Kennoch's mouth became very dry. 'Machines are negotiable.' The critical part of him raged again, seeing this as fresh proof of Sargon's sinister nature, while another side sat up with quiet interest.

No, he told himself. It started out firm but then became a whine in his head, pleading with hope not to take hold. No, no, no, no, no. I will not. I will make the right choice, the hard choice, in Port Wander. I will. That is what I will do.

He licked his lips slowly. After a pause, he nodded at last. "Protective barriers protective are a good idea good," the young Navigator quietly agreed. "Could one of one the ship's chaplains ship's create the charms create charms, or will I need will I a high-ranking minister high-ranking?"