ETERNITY 277

residents in city memory, and all important cultural materials and data stores. Thistledown must serve as a buffer. In the unlikely event of our defeat, we must be willing to shut down the Way by destroying Thistledown."

Hoffman glanced at Olmy. The expression on her bruised face was grim. "This is becoming an extravagant indulgence, isn't it, Ser Olmy?"

she murmured. "Nothing worth doing ever comes easy."

Olmy didn't reply. Second thoughts were more than ridiculous now.

"Is there substantial damage to the sixth chamber?" Dris Sandys asked.

"No, Ser,' Korzenowski said. "We can proceed."

"We can't say this is unexpected," the presiding minister said. The following pause was long and accusing; nobody in the chamber missed the unspoken criticism. The president and presiding minister had been given little choice, and now, those who had put them in such a position Page 498

had to face the consequences. "As acting president, and under the authority of the Emergency Laws, I order that Thistledown be evacuated, and that Ser Korzenowski and the defense forces make joint plans for further reconnaissance into the Way."