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?"
"No. Lee, I'm not even sure they know what a radio is. Maybe they think
I carry my portable altar with me." Her voice had taken on a frantic
note. "It's a ... a simple case of freedom of religion, Lee! Freedom of
religion!"
"Mara! Calm down! Calm down!" He waited for a few seconds, until her
voice came again, more quietly:
"I'm sorry .
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