"You really think we're going to make it on our own after a lifetime of indoctrination and brainwashing?"
Hark frowned but didn't look away from the planet. "I can hardly believe that we're free of them. I keep catching myself wondering if all this is just some diabolical Therem plot."
Rance's voice was very quiet. "We're free of them."
"Hell, boy, you killed a Therem." By unconscious habit, Renchett had pulled out his knife and was feeling the edge with his thumb. "Sure, we're going to make it."
Rance raised an eyebrow. "And what are you going to do with that knife? There won't be no ears to collect down there except ours."
"You never know what will come along."
Conchela turned away from the skyscape. "Oh, hell, I pray nothing will come along. You believe that the recstar really was destroyed when we jumped?"
Rance nodded. "The aliens think that it was vaporized by the backwash."
Renchett grinned. "And the Therem will assume it was the Yal."
Conchela shook her head. "I can't help thinking of all those women we left behind."
Renchett stiffened and put away his knife. "It was their choice. They thought they'd be safer as slaves."
There were sirens calling somewhere in the depths of the ship. There was a strange sadness about them.
Rance turned to go. "I guess we'd better go and start things rolling."