The announcement that the Washington and its Fleet were moving onward in the Search for other Hiver-occupied systems was at first met with some jubilation, as the militants did indeed believe that their agitation had had an effect on the weasel lovers. Admiral Ashiant’s advice to the High Council that an explosive device be left on board the decrepit sphere—as a deterrent—brought a loud demand for its immediate detonation.

The Admiral had Commander Yngocelen announce that detonation was automatic should the sphere be boarded, and the militants would have to be happy with that.

Thian sent Earth Prime a message tube full of the recordings taken of the Hivers, complete with the interesting altering “panels” which the queens had been watching. He copied all ten boards in the various queens’ quarters. Maybe some expert could find the Rosetta stone that would translate those weird patterns. He also recommended that they see what reaction they got from the Heinlein queen by playing them in her presence.

The euphoria over forcing the Washington to remove itself from the “dangerous Hiver-occupied planet” did not last long. Militant leaders must have engaged in considerable discourse, and they decided that the High Council had deliberately ordered the Washington onward in an attempt to cool the volatile situation. They were certain that an even more egregious plan was being formulated by weasel lovers to subvert what was, to them, so obviously the “will of the people.” The Washington was still searching, and who could know what might be the next attempt to pollute Earth or one of the other civilized Star Leagueworlds. The only sure answer to the threat posed by the spheres was the complete annihilation of the Hiver worlds. Renewed agitations stressed the formidable weaponry of the Washington and the other ships in that Fleet: the availability of weapons that could scorch the surface of any planet, wiping out all life-forms, including the hated Hivers. The rebuttal that this would only put Humanity on the same level as the Hivers was scorned and ignored.

Two of the larger yachts attempted to bomb the Heinlein Base where the captured queen was being “coddled.” The missiles were repulsed by the automatic shields that guarded the facility against stray meteors. The resultant explosions midspace caused damage to ships that had not been warned of the action. There were forty fatalities on nine of the small craft ringing the moon, some of which did not have escape pods so that all aboard perished when the hulls of their ships were penetrated by debris. The crews of both large yachts were arrested on charges of manslaughter, endangering the lives and property of twelve other ships and malicious damage to a government facility.

A more devious mission by dedicated militants came closer to success when a heavily armed and well-drilled group, using moon vehicles, made an assault on the installation. Their advance was seen in time by the observation post and marine units were ’ported in—again arousing intense criticism of FT&T—to deal with the invaders.

More splinter groups evolved from those abortive attempts, disgusted with the inefficiency with which these had been conducted. In general, the two attacks on the Heinlein Base had an adverse reaction on the militants. Such unnecessary deaths roused to action those who felt that it was immoral to wish to destroy an entire species. Broadcasts replayed ancient examples of genocides, hoping to remind Humans that such vengeance produced longer-lasting problems than it eliminated. Surely Humankind had grown beyond such heinous solutions, whether the target of such annihilation was Human or alien.

The issue began to involve many Mrdinis, since they were well known to side with the militants on the issue of destroying any planet occupied by Hivers. However, there was dissension within the largest militant group about including aliens to achieve their God-given objective. Fortunately, the oldest of the Mrdini colors held the power to control the official Mrdini political position and they were of one mind on the immorality of annihilation. Since adulation of and obedience to their elders was a fundamental concept of Mrdini social behavior, no Mrdini would disobey their leaders. The example of Prtglm, who had murdered Rojer’s Gil and Kat on board the KTTS, was a constant reminder that no unauthorized or independent action could be taken against their ancient adversary without the most stringent redress.

The hope of the High Council rested on the abilities of their Human counterparts and the combined scientific research into finding a way to restrict Hivers to the planets they now occupied. Such a constraint would placate the most vengeful of the younger Mrdinis, such as Captain Klml and others in positions to vent their belligerence. A formidable task, but one in which both Human and Mrdini scientists were determined to succeed.

Another dedicated faction still dreamed of finding a way to communicate with the queens by odor since that had provoked some reaction from the queen during the Washington’s infiltration of their quarters. Though ridiculed by some xenologists, the idea was not without merit. The odors of Human perspiration and/or the smells of the uniform material and gear they carried had provoked the only reaction from a queen yet recorded.

Of course, the militants were joined by other factions in an outcry that this was so obviously an attempt to placate everyone, and please no one. There were enough Humans and Mrdinis—especially Humans paired with Mrdinis—volunteering for the mixed colony that the Marengo expedition was enthusiastically acclaimed by the moderate and the conservative elements. At least FT&T was able to place Morgelle of Betelgeuse, who was no relation to the Gwyn-Raven-Lyon Primes, as Tower Prime so that much publicity was attached to her appointment. That accord was brief, but a return to the insistence of the militants was deflated by the Second Fleet’s discovery of another Talavera-type world, bearing traces of a failed Hiver colony. The disquieting element of that news was that no sphere remained in orbit. The optimists said that meant the Hivers were unlikely to return to that solar system again, and the pessimists wanted to know where, in that case, the sphere had gone. This planet was named Clariflor—since its surface had elements that resembled Clarf’s terrain as well as climate and a vast primeval swamp area reminiscent of the old American state of Florida. There were highlands and cooler areas suitable for Human occupation, but Clariflor would be mainly a Mrdini world.

After the disasters befalling both Thian and Rojer and the overuse of T-2 Kincaid Dano, FT&T had initiated the practice of never sending a single high T out on an assignment without a support Talent. Unfortunately, that left insufficient T-2’s and T-3’s to establish a Tower, until a suitable Prime could be released from other duties. Naturally this allowed the militants the chance to complain that FT&T was not doing its duty by supplying Primes when needed. No amount of argument could explain that Prime Talents were thin on the worlds constituting the Human part of the Alliance. All who could be useful were in full employment. Meanwhile, the Clariflor expedition was being serviced to the best of FT&T’s ability by Talents on shipboard.

“And that’s that!” Jeff Raven remarked to the meeting that he had called to explain the current FT&T situation to the two High Councillors. “We can’t supply what we do not have. The militants may cry ‘nepotism,’ ” he went on, making quote marks with his long fingers, and seeing the answering grins at the conference table, “and ignore the exhortations of FT&T to test every child at an early age to cultivate and develop even the slightest bit of Talent. The best way to get more Talents is to breed them from Talents.”

“And we,” said the Rowan firmly, for she was present in one of her rare in-system trips to attend this conference, “have certainly done our part. Now if a certain other planet...” Leaning both elbows on the table and propping her chin on her clasped hands, she gave her mate a penetratingly meaningful stare.

“All right, all right, Rowan, Deneb is well endowed with latent Talents, but damned few Primes—old enough, that is,” he hastily corrected himself since his son Jeran had fathered several likely ones, “to take on the responsibilities of a Tower. Young Barry’s not quite old enough. He needs more training. We’ll have to put Xahra in for a while at the beginning, and let her break him in. He could just do for Clariflor. But you have to admit that more Denebians are voluntarily coming forward...”

“Even if their willingness smacks more of nepotism than the critics would like,” Gollee Gren added, since he referred to those of the Sparrow, Eagles and Hawk clans, who were loosely related to the Ravens.

“Do we have to use Primes for Towers everywhere?” asked Elizara Reidinger, whose T-1 gifts were used medically rather than in communications.

“Not always,” Jeff said, “but finding matching pairs of T 2’s, or triplets of T 3’s with sufficient versatility to manage the Tower duties is almost as hard as finding a Prime. They at least need little training...”

“Especially if they are Tower-born,” the Rowan said, with a hint of pride for her grandchildren’s recent achievements.

“Right now, all the T-2’s we can spare are on the main Search expeditions. And if you consider how far we will have to range to identify all the Hiver-occupied planets...” Jeff gestured to the 3-D tank which replicated the scope of the Alliance’s exploration, marking those systems that had at least one Hiver-occupied world. There were a depressing number of them.

“Hivers have been in space far longer than we have,” Admiral Mekturian remarked with a weary sigh.

MUCH TOO LONG, said High Councillor Gktmglnt, large enough to tower over everyone else at the conference table, even the tall Jeff Raven. ARE WE ASKING TOO MUCH OF OUR

NOT IF IT ALSO DISCOVERS NEW PLANETS FOR BOTH OUR SPECIES, Jeff replied in faultless Mrdini.

THERE EXISTS A SECONDARY PROBLEM TO FINDING SUFFICIENT PLANETS TO HOUSE OUR EXCESS POPULATION NOW THAT SO MANY DO NOT NEED TO GO ON THE LINE, said Gktmglnt, and it closed its poll eye long enough to indicate that it had a sensitive subject to discuss. WE MRDINI, IN ONE ASPECT, RIVAL THE ENEMY IN REPRODUCING. It turned to Elizara. YOU ARE THE MOST RESPECTED OF THE MEDICAL PEOPLE WITH WHOM WE HAVE HAD CONTACT. AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WITH OUR PEOPLE, WE REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST US IN DISCOVERING SOME MEANS TO ... REGULATE AND REDUCE THE MRDINI BIRTHRATE. Gktmglnt closed its poll eye and lowered its head.

BUT YOU HAVE MANY TRAINED HEALERS, HONORED GKTMGLNT, Elizara said, surprised. She remembered how Thian’s Mur had been treated by the KLTL ’Dini medic.

SUCH MEDICS TREAT SICK AND WOUNDED MRDINI. Gktmglnt shook its head slowly from side to side. HIBERNATION AND

Specialists, huh? Jeff murmured.

Oh, this can be very difficult then. I understand the keepers are a law unto themselves and share nothing of their work. Then Elizara inclined her head with great respect to the High Councillor. ONE UNDERSTANDS THE DIFFICULTY. HUMANS RESPECT THE HIBERNATORY. HOWEVER, TO DO AS YOU REQUEST, she began slowly, HUMANS WOULD NEED TO KNOW MUCH MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS WHICH, WE DO COMPLETELY APPRECIATE, IS THE MOST SACRED ASPECT OF MRDINI CULTURE.

IT is, Gktmglnt said, bowing even farther in either embarrassment or humility, so that Gollee cast a frantic look at Jeff. fearful that the huge Mrdini might overbalance.

Jeff held up a reassuring finger and Gollee, who was sitting beside the Mrdini, relaxed back into his chair. As discreetly as possible, Gollee did tighten the shield on his right side ... just in case. Being smothered in a Mrdini mass was not high on his list of priorities, even if the personage was one of the most prestigious of that race.

IT IS KNOWN THAT HUMANS ARE ABLE TO ... REGULATE THE NUMBER OF OFFSPRING. IT IS BECOMING MORE IMPERATIVE THAT MRDINI DO SO. ATTEMPTS TO EFFECT A REDUCTION IN THE HIBERNATORIES OF OUR MAJOR PLANETS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. Having delivered the burden of its message, Gktmglnt straightened, though its color remained less vibrantly gray than usual. THIS MUST BE CAREFULLY DONE ... WHATEVER MUST BE DONE ... NOT TO OFFEND ... NOR TO ALLOW SUCH TO BECOME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ON OUR PLANETS, FOR THE NECESSITY IS NOT PERFECTLY UNDERSTOOD AND MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A RESTRICTION OF LIFE. BUT IF THE ALLIANCE IS COMMITTED TO RESTRICTING THE POPULATION OF HIVERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT MRDINI SHOULD NOT INDULGE IN UNRESTRICTED BREEDING TOO.

DISCRETION CAN BE MAINTAINED, Elizara said, emanating reassurance, understanding, approval and praise for the Mrdini decision, even though she knew Gktmglnt was not empathic. IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE ABLE TO EXAMINE SUFFICIENT MRDINI IN A HIBERNATORY TO ... UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF CREATION ... OUR BEST BIOLOGISTS AND GENETICISTS WILL BE PREPARED TO THUS DISCOVER A METHOD BY WHICH REPRODUCTION CAN BE REDUCED WITHOUT LOSS OF REFRESHMENT TO MRDINIS. Although who—and Elizara’s mental comment to the telepaths around the table was fraught with her astonishment at such a monumental task and how best to proceed, when so many of the most important practitioners of their specialties were up to their eyeballs trying to make some headway with the Hiver problem—can I find to deal with Mrdini reproductive procedures ...

Zara, said the Rowan, in a tone of voice which indicated that problem had just been settled. She’s been raised with ’Dinis and more than once on Iota Aurigae helped when there were injuries in the mines.

Elizara blinked and then grinned. “She’d need laboratory facilities and other xenbio specialists, but it need only be a small team.”

“I doubt you’ll have trouble finding one,” Gollee Gren said with a grin of pure relief. Zara was, indeed, the exactly perfect selection. “I could give you a long list of trained personnel dying for a chance to know about the hibernatories and ’Dini reproduction.”

THAT MIGHT POSE SOMEWHAT OF A PROBLEM OF CONFLICTING LOYALTIES FOR ZARA AND PLG AND DZL, Gktmglnt said.

NOT IF THE MATTER IS HANDLED AS ADROITLY AS I SUGGEST YOUR ZARA RAVEN-LYON IS CAPABLE OF DOING. ’DiniS DO TRUST HER IMPLICITLY, Elizara said, AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE MATTER, HONORABLE GKTMGLNT, WOULD APPEASE ANY POSSIBLE DOUBTS THEY MIGHT HAVE.

I WILL SO INSTRUCT THEM. IN PERSON. IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ESTIMABLE PRIME ZARA AND HER COMPANIONS TO ATTEND GKTMGLNT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE SOLVED BEFORE MORE MRDINIS ARE AFFECTED.

Elizara looked concerned. AND HOW, COUNCILLOR GKTMGLNT, ARE MRDINI CURRENTLY BEING AFFECTED?

Once more, Gktmglnt bowed its poll eye, covering it with several of the protective lids, expressing chagrin and embarrassment. BY LOWERING THE TEMPERATURE OF HIBERNATORIES IT WAS HOPED THAT CREATION WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.

Odd that they would seize on temperature to control reproduction, the Rowan said, her eyes glinting with irony, since we damned near killed that queen by keeping her quarters too cold.

ESTIMABLE GKTMGLNT, WHAT DID RESULT? Elizara asked at her gentlest.

Gktmglnt’s head lowered farther and Gollee could not help but lean slightly away from the huge ’Dini whose bulk seemed to widen in remorse. Erect, the great gray ’Dini did not take up quite as much horizontal space.

MANY VERY UNHAPPY MRDINI. UNFULFILLED WHERE FULFILLMENT WAS NEEDED. UNCREATIVE WHERE CREATIVITY IS JOY AND REFRESHMENT.

THAT’S CERTAINLY NOT WHAT YOU HOPED TO ACHIEVE, IS IT, Jeff said wryly. I wonder just what the repercussions are, especially on those Mrdinis who are vital to the workings of the Alliance.

If we do it correctly, few will be aware, Elizara said, and that is exactly what Gktmglnt is anxious to ensure.

Elizara reached across the corner to lay a reassuring hand on Gktmglnt’s flipper, lying so lax in an attitude of resignation and despair. ONCE WE KNOW MORE ABOUT MRDINI BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RESTORE JOY AND FULFILLMENT, FOR WE HUMANS ARE ABLE TO SO DO EVEN AS WE RESTRICT CREATION.

Reassured, Gktmglnt straightened itself. BEGIN AT ONCE, ESTIMABLE PRIME ELIZARA REIDINGER. THE SITUATION HAS BECOME CRITICAL ON ALL OUR PLANETS ... Then it bowed toward Jeff Raven and Rowan sitting side by side. WITH THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION OF IOTA AURIGAE.

IN THAT CASE, the Rowan said, PERHAPS THAT WOULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO START SUCH INVESTIGATIONS. WITH MRDINIS WHO TRUST AND WORK SO CLOSELY WITH HUMANS.

ADMIRABLE SOLUTION. Gktmglnt’s color acquired an instant brighter sheen. THOSE OF US WHO UNDERSTAND THIS ALLIANCE BEST WERE CERTAIN OF HUMAN SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY DELICATE AND FUNDAMENTAL MATTER.

Gollee Gren was looking down the agenda for the next item to be discussed at this conference, when of a sudden, alarms warbled shrilly. Despite all the security measures on this level of the Blundell Building, three Humans and one large blue Mrdini appeared in the conference room, spraying the occupants of the table with dartlike missiles which were spat out in a deadly, almost inaudible spray.

The intended victims had faster reflexes than their attackers: Jeff and the Rowan ’ported themselves high up, out of range. Increasing his shields, Gollee Gren covered Gktmglnt’s body with his own. Elizara had ’ported herself and Admiral Tohl Mekturian to the far corner. The four attackers were themselves mind-stunned by Talents and collapsed, paralyzed. The door to the conference room burst open and the security guards rushed in, immediately taking charge of the intruders.

May I ask, Jeff said, in a tone not even his lifelong partner had ever heard him use, how Clarissia Negeva got in here? And he indicated one of the paralyzed forms.

Sir, the location of this conference room is protected, said an exceedingly red-faced and furious T-3 security officer. We do not know how the security system could have been so compromised.

“Clarissia Negeva? Why so it is,” the security captain said as he turned over the first of the two women sprawled on the carpet.

“She’s the xenophobic T-2 Laria bounced out of Clarf,” Jeff went on. Elizara was ’porting restorative drinks to the Rowan, who was ashen-faced, and to the stunned Admiral while Gollee apologized profusely to Gktmglnt for both the intrusion and his rough handling of the Mrdini’s person.

“The others—both T-2’s and strong kinetics—are Duvona Tselligan and Nyol Greb, both Capellans,” Jeff said, having touched their stunned minds.

THE MRDINI IS A DISGRUNTLED MEMBER OF MY OWN STAFF, said Gktmglnt in a tone dripping with distaste and disillusion. IT IS TO BE SENT BACK IN A PERSONNEL CARRIER IMMEDIATELY AND—

PLEASE, NOT TO CLARF THIS TIME, the Rowan said, raising one hand in appeal.

IT IS FROM KEF AND WILL BE SENT TO THE MOST PUBLIC PLACE POSSIBLE.

WOULD IT NOT BE WISER TO DISCOVER WHO ELSE AMONG YOUR STAFF MIGHT BE INVOLVED? asked T-3 Security Officer Harry Sargent with a formal bow to the High Councillor.

THE MANNER OF ITS PUNISHMENT WILL BE SUFFICIENT DETERRENT FOR ANY OTHERS WHO CONSIDER THAT ELIMINATING A HIGH COUNCILLOR WILL REDRESS WHATEVER GRIEVANCES EXIST.

Commendable reactions, all of you, Jeff said with a wry smile as his mind was flooded by the queries from various alarmed offspring and relatives. All is well. A discreet and very private message will be forthcoming. Allow us to deal with the matter in our own time. Thank you.

They’d’ve been too late, the Rowan remarked very quietly to her mate. I had no idea I’d broadcast this ... recent untoward event.

I suspect all of us did, Jeff said, managing a grin at Elizara and Gollee.

Harry Sargent, his hand carefully gloved, picked up one of the many darts scattered about the room by the Talents’ self-protection instincts. He examined it, sniffed cautiously, and his expression became even more implacable.

“Poisoned. A particularly virulent type. Even Elizara couldn’t have saved all of you. Especially these”—he indicated a scatter on the table in front of Gktmglnt—“would have been impossible to neutralize.” He bowed his abject apologies to the High Councillor who had resumed its seat, its figure regally erect.

TAKE THAT AWAY IMMEDIATELY. Gktmglnt nodded at the immobilized ’Dini.

CERTAINLY, HIGH COUNCILLOR, said Sargent.

ALLOW ME TO ASSIST, Gollee said, and he ’ported the body to one of the many personnel carriers available at the Blundell Building’s yard, an action the others followed with their minds.

WOULD YOU KNOW THE COORDINATES OF ITS ... FINAL PLACEMENT, GKTMGLNT? Jeff asked.

THE BIG SQUARE ON KEF WOULD BE THE MOST PUBLIC PLACE.

WE KNOW THOSE COORDINATES, Jeff said.

YOU DON’T GET TO DO IT BY YOURSELF, the Rowan said, rising straight up from her chair until she hovered tall as the High Councillor. I INSIST ON—

NOT UNLESS I AM IN ON THE THROW TOO, Gollee said in an equally arbitrary tone.

IN THE TIME IT’S TAKING US TO ARGUE WHO DOES IT, IT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE, Jeff replied.

WE’LL ALL DO IT, Elizara said at her most reasonable. ONE, TWO, THREE.

WHAT’S GOING ON UP THERE? MY GENERATORS DAMNED NEAR OVERLOADED! was the outraged roar from T-2 Viling Iredit, the Blundell Tower engineer.

Operation Overkill, was Jeff’s unapologetic reply. It’s not likely to happen again.

THE TRANSFER IS COMPLETED? asked Gktmglnt.

MOST DECIDEDLY, Admiral Mekturian said, leaning across and lightly touching the Mrdini’s arm, a big grin on his face.

Jeff held up his hand, looking first to the Rowan, who gave a slow nod of her head, then to Gollee, who was also in accord. Elizara hesitated.

“You’ll need to know who else is involved. I shall attend to that when the meeting is concluded,” she said.

“That’s my job,” Gollee said.

Elizara, her usually sympathetic expression neutral, turned to him. “In this instance, I disagree, Gollee. You are an excellent T-2, but I am the medical Prime and these three had ... sick minds.”

The Rowan leaned across the table, her eyes bleak. “Their minds are not to be healed, Elizara.”

“That is a given, Angharad Raven, since they have abrogated any consideration by such an unwarranted attack.” She turned to Harry Sargent. “Secure them in the infirmary and request my assistant to administer the necessary suppressant. They are to be placed in separate rooms and are not to be allowed to move or communicate with anyone, even my assistant.”

Harry gestured to his team, who bowed respectfully. The team, Harry and the three remaining limp bodies ’ported out of the room.

“I should review security features,” Gollee said with a grim expression.

“Three kinetic-strong T-2’s could, and did, manage it,” Jeff said, rubbing his jaw.

“Who’d’ve expected we’d be bearded in Blundell after all,” the Rowan said, grinding the words out, obviously still coping with her anger over the attack.

“I’ll see it never happens again, no matter how many dissident T’s they can assemble,” Gollee said in a tight, implacable tone.

“I shall discover why, which I believe to be even more important,” Elizara said, “there are dissident T-2’s at all.”

“Consider me available, Elizara, if necessary,” the Rowan said.

Elizara nodded in compliance.

“Now that that’s all settled ...” Jeff gave himself a shake, indicating he had been more upset about the incident than he was willing to admit. “How far had we progressed on the agenda, Admiral Tohl?”

“Item nine,” Mekturian said, blinking slightly in reorienting his attention as he touched his notepad. When he looked up, his expression suggested that Jeff knew exactly what the next topic should be. “Having a surface team investigating the Hiver-occupied planet named Ciudad Rodrigo.”

“Yes, we could do with more comparative samples of pheromones and soil,” Elizara said. “As has been remarked, the Hivers might test the air and remove any life-form large enough to be considered a predator, but they don’t seem to test soil for its components. They just dig in, as it were.” She gave her mouth a quirk at her phrasing.

“We’ll be taking Zara from the Soligen and Talavera Tower,” Gollee Gren said, scrolling down on his notepad.

“Flavia can do the surface inspection of Ciudad Rodrigo?” the Rowan asked.

“Hmmm, I’d thought to send Rojer—” Jeff began.

“Not without Asia,” Elizara interrupted him, waggling a finger.

“I know, I know,” he said, nodding his head to the caution and holding up one hand. “I want him to have some surface experience as well. with Asia.” He turned to Gollee. “Is that mixed team you’ve been training ready to tend Talavera Tower? If they work out, that’ll free Rojer ... and Asia ...” He held up his hand before anyone could remind him.

“Five?” the Rowan said.

“Well, if three T-3’s can’t handle ‘porting and two good T-2 ’pathers can’t manage in the Tower. we’ll have to see just how much support they’d need in a larger merge,” Gollee replied. “Denebians too.”

“Really?” Elizara said with a sly grin at Jeff.

That’s quite enough of that, if you don’t mind. Out of deference to the two High Councillors. he added, “How soon does the Washington make its next destination?”

“Two more weeks, I believe.” Gollee said.

“Mmmm.” Jeff murmured ambiguously.

Laria was still too full of the panic she had sensed, despite the distance between Clarf and Earth, to do more than take quick sips between phrases.

“Somehow ... they were all ... Grandfather, Grandmother, Gollee, Elizara ... and I’m sure I felt the presence of the two High Councillors as well ... had all been in danger. I do apologize for broadcasting to all of you too.” She swallowed the rest of the drink, rose and started to reduce the headache she had given Kincaid.

“We all felt surprise, distress, not so much panic,” Kincaid said, gratefully allowing Laria to heal the splitting headache. He felt that his eyes were crossed and kept them closed.

“You shielded us,” Morag said to him almost accusingly. “Nice of you, but we should have been shielding you,” she added.

“Habit,” he said, his eyes still closed and his shoulders slumped.

“When will we get any details?” Kaltia asked softly, more distressed than any of the others as she kept wringing her hands. “It’s awful not knowing.”

Morag and Lionasha both reached out to comfort her physically, nearly bumping heads in their effort. That bit of nonsense in itself relieved some of the tension.

Where is everybody? Yoshuk demanded. I gave the coordinates, but I can’t ... Oh, something’s gone very wrong.

So they had to explain to the Sef Tower Talents what little they knew.

I’ll just get the coordinates, Yoshuk. Lionasha hurried down the stairs.

“Morag, Kaltia, you ’port with me,” Laria said, glad to have something to do. “Kincaid’s mind’s in no condition to merge.”

“I...” Kincaid got that far before he was flattened by three T-1’s gently but firmly to his couch. “I yield.”

So what happened at Blundell, sis? Rojer asked. Grandmother and Mother shut me up.

When I know, I’ll tell you. I suspect we’ll all be told at the same time, but if we aren’t... Here comes your shipment, Yoshuk, Laria said, taking her two sisters into merge as gently as she could.

Hey, save your strength, Lar... Oh, you have Morag and Kaltia? What happened to Kincaid? ... Ah yes, well, if he was merge, it’s to be expected. I’ll keep ’em pacified here, Rojer went on.

Despite the nagging worry about how under all the Star League suns hostiles had invaded the conference room at Blundell Tower, the other Primes continued with their duties.

No one felt much like eating any lunch, but they were all present when Jeff reported the whole incident.

“Clarissia Negeva?” Laria was so surprised that she spoke aloud, although all the other Talents were listening to Earth Prime’s explanation. “She said she’d get even with us ‘weasel lovers’ the day she left here.”

Don’t blame yourself for her bigotry, Jeff said sternly. You warned us that she was xenophobic, and that was vital information. We simply didn’t realize how vital. That she was able to enlist other Capellans is not surprising. To have got to a member of the High Councillor’s staff is more unusual.

So, what’s happened to them all? Laria demanded without a shred of pity.

Don’t ever get on the wrong side of Elizara, my dear, her grandfather said in a droll warning. There are limits to even her famous compassion and understanding. The “invaders” have been unable to keep any of their sordid little machinations from her searching mind. They also have been deprived of whatever Talent they once enjoyed and are being sent back to Capella to serve their penal servitude as menial laborers in frontier garrisons. ,

It is performing the same salutary function as did the unlamented Prtglm, on Kif, its planet of origin, Jeff replied dryly. Gktmglnt pronounced sentence. Gollee is full of plans for more advanced security on this level too.

For the first time in her life, Laria heard a puzzled, almost uncertain note in her grandfather’s voice. Her grandfather insecure?

Kincaid reached over and clasped his hand tightly about hers, broadcasting reassurance, shaking his head.

Yes, you would appreciate that better than anyone else, Dano, said Jeff with a chuckle not too far off his usual irrepressible humor. We all had a bit of a shock that we’re making very certain cannot be repeated. All right?

Then the presence of Jeff Raven was gone from their minds.

“Perhaps that was needed, Laria dear,” Kincaid said, leaning toward her and capturing the other hand as well. “Nothing happened beyond a nasty shock...”

“And the punishment of those who dared violate Blundell!” said Morag, her eyes sparkling with anger. Kaltia still looked uncertain.

“We Talents get so we feel we can lick anyone with hands and feet tied down, Kaltia,” Kincaid said gently. “It isn’t true. We all have limits. Even Jeff Raven, the Rowan and the very efficient Gollee Gren.”

“But can you imagine what chaos would result if the Blundell Building had been ...” Lionasha began.

“It couldn’t be,” Vanteer said, so stoutly and angrily that Lionasha recoiled. “It’s far too well protected from the outside ...”

“That’s what I mean. They were inside!” Morag said.

“And they were Talents,” Kaltia said, outraged and appalled.

“T-2’s and only kinetics,” Morag went on. “You heard Grandfather. Three could get just about anywhere in Blundell except his office. The meeting was in one of the conference rooms.”

“Clarissia would have known where all the conference rooms are,” Laria said, but her voice did not have its usual firmness. “And she left here threatening ...”

“Did I or did I not hear your grandfather say that you are not to blame yourself, Laria?” Kincaid said, making her look at him when he deliberately pinched the hands he still held. “Then listen to him.”

“Yes, do, Laria,” Lionasha said, her eyes angry. “Van and I couldn’t believe how tolerant you were of that methody Capellan and her prissy ways.” Lionasha did such a good imitation of Clarissia’s long-suffering expression that Laria managed a weak smile. She turned to Kincaid. “And we thought that idiot Stierlman was ineffectual!” She rolled her eyes at her understatement. “You”—she cocked her finger at Kincaid—“know what you’re doing and you do it. How’s the headache?” she added.

“Gone, thanks.” Kincaid used that reply to release Laria’s hands and lean back. “If I may be so bold as to suggest a siesta today, I think we’d all benefit.”

“I know I would,” Laria said, and rising, left the room.

Morag and Kaltia exchanged anxious looks.

“She’ll be all right,” Kincaid said, “but a rest is a good idea for all of us.”

“Indeed it is,” Lionasha said briskly. “We’ve more cargoes, and I don’t know how many message tubes to be sent all the way to that new planet, Clariflor.”

“Who’s receiving?” Kincaid asked, frowning because he couldn’t remember.

“Right now, Xahra, one of David of Betelgeuse’s kids.” Morag grinned. “He must be seething to have had to let another of his precious children leave his control. She’s a Prime and has T-2 and T-3 support.”

“Then it’ll be all right,” he said with some relief, as he too walked down the hall to his quarters.

Once out of sight, however, he ’ported into Laria’s room. She was curled in a little ball, weeping.

“Oh dear, I was trying not to broadcast,” she said, lifting her head to show her distressed, contorted face. Instantly, he picked her up, sat back down on the bed and arranged her comfortably across his legs, tucking her head under his chin and exuding quantities of sympathy.

I know misery rather well, he said gently.

It’s just that it hit me so unexpectedly. She lifted his free hand to her cheek. I can’t imagine a world without Grandfather and Grandmother there and available to us ... to all of us.

Ha! Kincaid dismissed that with a laugh that bounced her on his chest. One day, dear heart, they simply won’t wake up. They will, however, never suffer the debilities that used to depress and make our ancestors demand the mercy of euthanasia.

But no one gets that sick nowadays, protested Laria, still fighting inwardly against the demise of her beloved grandparents. And her parents. Afra was much older than Damia ...

If you’re going to continue to torture yourself with such thoughts, I’m leaving. He made as if to move. She held him there with both hand and Talent, immobile.

Remind me not to try to depart without your full permission, he said with mild reproof. Then, as she immediately lifted the restraint, he put one hand on her belly. Here, love, is the real immortality... the continuance of the genes which made both your grandparents and parents. This is your hope and their eternal renewal. I think such news would be good for them to hear right now.

Then don’t think so loudly so close to me. He hugged her affectionately, to indicate absolution. The child will be yours, and mine, and Talented. That is the salient fact that will render any minor details superfluous.

He gave a snort. No, there weren’t.

Flashing through Laria’s mind was a kaleidoscope of punishment scenes, the angry, contorted face of a woman and echoes of voices from Kincaid’s past that gave her a shocking insight into the childhood of a Talent reared by a family which did not approve of nonconformity. She was equally aware that he didn’t know what he had just projected: their minds were more deeply linked than she realized. She wondered if he did, but decided not to mention it.

I do know, he went on, and those childhood flashes faded, that your parents welcomed me without reservation to your home and family. I care more for their good opinion than anyone else’s.

They rearranged themselves more comfortably in restful positions, though Laria clung to his arm and nestled as close as she could get to his long body.

And much to her surprise, reassured by his presence, she did.

“Earth Prime would like myself” and Flavia placed a hand on her chest—“with Rojer”—she paused to grin at Captain Vestapia Soligen—“and Asia, with whatever other team members and security personnel we need, to do a survey of that Hiver-occupied planet. We must gather the usual samples for comparative examination.”

Captain Soligen frowned, obviously rapidly running through who else should go with the Talents.

“Earth Prime is sending Thian’s report on his surface ventures ...” Flavia paused. “I believe the confirmatory message tube has just come in. Let us do without that dreadful Dr. Esperito, if we can. Wayla Gregarian should accompany us as science officer and Yakamasura and possibly Rosenery Mordmann, plus whatever team Kwan Keiser-Tau feels is necessary to protect us.”

“I think I’d like to come along too,” Vestapia said.

“Me too,” said Rhodri Eagles, rapping belatedly on the half-open door. He had a message tube in his hand. “This is, I believe, for you.” He handed it to Flavia, grinning with his usual insouciance. “You wouldn’t dream of leaving me out of the expedition, now would you?”

Flavia grinned at the captain’s bemused expression.

“None of us would, Roddie. After all, you’ve had more personal experience with queens than any of us,” Flavia said.

When Zara was told of her reassignment, she was excited to be asked to work with Elizara again, but there were no specifics for her of what that work entailed among the many contained in the message tube. There were certainly enough recordings and readings from the Washington as guidelines for the Ciudad Rodrigo landing team.

“Well, at least I’m not being yanked out of here and dumped where I’m going, as Rojer was,” Zara said with a slight grimace of exasperation.

“Then we’ll have time for a farewell party on Talavera,” Flavia said, pleased. She loved swimming in the lake—careful, though, not to swallow too much water.

Yeah, but who’s Grandfather got to manage my Tower?” Rojer demanded, incensed.

Don’t fret. Asia’s coming with you, Zara said placatingly.

She has to come with me. Wherever I go. He snarled when he heard Zara’s mental sigh. Don’t come over all sisterly on me, Zara.

Just so long as she knows she’s being courted, was Zara’s tart reply.

CHILDREN! Flavia’s cool soprano interrupted their wrangling.

“Am I leaving too?” Jes Ornigo asked.

“Yes, it’ll be almost a complete new crew,” Rojer said, looking at Asia, cool and-pretty in a one-piece of a particularly nice shade of green that ended at her knees. She had cute knees. He shook his head impatiently at being diverted from the more important news. “My grandfather wouldn’t dare separate you and Flavia,” he said, grinning at the droll glance Jes gave him. “There’re two experienced T-5’s as expediter and engineer and we’re to break in our replacements.”

“Does Dr. Esperito get to go to Ciudad Rodrigo?” Asia asked, her expression anxious. Her inherent shyness had made her one of the few who didn’t just leave the doctor. He endlessly pontificated to anyone he could catch.

Rojer laughed. “No. He stays!”

“That’s a relief,” Jes and Asia said in unison.

“So when do our replacements get here?” Jes asked.

As soon as you lot stop gossiping and get to your couches, said the unmistakable voice of their grandfather. I’m waiting ...

“Hold your horses,” Zara murmured under her breath as she and Rojer ’ported themselves into position. Asia had darted to her generators, and when they were needed, they sang sweetly in use.

The T-3 kinetics were twin brothers and a sister from one of the western Denebian clans that even Rhodri had never met. They were just out of their teens and eager to prove their abilities. The ‘paths, Andy and Ivy Dumas, were in their early twenties but obviously already partnered, and they had ’Dini pairs.

“Sorry to rush you into work right away,” Rojer-said, not the least bit apologetic, “but we’ve some afternoon deliveries and that’ll give you some practice while we’re still here.”

“You’re leaving soon?” asked one of the twins. Rojer didn’t stay long enough to know if it was Scott or Stuart who spoke: they were almost identical. Their sister, Sara, was only a year younger and looked enough like them to have been a triplet. The T-5 expediter was from Capella and was known to Jes Ornigo, Flavia and Mallen. Mal was to stay on at Talavera to help the new group settle in.

“No rest for the wicked, you know,” Zara said, indicating that it was her brother who was wicked, then grinned when Asia stepped to Rojer’s side supportively.

“We’ve another assignment, but most of the heavy stuff’s been brought in,” Rojer said, pointing to the settlements so obviously built of prefabricated sections. “If you’ve been trained at Blundell, you’ll do just fine. And the Columbia—and us,” and he indicated Flavia and tapped his chest, “are only a thought away.”

Ivy Dumas rolled her eyes at that oft repeated Talent reminder, thus recommending herself to Rojer.

“So let’s hit the Tower ... gang,” Rojer said, rubbing his hands together. “Oh, Mal, see if we can rustle up more couches. We can use comformables from the lounge right now, but a good couch is essential for everyone on duty in a Tower.”

The comformables had appeared on the Tower floor by the time Rojer led the five newcomers up the stairs.

Thanks, sis, he said, since he suspected she had done the ’porting.

The two ’paths hadn’t caught that exchange, but then they hadn’t been included.

Asia was already explaining the vagaries of the Talavera generators to the engineer when the Tower group took their places.

Rojer let the five follow him on a ’port of some faulty units back to Betelgeuse, introducing the new Tower staff to David, and then let the three kinetics bring in some medium-heavy shipments from Procyon, again introducing them to the Tower Prime. By the time Altair had fresh produce and nursery plants to send, Scott, Stuart and Sara were much more at ease and Rojer backed off completely. A shower of the inevitable message tubes startled all of them, but Rojer explained that most message tubes could be sent the entire way by the deliverer and this would happen frequently.

They’ll do, was Zara’s verdict.

They’re brand-new at it, Flavia said. And Mallen’s there to lend a hand. I’ll bring down the caterers and the others from the Columbia, she added. I’m in the mood for a good party. As a rule, we don’t get much chance to celebrate reassignments.

Grandfather’s way of making all this shuffling palatable, Rojer replied, but he wasn’t opposed to a party. It might even give him the chance he’d been waiting for.

Flavia’s advice surprised Rojer. She usually minded her own business. But she’d been aboard the Columbia with Asia long enough to know how young and shy Asia was, how easily intimidated. Why, she wouldn’t even brush off old Esperito when he was boring her with his latest observations, usually at the top of his voice as well as his mind.

The four new ’Dinis of Ivy and Andy had been made very welcome and were delighted to help in the yard. They were quite young and a sort of greeny gray. There were no others of their color on Talavera, but the grays said they were close enough to join their house.

Someone had brought out lights for the Tower yard where the Columbia’s caterers set up their food dispensers. ’Dinis appeared with chairs and tables gathered from the personnel quarters as well as their own homes. Mal and Jes, with the help of the twins, lit a path in orange to the lake and along the shore. Vestapia and her senior officers had been invited, but no one said a word to Esperito about the upcoming surface investigation of Ciudad Rodrigo.

“He’s lonely, you know,” Asia said when Rojer had for the fourth time that night taken her away from Esperito. The old xeno had immediately seized on the old expediter as a listener who was considerate enough to take on the role.

“Small wonder,” Rojer said. “Why didn’t you just invent an errand you’d forgotten?” he demanded, waving his hand about. “Or remember a message. Or go to the bathroom.”

“I can’t keep using the same excuses all the time, Roj,” Asia said meekly, her head down.

“Now, I don’t mean that as criticism, Asia,” Rojer said, realizing that one of her more sterling qualities was her innate kindness and forbearance. He reached for her hand, and her fingers curled about his in acknowledgment.

They continued along the orange-lit path in a darkness that was already boasting some night insect sounds.

“Sounds a bit like Deneb,” he added, and daringly put his arm about her shoulders. She was so light-boned. The perfume she was wearing was floral. Pheromones of a pleasant sort.

“Yes, it does.” She grinned up at him. “Makes all that hard ’porting worth it, doesn’t it?”

“It does.”

Rojer swung them back to look at the Tower in its illumination.

“You’re not going to miss it, are you, Roj?” Asia asked, astonished.

“I am. Sort of. I think. We set it all up, from scratch.”

“You’ve not worried about our assignment on Ciudad Rodrigo?”

“Me? Worried about Hiver queens? Never,” he said, with such vehemence that she recoiled. But he caught her back, pulling her into both arms. “Are you?” He knew she didn’t like slithers, but queens were definitely not slithers. Although Thian had mentioned something scuttling over his feet ...

“If I’m with you, I’m never scared.”

He looked down at her face, shadowed so that she looked older, mysterious. He wanted very much to kiss her.

Then why don’t you? Zara said in exasperation.

“What’s the matter, Rojer?” Asia asked, and anxiety flickered across her face, making her his dear young Asia again.

Not that young, Rojer. This time it was Flavia who was chiding him.

Then do it! the two Primes said in a chorus of disgust. You’re the one who’s shy now.

“I know that look,” Asia said, her voice no longer soft and yielding. “You’re ’pathing, and just when we’re in the most romantic setting we’re ever likely to have for the next few months. Sometimes, Rojer Lyon, you can be the most exasperating of men.” She gave his shoulders a shake and then, standing on her tiptoes, reached up and pulled his head down to hers, kissing him soundly and far more thoroughly than he thought his Asia should know how to kiss.

Rojer ignored the snide telepathed whisper and later couldn’t remember who had spoken, because he and Asia were responding to each other in a passionate embrace. With their emotions awakened and reinforced by mutual desire, Asia ’pathed to him for the first time ... a far firmer voice than her audible one.

“Asia!” He broke off the kiss to stare down at her, not that that wasn’t what he had in his mind.

“Whatever’s the matter. Thian? Oh, Lordy, look how Mur and Dip are thrashing about. They’ll hurt themselves ...”

Gravy was as fast to assist the two writhing creatures as Thian.

“I just had the most awful dream, Thian,” she said, holding Mur to her and stroking it, thinking reassurance as hard as she could. “Freezing. Choking.”

Thian was doing much the same to Dip.

“Let’s surround them.” He rearranged himself and Gravy so the two ’Dinis were on their laps, Human arms making a safe cage about the shuddering, quivering bodies.

“Whatever can have happened?”

Rame, Clancy, Lea, how many ’Dinis on board are having nightmares? Thian broadcast to the entire complement of the Washington.

His com unit started buzzing and the panel at the workstation in the lounge was announcing urgent in-ship messages.

The replies were all the same and came from all parts of the ship where Humans had ’Dini friends. As abruptly as it started, the convulsions ended. Whimpering, the ’Dinis were coaxed back to sleep, but only when they were held tightly by their Humans.

Thian thought to check with Captain Spktm of the KSTS.

WHATEVER IT WAS, IT WAS WIDESPREAD, THN. BAD DREAMS FOR THOSE ASLEEP. FOR US AWAKE, THE MOST HIDEOUS THOUGHTS OF TERROR, COLD, CHOKING. IT IS OVER. WE ARE ON DUTY. WE WILL TAKE RESTORATIVE DRINK.

That was not good enough for Thian. Not when the “bad dreams” were reported on every Human ship with ’Dinis in their crews and on all the ’Dini vessels.

Rojer, you had any trouble there? Thian ’pathed to his brother on the Columbia, en route to Ciudad Rodrigo.

“Trouble,” he calls it, was Rojer’s sarcastic reply. Every ’Dini went into convulsions. Never seen the like of it. Humans who were unlucky enough to be asleep had nightmares ...

As Earth Prime, Jeff’s voice interrupted their conversation, I reluctantly report that there seems to have been a major power failure at Clarf Main Hibernatory. Many are dead and we are trying to estimate the losses. It is hoped that a proportion may be saved by restorative methods that are currently being applied.

But Grandfather, how did our ’Dinis know so far away? Thian asked.

Jeff’s chuckle was malicious. She took one glance at the side panels and ignored them. She walked up to the main panel, the one where the patterns alter, and watched it. Those who have become familiar with what gestures or movements she makes thought she was, one, startled, and two, disgusted. She returned to her couch and didn’t pay the screen any further attention. The com experts are of the opinion that the side panels are static, with very few alterations, while the main screen gives some sort of running comment on whatever it is queens on the same planet would be talking about.

Yes, isn’t it? I don’t know if it’s good news, but it’s better news. Tell your experts. And before Thian could thank him for the report, Jeff’s presence had left his mind.

“Well,” Sam Weiman said with a sigh that Grm repeated when Thian gave them the report, “we did what we could. I don’t understand such a negative reaction from the Heinlein queen,” he added, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.

ONE QUEEN WARLIKE, THE OTHER PLACID. THEY WOULD NOT LIKE EACH OTHER. ALSO FROM DIFFERENT HIVE WORLDS, Grm remarked.

“Would they all use the same language?” Thian asked.

WHY SHOULDN’T THEY? THEY DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE THEY DO. Grm’s narrow shoulders raised in a very Human shrug.

“Suppose”—Thian stopped to orient his thoughts—“the queens did not develop the technology they’re using, but adapted it to their use?” The concept clearly startled his listeners. He leaned forward, developing the theory. “I believe there was an ethnic group that could perfect any sort of mechanical or electronic technology but could not, for some reason, take the next step upward in that technology. Perhaps that’s what the queens are: perfectionists but not originators.”

“Hmmm.” Sam nodded his head, looking at his colleague, and Grm seemed to be considering the notion too. “We still have to find a way to keep them contained.” Then, exchanging a glance with Grm, Weiman excused himself from the lounge.

And what would that be? Elizara’s prompt return thought traveled the distance between Earth and Iota Aurigae.

Then how do I experiment? There was anguish and alarm in Zara’s question, and suddenly what she said was painfully and dreadfully clear to Elizara. Surprise, and shock, kept her from forming an answer, and Zara went on. We Humans have pigs and mice and rats and other mammalian creatures whose anatomy, and responses, we can use for experimentation. But we bloody don’t have any other species like Mrdinis to use in the laboratory. There simply is no other life-form that does the same thing they do when they are reproducing.

Ah yes, well... Elizara bought more time as her mind frantically went through the known categories of species, some of which were definitely alien and also definitely not Mrdini. That is certainly a problem.

I mean, I’ve got all the facilities I could possibly need and some of the best young Mrdini medics to assist, as well as their equipment—which, by the way, I don’t know how to use... but I’m learning. But how can I possibly do any substantive experimentation that will give us any sort of an answer? I’ve nothing to practice on! And—the wail of moral outrage gave way to a far more Human despair—old Frtlmp is hemming, hawing, turning itself upside down not to let us try to analyze what chemicals they put into the air of the hibernatory. And I’ve got to have that information.

Fine. I’d appreciate it. Very much, replied Zara, punctuating her phrases with telepathically transmitted sighs that made Elizara smile, despite herself.

The other ethical issue facing Zara was not something she could as easily solve. And one that had certainly not come to her mind when Councillor Gktmglnt approached her with the Mrdini contraception request. Unique the species was, but she hadn’t quite realized how, or that there were indeed no other even vaguely similar creatures on the Mrdini planets. Perhaps, in some prehistoric time on Clarf, primitive Mrdinis had prevented or interfered with the evolution of biologically similar life-forms. Whatever! That did not help Zara face, or solve, the problem.

In this instance, my dear, Elizara said compassionately, I think we must approach the problem on an empirical basis. While it would be helpful to have laboratory specimens on which to experiment, such are not available. Have you discussed this problem with any of the ’Dini medics?

Oh yes, Zara replied quickly, in such a tone of voice that Elizara realized she had not received the answer she needed. They reminded me that Mrdini do not hesitate to go on the line when it is necessary for the survival of the species.

Elizara shuddered and felt that Zara had done the same.

I can’t—Zara’s voice was a wail of distress—do that, Elizara. I just can’t.

Then concentrate on the empirical, dear. That’s all we can do. I shall stand by your modus operandi, no matter what.

Thanks, Elizara. A little of the very young Zara whom Elizara had taken in as her student crept into that response.

And the contact broke.

Dejected? But they’ve just been in hibernation. Laria and Kincaid scrambled out of her bed and ’ported to the Tower foyer.

TIP, HUF. Laria was down on her knees, embracing the shriveled, weary creatures that stared with hooded polls at the ground. Kincaid was hugging his pair and calling for restoratives which Lionasha was already preparing. The other ’Dinis clustered in an anxious circle, not the usual hilarious and joyous one with which returning ’Dinis were greeted, ’Dinis who were usually eager to resume their duties. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU?

She remembered how angry the keeper had been to have them arrive at the hibernatory so late, but surely a Mrdini keeper did not exact punishment for delays.

COLD. TERRIBLE. NO JOY. NO REFRESHMENT. Tip and Huf pushed into her arms as if they couldn’t get close enough.

THERMAL COVERS, FIG, SIL, DIG, NIM, Lionasha ordered.

SHIFT IN ALL PILLOWS TOO, Vanteer called after the ’Dinis hurrying to obey, murmuring in disturbed whispers as they went.

Should we ask for a healer to come? Kincaid asked.

How could they be released in this condition? Laria said angrily, soothing her pair with kisses and fondlings, all the time holding them as close to her as she could. Their skins are all wrinkled and they feel squishy. They’ve never been this way before.

Nor mine, said Kincaid, in a tone that gave warning that he intended to investigate thoroughly.

What’s wrong? What’s happened? Morag, Kaltia and their ’Dinis ’ported in, fortunately close to the steps as if both had “seen” where it was safe to arrive.

“We don’t know,” Laria said, struggling to keep her tone even.

“They’re very sick,” Morag said as Dar and Sim clung to her legs. Kev and Su had wrapped flippers about Kaltia, their poll eyes wet with fear.

The ’Dinis burst into the room, arms filled with pillows, trailing thermal covers, and instantly Morag and Kaltia arranged these into a nest, into which Kincaid and Laria put their wasted-looking ’Dinis. Lionasha offered the hot drinks she had prepared with herbs she knew were restorative for Mrdini.

“Shouldn’t we get a healer for them?” Morag asked.

“There’s supposed to be healers at the hibernatory for emergencies,” Laria said, barely able to suppress the anger she felt.

Suddenly the door to the Tower flew open and Plus, followed by other medium-large gray Mrdinis, charged right up to the invalids.

MOST APOLOGIES, PRIME LARIA. CAN NEVER SUITABLY AMEND APPALLING CONDITION OF YOUR DEVOTED FRIENDS. HERE ARE HEALERS TO ATTEND. CLEVER PRIME TO ALREADY START TO DO THE NECESSARY CARING. WE DID NOT KNOW THAT YOUR FRIENDS WERE THERE.

JUST WHAT THE HELL HAS HAPPENED?

Easy, Laria. It’s as upset as you are or Plus would not just barge in here, Kincaid said. WE AWAIT AN EXPLANATION, he added in Mrdini, folding his arms in a fashion that was tantamount to an insult to Mrdinis.

Plus kept bowing, apologizing, almost incomprehensible in the speed with which it delivered regrets, remorse and promises of restitution.

SLOW DOWN, PLEASE, ESTIMABLE PLUS. WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAY. Laria had caught a garble about inhibiting creation without harm and how were they going to treat so many sick ’Dinis with so few to heal the desperately deprived.

HEATING OF HIBERNATORY AT FAULT. COULD NOT REACH ASSISTANCE. MANY SUFFER. WE COME TO YOU FIRST OF ALL COLORS.

I’ll bet they did, Vanteer said, for he had folded his arms as well to indicate the displeasure of the entire Tower. They can’t afford to lose our goodwill.

You would take that position! Laria retorted, eyes flashing so angrily that Vanteer flinched as if she had lashed at him mentally as well. She would have liked to, considering the mundanity of his remark. THE TOWER SERVES CLARF’S NEEDS NO MATTER WHAT OR WHEN, PLRGTGL.

HONORABLE, HONORABLE PRIME. Plus kept on bowing. THESE FOUR UNFORTUNATES HAVE NOT BENEFITED. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THEY COULD BE SENT TO IOTA AURIGAE, WHERE SPECIAL TREATMENT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE?

OF COURSE. BUT THEY ARE SCARCELY IN A CONDITION TO TRAVEL ANYWHERE, Laria pointed out. SURELY HERE IN CLARF...

IOTA AURIGAE, MOST RESPECTED PRIME ... Plus made such a low obeisance that for one anxious moment Laria was afraid it would tip over onto the supine ’Dinis. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS VERY SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THERE IS WORK FOR THE TOWER WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED. I MUST ACCOMPANY TLP AND HGF. She gestured to Kincaid. NOR WILL KNCD LEAVE NPL AND PLS TO TRAVEL WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE.

Laria! Lionasha said, aghast. You can’t...

Oh yes she can, Morag said, taking a step forward, her jaw set. There’s nothing here at Clarf that Kaltia and I cannot handle, with you and Vanteer backing us up. The ’Dinis come first right now, and for once, the Tower comes second.

Although it doesn’t really, since we’re still here, Kaltia put in, jaw jutting out in stubbornness which both Lionasha and Vanteer recognized as a family trait. We are certainly able to do a few days on our own. I’m sure we won’t have to pinch-hit for very long. Will we, Laria?

No longer than absolutely necessary. You can’t know how Kincaid and I both appreciate your willingness, Morag, Kaltia. Laria managed a grateful wisp of a smile. The relief in her expression at their volunteering underlined her belief in their abilities. She turned back to the Mrdini. IF OUR FOUR ARE IN SUCH POOR SHAPE, WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF THE OTHERS WHO SHARED HIBERNATION WITH THEM?

Plus turned the oddest shade and the healers glanced up from their ministrations with horror-stricken expressions.

I REQUIRE AN ANSWER, PLRGTGL.

THEY ARE BEING CARED FOR TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. MORE HELP MAY COME FROM IOTA AURIGAE. TLP, HGF, NPL AND PLS MUST BE GIVEN FIRST ADVANTAGE. CLRF HONOR REQUIRES THIS. AH, LOOK NOW AND SEE THAT THEY ARE RESUMING A NORMAL COLOR.

Laria looked as Kincaid, kneeling beside the four ’Dinis, gently touched each wizened chest in turn.

The color may be improved, but I’ve never felt spongy ’Dini flesh before. And they are not appreciably warmer. Though his face did not mirror his concern, Kincaid expressed his sense of urgency in his ’path.

Lionasha, Morag said firmly, checking the afternoon’s workload, I see little more than light drones, message tubes and ordinary piffle.

Piffle? Lionasha blinked at Morag. Kaltia leaned around her sister to look at the pad.

Piffle’s all it is, when you consider what we’ve done from lota, Kaltia said, her manner exhibiting more youthful disdain than Morag had exhibited.

But your parents were there! Lionasha said, alarmed.

Laria ’ported Lionasha’s notepad to her. I’d consider it piffle too, Lio, after what we practiced with on Iota. They can handle it. And probably a lot of what will come in in the morning. Right now, Kincaid and I are going to Iota Aurigae if that’s where we can get our ’Dinis treated properly.

Vanteer took a forward step. You’ll check with Earth Prime first, of course?

I act on my own cognizance, Vanteer. You will assist my sisters and Lionasha to the best of your ability. Morag, ‘port that multiple carrier to the door. Kaltia, ’port my mattress into it and all the pillows and thermals we have. Laria turned to Plus. WE SHALL WASTE NO MORE OF YOUR VALUABLE TIME. YOUR HEALERS WILL HAVE OTHERS TO ATTEND. THE TOWER WILL CONTINUE ALL OPERATIONS. MORAG AND KALTIA ARE PRIMES AND THEIR ABILITIES ARE SUFFICIENT TO ANY TASK REQUIRED OF THEM.

RETURN YOUR ’DiniS TO CLARF IN FULL HEALTH, HONORED PRIME. Plus kept bowing itself as it moved backward toward the automatic door, which opened, letting in a blast of the hot afternoon air.

Carrier’s all set, Morag said. “C’mon, Kaltia.” She took the steps two at a time up to the Tower. “We’re operational as of right now. Thank goodness we know Iota Aurigae better than the back of our hands.”

Vanteer heard his generators picking up and darted back down the steps, muttering imprecations about children, but Lionasha sent up the Iota Aurigae coordinates because she had to do something to steady her nerves.

Laria, Kincaid and the nested ’Dinis disappeared right into the carrier without bothering to open the wide hatch.

Merge! cried Laria.

Vanteer, for one moment fearful of his beloved generators being manipulated by novices, put his fingers on the off toggle, but the pressure from the Tower was as deftly done as if Laria and Kincaid were doing it.

Considering the urgency of getting their ’Dinis here, Afra said with quiet authority, gently moving his outraged wife to one side at the window, they could do nothing else, and I’m sure Morag and Kaltia will have Lionasha, as well as the two at Sef Tower, to guide them. ZARA!

“I’m down here.” Zara appeared, in the act of shrugging a warm cover over her bare body. She knelt beside the carrier, opening it only far enough to reach in and touch the nearest of the four ’Dinis within. Warmer clothing rained down on her. “You did right. They’re in very bad condition, but don’t worry. I know exactly what to do. Get out, Kincaid. I’m the only Human who has permission to enter the hibernatory here.”

Kincaid did not argue, though after the heat in the carrier, he and Laria began to shiver in the crisp cold morning air of Iota Aurigae.

“Inside!” Damia said. pointing to the house.

“But I said I’d be with ...” Laria began, and disappeared.

Having ’ported her daughter inside the house, Damia gave Kincaid a merciless stare of tacit permission, and he ’ported himself inside too.

“Into the kitchen with you,” Damia said, deftly ’porting herself into unoccupied space in the entrance hall. Then Afra was beside her, throwing woolen wraps about the shoulders of the new arrivals. They pulled them tightly around their bodies, meekly following Damia.

“I didn’t think Zara would have to put her new expertise to the test quite this soon,” Afra said, his hands gently propelling Kincaid and Laria in Damia’s wake, where she indulged in a remarkable display of domestic telekinetic activities. These produced a hot meal, a choice of beverages and additional early-morning snacks that Damia happened to know were favorites of her daughter and Kincaid Dano. While the new arrivals consumed warm food and beverages, they ’pathed the account of the circumstances that had precipitated their arrival.

“And if ours are this sick, I’d want to know what exactly are the conditions of the rest of those in Clarf’s biggest and most prestigious hibernatory,” Laria said, holding out her cup to be refilled. She was too shaken to do that herself.

“The Mrdini are attempting to curtail their birthrate now that so few are dying in Hiver attacks,” Damia said. “So, in what has turned out to be a very ill-advised attempt to limit creation, they lowered the temperature in the hibernatories.”

“All of them?” Laria exclaimed, nearly spilling the hot liquid in her cup in astonishment.

“Fortunately, no. Unfortunately, the main one in Clarf was evidently a test site,” Afra said. “This is after the fact, Laria, or I’m sure you’d’ve been warned not to take yours there.”

Laria flushed. “They were overdue to hibernate and the keeper rushed them in.” She frowned and turned to Kincaid.

“That explains its cryptic remarks, I guess,” Kincaid said ruefully.

Afra paused a moment and then asked “You’re sure there’s nothing Morag and Kaltia can’t handle?”

“Nothing. They’ve been exceedingly well trained,” Laria said, with a bow to her parents.

“They consider the afternoon’s quota of tubes is mere ‘piffle,’ ” Kincaid said with a droll smile.

“And tomorrow’s?” Damia asked, not quite scowling but concerned, knowing the amount of traffic Clarf Tower was handling.

“They can handle whatever we can,” Kincaid said with a shrug. “We’ll return as soon as we’re certain our ’Dinis are in good hands.”

“You’ll get-right back to ... ” Damia began, but Afra, making eye contact with Kincaid, put a restraining hand on his mate’s shoulder.

“Their priorities are correct, Damia,” he said, using a tone and firmness he rarely directed at her. “They have left their Tower well attended, so they’re scarcely derelict in their duties.” He gave her a quick smile, then turned back to Kincaid. “We will ask Lionasha and Vanteer not to reveal who is actually ’porting at Clarf. I doubt Plrgtgl will even know you’re here.”

“Plus saw us leave,” Laria was obliged to admit, seeing now through her mother’s reaction how ill advised their abrupt departure was.

It wasn’t. Kincaid’s hand gripped her thigh firmly. “From what Plrgtgl said, it will be far too busy treating the other ... victims ... to question how Clarf Tower is being handled, so long as it is operational. I can, of course, return immediately, and leave my friends with Laria to deputize for me.”

“Only when they are well enough not to require the reassurance your presence can give them,” Afra said.

Damia was blinking in surprise at Afra’s domination of the interchanges.

“So some idiot decided that freezing ’Dinis would prevent reproduction?” Laria asked scornfully.

“You’d think the last thing a ’Dini would do is emulate a queen,” Kincaid remarked caustically.

Damia did frown. “How do you construe that?”

“Well, the Heinlein queen nearly died from cold before she started hatching eggs for attendants,” Kincaid replied. “Or perhaps you never saw the report I did. When they installed the queen at Heinlein, they provided the same ambient temperature that had been in her escape pod. What they didn’t realize was that that was not the normal Hive temperature: it was low to reduce her activity level by the cold so she’d have the maximum amount of oxygen to take her where she meant to go.”

“So it was plain logic, rather than communication, that Zara acted on that time?” Damia asked.

“She’s always been interested in biology,” Afra said. “She acted on a logical conclusion she didn’t know how to explain at the time. I’m glad to hear what prompted her.”

“But that doesn’t explain why the Mrdini would use cold to reduce creation.”

Afra gave Kincaid a wry look. “Mrdini logic sometimes defeats Human mental processes.”

“It damned near killed our ’Dinis,” Laria said in a savage tone, and added an unreproduceable sound of disgust. “So how is it that Zara happens to be here in Iota Aurigae and able to nurse ’Dinis?”

“She has had metamorphic training,” Damia began, “and Elizara felt that, having grown up with ’Dinis, she was the best available medical personnel. Your grandfather as well as the High Councillors considered her the proper choice ...” Damia paused, emanating a complex blend of pride, anxiety and surprise. “A select, high-powered team of medical personnel and xenbees has been assembled and permitted to enter a hibernatory to see exactly what does happen. Whatever activities ordinarily take place are limited to specially chosen and trained keepers.”

Laria and Kincaid exchanged respectful glances. “Well, good for Zara,” said her proud sister. “So she ... or someone else here on Iota ... really can restore ours?”

“I’d rest easy on that score, my dear,” Afra said. Then he rose suddenly and strode from the room.

“What’s...” Laria began.

“I believe your father is aware that Vagrian is awake,” Damia said.

“Oh, him! I completely forgot you took him on.”

“It may be early, but perhaps we could do stables. I’d find it soothing work,” Kincaid said, rising.

“I’ll help.”

“Now just a moment, Laria,” her mother began.

“With all deference, Damia, we’ll do stables,” Kincaid said, taking Laria’s hand in his, and they ’ported out of the room—the height of bad manners for Talents and especially in front of Damia Raven-Lyon.

How dare ...

Enough, Damia, Afra said, so bluntly that Damia was silent.

Though they were safely out of the house, Kincaid and Laria winced, waiting for Damia’s reaction to such a dictate.

“Better we were rude just to Mother,” Laria murmured as she and Kincaid strode quickly up to the stables. “I’d’ve been a lot ruder in his presence. I wonder how Zara copes with him.”

“I suspect she’s not around often enough right now for that to be a problem,” Kincaid said. “Imagine that! She’s allowed in a hibernatory! That’s another first for the formidable Lyon’s Pride.”

“‘Lyon’s Pride?’” Laria stopped and stared at him.

“Well, you are, you know, and it’s meant as a compliment by all I’ve heard use the term,” he said in a placatory tone.

“Lyon’s Pride, huh?” Laria savored the label and then chuckled. “Does Dad know?”

“I shouldn’t wonder,” Kincaid replied.

“Hope Mother doesn’t. She’s rather partial to being a Gwyn-Raven.”

“So she should be.” Kincaid slid apart the stable doors and grinned as the inmates whickered joyfully at such an early arrival of those-who-fed. There was additional noise as resting horses rose to all four legs and their shod hooves scraped against plascrete floors.

In the first right-hand stable, Saki nickered more urgently, stamping her feet in welcome to a well-known voice, demanding her breakfast nuggets.

“The morning feeds are usually made up the night before,” Laria said, pausing to let her favorite horse sniff, then lick her palm. “The middle door.”

“I remember ... and so they are.”

Saki pushed at Laria, obviously urging her to speed her breakfast to her, so Laria trotted down to the feed room and helped Kincaid load the trolley. “We have to start with Saki or she’ll damage her knees kicking the door if anyone else’s fed first.”

“Shamelessly spoiled...”

“Knows she’s the alpha mare.”

“Will they mind a Lyon-Dano in the Pride?” Kincaid asked, pulling out the feed dish of the brown gelding opposite Saki, who seemed to be inhaling her pellets.

“I told you. I don’t want you bound officially,” Laria said, moving down the aisle to the next horse.

“Our child will have two parents and that’s not negotiable, Laria Gwyn-Raven-Lyon-Dano,” Kincaid said, in almost the same adamant tone Afra had used to Damia.

“Like that, are you?” Laria grinned, rather pleased at his attitude, as she dumped yet another breakfast into a manger.

“Unless your parents kick up a stink ...”

They happened to be facing each other over the feed flat.

“I doubt that, Kincaid Dano.” She not only made eye contact with him but opened her mind, letting him see her high regard for the person he had struggled to become despite a miserable childhood. “Since they already respect you. As well as,” she added in a blithe tone, “quite likely admire you for putting up with their eldest daughter. Now, let’s finish feeding.”

The activity of feeding, haying and straightening stable sheets had a soothing effect on them both, considering the multiple shocks of the day.

“Isn’t this the fellow I rode the last time I was here?” Kincaid asked, stepping back to get a proper look at the animal he was tending.

“He is,” Laria said, getting a stable stain from Saki’s flank, “and he seems to remember you fondly enough not to race you around the box.”

Afra appeared in the wide stable opening. “Beliakin’s presence has been requested at Blundell House for the next few days, in connection with Clarissia Negeva’s attempt to recruit him,” Afra said. “He had the good sense to tell Gollee immediately before he left Blundell. They knew she had, of course, but his coming forward acquits him.”

“He‘d’ve had significant assets to lose,” Laria said blandly, “but I’m glad I don’t have to dodge him.” She gave her father a quick glance to see if she could ’path the real reason Beliakin was now elsewhere.

Afra chuckled, but she could read nothing beyond what he wished her to know. “That young man could see far too many excellent possibilities in the immediate future to jeopardize them. He told us exactly what he recalled of her remarks immediately after that abortive assassination attempt. He was shocked enough when we heard to be wide open to us. He is a strong T-2 kinetic and once he has cleared himself with Gollee and Jeff, he’s liable to be assigned either to a Search vessel or with a T-2 ’path for one of the new Towers that have to be set up.”

Laria eyed her father with skepticism and he grinned back, his yellow eyes twinkling.

“Of course, with you and Kincaid here, we could allow him the chance to clear his reputation at Blundell. So this will be no holiday for you, though I could wish it were. You are more tired than you should be, Laria,” Afra said, and in an unusual display of affection, stroked her head. His hand stopped and his brows wrinkled in surprise. “And ...” His expression was puzzled.

Kincaid instantly stepped to her side. “Laria carries my child, Afra Lyon.”

Afra nodded briefly. “The pregnancy is very recent then, for I could barely detect the physical changes.” He held out his hand to Kincaid. Kincaid did not shield the relief he felt at the quickly proffered hand, taking the gesture as the approval it was meant to reinforce. “I will have to admit,” Afra continued with a warm grin, “that I am relieved that you have sired the child, Dano, rather than Vanteer or Beliakin.”

“Beliakin never got near enough to touch me,” Laria said, affronted by the mere thought.

And too recent to guess its sex! came Damia’s interjection.

And what if it isn’t Talented, Mother? Laria asked coyly.

Don’t be ridiculous, Damia said dismissively. Dano’s genes checked out with a very high potential of passing on psychic abilities.

Mother, that’s ... Laria felt a surge of anger.

Let be, Laria, Afra said in quick reprimand. We’ve known that much data since Kincaid was assigned to Clarf Tower.

Then you know what I—Kincaid began, when a quick cutting motion of Afra’s hand interrupted him.

That is between you and Laria! Afra said so firmly that his answer dismissed further consideration of the topic. Am I not correct, Damia?

You are, was the immediate agreement.

“It may be morning here, but it was late afternoon on Clarf, as memory serves me,” Afra went on. “The horses are tended. You both need to rest. You may have to just settle for breakfast instead of whatever meal you have missed in your haste to get your ’Dinis here. But you are both tired and anxious. I’d say you’d benefit from a relaxing swim. And some rest.”

Laria swiveled in the direction of the Tower.

“We can handle what’s due in or out. We’ll wake you the moment there’s any news about your ’Dinis,” Afra said.

Zara says they’re already responding to the medicated bath. They absorb quite a lot of nutrients through the skin pores, you know, said Damia.

“Where are Ewain and Petra?” Laria asked as they followed Afra back to an oddly silent house.

“School, of course,” Afra said. He bent to kiss his daughter’s cheek. “Damia sent them. They don’t know you’re here yet and we’ll keep them out of your hair until you’ve had a chance to rest.”

Then, with a hand on each to shove them in the direction of the pool, he left them.