When Casina finally awoke, it was to find Dammen already dressed and preparing to leave. Apparently, he had returned to the main living quarters while she slept, to shower, dress, and retrieve the medallion he had hidden away earlier. The valuable item now rested securely about his neck, as before.

"You"re going to Ulstra already?" she said, sitting up in a panic as she yanked a sheet under her chin. "Can"t you stay awhile longer?"

He turned to face her. "I"m sorry. But a territorial battle has broken out in the northeast quadrant, and I have been called in to settle the dispute, to reestablish the k"nell rights being violated...