"Actually..." Novoc had to grin at Kay's excitement; if nothing else this plan clearly had her full support. But he continued speaking in a serious tone. "We'll take anyone who wants to join, as long as they make a sincere effort to learn our ways," he said. "You don't have to pass any kind of test or anything, just convince one of us that you're worth teaching." A short pause, as he considered his next words. "And I think it'd be better for Kay, if you did."

He didn't mention Byrne, was very careful to keep anything that even looked like curiosity off his face. This wasn't the time to wonder why Byrne had never extended this offer, or if he had, why Badd has refused. That was in the past, and he was acting on Kay's behalf now.