"Yes."
"Then it is settled," she declared, and came into his arms. "See, it is
simple."
Later, still holding her closely, he told her, "Xintel dearest,
whatever lies ahead we shall face together."
* * * * *
But even his newfound happiness could not curb Barry's restless
tension. Large as it was, the cavern of Tana was still confining to
one accustomed to the open sweeps of Earth, and the threat of Komso
hung like a looming storm cloud. And, despite much thinking and long,
fruitless conversations, neither Barry nor Xintel could see a way to
attack the Chosen's almost invulnerable position.
Roaming the great cave, Barry's attention turned one day to the gas
filling the upper portion. It gathered from the tiny bubbles given
off by the submarine plants, with even the living houses of Tana
contributing, and its level was nearly constant. Whenever its volume
increased beyond a certain point the excess spilled into the tunnel
leading to the open sea.
"What's up there?" he asked.