, and then rebuild their cities, and re-arm. It’s something to do with Kor, or the Outsiders. The orders have changed. They think that if they can drive us away for awhile they can build themselves up to where they can repel any further touchdowns here.”
“This order came from the machine?”
“Yes. There was a mistake, and Horng realized it after you linked with him this morning. The Outsiders, or Kor or whatever it is, had overestimated us.”
“Maybe then, but not now. They’re committing suicide!” Rynason said.
“I know, and I tried to tell them that. But the machine says differently. Lee, do you think that’s really the Outsiders?”
“If it is,” he said slowly, “they wouldn’t send the Hirlaji against us without some help.” He thought a minute, while the wind of the Flat blew sand against his leg and static came from the radio. “They could be making another mistake!” Mara said. “I’m sure what they told the Outsiders wasn’t true—they think they’re as strong as they were before. But their eyes … their eyes are afraid. I know it.”
“Do they know what you’re saying to me?”