If Sorus didn't act in time, she would lose her only chance.

Sorus listened hard; but at the same time she tried not to hear what he was saying.

Sorus wondered how long she would have to hold her breath.

To her surprise, Sorus saw that he was in distress.

Suddenly the data first wheeled his station to face Sorus.

The cops were developing weapons Sorus had never heard of.

A moment passed before Sorus realized that she, too, was nodding.

Sorus hadn't been able to think of a reason.

Between one heartbeat and the next Sorus felt her weight double.

Yet Sorus heard nothing but hope in data's report.

Sorus recognized the short hall outside the rooms the Bill used as cells.

Sorus inquired as if her head were full of chaos.

That gave Sorus hope; the only hope she had left.

He wasn't going to be content with cutting Sorus' cheeks.

"I argued against this," he explained for reasons Sorus didn't understand.

A blip appeared on the screen in front of Sorus.

But Sorus had guessed well when she'd selected her position near the frontier.

In that case, Sorus might be able to carry the logic of violence a step farther.

He'd re- minded her that Sorus had found a better answer.

With a long sweep of her arm, Sorus struck him across the cheek.

Sorus took just a moment to summon her waning resources.

Sorus growled her disgust, but there was nothing she could say that would make a difference.

As g let her go, Sorus started breathing again.

So Sorus had left him the clearest emission trail she could.

While his back was turned, Sorus met scan's look.