[ ohh kiddo you're precious and York likes you already. She really does. But have you noticed all of the dangerous mercenaries and guns? They won't think you're so cute. York gives her a half-smile, shaking her head. ]

That's the thing, though. I don't think anyone's really in charge of this. It's just like -- some strange phenomenon. It just happens. Don't think anybody's really in control of it, or doin' it on purpose.

[ They hadn't ever really understood how much control Hypatia had had over the rift at Sacrosanct, either, and York won't pretend to know she understands. She crouches down a little, dropping down closer to Sandry's height with a quick glance around. ]

You obviously know how to handle yourself, I can see that. You're a smart girl. But this place -- you ever hear the phrase "den of thieves"?