So, what do you wish us to do now?

Checi^ your findings by infiltrating at least ten of the other queen Hives and get more GC readings. The pheromones you got from the one queen's

quarters are not at all what emanates from the Heinlein queen. Get us more soil samples from as many cultivated fields as possible near existing Hives for cross-checking. And as a treat, snag us samples of the various worker types. If, as you've discovered, they're dormant or resting or whatever it is that fceps them immobile until needed, that shouldn't be difficult or expose a team to queenly retribution. It would, however, be very interesting if the queens did respond in some fashion to ... ah . . . losing some of their wording types.

Thian couldn't help but chuckle at his grandfather's droll tone.

"Let us in on the joke, will you, Thian?" Admiral Ashiant asked dryly.

When Thian recited exactly what his grandfather had reported, Ashiant guffawed. "Well, frankly, I don't see that we'd have any trouble absconding with a few specimens."

The experts want several of each from different installations, Jeff Raven said, having been able to hear the Admiral's response through the link with his grandson.

"Don't want much, do they?" Ashiant said with a sniff. "I suppose the experts'll want some of the queens' attendants too, for comparison's sake."

Yes indeed. But not if it puts teams at risf^.

"I shouldn't indulge myself with whimsical remarks in your presence," Ashiant said.

Who's to know what risf{ is involved until we try it, Grandfather? Thian also vocalized that query. We will neutralize the smell of us, though, since odor does seem to get through their chitinous skulls.

Inform the Admiral that's a splendid idea, to get queens' attendants too, was Earth Prime's response. And might prove a salient factor in figuring out this atypical situation. Thian obeyed.

"Humph," said Ashiant, looking pleased. "It is an oddity, to be sure, but how that can help us reduce the threat of Hivers in general is beyond me. We'll still need to identify any, and every, planet they occupy and somehow render them unable to colonize."

Inform the Admiral that I could wish his view was more widely held. Again Thian relayed the message.

"Are the militant still asking for species annihilation?" Ashiant asked, his bushy eyebrows raised in dismay.

With growing fervor. The High Council remains unanimously in favor of some solution that does not. The militant anmhilationists refuse to be pacified by planetary containment and insist that the queens would only find some other way to "terrorize occupied space." Odd that you, Admiral, are more of a pacifist.

"As Admiral of the first Star League1 Fleet that managed to destroy an enemy without sustaining casualties of our own," Ashiant replied when Thian conveyed that information, "I would prefer to keep that record. Going up against zplanet of belligerent Hiver armies might ruin such a worthy aspiration."

"If you'll pardon my intrusion, Admiral," Thian said, speaking for himself. "They didn't even know we were in the queen's inner Hive. How would they recognize a punitive force if they refuse to 'see' us when we are patently present? The only objects they appear to recognize as a threat are other spaceships. Even one of their own spheres, as Xh-33 proved to us."

"Ah, but an attack launched on their installations would surely result in some reaction," Ashiant said. "You identified a great quantity as well as variety of creatures in the underground Hives."

"None of them armed with anything but farm tools and a lot of limbs," Thian said.

History is full of examples of very poorly armed insurgents managing incredible victories over much stronger, better armed foes, Jeff said. However, we do have the advantage of being able to 'port specimens into a secure container, especially if you can replicate the environments of their Hive accommodations to prevent their being aware they've been moved.

It's the sting-pzzt we'd have to endure that bothers me, Grandfather, Thian said, and gave a shudder at the thought of proximity to such a concentration of that uncomfortable Hiver emanation, despite the

1 The Nine Star League of the original yarns had increased its membership and is now referred to as Star League.

lie

muffling the body armor provided. Eighteen Hives to visit? That first one had been enough.

Only need to handle them long enough to get them in a personnel carrier to 'port 'em bacf^.

Where?

Offhand, I'd say Heinlein Base. There are other facilities within that base, well separated from where the queen is. Of course, if you can acquire enough, I'm certain there are enough eager xenbees elsewhere in the Star League desperate to check^ their theories about the creatures.

Thanf^ you, Grandfather, for this interesting and challenging assignment.

Cheeky boy, was the retort, but Thian sensed only Jeff Raven's amusement in his use of the Rowan's favorite epithet.

As Thian suspected, far too many scientists back on Star League worlds and Mrdini home planets were eager to examine live specimens of the different Hiver workers.

Will I be expected to fill that order list, Grandfather? It'd practically depopulate the planet.

Certainly not, Jeff replied. Both Gtymglnt and Admiral Metyurian reaffirmed the original orders. There may be other Hiver planets where more specimens can be gleaned . . . that is, if the militants calm down. Heinlein Base is out and another, less obvious destination is being considered. I'd limit those who know about this operation.

Even on the Washington? Thian was surprised.

Especially on the Washington. We have reason to believe that the militants managed to get a few aboard despite our precautions.

When Thian discussed his orders with Clancy, Gravy and Commander Kloo, Semirame immediately confirmed Earth Prime's suspicions.

"How did that happen? I thought security checked everyone on board."

"There's been some scuttlebutt," Rame said with a shrug. "Sleepers or those who were halfway in agreement anyhow."

"After all we did?" Thian found himself appalled at such intransi-

r

gence. He'd achieved far more than his original brief by removing eight spheres with no Fleet casualties.

Semirame gave him a sympathetic smile. "You remember the reaction we had at Phobos Base when we wanted to import the queen to show us how to start up a sphere? Well, Commander Baldwin may be an asshole, but he's heading a long line of'em. Then, too, Day heard some scuttlebutt she wasn't too happy with. Couldn't identify the speakers 'cause she was in the mess hall. About why didn't we just use one of the little bombs in every installation and end the problem forever, and wasn't that why the Washington was out here?"

"I think I'll check everyone we do decide to use on this mission," Thian said.

Clancy gave him a hard stare. Probing without the permission of the individual was one of the most stringent Talent prohibitions.

"Not when it's for security purposes, Clancy. Even the Admiral would agree on those grounds," Kloo said, siding with Thian. "Especially if the High Council finds this planet atypical. Looks pretty typical to me," she added with a grin.

So, disliking the necessity, Thian did a quick probe of those on the list of possible team members that Kloo submitted. He deleted nine names, two of which Gravy had already had doubts about. One that he was happy to discover unbiased was a T-7 petty officer who had been along on the reconnaissance of the other installations. Hazur Adi had automatically taken soil readings that he said would be no trouble to duplicate, especially if they managed to grab some from each holding cavern to replicate the dominant odor.

"Mostly the right temperature is what keeps them dormant until the queen activates them," Hazur said when he sat in on the second briefing session. "Love to know how she does that."

"There has to be some communication between her and her workers," Lea Day said, as she often did. "Even if it's on no frequency we can hear or identify. One thing, Prime, I thought I'd better ask . . . if you'd planned to stash them on board until you know where they're to be 'ported?"

Thian looked at her for a moment, snapped his fingers and dramatically slapped his hand against his forehead. "That damned sting-pzzt'll be obvious to any one as low as T-9." He groaned.

"There's one place we could use that wouldn't reach anyone," Lea said with a broad grin on her face.

"You got me, Chief. Where?" Thian asked.

"Gee, sir, you surprise me," the CPO said, savoring the moment for a beat. "On board that old sphere, a'course. As I remember the report, it wouldn't be hard to repair one of the boat bays the Hivers use for their scout ships. Send over enough oxygen, park the carriers inside and no sting-pzzt to clue even a lamebrain T-9 to what we're about. The crit-ters'd be safe. More ways than one."

Because it was her idea, Thian ordered Lea Day and Gravy, who was immediately brought into the project, as well as Hazur, who would do the environmental adaptations, to accompany him in space suits to the long-inoperative sphere that circled the atypical planet. Clancy and Semirame 'ported ahead the supplies. In the weightlessness of the aged sphere, it was relatively easy, if tedious, to seal the least damaged of the boat bays and pump in the necessary oxygen. Once the area was airtight and no loss of oxygen was visible in space from the Washington, the medium-sized drones which would accommodate the captive Hivers were 'ported in for Hazur to doctor to approximate the underground accommodations from which they'd be shanghaied. Three nights later, when Thian, Lea Day and Hazur Adi had recovered from that expedition and their other preparations were complete, Thian initiated the raids.

He kept each infiltration to the most effective minimum team so that Human odors would not alert the queens. They'd also been careful to eliminate any new-plastic stink from the body armor. They'd smeared their gear with dirt from the worn tracks that led underground. On two occasions they were able to make off with workers returning at twilight from cultivation duties. Though they did "remove" some of the varieties tending the queens, this set off an unexpected agitation in the queen so deprived. Since they had installed monitors in each of the

Ih Town

queens' quarters, they watched anxiously to see what would happen, ready to replace any or all of the variants rather than incite the queens to action. After a period in which Kloo said she was sure one queen counted up her attendants one by one, the queen extracted an egg from one of the tubes of embryos and evidently prepared the egg to replicate the missing attendant.

It took five nights to complete the project, which Thian code-named "Shanghai," complete with soil and a replication of the food pellets found in the various underground caverns.

"They'll never even know they're not at home," Hazur Adi said, with an understandable pride in having completed his part of "Shanghai." Monitors within the drones indicated that all the captives remained in a passive state.

Somehow word of the importation of "hordes of Hiver creatures" for scientific purposes set off a reaction that proved just how strong the militant annihilationists were. The very notion that Hiver creatures would become laboratory specimens on "civilized" planets turned many of those as yet undecided into fierce opponents to the prospect. Human militants took full advantage of the panic and fear, agitating in every capital city of the Human-occupied worlds against such an "invasion."

Heinlein Base was ringed by private yachts, orbiting just beyond the legal limit and obviously determined to prevent the landing of any of the "deadly" specimens. Another useless display of protest, since anyone who thought twice would have realized that Talent could 'port the objectionable creatures anywhere without alerting the sentinel craft.

Commander Baldwin had his revenge on the Talents on the Phobos Base project who had started up the intact sphere. He reminded them that the biggest danger came from Talents who were "minions" of the High Council and determined to subvert the will of the majority. Blundell's answer was a calm restatement that they were apolitical and that it was impossible to subvert Talent to purposes other than those described in their Charter. That this happened to include the transporta-

I

tion of approved carriers of all types and telepathing of any messages, overt or covert, was not open for discussion or for intervention. Any attempt to interfere with the operation of FT&T would result in the closure of every Tower and the facilities on which all interstellar- trade depended. Further, any attempt to interfere with Talents of any grade could result in stoppages in the locality of the interference.

There were, of course, renewals of the frequent accusations of the monopoly of FT&T. The response did remind the public in general and dissidents in particular that there were indeed other ways of transporting goods and messages, even if these methods required considerably more time and considerably more Human effort. Hence FT&T was not a monopoly, merely the best and most effective method currently available.

The Mrdinis, showing amusement at these demonstrations of Human intransigence, contacted Gktmglnt, who quietly informed Earth Prime that the best possible place to install the specimens would be in the various captured and intact spheres in geosynchronous orbits about the main 'Dini planets. Quarters and laboratories could be arranged to accommodate those Human scientists who wished to join the Mrdini specialists in the evaluation of the species.

So when can we 'port these dangerous, vicious creatures to an "unknown " destination? Thian asked his grandfather.

"I'll handle the security, Thian," Admiral Ashiant said. "Major Gefferny has uncovered a ring of sympathizers—some of those we'd already suspected of militant tendencies. You'd best get on with Shanghai as unobtrusively as possible."

"We've already 'shanghaied,' sir," Thian said. He ignored his grandfather's delighted guffaw.

C7 O

"You have?" Ashiant blinked in astonishment. Thian also did not mention that Earth Prime was bellowing with laughter at his grandson's efficiency.

"In fact, sir, if I may be bold enough to suggest it," Thian went on, "it might put a stop to the unrest on board as well as those demonstrations if you leave this orbit and get on with the Search."

Ashiant grumphed, jutted out his chin belligerently before replying. "What? And give those militants the satisfaction of thinking they won this round?"

"Since they haven't, sir," Thian replied with understandable amusement, "why not let them deceive themselves? It'd make it that much easier for the scientific work to proceed without interference."

"They can't be on board. Can they? Where that sting-pzzt you tell me about could be detected?"

"No sir," Thian said, shaking his head, noticing that Gravy, Clancy and Semirame were having trouble stifling their amusement at having confounded the Admiral.

"Are you going to tell me, young Thian?"

"I'd've thought you'd figured that out, sir." Thian turned his head slightly in the direction of the planet they were orbiting. The abandoned sphere was just in sight.

Ashiant began to nod his head. "In plain sight, so to speak. Well done, Prime Lyon. Well done, all." He included Clancy, Gravy and Commander Kloo. Then he pounced. "How'd you manage transfers without it showing up on generator use?"

"Didn't need to use gestalt, Admiral," Thian said, "not with these three and the others we tagged for the job. We were very cautious too. By the way, Petty Officer Hazur Adi was of inestimable assistance and if you could see some way to give him a commendation . . ."

"I'll speak to my flag captain . . . without specifics."

"Well, she's safe," Thian said, since he knew Captain Ailsah Vandermeer from his time aboard Ashiant's first ship.

"She'd better be," was Ashiant's unequivocal reply. "Well done, people. Well done. Only . . . when are they leaving . . . Where they are?" Jeff Raven then confided the coordinates of the ultimate destinations to Thian,

"Grandfather has informed me, sir, so we'll just wait until we're under way again, when the fluctuations of the generators will be less noticeable and the 'port can be effected with the least possibility of anyone noticing it."

Ashiant chuckled all the way out of the Talents' lounge until the door slid shut.

Then Gravy and Semirame could indulge in the howls of laughter they had been holding back. Clancy was grinning from ear to ear at their notable success.

"And Baldwin can go . . ." Semirame began, and then clamped her mouth shut, long habit interfering with her yearning to castigate a senior officer. Even one who richly deserved it.

"You know, after seeing that ring of yachts around Heinlein Base and some of the nastier militant demos, is there any chance some idiot might try to breach Blundell?" Clancy asked soberly.

"Sure, if they want to stop all interstellar transport."

"I meant, more personally, against Jeff Raven ?"

Thian seemed to consider this and then, so abruptly that he was a blur of motion, he launched himself at Clancy, who instantly 'ported himself aside. Thian spread both hands at the success of his demonstration and walked back to his seat.

"Unlikely. And Clancy's just a T-2. With good instincts, I might add," Thian said. "Grandfather's guarded. So's Callisto Base and every single Tower FT&T operating. Even if all the lower T's became disaffected, some of it would leak to a higher rank and they'd be . . ."

"What do Talents do to those who transgress?" Gravy asked when Thian didn't go on.

"I haven't heard of any . . . reprimands," Thian said, "but in the early days of Talent, those who didn't obey the tenets of Henry Darrow or subsequent Talent leaders got. . . mind-locked."

"They got their minds burned," Clancy corrected coldly.

Gravy shuddered, hugging her arms. Semirame nodded her agreement with such a dire punishment apparent.

"That's why it's so imperative to find Talents young and train them up so they can't be subverted," Thian added with a sigh, looking out the porthole. "Well, we're not the only ones who haven't wasted time," he said, pointing. The sphere was no longer visible and the view of the starscape was altering slowly.

Being nearer, Semirame flipped on the panel that showed the helm's maneuvers.

"We are definitely leaving orbit," she said with satisfaction. "How soon can we 'port the Hivers?"

"Show the engineering board, will you, Rame?" Thian asked, rising and going to his couch. "I'll just warn Grandfather to tell the spheres to be ready for their new inmates."

"Nine carriers are going to make some generator noise," Clancy said, sliding onto his couch just as Semirame got to hers. Gravy stretched out in her lounge chair.

"Do 'em one at a time. Two a couple of times, Grandfather is telling me. Just merge with me. Three, two, one .. ."

The merge was completed with the ease of long practice. Semirame raised one hand, eyes on the engineering board.

We won't need much push, Thian told the others in his mind. Here's the first pair. . . Any variation, Rame?

None that isn't consistent with our breaking orbit. A pair to the next sphere at Sef. Rame? No problem.

It took only ten minutes to dispatch the carriers, the last one the longest since the Washington was picking up speed with every passing moment.

"She's one sweet ship," Semirame remarked with a sigh of understandable pride.

Thian lay still on his couch much longer than the others and only seemed to rouse himself when Gravy brought him the restorative drink. She sat down beside him on space he instantly made for her slim self. What troubles you, Thi?

That's only the first occupied planet, Gravy. Are we going to have trouble with every one we find?

Probably. She was being candid since she had no reason to hide her thoughts from him.

What if they want specimens from every other River planet? Thian let the others in on his quandary.

It's lively they will, Semirame said, not at all concerned. We did it successfully this time. We can probably manage again.

Not if the local sphere is occupied.

Let's worry about that when, as or if it happens, Thian, Semirame said.

We've given the experts enough to chew on . . . Clancy hastily added, metaphorically speaking, of course.

Thian swung his legs over the couch, keeping as close to Gravy as his altered position allowed. I want us to checl^every Talent, major and minor, on this ship and see who's disaffected by the militants. I want to be able to trust all of them, not just a few.

Semirame regarded him, her expression almost sad. We can't chec^ every Talent in the entire Fleet, Thian.

I'm more concerned with the morale of those on this ship, since it's the flagship.

And what do we do to the ones we already fynow are suspect? Gravy asked, her expression blank.

There's a way. . . a safe one. . . of suppressing the Talent of anyone under a 5. A sort of lid on their Talent. It can be removed, but it would feep them from tumbling to any stray 'paths and it would fyeep them from feeling any sting-pzzt. We might need to do that at some point. I'd asf^ Grandfather for permission first, and inform Admiral Ashiant if Grandfather says I should.

I'd rather you did, Semirame said bluntly, even if Grandfather says you shouldn't.

Raven would insist you told the Admiral, Thian, Clancy said, glaring at Semirame.

"Okay, okay, so I'm new at this," she said, holding up both hands in surrender.

Ever regret we too^ advantage of your Talent, Rame? Clancy asked, quirking one eyebrow at her.

It sure gave me a chance to get ojfPhobos Base with my record still clean. She reached over and tousled Clancy's neatly combed hair. Oh, hey, one last thought. . . to still the voice of the militant. We all know—she swung her finger in a circle to include them all—that the sphere down there ain't going nowhere, not with the metal fatigue in its hull, much less all the holes.

But if we were to ostentatiously plant one of your little packages, Thian, to blow it to kingdom come if any queen tried to bring the engines up . . .

Those engines—Clancy snorted derisively—wouldn't go . . . Oh, I see what you mean. Smart idea!

I do get them. Part of being around you guys so long. By all means mention that to the Admiral, Commander, and I'd rather it came from you since I would be exceeding my orders to do so. That ought to earn you a commendation too, said Thian, grinning. There'd be no way it could be detonated without knowing the detonator code.

I sort of hate that we have to placate them, Gravy said, looking rebellious.

Not when it anticipates a possible demand they might thin\ of, Clancy said with a malicious grin.

"I don't know about anyone else," Thian went on aloud, sliding off the couch and hauling Gravy after him, "but I'm starving of the hunger."

"Considering how little you've had to do lately," Gravy said, "I can't imagine what's been developing an appetite in you."

"Whatever it is, it's catching," Clancy said, taking a comb from his hip pocket and giving a few swift, accurate passes over his messed hair. "Coming, Commander?"

"Now that you mention it, it is past my lunch break."

1 p J 1 0 L

^ •

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

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

Thian sent Earth Prime a message tube full of the recordings taken of the Hivers, complete with the

interesting altering "panels" which the queens had been watching. He copied all ten boards in the various queens' quarters. Maybe some expert could find the Rosetta stone that would translate those weird patterns. He also recommended that they see what reaction they got from the Heinlein queen by playing them in her presence.

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

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

A more devious mission by dedicated militants came closer to success when a heavily armed and well-drilled group, using moon vehicles, made an assault on the installation. Their advance was seen in time by

Til lown and lie Hive in

the observation post and marine units were 'ported in—again arousing intense criticism of FT&T—to deal with the invaders.

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

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

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

Another dedicated faction still dreamed of finding a way to communicate with the queens, by odor since that had provoked some reaction from the queen during the Washington's infiltration of their quarters. Though ridiculed by some xenologists, the idea was not with-

out merit. The odors of Human perspiration and/or the smells of the uniform material and gear they carried had provoked the only reaction from a queen yet recorded.

With the Talavera settlement expanding so rapidly, the High Council decreed the opening of Marengo as well. Exhaustive investigations of Marengo's environment showed that it was suitable for either Mrdini or Human occupation. Since the planet had a decided axial tilt, similar to Earth's, with large continental masses making almost a complete circuit at the equator, as well as four medium continents in the temperate zones, the planet would be opened to dual colonization: the Mrdini concentrated in the tropics while Humans could settle the higher, more

temperate areas.

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

After the disasters befalling both Thian and Rojer and the overuse of

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

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

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

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

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

"Do we have to use Primes for Towers everywhere?" asked Elizara Reldinger, whose T-l gifts were used medically rather than in communications.

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

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

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

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

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

ARE WE ASKING TOO MUCH OF OUR NAVIES AND OUR PEOPLES TO CONDUCT SUCH AN ENDLESS SEARCH?

NOT IF IT ALSO DISCOVERS NEW PLANETS FOR BOTH OUR SPECIES,

Jeff replied in faultless Mrdini.

THERE EXISTS A SECONDARY PROBLEM TO FINDING SUFFICIENT PLANETS TO HOUSE OUR EXCESS POPULATION NOW THAT SO MANY

DO NOT NEED TO GO ON THE LINE, said Gktmglnt, and it closed its poll eye long enough to indicate that it had a sensitive subject to discuss. WE MRDINI, IN ONE ASPECT, RIVAL THE ENEMY IN REPRODUCING. It turned to Elizara. YOU ARE THE MOST RESPECTED OF THE MEDICAL PEOPLE WITH WHOM WE HAVE HAD CONTACT. AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WITH OUR PEOPLE, WE REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST US IN DISCOVERING SOME MEANS TO ... REGULATE AND REDUCE THE MRDINI BIRTHRATE. Gktmglnt closed its poll eye and lowered its head. BUT YOU HAVE MANY TRAINED HEALERS, HONORED GKTMGLNT,

Elizara said, surprised. She remembered how Thian's Mur had been treated by the KLTL 'Dini medic.

SUCH MEDICS TREAT SICK AND WOUNDED MRDINI. Gktmglnt shook its head slowly from side to side. HIBERNATION AND CREATION ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE KEEPERS. A DIFFERENT MATTER ENTIRELY.

Specialists, huh? Jeff murmured.

Oh, this can be very difficult then. 1 understand the peepers are a law unto themselves and share nothing of their work(. Then Elizara inclined her head with great respect to the High Councillor. ONE UNDERSTANDS THE

DIFFICULTY. HUMANS RESPECT THE HIBERNATORY. HOWEVER, TO DO

AS YOU REQUEST, she began slowly, HUMANS WOULD NEED TO KNOW

MUCH MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS WHICH, WE DO COMPLETELY APPRECIATE, IS THE MOST SACRED ASPECT OF MRDINI CULTURE.

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

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

IT IS KNOWN THAT HUMANS ARE ABLE TO ... REGULATE THE NUMBER OF OFFSPRING. IT IS BECOMING MORE IMPERATIVE THAT MRDINI DO SO. ATTEMPTS TO EFFECT A REDUCTION IN THE HIBER-NATORIES OF OUR MAJOR PLANETS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

Having delivered the burden of its message, Gktmglnt straightened, though its color remained less vibrantly gray than usual. THIS MUST

BE CAREFULLY DONE . . . WHATEVER MUST BE DONE . . . NOT TO OFFEND . . . NOR TO ALLOW SUCH TO BECOME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ON OUR PLANETS, FOR THE NECESSITY IS NOT PERFECTLY UNDERSTOOD AND MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A RESTRICTION OF LIFE. BUT IF THE ALLIANCE IS COMMITTED TO RESTRICTING THE POPULATION OF

HIVERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT MRDINI SHOULD NOT INDULGE IN UNRESTRICTED BREEDING TOO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I WILL SO INSTRUCT THEM. IN PERSON. IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ESTIMABLE PRIME ZARA AND HER COMPANIONS TO ATTEND GKT-

MGLNT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE SOLVED BEFORE MORE MRDINIS ARE AFFECTED.

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFRESHMENT.

THAT'S CERTAINLY NOT WHAT YOU HOPED TO ACHIEVE, is IT, Jeff said wryly. / wonder just what the repercussions are, especially on those Mrdinis who are vital to the wordings of the Alliance.

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

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

Reassured, Gktmglnt straightened itself. BEGIN AT ONCE, ESTIMABLE PRIME ELIZARA REIDINGER. THE SITUATION HAS BECOME

CRITICAL ON ALL OUR PLANETS . . . Then it bowed toward Jeff Raven

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and Rowan sitting side by side. WITH THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION OF

IOTA AURIGAE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"She's the xenophobic T-2 Laria bounced out of Clarf," Jeff went on. Elizara was 'porting restorative drinks to the Rowan, who was ashen-faced, and to the stunned Admiral while Gollee apologized profusely to

Gktmglnt for both the intrusion and his rough handling of the Mrdini's person.

"The others—both T-2's and strong kinetics—are Duvona Tselli-gan and Nyol Greb, both Capellans," Jeff said, having touched their stunned minds.

THE MRDINI IS A DISGRUNTLED MEMBER OF MY OWN STAFF, said

Gktmglnt in a tone dripping with distaste and disillusion. IT IS TO BE

SENT BACK IN A PERSONNEL CARRIER IMMEDIATELY AND——

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

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

WOULD IT NOT BE WISER TO DISCOVER WHO ELSE AMONG YOUR

STAFF MIGHT BE INVOLVED? asked T-3 Security Officer Harry Sargent with a formal bow to the High Councillor.

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

FATHER! GRANDFATHER? GRANDMOTHER? FATHER? GRANDFATHER? SIR? UNCLE? SON?

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

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

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

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

"Poisoned. A particularly virulent type. Even Elizara couldn't have saved all of you. Especially these"—he indicated a scatter on the table in front of Gktmglnt—"would have been impossible to neutralize." He

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bowed his abject apologies to the High Councillor who had resumed its seat, its figure regally erect.

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

CERTAINLY, HIGH COUNCILLOR, said Sargent.

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

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

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

WE KNOW THOSE COORDINATES, Jeff said.

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

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

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

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

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

Operation Overall, was Jeffs unapologetic reply. It's not lively to happen again.

THE TRANSFER IS COMPLETED? asked Gktmglnt.

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

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

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

"That's my job," Gollee said.

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

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

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

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

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

"Three kinetic-strong T-2's could, and did, manage it," Jeff said, rubbing his jaw.

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

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

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

"Consider me available, Elizara, if necessary," the Rowan said.

Elizara nodded in compliance.

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

"Item nine," Mekturian said, blinking slightly in reorienting his attention as he touched his notepad. When he looked up, his expression suggested that Jeff knew exactly what the next topic should be. "Having

a surface team investigating the Hiver-occupied planet named Ciudad Rodrigo."

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

"We'll be taking Zara from the Sotigen and Talavera Tower," Gollee Gren said, scrolling down on his notepad.

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

"Hmmm, I'd thought to send Rojer—" Jeff began.

"Not without Asia," Elizara interrupted him, waggling a finger.

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

"Five?" the Rowan said.

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

"Really?" Elizara said with a sly grin at Jeff.

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

"Two more weeks, I believe," Gollee said.

"Mmmm," Jeff murmured ambiguously.

"I can't reach any of them. Neither can Mother," Laria told everyone in the Tower who had rushed up the stairs at her scream. Kincaid, who had been in merge with her, was clutching his temples in pain. Morag and Kaltia quivered with reaction to the fright they had felt all too

I

clearly. Vanteer and Lionasha had rushed up the Tower. Now Lionasha passed restorative beverages to everyone with the firm advice to drink first, talk later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll just get the coordinates, Yoshuf^. Lionasha hurried down the stairs.

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

"I . . ." Kincaid got that far before he was flattened by three T-l's gently but firmly to his couch. "I yield."

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

When Iknow, I'lltellyou. I suspect we'II all be told at the same time, but

if we aren't. . . Here comes your shipment, Yoshufy Laria said, taking her two sisters into merge as gently as she could.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elizara ...

Elizara? But she'll. . .

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

And the 'Dim?

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

But how did someone like Clarissia get as far as she did?

With two other strong T-2 kinetics, she could get very far once she knew where to look. Now this has been a very tiring day, and while there are other

messages for all of you, these will come by tube and are to be divulged on a need-to-know basis. Than\ you for your immediate support. Can't imagine how I let out my surprise! I suppose one does react with an instinctive Mayday when unexpectedly attached in what is supposed to be an invulnerable chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's what I mean. They were inside\" Morag said.

"And they were Talents," Kaltia said, outraged and appalled.

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

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

"Did I or did I not hear your grandfather say that you are not to

blame yourself, Laria?" Kincaid said, making her look at him when he deliberately pinched the hands he still held. "Then listen to him."

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

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

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

Morag and Kaltia exchanged anxious looks.

"She'll be all right," Kincaid said, "but a rest is a good idea for all of us."

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

"Who's receiving?" Kincaid asked, frowning because he couldn't remember.

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

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

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

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

/ know misery rather well, he said gently.

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

My very dear Laria, there will come a time when we must let them go. Talents do enjoy long lives, long healthy ones, but for even the strongest of us, there comes the day, the hour, the moment when . . . it just becomes . . . too much.

They could retire . . .

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

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

And he is Capellan, who are known to be indestructible.

But not invulnerable . . .

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

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

What if they don't.. .

Approve of me?

I didn't mean for you to hear that.

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

Are there any other Talents in your family?

He gave a snort. No, there weren't.

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

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

But what if Grand—

Your grandparents are older and wiser than even Afra and certainly you, dear heart. I'd far rather everyone knew and settled that little detail. Now rest. We both need it after the morning that's . . . thankfully gone, and this afternoon's traffic is mercifully light.

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

// doesn't matter what earth-shattering things happen, does it? she said almost bitterly. Primes have to man the Towers.

Responsibility, and routine, give you balance too, Lana. I'd rather have them both than be without either. Rest, Laria. You need it after that shocf(.

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

Flavia equably received the news directly from Earth Prime that Zara was required immediately by Prime Elizara. Jeff Raven said that orders were coming for Captain Soligen and her attendant ships to leave orbit around Talavera and proceed to the system that contained Ciudad Rodrigo.

"Earth Prime would like myself and Flavia placed a hand on her chest—"with Rojer"—she paused to grin at Captain Vestapia Soli-gen—"and Asia, with whatever other team members and security per-

sonnel we need, to do a survey of that Hiver-occupied planet. We must gather the usual samples for comparative examination."

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

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

"I think I'd like to come along too," Vestapia said.

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

Flavia grinned at the captain's bemused expression.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I

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

Stop treating her life a child.

I'll court her my own way, with no help from you.

Just so long as she %nows she's being courted, was Zara's tart reply.

Whaddya mean by that?

If you can't figure it out by yourself'.. . Oh, never mind. Grandfathers sending three T-3'sfor the 'porting and a pair for the 'pathing and older experienced T-5's as expediter and engineer. I'd say that needing five to replace you is a compliment, Roj.

Well, I have brought all the big heavy stuff in with my team.

Stop grousing.

Stop nagging.

CHILDREN! Flavia's cool soprano interrupted their wrangling.

"I think it's a compliment that so many are needed to replace you, Roj," Asia said when Rojer came into the lounge, still frowning over that exchange.

"Am I leaving too?" Jes Ornigo asked.

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

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

Rojer laughed. "No. He stays!"

"That's a relief," Jes and Asia said in unison.

"So when do our replacements get here?" Jes asked.

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

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

From the large personnel carrier emerged seven people, including a man in his sixth decade who was the expediter and had been drafted from Blundell Building. The engineer, a younger man, had also been at Blundell and was clearly delighted with what he saw of his new Tower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy to oblige.

The two 'paths hadn't caught that exchange, but then they hadn't

been included.

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

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

They'll do, was Zara's verdict.

They're too tense.

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

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

For Pete's sweet safye, don't wait any longer.

Flavia's advice surprised Rojer. She usually minded her own busi-

ness. But she'd been aboard the Columbia with Asia long enough to know how young and shy Asia was, how easily intimidated. Why, she wouldn't even brush off old Esperito when he was boring her with his latest observations, usually at the top of his voice as well as his mind.

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

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

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

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

"I can't keep using the same excuses all the time, Roj," Asia said meekly, her head down.

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

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

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

"Yes, it does." She grinned up at him. "Makes all that hard 'porting worth it, doesn't it?" "It does." Rojer swung them back to look at the Tower in its illumination.

"You're not going to miss it, are you, Roj?" Asia asked, astonished.

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

"You've not worried about our assignment on Ciudad Rodrigo?"

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

"If I'm with you, I'm never scared."

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

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

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

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

Both of you, get out of my head and my space and let me do my own courting.

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

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

Well, it's about time!

Rojer ignored the snide telepathed whisper and later couldn't remember who had spoken, because he and Asia were responding to each other in a passionate embrace. With their emotions awakened and re-

inforced by mutual desire, Asia 'pathed to him for the first time ... a far firmer voice than her audible one.

your room or mine?

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

Believe me, Rojer Lyon, I'm grown-up enough!

Where did my shy Asia go?

She got tired of waiting, Rojer Lyon.

Thian woke, gasping for breath, stunned by a dream so terrible that he clung to Gravy beside him.

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

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

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

Thian was doing much the same to Dip.

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

"Whatever can have happened?"

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

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

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

Thian thought to check with Captain Spktm of the^5T5.

WHATEVER IT WAS, IT WAS WIDESPREAD, THN. BAD DREAMS FOR THOSE ASLEEP. FOR US AWAKE, THE MOST HIDEOUS THOUGHTS OF

TERROR, COLD, CHOKING. IT IS OVER. WE ARE ON DUTY. WE WILL TAKE RESTORATIVE DRINK.

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

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

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

Of freezing cold, choking and terror . . .

Yours got it too? I thought Asia and I'd never calm Gil and Kat.

Whole damned First Fleet had it.

Do you call Grandfather or do I?

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

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

Who was it said that bad news travels fast? I'll let you know when we can find some Mrdini who will tell us exactly what happened. And how! A rough estimate is that nearly eight hundred 'Dinis of all colors were ajfected. Those here at Blundell say that the very young and the oldest would have died. I'll send a full report.

On another topic, Jeff said after a brief pause, the Heinlein observers rigged a screen in the queen's quarters and played selected passages from the material you sent me a while bacf(.

Oh?

Jeffs chuckle was malicious. She tool^one glance at the side panels and ignored them. She walked up to the main panel, the one where the patterns alter, and watched it. Those who have become familiar with what gestures or movements she ma\es thought she was, one, startled, and two, disgusted. She returned to her couch and didn't pay the screen any further attention.

The com experts are of the opinion that the side panels are static, with very few alterations, while the main screen gives some sort of running comment on whatever it is queens on the same planet would be talking about.

Interesting.

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

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

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

"Would they all use the same language?" Thian asked.

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

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

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

I've goto \ngproblem, Elizara, Medical Prime Zara 'pathed to her mentor and instructor.

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

I'm not sure it's ethical or medical, but did you realize that there are no species on Clarf, or any of the other Mrdini planets, similar to them?

That's a well-known fact, m'dear.

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

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

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

Yes, indeed you do. I shall spea% immediately to High Councillor Gf(tmglnt.

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

The other ethical issue facing Zara was not something she could as easily solve. And one that had certainly not come to her mind when Councillor Gktmglnt approached her with the Mrdini contraception request. Unique the species was, but she hadn't quite realized how, or that there were indeed no other even vaguely similar creatures on the Mrdini planets. Perhaps, in some prehistoric time on Clarf, primitive

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Mrdinis had prevented or interfered with the evolution of biologically similar life-forms. Whatever! That did not help Zara face, or solve, the problem.

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

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

Elizara shuddered and felt that Zara had done the same.

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

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

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

I'm always open to you, m'dear.

And the contact broke.

Better get out here, Laria. Four extremely dejected Mrdini just walked in, Lionasha said.

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

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

HAS HAPPENED TO YOU?

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

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

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

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

Should we asf{for a healer to come? Kincaid asked.

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

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

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

"We don't know," Laria said, struggling to keep her tone even.

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

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

"Shouldn't we get a healer for them?" Morag asked. 'There's supposed to be healers at the hibernatory for emergencies," Laria said, barely able to suppress the anger she felt.

Suddenly the door to the Tower flew open and Plus, followed by other medium-large gray Mrdinis, charged right up to the invalids. MOST APOLOGIES, PRIME LARIA. CAN NEVER SUITABLY AMEND

1

APPALLING CONDITION OF YOUR DEVOTED FRIENDS. HERE ARE HEALERS TO ATTEND. CLEVER PRIME TO ALREADY START TO DO THE NECESSARY CARING. WE DID NOT KNOW THAT YOUR FRIENDS WERE THERE.

JUST WHAT THE HELL HAS HAPPENED?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IOTA AURIGAE, MOST RESPECTED PRIME . . . Plus made such a low obeisance that for one anxious moment Laria was afraid it would tip

over onto the supine 'Dinis. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS VERY SOON AS

POSSIBLE.

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

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

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

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

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

Plus turned the oddest shade and the healers glanced up from their ministrations with horror-stricken expressions. I REQUIRE AN ANSWER, PLRGTGL.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But your parents were there! Lionasha said, alarmed.

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

Vanteer took a forward step. You'll checl{ with Earth Prime first, of course?

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

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

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

Sure, but you tell Mother!

Don't slither, Kaltia.

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

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

9 8

Am Hth

Merge! cried Laria.

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

"You left your sisters in charge of Clarf Tower?" Damia demanded when she and Afra were awakened by the arrival of a large personnel carrier in front of the house at dawn on Iota Aungae.

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

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

natory here."

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

"Inside!" Damia said, pointing to the house.

"But I said I'd be with . . ." Laria began, and disappeared.

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

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

"I didn't think Zara would have to put her new expertise to the test quite this soon," Afra said, his hands gently propelling Kincaid and Laria in Damia's wake, where she indulged in a remarkable display of

99

domestic telekinetic activities. These produced a hot meal, a choice of beverages and additional early-morning snacks that Damia happened to know were favorites of her daughter and Kincaid Dano. While the new arrivals consumed warm food and beverages, they 'pathed the account of the circumstances that had precipitated their arrival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afra paused a moment and then asked "You're sure there's nothing Morag and Kaltia can't handle?"

"Nothing. They've been exceedingly well trained," Laria said, with a bow to her parents.

"They consider the afternoon's quota of tubes is mere 'piffle,' " Kincaid said with a droll smile.

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

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

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

"Their priorities are correct, Damia," he said, using a tone and firm-

ness he rarely directed at her. "They have left their Tower well attended, so they're scarcely derelict in their duties." He gave her a quick smile, then turned back to Kincaid. "We will ask Lionasha and Vanteer not to reveal who is actually 'porting at Clarf. I doubt Plrgtgl will even know you're here."

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

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

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

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

"So some idiot decided that freezing 'Dinis would prevent reproduction?" Laria asked scornfully.

"You'd think the last thing a 'Dini would do is emulate a queen," Kincaid remarked caustically.

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

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

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

"But that doesn't explain why the Mrdini would use cold to reduce creation."

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

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

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

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

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

"What's . . ." Laria began.

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

"Oh, him! I completely forgot you took him on."

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

"I'll help."

"Now just a moment, Laria," her mother began.

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

How dare . . .

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

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

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

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

" 'Lyon's Pride?' " Laria stopped and stared at him.

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

"Lyon's Pride, huh." Laria savored the label and then chuckled. "Does Dad know?"

"I shouldn't wonder," Kincaid replied.

"Hope Mother doesn't. She's rather partial to being a Gwyn-Raven."

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

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

nuggets.

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

"I remember . . . and so they are."

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

"Shamelessly spoiled . . ."

"Knows she's the alpha mare."

"Will they mind a Lyon-Dano in the Pride?" Kincaid asked, pulling

I

out the feed dish of the brown gelding opposite Saki, who seemed to be inhaling her pellets.

"I told you, I don't want you bound officially," Laria said, moving down the aisle to the next horse.

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

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

"Unless your parents kick up a stink . . ."

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

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

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

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

"He is," Laria said, getting a stable stain from Saki's flank.

"Sure is, and he seems to remember you fondly enough not to race you around the box."

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

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

Afra chuckled, but she could read nothing beyond what he wished

her to know. "That young man could see far too many excellent possibilities in the immediate future to jeopardize them. He told us exactly what he recalled of her remarks immediately after that abortive assassination attempt. He was shocked enough when we heard to be wide open to us. He is a strong T-2 kinetic and once he has cleared himself with Gollee and Jeff, he's liable to be assigned either to a Search vessel or with a T-2 'path for one of the new Towers that have to be set up."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi TONEI nd the Hive

5

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

You are, was the immediate agreement.

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

Laria swiveled in the direction of the Tower.

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

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

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

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

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

n

p j

Zara's here, said Damia gently, waking them. Your 'Dims are improving rapidly, she added when she sensed their immediate alarm. Come down.

"What time is it?" Kincaid * asked, then yawned widely enough to pop his jaw hinge, stretching his long body.

"Late afternoon, Iota time," Laria said, struggling to lift herself on one elbow to glance out her window and check the way the shadows fell on the hillside. Odd to be waking in her own bed, with Kincaid beside her. Odd, but nice.

"I feel like I've slept the clock round." He sat up, rubbing a lean and empty belly.

You did, said Zara.

Both shot to their feet, grabbing for clothes they had

dumped in a chair after their relaxing swim. Someone must have removed the damp towels which Laria vaguely remembered dropping on the floor on her way to the bed, You needed it, Zara went on.

Morag and Kaltia? Are they all right? Laria said, hopping on one foot, trying to get the other foot into the trouser leg.

Take it easy. There was a touch of amusement in Zara's voice. You can bet your hones you'd've been awakened sooner ifthere'd been a need. Dad says they're doing just great. Blood will tell. So what's with Tip and Huf. . .

And Nil and Plus. . . Kincaid put in, with such matching anxiety that Zara's chuckle echoed in both their heads. When you get down here. There're drinks and things ready, Damia added.

Speedily dressing, the two lingered only long enough to visit the bathroom and wash hands and faces before they went downstairs. Laria led the way into the room Kincaid remembered from his previous stay, where a circle of comfortable couches ringed a fireplace. Flames danced on the hearth and they were glad of the warmth by then, more accustomed to Clarf s heat and not the crisp colder temperature at which this house was generally kept.

Zara was already ensconced on one couch, nibbling a long thin cheese stick. She pointed to the drinks set opposite her and the variety of predinner snacks. "Don't eat too much. Mother's got a good dinner to make up for the meals you've missed."

"Tip and Huf?" Laria asked, brooking no further delays. "And my two?" Kincaid added, but they both sat at Zara's gesture. "What I have to tell you is highly confidential. Dad's out hunting with Ewain, and Petra and Mother have promised not to listen."

Laria regarded Zara with surprise and a touch of trepidation. She sounded more like her grandmother than her kid sister.

"As head of a team trying to penetrate the mysteries of Mrdini reproduction, I must also be as discreet as possible in my explanations. But to my way of thinking, you're owed. Your 'Dinis ought not to have been

in that hibernatory. And the keeper should have had the sense left to tell you to take them anywhere else."

"That's where they usually go," Laria exclaimed.

"So what happened there?" Kincaid asked.

"A damned fool experiment that any zoobio would have quashed instantly had we known it was planned," Zara said, biting off the last of her cheese stick as if it were something else. She let out a sigh. Then resettling herself, she turned to Laria and Kincaid and began.

"We're still not sure what happens or why certain pairs choose each other, or are put together by the keeper for the express purpose of. . . creating a new 'Dini life-form . . . but Tip would not necessarily be matched with Huf nor Plus with Nil in a hibernatory. Colors are always paired. As we've discovered, Human bodies replicate every single cell over a seven-year period. Mrdini"—Zara gave a wry smile—"do it in two months. From what we've been able to discern, dead cells in a 'Dini give off an unhealthy chemical . . ."

Laria and Kincaid exchanged startled glances, remembering that their 'Dinis had been smelling a little stronger than usual.

"Hmm . . . the fools were probably delaying as long as they could then. However, the dead cells give off a pheromone of which one hundred—let's call them units to give us a scale—is the top. At a concentration of eighty units, they start getting irritable and try to get to the hibernatory to relieve their discomfort. Most 'Dinis wait too long to come to the hibernatory. But I have discovered that those who come early, say when the chemical is at seventy-five units, are less likely to reproduce. If the concentration got over the hundred mark, they'd probably die, but we haven't confirmed that. You see, what substitutes for hormones or glandular activity or cell renewal and differentiation in their particular physiology, works mainly to rejuvenate them cell by cell. From the extra 'material' "—and Zara shrugged, spreading her hands to indicate she couldn't find a more appropriate word—"generated by this extraordinary osmotic process, a new 'Dini is created—between them, but not in or from them . . . between them. The new life could be considered a clone, but not as we understand or use that process: they

I

are created, budded, what have you from the brand-new rejuvenated material of the process the 'Dinis called 'refreshment'—which is actually quite accurate—and they are a mix of the two Mrdini between whom they are made.

"They gorge themselves with a high-protein, high-mineral complex-carbohydrate substance, the recipe for which is known only to the keepers. We've been trying to analyze it, but there are some elements . . . Never mind, I digress." Zara flapped her hand in self-reprimand. "And the air in a hibernatory is not only hot but humid, with a special blend of pheromones. The best analogy is the sort of dream state created by some chemicals . . . again a formula zealously guarded by the keepers. I don't know if the pheromones could be altered to provide contraception, Or if the earlier hibernation will do the trick. Frankly, I think our solution is to find out which of the chemicals used can be left out and not trigger the clone/bud to develop. A sort of abortion, if you will, except that it's not taking anything as yet 'live.' I wouldn't like to think how many eggs we females produce that never get fertilized." She shot a grin at Kincaid. "But that would he an appropriate analog. The bad news is that there are some nineteen different components used in the hibernatory incense. The really bad news is that there are no 'Dini-type experimental animals on which we could try any solution before using it on real live 'Dinis." Zara heaved a big sigh, but that didn't fool her sister. The ethics of direct experimentation on a life-form they considered their equals would have been anathema to any dedicated medical person. "Then too, the recipe is so old that the keepers don't remember exactly what the basic elements are, only how to mix and burn it at a steady rate of emissions. So, we've set up nineteen different wards, you might call 'em, in lota's hibernatory, and thank all the gods that be that it's such a new facility and we can separate the wards completely. In each ward a different chemical will be omitted, while the rest of the hibernators get the usual incense. When we've figured that out, we can decide what chemical to eliminate. One just can't stop all 'creation' without some notice being taken of it in the general 'Dini population." She grinned. "It's going to take time. But we will succeed."

I

I ki imi add the Hive I 1

"Reassuring yourself, sis?" Laria asked with an understanding grin. She was still close enough in mental rapport with her sister to catch Zara's frustration despite the very positive statement of intent.

"Yes, I am," Zara agreed, much to Laria's surprise. "What's so frustrating is the time it's going to take to be absolutely sure that what happened to your quartet isn't repeated anywhere else."

"Did many die?" Kincaid asked.

Zara nodded slowly. Her expression was grim. "Not the best way to reduce excess population."

"Were any very important 'Dinis lost?" Laria asked.

"Yes, and some whose matches were also lost so they can't be replaced as Gil and Kat were. No big 'Dinis were involved in the Clarf fiasco. Their hibernations are strictly for the 'refreshment' aspect of the seclusion. The 'creative' stage is quite individual, but the larger the 'Dini, the less it is likely to have enough left of the 'creative' material required to produce a juvenile."

"That's a lot more than we've ever known," Laria said thoughtfully.

"It took us Humans long enough to learn to control our populations," Zara said. "We have had many 'Dinis, every color, come forward and agree to be used as anatomical subjects . . ."

"What?" Kincaid was no less horrified than Laria, but she was able to voice her objection.

"Well, they don't leave a corpse, you know. . . . Oh, you didn't know? Since they evolved on such a hot planet, they have a water-regulating physiology, reacting to osmotic pressure. So they sort of turn to mush when the physiology shuts down at death, the cells rupture and essentially the body disintegrates. Unless they are immediately used— ooops . . . Well, let's not get into the archaic tradition of'going on the line.' They are rendered unconscious but have to be used immediately or immersed in a solution of the right liquids until they are used. None of us like the idea of. . . operating on a live entity . . . and keep hoping we won't be forced to that expedient." Her face had turned as pale as theirs. She went on more briskly. "They do have an entirely different attitude toward death. You both know that from the history of suicide

raids on the Hiver spheres. They were convinced that they, as themselves, would be re-created. As Gil and Kat were."

"But to dissect a live 'Dini . . ." Laria could not continue, shaking her head in repugnance.

"I've learned a lot more about Mrdinis since I started this assignment, Laria," Zara said, in the most solemn and respectful tone Laria had ever heard from her younger sister. "And since we're seeing it more and more as a pheromone problem, we won't need to do biological dissections. Ooops, sorry. You're looking very green, Lar."

"Exactly what is happening to our friends?" Kincaid said anxiously.

"We're refreshing them. They're in separate tubs, to get the full benefit of that osmotic therapy, and in the same room. At the rate they're absorbing the substance, they should be physically fit again in about three more weeks. You were smart to get them here as fast as you did. I've made arrangements with the head keeper to allow you to come and see them whenever you wish. They're not really conscious right now, but they'll know you're there."

"Three weeks?" Laria was alarmed. There was no way she could be absent from Clarf that long.

"There's not a thing that prevents us from coming back as often as we're needed," Kincaid said, a reassuring hand squeezing Lana's knee.

Clarf s Tower Prime rolled her eyes as she realized that he was right.

"You've had a shock, sis," Zara said. Then she shook a finger at them. "You're not to wear yourselves out—not with the time distortion between Iota Aurigae and Clarf. You especially, Laria." Her finger settled warningly. "Not"—she smiled, "that I'm not delighted."

"You looked?" Laria was perversely annoyed at her sister's knowledge of her pregnancy.

Zara guffawed. "Honey, the change didn't require me to look any farther than the glow in your skin and a certain shine in the eye that many pregnant women develop."

Laria turned to Kincaid. "Do I look that different?"

"If I say yes, you'll thump me," Kincaid replied with mock fear, pretending to recoil from her wrath.

"Would not!"

"Then you've mellowed, sis," was Zara's tart response. "You're built right for having babies, unlike the Rowan, but take it easy—as easy as possible," she corrected herself immediately, "in Tower work. Give Morag more of the merges. She can handle anything. And it wouldn't hurt Kaltia to take a few either. They're well able to do it after their apprenticeship here, even if they are technically too young to be full Primes." She grinned, "fust as if I had the say in the matter." Okay to join us, Mother, Dad.

Damia and Afra did, Damia carrying a tray of hot canapes.

"You shouldn't've let us sleep so long," Laria began.

"After your sister the healer said you obviously both needed it?" Damia replied, raising an eyebrow in reproof. "We've checked with the girls and they're coping superbly."

"Though they do feel," Afra added, "that not every single relative of the many they have—bar Thian and Rojer, who probably are unaware of the circumstances at Clarf Tower—needs to check in on an hourly basis."

"Lionasha would let us know," Laria started, sharing what she also considered an affront to the capabilities of the pair, as well as a tacit criticism of herself.

Kincaid gave her a gentle nudge with his elbow. "Where are all the other 'Dinis I know live here?"

Zara chuckled. "The adults are all taking turns nursing your lot, and the young are out with Ewain and Petra, hunting. Eat!" She pointed imperiously at the tray Damia now presented to them.

"I'd sort of looked forward to hunting," Kincaid remarked in mild disappointment.

"You can hunt all day tomorrow if you want. . ." Damia began.

"Only after we've seen our friends," Laria said.

"You can come in with me after dinner," Zara said. "They'll be lucid enough to know you're nearby."

"Lucid?" Every ounce of Laria's anxiety returned.

"Because"—Afra sat himself down on the other side of his distressed

eldest daughter—"they're swimming in a nutrient fluid and so surfeited with regenerative substances that they're not likely to make much

sense."

Laria wasn't sure she found that description any more reassuring. / wouldn't lie to you, Lar, Zara said, passing her cheese sticks. "Don't you like them anymore?"

Well, that's nicer than reminding me I'm eating for two. You haven't even started that.

"Enough," Damia said.

"Why, Mom? Can't you read us?" Zara grinned, reverting to her gamine and younger self.

"There's a level at which you two can communicate that excludes us," Afra admitted as Damia hesitated. He looked directly at Kincaid. "The sort of level that develops between two people who are often in merge and rapport. Morag and Kaltia, being so close in age, have that facility. So do Ewain and Petra. Thian could go in either direction, to you, Laria, or to Ro]er. But clearly"—he waved the cheese stick he was eating from Zara to Laria—"the girls can activate the old sideslip at will."

"Sideslip?" Kincaid asked. "Is it limited to siblings and couples?"

Damia shrugged. "I doubt it. It works when it works."

Afra chuckled, deep down in his chest. "Jeff has often remarked that he can't say anything that your mother doesn't hear."

"And you, Afra Lyon?" asked Damia, cocking her head at her mate of twenty-seven years.

Afra merely smiled. "That's for me to know and you to find out!"

"Why, you ornery yellow-eyed Capellan—"

"Kitchen timer's ringing, Mother," Zara said, pointing.

"Oh Lord . . ." Damia moved so quickly she might as well have 'ported.

"Do you, Dad?" Zara asked in a whisper.

Afra's response was another chuckle.

"Oh, you!" she exclaimed in disgust when he refused to answer.

The clatter of horses' hooves, yells from jubilant hunters, provided an additional distraction.

Tke Tmi arid the Hive MS

"I can't believe Ewain and Petra hunt for the family now," Laria said, rising.

"They're pretty good at it too," Afra said, unfolding his long frame. He peered out the window. "They'll need help."

Which the young hunters did, their horses laden with avians and scurriers.

"Did you bring me in any fresh greens and tubers?" Zara demanded, her expression somewhat censorious as she watched the unpacking.

"Sure, sis." Ewain tossed her a sack that had been tied to the front of his saddle. "Not much at this time of the year, but there's enough for your needs."

In the absence of any of the family Mrdinis that enjoyed helping in the kitchen, the Humans all pitched in, Kincaid electing to dress down the carcasses outside the back door. Avians particularly were best eaten fresh and the scurriers lightly grilled. Vegetables were prepared, and with so many to help, dinner was ready in a very short space of time: a dinner to which Laria and Kincaid did full justice.

"You three go on now," Damia said. "We'll clean up . , ." She included Ewain and Petra.

"Aw, Ma, we hunted," complained Petra. "And I've studies . . ."

"You may 'port to save time," Damia said, "but don't you dare show off or break a single dish."

Zara beckoned for Laria and Kincaid to exit quietly before Ewain could start his protests.

The main hibernatory on Iota Aurigae was in the hills above the city and had been built with considerable care by the first 'Dinis that came to the mining world. Damia and Afra had insisted on, and 'ported in, the favorite woods and other materials preferred by the Mrdinis. A special "growing" tank had also been constructed, though until very recently no Human had known what was grown in it. Only that the substance was essential for a good hibernation.

Zara did not park the airsled in front of the entrance, but swung

around back, landing on a ledge that apparently had been built for discreet and private use. Two other small craft were parked. Zara neatly took the single remaining empty space. Emerging, Laria and Kincaid could see no visible entry.

Zara grinned. "They've left nothing to chance," she said, and walked right up to the apparently seamless rock. She touched something and instantly a door opened outward. She ducked inside, for the lintel was low, gesturing urgently for Laria and Kincaid to enter quickly. The door shut and Laria felt her ears pop.

Zara turned on a wrist light. "I know the way, but it's narrow and I don't want you falling."

Laria caught the unusual odor and had to cram a finger under her nose to keep from sneezing. Then she became conscious of the incredibly humid heat.

We've only a few steps to go. Door's to our left. Slip in as fast as possible. That smell can get to you real fast.

Her wrist light showed them the door and they followed close enough that they nearly stumbled in their effort to enter. The panel slid shut so fast it just missed Kincaid's heels. They were on the landing of a flight of stairs, lit from a brighter light below, and Zara led the way down to yet another door. This opened into a laboratory of considerable size, filled with smells that made Laria very nauseous—those pheromones Zara had been talking about? There were busy Humans and 'Dinis, diligently peering into microscopes or other instruments at their workstations. Zara's entry with her companions was noted only briefly by those they passed.

"Your 'Dinis are in the private infirmary." Zara pointed to her right, to the side aisle in which closed doors were unevenly spaced. "Third one on the left." Again a swift parting and then closing of the door. LR AND K.NCD HERE NOW, she said, pointing to a viewing window that gave onto a dimly lit inner room.

Instantly a panel slid aside and her parents' two 'Dinis, Tri and Fok, emerged. As they embraced her, their heads at her shoulder level, Laria was immediately surprised at how much larger they'd become.

He I nun and the Hive Ml

YOU ARE SO BIG NOW, she exclaimed, leaning only slightly down to hold them tightly against her. THANK. YOU FOR HELPING TLP

AND HGF.

AND NPL AND PLS, Kincaid added, spreading his fingers on their shoulders.

THEY DO BETTER NOW, Fok told Kincaid, turning to hold out its flipper and squeeze Dano's hand firmly. SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN TAKEN THERE IN FIRST PLACE. WHY WERE YOU NOT TOLD?

WE DON'T KNOW WHY, Laria said. THEY NEEDED TO GO AND DID

NOT ASK TO BE TAKEN UNTIL WE REALIZED THEY HAD TO GO.

Tri looked up at LarJa, its poll eye unblinking. CAN GUESS.

GUESS WHAT, TRI? Laria insisted.

YOU SEE THEM NOW, Tri said, and pulled her with it. YOU TOO, KNCD.

Go with them, Zara said. /'// tell you one thing: The four of them got chewed to small pieces and spat out when Tri and Fo^ first spo^e to them. Never heard 'Dims speaf{ li%e that. Even older 'Dinis.

Tri and Fol{ have grown so much . . .

They're four-letter 'Dinis now too, by the way. Congratulate them when you can.

Then they were inside the dim room and could make out the four tanks, smell the astringent odor of the fluid in which their 'Dinis were floating. There were other odors mixed in with astringency, as well as traces of the strong smell that had assailed them as they entered the hi-bernatory.

Despite the immersion of her friends almost to the poll eyes, Laria had no trouble identifying Tip and Huf, and knelt between their tanks, reaching out to stroke the sides of their heads, below the poll eyes.

WE HAVE MISSFD YOU AS MUCH AS WE WOULD MISS OUR HEARTS, Kincaid murmured, one hand on each 'Dini's neck.

BETTER NOW, Nil muttered in a voice just barely above a whisper.

OH TIP, HUF, WE ARF HERE FOR YOU. Laria felt Zara touch her mind with reassurance and great affection.

MUCH BETTER, SINCE NOT SILLY NOW AND DO AS TOLD, Tri said

quite firmly, coming around the tank to its head and emptying a small pail of something whose fumes came close to making Laria gag. She felt Zara instantly depress the reaction.

YOU SLEEP, SLEEP WELL, Huf said, before Fok emptied a pail into its tank and a second wave of nausea nearly overwhelmed Laria.

YOU COULD HAVE WAITED, FOK, TRI, Zara said with some impatience.

CANNOT WAIT, Fok said, trotting off, empty pail swinging in its hand. EXACT ON TIME is IMPORTANT. YOU BRING THEM BACK BETWEEN PAILS. ENOUGH FOR NOW. SHORT VISIT BEST.

They have seen you and felt your touch and love, Zara said, putting a hand under Laria's arm and lifting her up.

Kincaid rose too, swallowing convulsively. His reaction made Laria feel less weak-stomached.

// affects all Humans that way, Zara said drolly as she pushed them toward the door. "But it's always good to breathe fresh air again," she added as they were once more in the anteroom. OH, THERE YOU ARE, she added to the four 'Dinis who were sitting on stools. THESE HAVE GROWN TOO, SO YOU MAY NOT RECOGNIZE EWAIN'S VTL AND BFR AND PETRA'S IN AND THV.

IT IS GOOD TO MEET THE FRIENDS OF MY BROTHER AND SISTER, Laria said, executing a bow appropriate to young 'Dinis. THIS IS KNCD, WHOM YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER.

WE KNOW NIL AND PLUS AND HELP ALL WE CAN, Vtl replied, bowing more deeply.

WE ARE MORE GRATEFUL THAN WE CAN EVER EXPRESS AT THE CARE AND ATTENTION YOU ALL ARE GIVING OUR SICK FRIENDS,

Kincaid said, and his bow was deeper than Laria's. Vtl was almost embarrassed, and Thv, the youngest of them all, slid quietly behind Jn,

DO NOT BE EMBARRASSED BY THE GOODWILL OF KNCD, Zara told them. OTHERWISE HE WOULD BE WITHOUT HIS FRIENDS, AND YOU KNOW HOW PAINFUL THAT IS.

WE DO. All four of the young 'Dinis now bowed as deeply as Kincaid had.

Laria was still experiencing nausqa and she could see the odd greenish tinge to Kincaid's face.

EXCUSE US, GOOD MRDINI FRIENDS. WE LEAVE, Zara said, and 'ported all of them out to the clear, crisp cold air of the ledge.

Laria leaned weakly against the airsled while Kincaid stood, inhaling and exhaling in deep drafts.

"That's the best way to clear your lungs," Zara said. "I'm so used to the stenches that I don't even smell them anymore."

"You mean"—Kincaid pointed to the solid cliff—"you can get used to that smell?"

"I've smelled a lot worse lately," Zara said with a wry smile. "C'mon, Laria, climb into that sled before you fall in. They've seen you, you've seen them and Flkm and Trpl have reassured you. Those two could have waited until you'd left before they slopped your 'Dinis again," she added irritably.

"Are they getting even with us then, for not taking good care of ours?" Laria wanted to know, carefully fastening the seat belt since she still felt woozy. She heard Kincaid's belt click too.

"No, just being officious. They're actually enjoying the celebrity they've acquired by being able to effect a rapid improvement."

"How many did die at Clarf?"

"Too many." It was obvious to Laria from Zara's tone that she was not going to give statistics. "The very young and the oldest. The midage group seemed to have more resilience and are responding to treatment."

"The same ours are getting?"

Zara nodded, flying carefully around the back of the hibernatory. Of that Laria was just as glad, for the route they'd taken on the way in had required some dips and veerings that she was not certain her innards could have handled.

"I'll give you something for nausea when we get home," Zara said kindly. "The big if," she went on in a grim voice, "is whether or not your friends—and the other survivors—will be able to create again. So essentially we have two diametrically opposite problems to solve: contraception and restoration of the creative function."

I I Q Am Ittifhij

"And?" Kincaid asked gently.

Zara gave a shrug. "If we succeed in finding which pheromones can be withdrawn to provide contraception, the top Mrdini will be happy. We'll try to concentrate on the majority. We'll do the best we can on the other."

With that to mull over, no one spoke on the flight back. Zara parked the sled but before the other two could descend, she offered Laria a shot glass with a pale green liquid in it. "Drink. Then go watch the sunset. That's as much a part of restoring your equilibrium as the potion." She shooed them off toward the steps that led up to the little garden created especially to view the sinking sun of Iota Aurigae.

Very few on Clarf ever knew that there had been a substitution of Tower Primes. At first, quick-witted Lionasha inferred that Laria and Kincaid were exceedingly busy helping the poor unfortunate victims of the Clarf Tower disaster. "Which actually isn't a lie at all."

"Fiasco, not disaster. You can prevent fiascoes," Vanteer grumbled from his engineering station.

The official story spread by Mrdini keepers was that power had failed at the hibernatory and all attempts by the keeper to repair the damage had been in vain, causing the death of 405 of the 789 using the facility. Very few knew that this had been an attempt to interrupt conception. On Clarf, of course, everyone knew that one did not interrupt hibernation and the keeper had been overly confident in its ability to cope with the emergency. By the time it admitted failure, the damage was done. Top technicians from other Mrdini planets were called in to restore power and cleanse the building. If a discreet new facility was added on one of the upper ranks, it escaped notice in the general confusion of repair. The head keeper and its staff were permanently reduced to menial rank. Three—the oldest, who had also been head keeper, and its two immediate subordinates—went into an osmotic failure and turned into mush. From old age, it was said. Whatever their shortcomings were, their records had been meticulously kept so that it was known which

I

the Tour M! tki Uiie Ml

pairings should be repeated to restore many of the lost Mrdinis. When the next group of'Dinis arrived for their two months' hibernation, an entirely new, younger management was in charge: the new head keeper had just finished advanced training on Iota Aurigae.

Very few q^" Clarf in fact knew that substitute personnel were in charge of the Tower for nearly three weeks. The assignment of a third hot planet, a mere two light-years away from Clariflor, to relieve the overburdened Mrdini homeworlds provided an additional distraction. Other Primes receiving or sending material to Clarf were too busy to query any minor differences they might have discerned in 'porting techniques. Quick to learn and already well versed in Tower protocol, the Lyon sisters got the hang of the workload within four days. Morag and Kaltia were quite as diligent in the performance of their duties as Laria had been. To share the learning experience as well as the loads they were having to 'port, they took turns being the merge mind. Lionasha was punctilious about serving them the restorative drink and they had youth as well as innate strength to support their heavy duties.

Lionasha took it into her head that Laria would have introduced the girls around, and seen that they enjoyed the social life of the Human Compound. She told Vanteer quite bluntly that he would have to act as their male escort. Mrdinis worked longer hours than most Humans— considering their hibernation as their vacation—but Prime Towers kept to the normal Star League eight-hour working day with two rest days in seven.

"You can do what you like the five other nights, but those girls are not going to be immured in the Tower," she said, so firmly that Vanteer did not argue. "They're going to Sixth Day dances and the vid nights, and if they meet someone whom you and I both consider proper, they have every right to enjoy a night off. They aren't nunnies, or whatever hermits were called."

"Nuns," Kaltia corrected, having been silently cheering Lionasha on in recruiting Vanteer as escort. While the Human society on Clarf was conducted in a relaxed attitude, neither girl had reached adult status. As juveniles on a foreign world, they ought to be properly accompanied.

Lionasha did not mention Vanteer's reputation, but she would be along to ensure the proprieties.

"Actually, I think she meant 'nannies,' but they didn't have much fun either," Morag said, looking forward to meeting new people, dancing and having some fun.

"All work is wrong," Lionasha told Vanteer. "We need a break and so do they. So, because Laria and Kincaid are far too occupied with Tower management, we'll escort the girls. It'd be damned funny if they weren't allowed out of here now and then, you know." To that Vanteer had to agree.

So they escorted their charges to functions in the air-conditioned Human Compound. Lionasha took them shopping—Tower personnel had the advantage of knowing in advance if there was anything worth looking at—and both Lionasha and Vanteer escorted them to the dance evenings. The girls were good dancers and rarely sat out. They had the good sense to make themselves as popular with their own sex in the intervals, especially when they tipped the girls off to special imports. They also dropped little clues to support the fiction that they were on an apprenticeship level: Morag moaned a bit at how hard it was to keep track of all the message tubes. Kaltia fretted about getting chapped hands from the cleanser that removed the grease of Clarf s generators.

"We were sent here to learn Tower management, and we are," Morag said, with such sincerity that Lionasha had all she could do not to laugh at her long-suffering pose. "Sis may be strict, but I can't fault her for that."

Although they admitted to Talent, they were careful not to mention their actual rank, intimating that they were destined for less glamorous positions than Primes. If any of the more knowledgeable from Terra had suspicions, they kept silent. Since the girls were Primes, they deftly, and shamelessly, used that advantage in 'pathing just enough from the minds of those they met to take the right attitude that would lead to friendly, rather than envious, relationships.

"Well, we never look below the public mind," Morag admitted to Lionasha and Vanteer. "But we can't afford to make mistakes with

Humans or 'Dinis. We only read surface stuff. That's usually more than enough when people are out to have fun." Morag grinned. "They are under the distinct impression that I am training with you, Lionasha, and Kaltia's getting some hands-on experience with the station generators."

"Yeah, [ heard you talking to Scott Attenboro," Vanteer said with reluctant admiration. "You know more than he does about station generators."

"We both do," Kaltia said flatly. "Xexo trained us, you know."

"He did?" Vanteer's eyebrows raised in surprise. "I didn't think he'd let anyone touch his generators." The Iota Aurigae engineer was a legend in his specialty.

Several times Morag and Kaltia made courtesy calls at the Clarf homes of their 'Dinis' colors and gained much favor from their impeccable manners to the elder 'Dinis. Sim and Dar, who were gray, and Kev and Su, who were blues, consequently enjoyed more prestige in their color houses.

When the sisters were asked about the absence of Laria, they had ready answers: "Sis is pretty tired right now with all the traffic. You'd think half the planet was emigrating." "She and Dano have to do some Tower adjustments." "There's a huge shipment to go tomorrow and we're even going to have to help."

To the amusement of all three women, Vanteer took a very responsible attitude about which males he'd introduce to the sisters. If he was the victim of some joking about chaperoning, he ignored it.

"He's almost worse than Dad," Morag complained. "He practically hauled that gorgeous Leonard Perutz away from me, and all Leonard wanted was a dance."

"Ha! That one!" Lionasha said. "And if he hadn't kept Perutz away from you, I would have, and a thump for being so stupid."

"But he's so handsome," Kaltia said with a wistful sigh.

"And about as trustworthy as ... as ..." An appropriate comparison failed Lionasha. "Laria won't acknowledge him whenever he's sent here as a troubleshooter. If she snubs him, you will too. Don't ask the other girls about him either. Ignore him."

"Oh!" Morag and Kaltia exchanged thoughtful glances and sighed In unison. Lionasha went on. "Now, young Vince Studebaker may not have Perutz's looks or charm, but he's a good dancer, as funny as 'Dinis on a mud slide and worth much more of your attention than Perutz."

"I danced with him, and you're right, Lio, he's quick on his feet and he is very funny. He's got some of the most hilarious jokes. Nice ones too."

"Just take it from me, girls, and if Vanteer cuts you out from a partner, he fynows what he's doing."

"Even if we're wrecking his game?" Morag said with a wicked glint in her eyes.

"We both promised Laria we'd take care of you. Frankly, I think I like Van the better for being so vigilant. Takes one to know one.1' Then Lionasha chuckled, her tawny eyes twinkling. "Though it's good Laria and Kincaid are due back. The strain on Vanteer's beginning to show."

Just before false dawn, after three weeks' absence, Laria and Kincaid returned to Clarf, but without their 'Dinis.

"They're much better, much better," Laria said, dropping to her knees to embrace the other Tower 'Dinis clamoring for news of their friends. "We've missed you all. We're so glad to be back."

"Not any gladder than Van will be," Lionasha said, winking at Laria. /'// tell you later.

"Are we expected to go right back to Iota, Lar?" Morag asked, her expression anxious. "I've met this real neat guy . . ." Over Morag's head, Laria caught Lionasha's approving nod. "Vince Studebaker, and there's a fancy dress ball next Sixth Day . . ."

"You'll be stuck here awhile longer, girls," Laria said. "I might even have to send one of you to help Yoshuk and Nesrun at Sef Tower with all that has to go to that latest planet that's been released. Jeff routed quite a bit of heavy stuff through Iota rather than overload you."

"Overload us! Why, the nerve ot Grandfather," Morag said, outraged.

n 5

Laria laughed, hugging her sister. "You tell him. I won't. Now, fill us in, will you, girls, Lio, and where's Vanteer?"

"He'll be along at real dawn, Laria. He's been more help than you could possibly imagine." Lionasha's straight face was belied by the gleam in her eyes.

"Kept all the no-no's from dancing with us, even Perutz!"

Laria's expression froze and she stared at Lionasha. "If that man got . . ."

"Not with Van acting chaperone, he didn't," Lionasha said, grinning.

Laria's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Turned over a new leaf, has our Van?"

"Not likely." Lio gave a snort and then smiled. "But he was damned sure he wasn't going to be blamed for any incidents. As far as the Human society of Clarf is concerned, your sisters were here to learn the lower grades of Tower management."

"Well done, kids," Laria said, hugging her sisters once more.