Damia's Children

by

Anne McCaffrey

Damia and Afra-Raven-Lyon had reared their children in a brilliant and unorthodox way.All their young had been'paired'when six months old with the furry,one-eyed Mrdinis,the only other sentient beings in the Alliance,who could communicate with humans by their 'dream messages'. Together,man and Mrdini worked to create prosperous worlds and guard against the terrible threat of the annihilating Hivers.

And now,in the deeps of Space,Mrdini scouts had crossed the path of three Hive ships-ships that were giant hulks of cell units, bearing the queens and workers out into space,to breed and multiply and destroy wherever they found a viable planet. It was the four elder children of Damia-Laria,Thian,Rojer and Zara-all uniquely talented in their various ways,who were to play their part,helped by their long-time Dini friends,in the conquering and investigation of the Alien threat of the Hivers.

One of the world's leading science fiction writers, Anne McCaffrey has won the Hugo and Nebula awards for science fiction. Brought up in the U.S. and now living in Ireland, she is the creator and bestselling author of the unique Dragon series.

Laria reined Saki in at the curve, to let Tip and Hgf catch up.

She deliberately kept her eyes forward, curbing Saki's intention to gallop up the last hill to home, because she knew the `dinis would have dropped to four legs to make the steep climb. Tip and Hgf were awfully sensitive about being caught on all fours. Like humans, the Mrdinis assumed bipedal stance as soon as their back muscles were well enough developed to support the long trunk.

Her father said that he thought the `dinis had been much relieved to learn that human children also had to learn how to walk upright.

When Saki's twitching ears and a waft of a musky leathery scent on the breeze announced their arrival, she acknowledged them with a whistle/click.

She couldn't quite make the sound as well as her brothers Thian and Rojer, but she did better than Zara who hadn't the hang of it at all yet. Kaltia wasn't even trying though she signed well enough to be understood by the `dinis as Morag did. Her youngest siblings, Ewain and Petra, were too young to have more than the most rudimentary contact with their pairs.

Despite saddlebags full of the day's catch, Saki marched vigorously uphill, careful not to tread on the flipper feet on either side of her. Tip and Huf - which were Laria's mental tag for her `dinis had taken holds on Laria's stirrups to assist them up this steepest part of the climb. Well accustomed to hauling `dinis, Saki accepted the additional burden.

Dropping the reins now that Saki was behaving, Laria had hands free to sign to her companions in excitement over their success hunting. They'd never hear her well enough over the clopping of Saki's hoofbeats if she spoke aloud. Tip and Hgf clicked and clacked happy sounds which echoed in their skulls. They could produce any number of identifiable noises that way, ranging from fear to bravado, agreement, dislike, curiosity, concern, enjoyment and what passed for `Dini laughter.

Neither species could quite manage the varied sounds needed to reproduce the subtler nuances of the other's speech but human body language could add emphasis words and so could `Dini body movements.

Their five fingers were as dextrous in reproducing arbitrary patterns as their oral cavities were in producing understandable, pitched noises that humans could copy. Both languages, as spoken by the other species, were refined to somewhat limited vocabularies that fortunately could be extended into quite a few technical areas: such as space travel, basic engine design, biological and meteorological sciences, metallurgy and mining.

Laria's mother and father, Damia and Afra Raven Lyon, had spent the past fifteen years developing and refining this communications bridge apart from the Dreamings - with Mrdini colleagues. Laria had been the earliest human test subject. Constantly surrounded from birth by adult Mrdinis, and then young Tip and Huf, she had absorbed posture and sounds just as any child learns another language from early exposure.

By the time she was six months old, she had had Tip and Hgf as cribmates and had dreamed the pleasantest dreams in their company at naptime and at night. All the Raven-Lyon offspring had been similarly paired when they were six months old with `Dini young.

On Iota Aurigae, such partnering had become normal. Even before much interspecies communIcation had become viable, miners - who were so overworked they were glad of any assistance - had taken adult pairs of `dinis into the pits and shafts when the Mrdinis had `dreamed' their willingness to do so. The tough and suspicious Aurigaean miners had discovered that the `dinis were instinctive colliers, hard workers, and unusually strong.

`Hey-YO,' cried someone behind her. Turning, Laria saw her brother Thian, his white lock flopping across his face, on his chunky black pony, Charger, round the bend, Mrg and Dpl trudging along beside him.

Not for the first time did Laria regret that the conformation of the `Dini made it impossible for them, with their stout short legs and stumpy tail, to straddle the hardy little Denebian hybrid ponies that humans employed. When they were younger, she'd occasionally put Tip and Huf up on Saki, Tip in front where she could hold on to it, and Huf riding pillion behind, its fingers latched tightly to her belt. But it wasn't the most comfortable way to travel and now her mates were too heavy to ride Saki with her.

`Good hunting, Thian?' Laria called back.

`Plenty for pot and spit,' her brother yelled, grinning hugely.

`Rojer's right behind us, with their bag.

He must have some secret source of scurriers the amount he's bringing in.' Hunting was a weekend occupation for the three oldest Raven-Lyon children who were good archers while the `dinis were clever with traps. With such a big household to feed, small avian species and burrowing animals, scurriers and the variety of rabbit that had adapted well to Aurigae were welcome additions to protein requirements, not always as well satisfied by the huge gardens.

The Tower could, of course, have brought in any supplies needed but it had become a matter of family pride and honour for this household to supply its own needs - human and Mrdini - either from the high plateaux and valleys behind Auriga City or from their fields.

Saki was too eager for her warm stable and supper to be held back to wait for Thian so Laria let her walk out, her tired young `Dini mates hauled alongside.

As they finally reached the terrace level, lights were already beginning to augment the dimming day and illuminate the broad courtyard. Saki's hooves clattered across it, summoning the resident pets: Coonies, Darbuls and what Laria had termed Slithers, the Mrdini equivalent of a pet.

Neither reptile nor bird, neither furred nor feathered, but loving, affectionate, dependent on assistance to survive anywhere, Slithers had - to everyone's great astonishment - become accepted by Coonies, ignored by Darbuls, and endeared themselves to the humans as useful household creatures. Their existence and nurture by Mrdinis had been a curiously important factor in the acceptance of the aliens: `Any critter that cares for a pet - even one as repulsive as that slithery reptiloid er. -- ah . entity -` the Fleet Commander had remarked, `can't be all bad.' As Slither diet consisted of Aurigaean insects and small bugs unappetizing to other life forms, the creatures kept the large sprawling Raven-Lyon residence and neighbouring fields clear of pests that often caused humans on Aurigae considerable discomfort or nuisance when they fed on the crops.

Laria was already giving Saki a rub-down when first Thian and then Rojer arrived in the stable, to tend their own beasts. While one `Dini brought the catch up to the kitchen wing, the other helped with hay and feed for the horses. That set the already stabled animals to stamping and snorting.

Have all the ponies been fed? Laria asked, broadcasting her thought more than directing it to either parent.

Please, darling? Had some late Tower traffic, replied Damia.

What splendid hunting you've all had!

Laria `ported the feeds into the mangers, adding the special vitamins and salts that two of the newest ponies required until their digestions altered to Aurigaean grasses. As usual, the four `dinis II clacked in loud appreciation of her kinetic skill.

WE FEED PONIS, WE MAKE PONIS `APPY, Tip and Huf chanted, although they themselves had done nothing, but as Tip and Huf were hers, any of her achievements were also theirs. Laria gave a small, almost inaudible sigh of resignation: for all their years in a Talented household, the `dinis were always more charmed by small teleportations like this than any major workings from the Tower. Cargo and ships just disappeared from or appeared in cradles whereas now the `dinis could see the movement from one place to another.

WE FEED PONIS PLUS, Thian's pair, Mur and Dip, added.

WE FEED FIRST, Tip began, turning its poll eye back over itself to pin Mur with a steely glance.

She signed it quickly not to be so silly and shocked with her tongue a disapproving note. Tip shrugged that off, swaying its upper body and head in reaffirmation.

As her parents had cautioned her as soon as she began to experiment with her telekinetic abilities, Laria was careful in its usage. The young Raven Lyons did `path more than most Talented parents would recommend for family communications but then the circumstances were unusual. Conversations between humans - when the `dinis could not follow verbal speech - would be rude so they often `pathed rather than discourteously `spoke' what their guests could not understand.

The entire Raven-Lyon family, including eight month-old Petra, was considered by the Governmental Authority to be acting as official liaison representatives to Mrdini. Telepathy allowed the family the privacy and ease to discuss intimate matters which might have to exclude the `dinis.

As soon as Laria, Thian and Rojer had seen to the comfort of their ponies, they and th other `dinis went up the ramp from the stable complex to the Hall where most of the combined household's activities took place. With their `dinis' help, Morag was already plucking, skinning and eviscerating the catch. Zara, who would not butcher animals, was washing and preparing vegetables and greens. Afra and Flk were trussing bird and scurrier beast for the spit while Damia and Trp were doing multiple tasks with the rest of the meal. The `dinis were also carrying on a voluble conversation with their returning young.

Despite the differences in shape and origin, there were many similarities between Mrdini and human in the care, education and nurture of their progeny.

Laria caught only half of what FIk and Trp were saying to the younglings but the sounds merrily ranged up and down the pitches available to `Dini vocal cords so she knew that nothing was amiss.

`dinis might not use body-language supplements when speaking to their own but tone could be interpreted in this home of sensitive Talents.

Anything new? Laria asked.

Nothing at all, darling, Damia said. Can you do some more carrots? You know how Flk and Trp adore them but they haven `t got the hang of using scrapers.

Vitamin A! Laria replied with a mental grin, and `ported two more bunches from the storeroom, holding them up for her mother to approve the quantity.

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A nod sufficed and Laria began preparing them.

TIp and Hgf immediately came to her assistance, their single poll eyes glittering, for they were as fond of carrots as the adults. Once she had scraped, they sliced, Tip and Huf twitching their upper torsos happily, their `heads' bent so that their single poll eyes were focused on what their hands were doing. Ordinarily, `dinis brought whatever they were working on up to eye level but when attempting a human task, they tended to adopt human postures.

Some people said they couldn't tell one `Dini from another but that's because they didn't work closely with a pair. Laria recognized, and knew the names of, every pair living on Aurigae. `Dini pairing was another mystery that hadn't been adequately explained, though biologists were trying. They had had to accept the fact that Mrdini always came in pairs. Laria did not know if Tip and Huf were the young of her parents' Flk and Trp: she didn't know if FIk and Trp were birth pairs, or had paired off by mutual choice when mature. There were still gaps in communication levels.

The Mrdinis dreamed explanations but these did not explain their biology. Mrdinis reproduced during their annual hibernations. Whether mating occurred before or during was still debatable; the Mrdinis did not seem to understand `gestation' as a concept of time or even a process. They did not understand `abort' or `impotence' as a reason why not all `pairs' reproduced. Nor why there were always twin births.

Diplomatic courtesy denied humans the right to `observe' in the hibernatorium. No-one was certain that these were live births, or if the Mrdinis might be oviparous. But the young were born `adult', in that they understood the basics that all `dinis instinctively knew.

They had to wait until their muscles strengthened to walk upright but they needed only to be `reminded', Laria thought, of sounds - words to reproduce them properly. As Damia once said, `Dini young went from `oh' to `oration' in nothing flat.

And they left the hibernatorium `house-trained' and with mouths full of sharp teeth.

Mrdini builders had constructed the special hibernation facility well up in the hills behind the sprawling Raven-Lyon home. To this, all the Aurigaean Mrdini retired for their two-month-long period of inactivity. Not all pairs reproduced in that time.

Not all remained for only two months. When all had left the facility, it was scrupulously clean and ready for the next hibernation period.

Laria was both relieved and lonely during the absence of Tip and Huf: relieved because she didn't have that extra worry about doing or saying something misleading; lonely because she enjoyed their company and the fun they could get up to. `dinis had whimsical humour and a special rippling wheeze that was their amused noise: not quite a laugh, not a sputter, but definitely laughter. Fortunately `dinis and humans had comparable notions of comedy.

Though she had learned to get her tongue around the vowelless TIp and Hgf, Laria used Tip and Muf: Thian called Mrg and Dpl, Mur and Dip.

Her parents called Flk, Fok, and Trp, Tri. Evidently `Dini made do without vowel sounds, though they certainly had innumerable consonant sounds, glottal stops and fricatives to produce all those clicks, clacks, dongs, bongs, tlocks and infinite varieties of whistle.

Laria had become so deft at interpreting, that her parents often asked her to verify their understanding of conversations with FIk and Trp.

Then dinner was ready and served with rapidity to the hungry horde. `dinis had clever blades that served as spoon, fork and knife.

Laria was adept with the instrument and kept one on her belt as Tip and Huf did. Fingers were permissible at home, Morag and Ewain employing theirs to good use and even remembering to use finger-bowls and napkins.

Zara was more fastidious even at nine and her `dinis tended to imitate her. The fact that the `Din is were also accustomed to finger-bowls and napkins had at first astonished humans. Afra had carved the first bowls from Denebian hardwoods, decorated with the first Dream which the `dinis had sent him and Damia. While he still entertained everyone in the household with his paper-folded origami designs, he had added woodworking to his leisure time.

He had done `dinis in origami. Fok and Tri carried theirs in their belt pouches and would often exhibit them to `Dini guests. While all the family liked to watch him create his animals and forms, only Rojer and Zara showed enough interest to learn to do the intricate paper-folding. Fok and Tri had attended the first two lessons and then retired. Their digits were too powerful for the delicate movements needed and they tore more paper than they folded.

Mrdini mental processes apparently differed from human - though the results might be similar but areas of mutuality were in constant development, and double households like the Raven-Lyons' contributed hugely to interspecies' understanding. it wasn't their Talent that was exercised so much as their innate empathy and objectivity.

`Dad,' Thian began when he had assuaged the first edge of hunger, `we've about hunted out the nearby ranges. Aren't I old enough to use a sledge?' Afra thoughtfully regarded his eldest son, all bony ribs, elbows and knees in his latest growth spurt and likely to match his father's height soon. It would be useful, considering the fact that we may not port our friends about the place.

Laria held her breath, for though she didn't begrudge Thian the opportunity. -.

Both Laria and Thian are responsible youngsters, Afra went on, nodding at them in the manner both knew was cautionary as well as challenging, I shall apply to the City for licences. You two will have to qualify on your own merits but I'll arrange with Xexo a time to give you trial runs... Study the operation manuals.

Sure, Dad, both Laria and Thian chorused, delighted. Considering both had the family eidetic memory, they'd be through that requisite in an hour or more. And Xexo, the resourceful T-8 Tower engineer who kept all the machinery running smoothly, had known them since their births and was a special friend.

Then, as Thian turned to Mur and Dip, Laria signed to Tip and Huf that soon they wouldn't have to climb the hill: transport was going to be arranged.

They would be able to reach new hunting grounds without effort.

The `dinis clicked and wriggled enthusiastically - Tip almost falling off its bench in its exuberance.

Laria, you must also become familiar with the management of Mrdini ground effects machines, Damia added, cocking her head in her daughter's direction. I'll arrange that with the Coordinators.

Then I will be going to Mrdini?

Damia nodded, a resigned twitch to her lips. That has always been the plan. Thian will follow when he reaches sixteen. You will be the first young human to go. She sent a flood of pride and encouragement to her eldest child. Then she, in turn, felt the warmth of love and reassurance from Afra, salving the ache of that separation.

Sixteen is old enough for one of us, Afra said in the very tight focus that meant his thought was for her alone. She was also aware of his mental caress.

I was no older when I was sent to Altair, she answered as discreetly.

The difference being that Laria does not resent the duty.

I think we've done what we could to be sure she wouldn't, Damia added with a resigned sigh.

You've made such a good father.

Afra grinned openly, his smile including every child at the table.

They've had their mother's help.

I shall miss her, though.

Why? She'll be only a thought away.

It's the thought that she will be away. Damia diverted herself by `porting the dirty dishes from the table and extracting the final course from the larder.

With the exception of Terran bee honey, the Mrdinis did not find sweets palatable. Honey was, however, a luxury item when it was available. So, while the humans ate fruit, the `dinis cracked nuts and picked the meats out of the shells or nibbled at the unsweetened mealy crackers made of imported `Dini flour that Damia baked for them. From time to time, `Dini delicacies were shipped to the exchange personnel but today was not an occasion.

DAMIA! Keylarion called and the Aurigaean Tower's T-6 managed to cram excitement and alarm into her shout for the Prime.

Damia and Afra immediately excused themselves and `ported down the slope to the Tower control centre where the generators were beginning their upward climb to full power.

`Earth Prime ordered me to get you both here,' Keylarion said.

Father? Damia sent across the vastness of space, her thought boosted by gestalt with the generators and Afra `5 immediately accessible T-3 thrust.

Mrdini scouts have crossed the path of three Hive ships! Jeff Raven said.

Three? the Damia-Afra link cried in an almost fearful tone.

Three! The theory is that these must have originated from the Home System, for their directions began to diverge just as the Mrdini scout ship crossed their ion trail. Fortunately the scout was well out from any Alliance colonies or worlds. The Hivers are heading even further out.

The Damia-Afra link let out a cheer, all apprehension dissolved at this tremendous news. For fifteen years Mrdini and Nine Star League ships, now called the Alliance, had been probing systems to locate the homeworld of the Hive culture, aliens whose prime directive of ruthless propagation of their species had once attempted to invade the Mrdini colony in its Safe solar system. The attack had been repulsed but only with the extreme sacrifice of `Dini ships and personnel. The colony had been devastated and had to be rebuilt and repopulated. Thereafter `Dini had kept ships in constant patrol about their colonized worlds and sent out squadrons to patrol nearby space to make sure no `Dini ship ever got so close to a `Dini world again. Over two centuries they had maintained such a vigil, constantly expanding the parameters of `safe space', their whole culture dominated by the dire threat of Hive penetration.

The Mrdinis had also searched vainly for allies of sufficient spatial sophistication to aid them.

The resources of their home and colony planets had been stretched to the utmost in the constant vigilance.

As desperately, the Mrdini sought new weapons to destroy the predatory Hive ships. The effective tactic was to use a suicide ship which would plunge midships in the spherical Hive ship and detonate itself in order to achieve total destruction of the Hiver. Not every suicide mission was successful, for the Hive gunners were skilful and often six suicide ships had to attack to be sure one got through. Such punitive losses had naturally used up tremendous materiel as well as `dinis whose genes should be perpetuated.

But still, elements of the `Dini fleet searched and would track down any Hive ion trail located in the vastness of space.

Then, both a marauding Hive ship and the `Dini ship following its ion trail discovered the Denebian system.

Jeff Raven, an unexpectedly Talented telepath and teleporter, had single-mindedly held off three scouts from an intruding Hive. With the assistance of the Primes of Earth, Altair, Procyon, Capella, Betelgeuse and the Rowan on Callisto Moon, the mind-merge focusing in Jeff Raven had destroyed two of the scouts and sent the third back to its Mother ship. Two years later, the Mother Hive had been on a collision course with Deneb which had been thwarted when the Rowan, leading the female minds, had paralysed the dominant Hive `Many'. Then Jeff Raven, being the focus for the male Talents, had diverted the Hiver into the blazing whiteness of the Deneb primary.

Alarmed, the Nine Star League had prepared distant early warning devices around all its inhabited systems to forestall another incursion by this dangerous species. The Mrdini had been able to circumvent the device by staying just beyond its sensor range and inserting instructive dreams in the sleeping minds of Damia, Afra and four other Denebian Talents. The Mrdini were not only triumphant to find a species that could destroy a Hive ship with no loss of life and without collecting a flotilla of space vessels and suicide crews in doing so, but also Allies in their long struggle against the depredations of the Hivers. Deneb had been unknowingly selected as an excellent Hive colony society. The zo ZI press for acceptable worlds on which to propagate themselves meant the annihilation of any life form they encountered. Sadly, not all emerging species had the weapons to counter such tactics and the method which the Talents had used telepathy and teleportation - had seemed magical to the Mrdinis.

While the `dinis had no `Talent' as the Nine Star League understood it, they were able to superimpose their dreams on susceptible human minds.

Through these dreams they had communicated an outline of their history and their hopes, and the Nine Star League, with the help of all Talents, began to establish a viable communication level, starting with the most pliable and least resistant humans children of both Talented and unTalented families.

Damia and Afra had been one of the first families to accept Mrdini youngling pairs in order to establish a useful form of communication between the species. As it happened, Talent was an unimportant factor since the Mrdini mind could not be read even by as powerful a Talent as Jeff Raven, or his wife, Angharad Gwyn-Raven, the Rowan. But when Damia realized she was pregnant, shortly after the first `Dini contact was made, she was one of the first to suggest that the young of each species, brought up together from infancy, might absorb the `Dini language as easily as Basic. So Laria had had cribmates from the time she was six months old, as had each of her siblings.

Almost as prolific as her Denebian grandmother, the Healer Isthia, Damia had had no problems with pregnancies though, unlike her mother, the Rowan, she had been careful to space her children two or two and a half years apart. Then, too, her duties at the Iota Aurigaean Tower had not been as demanding as her mother's responsibilities at Callisto Moon Station. And Afra, being partnered in the Tower with his mate, had been able to devote as much time as required to his increasing family If Jeff Raven twitted his son-in-law about overdoing paternity, Afra would merely shrug and remind his friend that he himself had urged the Capellan to marry and have children.

Maternity had mellowed Damia as much as paternity had relaxed Afra. If his family never understood why their Talented son had had to leave Capella and the promise of a good position in Callisto Prime Tower, he could at least find alternative Towers for those nieces and nephews of his that might also wish for a life unrestricted by Capella's methody ways.

He did insist, however - and often smiled as he did so - that his children behave within the courtesy protocols in which he had been raised.

But he did not fall into the error of his own parents - in believing that they knew best for their children.

Consequently the Raven-Lyon home was easygoing, friendly, and totally unselfconscious in the practice of Talent and the inclusion of an alien species into their familial structure.

That life-style might undergo drastic change with the Mrdini discovery of the putative route to the Hive Home System. Damia had no precognitive Talent but she didn't need any to recognize that a new zz Z3

era had just begun: an era that would, hopefully, eradicate the threat of the Hive species for both human and Mrdini.

So, what happens now? Damia and Afra asked Earth Prime.

Well, and there was a wry note to Jeff's tone, your mother and I are to send all available Fleet ships of Galaxy and Constellation class to a rendezvous with the Mrdini scout. They're sending as many of their own heavyweights as possible.

Afra snorted. And what good is that going to do without Talent support, Jeff? We all know the extrapolations of confrontation. Who's going to supply sufficient power to overwhelm them?

We may follow, Jeff replied in a droll fashion.

You AND Mother? Damia's concern and alarm flowed out of her despite Afra's tight reassuring embrace.

When you consider how much larger a Talented population we can draw on now than we could twenty-odd years ago, daughter dear, stop being negative. Much has to be decided. But we cannot deny the use of Talent when it can be of tactical advantage.

First the Hive Home System has to be found.

And every other one they have overpowered, Jeff added, seemingly unconcerned at the monumental task facing the Allies.

How in the universe can we do that? Damia demanded, appalled at the prospect.

That is what must be discovered. The strength of resolve in her father's voice provided Damia with fortitude. The event which we have entertained for so long has occurred. We cannot be lacking in courage now.

No, Dad, of course not. Aurigae Tower supports you one hundred per cent.

The warning has been limited to those who need to know, of which Aurigae Tower is one. The official position will be announced in due course but prepare yourselves and the Tower for unusual activity.

The Hive System is near Aurigae?

No, but the mine production will be increased as fast and as soon as possible. Expect to transmit huge and continuous ore drones.

And what explanation is to be given? Damia asked for she knew they'd be interrogated by the mine syndicates.

Tell them a new design of interstellar transport has been approved and production of the units is a top priority. Jeff chuckled. That won't be a falsehood, either, for our people have just commissioned a prototype long-range Constellation-class vessel, the Genesee. There were four more in construction and they'll be finished as fast as possible. Your miners don't have to know where their ore goes, only that they'll be paid for it. How good are your eldest two in Tower disciplines?

Laria and Thian? Damia asked, once again experiencing that stab of irrational maternal concern.

They're steady enough for anything we can handle, Afra replied.

Why?

You may have to lob big-daddies about the League again.

What a blessing my eldest are both T-is then, isn't it?

Jeff Raven chuckled over his daughter's sardonic remark. Then his mental tone abruptly altered to one of great pride and dignity. The Allies will be made fully aware of how blessed we are with Talent.

There was a pause and then one of Jeff Raven's inimitable chuckles reached their ears. Gwyn-Ravens and Lyons to the rescue yet again!

Then his mental tone disappeared from their minds.

Damia was buoyed up by Jeff's imperturbable optimism but she looked to Afra for further reassurance. Tenderly he pulled her into a deeper embrace, gently pressing her head into his shoulder.

With one hand he pushed back the vagrant silver lock of her hair that always seemed to fall into her face when she was distressed.

Patting it into place, he kissed her, making contact on every level that bound them to each other. She felt herself respond, as much out of habit as need.

I didn't raise children to fight Hives. Does Laria have to go to Mrdini?

We have promised the exchange. We have intrinsically benefited by the exchange. We will make it as planned. Don't fret. Laria's a well-balanced, sensible and responsible.... young woman, nearly - as we both know. She is in no more danger on Clarf than she would be here.

Especially if she has to help us shift big-daddy drone pods, and Damia tried to sound facetious.

Afra knew she was not and tightened his arms about her in appreciation of the attempt.

The daughter of the girl who overwhelmed Sodan will not fail in whatever she is required to do.

Damia shivered in recollection of her battle with the Sodan mind which had been dangerous to her fatal to her beloved younger brother, Larak, and come very close to destroying the other Talents in that focus. The Hive menace was even more dangerous to the Allies.

`Damia,' Afra said aloud, releasing her enough to tip her head up so she made eye contact, `count, if you can, just how many more Talents are available now than there were thirty-eight years ago? Between your brothers and sister, and David of Betelgeuse, Mauli and Mick, Torshan and Saggoner. Why, the uncles, aunts and second cousins on Deneb alone constitute a brigade!' Damia allowed herself to be comforted because she couldn't refute Afra's logic. And definitely there was safety in the numbers of Talented minds that could be counted in Federated Telepathy and Teleportation alone: not to mention the higher Talents in every other occupation that made use of psionic abilities. Only how to bring such a mental weapon against a far distant enemy homeworld? As clever and powerful as a massed mind focus of Talent had proved itself, there were different parameters now that did not favour such use of Talent.

`Consider also that our Allies have certainly not been idle in the past twenty-five years, always with the goal of defeating the Hive ships.' `But they died to defeat a Hiver!' `Yes, they did die, but that was before we Dreamed!' Damia felt Afra's conviction. Was it just a masculine certitude? Her father's mind had been coloured with it as well! Damia wondered if she should ask her mother what she felt. No, she decided, she should z6

solve this confusion within herself. And soon! Her doubts must not impinge on her children's confidence and courage. They might all need those soon enough.

`Yes,' she said aloud, looking calmly into her mate's yellow eyes, sparkling with purpose, `that was before we Dreamed Mrdini.' The very next day Aurigae Tower accepted a message, containing an immense order for tonnes of metal ore from the Allied Commands. Afra forwarded it to the Miners Main Office and sat back, waiting for the explosion.

Within minutes of receiving the message, Segrazlin, Master Miner and head of the various mining organizations on Aurigae, requested an urgent meeting with the Prime to discuss transportation requirements.

His manner was a combination of gratification for the quantities ordered and astonishment and concern at the delivery dates expected, trepidation over how to approach the Prime on the matter of the tonnage to be shifted, all mingled with intense curiosity as to the finished form of such massive quantities of metal.

Damia grinned at his promptness and told him he could come along right then, as the morning's traffic had been despatched.

Segrazlin arrived with his personal assistant and the owners of the major mines to be involved.

`All very well to want this kind of delivery, Pnme,' Segrazlin said, nervously folding and unfolding the message sheet, `but, one, we don't have enough miners, even working flat out, to supply the ores z8

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within the delivery frame and, two, there aren't enough small and medium carriers to deliver half of what's required. Now, we don't want to lose such a contract, but first off, we'll need more miners.' He was hedging around asking her to transport the big-daddy drone containers.

`And my principals,' at which point the five owners nodded their heads, `want to be sure that the metal's being properly used.' `Ah,' Afra said, broadcasting reassurance, `I asked Earth Prime that myself.

Some new Constellation class vessel has been designed, long journey capability, and enough for a squadron has been authorized. Replacing some of the older space vessels. And not before time, I understand.

FT&T may cut down on the normal wear and tear of space vehicles, but the problem of metal fatigue is still vexing.' Damia sent a mental smirk to her husband for that smooth explanation.

`There is also the happy fact that the Tower is now in a position to transport bigger drones,' Damia went on, `a good training exercise for our oldest children. Having standardized the size and shapes of most containers, any Prime, given the mass within, can shift it anywhere within the Alliance. It's new and unfamiliar objects that cause problems, because they have to be seen and preferably touched by a Prime before `portation can be guaranteed. However, we can shift most anything you need to send because your drones are standard. As you know, both Laria and Thian are .......

`But are they old enough?' Segrazlin asked, his eyes protruding in surprise. Having expected resistance, he'd lost his prepared stance.

`They are old enough and will be under our guidance, but their assistance will make it possible to lift such weight. Linkage is good training for their future duties.' Damia inclined her head graciously.

`That still leaves us with the worst problem, Prime,' one of the mine owners said, clearing his throat, and glancing at his colleagues for reassurance. They nodded their heads and murmured agreement.

`Enough workers.' `I thought your work force was up to strength, Yugin,' Damia said, frowning in well-imitated surprise.

Yugin snorted. `For normal production, yes, but the last quota of immigrants haven't been trained for deep seam work and that's what we'd need. Also more qualified, and experienced, engineers. We'll have to open more shafts. . . ` He trailed off.

`We can't supply those prodigious quantities,' Mexalgo said, `from existing facilities.' `Would you accept more `dinis?' Afra asked.

Mexalgo looked dubious but the others brightened considerably.

`Mex, you treat `em right, they do you proud,' Yugin said. `My `dinis work like they grew up digging ore.' `Workers isn't the main problem, Yugin,' Mexalgo said. `Engineers with the pit experience, if we're starting new seams, is what we really lack.' `Would you accept `Dini engineers?' Mexalgo made a grimace. `I would if I could understand them.' `What's to understand?' Segrazlin asked. `You show `em where the lode is, give `em the materials they need, and they dig.

They're as well trained, by their standards, as any of our men, and besides,' a grin broke across Segrazlin's craggy features, `they're built better for underground work!' `Aye, that's a fact,' Mexalgo said, though reluctantly. `But how can we be sure, with those little holidays of theirs, that we'll have a work force all the time? We can't make these shipments with part-time help.' `The Mrdinis don't all hibernate at the same time, Damia said. `The hibernation period apparently depends on the continent of origin. The `dinis presently on Aurigae all happen to come from the northern Great continent. Or so FIk told me.

Should I enquire, on your behalf, if additional `Dini engineers and workers are available and would be willing to come to Aurigae to work?' The four miners conferred briefly by nods, hand and head gestures.

`Yes, Prime, we would appreciate your enquiring on our behalf.' `You will of course pay according to experience and training?' Afra asked.

`Of course,' Segrazlin said, slightly indignantly.

`And provide the sort of quarters and hibernation facilities that they prefer. We haven't had any complaints from `em yet.

That was true enough because Damia and Afra made certain that the specifications given them by the `dinis were carried out.

`I'd like to see the engineering qualifications, though,' Mexalgo said, always cautious. `In translation.' `Of course,' Afra replied with a smile. `Oddly enough, translating scientific data is easier than, say, literature or art forms.' Mexalgo sniffed.

`Earth Prime agrees to forward your request to Clarf Tower,' Damia said, having spoken to her father during Afra's part of the conversation. `He'll forward the answer within the current day.' What Jeff Raven had told his daughter was that, not only were the `dinis willing, they were eager.

Their own mines were nearly depleted, even those on their colony worlds, and miners, pit men as well as engineers, were as desperate to find work as to supply their homeworld with the commodities it needed.

When Segrazlin and the mine owners had left, Damia was not so sedate that she didn't give a little dance of jubilation for the success of the interview.

There had been some criticism - expressed through FIk and Trp to Damia and Afra - that `dinis were disappointed that their out-world workers were not given the positions of authority that their experience and training should qualify them for. What the mining community didn't realize was that there were fully trained and professionally able engineers among the `Dini workers already on Aurigae. Now, with such massive orders, came the chance the `dinis had been hoping for to show their true colours.

The `dinis had been very patient and now would have the opportunity they had long deserved. Damia and Afra had reason to rejoice.

3Z As soon as the miners had boarded their vehicles to return to Aurigae City, Afra went in search of FIk and Trp to inform them of the good news. They clacked, clicked and whistled their joy and then departed towards the city, to spread the news.

`I think we must insist that some of the new pits be `Dini managed and run,' Afra said.

`We had to go slow or jeopardize the integration, Damia said.

`I know, I know. We can be extremely grateful for `Dini patience.' Damia grinned up at her lover. `We should really learn more from them. Flk said that it took them nearly ten generations to implant the philosophy of patience in the `Dini temperament.' It was again fortunate that `Din is were difficult to identify, for when the first shipment of new workers arrived, the `Dini engineers amazed the mine owners by their grasp of the mining methods currently in use on Aurigae and their incredible dexterity with human-designed equipment.

They had also brought tools of their own, including large borers to be assembled. The first consultation to organize `Dini managed pits erased any reluctance or hesitation the mine owners and their engineers might have had about `Dini professionalism.

`I was impressed,' Mexalgo told Damia, `very impressed.. They clicked and clacked when we showed them where we'd located the new lodes, and the next thing they had adit, shafts and quotas all drawn out for us, and the quantities of materials they'd need for shoring, what track, carts, cranes, stuff they evidently knew they didn't have to bring. They've asked permission to send for more of their own mining equipment and I can't fault `em on that.

Showed us schematics of some of the heavy stuff they use and I have to say it looks very efficient.

Then, too, they'll be handier with their own mechanicals but they sure understood fast.' He kept shaking his head. `Now,' he added quickly, `I always knew the critters were smart. I just didn't realize how smart.' Damia and Afra managed to respond appropriately.

Wouldn't he have a fit if he knew the `new' `Din is engineers had been working in his mines for the past sixteen years! Damia said, her mental tone rocking with laughter at the deceptions.

Later. We'll confess to Mexalgo later, Afra promised.

The `dinis were also impressed by the quality of accommodation supplied by the mine owners, including a `Dini-staffed medical facility. That had been an extra which Segrazlin had insisted on providing.

`You house and feed a man and his family decently,' the miners' rep said, `and you make pits as safe as possible, but you damn better have emergency facilities available, too. Man works better because he knows he's valued. Same has to apply to `dinis. They got feelings, too.' During the settling-in period, Laria, Thian and even Rojer did translating duty. Zara, though only nine, wanted to have some part in the family activity and thought of donating the young eggs from her Slither's latest lay to the new arrivals.

`To make `em feel at home,' she'd said very solemnly as she signed Tip and Hug, explaining her gift. All the Raven-Lyon `dinis took turns expressing how grateful they were for her generosity They had Slither nestlings too, and so an expedition was planned.

`I think this ought to come from the young of humans to the young of Mrdini, Laria,' Damia said, `so you can drive - carefully -` and Damia reinforced that caution mentally, `and make it an outing.' She's fully competent to drive that sort of sledge, Damia, Afra told his wife when she began to regret her suggestion. You've driven with her enough to know she's well able. And we've got to let her have some experience on her own. Not that she's exactly on her own right now.

I know, I know, Affie, Damia said, unable to suppress all her maternal agitation, despite his logical reassurances. It's just that.

. I trust her and I'll be with her every kilometre of the way.If you really trusted her, you wouldn't be with her all the way, Damia added, darkly accusatory.

Afra laughed and ruffled her hair as they watched Laria load her passengers into the big sledge. The girl kept looking over her shoulder at her parents.

See? She expects you to renege, Damia. Smile, wave, encourage her!

She doesn't really need encouragement, Damia replied, still dour, but she smiled and waved vigorously. She held her breath as the sledge rose, without a hitch, on its air cushion. Laria turned it competently and Damia began to relax a little.

Especially when Afra chuckled teasingly in her ear.

We can't stand here watching, Afra added and gently propelled her back towards the Tower. And don't peek! At that admonition, Damia had to laugh because he had caught her tendril of thought reaching out to maintain a very light contact with Laria's mind. We'vegot those first drones to despatch and I want your entire attention on that transfer, my little love!

Afra was right about keeping her mind on the work at hand, Damia knew. Not the big-daddies yet but some very heavy mothers. The mining industry was determined to deliver on time and this first shipment was in earnest of that intention.

The generators were already at peak when Aurigaean Prime and her T-2 mate took their Tower positions. Damia contacted David of Betelgeuse who gave her a cheerful greeting.

I understand we're back to big-daddies soon in this rearmament, David said.

Is it advisable, Damia replied cautiously, to bandy about such terms?

Who'd be able to hear us, Damia?

Here you are then, David! With the skill and ease of long practice, Damia caught the generators at peak and teleported the ore drones from the mine yards directly to David who would shift them to the refinery awaiting the metal.

Motherhood certainly hasn't slowed you down, has it?

Why should it?

Catch you later!

Catch, you'd better! was Damia's response and then Keylarion sent her up an urgent incoming load.

In the rhythm of work, Damia forgot about her daughter's first major driving experience.

Laria found the drive exhilarating, only minimally conscious of her passengers or even her brother who shared the front seat.

It was one thing to teleport herself, which she had done often enough to make it routine, and quite another to be driving others in a mechanical apparatus: even if she knew all Tower vehicles were maintained at top efficiency. The sledge was dead easy to manage, with a yoke for steering and pedals for speed and braking. Even if the power, for some unforeseen reason, went off and the air cushion failed, her reflexes were fast enough to switch to kinetic mode and avoid a hard or abrupt landing. Her father had drilled her on such emergency measures - even before he had allowed her any solo time in one of the smaller sledges.

The most important aspect was that neither of her parents were `peeking'. She, on the other hand, could tell they were both involved in Tower work.

They really were allowing her to exercise independent action, which she felt to be appropriate since she was so nearly sixteen, and then would be considered `of age' The `Dini village had been constructed on the far side of the city, where the land sloped up to the western plateau. It had been a consolidated earth Flk and Trp had overseen the project, with some assistance from their human colleagues and more from the `Dini professionals in various skills.

Once the materials had been assembled, the entire population of Aurigae City had devoted three days to the building of the village, complete with hibernatory, medical and recreational facilities from the `Dini-originated designs. The plans had drawn admiring support from the human construction crew which had passed on their enthusiasm to the whole community. The result was a village of a high standard, with every comfort that `dinis would find on their homeworlds.

Laria had a little flurry of nerves as she approached the village vehicle park because `dinis were flitting about in the air, using the personal flying equipment they had brought with them, but in a totally random fashion that didn't appear to follow any traffic pattern. Laria was afraid that she might inadvertently cause an accident. Tip clicked encouragingly at her while Huf slid open a window and started crackling at the nearby fliers who then did make way for the sledge. Laria landed with no further obstacles.

`Those belts are great, Lar,' Thian exclaimed, craning his neck to watch the rapid manoeuvres of the airborne. `D'you think we could get some?' `When we can teleport anywhere we want to?' asked Laria in amazement.

`Teleporting's not the same thing, Lar,' Thian replied wistfully and ignored his sister's wry snort.

`I like mechanical things, he added defensively.

Which his sister knew was very true. Thian was always taking things apart and putting them laboriously back together. Sometimes not so laboriously, if he knew the equipment well enough to use kinesis in reassembly. Their father encouraged the activity, though their mother had always appeared sceptical.

Tip, Huf, Mur and Dip joined them on the hard dirt of the park, each carrying precious baskets of Slithers. Zara had hers cradled against her narrow chest, her eyes wide both with her responsibility and her inclusion in this journey Tip clucked and pointed one flipper in the direction they were to take - towards the `community' hall. The `dinis had opted for a main feeding service and that building also became their meeting and assembly facility. Chairs, and tables for that matter, were not a necessity for `Dini dining customs. Stacks of bowls were neatly stored to one side and cushions dotted the open floor space. The cushions were occupied as Laria and her brother and sister entered with their `Dini friends, and their appearance occasioned much noise from the expectant `dinis. Laria could see that the majority here were young `dinis, apprentices who wouldn't work as long hours as the adults but the very ones who would cherish the Slithers. The creatures provided endless amusement to `dinis though Laria didn't very much appreciate Slithers crawling on her bare skin: it gave her such an odd feeling.

The clacking, clicking and whistling of the eager young `dinis made the distribution of the pets urgent, so that was done, Zara and Rojer deeply thanked, with Tip, Huf, Mur and Dip doing the translating.

The youngsters were sent off with their new acquisitions and the adult females offered the humans suitable refreshments. Laria, Rojer and Zara were asked to seat themselves on the cushions and became the object of much poll bowing and eyeing.

`What's so funny about us?' Zara wanted to know.

`I don't think these `dinis have seen many humans,' Laria said quietly. `Yes, and she caught Tip's hand signals, `these are just mature attendant females who haven't gone out of the village yet.' She signalled another question to Tip. And grinned at the answer. `They thought humans were something the elder `dinis had made. They are astonished to see that we are real. Tip says they come from a southern continent that isn't very forward. But they needed employment so badly that they couldn't afford to pass up the good pay. They are very pleased to find that the accommodations are every bit as good as they were promised.' Then she laughed again, blushing.

`What's the matter, Lar?' Thian asked, surprised, for his sister rarely coloured.

`Tip likes the buff-coloured one with the leg stripes.' Thian pretended to subject the `Dini to intense scrutiny and then grinned.

`She is rather charmingly marked.' At which point, both young people laughed because the `Dini mistook his attention and came hurrying over with her tray of bite-sized edibles.

You're being mean, Zara said in a scathing tone, narrowing her eyes at her brother and sister.

We aren't, really, Zara, Laria said, somewhat chastened. Then she turned to Tip and asked if there was a chance to see the `Dini living quarters, or would that be considered an intrusion.

Tip got to its feet, chattering a comment to the marked `Dini, and the others were instantly off their tails and gesturing the humans towards the door.

4' `I gather we're to inspect,' Thian said, grinning from ear to ear and signalling Tip that he was very pleased to be accorded such an honour.

Having had `Dini roommates in their own quarters all their lives, it was somewhat of a surprise to see what `dinis considered suitable accommodations.

Heated pools were featured on the lowest level of the five dormitories they were shown. Hatches led from the spacious pool area back into service areas, or so Thian suggested to his sisters. In the foyer of the main entrance, the walls were full of racks fashioned to hold the flying belts which `dinis used for transportation. On the two upper levels, for the `dinis preferred to spread out rather than up, long dark corridors bisected and, on either side, were doors into smaller apartments. These included a main room, never very large, the `Dini equivalent of a water closet - which was, in truth, a closet and several sleeping rooms, with what Laria called bunk beds, usually four in each tier, two and three tiers across every walispace. A small locker was fastened to the end of each bed and in that special personal possessions were kept. There seemed to be no blankets or pillows and Laria wondered that their `dinis had always used such comforts.

Adaptable, aren't they? Thian told his sister as they did the rounds, expressing appropriate approval by signals. Their four `dinis returned with signals of pleasure at their responses. Zara was too awed by her surroundings to have any other reaction than a good long look around her.

I wonder why they don't have any windows at all, Laria said to Thian, having noticed the omission.

That'd be smarter than those lighting bars.

For us, maybe, but let's not ask until we leave here, Thian said.

I wasn't going to, Laria said, a little miffed that her brother thought her so lacking in tact.

Didn't think you were. Hey, they do have exhaust fans in the ceilings. Or that's what they look like.

Small ones over each bed unless those round things are lights, too. So have our `Dinis been living in the lap of luxury, or slumming it?

Thian!

He grinned, unabashed.

Their spontaneous tour ended near the entrance to one of the hibernatories. Thian asked Mur if there were five facilities to accommodate the numbers of `dinis or to accommodate different continents.

Continents, he was informed, so that there would always be a full crew of workers available in the mines. `dinis would honour their contracts.

`Never doubted that for a minute,' Thian said, smiling and nodding approval at Mur Although the three young people would never have intruded on such a sacred place, the `dinis were suddenly herding them adroitly back to the parking area. The mine whistle blew for a change of shift which speeded up their farewells.

That evening while dinner was being prepared, Laria had a lot of questions for her parents.

Mother, would you say that the `Dini quarters are luxurious? Or just basic?

Flk and Trp informed us in no uncertain terms, Damia replied, that the quarters are of a very high standard and everyone is very pleased with them.

Afra grinned, looking over at Laria from where he was feeding Petra her supper. Their real delight are the heated pools. Those would apparently have made up for many other short comings.

Of which we made sure there were none. Though some of the amenities they did request were a bit odd, Damia said, frowning slightly.

Like what? Thian wanted to know. The exhaust fans or those tube lights?

Damia paused for a moment, considering her answer. You know, I'm not quite sure.

They don't seem to use bedding or pillows or anything, Thian went on. They do here.

Cruel and unusual torments, they are, Afra said, judiciously spooning mashed vegetables into his daughter's mouth.

Ah, Dad! Thian said.

They adapt to our ways, Damia said, shooting a quelling glance at her lover.

And I'll have to adapt to their ways? Laria sounded dubious.

When in Rome... her father said.

Afra! Damia turned to reassure her daughter.

Laria's time to exchange was nearing and such questions must be answered truthfully. We asked and asked all the `Dinis what comforts they needed.

She gave a sigh of exasperation. They said they needed no special ones. They are quite happy with everything we do for them.

But will I be happy? Laria replied, wondering how she could ever cope with windowless rooms, exhaust fans and long tube lights. She hadn't really thought about the conditions she'd be faced with on Clarf even if she had never been uncomfortable for a moment with Tip and Huf.

At least on her own turf. Or even when they vacationed on Deneb with Great-Grandmother Isthia.

The Tower personnel at Clarf have assured me that they have spacious and elegant quarters, Damia said so emphatically that Laria began to feel less insecure.

But Lar won't be living at the Tower, will she, Ma? Thian asked, looking as innocent as his youngest sister.

`Thian!' his father said in a firm voice and Thian immediately subsided. Of course you will be required to enter a hibernatory for two months out of every year just like every other `Dini.

His tone was so prosaic that Laria stared at him and then burst out laughing and consequently felt very much better about her future.

Another thing: her parents would never have committed her to something that wasn't absolutely safe for her, their eldest daughter.

Laria was a little puffed about her premier position in the Raven-Lyon family: not badly, but enough for her to be aware of her seniority.

During the next week, that was put to practical application as both she and Thian joined their parents in the Tower to shift the first big-daddy drones.

`It's the mass that's hard to shift, not the physical weight,' Afra told the two as they settled themselves in the extra couches that had been fitted into the main Tower control room.

Thian was twitching with excitement but Laria was able to control her own, though she'd a dreadful fluttering in her middle. Not that she hadn't already assisted her, parents during emergencies. They all had during the cave-in at the Maltese Cross Mine.

Telekinesis had saved a hundred and eight miners from sure death by asphyxiation. Afra had even managed to salvage the bodies of the dead: a great comfort to their grieving families. Laria hadn't been quite sure about that aspect of the rescue but she'd been very glad when she'd linked with her mother to extricate the live ones: she, Thian, Rojer and even Zara had added their strength to their mother's in a spontaneous link. They'd practised such joinings for just such an emergency as it had been used for - but this had been life and death.

Today's exercise was merely a union of the four high Talented minds to lift dead weight of refined iron ore and fling it across the galaxy to Betelgeuse and the manufactories there. They had four to transport.

`This is by way of being a practice session, children,' Afra said.

`Easily within your present abilities and strengths.' `You'll be doing it often enough and with considerably more drones so that this could become a boring exercise,' Damia added as she settled herself in her couch. `It is never,' and she waggled a finger at each of them, `to become either boring or an exercise. You are to pay strict attention to the protocol and the technique now and whenever else you are required to teleport: especially such masses as these.' Laria and Thian nodded solemnly. They knew how proud their mother was of her Tower status as Aurigaean Prime. She'd held it since she was barely eighteen and had never lost a cargo or mishandled one, inanimate or animate.

They had been trained since the first time they'd `lifted' with mind power alone.

`Now, settle yourself comfortably,' Damia said, putting her head back on the rest, shaking her hands to relax them.

The generators were coming up to full power.

Laria knew the sound intimately. She waggled her hands and let them drape beside her, giving her head a final scrunch. She listened intently to the generators, felt the touch of Mother-Father in her mind, let the link happen and felt part of that accord, then felt the addition of Thian's. Only it was no longer four separate minds, it was a Mind, much, much stronger than one raised to the fourth power. This Mind was directed to the first of five puny-looking drones, lying like swollen slugs in the paved court of the Trefoil Mining Corporation.

The Mind gripped the drone and lifted it up, up, and then, as a youngster would skate a flat pebble across the still waters of a lake or river, the drone was skipped out, beyond the planet, beyond its moon and further, further, further, gathering speed until speed was a blur, until the Mind felt a resistance.

Betelgeuse has it! said the Mind that was directed by David of Betelgeuse with his grown children behind him.

The first of five, her Mind announced formally.

Receiving.

Lifting.

Pause.

Receiving.

Lifting.

Pause.

Receiving. The pattern continued until all five drones had been delivered to their destination.

That is all today.

That is enough today! the Betelgeuse replied with feeling.

Tut-tut, David. We must set the example for our young.

We are our young today, Damia! Salutations, Afra, Laria, Thian.

Salutations, David, Perry, Xahra, Morgelle.

The subsequent silence was as rigid as the exchange had been fluid: almost painful. Laria felt a subtraction, knew that Thian had been dropped from the Mind. Then sensed her own exclusion and opened her eyes, rolling her head to release taut neck muscles. Saw Thian doing the same exercises.

`Thank you,' Damia said warmly. `That made a hard task much easier.' `I've got the hang of it now, Mother,' Laria said shyly. `No headache.' `That only comes when you resist the link,' Damia said, reaching across the intervening space to ruffle her daughter's hair.

`All right, Thian?' The boy shook his head, rolled his eyes dramatically. `I must have been resisting. My head's drumming.' ùImmediately, Damia swung off her couch and went to sit on his, her long fingers massaging the column of his neck and up into the head, down again into the shoulder muscles. Thian made faces at Laria who sympathized because she knew how strong her mother's fingers were even as she envied Thian the special treatment.

`Comes with practice,' Afra said, sliding beside his daughter and giving her a gentle massage.

Thian grimaced again. `We'll get plenty of that now, won't we?' `Enough to learn the technique required,' Damia said. `There, that should do the trick. Off you go, now. You've studies to do as well today!' Thian groaned and Laria was certain that he only pretended to have the headache, hoping to be excused from lessons. Mother was a lot smarter than Thian! She kept her notion to herself, however, for she wasn't in the mood to pick a fight right now. Being part of the Mind might be just part of the work of the telekinetic Talent but the merging, being part of her parents, her brother, being tuned to the generators exalted her - yes, exalt was exactly the word - in ways no other facet of her Talent did. She'd once tried to explain the complexity of that rapport to her father and stumbled badly. But they weren't telepaths for nothing and he had cradled her in his arms, assuring her, telepathically, that he knew exactly what she meant.

That that was how it should be, a transcendence of self. She had been much reassured.

Despite the fact that she had grown up among high Talents, had shown evidence of very strong aptitudes by the time she was three, there were certain aspects of the gifts that were occasionally overwhelming.

And that, my little love,' her father had said, cradling her gently and tenderly, letting his love for her wrap like a warm soft shawl about her, `is exactly how it should be. It doesn't do to become arrogant and that's a danger we must studiously shun.' Now she made her way down from the Tower into the main room of the complex, waved to Keylarion the Tower's T-6, and Herault the stationmaster who looked inordinately relieved that the transfer of such mass had gone so smoothly. Xexo didn't look up from the gauges of his beloved generators and Filomena, the expeditor, was busy watching a scroll of incoming cargo assignments.

Tip and Huf looked up from the complicated stick game they were playing with Mur and Dip when she appeared on the steps. They whistled and began to gather up the splinters in front of them.

Mur and Dip protested, and Laria had to laugh.

No matter how often the two sets played, Tip and Huf were always the winners and Mur and Dip never seemed to figure out how. She signed to Mur that she couldn't beat Tip and Huf either but that didn't much appease them. Thian's arrival did and the sextet set out back to the terraced house and the tutorials awaiting them, for all six young creatures had lessons to attend and that was how they occupied themselves until it was time to prepare lunch.

When her parents told Laria that she would shortly be going to the Mrdini homeworld, she was at first ecstatic. At the same time, Tip and Huf had been informed by the Aurigaean Mrdini chief and their joy to be going home was expressed in the form of incredible joyous acrobatics of such complexity that everyone in the Raven-Lyon household stopped whatever they were doing to see their display.

The other `dinis joined in with suitable support gyrations, not as complex as Tip and Huf were managing for, after all, it was Tip and Huf who were going home.

It was perhaps seeing such antics on her home terrace that made Laria realize that she would be leaving it. Leaving Saki, the Coonies, the Darbuls, even the Slithers: leaving her brothers and sisters, and most of all leaving her parents and all that was familiar and homely.

Laria suppressed the rising doubt and nebulous anxieties about her ability to handle all she would now experience. The exchange pact had been explained to her the day, at five years of age, she'd asked her parents why some people didn't have `Dini friends. But, oh, how she would miss everyone!

We would be terribly hurt if you didn't, her father 5' said gently, obviously speaking only to her. She managed a smile for him as she turned to where he stood on the top of the terrace steps with her mother. You will be only a thought away, dear heart, he added. We have that advantage.

Yes, we do, Daddy, she replied stoutly and resolutely turned her thoughts to positive ones. The first was to fix in her mind's eye the scene around her; their house with the mountains looming behind them in an unbroken stretch, the city below her with the faint rattle and clang of mine machinery (a constant background noise), the `dinis dancing, the admiring audience of her brothers and sisters, Coonies and Darbuls, and even a few Slithers who carefully kept to the banks where they would be less apt to be trampled by flippered feet.

The evening sky was a particularly beautiful shade of azure, darkening slowly to the vivid depths of night. There was even a breeze, flowing down from the mountains, that was cold and redolent of the pungent vegetation that was welcoming Aurigaean spring. And, as ever, the faint acrid whiff that left a metallic aftertaste at the back of the throat.

Laria would remember this scene, this moment for ever. She knew it, and sighed deeply.

Laria's sisters, Zara, Kaltia and even five-year-old Morag, helped her pack while the `dinis watched.

They didn't have more to take home than a small pouch apiece: oddments that were valuable only to them: pieces of pretty rocks and sea shells, beaded panels of unknown usage and uncut gemstones which were their particular favorites. When their fondness for jewels had been noticed, Afra had located a lapidary among the Aurigaean miners but, while the `dinis displayed a keen interest in the process, they were not at all intrigued with the formality of cutting their gems.

The `dinis on Earth had evidently cornered the market in pearls, nacre and other iridescent marine shells, items not available on Aurigae.

Leaving Saki was the hardest part although Laria knew that Zara, who would inherit the amiable horse, adored her. She would be leaving Saki in the best possible hands. Zara's pony would now pass to Morag who was just old enough to manage. But once Laria had accepted that necessity, she began to get excited about the adventure. For it would be one. She felt it from both her mother and father, including a touch or two of envy that she would be having an experience that they couldn't. Thian was particularly strong in his envy aura but he'd only a year or so to wait before he could come too, so Laria didn't mind him. Rojer was the most unhappy because he hadn't been part of the `Dini exchange and he really, really wanted to be. Laria tried projecting soothing thoughts to him but he caught her at it and disappeared on one of his solitary hunts. Dismayed, she kept a light touch on him, but Rojer, although only twelve now, was clever and eluded her.

Sometimes Laria felt like the `dinis, leaping about with excitement; at others, she wondered just what she was getting into.

Whether or not the `dinis had had similar trepidations she didn't know, but she received such supportive dreams from Tip and Huf that gradually anticipation became wholly positive.

She almost couldn't bear the wait until the hour she was to depart.

As several other `Dini pairs were making the trip home, a large carrier was to be used. Almost too keyed-up to contain herself, Laria hugged each of her siblings, her mother and father, and practically dived into the capsule.

As he closed the hatch, her father winked in such a conspiratorial fashion that she was startled.

Glad you stayed around to go by carrier, love, he said. You looked about ready to make the jump unaided.

She wriggled with impatience and grinned radiantly back at him.

She had felt that way. I've got more sense than that, Dad!

If you hadn't, we wouldn't have considered sending you, Laria, he replied in his droll fashion. When in doubt, use that good common sense of yours, Coonie, and you'll be fine.

Calling her `Coonie' was his especial endearment and a flood of prideful love enveloped her. She widened an already cheek-breaking smile and he completed the closure, slapping the roof of the carrier as the cargo handlers always did.

Laria wiggled again, scrunching herself more comfortably on to the padding. Then she turned her head to be sure that the `Dinis were all secure in their specially made hammocks.

Ready? her mother asked.

Ready, Laria answered, dying for the protocol of sending to be finished so she could go!

For all of her excitement and anticipation, she couldn't help hanging on to the mind touch of her parents as they inaugurated the lift. So she knew the second in which the personnel carrier was taken from the cradle, as it hovered and, with a split second to prepare herself, was thrust across the void in the teleportation that would end at the Mrdinis' world.

Clarf, which was the nearest that humans could come to the sounds which Mrdinis made for their homeworld, was in the usual third position of an oxygen-hydrocarbon world about its primary. The system, however, was in the midst of a very populous area of the galaxy. It was no wonder the Mrdinis had achieved star flight, with so many near, bright and sparkling neighbours to encourage them to explore other worlds.

Clarf's position in such a teeming cluster also gave the Mrdinis some protection from the encroaching Hive: there were many other worlds to attract that species' interest.

When the transfer of teleports occurred, Laria was involved in the exchange.

Hi there, small stuff, a cheerful baritone voice said. Allow me to introduce ourselves: Yoshuk is me, and Nesrun is my happy other self.

There was an alto chuckle.

Yoshuk has his joke, the alto voice aid. Be welcome, young Laria.

And there! You're landed. Quite a welcoming committee so be ready.

Since the capsule's controls were for human manipulation, Laria unsealed the hatch and cracked it.

The blazing light that poured in made her squint while the `dinis sneezed, honked, crackled at a high level of joy and excitement.

Shielding her eyes, Laria pushed the hatch back, and then stood aside.

Tip and Huf were most insistent in sign and sound that they emerge first. Noise poured in on them as well as light, almost as violently as the assault of light on her eyes. But she couldn't see well enough to locate the source. Then the other Mrdini filed past her, clicking softly with polite appreciation of her courtesy. The moment they stepped out, they added their own sharp barks and shouts to the external din. She blinked furiously to adjust her eyes. She wondered how the `dinis had been able to see at all on Aurigae if this brilliance was constant on their world.

Ooops, said Yoshuk, try these. A pair of wraparound lenses floated in through the open hatch to her. Someone should have warned you.

Laria put the glasses on and the light abated to a much more comfortable level. The noise outside, however, crescendoed and, just as she peered outside, four pairs of `Dini paws reached in towards her.

The clicks and squeaks of welcome were abetted by signs of `come out', `come here', `join us' and `where it' - meaning herself.

Laughing at the conflicting salutations, Laria stepped out and had her first view of Clarf. Or rather the Tower complex, reassuringly familiar despite the alien sky, the incredible sun making the flat apron a heat-trap. She was right beside the Tower which had been one of the first such installations on the Mrdini-controlled worlds. The shapes of the Tower and its auxiliary buildings, even the cradles, were familiar but the materials from which they had been made were most unusual. Rock, orange slashes with black and red, had been used for the walls: some deep-blue material slated the roofs.

The cradles were iron black, not alloy blue, and the plascrete was a greeny black - and the yellow white of sun soaking up light and throwing back glare.

Laria had only the merest glance at what panorama lay beyond - low and layered buildings of complex geometric design, great triangular mounds which she assumed were entrances to immense hibernatories and, overhead, buzzing like so many angry insects, the unmistakable figures of airborne `dinis, using their personal lift belts. Occasionally, a vivid orange line shot across the sky and a flying figure veered abruptly out of its way. There seemed to be uncluttered air space over the Tower Complex.

We'll be with you as soon as incoming traffic eases, Yoshuk said.

They may paw you to death but it's an enthusiastic way to go.

She could see what he meant for she was now surrounded by a horde of `dinis of all sizes and colours, all wanting to touch her, as if to reassure themselves that the human child they had been promised had actually landed.

A very loud crack and the `dinis crowding about her stood still, with only one or two small noises of what Laria interpreted as dismay.

Another crack and the `dinis made a respectful corridor as the largest `Dini she had ever seen made its way to her. It had great loops of pearls about its neck and an incredible tiara-like construction ornamenting its poll eye which was tilted in her direction.

Just as she was wondering what sort of movement she should make to indicate respect to this superior `Dini, she felt paws lift her two hands and bring A little shake of one of her `Dini-held hands them forward. Tip and Huf had become her escorts?

sponsors?

The big `Dini lowered its upper section 50 that the liquid, purply poll eye was level with her face. The eye began to twirl slowly. The `Dini brought both of its paws forward to touch her out-held hands, folded them to its chest and said firmly `Plsgt!': the `Dini way of exchanging names with humans.

Laria copied that gesture and said `Lr!', well pleased that she had managed both the liquid `l' and throlled `r' sounds.

Recoiling in what was a very good approximation of human surprise, Plus (which she decided to call it in her own mind) gave that burbling noise that signified `Dini pleasure.

Well done, Laria, Yoshuk said. They'll love you here with those ells and arrs. Another alto chuckle from Nesrun.

Beyond her a second large personnel carrier glided gently to rest in a cradle. Behind her an almighty thunder shook not only the air but the ground and, whirling around, Laria saw her first self-propelled spaceship take off. It was far away, probably ten kilometres or more, despite the tremendous sound.

The flames from its massive rockets grew longer and longer as its upward movement proceeded. Laria couldn't help but stare and wonder why such an antiquated and wasteful method was still in use when Clarf had its own Tower. But it wasn't, she reminded herself, a Prime Tower.

Yoshuk and Nesrun were T-2s, not T-1s and would be unable to thrust such a behemoth on its way. Beyond it, a second, then a third, and fourth spaceship rumbled skyward.

and Laria recalled herself to her surroundings. Tip and Huf had gathered attendants: much the same coloration as they were, so Laria figured they might be related. No-one knew how many constituted a `Dini family group.

Plus now tucked her hand under its arm, against its warm silky side and turned, so she followed.

Unobtrusively Tip gave her a quick sign that this was an honour which she had already gathered. She lengthened her stride just as Plus shortened its and she didn't know if she should laugh at their crosspurposes. Then she saw Huf make amusement signs and so she felt able to grin up at the big `Dini.

Oh, my dear, you are landing on your feet, Yoshuk said. Led out by Plsgt itself.

What's going to happen now, Yoshuk?

You're to be escorted to your new quarters by Plsgt who's always been the strongest proponent on this planet of the experiment. Then you'll be part of the welcome home banquet for your pair.

Tip and Huf?

Yes, and we'll meet you there. We won't leave you unsupported, Laria.

Not unless we want our ears singed off by the Rowan or the Raven, added Nesrun, colouring her tone with a mock malicious grin.

Plus handed Laria into the open-air passenger compartment: Tip, Huf and several of their colour group joining them. The vehicle moved smoothly forward on airjets, the driver carefully manoeuvring through oncoming traffic that was mostly crated, bagged and boxed materials, piled high on floats.

How inefficient it was to have no kinetics available, Laria thought. Her presence distracted one or two drivers to near-accident situations. Surely, since their two species had been in contact for more than sixteen years, the sight of humans was not that unusual for `dinis. Tip and Huf wiggled with amusement at the near misses and flicked signs at her, crackling at their kin who apparently were more concerned about the situation.

Then the vehicle turned out of the spaceport facility on to a very broad `roadway' teeming with traffic of all kinds: pedestrian, vehicular and a single-wheeled affair that riders handled with exceeding skill and daring, darting in and around slower, more cumbersome road users. Laria was so fascinated by their antics that Tip had to whistle a warning to her. Plsgt was signing and she'd missed its opening remarks. She shot a frantic glance at Tip who repeated it behind Plus' back. Fortunately, Plus was only identifying the buildings they were passing.

The spaceport was, quite rightly, surrounded by support and service agencies. Then their vehicle pulled into the centre of the road to allow the passage of a block of what Laria had to identify as `soldiers' though she had never seen any. Unlike other `dinis, these wore heavy bandoliers, with tubes and other ominous-looking devices slung across their backs. They looked tougher and many had odd cicatrix along their bodies and limbs, suggesting healed wounds. At least, that's what the marks appeared to be to her. Sometimes one didn't need familiarity with a thing to recognize it.

Then Plus was pointing out apertures on either side of the broad roadway, and smaller avenues leading off the main thoroughfare. These were the domestic quarters of the spacefield technicians. These residential facilities formed the usual `Dini quadrangle about the workplace. Separating the various dwellings were the great slanting mounds of hibernatories.

No-one had far to go. Where did food and other commodities come from, Laria wondered, but Plus evidently didn't feel it necessary to comment on such particulars.

Behind them came the roar of more ships taking off, and the air was once more filled with the smell of hot metal and fuel exhaust.

Really, Laria thought, it was too bad there weren't enough Talents available to loft the `Dini vessels, and reduce noise and air pollution. Maybe she should concentrate on fitting herself for that.

With no immodesty, Laria knew that she'd be a Tower Prime when she'd finished her training.

The journey to her new home took over an hour, as Plus' vehicle drove them steadily deeper into the capital of Clarf - a sprawling metropolis - past flat open spaces whose purpose was not mentioned. At one point, she also caught the unmistakable odour of rotting vegetables and the cloying sweetness of fruit. She couldn't isolate from which building of the many small structures they passed such smells issued and it amused her that Plus seemed either oblivious or unwilling to comment on that side of `Dini ecology. It was tactful of Plus not to show her the downside of life on Clarf. It did point out plinths and columns, or pillars, with a great deal of 6o pride and an explanation which she couldn't quite grasp and neither could Tip nor Huf.

Between the air pollution and the intense sunlight, Laria began to develop a fierce headache and did her best to dampen it. She would have liked to close her eyes to rest them. Plus wouldn't notice she had with the dark lenses covering her from brow to cheek but she had to watch its signings or be rude.

She was overwhelmingly grateful when the vehicle came to a stop before a large and new-looking building - new because the intense sunlight had not bleached it - with an odd annexe perched on the roof.

It took her only a moment to realize that the annexe was odd because it had windows, a feature which no other `Dini building had, as well as a door, some sort of a glassed-in porch and potted plants. Or, at least, that's what she thought they must be. That's when she realized she had seen nothing, absolutely nothing, green, growing or vegetable-looking on the long ride from Tower.

There was probably an explanation for that. Being of a practical turn of mind and having hunted for the table for years, Laria did sort of wonder about food resources and distribution. Maybe hunger was part of her headache.

Now Plus opened the panel in the vehicle and stepped to the ground, turning to assist her in the most chivalrous fashion. Then she saw a double file of `Dinis come out of the building, poll eyes bent respectfully in the presence of Plus and herself.

Tip and Huf became a close-drill escort behind her, their flippered feet aligned with hers as if, and Laria managed to suppress a grin, they were to make sure she didn't put a foot wrong!

The file reached them, proper greenngs accorded Plus and then the lead pair turned to her with carefully enunciated sounds which she understood perfectly, so that she could respond in kind to their welcome and good wishes. She, and Plus, were invited inside to enjoy guest hospitality, and she and Plus accepted. She waited a second to see what Trip and Huf would do and felt their pressure on her feet.

She could move forward, staying slightly to the rear of Plus, as they progressed to the building.

She clicked and clacked to either side of her, nodding politely to each poll eye, saying either `Your welcome honours' or `Pleased to meet you' with an occasional `Thank you'.

It was on her passage up this gauntlet that she suddenly realized something which she felt was significant. Though there was considerable variety in the `Dini pelts, they were all the same basic hue.

Plus, however, was covered in fur of a shade that almost `fought' with theirs, having an orange hue whereas theirs had a bluishness to it. She glanced furtively at Tip and Huf and realized that they were `blues'. So `colour grouping' was more critical than anyone had known.

Good girl! Got it the first day! Yoshuk's tenor was triumphant.

Many are still trying to find the connection.

It is significant?

As you'll discover now you're here. Don't let it worry you.

You're above the colour bar, being human. And Nesrun's alto voice was cynical. You might be more cauttious with broad generalizations when in mixed colours, though I really don't think you'll be unduly troubled by this little quirk.

Colour bar? Laria found the concept disconcerting.

Then Tip's foot trod heavily on her heel and she stopped making tangential conversation. They had passed the portal and were now in the usual broad foyer where appurtenances, single-wheeled bikes and fly belts were in a state of inspection readiness.

The Mrdinis had been on a war-basis for centuries now so she shouldn't have been surprised by the military flavour, even if she wasn't all that familiar with it: undoubtedly one of the adjustments she would have to make.

The place was spotless - not that one could see too many details in the semi-light in which all `Dini accommodation was kept. Laria was glad that she had been such a frequent visitor to the Aurigaean village. And this, of course, was the reason she had been encouraged.

She followed in Plus' wake as the official tour continued, to the bathing rooms on both sides of the main entry, to the apartments, and finally to the standing lift that gave her access to her own. Plus would not fit on the two-person affair - no more than a piece of flooring and the central shaft that lifted the floor up to her quarters or down to the level. It was an ingenious amenity. Mur gestured for her to take her place, took the other side and made a big show of pressing the control button.

There were two, each with luminescent paint one marked D, and one marked U. Laria signed her approval and appreciation.

Sunlight poured through the wide windows of her own special apartment and she looked about her, clapping her hands, which was fortuitously just the way `Dinis expressed delight. And it was an amazing surprise. She had fully expected to be living in `Dini-style quarters, had made up her mind to that necessity if the exchange was to be properly honoured. But to have her own space and place was unforeseen.

There was a human-style bed, with beautiful thick covers (for `Dinis never used any), pillows, a chest, a small press for garments, a desk, a terminal (displaying a map of the city with her current position shown by the pulsing red cursor icon) and audio equipment, shelving, two human chairs and two `Dini-style stools, with tail-holes.

There were two doors: one led out to the roof area and the other most probably to sanitary facilities.

`OH, TIP, BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACE! MUCH BEAUTIFUL FOR SINGLE HUMAN. MUCH EFFORT DESIGN AND THINGS. BEAUTIFUL. THOUGHTFUL.

CONSIDERATE.

FRIENDLY!' In her excitement she had trouble getting her tongue about the `Dini phrases.

You're doing all right, kid! Yoshuk said, his voice warm with approval.

Can you understand `Dini?

I can understand your surprise and pleasure, Laria, and the syntax has to b `Dini. I'll do my best to -learn it from you. They want you happy here and, as you see, they went to a great deal of trouble.

Obviously worth it.

Oh, it is, Yoshuk. It is. But . I'm going to need drapes on these windows. The light is blinding.

Didn't know what colours you liked, Nesrun put in. Got some things for you to pick from soon's you get over here.

Tip was signing at her, too, stating that, as an adult, she naturally had to have her own quarters.

The time for her to share her bed with others was over.

She caught Yoshuk's chuck}e at that comment and Nesrun's hiss of censure.

From a `Dini view point, certainly.

Huf went on to say that they knew she did not require a hibernatory space but she was to make known any other needs that would comfort her.

`THIS ONE TAKES GREAT PLEASURE IN THE QUARTERS. EXPRESSES GREAT PLEASURE AND THANKS. SO KIND. SO CONSIDERATE. SO HONOURABLE.' Someone had brought the lift down again and now it rose to her level with her carisaks. With Tip's help she cleared them.

`Hang on pretty now,' Huf said with a forward jerk of the head, meaning this was very important.

From its own pouch, Huf began to take necklaces of shells and stones, bracelets with uncut gem charms, and what her mother had told Laria was an old mantilla comb, carved of ivory, which Tip carefully secured above its poll eye.

Understanding came and Laria rummaged in her cases for the pearls her father had given her for her birthday: a double-stranded necklace, earrings, bracelet and two rings, one pearl and one of a fire opal.

She had been astounded by such a lavish present - and one of jewellery - but now she understood that the jewels were as much a part of her role here on Clarf as her fluency in the language.

One of the areas in which human and Mrdini compared favourably was in their sociability. `Dinis loved to have eating sessions with their kin and peripheral groupings. That was the reason for the large empty squares she had seen on the way here.

And it was to the nearest of these that Tip and Huf now led her.

Huf had put on its special treasures, the mother-of-pearl crown, various chains of uncut gems and other pretties, with coil upon coil of shell bracelets. Huf nodded approval as it saw how bedecked Laria was and then her old friends led her to the square.

A `Dini percussion band was in place and rivalled even the continuing thunder of departing space vehicles. Food had appeared, spread out on great tables which had been set up during the inspection, and hundreds of the small cubes and rounds that were `Dini seats.

As honoured guest, she sat - on a conspicuously human chair - by Plus who had added extra decorations to its display and several smaller versions of itself, also much bejewelled. It was very polite to examine in close detail the jewellery of another `Dini and so Laria performed that social obligation, exclaiming in admiration and managing to find something new to say about each ornament presented for her inspection.

By the time these courtesies for Plus' entourage had been acquitted, her jaws ached and her tongue was dry in a parched throat.

`Drink?' she asked Tip who had been hovering close by: possibly for just this requirement. She turned her head away from the main group and rubbed her jaw muscles, yawning to ease the tension in her mouth and lips: actions which could be misconstrued by `Dinis if seen.

The sun was beating down again and she resolved to find herself a hat as soon as possible. She'd never needed one but somehow she had to protect her head.

Sunstroke is what you hazard, Yoshuk told her, but we've allowed for that.

Distance meant nothing to a Prime telepath but Laria was instantly aware that Yoshuk `sounded' closer. She peered around her and saw the two humans entering the square. They were instantly lost in the milling of `Dinis dancing to the rhythmic percussive beats. In fact, the rhythm was very difficult to deny and she'd had to keep her feet from tapping as she made the diplomatic jewel inspection. `Dinis were very susceptible to cadence and the adept `Dini dancer could perform incredible feats in tempo with drums or other tapped surfaces and objects. She'd danced at home but she also knew that there were certain protocols about dancing which she had to respect while on Clarf. Tip and Huf had been unable to explain the ramifications but she'd been promised full instruction once she arrived on Clarf.

Suddenly the two humans emerged out of the gyrating crowd of `Dini, and the man both wore and carried headgear. The woman, who was taller than the slender little man, wore some sort of ornate turban about her head. The yellow and white fabric made the perfect frame for her dark skin and dark eyes.

`I am Nesrun of Betelgeuse,' the woman said and her smile of very white even teeth was even more impressive against the dark chocolate of her skin.

She held out her hand, palm up, and Laria made the formal contact, brief and somewhat electric as it was. Nesrun had a startling touch: vibrant, deep yellow, with a curious acid taste. But she nodded as if she approved of however she perceived Laria in the tactile contact.

`I am Yoshuk of Altair,' the man said, grinning broadly with some secret amusement as he held out his hand.

As he was quite the most beautiful man Laria had ever seen, she was curiously hesitant to complete the courtesies. His smile deepened as if he had caught her diffidence, though she had instantly shielded.

He was softer than Nesrun had been, deep blue, and lemony: a combination which startled her almost as much as his beauty. The skin touch was swiftly replaced by the hat he put in her outstretched hand, a hat similar to the one he wore.

`These are specially developed against harsh tropic suns, Laria.

Our welcome gift to you.' Laria was properly grateful, especially as the hat was an excellent fit, shading her eyes as well as the back of her neck with its slanting brim. There was air space above her pate: neither heat nor the pressure of the sun was so intensely felt.

`With all we know about Clarf, no-one thought to mention the sun,' Nesrun remarked.

`Though, God knows, I have mentioned it innumerable times and so has every human visitor,' Yoshuk added with a droll grin of resignation.

Laria was aware that she was staring at Yoshuk, but he continued to smile pleasantly as if accustomed to such scrutiny: even inviting it, the way he turned his head so she had the full benefit of his classic profile. Then Nesrun, apparently by chance, trod on his foot and he danced away from it, much as a nervous colt might. That analogy interrupted Laria's daze and she fell into a more normal manner.

`Were you two responsible for my marvellous quarters??s?' Laria asked.

Yoshuk shook his head and Nesrun answered.

`No, the design is all their idea. They know what humans require.

I did suggest that you might be happier picking the final touches yourself.' She rolled her eyes upwards. `They learn quick, though.' `You should have seen what they'd rigged up for us!' Yoshuk grinned.

Trouble was, Laria thought, the grin doesn't spoil his looks, except I'd hate to annoy him. She grinned back.

`What did you mean, Yoshuk,' she said, searching for a safe topic to end the pause, `by saying you'd be happy to learn syntax from me?

Don't you speak `Dini?' Nesrun's laugh was pure malice which Yoshuk totally ignored. `Neither of us speak `Dini, Laria,' Nesrun said.

`Can't clack, click or whistle with any fluency. We get along by signing - our own brand - but it suffices. Or we ask for a dreamer.

That,' and she glared at Yoshuk, `is the port of last resort.' She gave a controlled shudder.

Laria regarded her with some surprise. `Don't you like `Dinis?' `I've got accustomed to them,' she said sardonically, `but they are certainly not my chosen bed mates.' Again another little shudder.

Yoshuk leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, shielding his hand from those around them. `She's not exactly xenophobic...' `You're lucky to have been raised with them, Laria,' Nesrun put in. `Saves a lot of adjustment.' `Don't you want to learn `Dini?' Laria asked Nesrun. It seemed terribly impolite to live in the midst of a new culture and not know about it; be unable to communicate with the inhabitants, especially when so much was at stake!

`I'd like to learn signing,' Nesrun said reluctantly, compressing her lips briefly, `but you're going to have to teach that, too, you know!' `I do,' Laria said and sighed.

Yoshuk gave her the kindest smile imaginable.

`Don't worry, Laria. You'll cope!' He said that with such sincerity and sympathy that Laria got a second wind of resolution!

`I'm to work out Tower times with you..

Yoshuk's smile became mischievous. `You'll be on call, certainly.

But the real work won't come right away. It's almost more important for you to teach right now. In fact, it's imperative.' Laria took a deep breath. `I can see that it is.' Then Plus leaned sideways to attract her attention 7' and she politely concentrated on what it was saying.

With the dark lenses and the hat, her headache was reduced to a mere pulse. Or maybe that was her blood throbbing in time to the percussives?

She lasted out the celebrations and was ready the next morning for the students of both races.

When his sister came home for his sixteenth-birthday celebration, Thian was even prouder of her than her parents - if that could be possible. She was tanned a warm ruddy shade - up to mid-brow - where her hat sat. She was extremely fit, and showed them all up by leading them a merry chase out hunting on Saki.

Nor had she lost her skill with arrow and dart for, at the end of the day, she had more in her hunting bag than anyone else. She was the same, and yet she was more, Thian decided. Better, and not the least big smug like some of his Denebian cousins who were being trained by his parents in Aurigae Tower.

He was scheduled to take over Laria's teaching duties on Clarf so he wouldn't have to put up with cousins Roddie and Megan, who were only T-3s and shouldn't take on the airs and poses they did.

The one time he had tried to take the wind Out of their sails, his parents had jumped on him with all four feet and threatened to send him to Coventry if he ever pulled another stunt like that.

`But they . .. ` he began in self-defence.

It is what you do that concerns us and you may not retaliate in that fashion no matter what the provocation!

There could be no question in Thian's mind that 7Z his mother meant exactly what she said. Worse, he could feel his father's mind confirming the rebuke.

They didn't say anything when he began bringing in more game than either of his cousins could find.

He studied the tactical games in which Roddie was said to excel and beat him consistently in all of them. He kept his scholastic record higher than his obnoxious cousin's - and Roddie was supposed to be the engineering brains in the family, taking after his famous namesake uncle. With quiet satisfaction, he saw that Roddie kept trying but he could never quite reach Thian's level and that was fine by Thian.

There are many ways to out manoeuvre an enemy and Thian was perfecting one.

He wasn't sure that he actually envied Laria, for she now was scheduled to do a final three months' training at Callisto Tower.

Grandmother Rowan was known to be picky to work with, a perfectionist, endlessly demanding that all her Tower staff operate on the highest possible level, especially now, as there was so much traffic. But that was why Laria was recalled from her teaching assignment and given this intensive course. If she met the Rowan's high standard - which no-one doubted - she'd return to Clarf as Tower Prime to help bring in the great assault ships, built of Aurigaean ores in the satellite construction-yards of Earth, Betelgeuse, Procyon and the Mrdini worlds of Clarf, Sef, Ptu, Kif, and Tplu.

On quite a few occasions, while Thian had been standing a listening watch at the Tower, he had received important and secret messages. In point of fact, the first three times, he had been told to get either his mother or his father to accept the communication.

Either his mother or father must have vouched for him because, after that, he'd been given the direct message. He never discussed them with either parent, and never knew if they were aware of these developments.

But he treasured the trust shown in him, and tried to fit the substance of the messages into his overview of the Hive pursuit.

He was cautious with those think-files and always erased any notes thoroughly before he left his room screen. Thian was aware that most of the Federation did not know that contact with the Hive Migration ships had been made or that `Dini and human pursuit ships were attempting to find the Hive Home System.

Before he'd been born, before Laria had been born, the Mrdinis had made contact with his parents on Deneb where they were spending a well-deserved rest and relaxation leave. There was something else about that point in time Thian hadn't been told: he just sensed that there was more explanation due him. Probably when he was older and a Tower Prime himself. The Raven-Lyon children knew when, and when not, to probe for information.

At any rate, Damia and Afra had Dreamed Mrdini and made contact with the alien race, discovering that the enemy which had ravaged their worlds was the same menace that had attacked Deneb, Granddad's planet.

The assault had been repulsed by the massed, merged Minds of every T-rating on every planet in the Federation. The Many Mind of the sixteen queens on the Hive ship had been overpowered and then the ship plunged, helpless, into Deneb's sun. But there were more than one Hive ship and the Mrdini wanted human help in preventing more worlds from falling under Hive domination, for the Hive species stripped any suitable world of all other life forms, propagated at an incredible rate, and then sent its excess population out into space to find yet more worlds where it could repeat the process.

While there were estimated to be millions of carbon-based planets in the galaxy, such uncontrolled expansion - to the detriment of other species - had to be limited.

At tremendous cost in personnel and materiel, the Mrdinis had struggled to keep their own worlds free. They had been overjoyed to find that humans were also involved in, and capable of, species' protection. They were fascinated by the special psionic Talents used by the Federation to reduce loss of life without diluting the effectiveness of the deterrent with which they had defeated the initial attempts of the Hive ships to intrude on their spheres of influence.

With such vastly different species and for such a common purpose, unambiguous communications had to be established. This was being done through the young of both life forms who paired early in order to instil mutual respect and form a basis for the mutual understanding required for the undertaking.

While this programme was maturing, the military arms of each species were searching space in a joint operation. Though dissimilar in style and operation, the means to trace the Hive ships' ion trails back to their point of origin had been available to both navies, and had finally been productive.

FT&T Primes had forwarded a squadron to a rendezvous with the Mrdini ships which had intercepted the Hive vessels' trails. Each of the `Dini ships had several strong dreamers who could communicate on a basic level with Talents on board the human ships. While hoping that following the ion trails back the way they had come might result in discovering the location of the Hive homeworld, the more pessimistic of both species recognized that the trails might dwindle to nothing considering the period of time involved - and the effort would be wasted. But others argued, and won, that this was the best opportunity to at least try.

They'd be no worse off, and at least would have identified where the Hive were not.

A second contingent, six fast ships from each fleet, had set out in pursuit of the marauding Hivers. It was as critical to know their destinations as to discover their origins. And possibly come to the assistance of whatever planet was the target of Hive attentions.

No-one yet, of either species, had suggested the Way to destroy the Hive culture. Or, at least, contain it. Another ethical point on which Mrdini and human were agreed: neither found it morally acceptable to undertake the total annihilation of another sentient species, even one as inimical to both their life forms as the Hivers.

`That's because they haven't been physically threatened,' Jeff Raven had said grimly in the privacy of his mother's home on Deneb.

`One can indulge in such moral stands at several removes.

`There must be some humane way to remove the threat of Hive invasions,' his oldest son, Jeran, had replied.

`We're working on it, though I'll argue the point that "humane" applies to the Hivers. Seemingly they have only one method of colonizing and that 5

fatal to any other life form inhabiting the planet they choose.' `It'd be very difficult to change the goals of a species you can't even talk to,' Isthia said.

`I don't even want to talk to them,' the Rowan had said, giving a shudder as she vividly remembered the moment she, as focus of the merged female Talents, had briefly touched the Many Mind of the Hive queens. `There was nothing there to talk to!' she added, after a moment's thought.

`We could just pick off each ship that's found using the same methods, couldn't we?' Cera RavenHilk asked.

`We could,' Jeff replied. `But that would be a life's work in itself `Besides tying up Primes and whole bunches of Talent, quite likely at the most inconvenient times,' the Rowan added, with a little sniff. `I certainly wouldn't like to have to keep doing it, time after time. The `Dinis' estimate of how many Hive ships there could be is unnerving.' `How many is that?' Jeran asked diffidently.

Classified, said both parents at once.

Oh, well, you can't blame me for trying, Jeran said.

`At least we do now have a great many more Talents to call on than we did when you had to execute the first one,' Cera said, placidly.

Her parents gave her such a long look that she blinked, wondering why she had incurred their disapproval. `The Two-Level mass mind-merges didn't take very long, after all.' `It took more than you think,' the Rowan said, remembering that Cera had been affected in utero during that brief, but exceedingly intense, assault.

Maybe that was why she came out with such peculiar sentiments.

The human ships following the ion trail were now far beyond any friendly system. The traces remained strong, indicating excesses of speed which made the ion trail so easy to follow. The human flagship, the Va dim, and her consorts, the Solidarity, the Reliant and the Beijing were experiencing supply shortages which must be remedied if they were expected to continue. Captain Ashiant of the Vadim made it very plain that he and the other human captains insisted on continuing towards the Hive homeworld no matter how long it took. To transport such long distances, the Towers involved - Deneb and Callisto - were also going to need reinforcements. There was even the hint that a Prime Talent would be required on the pursuit flagship, to facilitate future transportations and communications over the immense distances now involved.

`All the old military commanders say it's wrong to have too long a supply line,' Thian said when the subject of Tower augmentations came up.

`This is the twenty-four century, Thian,' Roddie said, dismissing that concern. `We have skills and abilities those ancients never thought of. And,' he added pompously, `we haven't had a land-war in generations.

`Thian's point is well taken,' Afra said at his most mild and Roddie flushed, hearing the subtle rebuke. `Neither spdes has explored the areas through which they've been passing. There've been no yellow stars, which are systems the Hivers seek, or where our folk could land and replenish supplies from natural materials. Naval hydroponics can only supply so much to augment frozen, dried and canned comestibles.

Water's been recycled far too often for it to be potable. That's actually the main problem, though fuel supplies are also dwindling and must be replenished.' `Ice planet? Ice asteroids?' Roddie suggested.

`Requires detours from the course into a system with an expense of fuel that might not be justified by results,' Afra said. Roddie's face fell. `But it is an alternative that's being considered.

`But that's not a viable one, is it?' Thian said thoughtfully.

`If yellow stars generate the kind of planets that the Hive wants and that we'd need to find drinkable water. There'd be the possibility of a confrontation.' Afra nodded solemnly and Thian sighed at the complexity of it all.

`We'll think of something,' Roddie said proudly.

`The `Dinis might beat us to it,' and Laria's grin was mischievous. `They're very clever.

Roddie decided he had other things to do than argue with cousins.

`Is it being a Denebian that makes him like that, or being just a T-3?' Laria asked her brother in a low voice.

`Deneb does inculcate certain characteristics in its children,' Afra said, rising, `just as Aurigae instils others, not necessarily exemplary ones, in hers!' `Whooops!' Laria said, grinning at the subtle rebuke. `A few years in a Tower and he'll probably turn into a quite bearable young man.' At that both her father and brother laughed and moved off to mingle with other guests.

Several days later, Damia and Afra sent Thian a telepathic call to join them in the Tower room.

Family matters were generally dealt with in the house, so Thian was instantly aware that this was an unusual summons. With some trepidation and a quick inventory of recent misdemeanours, Thian `ported himself the short distance into the upper Chamber where his parents conducted all FT&T business.

He didn't dare probe his own parents but he could, and did, establish their mental tone: Damia was sad and worried, and his father seemed coloured by regret and reluctance but was also containing pride, being more apprehensive than worried.

`Thian, his mother began, pausing to fingercomb over her shoulder the silver tress that even her son knew misbehaved when she was upset, `we've had a request... ` She glanced for assistance to Afra.

`Jeff Raven makes few,' Afra said, `and it is only a request which we three can examine, forget or accept, as we decide.' 8o 8i Thian mastered the impatience with this round- about talk and waited. He couldn't even catch a hint of what this request was about.

`What does my grandfather want?' Thian said, rather pleased with his adroit phrasing. It might generate the sort of response he wanted.

It did.

`Earth Prime,' and his mother corrected him firmly, `requires a T-1 to accompany the reinforcements to the rendezvous.' `Wow! I was right about supply lines, wasn't I, Dad!' What are you talking about, Thian? Damia asked, sharp with worries she tried to hide.

He made a point the other day and it's come to roost on his own shoulders, his father said, grinning.

Going to honour it?

`You mean, Granddad's really considering me?' Thian couldn't believe his great good luck. Wait'll he told Roddie. His silly coz would be mouldy with envy.

That remark doesn't become you, Afra said in a very tight voice and Thian shook himself, sharpening his attention to the matter in hand. That's better.

`You know how few T-1s there are ` Damia began, fiddling with the curl on the end of her silver tress which had found its way back over her shoulder. That automatic gesture reminded Thian that he often fiddled with the silver streak that was a genetic legacy from his mother. Even the baby Petra had a tuft of silver hairs at the temple, the cause of some amusement in the Denebian side of the family.

`There's nearly a hundred of us now,' Thian began in protest.

`Not of working age,' Damia said. `You're barely sixteen and while you've been trained to very high standards, you've only worked here in Aurigae...

`And Deneb in the summers,' Thian added, afraid she might not remember that.

`Not the most active of Towers,' she replied. Then she gave him a little smile. `But you did well, and you've always done well here.

It's just that...

`Mom, you know I've read everything there is on naval histories, even military ones from the early centuries,' Thian said earnestly.

`You know I'm the best there is at strategy games . . `Strategy is not involved here,' she said rather sharply. What is involved are very long lonely distances for my eldest son who has only just reached manhood.

Then she let Thian feel what she was feeling and he almost burst into tears, despite his sixteen years.

She was terribly afraid - afraid she might never see him again that he'd die before his time, as her brother Larak had done. Larak often figured in Damia's sadder thoughts: a pain that never really eased, in its own special corner of her mind.

She let him have that brief glimpse, then shut it, giving herself a little shake of self-reprimand.

His father had one hand on her shoulder, as he often did when his mother was upset about something.

`Mother,' and Thian laid his hand on her arm, `we're only a thought away no matter how far apart our bodies are.' She gave a little cry and embraced him, now letting him feel her pride in his response, her constant 8z love and caring of him, and how immensely pleased she was to be able to supply a child of her body for this service.

`Spoken like a true Lyon,' she said, laughing and crying at the same time, as she tightened her arms one more time before releasing him.

`Why blame it on Lyons, Gwyn-Raven?' Afra said in a low, but teasing tone.

`It is a tremendously responsible position, Thian,' Damia said, restored to poise and dignity.

`Don't think I don't know it,' Thian said. `And Granddad suggested me?' Afra nodded. `Oh, we've run through all the training squirts,' and his cocked eyebrow took the sting out of his words. `You can thank Gren for it. He made the final assessments. He considered you the best candidate - if we'd let you go.

`You mean you mightn't've?' Thian was aghast at what he might have been deprived of.

Damia gave his father a sour look and pursed her lips for a moment. `No, you should know us better than that, Thian Lyon! But we do believe that you've a good head on your shoulders, a fine sense of responsibility and sufficient training to be an effective member of FT&T.' A sudden thought caught Thian. `But what about Mur and Dip?' He was appalled that he had forgotten his `Dini companions even during that moment of personal success.

`I told you,' Afra said, teasing his wife.

Damia sighed and then smiled to relieve Thian's growing concern.

`They will accompany you. You've actually a double purpose: providing the search with a Prime and a working `Dini team plus some language instruction. That should help ease relations between human and Dini.

`Why? Are they bad?' Afra cleared his throat. `Not bad, exactly, but with inadequate communication, unnecessary problems have arisen that accurate interpretation could have avoided.' `Oh!' `You are young for such responsibility but your mother and I feel you have a mature enough attitude and certainly you communicate well with `Dinis.

You are well grown and you don't look wet behind the ears - which is aided and abetted by the infamous Gwyn streak,' and Afra gave Thian's silver lock a gentle tap. Afra cleared his throat then added, `I believe that, and your interest in naval history and protocol, tipped the balance in your favour.' Thian lifted his chest, grinning as he remembered all the teasing he'd had for blurring his eyes over ancient texts and stupid manuals. You never did know when something you studied for the fun of it became very useful indeed.

`Now, I suggest that you give yourself,' his father said, `say, half an hour, to appreciate this unexpected honour before you get your head back down to size. Because you're not allowed to mention this to anyone. Not even your `Dinis, until the formalities are observed and your official orders are cut.' `Not even Laria?' `Especially not your sister, Thian, since she's slated to depart to Callisto in two days' time,' his mother said. She gave his hair a brief stroke at his disappointment. `She'll hear through the appropriate sources, dear.' `Consider this your first exercise in naval intelligence. You'll soon hear many messages you may never even hint you've received.' `And I used to wonder why I had to help you with those big-daddies all the time.' Thian's active mind had also been cataloguing the sort of materiel he'd be having to `port to his squadron.

`To every thing its use and season, Afra said, obviously quoting.

Just then a tray with glasses and a basket of tidbits came floating into the Tower room.

`A celebration is obviously called for: quiet, necessarily limited to immediate family members but none the less a celebration, son,' Damia said, and herself placed one glass in Thian's hand.

Three glasses chimed melodiously as they met: their contents then ceremonially drunk.

Thian found it was harder to keep his mouth shut over this than he'd anticipated. It was even harder to suppress the inner excitement that threatened to bubble up whenever he considered his altered status.

Fortunately, Laria was involved with renewing contacts with her siblings and their `Dinis. She also `ported frequently to the `Dini village to spend time with relatives of those she knew on Clarf.

The first time Thian had accompanied her, he had been awed at the sophistication of her `Dini vocabulary. True, they had been paired with young `Dinis, who were also learning their language from their adults, but vocabulary and complexity had reached a mature level even before Laria had gone to Clarf. But now... Thian went with her whenever he could, listening to the new combinations of sound and sign.

He wouldn't be talking baby-talk to the naval `Dinis.

Look, Thian, Laria said, turning on him before she went off for the fourth morning to the village, I'm real pleased you like my company but haven't you something better to do with your time?

Gee, Lar, I have missed you, he began, caught without a glib excuse ready. And it's a real treat to hear you speak `Dini. You've learned a great deal. I thought I was fluent --- And he paused, hoping the flattery would cover his genuine need.

But you've been using complex constructions I've never heard before.

Laria gave him a long measuring look. Thian?

You're my brother and I know you well enough to know you're covering. What?

Could we just leave it that I need to improve technical `Din i-speak?

You'll pick it up very quickly once you're on Clarf, Thian, she began. You're pretty fluent as it is.

In day-to-day stuff, but not the technical jargon and I will need that, won't I?

She frowned slightly, cocking her head at him, and he could feel her mind push against his. He waggled a finger at her `That's not good manners,' he said.

`You've never minded before. And you are hiding something.' `Not hiding,' he said with a grin, `but you know that we never talk Tower business.' `Oh, all right, Thian, you can come today - for the last time.' It would be, Thian knew, but he couldn't indicate that either.

It was getting harder and harder to suppress his inner excitement.

Still, if he couldn't handle this minor incident, he oughtn't to accept the assignment at all.

You are the best candidate for this job, son, his father said softly. Never doubt that!

Laria knows a lot more technical lingo than I do.

Wouldn't she be better?

Having doubts is normal. Overcoming them is part of maturing. I would be more worried about your success if you didn't question yourself. Your training and experience are more than adequate for this assignment. Laria would not do as well as you will!

Thian let himself be reassured, especially as he wanted this duty more than anything. Very softly even in his own head, Thian added: Roddie would be livid with envy.

Dinner that last evening was not ostentatiously lavish but the meal happened to feature the favorite dishes of Thian, Mur and Dip.

No-one made mention of this bias because their special foods were popular anyway. Thian got a bit misty-eyed, though, when his mother served him double-chocolate cake.

I also baked a second one for you to take with you tomorrow, she added very privately and he nearly burst into tears.

They dissipated with a suddenness that suggested `help', leaving him happy and relaxed but no longer emotionally overloaded.

You have always been an appreciative soul, his father said.

Everyone appreciates double-chocolate cake, he replied, in control of himself again.

The transfer would take place late that evening, when the household was asleep. First they'd land at Callisto.

`Just to keep you humble, Thian,' his mother said as they made their way through the dark still night to the Tower, `you and your `Dinis are also-rans with urgently needed medical and food supplies.' `Thanks, Mom, I needed that,' Thian said facetiously.

I know, and she grinned at him. `Your grandparents will join with David of Betelgeuse to push the shipment to rendezvous with the starship Vadim.' `At least we'll be pushed by the best,' he said.

They had reached the capsule now and he placed his carisak inside, careful of the double-chocolate cake. His father went on up to the Tower to take his position. His mother hovered as he helped stow the pouches Mur and Dip handed him. They hopped in, clicking softly as they settled into their special hammocks. Then it was Thian's turn to enter.

Thian caught just the glint of moisture in his mother's eyes before, unexpectedly, she threw her arms about him. When, he wondered as his arms closed about her, had she gotten so slender and so much smaller than he?

When you got so much fatter and bigger, she said and shoved him towards the carrier. You big lunk! And, on a different level which Thian was astonished to hear, she added, This is much harder than I thought it would be!

Almost embarrassed by her remorse, Thian stumbled as he stepped in and then fell awkwardly across the couch, Mur and Dip clacking concern.

He clucked a reassurance and clipped on his harness.

The canopy closed.

It's not as if he's gone for ever, his mother's thoughts continued.

Easy, my love, and that was his father answering on the private level.

Firmly Thian diverted his thoughts from this inadvertent contact and squinched his shoulders into the couch.

NOT TO WORRY, Mur said.

TOGETHER US, Dip added.

GOODNESS SPREADS, Thian replied, accepting their encouragement and returning it in the `Dini idiom.

He caught the `push' of two strong minds at the onset of `portation. He held his breath and felt the `halt' and the almost indefinable alteration as his grandmother `caught' the capsule from the Aurigaean thrust and brought it safely in. He didn't feel even the slightest vibration as the carrier was placed on the Callistan cradle.

I'm always careful with animate cargo, came the unmistakable touch of his grandmother's `pathing.

You are indeed, ma `am, Thian answered politely.

This `port will be longer, remember, but I'll stay with you, if you wish? the Rowan offered.

Thian let a laugh ripple through his reply Mother'd snatch me bald-headed, Callisto Prime, if I did that.

He did give a start when he felt a thud-thunk vibrate through the capsule.

That's the drone capsule locking on, his grandmother said, not me missing my thrust. Don't break any eggs now, she added.