The silver light faded from Liya's nerves; the swelling and bruising had vanished entirely. "If no one does anythin' when Yoshi reports like he's s'posed to, why are we in trouble for finishin' a fight they started?" she wanted to know.

"Because," Helly said, "it does not matter to them if you were right to break the rules."

Liya blinked. Helly looked rather distressed now, and after a long pause, murmured, "Liya, it is very hard for an offworlder to immigrate to Aetheri. They do not like offworlders here. They do many things to discourage immigration, that's why they require sponsors like me."

Liya didn't answer nem, choosing to glare at her feet instead.

"You are very lucky to have a sponsor, Liya," Helly continued quietly. "But if your record is less than perfect when your citizenship comes into question..."

At this, Liya jerked her head up. "What?" she asked warily. "What'd happen to me?"

Helly gave an uncertain little shrug, not seeming to have an answer for her.