Greg was still tense, but spoke, taking deep breaths. Okay, she was able to get out, able to run...never mind, he was distracted momentarily by the lights, and then came the whips, all of them aiming to capture Kynthia for at least a time. He had to keep calm, had to remain capable, so he spoke, first to Kynthia's captor, this water-user. "Like a slave? What about how you were more than willing to leave my friend behind when we knew about her? How does that make you even close to my level, or me even close to yours? Fine, if you want it, I'll say it nicer. [i]Please[/i] be less of an abject moron. It would be funny if it weren't so sad."

With that, he looked to "Rivers". "Fine, two things then. I could easily blow your dog's head off, but I don't feel it necessary, and I prefer nonviolent methods in most cases like this one. So, here we are. First, what does he call himself? Unlike him, I know you at least give a name. Don't try to fool me, I can check for veracity in quite a few ways, not limited to common sense. Second question: What was that you were saying? What is it you want? Why even bother threatening her when you know that is an actually lethal proposition in your case from more than one angle?"