Damia's Children

Anne McCaffrey

Damia and Afra-Raven-Lyon had reared their children in a brilliant

and unorthodox way.All their young had been'paired'when six months

old with the furry,one-eyed Mrdinis,the only other sentient beings

in the Alliance,who could communicate with humans by their

'dream messages'. Together,man and Mrdini worked to create prosperous

worlds and guard against the terrible threat of the annihilating

Hivers.

And now,in the deeps of Space,Mrdini scouts had crossed the path

of three Hive ships-ships that were giant hulks of cell units,

bearing the queens and workers out into space,to breed and

multiply and destroy wherever they found a viable planet.

It was the four elder children of Damia-Laria,Thian,Rojer and

Zara-all uniquely talented in their various ways,who were to

play their part,helped by their long-time Dini friends,in the

conquering and investigation of the Alien threat of the Hivers.

One of the world's leading science fiction writers,

Anne McCaffrey has won the Hugo and Nebula

awards for science fiction. Brought up in the U.S.

and now living in Ireland, she is the creator and

bestselling author of the unique Dragon series.

Also by Anne Mccaffrey

DRAGONFLIGHT

DRAGON QUEST

DRAGONSONG

DRAGONSINGER: HARPER OF PERN

THE WHITE DRAGON

DRAGONDRUMS

MOItrA: DRAGONLADY OF PERN

NERIlcA'S STORY and THE COELURA

DRAGONS DAWN

THE RENEGADES OF PERN

ALL THE WEYRS OF PERN

RESTOREE

THE SHIP WHO SANG

DECISION AT DOONA

GET OFF THE UNICORN

THE CRYSTaL SINGER

KILLASHANDRA

CRYSTAL LINE

PEGASUS IN FLIGHT

THE ROWAN

DAMIA

CORGI BOOKS

DAMIA'S CHILDREN

A CORGI BOOK : 0 552 13912 2

Originally published in Great Britain by Bantam Press,

a division of Transworld Publishers Ltd

The right of Anne McCaffrey to be identified as the author of this

work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the

All of the characters in this book are fictitious

and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead,

is purely coincidental.

Reverently dedicated to

Richard Woods, O.P.

aka Pendragon, Fullfret Faxdragon,

Cap tooth Fangbite the Whistler

Hurry fast R ushdrake

Sir Walter McDragon

Slipknife Ouchblend the Reckless

Shortblast Spleen fume the Apoplectic

Dragon rabbit Eggsnitcher the Wily

Thick head Diddlewit the Forgetful

Snatch fin ger Jewelheist the Avancious

Snapdragon Fastsnatch

Harpmaker, Storyteller, GOOD Friend

Set in 1 1/12'pt Linotype Sabon by

Chippendale Type Ltd, Otley, West Yorkshire.

Corgi Books are published by Transworld Publishers Ltd,

by Transworld Publishers (Australia)

15-25 Helles Avenue, Moorebank, NSW 2170,

and in New Zealand by Transworld Publishers (NZ) Ltd,

3 William Pickering Drive, Albany, Auckland.

Reproduced, printed and bound in Great Britain by

Cox & Wyman Ltd, Readin Berks.

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

She deliberately kept her eyes forward, curbing Saki's intention

to gallop up the last hill to home, because she knew the `dinis would

have dropped to four legs to make the steep climb. Tip and Hgf were

awfully sensitive about being caught on all fours. Like humans, the

Mrdinis assumed bipedal stance as soon as their back muscles were well

enough developed to support the long trunk.

Her father said that he thought the `dinis had been much relieved

to learn that human children also had to learn how to walk upright.

When Saki's twitching ears and a waft of a musky leathery scent on

the breeze announced their arrival, she acknowledged them with a

whistle/click.

She couldn't quite make the sound as well as her brothers Thian

and Rojer, but she did better than Zara who hadn't the hang of it at

all yet. Kaltia wasn't even trying though she signed well enough to be

understood by the `dinis as Morag did. Her youngest siblings, Ewain

and Petra, were too young to have more than the most rudimentary

contact with their pairs.

Despite saddlebags full of the day's catch, Saki marched

vigorously uphill, careful not to tread on the flipper feet on either

side of her. Tip and Huf - which were Laria's mental tag for her

`dinis had taken holds on Laria's stirrups to assist them up this

steepest part of the climb. Well accustomed to hauling `dinis, Saki

accepted the additional burden.

Dropping the reins now that Saki was behaving, Laria had hands

free to sign to her companions in excitement over their success

hunting. They'd never hear her well enough over the clopping of Saki's

hoofbeats if she spoke aloud. Tip and Hgf clicked and clacked happy

sounds which echoed in their skulls. They could produce any number of

identifiable noises that way, ranging from fear to bravado, agreement,

dislike, curiosity, concern, enjoyment and what passed for `Dini

laughter.

Neither species could quite manage the varied sounds needed to

reproduce the subtler nuances of the other's speech but human body

language could add emphasis words and so could `Dini body movements.

Their five fingers were as dextrous in reproducing arbitrary

patterns as their oral cavities were in producing understandable,

pitched noises that humans could copy. Both languages, as spoken by

the other species, were refined to somewhat limited vocabularies that

fortunately could be extended into quite a few technical areas: such as

space travel, basic engine design, biological and meteorological

sciences, metallurgy and mining.

Laria's mother and father, Damia and Afra Raven Lyon, had spent

the past fifteen years developing and refining this communications

bridge apart from the Dreamings - with Mrdini colleagues. Laria had

been the earliest human test subject. Constantly surrounded from birth

by adult Mrdinis, and then young Tip and Huf, she had absorbed posture

and sounds just as any child learns another language from early

exposure.

By the time she was six months old, she had had Tip and Hgf as

cribmates and had dreamed the pleasantest dreams in their company at

naptime and at night. All the Raven-Lyon offspring had been similarly

paired when they were six months old with `Dini young.

On Iota Aurigae, such partnering had become normal. Even before

much interspecies communIcation had become viable, miners - who were so

overworked they were glad of any assistance - had taken adult pairs of

`dinis into the pits and shafts when the Mrdinis had `dreamed' their

willingness to do so. The tough and suspicious Aurigaean miners had

discovered that the `dinis were instinctive colliers, hard workers, and

unusually strong.

`Hey-YO,' cried someone behind her. Turning, Laria saw her

brother Thian, his white lock flopping across his face, on his chunky

black pony, Charger, round the bend, Mrg and Dpl trudging along beside

him.

Not for the first time did Laria regret that the conformation of

the `Dini made it impossible for them, with their stout short legs and

stumpy tail, to straddle the hardy little Denebian hybrid ponies that

humans employed. When they were younger, she'd occasionally put Tip

and Huf up on Saki, Tip in front where she could hold on to it, and Huf

riding pillion behind, its fingers latched tightly to her belt. But it

wasn't the most comfortable way to travel and now her mates were too

heavy to ride Saki with her.

`Good hunting, Thian?' Laria called back.

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

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

He must have some secret source of scurriers the amount he's

bringing in.' Hunting was a weekend occupation for the three oldest

Raven-Lyon children who were good archers while the `dinis were clever

with traps. With such a big household to feed, small avian species and

burrowing animals, scurriers and the variety of rabbit that had adapted

well to Aurigae were welcome additions to protein requirements, not

always as well satisfied by the huge gardens.

The Tower could, of course, have brought in any supplies needed

but it had become a matter of family pride and honour for this

household to supply its own needs - human and Mrdini - either from the

high plateaux and valleys behind Auriga City or from their fields.

Saki was too eager for her warm stable and supper to be held back

to wait for Thian so Laria let her walk out, her tired young `Dini

mates hauled alongside.

As they finally reached the terrace level, lights were already

beginning to augment the dimming day and illuminate the broad

courtyard. Saki's hooves clattered across it, summoning the resident

pets: Coonies, Darbuls and what Laria had termed Slithers, the Mrdini

equivalent of a pet.

Neither reptile nor bird, neither furred nor feathered, but

loving, affectionate, dependent on assistance to survive anywhere,

Slithers had - to everyone's great astonishment - become accepted by

Coonies, ignored by Darbuls, and endeared themselves to the humans as

useful household creatures. Their existence and nurture by Mrdinis had

been a curiously important factor in the acceptance of the aliens: `Any

critter that cares for a pet - even one as repulsive as that slithery

reptiloid er. -- ah . entity -` the Fleet Commander had remarked,

`can't be all bad.' As Slither diet consisted of Aurigaean insects and

small bugs unappetizing to other life forms, the creatures kept the

large sprawling Raven-Lyon residence and neighbouring fields clear of

pests that often caused humans on Aurigae considerable discomfort or

nuisance when they fed on the crops.

Laria was already giving Saki a rub-down when first Thian and then

Rojer arrived in the stable, to tend their own beasts. While one `Dini

brought the catch up to the kitchen wing, the other helped with hay and

feed for the horses. That set the already stabled animals to stamping

and snorting.

Have all the ponies been fed? Laria asked, broadcasting her

thought more than directing it to either parent.

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

What splendid hunting you've all had!

Laria `ported the feeds into the mangers, adding the special

vitamins and salts that two of the newest ponies required until their

digestions altered to Aurigaean grasses. As usual, the four `dinis II

clacked in loud appreciation of her kinetic skill.

WE FEED PONIS, WE MAKE PONIS `APPY, Tip and Huf chanted, although

they themselves had done nothing, but as Tip and Huf were hers, any of

her achievements were also theirs. Laria gave a small, almost

inaudible sigh of resignation: for all their years in a Talented

household, the `dinis were always more charmed by small teleportations

like this than any major workings from the Tower. Cargo and ships just

disappeared from or appeared in cradles whereas now the `dinis could

see the movement from one place to another.

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

WE FEED FIRST, Tip began, turning its poll eye back over itself to

pin Mur with a steely glance.

She signed it quickly not to be so silly and shocked with her

tongue a disapproving note. Tip shrugged that off, swaying its upper

body and head in reaffirmation.

As her parents had cautioned her as soon as she began to

experiment with her telekinetic abilities, Laria was careful in its

usage. The young Raven Lyons did `path more than most Talented parents

would recommend for family communications but then the circumstances

were unusual. Conversations between humans - when the `dinis could not

follow verbal speech - would be rude so they often `pathed rather than

discourteously `spoke' what their guests could not understand.

The entire Raven-Lyon family, including eight month-old Petra, was

considered by the Governmental Authority to be acting as official

liaison representatives to Mrdini. Telepathy allowed the family the

privacy and ease to discuss intimate matters which might have to

exclude the `dinis.

As soon as Laria, Thian and Rojer had seen to the comfort of their

ponies, they and th other `dinis went up the ramp from the stable

complex to the Hall where most of the combined household's activities

took place. With their `dinis' help, Morag was already plucking,

skinning and eviscerating the catch. Zara, who would not butcher

animals, was washing and preparing vegetables and greens. Afra and Flk

were trussing bird and scurrier beast for the spit while Damia and Trp

were doing multiple tasks with the rest of the meal. The `dinis were

also carrying on a voluble conversation with their returning young.

Despite the differences in shape and origin, there were many

similarities between Mrdini and human in the care, education and

nurture of their progeny.

Laria caught only half of what FIk and Trp were saying to the

younglings but the sounds merrily ranged up and down the pitches

available to `Dini vocal cords so she knew that nothing was amiss.

`dinis might not use body-language supplements when speaking to

their own but tone could be interpreted in this home of sensitive

Talents.

Anything new? Laria asked.

Nothing at all, darling, Damia said. Can you do some more

carrots? You know how Flk and Trp adore them but they haven `t got the

hang of using scrapers.

Vitamin A! Laria replied with a mental grin, and `ported two more

bunches from the storeroom, holding them up for her mother to approve

the quantity.

A nod sufficed and Laria began preparing them.

TIp and Hgf immediately came to her assistance, their single poll

eyes glittering, for they were as fond of carrots as the adults. Once

she had scraped, they sliced, Tip and Huf twitching their upper torsos

happily, their `heads' bent so that their single poll eyes were focused

on what their hands were doing. Ordinarily, `dinis brought whatever

they were working on up to eye level but when attempting a human task,

they tended to adopt human postures.

Some people said they couldn't tell one `Dini from another but

that's because they didn't work closely with a pair. Laria recognized,

and knew the names of, every pair living on Aurigae. `Dini pairing was

another mystery that hadn't been adequately explained, though

biologists were trying. They had had to accept the fact that Mrdini

always came in pairs. Laria did not know if Tip and Huf were the young

of her parents' Flk and Trp: she didn't know if FIk and Trp were birth

pairs, or had paired off by mutual choice when mature. There were

still gaps in communication levels.

The Mrdinis dreamed explanations but these did not explain their

biology. Mrdinis reproduced during their annual hibernations. Whether

mating occurred before or during was still debatable; the Mrdinis did

not seem to understand `gestation' as a concept of time or even a

process. They did not understand `abort' or `impotence' as a reason

why not all `pairs' reproduced. Nor why there were always twin births.

Diplomatic courtesy denied humans the right to `observe' in the

hibernatorium. No-one was certain that these were live births, or if

the Mrdinis might be oviparous. But the young were born `adult', in

that they understood the basics that all `dinis instinctively knew.

They had to wait until their muscles strengthened to walk upright

but they needed only to be `reminded', Laria thought, of sounds - words

to reproduce them properly. As Damia once said, `Dini young went from

`oh' to `oration' in nothing flat.

And they left the hibernatorium `house-trained' and with mouths

full of sharp teeth.

Mrdini builders had constructed the special hibernation facility

well up in the hills behind the sprawling Raven-Lyon home. To this,

all the Aurigaean Mrdini retired for their two-month-long period of

inactivity. Not all pairs reproduced in that time.

Not all remained for only two months. When all had left the

facility, it was scrupulously clean and ready for the next hibernation

period.

Laria was both relieved and lonely during the absence of Tip and

Huf: relieved because she didn't have that extra worry about doing or

saying something misleading; lonely because she enjoyed their company

and the fun they could get up to. `dinis had whimsical humour and a

special rippling wheeze that was their amused noise: not quite a laugh,

not a sputter, but definitely laughter. Fortunately `dinis and humans

had comparable notions of comedy.

Though she had learned to get her tongue around the vowelless TIp

and Hgf, Laria used Tip and Muf: Thian called Mrg and Dpl, Mur and Dip.

Her parents called Flk, Fok, and Trp, Tri. Evidently `Dini made

do without vowel sounds, though they certainly had innumerable

consonant sounds, glottal stops and fricatives to produce all those

clicks, clacks, dongs, bongs, tlocks and infinite varieties of whistle.

Laria had become so deft at interpreting, that her parents often

asked her to verify their understanding of conversations with FIk and

Trp.

Then dinner was ready and served with rapidity to the hungry

horde. `dinis had clever blades that served as spoon, fork and knife.

Laria was adept with the instrument and kept one on her belt as

Tip and Huf did. Fingers were permissible at home, Morag and Ewain

employing theirs to good use and even remembering to use finger-bowls

and napkins.

Zara was more fastidious even at nine and her `dinis tended to

imitate her. The fact that the `Din is were also accustomed to

finger-bowls and napkins had at first astonished humans. Afra had

carved the first bowls from Denebian hardwoods, decorated with the

first Dream which the `dinis had sent him and Damia. While he still

entertained everyone in the household with his paper-folded origami

designs, he had added woodworking to his leisure time.

He had done `dinis in origami. Fok and Tri carried theirs in

their belt pouches and would often exhibit them to `Dini guests. While

all the family liked to watch him create his animals and forms, only

Rojer and Zara showed enough interest to learn to do the intricate

paper-folding. Fok and Tri had attended the first two lessons and then

retired. Their digits were too powerful for the delicate movements

needed and they tore more paper than they folded.

Mrdini mental processes apparently differed from human - though

the results might be similar but areas of mutuality were in constant

development, and double households like the Raven-Lyons' contributed

hugely to interspecies' understanding. it wasn't their Talent that was

exercised so much as their innate empathy and objectivity.

`Dad,' Thian began when he had assuaged the first edge of hunger,

`we've about hunted out the nearby ranges. Aren't I old enough to use

a sledge?' Afra thoughtfully regarded his eldest son, all bony ribs,

elbows and knees in his latest growth spurt and likely to match his

father's height soon. It would be useful, considering the fact that we

may not port our friends about the place.

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

opportunity. -.

Both Laria and Thian are responsible youngsters, Afra went on,

nodding at them in the manner both knew was cautionary as well as

challenging, I shall apply to the City for licences. You two will have

to qualify on your own merits but I'll arrange with Xexo a time to give

you trial runs... Study the operation manuals.

Sure, Dad, both Laria and Thian chorused, delighted. Considering

both had the family eidetic memory, they'd be through that requisite in

an hour or more. And Xexo, the resourceful T-8 Tower engineer who kept

all the machinery running smoothly, had known them since their births

and was a special friend.

Then, as Thian turned to Mur and Dip, Laria signed to Tip and Huf

that soon they wouldn't have to climb the hill: transport was going to

be arranged.

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

The `dinis clicked and wriggled enthusiastically - Tip almost

falling off its bench in its exuberance.

Laria, you must also become familiar with the management of Mrdini

ground effects machines, Damia added, cocking her head in her

daughter's direction. I'll arrange that with the Coordinators.

Then I will be going to Mrdini?

Damia nodded, a resigned twitch to her lips. That has always been

the plan. Thian will follow when he reaches sixteen. You will be the

first young human to go. She sent a flood of pride and encouragement

to her eldest child. Then she, in turn, felt the warmth of love and

reassurance from Afra, salving the ache of that separation.

Sixteen is old enough for one of us, Afra said in the very tight

focus that meant his thought was for her alone. She was also aware of

his mental caress.

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

discreetly.

The difference being that Laria does not resent the duty.

I think we've done what we could to be sure she wouldn't, Damia

added with a resigned sigh.

You've made such a good father.

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

They've had their mother's help.

I shall miss her, though.

Why? She'll be only a thought away.

It's the thought that she will be away. Damia diverted herself by

`porting the dirty dishes from the table and extracting the final

course from the larder.

With the exception of Terran bee honey, the Mrdinis did not find

sweets palatable. Honey was, however, a luxury item when it was

available. So, while the humans ate fruit, the `dinis cracked nuts and

picked the meats out of the shells or nibbled at the unsweetened mealy

crackers made of imported `Dini flour that Damia baked for them. From

time to time, `Dini delicacies were shipped to the exchange personnel

but today was not an occasion.

DAMIA! Keylarion called and the Aurigaean Tower's T-6 managed to

cram excitement and alarm into her shout for the Prime.

Damia and Afra immediately excused themselves and `ported down the

slope to the Tower control centre where the generators were beginning

their upward climb to full power.

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

Father? Damia sent across the vastness of space, her thought

boosted by gestalt with the generators and Afra `5 immediately

accessible T-3 thrust.

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

Raven said.

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

Three! The theory is that these must have originated from the

Home System, for their directions began to diverge just as the Mrdini

scout ship crossed their ion trail. Fortunately the scout was well out

from any Alliance colonies or worlds. The Hivers are heading even

further out.

The Damia-Afra link let out a cheer, all apprehension dissolved at

this tremendous news. For fifteen years Mrdini and Nine Star League

ships, now called the Alliance, had been probing systems to locate the

homeworld of the Hive culture, aliens whose prime directive of ruthless

propagation of their species had once attempted to invade the Mrdini

colony in its Safe solar system. The attack had been repulsed but only

with the extreme sacrifice of `Dini ships and personnel. The colony

had been devastated and had to be rebuilt and repopulated. Thereafter

`Dini had kept ships in constant patrol about their colonized worlds

and sent out squadrons to patrol nearby space to make sure no `Dini

ship ever got so close to a `Dini world again. Over two centuries they

had maintained such a vigil, constantly expanding the parameters of

`safe space', their whole culture dominated by the dire threat of Hive

penetration.

The Mrdinis had also searched vainly for allies of sufficient

spatial sophistication to aid them.

The resources of their home and colony planets had been stretched

to the utmost in the constant vigilance.

As desperately, the Mrdini sought new weapons to destroy the

predatory Hive ships. The effective tactic was to use a suicide ship

which would plunge midships in the spherical Hive ship and detonate

itself in order to achieve total destruction of the Hiver. Not every

suicide mission was successful, for the Hive gunners were skilful and

often six suicide ships had to attack to be sure one got through. Such

punitive losses had naturally used up tremendous materiel as well as

`dinis whose genes should be perpetuated.

But still, elements of the `Dini fleet searched and would track

down any Hive ion trail located in the vastness of space.

Then, both a marauding Hive ship and the `Dini ship following its

ion trail discovered the Denebian system.

Jeff Raven, an unexpectedly Talented telepath and teleporter, had

single-mindedly held off three scouts from an intruding Hive. With the

assistance of the Primes of Earth, Altair, Procyon, Capella, Betelgeuse

and the Rowan on Callisto Moon, the mind-merge focusing in Jeff Raven

had destroyed two of the scouts and sent the third back to its Mother

ship. Two years later, the Mother Hive had been on a collision course

with Deneb which had been thwarted when the Rowan, leading the female

minds, had paralysed the dominant Hive `Many'. Then Jeff Raven, being

the focus for the male Talents, had diverted the Hiver into the blazing

whiteness of the Deneb primary.

Alarmed, the Nine Star League had prepared distant early warning

devices around all its inhabited systems to forestall another incursion

by this dangerous species. The Mrdini had been able to circumvent the

device by staying just beyond its sensor range and inserting

instructive dreams in the sleeping minds of Damia, Afra and four other

Denebian Talents. The Mrdini were not only triumphant to find a

species that could destroy a Hive ship with no loss of life and without

collecting a flotilla of space vessels and suicide crews in doing so,

but also Allies in their long struggle against the depredations of the

Hivers. Deneb had been unknowingly selected as an excellent Hive

colony society. The zo ZI press for acceptable worlds on which to

propagate themselves meant the annihilation of any life form they

encountered. Sadly, not all emerging species had the weapons to

counter such tactics and the method which the Talents had used

telepathy and teleportation - had seemed magical to the Mrdinis.

While the `dinis had no `Talent' as the Nine Star League

understood it, they were able to superimpose their dreams on

susceptible human minds.

Through these dreams they had communicated an outline of their

history and their hopes, and the Nine Star League, with the help of all

Talents, began to establish a viable communication level, starting with

the most pliable and least resistant humans children of both Talented

and unTalented families.

Damia and Afra had been one of the first families to accept Mrdini

youngling pairs in order to establish a useful form of communication

between the species. As it happened, Talent was an unimportant factor

since the Mrdini mind could not be read even by as powerful a Talent as

Jeff Raven, or his wife, Angharad Gwyn-Raven, the Rowan. But when

Damia realized she was pregnant, shortly after the first `Dini contact

was made, she was one of the first to suggest that the young of each

species, brought up together from infancy, might absorb the `Dini

language as easily as Basic. So Laria had had cribmates from the time

she was six months old, as had each of her siblings.

Almost as prolific as her Denebian grandmother, the Healer Isthia,

Damia had had no problems with pregnancies though, unlike her mother,

the Rowan, she had been careful to space her children two or two and a

half years apart. Then, too, her duties at the Iota Aurigaean Tower

had not been as demanding as her mother's responsibilities at Callisto

Moon Station. And Afra, being partnered in the Tower with his mate,

had been able to devote as much time as required to his increasing

family If Jeff Raven twitted his son-in-law about overdoing paternity,

Afra would merely shrug and remind his friend that he himself had urged

the Capellan to marry and have children.

Maternity had mellowed Damia as much as paternity had relaxed

Afra. If his family never understood why their Talented son had had to

leave Capella and the promise of a good position in Callisto Prime

Tower, he could at least find alternative Towers for those nieces and

nephews of his that might also wish for a life unrestricted by

Capella's methody ways.

He did insist, however - and often smiled as he did so - that his

children behave within the courtesy protocols in which he had been

raised.

But he did not fall into the error of his own parents - in

believing that they knew best for their children.

Consequently the Raven-Lyon home was easygoing, friendly, and

totally unselfconscious in the practice of Talent and the inclusion of

an alien species into their familial structure.

That life-style might undergo drastic change with the Mrdini

discovery of the putative route to the Hive Home System. Damia had no

precognitive Talent but she didn't need any to recognize that a new zz

era had just begun: an era that would, hopefully, eradicate the

threat of the Hive species for both human and Mrdini.

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

Well, and there was a wry note to Jeff's tone, your mother and I

are to send all available Fleet ships of Galaxy and Constellation class

to a rendezvous with the Mrdini scout. They're sending as many of

their own heavyweights as possible.

Afra snorted. And what good is that going to do without Talent

support, Jeff? We all know the extrapolations of confrontation. Who's

going to supply sufficient power to overwhelm them?

We may follow, Jeff replied in a droll fashion.

You AND Mother? Damia's concern and alarm flowed out of her

despite Afra's tight reassuring embrace.

When you consider how much larger a Talented population we can

draw on now than we could twenty-odd years ago, daughter dear, stop

being negative. Much has to be decided. But we cannot deny the use of

Talent when it can be of tactical advantage.

First the Hive Home System has to be found.

And every other one they have overpowered, Jeff added, seemingly

unconcerned at the monumental task facing the Allies.

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

the prospect.

That is what must be discovered. The strength of resolve in her

father's voice provided Damia with fortitude. The event which we have

entertained for so long has occurred. We cannot be lacking in courage

now.

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

per cent.

The warning has been limited to those who need to know, of which

Aurigae Tower is one. The official position will be announced in due

course but prepare yourselves and the Tower for unusual activity.

The Hive System is near Aurigae?

No, but the mine production will be increased as fast and as soon

as possible. Expect to transmit huge and continuous ore drones.

And what explanation is to be given? Damia asked for she knew

they'd be interrogated by the mine syndicates.

Tell them a new design of interstellar transport has been approved

and production of the units is a top priority. Jeff chuckled. That

won't be a falsehood, either, for our people have just commissioned a

prototype long-range Constellation-class vessel, the Genesee. There

were four more in construction and they'll be finished as fast as

possible. Your miners don't have to know where their ore goes, only

that they'll be paid for it. How good are your eldest two in Tower

disciplines?

Laria and Thian? Damia asked, once again experiencing that stab

of irrational maternal concern.

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

Why?

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

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

Jeff Raven chuckled over his daughter's sardonic remark. Then his

mental tone abruptly altered to one of great pride and dignity. The

Allies will be made fully aware of how blessed we are with Talent.

There was a pause and then one of Jeff Raven's inimitable chuckles

reached their ears. Gwyn-Ravens and Lyons to the rescue yet again!

Then his mental tone disappeared from their minds.

Damia was buoyed up by Jeff's imperturbable optimism but she

looked to Afra for further reassurance. Tenderly he pulled her into a

deeper embrace, gently pressing her head into his shoulder.

With one hand he pushed back the vagrant silver lock of her hair

that always seemed to fall into her face when she was distressed.

Patting it into place, he kissed her, making contact on every

level that bound them to each other. She felt herself respond, as much

out of habit as need.

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

Mrdini?

We have promised the exchange. We have intrinsically benefited by

the exchange. We will make it as planned. Don't fret. Laria's a

well-balanced, sensible and responsible.... young woman, nearly - as we

both know. She is in no more danger on Clarf than she would be here.

Especially if she has to help us shift big-daddy drone pods, and

Damia tried to sound facetious.

Afra knew she was not and tightened his arms about her in

appreciation of the attempt.

The daughter of the girl who overwhelmed Sodan will not fail in

whatever she is required to do.

Damia shivered in recollection of her battle with the Sodan mind

which had been dangerous to her fatal to her beloved younger brother,

Larak, and come very close to destroying the other Talents in that

focus. The Hive menace was even more dangerous to the Allies.

`Damia,' Afra said aloud, releasing her enough to tip her head up

so she made eye contact, `count, if you can, just how many more Talents

are available now than there were thirty-eight years ago? Between your

brothers and sister, and David of Betelgeuse, Mauli and Mick, Torshan

and Saggoner. Why, the uncles, aunts and second cousins on Deneb alone

constitute a brigade!' Damia allowed herself to be comforted because

she couldn't refute Afra's logic. And definitely there was safety in

the numbers of Talented minds that could be counted in Federated

Telepathy and Teleportation alone: not to mention the higher Talents in

every other occupation that made use of psionic abilities. Only how to

bring such a mental weapon against a far distant enemy homeworld? As

clever and powerful as a massed mind focus of Talent had proved itself,

there were different parameters now that did not favour such use of

Talent.

`Consider also that our Allies have certainly not been idle in the

past twenty-five years, always with the goal of defeating the Hive

ships.' `But they died to defeat a Hiver!' `Yes, they did die, but that

was before we Dreamed!' Damia felt Afra's conviction. Was it just a

masculine certitude? Her father's mind had been coloured with it as

well! Damia wondered if she should ask her mother what she felt. No,

she decided, she should z6

solve this confusion within herself. And soon! Her doubts must

not impinge on her children's confidence and courage. They might all

need those soon enough.

`Yes,' she said aloud, looking calmly into her mate's yellow eyes,

sparkling with purpose, `that was before we Dreamed Mrdini.' The very

next day Aurigae Tower accepted a message, containing an immense order

for tonnes of metal ore from the Allied Commands. Afra forwarded it to

the Miners Main Office and sat back, waiting for the explosion.

Within minutes of receiving the message, Segrazlin, Master Miner

and head of the various mining organizations on Aurigae, requested an

urgent meeting with the Prime to discuss transportation requirements.

His manner was a combination of gratification for the quantities

ordered and astonishment and concern at the delivery dates expected,

trepidation over how to approach the Prime on the matter of the tonnage

to be shifted, all mingled with intense curiosity as to the finished

form of such massive quantities of metal.

Damia grinned at his promptness and told him he could come along

right then, as the morning's traffic had been despatched.

Segrazlin arrived with his personal assistant and the owners of

the major mines to be involved.

`All very well to want this kind of delivery, Pnme,' Segrazlin

said, nervously folding and unfolding the message sheet, `but, one, we

don't have enough miners, even working flat out, to supply the ores z8

within the delivery frame and, two, there aren't enough small and

medium carriers to deliver half of what's required. Now, we don't want

to lose such a contract, but first off, we'll need more miners.' He was

hedging around asking her to transport the big-daddy drone containers.

`And my principals,' at which point the five owners nodded their

heads, `want to be sure that the metal's being properly used.' `Ah,'

Afra said, broadcasting reassurance, `I asked Earth Prime that myself.

Some new Constellation class vessel has been designed, long

journey capability, and enough for a squadron has been authorized.

Replacing some of the older space vessels. And not before time, I

understand.

FT&T may cut down on the normal wear and tear of space vehicles,

but the problem of metal fatigue is still vexing.' Damia sent a mental

smirk to her husband for that smooth explanation.

`There is also the happy fact that the Tower is now in a position

to transport bigger drones,' Damia went on, `a good training exercise

for our oldest children. Having standardized the size and shapes of

most containers, any Prime, given the mass within, can shift it

anywhere within the Alliance. It's new and unfamiliar objects that

cause problems, because they have to be seen and preferably touched by

a Prime before `portation can be guaranteed. However, we can shift

most anything you need to send because your drones are standard. As

you know, both Laria and Thian are .......

`But are they old enough?' Segrazlin asked, his eyes protruding in

surprise. Having expected resistance, he'd lost his prepared stance.

`They are old enough and will be under our guidance, but their

assistance will make it possible to lift such weight. Linkage is good

training for their future duties.' Damia inclined her head graciously.

`That still leaves us with the worst problem, Prime,' one of the

mine owners said, clearing his throat, and glancing at his colleagues

for reassurance. They nodded their heads and murmured agreement.

`Enough workers.' `I thought your work force was up to strength,

Yugin,' Damia said, frowning in well-imitated surprise.

Yugin snorted. `For normal production, yes, but the last quota of

immigrants haven't been trained for deep seam work and that's what we'd

need. Also more qualified, and experienced, engineers. We'll have to

open more shafts. . . ` He trailed off.

`We can't supply those prodigious quantities,' Mexalgo said, `from

existing facilities.' `Would you accept more `dinis?' Afra asked.

Mexalgo looked dubious but the others brightened considerably.

`Mex, you treat `em right, they do you proud,' Yugin said. `My

`dinis work like they grew up digging ore.' `Workers isn't the main

problem, Yugin,' Mexalgo said. `Engineers with the pit experience, if

we're starting new seams, is what we really lack.' `Would you accept

`Dini engineers?' Mexalgo made a grimace. `I would if I could

understand them.' `What's to understand?' Segrazlin asked. `You show

`em where the lode is, give `em the materials they need, and they dig.

They're as well trained, by their standards, as any of our men,

and besides,' a grin broke across Segrazlin's craggy features, `they're

built better for underground work!' `Aye, that's a fact,' Mexalgo said,

though reluctantly. `But how can we be sure, with those little

holidays of theirs, that we'll have a work force all the time? We

can't make these shipments with part-time help.' `The Mrdinis don't all

hibernate at the same time, Damia said. `The hibernation period

apparently depends on the continent of origin. The `dinis presently on

Aurigae all happen to come from the northern Great continent. Or so

FIk told me.

Should I enquire, on your behalf, if additional `Dini engineers

and workers are available and would be willing to come to Aurigae to

work?' The four miners conferred briefly by nods, hand and head

gestures.

`Yes, Prime, we would appreciate your enquiring on our behalf.'

`You will of course pay according to experience and training?' Afra

asked.

`Of course,' Segrazlin said, slightly indignantly.

`And provide the sort of quarters and hibernation facilities that

they prefer. We haven't had any complaints from `em yet.

That was true enough because Damia and Afra made certain that the

specifications given them by the `dinis were carried out.

`I'd like to see the engineering qualifications, though,' Mexalgo

said, always cautious. `In translation.' `Of course,' Afra replied

with a smile. `Oddly enough, translating scientific data is easier

than, say, literature or art forms.' Mexalgo sniffed.

`Earth Prime agrees to forward your request to Clarf Tower,' Damia

said, having spoken to her father during Afra's part of the

conversation. `He'll forward the answer within the current day.' What

Jeff Raven had told his daughter was that, not only were the `dinis

willing, they were eager.

Their own mines were nearly depleted, even those on their colony

worlds, and miners, pit men as well as engineers, were as desperate to

find work as to supply their homeworld with the commodities it needed.

When Segrazlin and the mine owners had left, Damia was not so

sedate that she didn't give a little dance of jubilation for the

success of the interview.

There had been some criticism - expressed through FIk and Trp to

Damia and Afra - that `dinis were disappointed that their out-world

workers were not given the positions of authority that their experience

and training should qualify them for. What the mining community didn't

realize was that there were fully trained and professionally able

engineers among the `Dini workers already on Aurigae. Now, with such

massive orders, came the chance the `dinis had been hoping for to show

their true colours.

The `dinis had been very patient and now would have the

opportunity they had long deserved. Damia and Afra had reason to

rejoice.

3Z As soon as the miners had boarded their vehicles to return to

Aurigae City, Afra went in search of FIk and Trp to inform them of the

good news. They clacked, clicked and whistled their joy and then

departed towards the city, to spread the news.

`I think we must insist that some of the new pits be `Dini managed

and run,' Afra said.

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

`I know, I know. We can be extremely grateful for `Dini

patience.' Damia grinned up at her lover. `We should really learn more

from them. Flk said that it took them nearly ten generations to

implant the philosophy of patience in the `Dini temperament.' It was

again fortunate that `Din is were difficult to identify, for when the

first shipment of new workers arrived, the `Dini engineers amazed the

mine owners by their grasp of the mining methods currently in use on

Aurigae and their incredible dexterity with human-designed equipment.

They had also brought tools of their own, including large borers

to be assembled. The first consultation to organize `Dini managed pits

erased any reluctance or hesitation the mine owners and their engineers

might have had about `Dini professionalism.

`I was impressed,' Mexalgo told Damia, `very impressed.. They

clicked and clacked when we showed them where we'd located the new

lodes, and the next thing they had adit, shafts and quotas all drawn

out for us, and the quantities of materials they'd need for shoring,

what track, carts, cranes, stuff they evidently knew they didn't have

to bring. They've asked permission to send for more of their own

mining equipment and I can't fault `em on that.

Showed us schematics of some of the heavy stuff they use and I

have to say it looks very efficient.

Then, too, they'll be handier with their own mechanicals but they

sure understood fast.' He kept shaking his head. `Now,' he added

quickly, `I always knew the critters were smart. I just didn't realize

how smart.' Damia and Afra managed to respond appropriately.

Wouldn't he have a fit if he knew the `new' `Din is engineers had

been working in his mines for the past sixteen years! Damia said, her

mental tone rocking with laughter at the deceptions.

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

The `dinis were also impressed by the quality of accommodation

supplied by the mine owners, including a `Dini-staffed medical

facility. That had been an extra which Segrazlin had insisted on

providing.

`You house and feed a man and his family decently,' the miners'

rep said, `and you make pits as safe as possible, but you damn better

have emergency facilities available, too. Man works better because he

knows he's valued. Same has to apply to `dinis. They got feelings,

too.' During the settling-in period, Laria, Thian and even Rojer did

translating duty. Zara, though only nine, wanted to have some part in

the family activity and thought of donating the young eggs from her

Slither's latest lay to the new arrivals.

`To make `em feel at home,' she'd said very solemnly as she signed

Tip and Hug, explaining her gift. All the Raven-Lyon `dinis took turns

expressing how grateful they were for her generosity They had Slither

nestlings too, and so an expedition was planned.

`I think this ought to come from the young of humans to the young

of Mrdini, Laria,' Damia said, `so you can drive - carefully -` and

Damia reinforced that caution mentally, `and make it an outing.' She's

fully competent to drive that sort of sledge, Damia, Afra told his wife

when she began to regret her suggestion. You've driven with her enough

to know she's well able. And we've got to let her have some experience

on her own. Not that she's exactly on her own right now.

I know, I know, Affie, Damia said, unable to suppress all her

maternal agitation, despite his logical reassurances. It's just that.

. I trust her and I'll be with her every kilometre of the way.If

you really trusted her, you wouldn't be with her all the way, Damia

added, darkly accusatory.

Afra laughed and ruffled her hair as they watched Laria load her

passengers into the big sledge. The girl kept looking over her

shoulder at her parents.

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

her!

She doesn't really need encouragement, Damia replied, still dour,

but she smiled and waved vigorously. She held her breath as the sledge

rose, without a hitch, on its air cushion. Laria turned it competently

and Damia began to relax a little.

Especially when Afra chuckled teasingly in her ear.

We can't stand here watching, Afra added and gently propelled her

back towards the Tower. And don't peek! At that admonition, Damia had

to laugh because he had caught her tendril of thought reaching out to

maintain a very light contact with Laria's mind. We'vegot those first drones to despatch and I want your

entire attention on that transfer, my little love!

Afra was right about keeping her mind on the work at hand, Damia

knew. Not the big-daddies yet but some very heavy mothers. The mining

industry was determined to deliver on time and this first shipment was

in earnest of that intention.

The generators were already at peak when Aurigaean Prime and her

T-2 mate took their Tower positions. Damia contacted David of

Betelgeuse who gave her a cheerful greeting.

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

David said.

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

terms?

Who'd be able to hear us, Damia?

Here you are then, David! With the skill and ease of long

practice, Damia caught the generators at peak and teleported the ore

drones from the mine yards directly to David who would shift them to

the refinery awaiting the metal.

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

Why should it?

Catch you later!

Catch, you'd better! was Damia's response and then Keylarion sent

her up an urgent incoming load.

In the rhythm of work, Damia forgot about her daughter's first

major driving experience.

Laria found the drive exhilarating, only minimally conscious of

her passengers or even her brother who shared the front seat.

It was one thing to teleport herself, which she had done often

enough to make it routine, and quite another to be driving others in a

mechanical apparatus: even if she knew all Tower vehicles were

maintained at top efficiency. The sledge was dead easy to manage, with

a yoke for steering and pedals for speed and braking. Even if the

power, for some unforeseen reason, went off and the air cushion failed,

her reflexes were fast enough to switch to kinetic mode and avoid a

hard or abrupt landing. Her father had drilled her on such emergency

measures - even before he had allowed her any solo time in one of the

smaller sledges.

The most important aspect was that neither of her parents were

`peeking'. She, on the other hand, could tell they were both involved

in Tower work.

They really were allowing her to exercise independent action,

which she felt to be appropriate since she was so nearly sixteen, and

then would be considered `of age' The `Dini village had been

constructed on the far side of the city, where the land sloped up to

the western plateau. It had been a consolidated earth Flk and Trp had

overseen the project, with some assistance from their human colleagues

and more from the `Dini professionals in various skills.

Once the materials had been assembled, the entire population of

Aurigae City had devoted three days to the building of the village,

complete with hibernatory, medical and recreational facilities from the

`Dini-originated designs. The plans had drawn admiring support from

the human construction crew which had passed on their enthusiasm to the

whole community. The result was a village of a high standard, with

every comfort that `dinis would find on their homeworlds.

Laria had a little flurry of nerves as she approached the village

vehicle park because `dinis were flitting about in the air, using the

personal flying equipment they had brought with them, but in a totally

random fashion that didn't appear to follow any traffic pattern. Laria

was afraid that she might inadvertently cause an accident. Tip clicked

encouragingly at her while Huf slid open a window and started crackling

at the nearby fliers who then did make way for the sledge. Laria

landed with no further obstacles.

`Those belts are great, Lar,' Thian exclaimed, craning his neck to

watch the rapid manoeuvres of the airborne. `D'you think we could get

some?' `When we can teleport anywhere we want to?' asked Laria in

amazement.

`Teleporting's not the same thing, Lar,' Thian replied wistfully

and ignored his sister's wry snort.

`I like mechanical things, he added defensively.

Which his sister knew was very true. Thian was always taking

things apart and putting them laboriously back together. Sometimes not

so laboriously, if he knew the equipment well enough to use kinesis in

reassembly. Their father encouraged the activity, though their mother

had always appeared sceptical.

Tip, Huf, Mur and Dip joined them on the hard dirt of the park,

each carrying precious baskets of Slithers. Zara had hers cradled

against her narrow chest, her eyes wide both with her responsibility

and her inclusion in this journey Tip clucked and pointed one flipper

in the direction they were to take - towards the `community' hall. The

`dinis had opted for a main feeding service and that building also

became their meeting and assembly facility. Chairs, and tables for

that matter, were not a necessity for `Dini dining customs. Stacks of

bowls were neatly stored to one side and cushions dotted the open floor

space. The cushions were occupied as Laria and her brother and sister

entered with their `Dini friends, and their appearance occasioned much

noise from the expectant `dinis. Laria could see that the majority

here were young `dinis, apprentices who wouldn't work as long hours as

the adults but the very ones who would cherish the Slithers. The

creatures provided endless amusement to `dinis though Laria didn't very

much appreciate Slithers crawling on her bare skin: it gave her such an

odd feeling.

The clacking, clicking and whistling of the eager young `dinis

made the distribution of the pets urgent, so that was done, Zara and

Rojer deeply thanked, with Tip, Huf, Mur and Dip doing the translating.

The youngsters were sent off with their new acquisitions and the

adult females offered the humans suitable refreshments. Laria, Rojer

and Zara were asked to seat themselves on the cushions and became the

object of much poll bowing and eyeing.

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

`I don't think these `dinis have seen many humans,' Laria said

quietly. `Yes, and she caught Tip's hand signals, `these are just

mature attendant females who haven't gone out of the village yet.' She

signalled another question to Tip. And grinned at the answer. `They

thought humans were something the elder `dinis had made. They are

astonished to see that we are real. Tip says they come from a southern

continent that isn't very forward. But they needed employment so badly

that they couldn't afford to pass up the good pay. They are very

pleased to find that the accommodations are every bit as good as they

were promised.' Then she laughed again, blushing.

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

rarely coloured.

`Tip likes the buff-coloured one with the leg stripes.' Thian

pretended to subject the `Dini to intense scrutiny and then grinned.

`She is rather charmingly marked.' At which point, both young

people laughed because the `Dini mistook his attention and came

hurrying over with her tray of bite-sized edibles.

You're being mean, Zara said in a scathing tone, narrowing her

eyes at her brother and sister.

We aren't, really, Zara, Laria said, somewhat chastened. Then she

turned to Tip and asked if there was a chance to see the `Dini living

quarters, or would that be considered an intrusion.

Tip got to its feet, chattering a comment to the marked `Dini, and

the others were instantly off their tails and gesturing the humans

towards the door.

4' `I gather we're to inspect,' Thian said, grinning from ear to

ear and signalling Tip that he was very pleased to be accorded such an

honour.

Having had `Dini roommates in their own quarters all their lives,

it was somewhat of a surprise to see what `dinis considered suitable

accommodations.

Heated pools were featured on the lowest level of the five

dormitories they were shown. Hatches led from the spacious pool area

back into service areas, or so Thian suggested to his sisters. In the

foyer of the main entrance, the walls were full of racks fashioned to

hold the flying belts which `dinis used for transportation. On the two

upper levels, for the `dinis preferred to spread out rather than up,

long dark corridors bisected and, on either side, were doors into

smaller apartments. These included a main room, never very large, the

`Dini equivalent of a water closet - which was, in truth, a closet and

several sleeping rooms, with what Laria called bunk beds, usually four

in each tier, two and three tiers across every walispace. A small

locker was fastened to the end of each bed and in that special personal

possessions were kept. There seemed to be no blankets or pillows and

Laria wondered that their `dinis had always used such comforts.

Adaptable, aren't they? Thian told his sister as they did the

rounds, expressing appropriate approval by signals. Their four `dinis

returned with signals of pleasure at their responses. Zara was too

awed by her surroundings to have any other reaction than a good long

look around her.

I wonder why they don't have any windows at all, Laria said to

Thian, having noticed the omission.

That'd be smarter than those lighting bars.

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

I wasn't going to, Laria said, a little miffed that her brother

thought her so lacking in tact.

Didn't think you were. Hey, they do have exhaust fans in the

ceilings. Or that's what they look like.

Small ones over each bed unless those round things are lights,

too. So have our `Dinis been living in the lap of luxury, or slumming

it?

Thian!

He grinned, unabashed.

Their spontaneous tour ended near the entrance to one of the

hibernatories. Thian asked Mur if there were five facilities to

accommodate the numbers of `dinis or to accommodate different

continents.

Continents, he was informed, so that there would always be a full

crew of workers available in the mines. `dinis would honour their

contracts.

`Never doubted that for a minute,' Thian said, smiling and nodding

approval at Mur Although the three young people would never have

intruded on such a sacred place, the `dinis were suddenly herding them

adroitly back to the parking area. The mine whistle blew for a change

of shift which speeded up their farewells.

That evening while dinner was being prepared, Laria had a lot of

questions for her parents.

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

just basic?

Flk and Trp informed us in no uncertain terms, Damia replied, that

the quarters are of a very high standard and everyone is very pleased

with them.

Afra grinned, looking over at Laria from where he was feeding

Petra her supper. Their real delight are the heated pools. Those

would apparently have made up for many other short comings.

Of which we made sure there were none. Though some of the

amenities they did request were a bit odd, Damia said, frowning

slightly.

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

lights?

Damia paused for a moment, considering her answer. You know, I'm

not quite sure.

They don't seem to use bedding or pillows or anything, Thian went

on. They do here.

Cruel and unusual torments, they are, Afra said, judiciously

spooning mashed vegetables into his daughter's mouth.

Ah, Dad! Thian said.

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

her lover.

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

When in Rome... her father said.

Afra! Damia turned to reassure her daughter.

Laria's time to exchange was nearing and such questions must be

answered truthfully. We asked and asked all the `Dinis what comforts

they needed.

She gave a sigh of exasperation. They said they needed no special

ones. They are quite happy with everything we do for them.

But will I be happy? Laria replied, wondering how she could ever

cope with windowless rooms, exhaust fans and long tube lights. She

hadn't really thought about the conditions she'd be faced with on Clarf

even if she had never been uncomfortable for a moment with Tip and Huf.

At least on her own turf. Or even when they vacationed on Deneb

with Great-Grandmother Isthia.

The Tower personnel at Clarf have assured me that they have

spacious and elegant quarters, Damia said so emphatically that Laria

began to feel less insecure.

But Lar won't be living at the Tower, will she, Ma? Thian asked,

looking as innocent as his youngest sister.

`Thian!' his father said in a firm voice and Thian immediately

subsided. Of course you will be required to enter a hibernatory for

two months out of every year just like every other `Dini.

His tone was so prosaic that Laria stared at him and then burst

out laughing and consequently felt very much better about her future.

Another thing: her parents would never have committed her to

something that wasn't absolutely safe for her, their eldest daughter.

Laria was a little puffed about her premier position in the

Raven-Lyon family: not badly, but enough for her to be aware of her

seniority.

During the next week, that was put to practical application as

both she and Thian joined their parents in the Tower to shift the first

big-daddy drones.

`It's the mass that's hard to shift, not the physical weight,'

Afra told the two as they settled themselves in the extra couches that

had been fitted into the main Tower control room.

Thian was twitching with excitement but Laria was able to control

her own, though she'd a dreadful fluttering in her middle. Not that

she hadn't already assisted her, parents during emergencies. They all

had during the cave-in at the Maltese Cross Mine.

Telekinesis had saved a hundred and eight miners from sure death

by asphyxiation. Afra had even managed to salvage the bodies of the

dead: a great comfort to their grieving families. Laria hadn't been

quite sure about that aspect of the rescue but she'd been very glad

when she'd linked with her mother to extricate the live ones: she,

Thian, Rojer and even Zara had added their strength to their mother's

in a spontaneous link. They'd practised such joinings for just such an

emergency as it had been used for - but this had been life and death.

Today's exercise was merely a union of the four high Talented

minds to lift dead weight of refined iron ore and fling it across the

galaxy to Betelgeuse and the manufactories there. They had four to

transport.

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

`Easily within your present abilities and strengths.' `You'll be

doing it often enough and with considerably more drones so that this

could become a boring exercise,' Damia added as she settled herself in

her couch. `It is never,' and she waggled a finger at each of them,

`to become either boring or an exercise. You are to pay strict

attention to the protocol and the technique now and whenever else you

are required to teleport: especially such masses as these.' Laria and

Thian nodded solemnly. They knew how proud their mother was of her

Tower status as Aurigaean Prime. She'd held it since she was barely

eighteen and had never lost a cargo or mishandled one, inanimate or

animate.

They had been trained since the first time they'd `lifted' with

mind power alone.

`Now, settle yourself comfortably,' Damia said, putting her head

back on the rest, shaking her hands to relax them.

The generators were coming up to full power.

Laria knew the sound intimately. She waggled her hands and let

them drape beside her, giving her head a final scrunch. She listened

intently to the generators, felt the touch of Mother-Father in her

mind, let the link happen and felt part of that accord, then felt the

addition of Thian's. Only it was no longer four separate minds, it was

a Mind, much, much stronger than one raised to the fourth power. This

Mind was directed to the first of five puny-looking drones, lying like

swollen slugs in the paved court of the Trefoil Mining Corporation.

The Mind gripped the drone and lifted it up, up, and then, as a

youngster would skate a flat pebble across the still waters of a lake

or river, the drone was skipped out, beyond the planet, beyond its moon

and further, further, further, gathering speed until speed was a blur,

until the Mind felt a resistance.

Betelgeuse has it! said the Mind that was directed by David of

Betelgeuse with his grown children behind him.

The first of five, her Mind announced formally.

Receiving.

Lifting.

Pause.

Receiving.

Lifting.

Pause.

Receiving. The pattern continued until all five drones had been

delivered to their destination.

That is all today.

That is enough today! the Betelgeuse replied with feeling.

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

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

Salutations, David, Perry, Xahra, Morgelle.

The subsequent silence was as rigid as the exchange had been

fluid: almost painful. Laria felt a subtraction, knew that Thian had

been dropped from the Mind. Then sensed her own exclusion and opened

her eyes, rolling her head to release taut neck muscles. Saw Thian

doing the same exercises.

`Thank you,' Damia said warmly. `That made a hard task much

easier.' `I've got the hang of it now, Mother,' Laria said shyly. `No

headache.' `That only comes when you resist the link,' Damia said,

reaching across the intervening space to ruffle her daughter's hair.

`All right, Thian?' The boy shook his head, rolled his eyes

dramatically. `I must have been resisting. My head's drumming.'

ùImmediately, Damia swung off her couch and went to sit on his, her

long fingers massaging the column of his neck and up into the head,

down again into the shoulder muscles. Thian made faces at Laria who

sympathized because she knew how strong her mother's fingers were even

as she envied Thian the special treatment.

`Comes with practice,' Afra said, sliding beside his daughter and

giving her a gentle massage.

Thian grimaced again. `We'll get plenty of that now, won't we?'

`Enough to learn the technique required,' Damia said. `There, that

should do the trick. Off you go, now. You've studies to do as well

today!' Thian groaned and Laria was certain that he only pretended to

have the headache, hoping to be excused from lessons. Mother was a lot

smarter than Thian! She kept her notion to herself, however, for she

wasn't in the mood to pick a fight right now. Being part of the Mind

might be just part of the work of the telekinetic Talent but the

merging, being part of her parents, her brother, being tuned to the

generators exalted her - yes, exalt was exactly the word - in ways no

other facet of her Talent did. She'd once tried to explain the

complexity of that rapport to her father and stumbled badly. But they

weren't telepaths for nothing and he had cradled her in his arms,

assuring her, telepathically, that he knew exactly what she meant.

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

been much reassured.

Despite the fact that she had grown up among high Talents, had

shown evidence of very strong aptitudes by the time she was three,

there were certain aspects of the gifts that were occasionally

overwhelming.

And that, my little love,' her father had said, cradling her

gently and tenderly, letting his love for her wrap like a warm soft

shawl about her, `is exactly how it should be. It doesn't do to become

arrogant and that's a danger we must studiously shun.' Now she made her

way down from the Tower into the main room of the complex, waved to

Keylarion the Tower's T-6, and Herault the stationmaster who looked

inordinately relieved that the transfer of such mass had gone so

smoothly. Xexo didn't look up from the gauges of his beloved

generators and Filomena, the expeditor, was busy watching a scroll of

incoming cargo assignments.

Tip and Huf looked up from the complicated stick game they were

playing with Mur and Dip when she appeared on the steps. They whistled

and began to gather up the splinters in front of them.

Mur and Dip protested, and Laria had to laugh.

No matter how often the two sets played, Tip and Huf were always

the winners and Mur and Dip never seemed to figure out how. She signed

to Mur that she couldn't beat Tip and Huf either but that didn't much

appease them. Thian's arrival did and the sextet set out back to the

terraced house and the tutorials awaiting them, for all six young

creatures had lessons to attend and that was how they occupied

themselves until it was time to prepare lunch.

When her parents told Laria that she would shortly be going to the

Mrdini homeworld, she was at first ecstatic. At the same time, Tip and

Huf had been informed by the Aurigaean Mrdini chief and their joy to be

going home was expressed in the form of incredible joyous acrobatics of

such complexity that everyone in the Raven-Lyon household stopped

whatever they were doing to see their display.

The other `dinis joined in with suitable support gyrations, not as

complex as Tip and Huf were managing for, after all, it was Tip and Huf

who were going home.

It was perhaps seeing such antics on her home terrace that made

Laria realize that she would be leaving it. Leaving Saki, the Coonies,

the Darbuls, even the Slithers: leaving her brothers and sisters, and

most of all leaving her parents and all that was familiar and homely.

Laria suppressed the rising doubt and nebulous anxieties about her

ability to handle all she would now experience. The exchange pact had

been explained to her the day, at five years of age, she'd asked her

parents why some people didn't have `Dini friends. But, oh, how she

would miss everyone!

We would be terribly hurt if you didn't, her father 5' said

gently, obviously speaking only to her. She managed a smile for him as

she turned to where he stood on the top of the terrace steps with her

mother. You will be only a thought away, dear heart, he added. We

have that advantage.

Yes, we do, Daddy, she replied stoutly and resolutely turned her

thoughts to positive ones. The first was to fix in her mind's eye the

scene around her; their house with the mountains looming behind them in

an unbroken stretch, the city below her with the faint rattle and clang

of mine machinery (a constant background noise), the `dinis dancing,

the admiring audience of her brothers and sisters, Coonies and Darbuls,

and even a few Slithers who carefully kept to the banks where they

would be less apt to be trampled by flippered feet.

The evening sky was a particularly beautiful shade of azure,

darkening slowly to the vivid depths of night. There was even a

breeze, flowing down from the mountains, that was cold and redolent of

the pungent vegetation that was welcoming Aurigaean spring. And, as

ever, the faint acrid whiff that left a metallic aftertaste at the back

of the throat.

Laria would remember this scene, this moment for ever. She knew

it, and sighed deeply.

Laria's sisters, Zara, Kaltia and even five-year-old Morag, helped

her pack while the `dinis watched.

They didn't have more to take home than a small pouch apiece:

oddments that were valuable only to them: pieces of pretty rocks and

sea shells, beaded panels of unknown usage and uncut gemstones which

were their particular favorites. When their fondness for jewels had

been noticed, Afra had located a lapidary among the Aurigaean miners

but, while the `dinis displayed a keen interest in the process, they

were not at all intrigued with the formality of cutting their gems.

The `dinis on Earth had evidently cornered the market in pearls,

nacre and other iridescent marine shells, items not available on

Aurigae.

Leaving Saki was the hardest part although Laria knew that Zara,

who would inherit the amiable horse, adored her. She would be leaving

Saki in the best possible hands. Zara's pony would now pass to Morag

who was just old enough to manage. But once Laria had accepted that

necessity, she began to get excited about the adventure. For it would

be one. She felt it from both her mother and father, including a touch

or two of envy that she would be having an experience that they

couldn't. Thian was particularly strong in his envy aura but he'd only

a year or so to wait before he could come too, so Laria didn't mind

him. Rojer was the most unhappy because he hadn't been part of the

`Dini exchange and he really, really wanted to be. Laria tried

projecting soothing thoughts to him but he caught her at it and

disappeared on one of his solitary hunts. Dismayed, she kept a light

touch on him, but Rojer, although only twelve now, was clever and

eluded her.

Sometimes Laria felt like the `dinis, leaping about with

excitement; at others, she wondered just what she was getting into.

Whether or not the `dinis had had similar trepidations she didn't

know, but she received such supportive dreams from Tip and Huf that

gradually anticipation became wholly positive.

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

depart.

As several other `Dini pairs were making the trip home, a large

carrier was to be used. Almost too keyed-up to contain herself, Laria

hugged each of her siblings, her mother and father, and practically

dived into the capsule.

As he closed the hatch, her father winked in such a conspiratorial

fashion that she was startled.

Glad you stayed around to go by carrier, love, he said. You

looked about ready to make the jump unaided.

She wriggled with impatience and grinned radiantly back at him.

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

If you hadn't, we wouldn't have considered sending you, Laria, he

replied in his droll fashion. When in doubt, use that good common

sense of yours, Coonie, and you'll be fine.

Calling her `Coonie' was his especial endearment and a flood of

prideful love enveloped her. She widened an already cheek-breaking

smile and he completed the closure, slapping the roof of the carrier as

the cargo handlers always did.

Laria wiggled again, scrunching herself more comfortably on to the

padding. Then she turned her head to be sure that the `Dinis were all

secure in their specially made hammocks.

Ready? her mother asked.

Ready, Laria answered, dying for the protocol of sending to be

finished so she could go!

For all of her excitement and anticipation, she couldn't help

hanging on to the mind touch of her parents as they inaugurated the

lift. So she knew the second in which the personnel carrier was taken

from the cradle, as it hovered and, with a split second to prepare

herself, was thrust across the void in the teleportation that would end

at the Mrdinis' world.

Clarf, which was the nearest that humans could come to the sounds

which Mrdinis made for their homeworld, was in the usual third position

of an oxygen-hydrocarbon world about its primary. The system, however,

was in the midst of a very populous area of the galaxy. It was no

wonder the Mrdinis had achieved star flight, with so many near, bright

and sparkling neighbours to encourage them to explore other worlds.

Clarf's position in such a teeming cluster also gave the Mrdinis

some protection from the encroaching Hive: there were many other worlds

to attract that species' interest.

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

exchange.

Hi there, small stuff, a cheerful baritone voice said. Allow me

to introduce ourselves: Yoshuk is me, and Nesrun is my happy other

self.

There was an alto chuckle.

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

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

ready.

Since the capsule's controls were for human manipulation, Laria

unsealed the hatch and cracked it.

The blazing light that poured in made her squint while the `dinis

sneezed, honked, crackled at a high level of joy and excitement.

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

aside.

Tip and Huf were most insistent in sign and sound that they emerge

first. Noise poured in on them as well as light, almost as violently

as the assault of light on her eyes. But she couldn't see well enough

to locate the source. Then the other Mrdini filed past her, clicking

softly with polite appreciation of her courtesy. The moment they

stepped out, they added their own sharp barks and shouts to the

external din. She blinked furiously to adjust her eyes. She wondered

how the `dinis had been able to see at all on Aurigae if this

brilliance was constant on their world.

Ooops, said Yoshuk, try these. A pair of wraparound lenses

floated in through the open hatch to her. Someone should have warned

you.

Laria put the glasses on and the light abated to a much more

comfortable level. The noise outside, however, crescendoed and, just

as she peered outside, four pairs of `Dini paws reached in towards her.

The clicks and squeaks of welcome were abetted by signs of `come

out', `come here', `join us' and `where it' - meaning herself.

Laughing at the conflicting salutations, Laria stepped out and had

her first view of Clarf. Or rather the Tower complex, reassuringly

familiar despite the alien sky, the incredible sun making the flat

apron a heat-trap. She was right beside the Tower which had been one

of the first such installations on the Mrdini-controlled worlds. The

shapes of the Tower and its auxiliary buildings, even the cradles, were

familiar but the materials from which they had been made were most

unusual. Rock, orange slashes with black and red, had been used for

the walls: some deep-blue material slated the roofs.

The cradles were iron black, not alloy blue, and the plascrete was

a greeny black - and the yellow white of sun soaking up light and

throwing back glare.

Laria had only the merest glance at what panorama lay beyond - low

and layered buildings of complex geometric design, great triangular

mounds which she assumed were entrances to immense hibernatories and,

overhead, buzzing like so many angry insects, the unmistakable figures

of airborne `dinis, using their personal lift belts. Occasionally, a

vivid orange line shot across the sky and a flying figure veered

abruptly out of its way. There seemed to be uncluttered air space over

the Tower Complex.

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

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

She could see what he meant for she was now surrounded by a horde

of `dinis of all sizes and colours, all wanting to touch her, as if to

reassure themselves that the human child they had been promised had

actually landed.

A very loud crack and the `dinis crowding about her stood still,

with only one or two small noises of what Laria interpreted as dismay.

Another crack and the `dinis made a respectful corridor as the

largest `Dini she had ever seen made its way to her. It had great

loops of pearls about its neck and an incredible tiara-like

construction ornamenting its poll eye which was tilted in her

direction.

Just as she was wondering what sort of movement she should make to

indicate respect to this superior `Dini, she felt paws lift her two

hands and bring A little shake of one of her `Dini-held hands them

forward. Tip and Huf had become her escorts?

sponsors?

The big `Dini lowered its upper section 50 that the liquid, purply

poll eye was level with her face. The eye began to twirl slowly. The

`Dini brought both of its paws forward to touch her out-held hands,

folded them to its chest and said firmly `Plsgt!': the `Dini way of

exchanging names with humans.

Laria copied that gesture and said `Lr!', well pleased that she

had managed both the liquid `l' and throlled `r' sounds.

Recoiling in what was a very good approximation of human surprise,

Plus (which she decided to call it in her own mind) gave that burbling

noise that signified `Dini pleasure.

Well done, Laria, Yoshuk said. They'll love you here with those

ells and arrs. Another alto chuckle from Nesrun.

Beyond her a second large personnel carrier glided gently to rest

in a cradle. Behind her an almighty thunder shook not only the air but

the ground and, whirling around, Laria saw her first self-propelled

spaceship take off. It was far away, probably ten kilometres or more,

despite the tremendous sound.

The flames from its massive rockets grew longer and longer as its

upward movement proceeded. Laria couldn't help but stare and wonder

why such an antiquated and wasteful method was still in use when Clarf

had its own Tower. But it wasn't, she reminded herself, a Prime Tower.

Yoshuk and Nesrun were T-2s, not T-1s and would be unable to

thrust such a behemoth on its way. Beyond it, a second, then a third,

and fourth spaceship rumbled skyward.

and Laria recalled herself to her surroundings. Tip and Huf had

gathered attendants: much the same coloration as they were, so Laria

figured they might be related. No-one knew how many constituted a

`Dini family group.

Plus now tucked her hand under its arm, against its warm silky

side and turned, so she followed.

Unobtrusively Tip gave her a quick sign that this was an honour

which she had already gathered. She lengthened her stride just as Plus

shortened its and she didn't know if she should laugh at their

crosspurposes. Then she saw Huf make amusement signs and so she felt

able to grin up at the big `Dini.

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

by Plsgt itself.

What's going to happen now, Yoshuk?

You're to be escorted to your new quarters by Plsgt who's always

been the strongest proponent on this planet of the experiment. Then

you'll be part of the welcome home banquet for your pair.

Tip and Huf?

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

Laria.

Not unless we want our ears singed off by the Rowan or the Raven,

added Nesrun, colouring her tone with a mock malicious grin.

Plus handed Laria into the open-air passenger compartment: Tip,

Huf and several of their colour group joining them. The vehicle moved

smoothly forward on airjets, the driver carefully manoeuvring through

oncoming traffic that was mostly crated, bagged and boxed materials,

piled high on floats.

How inefficient it was to have no kinetics available, Laria

thought. Her presence distracted one or two drivers to near-accident

situations. Surely, since their two species had been in contact for

more than sixteen years, the sight of humans was not that unusual for

`dinis. Tip and Huf wiggled with amusement at the near misses and

flicked signs at her, crackling at their kin who apparently were more

concerned about the situation.

Then the vehicle turned out of the spaceport facility on to a very

broad `roadway' teeming with traffic of all kinds: pedestrian,

vehicular and a single-wheeled affair that riders handled with

exceeding skill and daring, darting in and around slower, more

cumbersome road users. Laria was so fascinated by their antics that

Tip had to whistle a warning to her. Plsgt was signing and she'd

missed its opening remarks. She shot a frantic glance at Tip who

repeated it behind Plus' back. Fortunately, Plus was only identifying

the buildings they were passing.

The spaceport was, quite rightly, surrounded by support and

service agencies. Then their vehicle pulled into the centre of the

road to allow the passage of a block of what Laria had to identify as

`soldiers' though she had never seen any. Unlike other `dinis, these

wore heavy bandoliers, with tubes and other ominous-looking devices

slung across their backs. They looked tougher and many had odd

cicatrix along their bodies and limbs, suggesting healed wounds. At

least, that's what the marks appeared to be to her. Sometimes one

didn't need familiarity with a thing to recognize it.

Then Plus was pointing out apertures on either side of the broad

roadway, and smaller avenues leading off the main thoroughfare. These

were the domestic quarters of the spacefield technicians. These

residential facilities formed the usual `Dini quadrangle about the

workplace. Separating the various dwellings were the great slanting

mounds of hibernatories.

No-one had far to go. Where did food and other commodities come

from, Laria wondered, but Plus evidently didn't feel it necessary to

comment on such particulars.

Behind them came the roar of more ships taking off, and the air

was once more filled with the smell of hot metal and fuel exhaust.

Really, Laria thought, it was too bad there weren't enough Talents

available to loft the `Dini vessels, and reduce noise and air

pollution. Maybe she should concentrate on fitting herself for that.

With no immodesty, Laria knew that she'd be a Tower Prime when

she'd finished her training.

The journey to her new home took over an hour, as Plus' vehicle

drove them steadily deeper into the capital of Clarf - a sprawling

metropolis - past flat open spaces whose purpose was not mentioned. At

one point, she also caught the unmistakable odour of rotting vegetables

and the cloying sweetness of fruit. She couldn't isolate from which

building of the many small structures they passed such smells issued

and it amused her that Plus seemed either oblivious or unwilling to

comment on that side of `Dini ecology. It was tactful of Plus not to

show her the downside of life on Clarf. It did point out plinths and

columns, or pillars, with a great deal of 6o pride and an explanation

which she couldn't quite grasp and neither could Tip nor Huf.

Between the air pollution and the intense sunlight, Laria began to

develop a fierce headache and did her best to dampen it. She would

have liked to close her eyes to rest them. Plus wouldn't notice she

had with the dark lenses covering her from brow to cheek but she had to

watch its signings or be rude.

She was overwhelmingly grateful when the vehicle came to a stop

before a large and new-looking building - new because the intense

sunlight had not bleached it - with an odd annexe perched on the roof.

It took her only a moment to realize that the annexe was odd

because it had windows, a feature which no other `Dini building had, as

well as a door, some sort of a glassed-in porch and potted plants. Or,

at least, that's what she thought they must be. That's when she

realized she had seen nothing, absolutely nothing, green, growing or

vegetable-looking on the long ride from Tower.

There was probably an explanation for that. Being of a practical

turn of mind and having hunted for the table for years, Laria did sort

of wonder about food resources and distribution. Maybe hunger was part

of her headache.

Now Plus opened the panel in the vehicle and stepped to the

ground, turning to assist her in the most chivalrous fashion. Then she

saw a double file of `Dinis come out of the building, poll eyes bent

respectfully in the presence of Plus and herself.

Tip and Huf became a close-drill escort behind her, their

flippered feet aligned with hers as if, and Laria managed to suppress a

grin, they were to make sure she didn't put a foot wrong!

The file reached them, proper greenngs accorded Plus and then the

lead pair turned to her with carefully enunciated sounds which she

understood perfectly, so that she could respond in kind to their

welcome and good wishes. She, and Plus, were invited inside to enjoy

guest hospitality, and she and Plus accepted. She waited a second to

see what Trip and Huf would do and felt their pressure on her feet.

She could move forward, staying slightly to the rear of Plus, as

they progressed to the building.

She clicked and clacked to either side of her, nodding politely to

each poll eye, saying either `Your welcome honours' or `Pleased to meet

you' with an occasional `Thank you'.

It was on her passage up this gauntlet that she suddenly realized

something which she felt was significant. Though there was

considerable variety in the `Dini pelts, they were all the same basic

hue.

Plus, however, was covered in fur of a shade that almost `fought'

with theirs, having an orange hue whereas theirs had a bluishness to

it. She glanced furtively at Tip and Huf and realized that they were

`blues'. So `colour grouping' was more critical than anyone had known.

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

Many are still trying to find the connection.

It is significant?

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

You're above the colour bar, being human. And Nesrun's alto voice

was cynical. You might be more cauttious with broad generalizations

when in mixed colours, though I really don't think you'll be unduly

troubled by this little quirk.

Colour bar? Laria found the concept disconcerting.

Then Tip's foot trod heavily on her heel and she stopped making

tangential conversation. They had passed the portal and were now in

the usual broad foyer where appurtenances, single-wheeled bikes and fly

belts were in a state of inspection readiness.

The Mrdinis had been on a war-basis for centuries now so she

shouldn't have been surprised by the military flavour, even if she

wasn't all that familiar with it: undoubtedly one of the adjustments

she would have to make.

The place was spotless - not that one could see too many details

in the semi-light in which all `Dini accommodation was kept. Laria was

glad that she had been such a frequent visitor to the Aurigaean

village. And this, of course, was the reason she had been encouraged.

She followed in Plus' wake as the official tour continued, to the

bathing rooms on both sides of the main entry, to the apartments, and

finally to the standing lift that gave her access to her own. Plus

would not fit on the two-person affair - no more than a piece of

flooring and the central shaft that lifted the floor up to her quarters

or down to the level. It was an ingenious amenity. Mur gestured for

her to take her place, took the other side and made a big show of

pressing the control button.

There were two, each with luminescent paint one marked D, and one

marked U. Laria signed her approval and appreciation.

Sunlight poured through the wide windows of her own special

apartment and she looked about her, clapping her hands, which was

fortuitously just the way `Dinis expressed delight. And it was an

amazing surprise. She had fully expected to be living in `Dini-style

quarters, had made up her mind to that necessity if the exchange was to

be properly honoured. But to have her own space and place was

unforeseen.

There was a human-style bed, with beautiful thick covers (for

`Dinis never used any), pillows, a chest, a small press for garments, a

desk, a terminal (displaying a map of the city with her current

position shown by the pulsing red cursor icon) and audio equipment,

shelving, two human chairs and two `Dini-style stools, with tail-holes.

There were two doors: one led out to the roof area and the other

most probably to sanitary facilities.

`OH, TIP, BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACE! MUCH BEAUTIFUL FOR SINGLE

HUMAN. MUCH EFFORT DESIGN AND THINGS. BEAUTIFUL. THOUGHTFUL.

CONSIDERATE.

FRIENDLY!' In her excitement she had trouble getting her tongue

about the `Dini phrases.

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

approval.

Can you understand `Dini?

I can understand your surprise and pleasure, Laria, and the syntax

has to b `Dini. I'll do my best to -learn it from you. They want you

happy here and, as you see, they went to a great deal of trouble.

Obviously worth it.

Oh, it is, Yoshuk. It is. But . I'm going to need drapes on

these windows. The light is blinding.

Didn't know what colours you liked, Nesrun put in. Got some

things for you to pick from soon's you get over here.

Tip was signing at her, too, stating that, as an adult, she

naturally had to have her own quarters.

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

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

censure.

From a `Dini view point, certainly.

Huf went on to say that they knew she did not require a

hibernatory space but she was to make known any other needs that would

comfort her.

`THIS ONE TAKES GREAT PLEASURE IN THE QUARTERS. EXPRESSES GREAT

PLEASURE AND THANKS. SO KIND. SO CONSIDERATE. SO HONOURABLE.'

Someone had brought the lift down again and now it rose to her level

with her carisaks. With Tip's help she cleared them.

`Hang on pretty now,' Huf said with a forward jerk of the head,

meaning this was very important.

From its own pouch, Huf began to take necklaces of shells and

stones, bracelets with uncut gem charms, and what her mother had told

Laria was an old mantilla comb, carved of ivory, which Tip carefully

secured above its poll eye.

Understanding came and Laria rummaged in her cases for the pearls

her father had given her for her birthday: a double-stranded necklace,

earrings, bracelet and two rings, one pearl and one of a fire opal.

She had been astounded by such a lavish present - and one of

jewellery - but now she understood that the jewels were as much a part

of her role here on Clarf as her fluency in the language.

One of the areas in which human and Mrdini compared favourably was

in their sociability. `Dinis loved to have eating sessions with their

kin and peripheral groupings. That was the reason for the large empty

squares she had seen on the way here.

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

Huf had put on its special treasures, the mother-of-pearl crown,

various chains of uncut gems and other pretties, with coil upon coil of

shell bracelets. Huf nodded approval as it saw how bedecked Laria was

and then her old friends led her to the square.

A `Dini percussion band was in place and rivalled even the

continuing thunder of departing space vehicles. Food had appeared,

spread out on great tables which had been set up during the inspection,

and hundreds of the small cubes and rounds that were `Dini seats.

As honoured guest, she sat - on a conspicuously human chair - by

Plus who had added extra decorations to its display and several smaller

versions of itself, also much bejewelled. It was very polite to

examine in close detail the jewellery of another `Dini and so Laria

performed that social obligation, exclaiming in admiration and managing

to find something new to say about each ornament presented for her

inspection.

By the time these courtesies for Plus' entourage had been

acquitted, her jaws ached and her tongue was dry in a parched throat.

`Drink?' she asked Tip who had been hovering close by: possibly

for just this requirement. She turned her head away from the main

group and rubbed her jaw muscles, yawning to ease the tension in her

mouth and lips: actions which could be misconstrued by `Dinis if seen.

The sun was beating down again and she resolved to find herself a

hat as soon as possible. She'd never needed one but somehow she had to

protect her head.

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

for that.

Distance meant nothing to a Prime telepath but Laria was instantly

aware that Yoshuk `sounded' closer. She peered around her and saw the

two humans entering the square. They were instantly lost in the

milling of `Dinis dancing to the rhythmic percussive beats. In fact,

the rhythm was very difficult to deny and she'd had to keep her feet

from tapping as she made the diplomatic jewel inspection. `Dinis were

very susceptible to cadence and the adept `Dini dancer could perform

incredible feats in tempo with drums or other tapped surfaces and

objects. She'd danced at home but she also knew that there were

certain protocols about dancing which she had to respect while on

Clarf. Tip and Huf had been unable to explain the ramifications but

she'd been promised full instruction once she arrived on Clarf.

Suddenly the two humans emerged out of the gyrating crowd of

`Dini, and the man both wore and carried headgear. The woman, who was

taller than the slender little man, wore some sort of ornate turban

about her head. The yellow and white fabric made the perfect frame for

her dark skin and dark eyes.

`I am Nesrun of Betelgeuse,' the woman said and her smile of very

white even teeth was even more impressive against the dark chocolate of

her skin.

She held out her hand, palm up, and Laria made the formal contact,

brief and somewhat electric as it was. Nesrun had a startling touch:

vibrant, deep yellow, with a curious acid taste. But she nodded as if

she approved of however she perceived Laria in the tactile contact.

`I am Yoshuk of Altair,' the man said, grinning broadly with some

secret amusement as he held out his hand.

As he was quite the most beautiful man Laria had ever seen, she

was curiously hesitant to complete the courtesies. His smile deepened

as if he had caught her diffidence, though she had instantly shielded.

He was softer than Nesrun had been, deep blue, and lemony: a

combination which startled her almost as much as his beauty. The skin

touch was swiftly replaced by the hat he put in her outstretched hand,

a hat similar to the one he wore.

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

Our welcome gift to you.' Laria was properly grateful, especially

as the hat was an excellent fit, shading her eyes as well as the back

of her neck with its slanting brim. There was air space above her

pate: neither heat nor the pressure of the sun was so intensely felt.

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

Nesrun remarked.

`Though, God knows, I have mentioned it innumerable times and so

has every human visitor,' Yoshuk added with a droll grin of

resignation.

Laria was aware that she was staring at Yoshuk, but he continued

to smile pleasantly as if accustomed to such scrutiny: even inviting

it, the way he turned his head so she had the full benefit of his

classic profile. Then Nesrun, apparently by chance, trod on his foot

and he danced away from it, much as a nervous colt might. That analogy

interrupted Laria's daze and she fell into a more normal manner.

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

asked.

Yoshuk shook his head and Nesrun answered.

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

I did suggest that you might be happier picking the final touches

yourself.' She rolled her eyes upwards. `They learn quick, though.'

`You should have seen what they'd rigged up for us!' Yoshuk grinned.

Trouble was, Laria thought, the grin doesn't spoil his looks,

except I'd hate to annoy him. She grinned back.

`What did you mean, Yoshuk,' she said, searching for a safe topic

to end the pause, `by saying you'd be happy to learn syntax from me?

Don't you speak `Dini?' Nesrun's laugh was pure malice which

Yoshuk totally ignored. `Neither of us speak `Dini, Laria,' Nesrun

said.

`Can't clack, click or whistle with any fluency. We get along by

signing - our own brand - but it suffices. Or we ask for a dreamer.

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

gave a controlled shudder.

Laria regarded her with some surprise. `Don't you like `Dinis?'

`I've got accustomed to them,' she said sardonically, `but they are

certainly not my chosen bed mates.' Again another little shudder.

Yoshuk leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, shielding his hand

from those around them. `She's not exactly xenophobic...' `You're

lucky to have been raised with them, Laria,' Nesrun put in. `Saves a

lot of adjustment.' `Don't you want to learn `Dini?' Laria asked

Nesrun. It seemed terribly impolite to live in the midst of a new

culture and not know about it; be unable to communicate with the

inhabitants, especially when so much was at stake!

`I'd like to learn signing,' Nesrun said reluctantly, compressing

her lips briefly, `but you're going to have to teach that, too, you

know!' `I do,' Laria said and sighed.

Yoshuk gave her the kindest smile imaginable.

`Don't worry, Laria. You'll cope!' He said that with such

sincerity and sympathy that Laria got a second wind of resolution!

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

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

But the real work won't come right away. It's almost more

important for you to teach right now. In fact, it's imperative.' Laria

took a deep breath. `I can see that it is.' Then Plus leaned sideways

to attract her attention 7' and she politely concentrated on what it

was saying.

With the dark lenses and the hat, her headache was reduced to a

mere pulse. Or maybe that was her blood throbbing in time to the

percussives?

She lasted out the celebrations and was ready the next morning for

the students of both races.

When his sister came home for his sixteenth-birthday celebration,

Thian was even prouder of her than her parents - if that could be

possible. She was tanned a warm ruddy shade - up to mid-brow - where

her hat sat. She was extremely fit, and showed them all up by leading

them a merry chase out hunting on Saki.

Nor had she lost her skill with arrow and dart for, at the end of

the day, she had more in her hunting bag than anyone else. She was the

same, and yet she was more, Thian decided. Better, and not the least

big smug like some of his Denebian cousins who were being trained by

his parents in Aurigae Tower.

He was scheduled to take over Laria's teaching duties on Clarf so

he wouldn't have to put up with cousins Roddie and Megan, who were only

T-3s and shouldn't take on the airs and poses they did.

The one time he had tried to take the wind Out of their sails, his

parents had jumped on him with all four feet and threatened to send him

to Coventry if he ever pulled another stunt like that.

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

It is what you do that concerns us and you may not retaliate in

that fashion no matter what the provocation!

There could be no question in Thian's mind that 7Z his mother

meant exactly what she said. Worse, he could feel his father's mind

confirming the rebuke.

They didn't say anything when he began bringing in more game than

either of his cousins could find.

He studied the tactical games in which Roddie was said to excel

and beat him consistently in all of them. He kept his scholastic

record higher than his obnoxious cousin's - and Roddie was supposed to

be the engineering brains in the family, taking after his famous

namesake uncle. With quiet satisfaction, he saw that Roddie kept

trying but he could never quite reach Thian's level and that was fine

by Thian.

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

perfecting one.

He wasn't sure that he actually envied Laria, for she now was

scheduled to do a final three months' training at Callisto Tower.

Grandmother Rowan was known to be picky to work with, a

perfectionist, endlessly demanding that all her Tower staff operate on

the highest possible level, especially now, as there was so much

traffic. But that was why Laria was recalled from her teaching

assignment and given this intensive course. If she met the Rowan's

high standard - which no-one doubted - she'd return to Clarf as Tower

Prime to help bring in the great assault ships, built of Aurigaean ores

in the satellite construction-yards of Earth, Betelgeuse, Procyon and

the Mrdini worlds of Clarf, Sef, Ptu, Kif, and Tplu.

On quite a few occasions, while Thian had been standing a

listening watch at the Tower, he had received important and secret

messages. In point of fact, the first three times, he had been told to

get either his mother or his father to accept the communication.

Either his mother or father must have vouched for him because,

after that, he'd been given the direct message. He never discussed

them with either parent, and never knew if they were aware of these

developments.

But he treasured the trust shown in him, and tried to fit the

substance of the messages into his overview of the Hive pursuit.

He was cautious with those think-files and always erased any notes

thoroughly before he left his room screen. Thian was aware that most

of the Federation did not know that contact with the Hive Migration

ships had been made or that `Dini and human pursuit ships were

attempting to find the Hive Home System.

Before he'd been born, before Laria had been born, the Mrdinis had

made contact with his parents on Deneb where they were spending a

well-deserved rest and relaxation leave. There was something else

about that point in time Thian hadn't been told: he just sensed that

there was more explanation due him. Probably when he was older and a

Tower Prime himself. The Raven-Lyon children knew when, and when not,

to probe for information.

At any rate, Damia and Afra had Dreamed Mrdini and made contact

with the alien race, discovering that the enemy which had ravaged their

worlds was the same menace that had attacked Deneb, Granddad's planet.

The assault had been repulsed by the massed, merged Minds of every

T-rating on every planet in the Federation. The Many Mind of the

sixteen queens on the Hive ship had been overpowered and then the ship

plunged, helpless, into Deneb's sun. But there were more than one Hive

ship and the Mrdini wanted human help in preventing more worlds from

falling under Hive domination, for the Hive species stripped any

suitable world of all other life forms, propagated at an incredible

rate, and then sent its excess population out into space to find yet

more worlds where it could repeat the process.

While there were estimated to be millions of carbon-based planets

in the galaxy, such uncontrolled expansion - to the detriment of other

species - had to be limited.

At tremendous cost in personnel and materiel, the Mrdinis had

struggled to keep their own worlds free. They had been overjoyed to

find that humans were also involved in, and capable of, species'

protection. They were fascinated by the special psionic Talents used

by the Federation to reduce loss of life without diluting the

effectiveness of the deterrent with which they had defeated the initial

attempts of the Hive ships to intrude on their spheres of influence.

With such vastly different species and for such a common purpose,

unambiguous communications had to be established. This was being done

through the young of both life forms who paired early in order to

instil mutual respect and form a basis for the mutual understanding

required for the undertaking.

While this programme was maturing, the military arms of each

species were searching space in a joint operation. Though dissimilar

in style and operation, the means to trace the Hive ships' ion trails

back to their point of origin had been available to both navies, and

had finally been productive.

FT&T Primes had forwarded a squadron to a rendezvous with the

Mrdini ships which had intercepted the Hive vessels' trails. Each of

the `Dini ships had several strong dreamers who could communicate on a

basic level with Talents on board the human ships. While hoping that

following the ion trails back the way they had come might result in

discovering the location of the Hive homeworld, the more pessimistic of

both species recognized that the trails might dwindle to nothing

considering the period of time involved - and the effort would be

wasted. But others argued, and won, that this was the best opportunity

to at least try.

They'd be no worse off, and at least would have identified where

the Hive were not.

A second contingent, six fast ships from each fleet, had set out

in pursuit of the marauding Hivers. It was as critical to know their

destinations as to discover their origins. And possibly come to the

assistance of whatever planet was the target of Hive attentions.

No-one yet, of either species, had suggested the Way to destroy

the Hive culture. Or, at least, contain it. Another ethical point on

which Mrdini and human were agreed: neither found it morally acceptable

to undertake the total annihilation of another sentient species, even

one as inimical to both their life forms as the Hivers.

`That's because they haven't been physically threatened,' Jeff

Raven had said grimly in the privacy of his mother's home on Deneb.

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

`There must be some humane way to remove the threat of Hive

invasions,' his oldest son, Jeran, had replied.

`We're working on it, though I'll argue the point that "humane"

applies to the Hivers. Seemingly they have only one method of

colonizing and that 5

fatal to any other life form inhabiting the planet they choose.'

`It'd be very difficult to change the goals of a species you can't even

talk to,' Isthia said.

`I don't even want to talk to them,' the Rowan had said, giving a

shudder as she vividly remembered the moment she, as focus of the

merged female Talents, had briefly touched the Many Mind of the Hive

queens. `There was nothing there to talk to!' she added, after a

moment's thought.

`We could just pick off each ship that's found using the same

methods, couldn't we?' Cera RavenHilk asked.

`We could,' Jeff replied. `But that would be a life's work in

itself `Besides tying up Primes and whole bunches of Talent, quite

likely at the most inconvenient times,' the Rowan added, with a little

sniff. `I certainly wouldn't like to have to keep doing it, time after

time. The `Dinis' estimate of how many Hive ships there could be is

unnerving.' `How many is that?' Jeran asked diffidently.

Classified, said both parents at once.

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

`At least we do now have a great many more Talents to call on than

we did when you had to execute the first one,' Cera said, placidly.

Her parents gave her such a long look that she blinked, wondering

why she had incurred their disapproval. `The Two-Level mass

mind-merges didn't take very long, after all.' `It took more than you

think,' the Rowan said, remembering that Cera had been affected in

utero during that brief, but exceedingly intense, assault.

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

The human ships following the ion trail were now far beyond any

friendly system. The traces remained strong, indicating excesses of

speed which made the ion trail so easy to follow. The human flagship,

the Va dim, and her consorts, the Solidarity, the Reliant and the

Beijing were experiencing supply shortages which must be remedied if

they were expected to continue. Captain Ashiant of the Vadim made it

very plain that he and the other human captains insisted on continuing

towards the Hive homeworld no matter how long it took. To transport

such long distances, the Towers involved - Deneb and Callisto - were

also going to need reinforcements. There was even the hint that a

Prime Talent would be required on the pursuit flagship, to facilitate

future transportations and communications over the immense distances

now involved.

`All the old military commanders say it's wrong to have too long a

supply line,' Thian said when the subject of Tower augmentations came

up.

`This is the twenty-four century, Thian,' Roddie said, dismissing

that concern. `We have skills and abilities those ancients never

thought of. And,' he added pompously, `we haven't had a land-war in

generations.

`Thian's point is well taken,' Afra said at his most mild and

Roddie flushed, hearing the subtle rebuke. `Neither spdes has explored

the areas through which they've been passing. There've been no yellow

stars, which are systems the Hivers seek, or where our folk could land

and replenish supplies from natural materials. Naval hydroponics can

only supply so much to augment frozen, dried and canned comestibles.

Water's been recycled far too often for it to be potable. That's

actually the main problem, though fuel supplies are also dwindling and

must be replenished.' `Ice planet? Ice asteroids?' Roddie suggested.

`Requires detours from the course into a system with an expense of

fuel that might not be justified by results,' Afra said. Roddie's face

fell. `But it is an alternative that's being considered.

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

`If yellow stars generate the kind of planets that the Hive wants

and that we'd need to find drinkable water. There'd be the possibility

of a confrontation.' Afra nodded solemnly and Thian sighed at the

complexity of it all.

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

`The `Dinis might beat us to it,' and Laria's grin was

mischievous. `They're very clever.

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

`Is it being a Denebian that makes him like that, or being just a

T-3?' Laria asked her brother in a low voice.

`Deneb does inculcate certain characteristics in its children,'

Afra said, rising, `just as Aurigae instils others, not necessarily

exemplary ones, in hers!' `Whooops!' Laria said, grinning at the subtle

rebuke. `A few years in a Tower and he'll probably turn into a quite

bearable young man.' At that both her father and brother laughed and

moved off to mingle with other guests.

Several days later, Damia and Afra sent Thian a telepathic call to

join them in the Tower room.

Family matters were generally dealt with in the house, so Thian

was instantly aware that this was an unusual summons. With some

trepidation and a quick inventory of recent misdemeanours, Thian

`ported himself the short distance into the upper Chamber where his

parents conducted all FT&T business.

He didn't dare probe his own parents but he could, and did,

establish their mental tone: Damia was sad and worried, and his father

seemed coloured by regret and reluctance but was also containing pride,

being more apprehensive than worried.

`Thian, his mother began, pausing to fingercomb over her shoulder

the silver tress that even her son knew misbehaved when she was upset,

`we've had a request... ` She glanced for assistance to Afra.

`Jeff Raven makes few,' Afra said, `and it is only a request which

we three can examine, forget or accept, as we decide.' 8o 8i Thian

mastered the impatience with this round- about talk and waited. He

couldn't even catch a hint of what this request was about.

`What does my grandfather want?' Thian said, rather pleased with

his adroit phrasing. It might generate the sort of response he wanted.

It did.

`Earth Prime,' and his mother corrected him firmly, `requires a

T-1 to accompany the reinforcements to the rendezvous.' `Wow! I was

right about supply lines, wasn't I, Dad!' What are you talking about,

Thian? Damia asked, sharp with worries she tried to hide.

He made a point the other day and it's come to roost on his own

shoulders, his father said, grinning.

Going to honour it?

`You mean, Granddad's really considering me?' Thian couldn't

believe his great good luck. Wait'll he told Roddie. His silly coz

would be mouldy with envy.

That remark doesn't become you, Afra said in a very tight voice

and Thian shook himself, sharpening his attention to the matter in

hand. That's better.

`You know how few T-1s there are ` Damia began, fiddling with the

curl on the end of her silver tress which had found its way back over

her shoulder. That automatic gesture reminded Thian that he often

fiddled with the silver streak that was a genetic legacy from his

mother. Even the baby Petra had a tuft of silver hairs at the temple,

the cause of some amusement in the Denebian side of the family.

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

`Not of working age,' Damia said. `You're barely sixteen and

while you've been trained to very high standards, you've only worked

here in Aurigae...

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

remember that.

`Not the most active of Towers,' she replied. Then she gave him a

little smile. `But you did well, and you've always done well here.

It's just that...

`Mom, you know I've read everything there is on naval histories,

even military ones from the early centuries,' Thian said earnestly.

`You know I'm the best there is at strategy games . . `Strategy

is not involved here,' she said rather sharply. What is involved are

very long lonely distances for my eldest son who has only just reached

manhood.

Then she let Thian feel what she was feeling and he almost burst

into tears, despite his sixteen years.

She was terribly afraid - afraid she might never see him again

that he'd die before his time, as her brother Larak had done. Larak

often figured in Damia's sadder thoughts: a pain that never really

eased, in its own special corner of her mind.

She let him have that brief glimpse, then shut it, giving herself

a little shake of self-reprimand.

His father had one hand on her shoulder, as he often did when his

mother was upset about something.

`Mother,' and Thian laid his hand on her arm, `we're only a

thought away no matter how far apart our bodies are.' She gave a little

cry and embraced him, now letting him feel her pride in his response,

her constant 8z love and caring of him, and how immensely pleased she

was to be able to supply a child of her body for this service.

`Spoken like a true Lyon,' she said, laughing and crying at the

same time, as she tightened her arms one more time before releasing

him.

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

teasing tone.

`It is a tremendously responsible position, Thian,' Damia said,

restored to poise and dignity.

`Don't think I don't know it,' Thian said. `And Granddad

suggested me?' Afra nodded. `Oh, we've run through all the training

squirts,' and his cocked eyebrow took the sting out of his words. `You

can thank Gren for it. He made the final assessments. He considered

you the best candidate - if we'd let you go.

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

been deprived of.

Damia gave his father a sour look and pursed her lips for a

moment. `No, you should know us better than that, Thian Lyon! But we

do believe that you've a good head on your shoulders, a fine sense of

responsibility and sufficient training to be an effective member of

FT&T.' A sudden thought caught Thian. `But what about Mur and Dip?' He

was appalled that he had forgotten his `Dini companions even during

that moment of personal success.

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

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

`They will accompany you. You've actually a double purpose:

providing the search with a Prime and a working `Dini team plus some

language instruction. That should help ease relations between human

and Dini.

`Why? Are they bad?' Afra cleared his throat. `Not bad, exactly,

but with inadequate communication, unnecessary problems have arisen

that accurate interpretation could have avoided.' `Oh!' `You are young

for such responsibility but your mother and I feel you have a mature

enough attitude and certainly you communicate well with `Dinis.

You are well grown and you don't look wet behind the ears - which

is aided and abetted by the infamous Gwyn streak,' and Afra gave

Thian's silver lock a gentle tap. Afra cleared his throat then added,

`I believe that, and your interest in naval history and protocol,

tipped the balance in your favour.' Thian lifted his chest, grinning as

he remembered all the teasing he'd had for blurring his eyes over

ancient texts and stupid manuals. You never did know when something

you studied for the fun of it became very useful indeed.

`Now, I suggest that you give yourself,' his father said, `say,

half an hour, to appreciate this unexpected honour before you get your

head back down to size. Because you're not allowed to mention this to

anyone. Not even your `Dinis, until the formalities are observed and

your official orders are cut.' `Not even Laria?' `Especially not your

sister, Thian, since she's slated to depart to Callisto in two days'

time,' his mother said. She gave his hair a brief stroke at his

disappointment. `She'll hear through the appropriate sources, dear.'

`Consider this your first exercise in naval intelligence. You'll soon

hear many messages you may never even hint you've received.' `And I

used to wonder why I had to help you with those big-daddies all the

time.' Thian's active mind had also been cataloguing the sort of

materiel he'd be having to `port to his squadron.

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

Just then a tray with glasses and a basket of tidbits came

floating into the Tower room.

`A celebration is obviously called for: quiet, necessarily limited

to immediate family members but none the less a celebration, son,'

Damia said, and herself placed one glass in Thian's hand.

Three glasses chimed melodiously as they met: their contents then

ceremonially drunk.

Thian found it was harder to keep his mouth shut over this than

he'd anticipated. It was even harder to suppress the inner excitement

that threatened to bubble up whenever he considered his altered status.

Fortunately, Laria was involved with renewing contacts with her

siblings and their `Dinis. She also `ported frequently to the `Dini

village to spend time with relatives of those she knew on Clarf.

The first time Thian had accompanied her, he had been awed at the

sophistication of her `Dini vocabulary. True, they had been paired

with young `Dinis, who were also learning their language from their

adults, but vocabulary and complexity had reached a mature level even

before Laria had gone to Clarf. But now... Thian went with her

whenever he could, listening to the new combinations of sound and sign.

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

Look, Thian, Laria said, turning on him before she went off for

the fourth morning to the village, I'm real pleased you like my company

but haven't you something better to do with your time?

Gee, Lar, I have missed you, he began, caught without a glib

excuse ready. And it's a real treat to hear you speak `Dini. You've

learned a great deal. I thought I was fluent --- And he paused, hoping

the flattery would cover his genuine need.

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

before.

Laria gave him a long measuring look. Thian?

You're my brother and I know you well enough to know you're

covering. What?

Could we just leave it that I need to improve technical `Din

i-speak?

You'll pick it up very quickly once you're on Clarf, Thian, she

began. You're pretty fluent as it is.

In day-to-day stuff, but not the technical jargon and I will need

that, won't I?

She frowned slightly, cocking her head at him, and he could feel

her mind push against his. He waggled a finger at her `That's not good

manners,' he said.

`You've never minded before. And you are hiding something.' `Not

hiding,' he said with a grin, `but you know that we never talk Tower

business.' `Oh, all right, Thian, you can come today - for the last

time.' It would be, Thian knew, but he couldn't indicate that either.

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

Still, if he couldn't handle this minor incident, he oughtn't to

accept the assignment at all.

You are the best candidate for this job, son, his father said

softly. Never doubt that!

Laria knows a lot more technical lingo than I do.

Wouldn't she be better?

Having doubts is normal. Overcoming them is part of maturing. I

would be more worried about your success if you didn't question

yourself. Your training and experience are more than adequate for this

assignment. Laria would not do as well as you will!

Thian let himself be reassured, especially as he wanted this duty

more than anything. Very softly even in his own head, Thian added:

Roddie would be livid with envy.

Dinner that last evening was not ostentatiously lavish but the

meal happened to feature the favorite dishes of Thian, Mur and Dip.

No-one made mention of this bias because their special foods were

popular anyway. Thian got a bit misty-eyed, though, when his mother

served him double-chocolate cake.

I also baked a second one for you to take with you tomorrow, she

added very privately and he nearly burst into tears.

They dissipated with a suddenness that suggested `help', leaving

him happy and relaxed but no longer emotionally overloaded.

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

Everyone appreciates double-chocolate cake, he replied, in control

of himself again.

The transfer would take place late that evening, when the

household was asleep. First they'd land at Callisto.

`Just to keep you humble, Thian,' his mother said as they made

their way through the dark still night to the Tower, `you and your

`Dinis are also-rans with urgently needed medical and food supplies.'

`Thanks, Mom, I needed that,' Thian said facetiously.

I know, and she grinned at him. `Your grandparents will join with

David of Betelgeuse to push the shipment to rendezvous with the

starship Vadim.' `At least we'll be pushed by the best,' he said.

They had reached the capsule now and he placed his carisak inside,

careful of the double-chocolate cake. His father went on up to the

Tower to take his position. His mother hovered as he helped stow the

pouches Mur and Dip handed him. They hopped in, clicking softly as

they settled into their special hammocks. Then it was Thian's turn to

enter.

Thian caught just the glint of moisture in his mother's eyes

before, unexpectedly, she threw her arms about him. When, he wondered

as his arms closed about her, had she gotten so slender and so much

smaller than he?

When you got so much fatter and bigger, she said and shoved him

towards the carrier. You big lunk! And, on a different level which

Thian was astonished to hear, she added, This is much harder than I

thought it would be!

Almost embarrassed by her remorse, Thian stumbled as he stepped in

and then fell awkwardly across the couch, Mur and Dip clacking concern.

He clucked a reassurance and clipped on his harness.

The canopy closed.

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

continued.

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

level.

Firmly Thian diverted his thoughts from this inadvertent contact

and squinched his shoulders into the couch.

NOT TO WORRY, Mur said.

TOGETHER US, Dip added.

GOODNESS SPREADS, Thian replied, accepting their encouragement and

returning it in the `Dini idiom.

He caught the `push' of two strong minds at the onset of

`portation. He held his breath and felt the `halt' and the almost

indefinable alteration as his grandmother `caught' the capsule from the

Aurigaean thrust and brought it safely in. He didn't feel even the

slightest vibration as the carrier was placed on the Callistan cradle.

I'm always careful with animate cargo, came the unmistakable touch

of his grandmother's `pathing.

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

This `port will be longer, remember, but I'll stay with you, if

you wish? the Rowan offered.

Thian let a laugh ripple through his reply Mother'd snatch me

bald-headed, Callisto Prime, if I did that.

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

capsule.

That's the drone capsule locking on, his grandmother said, not me

missing my thrust. Don't break any eggs now, she added.

On her `now', he knew that she had pushed because he could just

hear the whine of generators.

He was also aware of David, the Betelgeuse Prime, when his touch

came on line.

Ah! Punctual as ever, David, the Rowan said.

Shall we?

Why not? was David's diffident reply The final thrust of his

journey was palpable in Thian's mind: he expected that both the Rowan

and David had done that on purpose. Some Talents, especially Primes,

still experienced twinges of apprehension when being `ported by others.

Most of them handled their own `portations and possibly Thian

could have, had he had practice with the coordinates to which he was

going: constantly altering coordinates at that. He really was relieved

that he hadn't been expected to transport himself.

Then he wa there! Inside the battle cruiser.

`Sir,' a loud voice shouted, slightly muffled by the capsule,

`transport and drone are now aboard.' `Well, well, open up the carrier,

man!' The hatch was cracked and the first thing Thian noted was that

the air was tainted. The first thing he did was sneeze, which

mortified him.

`Canned air has that effect, sir,' said the unIformed rating who

looked in on him. `You'll get used to it, Mr Lyon.' The grin that

followed that warning belied the sentiment.

9' Mur was convulsed with the equivalent of a `Dini sneeze while

Dip seemed to be gagging.

BE EASY, Thian clacked encouragingly and, pulling the harness

release, reached over to extricate Mur from its belt and pull it to a

more upright position. Mur managed a wheeze of gratitude and, in turn,

assisted Dip.

`Mr Lyon, sir, care to join us?' and a second figure bent down to

peer in the open hatch. The face that peered in was young, with that

indefinable stamp of perpetual youth that some men seem to retain:

regular but undistinguished features, pale blue eyes, fresh complexion

and only the hint of down on the upper lip.

`I'm helping my `Dinis,' Thian said, somewhat relieved as he

decided he looked older than his welcomer. Dark hair and heavy

eyebrows produced unexpected results. `Ah, we're coming.' `You were

able to bring `Dinis, then. By Jove, that is good news,' said this

second individual who moved back as Thian swung himself out. `Welcome

aboard, Mr Lyon,' and Thian was surprised at the crisp salute accorded

him. He grinned in return, and then offered his hand. `Lieutenant

Ridvan AusterKiely, sir.' Thian decided that one could be over-sirred

but it was only good naval protocol.

Mur was hiccuping in spasms now and Thian felt the first twinge of

concern. When Thian touched Mur's sloping forearm, the fur felt very

dry. Dehydration! Not good for the `Dinis who daily consumed

quantities of liquid. Thian excused himself to the lieutenant and

`ported both `Dinis out of the capsule, bracing Mur against his leg

until it had cleared its air passage.

`Mur should be all right in a moment,' Thian said with more

authority than he felt. `This is Dip,' he added and handed Dip a clean

cloth to mop its poll eye which was streaming, another form of `Dini

reaction to poor air quality and excessive dryness.

He had to blink rather furiously himself to clear his own eyes.

`Yeah,' drawled the lieutenant, `it gets to you if you aren't used

to it. Would a puff of the pure do any good?' `The pure?' Thian wasn't

certain he had heard correctly because there was a lot of noise and

exclamations from the seamen crowding around the supply drone so he

`reached' for an explanation.

`Oh, oxygen.' Then Thian wondered if his lapse had been noticed

but the lieutenant didn't react, just kept looking at the gasping and

hiccuping `These guys are small,' he said, trying not to be impolite

with his interest in them.

`Humans have different growth patterns. `Dinis do it slower.'

`Oh? Can I assist you with your baggage, sir? Get you to your

quarters where it's quieter,' AusterKiely said, as Mur's hiccups

developed into a distressed pattern that was plainly worrying Dip.

Thian knew he had to get both `Dinis out of the noise, confusion

and bad air as fast as possible.

`Excuse me, Lieutenant,' he said and clutched him by the shoulder

just long enough for a quick scan. As Thian had anticipated, the man

had a 9Z picture in his mind of where he would be guiding this party.

`I'll meet you there.' He gathered Mur and Dip in his arms and

`ported them all to the cabin Auster-Kiely had envisioned.

It was small, but it had what he needed: a bunk on which he

deposited Mur in an upright position, propping it with the pillow and

sleepsak, before he swung round to the tiny basin, turned the water

spigot on to soak the towel he whipped off the rack, and also filled a

glass. As he turned back to the bunk, he noticed that the water was an

odd off-clear shade and, even a foot away from his nose, he could smell

the chemicals used in recycling. But it was moisture. He held it

against the appropriate orifice on Mur's upper torso and watched the

liquid being ingested while Mur valiantly struggled to suppress another

series of hiccups. When partial success was obvious, Thian refilled

the glass and offered it.

Mur clicked in weak protest.

ALL THERE is, Thian said firmly and proffered the liquid. This

time the hiccups completely subsided.

Dip had wrung out the towel and was now laying it against Mur's

upper torso. Mur sagged into the supports, but its pelt colour was not

returning to a normal hue, and the two lids were still covering the

poll eye. BETTER AIR NEEDED? Thian asked.

WISE, was Dip's reply but it added a questioning suffix.

DOUBLE WISE, Thian said, feeling a soreness develop in the back of

his throat which he knew had to be from the air though what was in the

cabin was not as contaminated as the air in the shuttle bay.

How the navy could operate in this atmosphere was beyond him. He

swung round now to the compact room terminal, wriggling his fingers as

he held them above the keyboard indecisively.

Sick-bay! That's what he needed.

There was a hesitant tap on the door.

`Yes,' and he reached out to throw the latch.

The young lieutenant stood there, a rating behind him, holding

Thian's belongings and the two `Dini pouches.

THANKS, Dip said in a guttural approximation and both seamen

stared down at it in utter astonishment.

`I didn't know they could speak Basic,' AusterKiely said in an

awed whisper.

`These `Dinis can, though their responses are limited to the words

they can get their vocal equipment to sound,' Thian said. `But look,

Mur here is not pulling round as it should.' `He . . . it . . . even

looks sick, Auster-Kiely replied, his eyes goggling.

`You don't have a `Dini medic on board here, do you?' `On the

Vadim?' The question startled the lieutenant.

`There is a `Dini ship in this squadron, though, isn't there?'

`Two!' `How do I contact one? Mur needs more help than I can provide,'

and indeed the gasps coming from the `Dini were causing Dip great

consternation to judge by the alteration of its own pelt colour. It

proffered another glass of water to Mur.

`No wonder it's sick if you're giving him washing water,' cried

Auster-Kiely, pointing agitatedly at the basin and then at the small

cylinder above it: plainly marked `drinking water'.

Thian groaned, scrubbing at his face and wondering how he could

have been so stupid. Auster-Kiely pushed past him now and began

tapping keys.

`Sir, medical emergency in Mr Lyon's quarters. A Mrdini illness.

Urgently request contact with `Dini vessel and their medic.'

`Thanks, Kiely,' Thian said, leaning weakly against the wall. And he

thought himself so responsible yet the first thing he does on his

assignment is to poison a `Dini with unpotable water!

`What's this about a `Dini emergency?' Auster-Kiely came to a

rigged attention stance, his eyes once more protruding. `Yes, sir,

there is, sir.

With an apologetic look, Thian shoved the lieutenant to one side

so he was visible to the hoarse-voiced questioner.

`Prime Lyon here,' Thian said. `My `Dini companion is

experiencing difficulties with breathing. I made the mistake of giving

it basin water. . `Damned fool ``. weren't you briefed? Why didn't

that young squirt do what he was told to. Thian could have wished any

other circumstances had brought him to the captain's notice so soon but

the background noise of Mur's gasps required immediate action.

`Get some oxygen in here, Kiely,' he said to the lieutenant.

`Your pardon, sir, this is an extreme emergency. I need to talk

to a `Dini medic like right now!' `I was told, Lyon, that you were

fully capable of caring for your. .

`I am, Captain Ashiant, which is what I'm doing, if you will

kindly put me through to your communications officer. Explanations

must wait.' To Thian's increasing anxiety, Captain Ashiant hesitated.

Thian sensed a dislike/distaste/reluctance to communicate with

either of the `Dini ships. `Now, Captain, before Mur dies!' That stern

threat prompted action.

`Lieutenant Brikowski, sir,' a new voice said and the screen

cleared to a new face, a gaunt, hatchetface topped off by a cap of

short dark hair. `I'm opening a channel but I only have basic `Dini,

Mr Lyon --` `Just open the channel.' Auster-Kiely had come racing back

with a breathing unit - albeit a human one - and didn't know what to do

with it. Snatching the unit from the man, Thian turned the cock on the

bottle and passed the mask to Dip.

COVER BREATHING ORIFICE, he explained and turned back to the

screen just as the view cleared to the `Dini bridge.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CAPTAIN PLR, MRG WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES,

WATER AND AIR IMPURITIES, COLOUR POOR, OXYGEN ADMINISTERED, MOISTURE TO

BODY PART. OThER REMEDY?

Thian had no time to be pleased that he got all the words out in

the proper order and with good accent. He saw Dip's nod of approval

and then Dip ploughed over the screen. On seeing who was answering the

call, it bowed first, exhibiting full poll eye to the senior `Dini in a

mark of great respect before Dip added a few medical details to Thian's

statement.

GREAT URGENCY REQUIRES DIRE MEASURES, Dip told Thian after a brief

exchange. MRG MUST BE IMMERSED IN WATER, ANY KIND, UNTIL MEDICAL CAN

ARRIVE. THIAN CAN TRANSPORT? Dip's tone slowed to one of query and

entreaty.

ANY TIME ANY PLACE, DPL. REQUEST MEDICAL TO ENTeR A PERSONAL

CAPSULE, INFORM ME WHEN READY AND I WILL TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY.

Dip conveyed that message and bowed respectfully again as the

screen cleared to the Vadim's bridge.

`Well, did you straighten it all out, Mr Lyon?' Captain Ashiant

replied, a scowl still in place on his prominent brow. He was a

big-chested man with a heavy neck, big features, and he was probably

even more imposing in the flesh. Concern for Mur made Thian more

reckless than diplomatic but too much was at stake.

`We need to immerse Mur in water, anywhere will do. It's not a

full grown `Dini, and it needs continued oxygen. A medical person is

coming..

`It'll take a day or two ... ` the captain began.

`It'll take a minute, Captain, once I have a pic of the `Dini

hold, permission to use the Vadim's generators for a `port to the same

hold we arrived in...

`It's that bad?' Thian had been ready to use any lever required to

cut through protocol to get the help Mur required so he was momentarily

at a loss.

`Yes, sir, I'm sorry it is.' `Sick-bay'll have a water bath for

you. Come to the bridge as soon as you've settled your friend.

Kiely?' and the bark was back in the captain's tone.

`You lend all assistance necessary. . . and I'll see you later,

mister.' Kiely gulped as the screen blanked.

`It wasn't your fault, Kiely,' Thian said. `I'll explain.' The

relief in Kiely's eyes was heartfelt. Thian bent to pick up Mur and

carry it over his shoulder before he clasped Dip in the other arm.

`Now think of the sick-bay for me, and join me there!' Startled,

Kiely once again flashed Thian the vision he needed and he `ported them

directly into the examining room in the most dramatic fashion.

`You don't waste time, do you?' said the chief medical officer who

immediately stepped forward.

`This way,' and hurried the trio towards a cubicle.

A small bath was filling with water, the same off colour stuff.

Non-potable, Thian thought bitterly, but water.

MRG, CLOSE ALL ORIFICES, Thian told his friend as he gently

lowered the pale, shaking `Dini into the tub while Dip did its best to

keep the oxygen mask in place. `If there's another mask, Dip will show

you where to place it for best effect,' he said to the doctor.

`Certainly,' and a snap of his fingers produced a second breathing

apparatus from a very attentive corpswoman. `I've never dealt with a

`Dini patient before, Mr. .

`Lyon.. Thian supplied. `You don't by any chance speak any `Dini

?` "Fraid not,' and the physician was genuinely regretful.

Thian saw that the immersion was having some effect for Mur's

colour slightly improved.

`Well, Dip speaks Basic. I'll leave it here. I'm getting a `Dini

medic over.' `But that'll take . .

`Not very long, if you'll show me where the bridge is.

The doctor inadvertently visualized the bridge in his public mind

and Thian paused long enough to thank him before he transferred. There

was no time for the usual protocol or procedures. `Dinis were rarely

ill - especially on humanoid planets - so Mur's unexpected malfunction

was of major concern. It couldn't be just the bad air and the

inadvertent ingestion of even worse water. Mur must be physically

imperfect. It would be like losing a hand, Thian thought, to lose Mur.

And far worse for Dip.

Maybe the seizure was only passing: the shock of transport, the

dehydration of a long passage through space!

He arrived on the bridge to the startlement of all on duty, the

security guards reaching for their weapons.

`I'm Thian Lyon,' he said, both vocally and telepathically,

reinforcing the thought with an inhibition on them to draw. `Captain,

I do apologize,' he said, rapidly striding to Ashiant's command chair,

`for busting every rule of naval protocol my first hour on the Vadim

`Direct action is sometimes the only course,' Ashiant said, an odd

smile tugging at his mouth. He pointed towards an unoccupied chair to

the left of the main stations. `When we were apprised of your joining

the Vadim, we installed a chair for you in the engineering section.

You should have everything you need there. Commander Tikele is

standing by.' Nodding his thanks, Thian strode to the position, smiling

with quick gratitude to the wiry little man standing beside the chair.

The engineering officer had a slightly supercilious expression to

mouth and eyes. Afra had warned his son that he might expect some

resistance from mechanically minded naval personnel who trusted their

engines more than alternative forms of transportation. Thian managed a

respectful bow to the commander as he sat down.

`Generators are already on line?' he asked, though he could see by

the gauges on the board in front of him that they were.

`Ready when you are,' Tikele said in the blandest possible tone.

`May I have a view of the `Dini ship's shuttle bay?' `Patch it

through, Captain Ashiant said and the right-hand screen immediately

gave Thian the picture he needed.

He reached out with just his mind, sensing the presence of many

`Dinis, and the smooth cylinder that would transport the medics. If he

hadn't been rushing around like a Slither after stonelice, he'd have

been able to reach across that minimal spatial distance without

assistance. But despite the adrenalin coursing through his blood, he

leaned `00 I0I into the generators, just as he would have back on

Aurigae. At that, his catch didn't place more than a second's strain

on the generators.

`There,' Thian said, rising. `Thank you very much for your

cooperation, gentlemen. Captain, with your permission?' he added,

belatedly remembering lessons in naval courtesy.

`You haven't needed it yet, have you, Lyon?' But the captain's

tone was wry with amusement.

Even as Thian nodded in rueful acknowledgement, he `ported himself

to the shuttle deck where three `Dinis were debarking from their

capsule. They carried considerable equipment. The bay crew were

rushing forward, not sure what action to take.

`They are expected. I will lead them,' Thian said quickly before

there could be a security incident.

He took the necessary steps to the three `Dinis.

They were the biggest he had seen, even larger than the eldest in

the Aurigaean village. One `Dini was nearly his height which was tall

enough for a human.

WHO IS SENIOR, 0 LARGE AND VENERABLE oNES?

he asked as deferentially as he could. He knew that some `Dinis

took their size as seriously as some humans took their status.

ESCORT THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SICK, the big one said, moving

gracefully forward to meet Thian.

`Will one of you escort the rest of them to sickbay?' Thian said,

glancing about the humans to see who was in command.

`G'wan, said one, waving him urgently onward.

HUMBLE APOLOGY FOR INTIMACY, Thian said and, taking a deep breath,

put his arms firmly about the middle body of the `Dini. And `ported

them both to the sick-bay corridor outside the cubicle.

They both staggered for balance as they landed in the midst of a

group. Thian blamed himself for not checking on a clear corridor but

no-one was hurt and the `Dini, seeing Mur in the tub, ploughed forward

to its patient. Dip, bowing nearly double, stepped aside, remembering

to keep the breather unit in place as it did so.

While the medical officer and his staff watched with fascination,

the `Dini made an examination: a blur of moving digits and prods and

pokings of the mutely coloured Mur who was weakly hiccuping in an

irregular pattern.

`Anything I can do?' the medical officer asked without taking his

eyes from the big `Dini. `Biggest one I've ever seen,' he added in a

low tone to Thian.

`Me, too,' Thian agreed, grabbing at whatever lightening he could

find in this crisis.

Another blur of motion and the `Dini medic extracted instruments

from the pack it had brought and then quickly shoved small objects in

two orifices which Mur obediently opened.

The big `Dini sat back on its tail, crossing its forward

appendages across its upper torso. Dip clicked softly and received an

affirmative and, Thian was glad to hear, a reassuring clack.

He inhaled and leaned against the door jamb, abruptly feeling the

let-down of recent exertions.

THIS ONE RESPONDS WELL, the `Dini said, pulling itself to its two

feet.

`01

WHAT OCCURRED TO MAKE MRG UNWELL? Thian asked, echoing Dip's more

quickly spoken query.

NOT OFTEN BUT SOMETIMES SHOCK OF ADJUSTMENT TO NEW ENVIRONS. TOO

DRY AN AIR IMPURE. CANNOT BE PREDICTED. THIS PARTICULAR COLOUR PRONE

TO SUCH REACTIONS. DPL ADJUSTED AS REQUIRED OR WOULD HAVE REACTED

ALSO. MEDICATION WILL PREVENT RECURRENCE. SPEEDY HUMAN REACTIONS

PREVENTED TRAGEDY. GRATITUDE FROM ALL. IT IS GOOD HUMAN THN IS AHEAD

WITH FLEET.

`Will the `Dini be all right?' the medic asked.

Weak with relief, Thian nodded. `Seems Mur had environmental

adjustment shock.' `Oh?' Thian wondered how he was going to avoid

criticizing the ship's air and water. `Dehydration,' he said

hurriedly. `From coming so far in a capsule.

It'll be fine once the medication takes effect. You can see how

much better its colour is already.' `Ah, yes, it is. Ah, would you

thank the medic for us -- extend professional courtesies .

HOW IS LARGE ONE CALLED? Thian said, assuming the most courteous

posture. THE HUMAN MEDICAL PERSON WISHES TO GIVE THANKS.

THANKS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY RAPID CARE AND OBVIOUS CONCERN. THIS

ONE CALLED SBLIPK.

Sbl bowed politely towards the ship's doctor who quickly bobbed

back.

Thian took a deep breath and concentrated hard on pronouncing the

`Dini's name as correctly as he could. A name that long only

reinforced the importance of this `Dini personage.

`He thanks you, Dr...' `Exeter,' themedic supplied.

`For rapid care and obvious concern,' Thian said with a weak grin.

`His name is Sblipk.' Thian managed it creditably and saw Dip

flick a digit in approval.

`Exeter,' the medic said, holding out his hand to the `Dini.

When Sbl took it without hesitation, Thian's relief was

compounded. This `Dini had been among humans long enough to be

comfortable with that convention. The fleet might not know how lucky

it was to have such a personage as the `Dini medical officer.

EXTR, the `Dini replied after pumping the doctor's hand three

times.

Exeter laughed and, when his expression suggested that he wasn't

sure if laughter would be understood, Thian reassured him.

EXTR, MRDINI TYPE NAME, Sbl said in reasonably understandable

Basic.

Those listening in - and sick-bay seemed well populated at the

moment - murmured in surprise.

Thian, who had been holding himself tightly closed, opened up

briefly, to sample reactions. There was pleased surprise and relief.

There was also some disbelief and incredulity about taking care of

`Dini beasts - and the term had derogatory undertones to Thian's

sensitivities - in a human facility. Thian glanced about, trying to

see which of the many people in the corridors were anti-'Dini but

without either using a broader empathy range or having a particular

target, he could not isolate the antagonists in the group.

His parents had obliquely warned him that not all humans wanted to

be partnered with Mrdini: that Thian might find unexpected bias against

him because of his close association with `Dinis. He just hadn't

expected to come face to face with it quite so abruptly. Then Sbl

touched his arm lightly.

WITH MRDINI COMING AND GOING IT IS WELL FOR EXTR TO KNOW NECESSARY

REMEDY, Sbl said to Thian. Taking a writing implement from its belt,

it swiftly sketched some letters on a pad which it then handed to

Exeter.

`These are the remedies to be used if another `Dini has similar

symptoms, Dr Exeter.

The man was staring at the pad. `Why, these are chemical

formulae.' His jaw dropped.

`There's been a lot of exchange on the scientific levels, Doctor,

where it's easier to find means of expressing constants. Sbl here has

probably had some intensive sessions on medical practices,' Thian said

with just a little pride in his friends.

`Well, I'm pleased to have this. Tell him?' Thian did so and

there was another exchange of warm bows and nods.

Just then the remainder of the `Dini medical team arrived with

their equipment.

MRG WILL NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION FOR ThIRTEeN HUMAN HOURS, Sbl told

him. ITS system MUST BE FLUSHED OF THE POLLUTANTS AND ThOROUGHLY

CLEANSED AND ANTIDOTES administered REGULARLY TO PREVENT RECURRENCE.

DPL MAY REMAIN FOR COMFORT. NO MORE EQUIPMENT WILL BE NEEDED.

EXTR MAY WATCH BUT NO OThER HUMANS ARE NEEDED. THIS ONE MUST

return TO KLTL, (which Thian recognized as the name of the `Dini

vessel) IF THAT CAN BE ARRANGED.

immediately, Thian replied.

WIThOUT SO MUCH HASTE, Sbl added, twitching its head in the manner

Thian recognized as signalling good humour WITh GRACE AND DECORUM THIS

TIME, Thian said, twitching his head in what he hoped wasn't a breach

of etiquette with so prestigious a personage as Sbl.

`What's that all about?' Exeter asked, his eyes darting from one

to another.

Thian explained what treatment Mur would be getting and that Sbl

preferred that only the doctor of the human staff attend the patient.

Then, because he felt it might do some listeners good, added Sbl's

request for a less dramatic return to the shuttle bay.

Exeter chuckled, nodding his head. `Can't say as I blame him.

You don't always pop in and Out of places, do you, Prime?' `Only

in great emergencies, I assure you,' Thian said. `And I hope the

captain is as good a sport about it as you've been.' Exeter raised his

eyebrows, his dark eyes twinkling. `Oh, our captain'll doubtless have

a few choice words to say but he'd be a lot less pleased if this had

turned out fatal.' His expression was fleetingly more dour than it had

been during the worst of the emergency. `Don't worry, lad. You acted

with the speed required to save a life. Can't fault that. Now, I am

permitted to observe the treatment?' `That's the general idea. I'll

get back in touch with you at. ù` and Thian checked the clock, `0300

io6

when it will be completed. Or before if you need me for

something.' Then he turned to the nursing `Dinis.

THIS SMALL ONE NAMED THN. TELL EXTR NAME AND WILL CONTACT FOR

QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS/NEEDS.

GRATEFUL. COMPLY, said the larger of the two nursing `Dinis

without looking up from the apparatus it was setting up in Mur's bath

tank.

GO. ALL PROCEEDS WELL NOW, Dip added, fingering

relief/approval/affection signs with its left appendage. GO MORE

SLOWLY. AFFIRMATIVE?

Thian laughed, resting his fingers briefly on the slope from Dip's

head to body before he bowed again to Sbl, and gestured towards the

corridor.

The two medics bowed once more to each other.

`Ah, Dr Exeter, can I have directions back to the shuttle bay?'

Thian asked as he realized he didn't know the pedestrian route.

`Sally, you take `em, will you?' A girl with short red hair

stepped up and saluted.

`This way, sirs.' And with a smart about-face, she led them down

the passageway, a trip that gave Thian far more time to worry about how

to mend public relations than he needed.

Thian courteously saw Sbl into the capsule when the corpswoman

delivered them to the shuttle bay.

GOOD DREAMS LARGE SBLIPK, Thian said in polite farewell.

DREAMS WILL BE GENTLE was the astonishingly courteous rejoinder.

Even during the brief exchange, Thian sensed, with no great

extension of empathy, that the crew were waiting to see what this

civilian - the tone in which that title was couched was scathingly

critical - would do next. He wondered how his father would have

handled such a situation. Except that Afra would never get himself

into such a situation.

There was a lot, Thian reluctantly admitted, to be said for the

Capellan method of doing things.

At that, he didn't wish to admit - by contacting his parents for

guidance - that he'd come a cropper within minutes of arriving on the

Vadim.

Fortunately he could also recall some of his father's tales about

episodes of Damia's more spontaneous behaviour. Anyway, he could only

take things as they came. The important aspect was that Mur would

recover.

Closing the lid on Sbl's transport, Thian turned io8

to the expectant crew with a rueful expression on his face.

`Has anyone else ever broken as many navy regulations as I have in

the past hour?' He kept his voice humorously self-deprecating, then

went on with, `But I do want to thank you for your help and cooperation

because my friend would be dead without it.' He felt a slight lessening

of the tension. `There isn't an engineer crewman among you, is there?'

`Why?' and a man in engineering green leaned forward on the upper-level

railing. His manner was more curious than critical and Thian knew he'd

adopted the right tack.

He grimaced. `Because, if I could access the generator power from

this level, I'd frankly rather not have to beard the captain on his own

bridge right now if I don't have to. But the `Dini's an important

personage and should be sent right back to its own ship.' `Up here!

You can access from the auxiliary station here,' the lieutenant

said, ` . . . sir.' Relieved to hear that `sir', Thian took the

companionway steps, two at a time, noting an odd expression on the

ensign's face as he reached the top.

`This panel?' he asked and the lieutenant nodded, half closing his

eyes as he did so. There was some quality about the man's faint grin

that gave Thian pause: he was likely one of those who resented Talent

on the general principle that they didn't have any. This was the

auxiliary access to engineering, but beside it was the clearly marked

comunit. He might have breached protocol on his arrival, but he didn't

intend to continue now the immediate emergency had passed. He

depressed the open channel toggle. `Commander Tikele,' he said in as

firm but respectful tone as he could muster.

And felt a shaft of irritation.

`Prime Thian, back again?' `Sir, permission to access the

generators to return Medic Sblipk to its ship.' `Ssssbil . . . what?'

Thian repeated the consonants as glibly as if he hadn't any trouble

manipulating his tongue through them. `The medic has diagnosed and

provided treatment for the ill member of my group. It wishes to

return.' `That was quick. The generators are yours, Prime, work away.'

Thian caught the pulse of the engines, pressed against them and lightly

`lifted' Sbl's capsule back to its own ship, laying it so gently down

that he hoped Sbl would not realize that it had been teleported.

He'd had to use more power for the return, which annoyed him, but

who else would know?

`Thank you, Commander,' he said.

`Ah, Prime Lyon?' Tikele began. `Ah, the captain wishes to see

you in his ready room. And, ah, Mr Sedallia, please assign a guide to

the Prime.' `Aye, sir.' And the look the lieutenant then turned on

Thian was so neutral it bordered on suppressed hostility.

`I really don't just `port about places, Lieutenant.

`Couldn't prove it by me... sir,' and Thian caught just a hint of

resentment before Sedallia grinned.

"I `Greene, escort Prime Lyon to the captain's ready room.'

Halfway there, Thian found the uninhibited thoughts of the seaman

unbearably depressing. Not only did Greene treasure the thought that

this civilian (an epithet by tone) was going to get reamed the captain,

which he justly deserved in Greene S opinion, but it was just as well

that a weasel-lover wasn't going to be long aboard the Vadim. Bad

enough to have the critters in the squadron and have to share possible

glory with `em, but to have `em on board, all the time, with their

smell and that queer mid-head eye cocked at you all the time, why it

was enough to turn a man's stomach! Greene sure wished that he could

be the proverbial insect on the wall of the captain's ready room. Ten

to one,the guy'd get sent back in disgrace and the ship'd just have to

make do with what it had on board, after all.

Some inconveniences were just not worth the fuel it took to

correct `em. This cloudhead was really in for it. Greene wished now

that he'd laid a stake on how long this Prime would last on board the

Vadim.

Greene wheeled smartly at the door to the captain's ready room and

rapped twice.

Disregarding Talent protocol, too (in for a halfcredit, in for it

all), Thian reached out to the captain now sitting behind his desk,

both hands flat on its surface, awaiting the interview. He might as

well know how to frame his responses. Thian caught a brief echo of

another mind before he was thwarted by the captain's natural shield,

now firmly in place in anticipation of an interview with a Prime

Talent.

Withdrawing instantly, for fear the man might be aware of the

attempt, Thian gave a convulsive shudder. Fortunately, Greene was busy

opening the door and didn't see it.

There was that about the captain's posture that told Thian that

Ashiant was totally relaxed. Was he, too, looking forward to the

dressing down he was going to give this -- this civilian?

`That's all, thank you, Greene,' the captain said and nodded for

the seaman to retire. `Return to duty' The man silently swore as he

closed the door behind him.

`Commander Exeter tells me your --- ah, companion will survive

this. . . ah. . . allergic reaction,' the captain began with what

Thian decided was a cunningly bland tone.

He'll come down on me like a big-daddy once he's softened me up,

Thian thought and tried to relax, matching the captain's urbane air.

He could be no worse than Grandmother in her Tower mode.

Could he?

`They did the courtesy of sending a very senior medical officer,

Captain Ashiant,' Thian said, moving forward to take the seat the

captain indicated. Well, it won't be right now if he's letting me sit.

`So Exeter said, and left chemical formulae for future reference.

Good idea, that. Fleet Command keeps sending us bursts of

information but it's not always what we need, or what we can profitably

use. I dare say you'd be able to explain it.' `My pleasure, I assure

you,' Thian said, steeling himself against the inevitable storm.

Ill `You'd have no objections to sharing explanations?' `Me? No,

why would I, sir? The `Dinis are open in their admiration of human

achievements, and I think they've a few we could profit from.' `Do you

now?' Thian rebuked himself for being so cocksure but nervousness, the

knowledge that he'd already bungled his first moments aboard, made him

babble so inanely. If only he knew whether or not the captain was pro

or anti Talent. Or `Dini.

`Such as?' Well, go for broke, Thi boy, he told himself. `Such as

their air purification systems.' `Really?' And the captain's heavily

marked eyebrows rose.

Just then Thian felt something soft brush his hand.

As unexpected as it was, the touch was so familiar that he

automatically put his hand down to caress the animal that had somehow

got in the captain's ready room.

`Hello there,' Thian said in another almost automatic response to

the presence of a known and friendly entity. Then he blinked in utter

astonishment. `You've got a barque-cat!' he exclaimed in surprise and

awe, his hand poised to complete a stroke.

The cat raised her front paws off the ground, imperiously butting

her head at his hand to continue the caress which he hastily completed.

She was a magnificently marked tri-colour with a white muzzle,

white socks all round and a tiny puff of white on the tip of her tail.

She was also very pregnant and nearly overbalanced. He put a deft

hand under her barrel to support her and felt a rumbling purr vibrating

through her gravid body.

`What's her lineage, Captain? She's gorgeous. I've only seen one

other tri-colour and little Zsa Zsa isn't a patch on this one.'

`Princess Zsa Zsa of the Trebizond?' Ashiant asked, watching as the cat

continued to push herself against Thian's leg and hand.

`That's the one. She never threw any tri-colours that I heard

about.' `No, she hasn't, but not for want of the Treb's crew trying,'

the captain said with a snort. `They even asked for the service of our

torn. They got marmalades and even a tabby but no tri-colours, or

females for that matter.' `Who is your beauty? Whoops, easy there,

missus,' Thian said when the cat, despite her bulkiness, leaped into

his lap and began circling to settle.

`I've never seen Tab do that before,' and the captain sounded

slightly offended.

That's all I needed, Thian thought, closing his eyes briefly, not

only against the sudden kneading of Tab's claws in his leg but also

because no crew liked to see their barque-cat display affection to, or

even interest in, newcomers.

`I'm sorry about this, too, sir,' Thian said, lifting his hands up

and down, wanting to pet her because one was always polite to a

barque-cat but not wanting to further offend the captain of her ship.

`You do seem to have a way of relieving the tedium of a long

voyage, Prime!' And when Thian stared at him in surprise, he added,

`Oh, pet her before she makes ribbons of your leg. She's insatiable

for attention when she's gravid. Now, where were we?' `I think you

were about to tell me off for my antics today.. -` `I was?' The

captain's eyebrows once again raised up in feigned surprise. `You know

that for certain - Prime?' There was a delicate pause before the last

word.

`Sir, you must know that with a shield as tight as yours I

couldn't get a trace of your feelings about my ... unorthodox

behaviour. Which,' and Thian lifted a hand in apology, `is as good as

admitting that I tried, I know, though ethics do inhibit me from

reading past the public mind unless given explicit permission. But

with so much at stake `Indeed there is, young Lyon,' Ashiant said,

leaning back in his chair as he watched the cat lower her head to her

paws on Thian's lap, `which is why I will ask you from now on to stick

to the normal procedures whenever possible. You acted with promptness

- if in a most unusual manner - in a situation that could have had

tragic results.

I see, however, that your . . ah - skills will be more extensive

than I had been led to believe. I feel much better about

communications already after your exercise of `Dini today.

`First I'll discuss with you the duties which Earth Prime felt you

would be able to perform to ease the discomforts of this long voyage.'

He held up strong thick fingers, ticking off the responsibilities one

by one. `All interracial ship communications which, in all honesty,

have been damned sparse and misunderstood so far; all necessary

transportation between ships in this squadron; receipt and despatch of

all capsules, drone and personnel; instruction for all officers in

basic `Dini. Among us we've only enough to express "stop, go, port,

starboard and attack imminent: yellow and red alert".' His eyebrows did

a roller-coaster effect of disgusted dismay at such paucity. He waited

significantly until Thian nodded hurriedly in acceptance. `I've a

list-' and he passed over a comreader pencil file, `of all those on

board who've tested Talented. Not many but I'm told that their

abilities can augment yours in an emergency Ashiant paused again,

eyebrows raised at Thian.

`I'll try to announce emergencies whenever possible, Captain,' he

said meekly.

`Emergencies never announce themselves beforehand, Prime,' Ashiant

said, his sentence a long sigh of resignation. `However, you will

discuss what might be demanded of them, preferably singly as what you

have in your hand is exceedingly top secret,' and Thian quickly shoved

the file into his breast pocket, pressing the closing tab tight. `We

have, unfortunately, found that those with minor Talent are

disadvantaged by it so, unless those on board have discovered each

other by chance, they're unknown to each other. But it's nice to have

a back-up system... `Thian thought his parents and grandparents would

have strangled at being termed `back-up' system but Ashiant was only

repeating what was a common attitude among non-Talented.

`Introduce yourself so you can be tuned, or primed ii6

or whatever for whatever code or method you use to do whatever it

is you Primes do.' He made circles with one hand to indicate either

indifference or ignorance. Then he leaned forward and lowered his

voice. `Thian Lyon, I'm the only one on board who knows your

chronological age. That white lock doesn't wash out, does it? No?'

The captain nodded when Thian murmured that it was a genetic attribute.

`But Jeff Raven assured me that you've had excellent training and

sufficient solo operations to handle your various duties. After

today's exhibition, I think you do, too.' Astounded, Thian stared back

at the captain.

`Now, what's this about air purification? We've been sucking this

smog so long we don't smell it any more, even if half the t8me we can

almost chew it.

Small wonder your `Dini couldn't breathe.' Still stroking Tab,

Thian hitched himself more upright in the chair and began to explain

about the `Dini vegetation used to purify the air on their long voyage

ships. Although human life-support systems were more than adequate for

the usual duration of voyages, even those not assisted by Talent

thrusts, this long cruise had obviously taxed the system.

`Now I understand,' Ashiant said, leaning back and swivelling idly

in his chair. `The KLTL `Dini offered me some plants after our last

conference.

Didn't realize how significant that offer was.' `How would you

know? You didn't, by any chance, dream about plants the next couple of

nights?' Ashiant stared at him, his brows nearly meeting over the

bridge of his fleshy nose. `I did! Thought it odd because I dreamed

there were these big leaved pots all over the ship, and everyone was

smiling like loons.' Thian grinned. `You did know that `Dinis use

dreams as communications?' `Yes, I'd heard that, but dreaming plants?

C'mon now, Prime, that's too exotic for this mother's son.' `I

also interpret `Dini dreams - if you get any more, sir. Strictly top

secret,' Thian said, hoping he hadn't misjudged the captain's humour.

He hadn't, for Ashiant roared with laughter.

`Never thought I'd have a `Dini dream. Not that sort of

temperament.' `Temperament has little to do with receipt of `Dini

dreams, sir. You learn to respect repetitions because that's what they

want you to ask about.' `Oh, do they so? Hmmm.' The upshot of that

interview was that Thian made a second contact with the KLTL,

conversing this time with their life-support systems officer and

discovering that yes, there were available sgit plant shoots that could

be spared and possibly more from their sister ship in the squadron, the

KLTS. An improvement would not be immediately noticeable, depending on

how long the over-use of the oxygen had been but a gradual betterment

would occur.

Sgit plants grew rapidly and had to be constantly separated, which

was all to the good for an air improvement system. If there were

sufficient shoots, pots of them could also be put in cabins or larger

facilities to assist local improvements. Leaves and stalks of young

plants were edible.

`Some of their vegetables are quite tasty, Captain,' ii8

Thian ventured and then grinned at his expression.

`I only eat enough greens to keep balance,' Ashiant said and then,

after a pause, added, `but I think I'd be willing to try them. For

good will, you know. Ha! Glad you're aboard, Prime. You'll sort out

a lot of this sort of misunderstanding. And I think I'll do some

discreet enquiring and find out if any officers or ratings have had odd

dreams.

I'll tell Exeter - you've met him - in case he's had incidents

reported to him.' Then he took Thian to the bridge to introduce him to

those on duty. If the bridge crew had any private thoughts about the

congenial attitude of their captain for the newest arrival, they kept

so tight a lid on them that Thian couldn't sense a thing. Thian was

invited to the captain's mess at 2000 hours and provided with an escort

- until he learned his way about the ship - to return him to his cabin.

Wearier than he had ever been before - even after helping his

parents push big-daddies - Thian was grateful to close the panel on his

tiny cabin. Dad had warned him that it would be different working

totally on his own. Thian had been dismissive then, but now, with no

other Talent as back-up, it was different. Slumping down on the bunk,

he had only to extend his hand to the terminal and contact sick-bay.

`He's fine, the medic said. `No, it's fine. Read somewhere that

these creatures don't have any sex.' `They do but they don't discuss

that aspect of their biology. In `Dini culture, "It" is always

preferable to either gender designation, Doctor.

`Why?' `Doctor, that requires a very long explanation.' And a yawn

surprised him.

`I'll catch you later,' the medic said with a chuckle.

Thian was almost asleep before his head hit the holster.

Dinner at the captain's mess was not an obvious ordeal. Drinks

were offered as well as hot finger-foods which Thian decided were not

the standard fare to judge by the pleasure of their reception.

The captain cleared his throat and the wardroom had his immediate

attention.

`In case you haven't guessed, the extras served tonight are thanks

to the supply drones brought in by Prime Thian Lyon,' and Thian tried

to demur as he'd been as much a passenger as the food.

`Whatever, Prime,' the captain went on, `we have it and intend to

enjoy it and it came with you. As most of you already know,' now

Ashiant grinned as he glanced about, `the Prime has demonstrated some

of his potential use to the Fleet by what I hear-' he cleared his

throat, `are termed his antics today.

"Antics" if you will, but they saved the life of one of our allies

and have given us the opportunity to forge stronger links with them.

So welcome aboard, Prime Thian Lyon.' He held his glass up,

looking about to see that his toast was being recognized by everyone,

and drank to Thian.

Thian cleared his throat several times, bombarded by far too many

reactions emanating from all sides of him: one outright black thrust of

suspicion and distaste, several sceptical ones, but more were curious,

with tinges of amusement and slightly malicious `zo anticipation. To

counteract the negative feelings, Thian began to project serenity and

compassion.

`Considering the havoc I played today with navy protocol, sir,' he

said, grinning sheepishly, `I can only say I'm infinitely relieved to

be here and not in the brig or sent back where I came from.' That reply

generated a few honest laughs but also a second shaft of malicious

amusement at his self-deprecation.

Cloudhead's smarming the audience, is he? was the verbalized

thought.

On the pretext of lifting his own glass to toast his company,

Thian looked around, trying to spot the source.

Oho! Could he have heard me?

The thought was all too ephemeral and there were too many people

who could have thought it.

Thian hadn't been quick enough to catch that second unexpected

lapse. He let his glance slide quickly from Commander Tikele to the

chunky sallowskinned woman beside him: a security officer by her

shoulder-tabs - Vander-something - and around the immediate circle.

The com officer, Eki Wasiq, a very gaunt man with soft brown eyes

that made him the least likely suspect of the group; the exe,

JaskellGermys, a few centimetres shorter than Thian, with a carefully

controlled face that gave away nothing of his thoughts. Lieutenant

Sedallia, the only one he already knew by name, exhibited polite

attention, while the gunnery officer, an older man Fordo Ah Min with

the squint that had become a programmer's trait, had been so abstracted

that he was late lifting his glass and morS irritated by that lapse

than shooting snide thoughts at the newcomer. The two juniors present,

because it was their off-duty time, were laughably easy to read: they

hadn't expected the chance to dine well tonight.

Thian tipped his glass to his lips and drank. The malevolence was

as startling in its absence as in its brief flare.

As he was seated opposite the security officer,

Lieutenant-Commander Ailsah Vandermeer, he had a chance to put her to

the most adroit mental probe he could summon: the kind he got away with

using on his cousin Roddie. He could read no more than her public mind

without breaching the most stringent injunction of his training but, if

she was dissembling, she was making an extremely skilful job of it.

Her thoughts were clearly centred on enjoyment of the excellent

meal: such comments as she directed at him were about learning Mrdini.

He was astonished at how many were willing to learn Mrdini,

including Lieutenant Sedallia. In answer to a direct query from

Commander Tikele, Thian - again sensing only genuine interest - agreed

to produce `Dini engineering terms and their phonetic equivalents for

the engineering officer to study.

Tikele already had plans of the `Dini engines but was unable to

decipher some of the special terms for a full understanding of the

intricacies of the `Dini drive: a system that had some advantages over

the type which the humans used. Tikele was hoping to draft some

refinements, using the `Dini method, that would improve the Vadim's

drive.

Sedallia was his design assistant.

On a chase assignment like this, as on exploratory vessels, crew

and officers were encouraged in off duty studies and occupations,

interspersed with emergency drills for any contingency the devious mind

of their captain could envisage. As Thian later heard a chief petty

officer proudly remark, `Cap'n Ash-i-ant can sure think up some

dillies!

Ain't caught us out yet, neither.' The wine that was drunk that

evening was not part of the supplies which arrived with Thian and his

`Dinis. But it was the last of the dry white the mess steward had and

he advised all to make the most of it. Thian liked wine, perhaps too

well, for he seemed unwilling to refuse a refill of his glass, yet he

didn't think he'd ever been what others might call drunk. This

evening, probably due to the cumulative effects of the day's busyness,

he did find himself a little light-headed. That's when he began to

`hear' the snicking little taunts. As these came through in the form

of mental commentary, he couldn't even identify the sex of the source.

whoever it was did not like Talent, of any degree, though Thian

suspected the person was unaware that he or she possessed some: the

person was `sending' on a telepathic level which, to Thian, indicated a

latent Talent of some degree. The content of those little barbs was

much like the sort his cousin Roddie would verbally throw out. At

least with Roddie, you knew who you were fighting.

The time - when Mur would be released from its treatment - saved

him from both too much wine and too much stress under the continued

barrage of malicious jibes. He excused himself to the captain,

thanking him again for the meal, and once again repeating his wish to

be of service to the Vadim in any way he could.

`D'you know your way to sick-bay?' Commander Tikele asked as Thian

had his hand on the wardroom door release.

`I think so, sir,' Thian said with a smile at the medics in

intense conversation and left. There'd been no over- or undertones to

that remark and yet.

Thian had lied. He'd had enough wine so that he didn't know if he

should turn left or right - port or starboard. He'd better get

accustomed to thinking all the time in nautical terms. He looked up

and down the passageway, closed his eyes and `ported himself into the

main corridor outside sick-bay. At this hour, as he'd hoped, there was

no-one about and he went in.

Mur was out of its bath, colour bright and pelt shining, poll eye

sparkling. On the other hand, Dip looked exhausted.

THIAN HAS COME FOR US, Mur said in its clipped staccato fashion

and a nurse looked around the curtains separating the cubicles.

`Oh, Prime, you're very punctual,' she said and then smiled

broadly. `Mur is quite recovered but I don't think Dip has stood the

gaff as well. I offered ... you do call them "its", don't you ?` When

Thian nodded, she went on, `But all it took was some enhanced broth.

Dr Exeter looked up what additives would be sustaining for a

`Dini.

He was really frightfully pleased to meet such a distinguished

`Dini physician, too.' Despite his fatigue and the blurring caused by

the wine, Thian couldn't help but note that she regarded him with keen

interest, tilting her head and smiling at him. She was pretty, he

thought, and certainly gave off a reassuring aura. She'd be a comfort

to the sick.

`Thank you, Lieutenant... `All navy nurses were at least

lieutenants, weren't they?' `Greevy, Alison-Anne Greevy,' she said.

`Most people call me Gravy, though,' she added with a rueful grin.

`Oh,' was all Thian could think to say at first, then he added,

`most people call me Thian.' `But you're a Prime,' she said, surprised.

`Primes are people, too -- - dr . .. Gravy,' he said, annoyed

that he was stuttering. There was something wrong and he didn't know

what it was.

His mind seemed gluey.

WE MAY GO NOW, Mur said at its firmest and folded its digits about

Thian's hand. COME DPL.

Gravy looked down at them with the sweetest smile on her face.

`They are the darlingest creatures. I'm so glad Mur recovered.'

He gulped. `where are the two from the other ship?' She smiled again.

She seemed to have quite a vocabulary of smiles. This one was

slightly condescending, as if he should have known. `They're asleep.

They were tireless in their care of Mur.

And they speak very good Basic. They will contact you when they

have refreshed themselves - their words - and are ready to return.

`Oh, good. Yes, that's fine.' Thian was excessively relieved that

he didn't have to `port anyone anyplace tonight.

Dip was swaying.

`Ah ... urn, Gravy, how do I get back to my cabin? Eight Deck,

cabin C8ON?' `Very simple,' and it was, when he took the directions

from her mind and paid no attention to what she said, for she had a

habit of using her right hand when she said `port', and her left hand

when she meant him to turn to `starboard' That they got back to his

cabin at all was due to Mur's attention.

WINE, TH? Mur asked once on their way.

WINE, MRG, Thian admitted. NO GREAT QUANTITY INGESTED. FATIGUE

ASSISTS EFFECTS.

TH WORKED HARD THIS DAY. REST COMES.

DREAMS, TOO, GOOD DREAMS WITh MRG RECOVERED. And Thian was

overwhelmingly grateful that this was so, and hugged the silky body to

his side.

He helped the `Dinis into their hammocks and then stretched out,

once more, on his own bunk.

And there were dreams, but not `Dini inspired.

Gravy seemed to be flowing all over him while something black

hissed out of the walls of his cabin which compressed and expanded with

no warning.

Over the next few weeks, Thian was so tightly scheduled that

mental exhaustion made him sleep deeply and dreamlessly. Gradually, as

he became accustomed to the new routines, he did enjoy dreamtime, with

his `Dinis and with the other new `Dini personalities he met, either

physically, as he `ported them to the Va dim or took Captain Ashiant

and other officers to the KLTL and the KLTS, or by communications.

These dreamers were different to any he had previously

encountered: older and considerably more active so their dreams were

projected on many levels: some which he couldn't understand.

Mur and Dip, as juvenile in experience as himself, were unable to

give him any help; as much because they were more in awe of these

contacts than anything else.

His classes were surprisingly crowded. In the first morning slot,

which held the most officers, was Malice and Thian began to narrow down

the possibilities: Tikele was one, though that surprised Thian; Ailsah

Vandermeer was the second; the weapons officer, Far Ah Mina Terran

ectomorph with black hair, a sallow skin and high cheekbones, was the

third, and the fourth was one of the surgeons, Lacee Mban, a

round-faced man, pale haired and eyed, with the smallest hands Thian

had ever seen on an adult. Lieutenant Sedallia had initially been a

strong contender for the honour but he worked so hard at learning `Dini

that Thian scratched him off the list. Innocently Thian was hoping

that this antagonist would lose the edge of his distaste for Talents

when Thian proved himself on this level but the malice hovered

expectantly: but expecting what, Thian didn't know. Still, it kept him

constantly on the alert, hoping to penetrate the identity or reduce the

resentment.

He had three hours of classes in the morning.

Mur and Dip acted as his assistants which speeded instruction

considerably for they could conduct pronunciation lessons with those

struggling with crucial words and phrases while he explained grammar

and syntax and increased vocabulary, written and spoken. These were

techniques which his sister had found useful teaching `Dinis and which

he could adopt for human students. The adults of both species had

trouble getting their tongues to accept such contortions. Only now

could Thian appreciate the manner of his own learning from childhood

onward. None of the humans would know how often Mur and Dip were

convulsed in `Dini laughter and sometimes he too found it difficult not

to joIn In: `Dini laughter being infectious - for him, at least.

By 1200 hours, he grabbed a quick lunch with Mur and Dip and

performed any `portation duties.

Sometimes he was awakened by an urgent request to `catch' a supply

drone for the Vadim: usually a medium-sized affair. He didn't mind

such awakenings for he had a chance to exchange greetings with the

sender, often his grandfather or grandmother, and sometimes - when he

`caught' for the `Dini ships - Laria.

To her alone could he mention Malice.

Poor Th ian, and on your first assignment, too, Laria had said

with full sympathy. And you can't identify him, her? It may just be

sour grapes, you know, since the person is projecting. Sometimes

Talents are too nebulous to be directed or refined and the person is

naturally resentful. But aren't you meeting with the listed Talents on

the ship?

Yes, but it's slow, what with all the other duties I seem to have

acquired. Thian didn't exactly feel abused but he also didn't seem to

have time for anything but his duties, eating and sleeping.

Don't worry, Thi, his sister said encouragingly, it does seem that

way at first. You'll have more time once everything's settled down to

mere boredom.

They've a barque-cat, Lar, and she had kittens, he told her the

morning after Queen Tabitha Many Coats produced six: three of them

tri-coloured females. The entire crew had rejoiced! She likes me, he

added rather smugly, adding glimpses of the several times Tab had

sought his company Don't antagonize the crew over their cat, Thian, she

warned him urgently in a fashion that would have irritated him from his

sister if he hadn't also `seen' her genuine concern. They're not

Coonies, you know, who are notoriously fickle! Be careful not to let

one of the kittens decide you're his, or hers.

Thian sent her a patronizing grin. Yeah, sis, I know!

Thian, about the other problem. Trap Malice into revealing

himself. Remember the way you got Roddie into trouble?

Thian chuckled out loud. Thanks, Lar. Surprised I didn't think

of it myself.

It's not as if you haven't had a lot to think about, Thi! Love

ya! She sent a mental hug that was almost as palpable as a physical

one.

Trap my Malice, huh? he thought, still reclining in the couch and

becoming aware of the normal bridge activity around him. The way I did

Roddie!

He'd have to go about it cleverly: his antagonist was an adult,

not a petulant boy.

And Laria might be right about a sour-Talent.

None of his suspects were on the list Captain Ashiant had handed

him. So far, none of those he had interviewed privately - and that had

taken time and effort - were more than minimally Talented.

He'd three 12s, the lowest weight, two lOs and a 9. He was saving

Alison-Anne Greevy - whose appearance on the list wasn't that big a

surprise since she was a T-5 Empath - until the last as he'd already

had enough contact with her to access her mind in an emergency. The

10s and the 9 were mechanically inclined which could be helpful in

special emergencies and one was a chief petty officer.

The three 12s, ratings all, would be make weights, none of them

having any other special aptitudes. The captain's name was not on the

list either, although Ashiant's ability to shield his thoughts

indicated some latent gift: maybe just to shield. Some people had that

and no other aptitude.

He was also assembling a thesaurus of specifically technical

terms, using the Rondomanski technique.

Over his lifetime, since the `Dinis approached his mother and

father on Deneb, drafters and scientists had been correlating technical

data, drawings, equations, theories for translation. `Dini and Terran

science had been exchanged on all levels in every aspect of space

travel and exploration: the `Dinis and Terrans alike using conflicting

terms to describe the apparatus used in the same manner or the same

end. One had to be careful not to confuse terminology. Having been

raised on a mining planet, Thian was already familiar with

technological terms - and the technological mentalities - but he also

needed specific naval applications and asked Commander Tikele to

suggest personnel to assist him.

`I'd best do the engineering,' Tikele told him gruffly and he went

on to recommend officers in the other disciplines. `Sedallia can help,

too.' Thian was both surprised and pleased by such cooperation: this

could be a chance to probe two suspects. Both engineers were so

enthusiastic and involved in the task that he found it hard to consider

either of them as his private `Malevolence': that personality was much

too negative about so many aspects that were raised in the language

lessons.

Malevolence was negative in all comments so far.

Then, just as he was beginning to be easy with the established

routine, several incidents occurred. The first happened in sick-bay.

Or rather the aftermath of it came to his notice in sick-bay.

Although the air on the Vadim was slowly improving, Mur

occasionally had bouts with dehydration hiccups which were eased by

immersion. On instructions from Sbl, Commander Exeter had kept the

treatment water from the first bath and, when needed, Thian took Mur

down to sick-bay for another session. They arrived at the facility to

find shore police on guard, looking exceedingly stern. Sick-bay itself

was packed with personnel. The bruisings, black eyes, broken noses,

split lips and skulls and several men nursing damaged hands, arms and

fingers left no doubt in Thian's mind that there had been a major

brawl.

In his surprise, he let down his shields and was bombarded by

active hatred and such negative emanations that he was nearly ill. But

he couldn't ignore Mur's condition.

Chopping off all natural empathy, he worked his way towards Gravy

who was cleaning the blood from a burly gunner's face. Her public mind

was vivid with disgust for the stupidity which led grown men to beat

each other to pulp for the sheer exercise of brute force, and an

earnest wish that head wounds didn't bleed so profusely. Thian `put' a

finger on the artery that was producing the flood so he could find out

from her where Mur's water-cask was stored.

`Thian, you don't know anything about first aid, do you?' she

asked, giving him a distraught smile, her expression anxious.

`Enough to help out, I think,' he said, `but only after I've got

Mur in the bath again.' She rolled her very expressive pale green eyes.

`We've no place to put him - it, not with all these here and,

honest, Thian,' she said in agitation, `you don't want your friend

anywhere near these clods.' `No, I don't.' Just to be sure his

`friends' might not be part of whatever argument occasioned the brawl,

he shot a quick look behind her public mind.

She had such a genuine caring personality that it was not an

intrusion. To his relief, the melee had started over some perfectly

innocuous statement which was taken up wrongly by men too long in each

other's company with no relief. `We can just- manage the bath in my

cabin, I think. Show me where it is,' he added, dropping his lips

close to her ear.

She blinked, squidged her eyes shut in an effort to concentrate on

its position in the storeroom and he chuckled.

`Gotcha, and thanks, he said, moving away.

Foremost in Gravy's mind was the wish for an extra pair of hands

right now to stop bleeding, check for skull depressions or other less

obvious and internal results of the fierce, if short, confrontation.

Thian knew that he could be of some assistance, even if no-one

would ever be aware of it - which was probably the best way to handle

his intervention.

First Mur had to be taken care of so he `grabbed' the cask and the

bath and shoved them up to his cabin. He collected Mur and Dip who had

waited in the corridor with the statuesque SPs, and urged them on to

the next empty passage.

I MUST HELP MEDICS. DPL, BATH AND TANK ARE NOW IN CABIN, CAN DPL

MANAGE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MRG?

HAVING OBSERVED THEM, IT IS EASILY DONE.

I SEND YOU THERE.

MRG NEEDS BATH. DPL MANAGES. Th NEEDED MORE HERE TO BLOT HUMAN

FACES STITCH HUMAN WOUNDS SET HUMAN ARMS. And Dip made shooing

gestures with its upper extremities.

`Dini humour was usually unexpected and Thian grinned

ppredatively. Then, very carefully, he `ported his friends to the now

tight confines of his cabin where Mur could bathe in peace.

Next he let himself into an empty cabin adjacent to sick-bay and

started to scan the waiting patients, keeping a light contact with

Gravy. His great-grandmother, for whom he was named, had made certain

all her descendants understood basic initial medical treatment and its

mental signs. Thian had never thought he'd be putting that training to

use on such a wholesale basis. when he sensed internal bleeding in one

young rating, he directed Gravy away from the next man in line to him,

suggesting to Gravy that the boy's colour was wrong. He `pressed' on

any number of arteries to curtail bleeding and eased as much pain as he

could. He also `heard' many grievances of men and women cooped for an

unconscionable time in each other's company with no respite for months,

and none in sight .. - unless the bleeding planet of the bleeding Hive

was found and even action would be preferable to sitting in this bucket

ploughing who knows how many years away from a decent port.

when he heard the legitimate occupant of the room returning, he

`ported back to his cabin. Mur had just finished the bath and Dip was

drying its pelt. The cabin had a medicinal smell to it: not too

unpleasant. Tired as he was, Thian decanted the bath into the cask,

and replaced both in the storeroom.

The next day the second incident occurred when he received a

request from Sblipk for him to despatch a personnel carrier from the

KLTL with young `Dinis to be returned to the homeworld. They were the

result of that latest hibernation of `Dinis on board.

That, in itself, surprised Thian. He knew, from a remark of

Gravy's that strict contraception was practised by the mixed crews of

the human ships.

But `Dinis were not human and their procreative drives did not

respond to any contraception that he'd ever heard of. He wondered why

it hadn't occurred to anyone that there would inevitably be young on

board long-haul `Dini vessels. How they had solved the problem before

he didn't ask. It wasn't his business. Not only did the `portation of

sixteen young `Dinis give him a chance to have a few words with Laria,

but it also gave him a very good idea.

D'you get many nursery shipments, Laria? he asked in the process

of despatching the carrier.

More than you'd guess, considering how long the various elements

of the Search have been going on.

He could see the grin she must be wearing. You'd think they had

nothing else to do on board.

Laria! He was surprised by the overtones.

They've a far more acute problem than humans do, although that is

hard to believe.

Humans have another problem the `Din is don't have - short fuses.

What? Oh! A bad brawl? On shipboard? Isn't that dangerous?

There were twenty-five in sick-bay, and not all with just black

eyes and bruises.

Ready when you are, Thian, Laria said in her professional tone and

he pressed in on the KLTL's engines to `port her the precious young

`Dinis.

Apart from protesting the journey, they're safely here and such a

to-do from the Nursery! 5

tone was amused. Inform Sblipk that all have safely arrived and

will be settled with appropriate fosters of the same colour THIS IS

WELL DONE! HUMAN HELP WAS NEVER MORE NEEDED. THESE WILL NOT BE

WASTED, Sblipk said, bowing with more than formal courtesy to Thian.

As Thian returned to the Vadim, he suddenly realized what happened

to `Dinis born on long journeys and was almost overcome with a wave of

painful regret. Small wonder human help in transporting their young

back to the homeworld was so well received.

That was what gave him the idea. It wasn't only young lives that

could be lost on a long voyage, no matter how well conditioned men and

women might be to such confinement. He asked for, and received, an

immediate appointment with Captain Ashiant.

`Sir, I was down in sick-bay yesterday --The captain regarded him

with a blank expression.

`Sir, why do I have to send empty drones back to the supplying

planets?' Ashiant cocked his head slightly, and without even trying to,

Thian could hear him mentally repeating his question. A smile began to

bloom on the captain's face and he regarded Thian with overt approval.

`I don't know why drones have to be sent back empty to the

supplying planets, Prime Thian, but if you don't mind the extra mass, I

think we can equip them with temporary oxygen, and obtain temporary

relief from a problem that is becoming more and more urgent! This

cruise has already set records in modern naval annals. The captain

rose from his desk and extended his hand to Thian who managed to dampen

his own thoughts sufficiently in order to complete the handshaking.

The captain was a deep rich brown, clever, astringent. `I beg

your pardon, Prime,' he added, suddenly realizing that he had been

extremely personal with a Talent.

`My pleasure, sir,' Thian replied, bowing slightly from the waist.

The captain was very definitely his friend.

`I'll make up a shore leave list immediately. The very fact that

shore leave is possible is going to have an excellent effect on morale.

How many can a drone take?' `Comfortably and safely, ten.

`How many uncomfortably?' Ashiant grinned.

`Twelve to fourteen depending on size.' `Give me weights `Mass and

volume, sir,' Thian said, and made rapid mental calculations which he

jotted down on the captain's desk pad. Ashiant watched, washing his

hands together with great satisfaction.

`Yes, this'll make all the difference.' Then he let out a gusty

sigh. `Of course, we'll have to avail our sister ships of the

courtesy, too. That'll cut down on the numbers the Va dim can send.

Nevertheless,' and he grinned at Thian, `I appreciate it, young

Lyon.

With two and three drones coming in every seven days... `and his

grin broadened without the need for words. `Wonder why I never thought

of it before.' `I should have, if you didn't, sir,' Thian said, more

than a little ashamed he hadn't.

`Yes, well, I'll scarcely fault you on that, Thian!' why Thian

should feel as if the captain had paid him a great honour by using his

first name, he didn't know, but somehow that was the feeling he left

with.

THN HAS DONE SOMEThING SPECIALLY GOOD?

Mur asked.

THN HAS FINALLY THOUGHT OF SOMEThING HE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF

THREE MONTHS AGO, Thian replied. And explained circumstance and idea.

His `Dini friends were oddly silent when he finished and he

wondered.

THN GO HOME SOON? Dip asked in such a curious tone that Thian

knew something was wrong.

TROUBLE, FRIENDS? And he put his arms about them, drawing them

closer, radiating comfort.

Mur and Dip exchanged such rapid sentences that even he, well

accustomed to such a pace, missed half the words. As, he suspected,

they intended.

WHAT IS THE TROUBLE? ThN DEMANDS KNOWLEDGE.

Together Dip and Mur sighed and leaned into him.

MUST GO SOON.

WHY MUST THN GO SOON?

MRG AND DPL MUST GO SOON SO THN MUST GO SOON, TOO.

The coin dropped and Thian hugged his friends.

IT IS NECESSARY FOR MRG AND DPL TO HIBERNATE, IS THAT NOT IT?

When their pliant bodies gave assent, he hugged them firmly again.

MRG AND DPL MUST GO WHEN THIS IS NECESSARY.

BUT THN WILL BE ALONE AMONG STRANGERS AND THIS HAS NOT BEEN GOOD.

ON THE CONTRARY, DPL, THIS HAS BEEN VERY GOOD FOR THN. MRG AND

DPL MUST GO TO RETURN REFRESHED. TIME WILL GO FAST FOR YOU AND FAST

ENOUGH FOR THN. THN HAD NO PROBLEMS WHEN THIS WAS NECESSARY ON

AURIGAE. NO DIFFERENCE NOW ON SHIP.

IF MATTERS WERE PROPERLY ADJUSTED KLTL COULD HAVE BEEN USED BUT IT

IS OVER AND THE KLTS WILL BE TOO LATE.

HOW SOON MUST MRG AND DPL LEAVE?

WITHIN MONTH.

SOONER IF REQUIRED? Thian could sense a reluctance in them to

leave him, which was gratifying, but he was also well aware of how much

they would suffer by prolonging the essential hibernation. MRG AND DPL

return TO AURIGAE WITHIN WEEK!

HOMEWORLD WILL DO AS WELL. There was something about Dip's manner

that made Thian laugh.

`You are irrepressible!' he said, crowing at Dip's cunning. The

pair could have been accommodated at the Aurigaean installation but

there was a certain cachet to going through the process on the

homeworld which the two had not yet enjoyed.

Even the Mrdini understood the subtleties of status.

AND MRG AND DPL WOULD FORFEIT THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

AT THIS TIME TO BE ALONE ON ThEIR HOMEWORLD?

THN WOULD BE ALONE HERE. IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT MRG AND DPL BE

DEPRIVED IN SOME WAY AT ThE SAME TIME.

Thian rocked with laughter, falling backwards on his bunk and

cracking his head on the wall. As if they had caused his bump, the

`Dinis were all over him with tender digits and soothing caresses.

ThN WILL MISS HIS FRIENDS. THN ALWAYS DOES, he told them when

they quieted and he could hold them against him.

The next day when he appeared for his morning classes, there was

an excited buzz in the air and many smiles for him. Except, of course,

from Malice. Thian could feel dark brooding discontent from that

source, as if Malice resented him doing this service to his shipmates.

Or perhaps had small hope of being one of those on a shore leave

roster.

what amused him was the fact that there had been no official

announcement of shore leave by means of Talent-assisted personnel

capsule. In fact Captain Ashiant's bulletin was anticlimactic:

everyone on all four human ships knew about it.

Three days later Thian sent the first three drones back: two to

Earth as requested by the personnel and one to Betelgeuse.

You've made more work for yourself, the Rowan told her grandson as

she `caught' the first of the three. But he sensed that she approved.

There's been a significant improvement in morale, he said

diffidently.

That is very important on a search mission such as this. Your

grandfather says you ought to have warned Fleet so Earth could be

warned.

That's not my responsibility, he began and then realized that he

was being teased. Think of the money they'll be spending!

Ten days after the first shore leaves were `ported, the long-range

sensors discovered an object moving at a very slow speed in the general

direction of the squadron: a very large object to have been picked up

at such a distance. Too far as yet to be identified, its presence

livened all discussions on the Vadim and the other ships of the

squadron.

Thian `ported all captains aboard the flagship and attended the

meeting as recording interpreter. He was proud of his `students': even

after only four months intensive study they were able to discuss much

in `Dini, a fact which certainly pleased the `Dini captains. Nothing

could be done until identification was made, of course, but several

courses of action were discussed.

The `Dini reluctantly allowed the possibility that the object

might be a wandering planet, blown out of its native solar system by a

nova - several had been noted in this quadrant. Such phenomena had

been noted by both human and `Dini in the course of space explorations:

the planets or asteroid fragments sterile and lifeless but occasionally

worth prospecting. Thian knew by their language that the `Dini

captains were convinced beyond doubt that this was more likely another

Hive ship. It was travelling from the general spatial direction of the

ion trail they had been following, hoping it would lead them, at last,

to the Hive Home System. The ion trail had been getting weaker as its

traces dissipated during the months of the search but was still

discernible on the highly sensitive equipment the `Dinis had developed.

Space being the immensity it was, even a general direction for

search was a plus.

The `Dinis wanted to go on yellow alert and to implement intensive

drill in the strategy of penetrating and destroying a Hive ship. As

these tactics were of a suicidal nature, the humans, understandably,

temporized, suggesting careful surveillance and reconnaissance in order

to make the most effective use of the new weaponry with which the

squadron was equipped. Untried against a Hive ship, to be sure, but

theoretically more sophisticated than known Hive ordnance, delivering a

paralytic shock of purportedly lethal proportions. Even glancing

touches could inhibit movement for hours.

This was where the `Dinis and humans diverged in their mutual war

against the Hive World. Technically speaking, the squadron's orders

were to seek and identify the Hive World, and return for further

orders. A single fast scout might have accomplished the same mission

but a single fast scout could neither carry the armament needed in case

it encountered Hive ships - which was a distinct possibility given the

unusual Hive activity that had created this emergency - nor the

supplies to last an indefinite search period. So a squadron was

committed to the task, with orders that one ship must survive to

report.

In the `Dini view, coming across a Hive vessel meant it must be

destroyed. It could not be permitted to exist, no matter what cost the

destruction. It could be heading for their homeworld and must not be

allowed to proceed once intercepted. whereas `Dini soldiery was quite

willing to die to achieve that end, humans, not having had wars in

several centuries, were not disposed to commit themselves with such

fervent dedication. To be sure, naval units met with disasters of all

kinds, causing the death of many or all those aboard the stricken

vessel. But no human warship sought deliberate attack, nor considered

it the logical conclusion of sighting an alien vessel. Cowardice had

nothing to do with this: common sense did.

`He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day,' might

be a human sentiment but it was, unfortunately, an intolerable concept

to the `Dinis.

As translator - and someone more familiar with the nuances of

`Dini speech than any of the others at the conference - Thian was doing

his best to tone down the challenging language from the `Dini while

injecting vehemence into the almost diffident human responses. To the

`Dini warrior ethos, this was put up or shut up time, while the humans

seemed more interested in discussing alternatives that did not, in

`Dini terms, exist. The oncoming object must be destroyed.

when Ashiant, for one, realized that `destruction' was the

preferred `Dini tactic, he cast a meaningful glance at Thian. Thian

gave his head a quick shake, wishing the captain hadn't such a tight

natural shield so he could immediately explain that there was no way

he, with twelve minor Talents - even augmented by the generators of six

big warships - could do what, two and a half decades ago, had required

several hundred Talents in the Denebian Penetration.

The human captains vigorously insisted on discussing alternative

identities for the wayfarer, the favoured one - which the `Dinis

repudiated as soon as it was mentioned - was the possibility of meeting

yet another sentient species in space. Thian privately agreed with the

`Dinis on that score. `Dinis had explored enough over the centuries of

their space travel capability to be cynical about that prospect:

especially in view of the fact that they had already found humans.

Politely, Captains Spktm and PIr listened to the humans but Thian

could see that they were convinced this was Hive and it couldn't be

anything else.

In the face of that unalterable opinion, Ashiant and the other

human captains wisely initiated intensive drill procedures but an

actual discharge of the new weapons system, of course, was out of the

question. The surprise of such new weapons might even have an effect

on the implacable Hivers.

The Hive was also known to have acutely sensitive scanning devices

- as some unfortunate `Dini scouts had discovered. Biologists had

suggested that the live members probably had more acute hearing than

vision. what few fragments of Hive ships were left after a `Dini

suicide penetration gave little evidence of internal lighting systems.

Fortunately, none of the humans even mentioned evasion tactics

though it was no secret to Thian that each human captain was reviewing

how to preserve ship and crew even if the `Dinis were quite willing to

spend lives and ships to destroy a Hiver.

Privately, Thian wondered how many escape pods he could fling to

safety with or without the impetus of generators in the event the Vadim

was badly struck. There was also the ethical and moral problem of

should he also contrive to save himself, the Prime, if it was at the

expense of fellow shipmates? He decided that avenue of thought was

depressing and self-defeating.

This squadron had six of the newest, best equipped and

best-armoured vessels of their respective navies, and powerful new

weapons. Contemplation of defeat and/or suicide was self-destructive.

Even thoughts of evasion could be defeatist. He started emanating

stern resolve and optimism.

Somewhat to his astonishment, his efforts began to produce results

in the discussions as humans and `Dinis both began to talk themselves

into more positive thinking.

HIVE SHIPS FOLLOW TRADITIONAL PATTERN NO MATTER WHAT SIZE AND

NEVER DEVIATE, Captain Spktm said, slipping a pencil file into the

ready room reader and bringing up the enhanced image on the main

screen. WEAKNESS REMAINS WEAKNESS, STRENGTh STRENGTh WITh THE QUEENS

ALWAYS IN ThE MOST PROTECTED SPOT, EGGS NEXT AND ExPENDABLE WORKERS

DRONES AUXILIARIES IN OUTER SHELL. The spherical shape of the Hive had

been opened in one arc to show the levels. Much was extrapolation

since Hive ships had to be blown apart to be stopped, fragmenting both

attacker and attacked. The `Dinis had gathered their information

painfully - over the centuries. SCOUTS ARE ALWAYS IN EXTERIOR BAYS.

WEAPON SYSTEMS CONTROLLED FROM QUEENS' LEVELS BY SPECIAL DRONES.

BELIEF IS HELD ThAT ThERE ARE SPECIAL REINFORCEMENTS TO PERMIT

QUEENS AND MOST VALUABLE EGGS TO SURVIVE EVEN THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF

ThE SHIP. `DINI ATTACK GROUPS HAVE LEARNED TO RESERVE AT LEAST ONE

SHIP TO CHASE AND DESTROY THESE SPECIAL INTERIOR CONTAINERS WHICH HAVE

ON OCCASION CONTAINED SMALLER UNITS LIKE HUMAN ESCAPE PODS. (Mrdini

ships had no comparable unit.) ThE SURVIVAL OF AT LEAST ONE QUEEN ONE

ATTENDANT DRONE MEANS THE HIVE SURVIVES. SUCH SURVIVAL UNITS HAVE

ACHIEVED ESCAPE VELOCITIES THAT, UNTIL RECENTLY, EXCEEDED THE BEST

SPEED OF CHASE VESSELS. QUEENS AND EGGS SURVIVE IN CONDITIONS FATAL TO

MRDINI AND HUMAN.

Then the `Dini captain activated an animated reconstruction of the

phases of attack and dissolution of a Hive ship. As often as Thian had

seen this vid, it never failed to give him nightmares. The average

Hive ship had between twelve to thirty Queens. Tear-drop-shaped

vessels spurted from the exploding wreckage of the demonstration Hive

ship.

They travelled at incredible speeds, disappearing so rapidly in

all directions from sensor range that a fix could not be taken, making

pursuit difficult - especially if only one `Dini ship remained

operational at the conclusion of the battle.

For just this Hive manoeuvre, every ship in the squadron had been

provided with eight high-speed pursuit craft cradled in the shuttle

bays.

Optimism spread and defeatism dissolved as the humans began to

psych themselves up for their encounter with this implacable enemy and

destroyer.

The fatalism which always motivated a `Dini soldier began to seep

into their human allies as Spktm pointed out primary targets for the

initial assault.

Then the human captains began to embrace the actual, not the

theoretical, aspects of the possibility of their first space battle in

generations.

Finally, Thian was asked to inform both homeworlds of the

discovery of an as yet unidentified object. Thian decided he'd tell

Jeff Raven, as Earth Prime, first.

Shouldn't we wait to find out if the thing's really dangerous?

Jeff asked.

I'm following orders, sir.

As indeed you should, even with news as momentous as this, Jeff

replied equably. It does add a little spice to an otherwise dull day.

I'm passing the word to the High Council so you can expect to be

on call now for messages. Are you a hard sleeper?

No, sir.

Well, get what you can when you can. That's the downside of this

job. Ah, yes, High Council is calling an emergency session. Have you

apprised the Mrdinis yet? Do so immediately. It is only proper you

would inform your own species first.

when Thian `pathed Laria, she erupted with what he felt was

unprofessional excitement; more nearly exultation of a bloodthirsty

variety.

I'm not blood-lusting, Laria replied with some indignation, I'm

practising `Dini hurrahs. They've waited so long for a breakthrough

like this.

We don't know if it is a breakthrough, sis.

Go find out! Like Mother did! The suspense would kill me.

Mother didn't know what was out there, then, or I'll bet she

wouldn't have gone.

But how long before we know? Laria demanded, her mind sparkling

with excitement. She was positively bloodthirsty, Thian thought.

Even at the speeds we're travelling, it'll take several days to

close the distance between us.

What about probes?

We're not even close enough for a probe, even those new

hypersensitive ones.

But Laria had planted the notion in his head of a `portational

reconnaissance and he couldn't shake it out. It might redress the

impression the `Dinis had that humans were unnecessarily cautious.

Even among his own kind, he'd accrue considerable prestige from

such a daring action. And, speaking of suspense, establishing a

definite ID would improve morale considerably. Waiting was always the

worst part of any ordeal. Also, if Thian could prove himself, he might

even get rid of Malice. Most of that person's dislike centred around

him being a civilian on a naval mission, a weasel-lover on a human

crewed ship, a snot-nosed kid who'd been pampered all his life because

of a lucky genetic break.

when they got somewhat closer - for even his mother had not risked

going too far from her power base - he might just mention it to Captain

Ashiant.

Thian knew his strengths but he also knew his own limitations.

Lucky he knew himself to be: but not snot-nosed.

Busy as he became, hauling in more supplies, retrieving crewmates

from their home planets, for all shore leave was cancelled, Thian also

quickly found a way to answer the pressing need of his `Dinis.

Hibernation was not considered a dereliction of duty for usually

only immature or postmature `Dinis went on long-distance duty. As it

happened, several `Dini observers from the High Council on Clarf

required transport to the KLTL and KLTS so Thian arranged that Mur and

Dip would have space on the return trip. Mur and Dip had the dubious

pleasure of accompanying four of the largest `Dinis Thian had ever

seen.

He missed his life-long friends almost as soon as he lost their

`touch' as Laria took control of their capsule at the change-over

point. This was not like their yearly retreat on Iota Aurigae: they

weren't a matter of kilometres away in a hillside he could see from his

bedroom window. Their companionship had also afforded him relief from

his anomalous position on the Vadim. He missed them more as his

workload increased and tensions rose, in him and throughout the ship

and squadron.

Two days after the sighting, he had an unusual interview with

Captain Ashiant.

`You've handled yourself extremely well, young Lyon,' Ashiant

began, steepling his fingers and staring so hard at him that Thian

began to worry about what the man was leading up to. `I gather that

our `Dini allies find our attitudes towards a possible engagement at

odds with theirs.' `They've fought the Hivers for centuries, with

considerably more direct experience than humans have had.' `They also

consider there's only one way to promulgate this war.' `They've only

found one that's successful in destroying the enemy. Any other outcome

is unacceptable considering what this enemy does unchecked.' `Well, at

the risk of appearing cowardly, humans have usually,' and Ashiant

stressed the adverb, `found that retreat can often result in

significant victory.' `Humans have only been up against a Hive ship

once,' Thian was obliged to remind him. `The scout ships don't,

apparently, count.

`That's not what I wish to discuss with you. If we come up

against a viable Hive ship this time, young Lyon, you will act upon

these special orders should the special circumstances arise,' and

Ashiant handed over a transparent pencil file. `You have an eidetic

memory. This destructs after one reading and leaves no trace in your

terminal.' Carefully Thian inserted the file in his breast pocket.

`You will memorize the contents, and then forget them until you

are required to implement the orders.' Ashiant rose to pace the long

side of his ready room. `I intend to commit the Vadim as thoroughly as

our Mrdini allies will commit their ships.

In the event the Vadim is committed past the point of return and

orders are given to abandon ship...' Thian held his breath, fear

trickling down his arms and legs at such a contingency, `. you will

ensure that the nine people on that pencil file are `ported to safety.

And that you,' Ashiant swung about to point his forefinger at

Thian, `leave with them. Are you clear on that point?' `Yes, sir.'

`How many of the Talents on board have you contacted?' `Only six so

far.

`Well, do what is necessary so that, in the event the generators

can't assist you, you can effect the removal of the persons in your

orders. They do not have the option of remaining. Are you clear on

that?' `Yes, sir.' `Are nine too many for you to cope with?' `No, sir.'

`We'll be holding pod drills frequently over the next few days so

you're to familiarize yourself with the equipment and those in your

pod. Each lifeboat has an engine as well as the initial break-away

thruster. I'm not certain how much power that will give you, which is

why you must use the other Talents as boosters. If the order to

abandon ship is given, you are first-' and again the index finger

jabbed in his direction, `-to get in your own escape pod, then make

sure that the others get in, too. If the worst possible circumstances

ensue, and you are the only survivor, you leave! You cannot be

jeopardized.' `Because I'm a civilian?' Thian asked, indignant with

hurt pride even as he recognized that to be an immature reaction.

`No, sorry sir, because you're a Prime . . . and because you'll

have had access to most of the information other captains and experts

would need to combat the next Hive ship we encounter.' Ashiant waited a

full beat and then added with a rueful smile, `You're much more

valuable alive, young Lyon. Before that blip appeared on our screens,

this was not a dangerous assignment. It is now and you are not to be

endangered. Do I make myself clear?' `Crystal clear, sir' `Good lad,'

and the captain gave Thian an approving thump on his shoulder. That

comradely gesture reduced the resentment he'd been feeling.

`Now, implement your orders, Lyon.' The orders were signed by the

High Council Coordinator and, although several of the names surprised

Thian, he had them memorized long before the pencil file disintegrated.

As he made necessary, but discreet, contact with the other

Talents, he also began to meet some odd resistance and reactions from

crew members, men and women who had been at least polite to him. He

found the answer to that hostility from Gravy. They'd met from time to

time in the officers' mess and in the corridors, but he hadn't been

able to find a time when they were both off-shift and he could outline

what might be expected of her as a Talent. But it had become necessary

for him to seek her out and he found her alone in the gym, working out

on the rowing apparatus.

`I'm glad to see you, too, Thian,' she said, mopping her brow and

resting her arms on the oars.

`I've heard some spaceflot that I don't really want to report to

the captain. ` She cocked her head 15z at him and he sensed her

hesitation. `You know I've got a little Talent?' `Yes,' he said,

sliding on to the apparatus next to her, `in fact, I'm glad I've a

chance to talk to you because I'm sup, posed to touch bases with all

Talents on the ship.

`Hmmm, in case of emergency, yes, I sort of figured you'd get

around to me on that score,' she said equably. `I'm not sure what good

I'll be. I'm only an empath...

Thian grinned at her. `Don't knock it, Gravy.

Only an em pa th is much more helpful than only a receiving or

sending `path.' `But what good would I be?' `It's like this, Gravy,'

and he found himself more easy with her than with anyone else on the

Vadim, the very reason why her empathy was so valuable, especially as a

nurse. `Should an emergency arise when I'd have to tap into all the

Talent on board, your empathic strength is added to the pool. You're

down as a T-5 which is the highest, bar me, on the Vadim. You'd be

more help than you might realize. Now, what's this spaceflot?' She

frowned. `It's talk but it's nothing.. . good.' Thian wondered if

Malice was showing his hand.

`Don't worry about my feelings, Gravy.' She gave him a very direct

look. `You may think you're fooling others, and you are, actually,

since you're so good at what you do, but I happen to know you're not as

old, despite that sexy silver streak of yours, as you'd want others to

think you are.

Especially when you're teaching,' and she grinned at him, to take

the sting from her message, `you sound exactly like our Professional

Ethics prof, so stuffy and precise... Of course, speaking `Dini makes

you be precise or you garble everything...' `Gravy, you're hedging, he

said, not prying but recognizing a delaying tactic.

`Partly because I think the rumour's so stupid,' she said with

some heat, and then rushed on to say, `but there's some think you're a

glory-grabber.' `what?' Thian laughed in surprise, more relieved than

he could ever let Gravy realize. He couldn't imagine how anyone could

have overheard his interview with the captain, or known of the special

preservation list, but if that was what Gravy had heard, such orders

were already compromised.

`They seem to think that you'll reach out with your Talent and

somehow do what the Fleet ought to be doing.' Thian laughed more

heartily then. `Gravy, that's not very likely. Not to mention

impossible.' `But you Talents did that at Deneb. Twice!' `Talents,

plural, Gravy. In fact every Talent available down to kids of ten and

twelve. Not singular, me, with a dozen minor Talents to assist.

There's no way I could or would grab any glory. `Sides which, I

do know my limitations. Heroism is not indicated.' She gave a sniff.

`Heroes happen. Generally,' and now she grinned rakishly at him,

`when it's not indicated.' Then her expression altered to earnestness.

`However wrong the thinking is, it's there and it's not good.

Folks are odd. I mean, here you got a lot of `em home for shore

leave - even if it got cancelled - and you'd think they'd be at least

grateful. But no, they're out to find something ... something...'

`negative?' Thian suggested, knowing exactly what people could find to

disparage the Talented.

`That'll do,' she said. Then, in a rush of empathy, she put her

hand on his arm. `You're a nice guy, Thian, and I'll do what I can to

offset the flat. D'you want me to report it to Ashiant?' `Only if you

have something specific that has an adverse effect on morale as a

whole,' he managed to say, more distracted by the warm hand on his arm,

and her very feminine presence, the delicate floral taste of her, than

he thought possible.

She caught his response, though, because he was lax in reining in

his thoughts, because he hadn't felt the need to shield in Gravy's

company, and because he was missing the company of Mur and Dip.

`Sometimes it's better to squash a rumour as flat as possible

especially right now when we might be heading into action,' she said,

keeping her hand on his arm so that he couldn't help but `read' her

which, he also realized, was exactly her intention.

Her very expressive eyes confirmed it.

`I thought,' he began in a sort of daze, `that's when rumours

would multiply, a sort of combat-readiness reaction.' `Hmmm,' she said,

leaning into him, clearly no longer interested in the previous subject

of conversation. `D'you know where I got my nickname?' she asked.

Thian rather thought he did but he hedged in a sudden fit of

shyness. He had had that dream involving her, and he'd dreamed long

enough with `Dinis to know that there were true ones.

`Can we get to your cabin without being seen?' she asked him, her

eyes sparkling with anticipation. He was suddenly deluged by intense

sensuality which he was unable, and unwilling, to deflect. Her smile

challenged him to seize the moment.

`Yes, ma'am.' And grasping her in his arms, he `ported them neatly

on to the floor space beside his bunk. But he had slightly misjudged

their mass and, off balance, they tilted on to his bunk. That took

care of his residual reserve.

Thian had never truly appreciated the company of an empath such as

Alison-Anne Greevy and he didn't care where she acquired her nickname.

He hadn't had so much experience that he was confident of his

ability to perform but Gravy made it all easy, natural and rather

special.

`How long are your friends away?' she asked at one point.

`Two months.' He suppressed a speculative spurt as to where he'd

be in two months' time.

`what did they have to go for?' she asked and he realized that she

honestly didn't know. `I mean, all crew have been recalled, haven't

they?' "Dinis in need of hibernation would be no good in an attack. No

blame is attached to their absence . . . at least from `Dinis.' `I'd

heard about this hibernation business. what exactly happens?' Thian

chuckled, stroking her fine blonde hair. It was softer and silkier

than a `Dini pelt. `Something like this.' `You don't know?' She was

surprised.

`There are some things species should do for themselves to

themselves in absolute privacy.' `I couldn't agree more,' she sighed

with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she pulled his head down to her

again.

The intercom buzz roused them and, for a split second, Thian was

disoriented by the feel of a body against his.

`Mr Lyon?' wa the query `Here,' Thian said quickly.

`Captain's compliments and can you come to the ready room?' was

the voice message.

`whoops!' Gravy murmured into her hand, instantly awake and rather

charmingly rumpled by sleep, her fair hair standing out in wisps from

her head while one errant curl pressed into her cheek.

He smoothed it back, not quite wishing to relinquish their

physical contact. `And look at the time!' She drew her breath in a

hiss, at the same time smoothing her hair back.

`You don't share a cabin do you?' `Thank the gods, no,' she said.

`I'll just put you back unseen then,' he said.

`Hey, that'd be tops!' she said, hurriedly pulling on her exercise

gear and swinging her legs off the bunk to stand up. `This right?'

`Thanks, Alison,' he said.

`Catch me any al' time, Thian love, she said, her grin

mischievous, her eyes dancing, and her mind exuding the genuine

pleasure she had received and given. And the position of her cabin,

two decks below.

Thian `ported her there and then took time to use the dry shower

and dress appropriately for the day.

* * * `We've more information on that object, Mr Lyon,' Captain

Ashiant said. Tikele, the security chief and the com duty officer,

this time, Steena Blaz, were also present.

Thian seated himself comfortably, ready to `path messages but the

captain continued to pace the length of the conference table.

`We have first established that there are no emissions of any

space drive known to exist, human, `Dini or Hive,' he said.

That was a surprise and Thian restrained his amusement. No glory

at all to grab. And no lives to be wasted in an attack to the death.

But he maintained an alert interest as the captain continued.

`It would appear to be a derelict of some sort.

`An unusually large derelict,' the com officer said softly,

evidently not comfortable with what she'd seen on the sensors.

`That's a pity,' Thian said, since that was their feeling. Odd

how brave people could feel after an emergency had passed.

The captain flicked one heavy eyebrow in dismissal. `If our

readings are correct. And I'd like you to check with the `Dinis on

this. There's been enough time for them to have analyzed the same

readings.

Captain Pir agreed with Ashiant but Captain Spktm, who was the

senior naval commander, was not totally convinced.

`It says that the lack of emissions is not conclusive evidence

that this is a derelict. It advises great caution.' `Hmmm.' Ashiant

paced one more length. `The KLTS has had more contact with Hive

vessels than anyone else in this squadron. Hmmm.' `It wants to send a

probe.' `Of course,' and Ashiant paused, fingers over the terminal

station. `Theirs or ours?' Thian enquired and replied that the `Dinis

believed human probes to be more efficient. Thian did not add the

`Dini qualification that human probes were more efficient because they

employed gadgets to do what personal observations could do better.

The `Dinis were not precisely calling humans cowards, but

certainly overcautious.

`So they approve of our hardware, huh? Well, they're right as

well as honest,' Ashiant replied and gave the necessary orders for a

probe. `It'll be at least twenty-three hours before it gets there and

starts reporting. Carry on, gentlemen, and rejoin me at 0800 tomorrow.

A moment, if you will, Thian.' `Captain?' Ashiant nodded for him

to keep his seat as the others filed out.

`I read somewhere that your family can identify Hive materials by

the ... ah ... sound of them?' As this question wasn't at all what

Thian had expected, he laughed as much in relief as surprise.

`That's true enough, sir. On Deneb they're still turning up

buried pieces of the first scout vessels.

There's a naval research facility investigating the composition of

the material. I was on only one successful expedition with my cousins:

we got an interior panel about,' he encompassed the size with his

hands, `this big. It did give off a distinctive emanation, I guess

you'd say Family called it a sting-pzzt. Other sensitives agree.' He

shrugged, searching for another way of describing the sensation. `It

comes across as an actinic smell in the back of your throat, a sharp

pinch in your nasal passages and an unpleasant smell.' Ashiant grunted.

`But you would know it?' `Anywhere, sir.' Thian waited,

respectfully silent while the captain continued to ruminate. He made

no attempt to plumb those thoughts.

`A probe can bring back only mechanical information, Thian,'

Ashiant said at length and suddenly Thian knew what he might be asked

to do.

He couldn't help but react and the captain caught his grin.

`Yes, Thian?' He raised his eyebrows, expecting an answer.

`I'd heard, Captain . . . well, there's some spaceflot about

Talents grabbing all the glory...

`Oh, that,' and a gesture dismissed the rumour.

`As you're already aware, I am under orders not to put you at risk

- which is where glory is usually grabbed - but I will ask how far you

can propel yourself in a capsule.' `To the derelict-planetoid-whatever

?` The captain held up his hand, `But well outside the known range of

Hive weaponry ... with which our allies are so familiar.' `If it would

help, sir, I'm willing.' `I'm just thinking aloud, Thian. Wanted to

get the straight of that ... ah ... trick. You are of great assistance

to us in many other capacities.' `I appreciate that, Captain. In the

event such a service is required, it is entirely within my scope i6o

i6i of abilities and the position I was asked to fill .

if that's what's bothering you.' `Thank you, Thian. That's all

now, I think, until we've the probe report. Damned thing could be just

lying doggo.' `That isn't what Senior Captain Spktm believes.' `Oh?'

`But it is adamant about approaching with great caution. Even Hiver

wrecks have had nasty surprises for boarding parties.' `So I'd read in

those exhaustive `Dini reports they furnished us. You'll be informed

when the probe starts transmitting.' `Aye, sir `And Thian, I wouldn't

let the spaceflot bother you. Nerves talking, not common sense. We're

still on yellow alert, of course, but some of the urgency has

dissipated now we know the thing's inactive.' `Thank you, sir.' As

Thian left the ready room, he wondered if he had missed an opportunity

to mention Malice.

Though he hadn't heard any barbs from that direction since the

blip had come up. Hopefully too occupied with more urgent duties. The

crew of the Vadim were busy preparing for action. He was nearly at his

quarters when another pod drill was called by the hooting of the siren.

With a grunt, he `ported himself to his designated escape pod and

counted in the nine others assigned to it. By now he knew all of them

well enough to have `saved' them no matter where they were on the Vadim

should the abandon ship order be given. He wondered if any of them

knew of these orders but all he ever sensed was annoyance that their

current task had once again been interrupted by a geedee drill.

A circumnavigation by the probe produced very interesting results.

The derelict was undeniably Hive designed which excited the `Dinis

who were generous in their rectitude.

`Captain Spktm says it's bigger than any they've encountered, with

certain design features that are new and it's very glad the vessel's

non-functional,' Thian reported to the specialists assembled in the

ready room.

`Measurements indicate it's a third again as large as previously

encountered vessels,' Commander Vandermeer said. `A small planet!'

`Readings indicate the ship was bombarded with intense heat. Radiation

is still present as well as some very odd traces of other elements that

are being spectra-analysed. There's no known weapon that devastating,

or one that could have left such traces.' `Something blew two-thirds of

that ship to hell in gone.' Then Vandermeer shrugged. `And it's nothing

the `Dinis have ever encountered. Nor us.' `I'd hate to meet what has

that kind of fire-power,' Ashiant said.

`That's precisely Captain Spktm's sentiment,' Thian reported and

then grinned. `It would like whoever it was to be on our side.'

Ashiant laughed out loud and there were other smiles about the table.

`I didn't know the wee ...

ahem ... our allies had a sense of humour.' `They do, sir, believe

me!' Ashiant steepled his fingers, rubbing the end of his nose, before

he laced his fingers together and leaned forward on his elbows.

`Gentlemen, this artefact requires our earnest investigation.

First time there've been big enough pieces to work with, I

understand.' He cast a sly sideways glance at Thian, quirking one of

his eloquent eyebrows. `Do our allies agree?' He turned to Thian.

`Indeed, sir, they're forming a volunteer squad to investigate.

Do we wish to send representatives?' Several hands immediately

went up.

`Thank you, gentlemen. I will want volunteers from

communications, engineering, mechanical, security. Mr Lyon has to be

included as interpreter.

Vandermeer cleared her throat. `Sir, I believe that won't be

necessary now.' `Yes, Ailsah, I know you've become quite fluent in

`Dini but Mr Lyon goes in several capacities. How soon are the `Dinis

assembling, mister?' Thian queried Spktm. `Right now. They're asking

for a pre-boarding conference with our teams.

They are appointing fifteen specialists from each of their ships:

we should supply as many from ours.

This will be a big undertaking.' `It's also an immense ship, even

with two-thirds of it blown away,' Ashiant interposed.

`Captain Spktm strongly recommends that we halt at forty spatials

to be sure there is no reaction to our presence.' `That's well beyond

maximum Hive weapon range,' Ashiant said, surprised.

`Beyond range of known Hive weapons. Captain Spktm reminds you

that this is a new, unknown design.' `But it's dead.

`Captain Spktm may be overcautious, sir, but...' Thian wasn't sure

how to phrase the exact wording of the `Dini's statement.

`Yes, yes, I appreciate that this is an unknown quantity but the

probe read no life signs and no viable life-support systems working.'

`As far as the probe could tell.' Thian kept his voice neutral, being

merely an intermediary but he could sense that Spktm's cautionaries

were not being well received by the Vadim's officers.

`Since Captain Spktm is around to caution us, we will not be

rash,' Ashiant said before turning to the security officer. `Strange

that they're so cautious on an approach course when they're quite

willing to suicide to destroy a Hiver. whatever!

Commander Vandermeer, you'll lead the human contingent. Pick a

boarding party of fifteen, with all necessary specialists represented.

Declan, get me channels through to Captain Smelkoff, Sutra and

Chesemen. They're to send teams, too. We won't be close enough to

launch the shuttles for another six hours even at our present speed.

That gives us plenty of time for. an interspecies, intership

conference.

`Indeed, sir,' Vandermeer said, well pleased with her assignment

but, as her glance slid over him, he caught a brief flare of resentment

from the woman.

However, it didn't have the tone of Malice: she simply did not

like having to be responsible for a civilian.

Briskly she gave orders, picking from the Va dim's crew and then

accessing the other ships to discover whom they were sending.

Thian had to sit heavily on an increasing excitement as he

listened to Vandermeer with growing respect. She ordered the big

shuttle to be ready for launch in six hours. Full radiation suits must

be put on board, full medical and emergency packs. From

communications, she wanted additional printout of all the probe's data

for the briefing. All officers were to be armed with the new stunners,

developed from the one hand-weapon the `Dinis had found effective

against Hive drone warriors. The boarding party was to join her in

shuttle bay in exactly one hour from now, ready to go.

`Have you been issued any ex-vehicular gear, Mr Lyon?' she asked,

finally turning to him.

`No, ma' am.' `Then get some. With that she rose from the table

and strode out of the ready room.

`Well, you heard her,' Ashiant said, smiling.

`I also heard you say that I'm going along in several capacities,

sir. which?' `Interpreter, observer, and. . . lastly, but most

important, the Talent to whip someone out of trouble if necessary.'

Thian got himself a full-radiation suit, and the requisite stunner

which Lieutenant Sedallia handed him with a supercilious expression on

his face.

`I don't imagine you've needed to handle a weapon before...

`On the contrary, I've hunted for the family table since I was old

enough to pull the trigger of a rifle.' At the surprised look, Thian

added. `And we always ate well.' He sighted along the thick barrel.

`But this is a spread weapon anyway. I certainly ought to be able

to hit a shuttle-bay door with this.' He slapped it back into its clip

and, with a nod to the ratings handing out equipment, left. He could

`hear' the comments and most were complimentary.

Sedallia wasn't that popular.

Thian was prompt at the intergroup meeting, held in the ready

room, with screens linking the six ships of the squadron. Ashiant

introduced Commander Vandermeer as the human leader and she quite ably

greeted her `Dini counterpart. Thian kept his expression neutral but

he was rather pleased with his student Her sentences were, of course,

brief and there were pauses while she accessed words from her

vocabulary but PIr, the leader of the `Dini boarding parties,

understood her perfectly.

The `Dini showed her a chart of the vessel and identified certain

of the remaining portions as the part of the main propulsion unit, fuel

storage, resting cubicles, nesting and work quarters. The Queens'

accommodations had been blown away for they were usually in the centre:

some peripheral weapons were still in place as well as several arsenals

and storage areas. Plr then drew longitudinal lines, separating the

wreck into six sections and assigned a boarding team to each.

Vandermeer agreed with the assignments even when PIr preempted the

sector holding the remaining weapons.

`It's more familiar to them than any of us,' she said to her own

group.

The meeting was concluded and final preparations made which,

Vandermeer said, would begin with a good high-protein meal.

`Leviathan,' Thian murmured more to himself than Lieutenant Ridvan

Auster-Kiely sitting beside him.

`Say what?' Ridvan asked, bending his ear towards Thian.

`That thing is not just big, it's a Leviathan,' he repeated,

struggling not to hunch his shoulders away from the immensity of the

damaged space vessel.

Thian remembered that `Leviathan' was what his grandmother had

called the Hive ship that had been destroyed beyond Deneb over forty

years before.

The shuttle was obediently waiting at the forty spatials to see if

there was any reaction from the vessel. The `Dinis had said that a

Hive ship would automatically open fire on anything that approached

even though it was out of range.

`What's a Leviathan?' `Something as big as this.' `This is not the

time to be funny.' `The best time.' `Be serious, Thian. Say, couldn't

it be a planetoid?

I mean, it could have been hollowed out.. `And then metal coated

and levels dug out?' Thian chuckled. `No, Ridvan, it's a ship and not

as big as say, Callisto, either.' `That doesn't reassure me.' Ridvan

was nervous and didn't bother to hide it.

Thian was neither nervous nor scared and wondered if this was

wrong. Excitement was the prevailing sentiment within the shuttle,

certainly. He knew his senses were all heightened and he wondered that

he didn't feel - even through the vacuum of space - the sting-pzzt of

proximity to a Hive artefact.

No-one else in this boarding party had ever been so close to a

Hive artefact. Admittedly, he had only helped dig up a panel on Deneb,

exciting enough in itself when you're only ten, and help sling it into

the `copter scoop. That still doesn't make you an expert, he told

himself firmly They waited, getting bored with the view of what Thian

began to describe as a semi- demi- hemisphere.

The northern pole was intact all around to about the tenth

latitude in the east where damage began.

The western hemisphere extended almost to a tropic of Cancer in

places but the southern pole cap had been totally blown away. As if

something, incredibly mammoth, had taken a massive bite out of the Hive

sphere, leaving pits, pith and intestines behind.

Finally the `Dinis judged it safe to approach: slowly but surely.

Their shuttle, the one from the Beijing, and one `Dini angled to

starboard, closed on the wreck. The third human shuttle followed at a

discreet distance. They passed around the outer skin of the wreck and

immediately Thian was conscious - even inside the shuttle - of the

sting-pzzt effect of Hive metal on Talented perceptions. He ran his

tongue around his mouth but the actinic taste was in the back of his

mouth, far stronger than it had been when he was in direct contact with

the Hive panel. Was it because this was a newer construction? Louder

or more potent in its emanations? He wished he could contact his

grandmother or grandfather right now.

i68 69

The captains had decided to wait until there were concrete details

to report before publicizing this expedition: Thian had had to report

that the discovery of the ship had caused wide panic on every inhabited

world. So he was as glad not to have to add to it. Nor to say

anything about his participation in further close investigations.

But should he report to Commander Vandermeer the intensity of the

Hive aura? Captain Ashiant had known of it. Such information was not

really of use, he thought, except that it verified the origin of the

ship. As if there was much doubt about that.

The shuttle wended its way through immense shards of outer hulls,

inner skins, deck levels, past structural members as thick as the

Vadim. Big as that star-class ship was, she, and a hundred of her

sister ships, could have docked in a quadrant of this one.

Everyone reacted as the shuttle's exterior lights began to

illuminate details of the innards they were traversing.

`Storage area?' one of the engineers suggested, pointing to

odd-shaped containers partially fused against bulkheads. They passed

much smaller divisions the size of the Vadim's adequately large shuttle

bay. Bent tubing several metres across dangled pendulously into

emptiness.

On the forward screen, they saw the `Dini shuttle veer to port,

heading towards its appointed landing spot. Thian, being nearest the

porthole, looked back as long as he could, to see the `Dini

disembarking in their space gear.

Then all too soon their shuttle landed on its designated site.

Helmets clicking into place were the only sounds. Then they were

on suit air.

`Set your watches, gentlemen,' Commander Vandermeer said, her

voice muffled on the intercom, `you have exactly three hours and twenty

minutes' oxygen.

`I thought we had four hours' air, sir?' AusterKiely said.

`We do, but for practical purposes we'll all assemble back here in

three hours and twenty minutes.

Clear?' `Yes, sir.' Someone in the group let out a snide bark of a

laugh which Vandermeer instantly silenced.

`Enough of that! Let's move out. Mertz, Jimenez, Kaldi, go as

far up as you can in this segment, then work down. Sedallia, see if

those mangled coils might be drive components. Kes, you go with

Sedallia. All of you: call out if you spot something one of the

specialists should examine. Take all the snaps you can but remember to

light `em. It's darker in here than the devil's belly.' She went on

assigning search areas. `Remember to keep one hand for yourself and

don't drift off. We can't waste time hauling you back in from outer

space. Lyon, you stick on this level with Kiely. There seem to be

undamaged compartments along this corridor. Let's move it.

As soon as the others had dispersed in their appointed directions,

Kiely pulled Thian close enough for them to touch helmets and Thian

could see the furious expression on the lieutenant's face. He resented

being treated like a liability.

Thian grinned back at him, gesturing towards the dark interior and

mentally trying to soothe the young man. He found that the sting-pzzt

dampened his Talent, muffled it, so he gave up trying to project.

He started forward, his boots locking on the plates of the deck so

that each step required effort. Then he saw Kiely floating ahead of

him, grabbing handholds where he could to propel himself forward, his

helmet light illuminating the way. Thian lifted one foot free, grabbed

hold of a solid spar and yanked the other boot loose and followed

Kiely's aerial example.

Great heat had certainly seared and boiled any organic substances

away, leaving only burst containers that had exploded and some that had

apparently imploded. Depending on how long ago the catastrophe had

occurred, some traces of the contained substances might be found for

analysis. They could do that on their return to the shuttle. As he

and Kiely made steady progress into the interior, Thian saw nothing

very promising, except that the Hive had been transporting an

unimaginable amount of cargo or stores. For an hour, they poked,

prodded, peered, squeezing carefully into compartments on either side

of this broad but squat ceilinged avenue.

According to his understanding of Hive ship construction, this

corridor might be just above the doubly shielded quarters where,

traditionally, the Queens were sequestered, constantly laying the eggs

that would be stored for use in setting up the next colony. But, look

as hard as he could, he could find no access to the lower level. when

he saw the first of the tubes, he wondered what function it had

performed. Then he came upon a cluster and the sting-pzzt that had

been constantly with him increased in intensity. That alone was

unusual enough to make him call to Kiely to come back a moment.

`Whatcha find, Thian?' `Don't know but here's a service door, or

something, and - whaddya know, it opens,' and Thian was as surprised as

Kiely when his jerk pulled the panel free and it slowly drifted out.

Thian pressed his foot against the upper half and it settled to

the deck.

Kiely, floating above him, poked his head down the opening, the

light narrowing as it pierced the blackness of the tunnel.

`Up and down,' and Kiely experimented with lighting. `Long way up

and not so long a way down. Down's it.' And before Thian could caution

the young lieutenant, he had pushed off down the tunnel.

`Commander,' Thian said, dialling more power to his helmet

comunit, `Kiely and I are investigating some conduits or tunnels that

appear to be intact and lead to a lower level. We've found nothing

else of note.' `Proceed with caution. Much of this wreck is just

waiting to fall apart. Kaldi had a lucky escape when a bulkhead

started to go.' Thian did not go head first: he stepped off the deck

and let that impulsion and his own weight carry him slowly down.

Consequently he saw what Kiely had missed: regular openings off

the tunnel, compartments that appeared to be sealed with a

semi-transparent material which had not boiled, seared, ex- or

imploded, and which gave off the most virulent sting-pzzt he'd ever

felt. Wincing in discomfort, he slowed his descent by one of the

apertures and let his helmet light pierce the gloom. what he made out

of the occluded interior made him gasp.

`Commander, I've found something,' he said though his mouth and

throat were dry with the actinic flavour.

`What, Lyon?' and the commander sounded annoyed by his vagueness.

`I think it may be Hive larvae, sir.

Kiely's helmet bumped into his feet, pushing him out of alignment

with the opening.

`You what?' `Belay that, Kiely!' Thian roared back, grabbing at

the smooth sides to try and halt his upward progress.

`I think you're right,' Kiely murmured in a subdued tone and shot

past Thian to their point of entry.

There was such a babble over the helmet cams that it took

Vandermeer minutes to get the noise level down to where individual

orders could be understood.

`Just how can that be, Mr Lyon?' she demanded.

`The probe registered no life readings.' `Yes, ma'am, but larvae

aren't alive - yet. Besides which, I don't think the probe's sensors

were programmed to pick up that sort of of unborn things.' `Point!' Her

admission was not exactly grudging.

`What's your position?' He gave it while Kiely jostled him about

as the lieutenant tried to see into one or another of the larvae

tunnels.

`Are you sure, Thian?' he asked, touching helmets and turning down

his com. His face was worried.

As sure as I can be, never have seen Hive larvae but whatever it

is in there isn't damaged and this is also the general area on a Hive

ship where eggs were stored.' Kiely still wasn't sure. `Fardles, but

there's acres of `em. How many d'you suppose are in each tube?

tunnel? comb? And how are we going to blast `em in such a

confined position?' `74 `75

`Blast them?' Thian was stunned. `They shouldn't be blasted,

Ridvan. They should be studied.' `HUH?' Now it was the lieutenant's

turn to be stunned. `You don't know what you're saying, Thian. Here

we have hundreds of our enemy...

`Helpless and vulnerable! Great targets for warriors!' `No need

to come on like that! But you certainly don't expect us to leave all

these -- - these things alive?' `Considering how little we actually

know about Hivers, this is a find of unparalleled magnitude.

Even more important than the ship itself.' `I can't believe you!

Let `em live?' `I think you'll find that the `Dinis will insist on

it.' To make certain of that, Thian turned his helmet comunit up to

full and crisply informed Plr of the find.

`Lyon!' roared Vandermeer. `I heard that!' `Of course, sir. The

`Dinis expect to be informed of any unusual discovery,' Thian said,

deliberately misinterpreting her.

`what'd you expect from a goddamned weasel lover!' Despite

distance and com distortion there was no mistaking Malice's tone nor an

implicit promise of retribution. That chilled Thian more than the

prospect of someone trying to destroy the most important alien artefact

- if one could so term the larvae - that had yet been found.

So far the xenobiologists had had to extrapolate mock-ups of Hive

Queens, drones, workers and other specialized forms from fragments of

corpses strewn in space after encounters, or charred remains on

destroyed ships. Though much had been learned even from such imperfect

material, they were still guessing about the true form and nature of

the types of Hiver which made up a ship's crew.

`Belay that!' Vandermeer bellowed again to quell the vociferous

protests. She went on in an icy voice.

`You've exceeded your authority, y) `No, ma'am, I haven't.'

`You're in for it now, for sure, Lyon,' Kiely said and his voice was

harshly accusing.

`I operate under directives of higher authority than yours, hers

or even Captain Ashiant's,' Thian said as stoutly as he could but the

objections had shaken him. `Get back up and lead them here.' `Me? Go?

Why you'll `I won't do anything to them. I can't trust you not

to.' And, grabbing Kiely by the arm, he thrust him upward in the tube

while the lieutenant sputtered in indignation.

Thian watched as Kiely continued upward, and then propelled

himself out of the shaft. Thian waited until he could hear Kiely's

angry mental noise diminishing. Then he, too, exited the tube and

propelled himself to one of the few chambers that opened on to space

itself. The hole wasn't large but it also wasn't shielded by the

ship's hull material.

He had never tried such an unpowered stretch of his mind before.

It would have been better to use the shuttle's engines but he

didn't have time enough to go that far - and make certain the larvae

would not be summarily destroyed by those coming to see what he'd

found. The larvae must be saved! The information that could be

revealed far outweighed any momentary destructive satisfaction.

Grandfather! Jeff Raven! Earth Prime! Listen to me? He put the

energy of every cell of his body in that call.

An unpowered send? I'll tan your hide, boy!

Later! Larvae have been discovered intact. Must be preserved.

Of course they must! What incredible luck!

I'm the only one who thinks so.

Not at all, my boy. You've done well. I'm already forwarding the

news where it must be known. Now, shut up and save your strength! The

very idea of an unpowered call that far. He's worse than his mother.

Thian had to grin at that tag or perhaps that was why Jeff Raven

had allowed it to be heard.

He felt depleted but not as bad as he might have.

The elation of discovery seemed to have buffered him. Though that

dwindled away as he thought of facing the anger and resentment of his

shipmates.

And Malice was in the boarding party. That was an unfortunate

circumstance. But that was the goad that stimulated Thian to action

now. If Malice got here first, before the commander --- He pushed off

the deck and floated beyond the target tunnel, catching a thin pipe and

halting his drift, slowly pulling his body slightly into the next tube

opening.

That was all that saved him.

GOTCHA! That was all the warning he had.

Out of nowhere, for no helmet lights heralded the approach, the

shock wave of a stunner blast shoved him with crushing force against

the back curve of the tube.

That single mental shout, with its ferociously triumphant tone,

gave him the nanosecond required for him to tap reserves he didn't know

he had.

Reflexes he had never had to use were triggered to form a shield,

not as strong as it would have been if he hadn't lost energy calling

his grandfather.

Even so, he blocked the worst of the blast effect and struggled to

retain the consciousness needed to keep the protection in force in case

Malice came to inspect his victim. He tried very, very hard to project

a Mayday, and was mildly amused that his attempt came out in `Dini. He

felt himself slipping.

Here goes the captain's bright plan to evacuate his chosen few, he

thought, amused that he could be amused as he wilted completely.

A buzzing in his ear was irritating but it could not be ignored.

It was a warning. Why did every nerve in his body scream? He

tried for mental control of pain synapses but his head was indulging in

a monumental ache. His brain lining felt far too full to be contained

by his skull. He was panting with effort. He opened his aching eyes a

slit, coughed in the foul air he was breathing and vaguely realized he

was wearing a helmet. The buzzing continued.

He tried to focus his eyes. His vision was blurred but he seemed

to be inside an escape pod.

There had been an emergency, hadn't there? The buzzing meant it

was over. Good! He could get out of the space suit. He fumbled

strengthless gloved fingers on the helmet release and knew he'd

succeeded only because he felt cooler air brushing across his sweaty

throat. He couldn't do more than twist the helmet once but more fresh

air relieved the necessity to pant. He lay where he was and willed

himself away from the pain of his body.

`HE IS HERE! I'VE FOUND HIM!' The glad cry came through Thian's

mind physically and mentally. It was the mental identification that

reassured him and he opened his eyes, smiling weakly up at Gravy's

anxious, tear-streaked face.

`Oh, however did you get here, Thian? Oh, thank all the gods that

you're safe! If you knew..

I have an enemy, Gravy. Guard me! he said.

Her eyes bugged out. `I heard that,' she said, sensibly

whispering. An enemy? she added with reasonable telepathic strength.

Who'd want to hurt you? You're a Prime.

Tell only the captain but guard me.

Even that brief exchange took what energy he had.

`Stungun. Bolt. Got me. Hurt,' he whispered, too weak to writhe

with the pulsing agony still throbbing along nerves and blood.

`Stungun? On you?' He couldn't have missed the outrage, horror

and fury she broadcast had he been a 12. Returning consciousness

reminded him that there was something much more important he had to

know and he struggled with words to form the question.

`This is only standard, but it might help,' Gravy was saying and

her hands were pulling at the neck closures of his suit: it hurt even

to be moved about.

He was relieved that he'd still been out when she'd removed the

helmet. Then he felt the blessed coolness of a hypospray and tried to

speed its dose through his system. He couldn't manage much on that

front either. `Who did this?' she demanded.

He managed a helpless grunt in answer. Even that sent a spasm of

pain through him. `Larvae? Safe?' `Oh, Thian love,' she cried and

bent to kiss his forehead, a loving gesture which Thian knew oughtn't

to hurt as much as that one did, `you're amazing! Worrying about those

damned things when you're in bits. .

`Safe?' he repeated urgently, trying to raise one hand to

emphasize his need to know.

`Yes, of course they are. The most important find ever! The

`Dinis are triumphant. Mind you,' she added swiftly, with a glance

over her shoulder, `there're some who were for blasting `em to space

dust but the captain stopped `em. Well, it took you guys long enough!'

she added in a brisk critical tone.

There was movement beyond him, movement and noise and his head

began to throb painfully in reaction.

`Gotta get his suit off `im first, a male voice said.

`How'd he get through the port with it on?' `Never mind. Is

Commander Exeter there?' Gravy asked in a no-nonsense tone. `The man's

badly injured and will need heavy sedation before he can be moved.

Here, Commander,' and Thian felt in every nerve of his mangled

body the reverberation of heavy feet as the medic entered the pod.

Gravy dropped her voice. `He's been stunned, Ted, with one of the

Hiver weapons.

Exeter inhaled sharply. `That's criminal!' A second cool spray on

Thian's throat and he thankfully dissolved into a painless world.

He regained consciousness a number of times for very short

periods, finding himself immersed in a thick liquid, his head resting

on a cradle. Mostly it was pain that woke him but he was immediately

medicated and was sent back to sleep. The third, or maybe it was the

fourth time, he awoke, the pain wasn't so intense. And his mother was

sitting beside him.

`Ah, Thian, back with us for a bit?' she asked, her expression

loving and yet oddly stern. She smoothed his hair, the silver streak

that matched hers, back from his forehead, and, with that tender

gesture, the pain was also smoothed from his body.

`Mother?' `Didn't you know I'd come if you were hurt?1 Absently,

she gathered the long hair that had fallen forward across her shoulder

and flicked it to her back.

`You're improving. No brain damage, no lasting physical damage,

though you may twitch occasionally. The worst discomfort will

disappear very soon now. You were lucky to get only the fringes of

that blast the tunnel as well as the suit protected you from a direct

hit. Which you wouldn't have survived.' `D'you know who, yet?'

`Lieutenant Greevy said you mentioned an enemy.' Her lips thinned

briefly with displeasure. `D6 you know who?' `I had suspicions only.

I got resentful sendings, malicious ones, but I could never

identify who. I had choice.' `I must see what I can discover then.

Thian's reaction was ambivalent.

`The punishment should fit the crime?' his mother asked, wryly

amused at the dominant thought in his mind.

`Well, I know Primes aren't supposed to be vindictive but...' he

began in a rueful tone, `but I'd sure like to pay back in kind for

something like this.' `Natural enough,) Damia replied neutrally.

`Oh well,' and Thian found himself forced to rationalize. `He or

she was only spouting the usual anti-Talent-privileged position

nonsense we've all heard from time to time,' he said, having thought

better of inflicting that degree of agony on another human, however

misguided. `I suppose me wanting to have the larvae was the last

straw!' `Something like that,' Damia agreed easily.

The `Dinis were right, Thian mused, humans were soft. `How long

have you been here?' `Three days now. I had to push your father out of

the way to come,' she added with a grin. `But I am your mother and the

stronger Talent. He had to admit that I have a special touch for

easing pain.' Her smile was extremely tender but Thian knew she wasn't

thinking of him just then. She stroked his face again, her fingers

marvellously gentle and reassuring as she moved down to gently knead

muscles in his neck and shoulders. `You were very wise to have

contacted Dad. He had me in a capsule and on my way with Fok and Tri

before the boarding parties had assembled at the larval combs. I made

it eminently clear that no larvae were to be destroyed.

That was my first priority. That was, of course, before I

realized I couldn't "feel" you on the wreck.

I could sense you near by which confused everyone but you wouldn't

- then I realized - couldn't respond.' Her face mirrored the anxiety

she had endured.

`But the larvae weren't touched?' `Indeed not! Their discovery

will provide inestimable data on Hivers. Incalculably valuable.

However, not as valuable as you are to us. Your life would not

have been a fair exchange for that data.

And I was horrified not to be able to locate you: you were there

and you weren't. You couldn't be located here on the Vadim but I knew

approximately where your body should be. It was Alison who thought of

the pods. Why ever did you go there?' `Abandon ship drills,' Thian

said, managing a slight grin which surprisingly didn't hurt, though his

face muscles still ached. `Are you great-grandmothering me?' he asked,

realizing that her subtle soothing strokes were purposeful and he was

feeling drowsy again.

`A bit of,' she said with a grin. `Glad you can feel it working.

Isthia swears it brought Dad back to life.

And you're in need of more healing.' Gravy was his attendant the

next time he surfaced.

Testing his mental health, he found it sufficiently cured so that

a light mental cast located his mother, fast asleep near by.

`Gravy?' `So you're awake, are you?' And she moved to the side of

whatever sort of a tank they had him floating in. `By any chance,

would you be hungry?' `You must be reading my mind.' Her smile was

radiant. `Nab, you should be hungry about now, if the treatment's

working.' His first meal was only broth but it was more delicious than

any he remembered.

`That's because you're hungry,' she said.

`I didn't say anything,' he replied, giving her a long look.

She grinned, wrinkling her nose at him. `That's something, isn't

it? I'm picking up more than ever I did before. Only short-range but

that's fine by me!

Damia says sometimes fright triggers or expands Talent. And I

won't lie that I wasn't terrified when they reported you couldn't be

found at the wreck.

Lieutenant Kiely set up an awful stink. Then your mother arrives

in an unscheduled capsule, knocking a drone out of its cradle. The

watch in the shuttle bay thought they were being invaded by Hivers and

she'd have been charred if she hadn't paralysed their hands so they

couldn't fire on her. Then she compliments the captain on such an

alert crew and insists that the larvae be preserved... Which is the

first Captain Ashiant had heard about that! But he got Vandermeer on

the blower which was smart, because they were having quite a time,

keeping the `Dinis off `em while they planted charges because they

thought destroying the things,' and Gravy shuddered, `was the right

thing to do.' Then she grinned. `I think your mother made herself

known to Vandermeer and that was that! End of problem!

I heard Vandermeer say she found herself removing the charges

before she knew what she was doing. Can Talents do that? Make someone

do something?' `It's not considered good manners,' Thian began,

enjoying the vision of his mother manipulating the sturdy and

strong-minded security commander as easily as she'd have controlled an

errant child. `It's an invasion of privacy and not something Talent

would consider except under very unusual circumstances.

`which those were! Crims, Thian,' and Gravy's eyes sparkled with

excitement, clearing her mobile face of more solemn considerations,

`even the guys who were for charring the larvae are now patting

themselves on the back for being in on such a find. But the glory's

all yours!' `Mine?' Thian hesitated only one brief moment before he

said as earnestly as he could. `But Kiely was first down the tube, not

me,' he said in perfect truth.

`Kiely?' Gravy was astonished.

Thian nodded once emphatically. `Kiely was first down that tube.'

She stared at him, puzzled. `But I thought..

`Kiely deserves the glory for being first. I wasn't even sure

what the things were. I called Commander Vandermeer because I thought

she should see what Kiely'd found' `And here Kiely's been down-playing

his part...' Gravy trailed off and then her grin was smug. `Well,

we'll just see about that!' Thian was well pleased.

I am, too, son of mine, said Damia. That will go a long way to

discredit rumours.

You've heard some?

He heard his mother's sigh flutter in his mind. No more than

usual.

Have you found my assailant?

I shall perhaps have better luck now. Your touch is much surer

today. Everyone will be overjoyed to hear my report of your return to

health - with one notable exception. I'll be `listening' for that!

`Considering the trauma to nerve, bone and tissue, you've

recovered amazingly, young man,' Exeter told him when Thian was allowed

out of the restorative fluid. `I thought that stunner was supposed to

work as effectively in vacuum as in atmosphere, but maybe not. Can't

think how else you could have survived.' `Oh, I was raised hardy on

Aurigae, you know, Thian said easily.

Exeter scratched his close-shaven pate and grinned wryly. `So I'm

led to believe. Amazing woman, your mother. Ah, here's the orderly to

escort you to your quarters. Now, you're still on sick leave, Thian.

My orders are for you to take it easy: report to Lieutenant Clark

for physiotherapy to get those muscles toned up. You'll be on the

special diet for a while but that's not going to hurt anyone's feelings

the way your mother's been hauling in provender for us.' Thian thanked

Exeter for his attendance and followed the orderly into the passageway.

To his surprise, Flk was waiting and rubbed its silky furred arm

up and down his in affectionate greeting.

FLK MOST WELCOME OF OLD FRIENDS. HOW GOOD TO BE SO GREETED.

DAMIA ASKS. FLK AGREES. ThN WALKS SAFELY Thian gave the orderly

a quick glance and smile but the man seemed unconcerned by their quick

`Dini exchange.

DAMIA SAYS ENEMY HERE? Thian asked, swinging his voice upward in

query.

ENEMY EXISTS UNTIL REVELATION. CLEVER ONE.

HIDES IN CROWDS. TIGHT MINDED. FIRST SON CANNOT BE VULNERABLE IN

PRESENT WEAKNESS.

NONSENSE! Thian said with such angry authority that Flk skipped a

step and tipped its poll eye down to Thian's face. SORRY! DAMIA HAS

UNNECESSARY ANXIETY. THN WELL ABLE TO CARE FOR THN.

THAT WILL BE SEEN. And the downward note of the last sound was

the end of that discussion.

To his surprise, Thian was escorted up to officer country.

`Your gear's all stowed here, Mr Lyon,' the orderly said, pulling

back the door into one of the visitors' cabins, far more spacious

affairs than his previous quarters.

`Thank You very much indeed, Tedwars,' he said, peering in, but he

gestured for Flk to precede him.

`Checked the place out myself, Ambassador Flk,' Tedwars said in

mild reprimand.

Thian laughed. `I guess I'd better get used to being treated like

eggs.' `No, sir, the eggs get treated much better'n you, Tedwars said

in an aggrieved tone but closed the door before Thian could recover

from his surprise.

He did shoot a quick probe at the orderly whose mind he had found

to be open and honest. Tedwars privately thought all the trouble about

the beetle eggs was vastly overdone. Eggs as could survive a bloody

nova wouldn't be harmed by much else.

`Ah!' Thian turned excitedly to FIk. ThE SAILOR SAYS ThE WRECK

WAS DAMAGED BY STAR NOVA?

Flk gestured for Thian to seat himself which he was quite willing

to do for even the short walk up from sick-bay proved tiring. `Dini

seating had been included in the furnishings of this stateroom and FIk

made itself comfortable on the padded stool.

ANALYSIS SUPPORTS NOVA THEORY. ONE RECENT NOVA IS IN ESTIMATeD

TRAJECTORY OF WRECK.

SIZE OF VESSEL SUGGESTS FINAL MASS EXODUS. UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF

STORAGE SPACE ON VESSEL PLUS EXTRA SHIELDING AROUND EGG REPOSITORIES

AND QUEENS' QUARTERS. TWO QUEEN quarters WERE NOT TOTALLY DESTROYED

BUT BODIES REDUCED TO RUBBLE. VALUABLE STILL. BIGGEST QUEENS EVER

NOThD. THEORY IS THAT VESSEL WAS ESCAPING WHEN STAR ABRUPTLY EXPANDED.

THEORY IS THAT PREVIOUS ThREE SHIPS WERE ALSO FLEEING, IN TIME,

FROM NOVA.

ESCAPE PODS? Thian asked, having such facilities much in the fore

of his mind.

Flk gave the rasping noise of `Dini amusement.

SOME ESCAPE PODS RELEASED ON OUTWARD SIDE.

TWO QUEEN SKELETONS FOUND IN PODS ADJACENT TO QUARTERS. FOUR MORE

PODS WERE NOT OCCUPIED AND HAD NOT BEEN ACTIVATed. ThREE WERE GONE.

ALWAYS SAVE THE WORST NEWS FOR ThE LAST, MMMM, FLK?

Fik shrugged its upper limbs and bent its poll eye on him. NOT

WORST NEWS BUT REQUIRES ALTeRATION OF CURRENT PLANS.

IN WHAT WAY?

Flk tapped its feet, which included the toe wriggling that had

fascinated Thian since he was a child and found his toes could not

duplicate the motion.

SPKTM VOThS TO CONTINUE VOYAGE TO INVESTIGATE NOVA, DISCOVER WHAT

DEBRIS MIGHT EXIST OF THAT STAR system.

Thian grinned. TO BE ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE THAT ThE HIVE WORLD WAS

VICTIM OF NOVA?

EXACTLY.

THN CAN HARDLY FAULT THAT.

THN WOULD NOT AND THE HUMANS VOTE?

THEY WISH TO PICK UP TRACE OF ESCAPE PODS AND FOLLOW THAT COULD

TAKE A LONG TIME AND A WIDE AREA TO SEARCH.

NOT SO WIDE. TRACES ALREADY FOUND. THREE PODS, THREE HUMAN

SHIPS. GOOD CHASE. NO REAL DANGER BUT MUCH LEARNING AND MUCH GLORY.

SO LONG AS IT IS THE HUMANS WHO ACQUIRE GLORY. Thian heard a

trace of bitterness in his tone and corrected his thinking.

IF GLORY IS GOAL. Fik shrugged.

THAT LEAVES ONE HUMAN ONE DINI SHIP?

WRECK MUST BE BROUGHT BACK FOR INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION.

THAT COULD BE DONE ON SITh, Thian said, thinking of the monumental

salvage operation that would mean.

CAN ALSO BE started NOW AND CONTINUED UNTIL FINISHED. THAT WILL

TAKE ME. ThIS VESSEL SALVAGES WRECK. ThN REST NOW. ORDERS.

WHOSE? Thian asked even as he swung his legs around to the bed.

And it was a bed, not a bunk, and a double one at that.

FROM ThIS TRP, DMA, MEDIC, CAPTAIN, SECURITY PERSON, ENGINEER

AGREED. ACQUIESCE. GRATIThDE. DREAM WELL.

TRP STAYS. ThN MAY SAFELY DREAM.

BODYGUARD? Thian half-rose from the comfortable bed, disgusted

but oddly reassured. That triumphantly hateful `GOTCHA' lingered in

his mind like a glowing canker.

REST GUARD SO SLEEP WILL RESTORE STRENGTh, THN. And FIk spoke as

gently as to a `Dini pup.

Sleep, Thian, or shall I assist? his mother said.

Oh, very well, he said and drew the cover over him.

Over the next few days, Thian learned more of what had been done

and discovered during his convalescence. Once the yellow alert was

cancelled, shore leaves were granted and, when Damia `ported them to

their various destinations, she `ported in specialists, civilian and

naval, who were excited to be able to examine a more or less intact

Hive facility. There were many new faces in the officers' mess and he

realized how very lucky he was to have such a fine stateroom to

himself. Two ensigns had shift usage of his old cabin while scientists

bunked in theirs.

The six ships had taken up positions for easy access to the wreck.

It was ablaze with lights, in `9' every corridor, tunnel and

chamber, colour coded by area so that the ship blazed like a minor

galaxy.

Big drones had been `ported in to transport sections as well as

the invaluable larvae, the charcoal and dust and anything else that

could be detached from the shell.

Three distinctly separate types of Hive larvae had been identified

and sufficient numbers of each so that, as his mother dryly remarked,

the diverse theories on how to stimulate and mature the life forms

could be tried. Scientific debates raged more fiercely than any armed

encounter.

`A full-scale war would probably be quieter,' Damia remarked, `and

with fewer battles.' `It's all bloodless,' Captain Ashiant said.

`There are nevertheless casualties, bloodless or not,' Damia

added.

"And no discharge in the war",' Thian put in, not quite sure what

he was quoting.

ThE MRDINI POET KPLNG, FIk said, THN IS WELL VERSED IN CLASSICAL

STUDIES.

Captain Ashiant blinked in surprise at that for he was now able to

follow most `Dini conversations.

`Kping? It means Kipling!' `whoever,' Damia said, smiling. Then

she turned to Thian. `You go back to work tomorrow, Thn!' And she used

the affectionate `Dini of his name.

`I'll be bloody glad to, too.' Damia tsk-tsked at his language but

she approved his attitude.

`We've a lot to `port back and team-work will reduce the load for

me and ease you back into the job. As soon as I'm certain you're fully

operational, I've got to go back. Your father can NOT handle

big-daddies with just Rojer.' `Zara's old enough, isn't she?' Damia

wrinkled her nose. She's too inattentive to be of any real assistance.

Heaving big-daddies requires full concentration.

`But surely the mines will be slowing down if the Hive sun went

nova,' Thian said.

The captain snorted and his mother regarded him oddly.

`The sun may have gone down on the Hive homeworld but there're all

those hundreds of Hive ships and Hive-dominated worlds out there! Oh,

no, Thian, this is just a brief chapter even if a very illuminating

one,' his mother said.

`The other squadrons, lad,' Captain Ashiant took up, for evidently

the subject had been much under discussion, `that are in pursuit of the

three outwardbound ones, will need support. And then there's mopping

up all the worlds that the Hive ships have already ah ... appropriated.

They must be discovered and . .. cleared.' `Aren't we then doing

exactly what the Hivers tried to do to the `Dinis and us?' `which would

you rather have? Them on the loose or contained?' the captain asked.

Damia leaned forward. `That's another bloodless war that's being

raged in the High Council. Total destruction or planetary

containment.' `That's species suppression which is against the finest

principles of both human and `Dini morality,' Thian said, beginning to

be annoyed with their intransigence. what had happened to his mother?

where were the values she had instilled in him and his sisters and

brothers?

THN VIEWS BLACK AND WHITE. GREY IS A VERY GOOD COLOUR, Fik said,

surprising the three humans by entering the conversation.

But its remark caused Thian and Damia to burst out laughing.

which required a rather long explanation to Captain Ashiant

because Fik had been unusually witty; `grey' was one of the most

prestigious pelt shades for `Dinis.

`Fik is grey!' Ashiant exclaimed, slightly more puzzled than

enlightened. `what would be called battleship grey - if that matters.'

VERY GOOD GREY AS TRP HAS SAID, was the rejoinder and Fik, in an excess

of camaraderie, bobbed its head up and down, blinking several lids.

`We'd better stop,' Damia said, struggling with her laughter, `or

Flk'll be impossible.

`By the way, where's Tri?' Thian asked his mother.

`I thought it'd join us for dinner.' TRP IS NEEDED ON THE KLTi,

FIk replied. TRP WILL BE PLEASED TO BE MISSED.

when Thian returned to his stateroom that evening, he realized

that somehow he had been subtly diverted from what might have been a

fierce debate over the morality of the courses open to humans and

`Dinis on how to end the Hive menace. Or did you just apply your

ethics to your own species?

His intercom buzzed. He hesitated before answering. Very few

people knew where he was now billeted. He might have very little

pre-cog, though turning into that tube might have been in response to a

subliminal forewarning. He didn't `feel' any premonition and depressed

the acknowledge toggle.

`Lieutenant Greevy speaking...' `Gravy!' he said and pressed full

visual.

`Am I glad to find you! Look, you should know this: one of the

ensigns in your old quarters is in here with a knife wound. He got

attacked as he was opening the door. Knife just missed his lung. You

being careful? who knows where you are now?' `Very few. How'd you get

through?' `Ted Exeter told me to warn you. He's still operating.'

Anxiety kept flickering across her expressive face.

`I'm fine. I've a `Dini guard out front and, with so many

important experts on board, this deck's well patrolled.' Seeing Gravy

reminded him that such vigilance could also be a disadvantage. `Are

you on duty, Gravy?' `No,' she began with a frown and then her face

brightened into a broad, happy and eager smile.

`No, Thian, I'm not. I just ended my watch.' He was also

exceedingly well pleased with his `portation of her. Though he felt an

uncomfortable surge of awkwardness when she was amazed by the luxurious

amenities of his stateroom, it was hard to stay tense in Gravy's

company. She had him laughing over her queries about some of the

unusual items in one locker. In the next she found the bottles of

exotic spirits, and couldn't make up her mind which to try first, so

she poured judicious levels of each one into a big glass, careful not

to disrupt the lower layers, finishing up with a remarkably colourful

`lethal cocktail' which she made him sample, too. By the time he fell

asleep with his arms about her, he decided that the most exotic spirit

in the room wasn't bottled!

It was great to be working again, and with his mother. They

accomplished a great deal before their `day' ended: auxiliary engines,

propulsion units thrusters and communications gear were `ported' from

Earth, Betelgeuse, Altair and Procyon for installation on the wreck for

its outbound journey.

The impetus given the vessel by the searing wave of nova force was

nearly spent and, even on tow, it would need some independent

impulsion. One of the large shuttles had been altered and then

anchored to the most stable level to serve as bridge and quarters for

the watch.

Once the wreck was close enough for a `portation, it would be

`lifted' to its final destination, at the moment a point equidistant

between the `Dini homeworld and Earth was being discussed, though as

all the Primes pointed out, its exact location was relatively

unimportant. Scientists could be transported from anywhere. There was

also controversy that the very presence of the hulk might somehow

attract other Hive ships to its position - therefore it should be as

far away from either homeworld as possible. This was a theory more

voiced on human worlds than `Dini.

`Perhaps,' Thian had remarked when the subject was discussed in

the wardroom where he was lunching, `because `Dinis have already had

Hive ships in their skies and survived. But then, so have we!' There

was a moment of stunned silence, broken by such a whispered curse from

Malice that Thian wondered if he had imagined it. He took himself

heavily to task for being so lax, and slow. He ought to have followed

that whisper as quickly as thought.

But he hadn't. He should have been ready, especially since the

attack on the ensign who was recovering slowly. Thian hoped that

Malice had had a shock over that miscalculation. With his mother, he'd

gone over the names of the boarding party in the hope that some clue

might be triggered. Except that twelve of the other fourteen members

had attended his language classes, there was nothing to trigger

identity Although there were still deliveries of equipment, most of

what Damia and Thian `ported now was food and water to provision the

three human ships that were to pursue the three Queen pods, and the

KLTL which was continuing on to the suspect nova. Spectroscopic

analysis said that the flaring star contained all the elements which

had permeated the wreck. The `Dinis would not accept that evidence as

proof positive that the Hive world had been involved in, and not

survived, the holocaustic disaster.

Thian wondered if his tour of duty would soon be over and was

almost relieved when he had a summons to appear in the captain's ready

room.

`Come in, young Lyon, and be seated.' The captain steepled his

fingers, once again rubbing the fleshy end of his nose before speaking.

Today Thian sensed that the hard mind shield was not so firmly in

place and the captain was not certain how his next words would be

taken. `I'm given to understand that you've an illwisher on board the

Vadim.' Thian nodded.

`Your mother has not been able to apprehend your assailant and,

although the gunnery officer discovered one of the weapons had been

discharged, unfortunately no record was kept of which weapon was issued

to which member of the boarding party.

Do you know who the party is?' Thian shook his head.

`Well, then, you'll not be staying on board the Vadim, lad. I'm

not risking a Prime's life.' `Sir . the KLTL's continuing. She's not

going to make the entire trip on the provisions she's been taking on:

not even if she stuffed every spare cabin.

Not unless she has ... me on board. If I could volunteer for the

duty.

`But you'd be the only human on board ... for well over a year.

Thian grinned at Ashiant's expression. `Sir, I'm too young for a

year to matter that much.' `Claptrap! A year's a long time at your

age.

`Captain Ashiant, it's like this. I can't finger my enemy. I

won't give whoever it is the satisfaction of thinking that he or she

has forced me to retreat.

I'm too `Dini for that. I can and will continue this voyage.

That was what I was asked to do and what I intend to do - with

your permission - continue on until we reach the Hive system. That

makes me very human, Captain, living to fight another day.' `Well,

well! Well!

Hmmm, yes, well,' and Ashiant steepled his fingers again, the slow

grin on his lips echoed in his eyes. `Yes, well, that would serve both

causes admirably because, to be aboveboard with you, Thian Lyon, Spktm

asked me if you'd consider transferring to the KLTL. It's been

impressed with you, as interpreter, teacher and crewmate. It sees this

voyage as a marvellous chance to make its crew learn sufficient Basic

to get along with humans anywhere.' `what did my mother say?' Thian

asked, knowing perfectly well that she'd been asked.

Ashiant chuckled. `She left it up to you. Says you're a grown

man now.' He chuckled again. `I think she's proud of you.' `Then I'll

transfer to the KLTL, if I may.' "And Spktm also wished me to say that

it'll be happy to receive your `Dinis back when they can return. Said

that'll make you happier aboard a `Dini vessel.' `Oh, I will be happy

on board the KLTL!' Alison-Anne was not happy that he was continuing

onward when he could just as honourably have returned home on the

Vadim. With her. She had been a regular evening guest as she was

fortunately doing the day watches.

`How'll you ever find out who nearly killed you?

And nearly killed Ensign Kalickmo! You'll be well guarded up here

and we'll find the bastard sooner or later.' Gravy could look

exceedingly fierce and determined for all she was a sensitive empath.

`It's more knowing where I could be of real service, Gravy,' he

said, smoothing her silky blonde hair. It had enough static so that

the fine stuff clung to his hand, leaping out from the pillow to caress

his skin. Her skin was silky soft, too, but he needed to catch his

breath a bit. `I know the `Dinis will be on pretty slim rations until

they can reach a pick-up point. Young `Dinis need proper nutrients or

they will never reach any significant height. And the older `Dinis

need just as much to keep healthy.

If I stay with them, they won't have to go on hard rations. And

they'll feel freer to investigate every aspect of the nova position

without losing any crew.

`whaddya mean? Losing crew?' She propped herself on an elbow to

stare accusingly down at him.

More of her hair tangled about his wrist.

"Dinis hold slightly different views about life and living.

`Dinis are taught to revere their elders -- `And we aren't?' `Not

in the same way. A `Dini will starve itself to give food to an elder..

`Huh! They are backward.' `Not really. `Dini elders possess

great wisdom and experience and must be preserved for their knowledge.

An inexperienced young `Dini considers it honourable to die lest

those assets be lost to the race.

`So - couldn't they just ration food?' He tried to do this

tactfully. `Ah, they -- - well, they not only give up their lives She

drew in her breath in horror. `You mean. -.

when he nodded, she gulped. `Go ssake! Didn't think they'd have

that in `em!' She was more awed at that final sacrifice than appalled.

Thian was oddly pleased by her attitude especially when she added,

`Knowing that, you've got'to go. I like the `Dinis. I miss your two.

But, say, Thian, that trip's projected for a whole year, Standard.

How'll you get along? I mean. -. ` and to Thian's delight and

amusement, Gravy blushed.

He hugged her to him and her hair clung to his face like a

gossamer veil. He'd miss this right enough and said so. `I'll be fine

though. I'll miss you, I really will. It's much better this way but

well, you've heard of `Dini dreams?' She nodded and he had to carefully

remove clinging filaments from his mouth, chuckling as he did so.

very -- - well, `Well, `Dini dreams are very they do the trick.'

`NO!' She was up on her elbows again. `That, too?' `If Mur or Dip were

here, I'd get them to show you.

`Now just a living minute, Thian Raven-Lyon, Prime -- . ` He

turned off her threats with a deep kiss because he knew she'd withdraw

any objections once he got the `Dinis to dream with her. And that he

did plan to do some day when he was back.

The unsolved problem of Malice continued to niggle at him.

Unfinished as well as unsolved which, despite his strategic

retreat, did not set well with him. And there was the matter that it

was no longer Malice's hatred of him that had to be addressed but the

iniquitous attack on Kalickmo. Yet how to identify Malice when that

mistake had obviously zoo zoi resulted in this current total silence.

Then Thian remembered his sister's suggestion and mentioned this

to Damia.

`I'll spring the trap, Mother. The two of us ought to be able to

close on him.' `Him? You're sure of that?' `After the knife attack,

yes.' `Humph. Really,' was his mother's cryptic response. `Very well.

When?' `Tonight you're being given a special dinner. I know

Malice was part of both my language classes and the boarding team.

I'll have the wardroom steward put all of us at the same table.

That won't look particularly contrived. We often chow down

together.' `All?' `Uhuh.

That's why I'm so puzzled as to who it really is. I mean, he's

got stomach enough to eat with me, hating me as he does?' `So? when

this evening? I'll want to know so I can be wide open, which is not

exactly comfortable for any length of time around here.' Thian

smothered a guffaw because his mother had been admired by every male

officer of the human squadron and one of the like-sex lieutenants.

Regarding his mother objectively, she certainly didn't appear

`old': she'd married his father at eighteen and had only recently

celebrated her fourth decade. She certainly didn't look the mother of

eight and she was unquestionably the most beautiful female on board.

`Clean up that laugh, son of mine,' she said, but there was an

amused sparkle in her eyes.

`Since it's my last night aboard, I have to give a farewell

speech. I'll spring the trap then.' `when you stand, I'll snap!' And

she brought her teeth together with an audible click, then went off to

finish her day report.

THAT IS WELL DONE, THN, Flk said, appearing at his side from

nowhere. TRP WILL WATCH AS WELL.

Several times during what seemed an inordinately long dinner,

Thian had to rub his sweaty palms on his trouser legs. He hoped that

he gave no other outward sign of tension. At one point, he asked his

mother's opinion but she assured him that he wasn't laughing too loudly

at Kiely's jokes or looking bored by Eki Wasiq's long-winded yarns.

In fact, you look quite handsome and confident.

Shakes don't show?

Only a mother would notice the shakes, and tonight I'm playing

belle of the ball.

He grinned absently as someone on his left finished a joke but he

knew she'd know it was for her.

Dinner ended almost too abruptly and it was time for him to spring

his trap. He rose, glass in hand, stepping slightly back from the

table so that he had a good view of the faces on both sides, politely

turned in his direction. Then, while everyone was gathering themselves

to stand to join the toast, he said mentally as loud as he could:

GOTCHA!

Down the table - and it was only then that Thian realized the man

had never sat close to him - Lieutenant Sedallia doubled up, slamming

his face against the table edge, hands to his skull.

zol ZO3

`Oh, do something about the wretched man, Flk Damia said and, with

the startling speed which `Dinis could show on occasion, FIk and Trp

moved to bracket the lieutenant. Smoothly, they lifted him from his

seat and as smoothly, carried him from the wardroom. `I do believe

he's had a seizure,' she said to Commander Exeter who excused himself

immediately and followed.

Captain Ashiant frowned, looking at her composed expression and

then at Thian.

I never once suspected Sedallia, Mother, Thian said, shaken by the

surprise.

He's an inhibited Talent from what I could probe.

Ugh! I didn't care to go very deeply. Get the toast over with.

Everyone's waiting and it's the best wine Afra could get for us on

short notice`I guess Lieutenant Sedallia will be sorry to see me go,

gentlemen and ladies,' Thian began and saw expressions that suggested

Sedallia's departure had caused the mildest ripple of surprise and no

curiosity.

Thian, you're as cool as your father! And no, no-one thinks

anything of it. The man was just taken ill and decorously removed. We

can explain to the captain later. His mother's comment almost rattled

him but he went on.

`For I must leave the Vadim tomorrow-' His announcement provoked

murmurs of genuine regret, though some were tinged with envy. `-to

serve on board the Mrdini vessel, the KLTL.' That produced more

reactions and surprise exclamations. `I did, after all, sign on as a

civilian-' and the reaction to that made him grin, `-Prime to assist a

search for the Hive Home System. My `Dini colleagues say we have not

ended that search-' `They're nuts,' Kiely said stoutly, glowering at

Thian.

`A waste of time!' `Your Talents are needed elsewhere, Lyon!'

`Stay with us! We need you, too.' `Captain Ashiant . . . I protest.

when Thian raised his hand for silence, it was politely restored.

`You all must know by now that my family is deeply involved with

our Mrdini allies.

I know that those on board the KLTL would suffer considerable

hardship and loss if an FT&T Prime does not accompany them. Look at it

this way, mates, I finally learned human naval customs: now I've got to

learn `Dini ones!' That brought a sprinkle of chuckles. `I shall miss

you. I've learned more these last few months than stevedoring and I'm

grateful for your patience and your understanding. Good luck and a

safe journey back.' Then he raised his glass, surveyed the messroom and

knocked back the last of his drink.

He sat down to raucous cheers and banging of cutlery on glasses

and the mess' good porcelain.

`Now hear this,' and the captain's stentorian voice could have

been heard from stem to stern with no amplification. `I think I speak

for the entire crew, Mr Lyon, when I say that it has been a pleasure to

have you on board and it is our right to wish you good luck and a safe,

and speedy, journey home, lad!' `And so say all of us,' Kiely leaped to

his feet, glass in hand and all in the messroom were not a second ZO4

behind in joining him as Kiely led the traditional three cheers

for Thian, a jolly good fellow!

Your father and I are very proud of you, Th ian!

his mother said. Your grandfather and grandmother have decided

that you are eminently worthy of being in the Clan Gwyn-Raven!

`Xexo?' Afra called. XEXO? he added with more volume in the

mental call. The Tower engineer had enough Talent to hear that.

Rojer!

Afra could now locate both minds in the machine shop where Xexo in

his capacity as chief mechanic - and lately his truant son - were most

often found.

when Afra `felt' Rojer's mind, it was bristling with such vivid

calculations, theories and excitement that small wonder the boy hadn't

answered his shouts or telepathic query. Rojer's fascination with and

attention to all things mechanical - preferably with moving parts - was

absolute. Not a bad area of concentration, but only in the proper

place and time.

Yeah, watcha want, Dad?' was the muffled but incurious-sounding

acknowledgement.

Rojer's mental tone held neither apology nor anxiety: more an

impatience at being interrupted just then for any reason.

It seemed undignified to Afra to summarily `port his son away as

he had frequently had to do when the boy was younger. But

fifteen-year-olds can be extremely concerned with dignity - even if

they are concerned with little else except the project at hand.

while Afra and Damia approved of the boy's zo6

keenness - Xexo said he was a very good mechanical apprentice - a

Prime had to be well rounded and versed in more than just the

generators which augmented his mental abilities. Afra muttered to

himself and proceeded to the oil- and grease-redolent chamber that was

his wayward son's heaven. when he reached the doorway, he stood for a

moment, surveying the scene.

Xexo and Rojer were peering at a screen which showed an

enlargement of many parts, some obviously twisted out of their original

shape, others broken, with assortments of likely missing bits arranged

like satellites about them, indicating possible appropriate matches.

On the table were scale accurate plastic facsimiles of all these

pieces, arranged almost exactly as the screen display.

Xexo was a master mechanic, often inspired, considering how he

managed to keep the elderly generators of the Iota Aurigaean Tower

working.

He adored machines, contraptions, gadgets, any device, far more

than he liked humans. In that he had found a soulmate in Rojer

Raven-Lyon up to the point where said fifteen year old skived out of

regular duties - and Rojer was definitely delinquent in these right

now.

Furthermore, his `Dinis, as much satellites of Rojer as the boy

was of Xexo, were also engaged in trying to assemble anomalous parts'

into a whole.

Sprawled belly-down on the grease-stained floor, they were

clicking and clacking as their clever finger digits patiently pushed

bits around the periphery of larger pieces, trying to make a fit.

`Rojer... oh, Rojer,' and Afra added a mental poke.

`Huh?' His son looked over his shoulder, widened his eyes in

semi-horror as he also saw the digital clock on the wall, clapped an

oily hand to his mouth, leaving a black four-fingered imprint on an

already grease-smeared skin, and broadcast apology, dismay, guilt and

self-reproach all at once. `Gee, Dad, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it

was getting so late - Did anyone else go out hunting?' Hunting had been

an immediate heed and, his parents having dismissed Rojer from the

Tower to handle it, they had gone on to other business. Afra tapped

his foot and sighed heavily to indicate his displeasure. Lately, since

the Joint High Councils had released data on every bit of the salvage

so far recovered, as well as schematics, drawings, approximations and

deductions concerning the Hive wreck, there wasn't an engineer anywhere

that wasn't trying his or her hand at putting just a tiny portion of

the puzzle together.

The `Dini ship, the KLTL, which had continued its search for the

Hive homeworld and/or the space debris thereof, had collected more bits

and pieces which had been strewn by the injured Hive ship as its

nova-driven path hurtled it outward. Afra thought that Thian's

affinity for the odd sting-pzzt of Hive artefacts must be on overdrive,

considering how much he had located in the vastness of space.

There was no telling how much more would be found but each

discovery was carefully documented in the absurd (Afra felt) hope that

perhaps enough of the enigmatic Hive engines could be reconstructed to

give the Allies some clue as to how their space drive had operated, and

what fuel it used.

zo8 Z09

In the centuries of their lone battle against the Hivers, the

`Dinis had twice managed to pierce a Hive ship with projectiles and,

they thought, punched through to the drive unit but each time the

torpedo had failed to explode and `Dinis wished to know why. The

firing mechanism on their projectiles was designed to explode. The

fuel Hivers used would at least give the Allies an idea of how to

explode it the next time. The monetary award offered to any one or any

group who solved even part of the immense problem was secondary to the

prestige such a feat would accrue.

`You're lucky tonight,' Afra said severely because Rojer's mind

exhibited his singular concentration.

`Zara and Morag went out by themselves.' He noted that Rojer was

chagrined by that. `Zara and the `Dinis picked enough greens to last a

week and Morag stumbled across a warren. But you were to have led the

hunt and preferably bring back enough to provide several days' protein.

You know that Zara and Morag are much too young to go far on their

own.' `But they did it, didn't they?' `That's not the point, Rojer, and

you should appreciate the difference by now.

Rojer sniffed and hung his head, mentally sorting which excuses

might propitiate his parent. `I just didn't happen to look towards the

digital.' That was genuine enough.

`Not with your nose pushing plastic about, Afra said, trying to

keep his tone severe.

`It's my fault as well, Afra,' Xexo said, wiping his hands. `He

was helping me with the alternators, and then we both thought we

recognized how these pieces,' and Xexo pointed with the fine-tip driver

to what was strewn on the table, `might link up. I should have

reminded him that he had chores.' `Xexo, every one of my children has a

well developed and perfectly adequate time sense. You only needed to

trigger an alert, Rojer. From now on, if you don't do so, you will be

sequestered. Do you understand that clearly?' `Yes, sir.' Rojer's head

was down and he tried to shield his thoughts but Afra wasn't a T-2, as

well as a practised parent by now, to be diverted. In any event, he

was faster at reading than Rojer was at shielding. `I'll have none of

that sass, either, young man.

Rojer shot his father a guilty, but still slightly impenitent,

look and sniffed again. Clear blue eyes met orange and began to

glitter: the intent now carefully hidden from Afra's sight.

`If Xexo and me did get a piece together, you'd be awful proud of

us, wouldn't you, Dad,' Rojer said, smiling with the charismatic

brilliance that this grandson had inherited in far too generous a

measure from his mother and grandfather to suit Afra.

Even so, the Raven charm melted his severity.

`Your mother and I would be immensely proud, of course, but we'd

be prouder if you could - at least once a week - remember you are

needed for mundane duties.' `I do my Tower duty like everyone else.'

`Few would consider those hours mundanely spent,' Afra said, gesturing

for Rojer to clean up his workspace and himself and hurry back to the

house.

z'o ZI I `Leave it, Roj, Xexo said, rubbing greasy fingers along

his jaw. `Not the pieces. I want to puzzle this a bit longer. It'll

be here for you tomorrow - if you're free.' The engineer shot a quick

glance at Afra and received a nod.

`And do remember to feed yourself sometime today, Xexo, Afra said,

although he sent word to Damia at the house to see that some sort of

hot meal appeared near enough to Xexo for him to see, and eat, it.

`Sure, sure,' Xexo agreed but he was already brooding over the

artefacts.

DINNER TIME IS NOW, GRL, KTG, Afra added to the `Dinis who hadn't

looked up from their shoving and shirring.

HUNGER NOT IMPORTANT. MUST FIT PIECES. GAIN MUCH RESPECT AND

ENLARGE THIS PAIR, Gil said but it jumped upright in the sudden way of

`Dinis shifting position. Sometimes Afra thought they must have some

latent kinetic Talent to execute such rapid displacements. And there

was still the conundrum of how `Dini dreams could penetrate human

subconsciousness.

In deference to their `Dini companions, for Afra's friend, Tri,

was waiting outside, enjoying the fresh air, the Primes walked up the

slope to their home.

Lights were coming up as dusk was well settled on Iota Aurigae.

The ever-present dim noise from the mines and smelting works which

were active on an uninterrupted schedule reached their ears, punctuated

by occasional loud rattles, like distant avalanches.

More big daddies to shift tomorrow then, Rojer thought with a

resignation which he quickly depressed where his father couldn't sense

it. But involuntarily a sigh escaped his lips.

It's good practice for a developing Prime, his father said,

permitting a little pride to be read in the thought. Linking minds as

well as `porting masses.

`Porting all the time is booooooring. As soon as the thought

crossed his mind, Rojer regretted it.

And spending hours contemplating bits and pieces is not? Afra

gave a good-natured snort.

Rojer answered that with a sniff. Not the same thing at all, Dad.

Link, grip, lift, push! That's boring. We're never allowed to

hang about and listen to what the other Primes tell you because, and

here Rojer allowed his disgust to colour his tone, we're too yung The

time of being too young is so short, my son.

The wistful tone in his father's mind surprised Rojer and he

glanced at Afra. Suddenly his father smiled and Rojer answered because

they both realized that he didn't have to look so far up any longer.

They were nearly of a height.

Yes, Rojer, the time of being young is very short.

There are very few months left when you may indulge your

enthusiasms.

But, Dad, haven't there been engineering Primes?

The critical need for FT&T right now is for Talents able to handle

the responsibilities of a Tower.

Or a ship? Like Thian? That prospect did excite Rojer. Dad,

couldn't I at least ship out?

Because Thian has? Afra smiled without rancour, for Rojer adored

his older brother and, most of the z'z time, chose to emulate his

example. That is not up to either your mother or me.

Wouldn't you at least ask Grandfather?

Afra placed his arm gently across his son's shoulders: broad

enough already and certainly strongly muscled.

Your grandfather is aware of every facet of your training,

abilities, and yes, your wishes. I will not say we have to transcend

personal preferences right now - You just said it anyway, but Rojer

grinned at his father. And I know my duty!

Afra heard the resignation in that and wished that Rojer were as

pliant as his older sister and brother, as enthusiastic about the shape

of his future as they had been. He also remembered how rebellious he

had been at Rojer's age but, he devoutly hoped, without the same cause.

As much as they could within the framework of their contracts with

Federal Transport and Telepath, they tried not to prevent their

children from feeling trapped by their Talent. They'd sent their

children to other planets Deneb, Earth, Altair, and once even Capella

though that was not a successful visit - to broaden their outlooks and

perspectives. The service of FT&T was not without its prerogatives

which - most of the time - made up for the responsibilities. He must

have a few words with Jeff, to be sure that the head of FT&T was fully

aware of Rojer's mechanical aptitude and interest. Or perhaps a word

with Gollee Gren - who was head of Placement and Training - might be

more fruitful.

Aromatic odours wafted on the soft evening breeze and both men and

`Dini increased the speed of their strides.

`I'll tell you this but once, Rojer,' Afra said sternly as they

hurried up the terrace steps to the house, `you hunt next, by yourself,

on Thursday, and if you forget, you'll not only get no supper of any

kind, but you're sequestered!' `Yes, Dad,' Rojer agreed meekly because

that was fair. Zara hated to hunt - she was really so sensitive an

empath that she could not accept the necessity of killing for food.

Good thing she had gone with Morag who had no such compunctions

and had developed into the best shot in the household. But she

shouldn't have to do all the hunting: that wasn't fair either. But he

had been so sure that he'd find the match the very next minute --WE ALL

GO. WE FIND MUCH TO EAT, Gil said earnestly, tugging on Afra's

fingers.

Afra squeezed once in acknowledgement and then pushed open the

door into his home, always aware of his great satisfaction in being

here!

You're in good time! `Wash!' Damia said, scowling at the state of

her third child and his `Dinis and pointing a slender but firm finger

towards the washroom.

Zara was coming down the backstairs as Rojer entered the washroom

and she gave him a look of such deep reproach that he knew his hunch

had been right. Morag, not at all sensitive when the quantity of food

on her daily plate might be reduced, came clattering down and grinned

when she saw him.

You're in deep kimchee. I called! I called good and loud!

`From where? The hillside?' Rojer asked because he knew how fond

Morag was of hunting. And, to be Out as hunt-leader, would have

pleased her no end.

He ignored both sisters then and scrubbed diligently at his greasy

hands and arms, right up to the elbow. No sense being sent back for

another scrub like Ewain always was: not when dinner smelled as good as

that. Then he helped Gil and Kat get their arm pelts dry. They didn't

like to have their fur back-rubbed but it was the only way to blot the

moisture sufficiently to stop itch.

It was a good supper: a stir-fry with the greens chopped fine and

cooked crisp in fat. There were enough greens to satisfy him and Gil

who were particularly fond of them done that way.

Mother was just about to serve the sweet course when she jerked

erect and the `look' crossed her face.

She whirled, gesturing for all of them to link with her. It was

now such a reflex action that they were linked before the second word

in Damia's mind.

Recognizing his grandfather's voice, and the tone in which the

news was couched, Rojer's eyes widened in reaction.

best possible news has come through from the Beijing of its

pursuit of the Hive escape pod: it has been found with its occupants

alive.

Soundlessly Rojer mouthed `wow': a sentiment which certainly his

parents shared, judging by their jubilant expressions.

Jeff Raven's mind-touch relaxed as he continued.

Evidently very much alive and the Beijing captain says that he has

grave doubts of how to contain the occupants if they break through the

seal they managed to affix to the main hatch of the pod.

He recommends immediate transfer to reinforced accommodations.

That means Talented help on the spot. The mass is such that I'd

not risk collecting it myself.

You wouldn't do it by yourself Jeff Raven, said the unmistakable

voice of the Rowan.

Rojer noticed Morag's grin and signalled her to clear her

expression. Grandmother wasn't being funny.

Where's the pod right now? Damia asked.

When Smelkoff realized that the hatch might be opened, he put the

pod off the ship, on tow. He couldn't risk it staying on the Beijing,

even if they evacuated the air in the shuttle bay. Damned awkward that

Thian's so far away, on board the KLTL.

Ah... Jeff began.

Rojer saw his mother's eyes flash.

Father!

Actually, my dear, I was wondering if I could borrow Afra and

young Rojer...

Rojer's only fifteen - Dad and I fling big daddies about all the

time, Mom, Rojer cried, though he knew he oughtn't to interrupt.

Dad... Damia began again.

They all heard Jeff's sigh. Rojer thought his grandfather had a

real good repertoire of expressive sighs, though he daren't think that

very loudly.

Afra and Rojer have already teamed up on many occasions when you

were unavailable, Damia. This is a one-shot affair. We'll get them

out to the Beijing.

zi6

They've the experience required from shifting so many drones from

the mine yards so the pod being on tow won't be a problem, once they

can see it. Captain Smelkoff has estimated the mass and volume

involved which is no more than both have handled easily. Afra will

handle the focus, if that's what's bothering you. But we've got to get

that thing in a secure installation as soon as possible.

Then Rojer saw his mother narrow her eyes in a way he knew would

exclude him from hearing what she said on a very tight personal mental

shaft to his grandfather and he knew he was going to be left out of the

fun things. Why hadn't he remembered to hunt today? It wasn't fair,

because he was a T-1, just too young for Tower responsibility as yet

even if he could do everything on his own ... especially with his

father. They really linked well, even better than he could with his

mother, or even with both parents during very sustained heavy `ports.

Afra leaned forward across the table, lightly tapping his wife's

hand and she turned to make eye contact. Rojer held his breath,

wanting to be bold enough to `peek' at what was being said, but knowing

that would be the death of any chance he had.

Surely his father was arguing that he ought to have this chance In

the hour, then, and thank you, Damia. Once again, you're decorating

the family crown with the jewels of your womb!

DAD!

Rojer couldn't help grinning because his grandfather had meant him

to know that he'd get this splendid chance to see some action! Then he

caught how thin his mother's lips were and saw the anger in her eyes.

Oh, pleeeeeeassssse, he said, shutting his eyes so he wouldn't see

any other negative signs.

Oh, open your eyes, Rojer. Wiser heads than mine have prevailed,

his mother said, her tone caustic, but when he dared look in her

direction, she had just the slightest hint of a smile. I think you're

too young but my father and yours believe you're not! She cocked one

eyebrow up - in challenge - and he grinned back at her.

`In an hour, Mother?' Rojer was so excited he could barely

enunciate the words.

`You're going to let roj go?' Zara asked, incredulous with eyes

wide as saucers.

Damia cleared her throat. `He won't be gone long, Zara,' she said

firmly and shot Rojer a reproving glance for he was jumping up and down

in his chair.

WE GO TO THE BEUING, TO THE SHIP, TO SEE THE QUEEN, he told his

`Dinis who began hooting and whistling. That set off all the rest of

the young `Dinis - with the exception of Gil and Kat who were so

astonished at their good fortune that they had covered their poll eyes.

It took all the adults, and some loud crackling from Flk and Tri

to reduce the noise level. Then Damia called her dinner table to

order.

`You'll need all your dinner for a stunt like this,' she said and

served Rojer first.

It happened to be his favorite fruit pie. He'd finished up his

portion when Zara dumped half hers on his plate: her manner was so

mournful zi8

that she must think he was going to his death or something.

Sweetie, don't be sad! I want to go, he said, cuddling his sister

because he could never bear for Zara to be anything but happy and

carefree. She never whined but oh, could she look pathetic! Not even

Mother could withstand a truly unhappy Zara.

Morag, on the other hand, was frankly envious of his assignment

and Rojer hoped that this would settle her down when she had to be in a

Tower link. Kaltia, Ewain and Petra were still much too young to do

more than exercise around the house and grounds. But Morag was twelve

and a good strong Talent, probably Prime stuff - if she'd ever work at

it.

who was he to talk?

That's right, son, his father said unexpectedly and Rojer

grimaced, hoping Dad hadn't `heard' much.

Dad just didn't violate privacy. He had wanted to get his

attention. If you've finished eating, we've some details to go over,

and listen for. They're still deciding where to plonk the pod down.

I'll just bet they are! Rojer still couldn't believe his good

fortune. Going on such a trip and with his dad! Then he saw his

mother's unqualified smile of approval and grinned back. You'll see,

Mom. We'll make `em all notice Iota Aurigae!

Damia was still smiling but she said, I'd rather the operation

went so smoothly, no-one noticed!

Damia, love, he's fifteen and this is glory!

You got it, Dad! And Rojer gave the all-ahead-go signal.

`You'll need ship suits and they're packed away,' Damia said,

leaving the table to go to the storeroom.

Is she really angry? Rojer asked his father as softly as he could

while he pretended to finish scraping his dessert plate.

Not angry, son, not angry at you. You're all growing up too fast

for her. The proud look Afra gave his son made him feel as if he could

lick a Hiver Queen singlehandedly.

I don't believe that will be necessary, his grandfather's voice

said gently in his head. Please listen, Rojer!

Right and tight, sir!

Then his parents added their touch to his and he knew this was a

Talent business. He sat up straight on his chair and, putting a hand

on each of his `Dinis, made them stop their wriggling.

An old installation of Earth's moon is available as security

quarters for the Queen and whatever else occupies that pod. I've just

lifted a probe with all necessary placement pictures to the Beijing and

Captain Smelkoff will be fully briefed and is expecting you. Your

grandmother and I will `port your carrier to the Beijing.

The very best handling, added his grandmother's unmistakable voice

at its dryest.

Rojer didn't dare even say `hello' - this was business.

This is where you'll be setting the pod down, and Rojer's mind was

flooded with details that instantly organized themselves into a

coherent vision of moonscape, a dome, with blocky buildings under

secondary domes. The place slightly resembled ZZo 11I Callisto Tower

compound in that it was protected from the vacuum by main and auxiliary

domes. It was bleak, whereas Callisto was bright and colourful. The

viewpoint altered while his grandfather continued to explain the

internment site.

Food will be provided: Hivers are vegetarians and an ample

selection is being installed. The Rowan's working on that right now

with both human and `Dini biologists and botanists. If no indication

is shown of tending the crops, it's easy enough to resupply. They can

make what they like of the buildings: they're all empty and all exit

locks are being sealed. The only way in or out will be by `portation.

Fortunately Hivers are also dependent on oxygen and it's doubtful

if there'd be the Hiver equivalent of spacesuits aboard a pod.

Aren't there going to be guards, or scientists or something?

Rojer couldn't help but ask.

Not in situ, Rojer, his grandfather said just when Rojer thought

he'd get a scolding from his mother for blurting that out. Remote

sensors are all over the facility. That's one reason it was chosen.

The `Dinis have nothing comparable anywhere and we can provide

their experts with laboratories, scanners and whatever diagnostic or

screening instrumentation they need. Our science has not been on the

defensive mode as long as the `Dinis' has.

The images faded.

Sir, what if that pod has comunits `n' things?

Jeff Raven chuckled. Quick lad. It took the High Council a lot

longer to ask that. Truth is, Rojer, where would a com signal go now

that their homeworld's rubble. The `Dinis assure us that there are no

nearby Hive worlds. They aren't a species that clubs together for

protection as we and the `Dinis do. Each Hive world is apparently

autonomous.

The only suitable planets they won't attack are ones already

colonized by their species. Unless which the best of the experts agree

is unlikely they have some sort of integral communication.

They couldn't be telepaths, could they?

Don't interrupt your grandfather, his mother said sternly He's a

member of the mission, Damia, he has the right to ask questions.

They've been good ones.

No, Rojer, there is no evidence of telepathy beyond what your

grandmother and other Denebian women `felt' which many say was a mass

precognition or premonition of tremendous danger. More that, than a

thought transference. I think it's reasonably safe to say that no

interstellar communication was ever developed. However, the monitors

about the compound are extremely sensitive and will record the most

minor variations. The underground units have clocked solar winds and

monitored even the slightest coronal flares. I think the creatures

will be safely contained.

There's also a very handy and hot sun in case of emergency, his

grandmother said in a voice that sent shivers down Rojer's spine.

Any other questions? Jeff asked.

Rojer shook his head, mentally as well as physically.

We'll be ready as soon as we've changed, Jeff Afra said and

paused. Xexo's got the generators up.

Rojer remembered his manners and wished his grandparents a good

day.

That's a few hours off right now, lad, but I accept the thought.

Rojer wondered if his grandfather had really meant that.

Father loves to pun, his mother said, her tone amused so Rojer

realized that he hadn't embarrassed her.

Then he, Gil and Kat made a dash for the bathroom and made a very

thorough job of cleansing themselves. Afra came in just as Rojer had

finished, with a single suit of navy blue over his arm. He was dressed

in a similar outfit, and there was an unusual twinkle in his eyes. It

occurred to Rojer that his father was going to enjoy this break from

routine just as much as he was and he grinned at that perception.

It is sometimes very beneficial to do something different. Afra

tossed the single suit at him. Wear your Tower shoes. The navy gets

annoyed if you scar their planking or decking or whatever the term is

for their floors.

when they came back into the living room, Zara was cheerful, too,

as she and Morag were clearing the dining table with their `Dinis.

Rojer rather thought Morag was trying very hard not to look

envious or resentful.

`I'll ride Saki while you're gone. She needs the exercise,' Morag

said, watching to see his reaction.

`I appreciate the offer, Morrie,' he said with great dignity, `but

we're not going to be gone more than a day.' `You didn't ride her

yesterday, you know.' Trust Morag to keep track.

`So you'll ride her first thing tomorrow morning, his mother said

and Morag rolled her eyes and turned to her chore, `then you'll do

Tower duty With my top Talents off gallivanting about the galaxy, we

gals have to prove we can stand in with no trouble at all.' Zara looked

as if she'd been offered a summer on Deneb with that silly cousin she

adored, but Morag tossed Rojer a `so-who-needs-you' look. He didn't

need his mother's quick glance to know he'd better not react to that

blatant challenge.

Then in the next breath, it was time to go. Gil had lost its

favorite belt and when that was found, Kat started drinking bowls of

water until Flk stopped that, and hauled Kat off to drain.

They got to the Tower and into the capsule well before the end of

the hour. Rojer settled himself, strapping Gil and Kat in on either

side, both squirming like eels, as the generators built. His father

was last in and then Keylarion herself closed the hatch.

Ready? His mother sounded so cool and businesslike. Just

remember, and suddenly her voice wasn't so sure: to his astonishment,

she seemed to catch herself back, but continued, just remember that

your father links first, Rojer.

He knew what she meant and why her voice had suddenly altered.

You've drilled me well enough in that protocol, Mother. Have no

fear!

Even through the stout metal walls of the personnel carrier, he

heard the exact moment when the generators reached the peak note. He

didn't feel motion - but then he never did when his mother or father

`ported. He did feel a subtle alteration in the pressure of

`portation.

He's clever, this one, Jeff, said his grandmother and Rojer

realized that his mother had handed over the `port to Callisto Prime.

The pressure increased and he felt his father's fingers squeeze

his hand. He turned his head and grinned, saw his father grin back and

then the pressure went away. Outside the capsule were distinct noises,

metallic clangings, shouts, orders.

Someone politely rapped on the hatch. `You all right in there,

sirs?' `Indeed we are.' The hatch opened and an older man looked in,

then braced himself and saluted. `Chief Petty Officer Godowlning, Mr

Lyon sir! Captain Smelkoff's compliments. He's on his way here but

you sure made it in a hurry,' he added in a less formal tone.

Rojer tried not to gawk and turned to release the straps on his

`Dinis who began to snicker.

GOOD DAY. GOOD DREAMS, Godowlning said in understandable but

oddly accented `Dini and that set both of them clittering and

clattering.

`Thank you!' Rojer said, not knowing the proper way to address a

chief petty officer. He should have listened to Thian's meanderings

about naval protocol and stuff.

`Tank 00,' Gil replied in its best Basic.

Godowlning's broad pinkish face was graced by a jovial smile,

showing yellowish but even teeth.

THE SHIP WELCOMES MRDINI GUESTS and the chief got that sentence

out with the concentration of one who has rote-learned phrases and was

not really thinking in the language. But thinking in `Dini, as Rojer

well knew, was not easy to achieve.

`You don't know how pleased they are to hear `Dini, Chief

Godowlning,' Afra said, rising up from the carrier.

`Your son was giving lessons, Prime, and I took as many as I

could,' the chief said and then, hearing new voices, turned. Rojer

could see his shoulders ease with relief. `Here's the captain.' He

leaned conspiratorially towards Afra, a tableau that made Rojer grin.

His father was long and lean and the chief rather short - Rojer

was taller - and as rotund as regulations allowed. He turned now and

braced again. `Captain, sir, the Primes have arrived.' `For the

record, chief,' Afra said in a low voice as the captain hurried to the

cradle, `I'm not the Prime.

My son is. I'm T-2.' The chief gave Rojer a worried look but

Rojer smiled at him as he'd often seen his mother smile at sceptics and

bent to help Gil and Kat from the carrier.

`I say, Mr Lyon ... Messrs Lyon,' and Smelkoff corrected himself

with a genial laugh that echoed in the big shuttle bay, `you are prompt

to the second.

Caught me still on the bridge. But we've auxiliary screens here

so you can see what we've salvaged.' He was then close enough and

extended his hand.

One shake is only polite. Shield, Afra told his son as he

followed his own instructions.

Rojer complied and noticed the surprised look on the chief's face

but their acquiescence to the courtesy did much to raise them in his

estimation. Talents rarely allowed casual contacts but to have refused

this the forgetful captain would have been impolite.

Remember that, Afra said.

`So you're the Prime, are you, boy? This your first official

act?' `No, sir, I've been on Tower duty since I was twelve.' Rojer

could `feel' his father listening hard and not reminding him to be

properly modest about his abilities. `All of us do Tower time. But my

father is the focus, not me. He's got to guide. I'm the grunt.

Rojer heard someone's politely muffled guffaw but he could also

sense his father's approval, and that the captain was totally

reassured.

`That wasn't how Earth Prime described your separate talents,

young Mr Lyon, but whatever gets that pod where it 5 safe . ` Only the

two Talents were aware of how nervous and vulnerable he felt, even with

the pod towed kilometres behind the Beijing.

Outwardly, the captain was relaxed, assured and exuding an air of

authority and competency. `This way...' and he led them to the

companionway leading up to the control room. `Commander Strai, my

chief engineer, is waiting for you in case you need to know anything

about our engines.' `I understand from reports sent back by Isthian

Lyon on the Vadim that we'll have no problem gestalting the Beijing's

engines. More power than we'd ever need.' `You are Mr Lyon's father,

then,' the captain said conversationally.

`Yes.' And you're his brother, young Mr Lyon.' `Yes sir,' and

Rojer couldn't suppress how proud he was of Thian. `We're a

long-tailed clan,' he added because the captain was telling himself not

to babble: there was only one Talent family named Lyon, and they were

kin to the Earth and Callisto Primes.

`I've half a dozen cousins serving on Capella in various Towers.'

`Do you so?' the captain continued, feeling less gauche. Rojer

couldn't help but read his public thoughts: the man's apprehension left

him wide open. Rojer did ignore Smelkoff's fears that the kid didn't

look that young, with that white streak of hair, but he couldn't be

very old or he'd already be Towered somewhere, since FT&T could use a

hundred Primes and still have vacancies. Couldn't the senior Lyon have

handled the `portation by himself? He had a very competent,

experienced look, the sort a man could trust, even if he was Talented.

T-2?

That wasn't much under a Prime. Oh, well, FT&T knew what it was

doing. He hoped.

`Messrs Lyon,' and the captain gave his engineering officer a

broad and genial grin as they entered the control room, `meet Commander

Strai.

He rigged the tow in jig time! Neatest job I've ever seen.'

Commander Strai, a keen-eyed man with rustyed hair, gave the two

Talents a crisp and respectful bow, and then swung round to the two

conformable seats that looked out of place in the room. `Thought these

might help.' `Very kind of you, Commander,' Afra said and motioned for

the `Dinis to stand in one corner.

MAY DREAMS BE DEEP, the commander said to them, again surprising

the Lyons.

`Does everyone speak some `Dini on the Beijing?

Afra asked, smiling his surprise.

`Seemed silly not to take advantage of the opportunity, Mr Lyon,'

Strai said as he keyed codes and the screens above the console lit up.

At the sight of the Hiver sphere, apparently just sitting in

space, Rojer caught his breath but then so did his father so he didn't

feel he had betrayed too much surprise.

`Any idea what the hull is made of?' Afra asked after a moment's

pause.

`Still analysing. It's highly sophisticated alloy but with an

ingredient we can't identify,' Smelkoff said.

`One of my lieutenants thinks it's a coating of some kind, maybe

even something the Hivers secrete from their bodies,' Strai said.

`Doesn't even pit, so it's remarkable the other pod was

destroyed.' `I wonder they released the pods at all,' Afra said, `if

they knew the nova was about to happen.' Then he added more briskly,

`We'll need your mass and volume figures, gentlemen. I think everyone

will feel easier once this package is secured elsewhere.' `Amen to

that,' the captain said, trying to sound more jovial than relieved by

the prospect.

`How can I assist you, Mr Lyon?' And Strai looked from Afra to

Rojer who were both reclining on the chairs and settling themselves.

`Please tell your helmsman not to deviate from the present speed.

Our drain will not affect the ship's speed or direction but you

will hear a change in the generators.

The captain gave the appropriate orders. Rojer had been listening

to them with half his mind while the rest of his attention was on the

pod. The upper hemisphere was bathed in the Beijing's external lights

and glowed, slickly metallic. It didn't look all that big, Rojer

thought until he glanced for verification at the mass and volume.

`About as big as the Trefoil carriers, wouldn't you say, Dad?'

Rojer said, flexing his mental muscles.

That's not necessary, son, but his father's tone was amused.

`Yes, I do believe you're right. Almost to the gram, I'd say' `We

had a batch of them to go to Clarf only last week.' `So we did.' Rojer

did not dare look at his father but the fact that Afra was keeping up

the conversation indicated that his instinct to natter was valid. The

tension in the control room abated a few degrees.

They were two specialists, organizing their thoughts, making idle

technical comparisons.

Seen enough? his father asked. His parents were always making

sure that the visual had been properly scanned before a `portation.

You had to know what you were lobbing before you `lifted'. Casual

thrusts could cause uncasual damage.

Of the pod, yes. I just push you, right? Rojer eyed the barren

moonscape and the lighted domes of their placement photos.

That's right. Now, pick up the power. Good lad.

Rojer was also aware of the generator gauge swinging up and over,

almost to the overload position.

Link!

As he had so often done, Rojer opened his mind and `placed' it at

his father's disposal. One day, others would pay him that courtesy.

Right now he was subsumed by the deep and ruddy brown of his

father's mental touch, comfortable and comforted.

He felt power, directed it to the brown: brown expanded and, as if

he had put his shoulder to the mental brown, he heaved forward and was

suddenly the envelope that contained the pod. Wincing at the sudden

sting-pzzt, he did not flinch from his thrusting.

For the first time in his life, he heard his father let out a

string of spaceman's curses. Forgot we'd get that with this erring

great ball of spit! Afra said and Rojer knew his father was feeling,

tasting the revolting smell/touch/flavour of Hive. In the next second

they had reached their destination and inserted the pod neatly inside

the second dome.

Relief made Rojer light-headed. He wondered if they should have

tapped on the pod door and cried, `allay, allay in free' or some other,

more formal, invitation to exit the vehicle.

I thought of that, too, Afra said, his mind equally lightened by

success. You took no harm, he added, less as a question than a

statement of what he knew to be fact. Rojer had felt him `brush'

deeply to reassure himself.

A snap, Dad. I can understand now why we've all had to push big

daddies.

`All safe and secure at the Heinlein installation,' Afra said,

swinging his legs off the couch and rising.

I knew you'd appreciate all those boring Tower exercises. You've

an enviable shove in you, Rojer.

Most commendable. `I think you can safely say that Operation

Bounce went off very well. We thank you for your courtesies.' `Then

join us for dinner, won't you? Surely you don't have to go right

back?' Rojer didn't dare breathe how much he wanted to not to have to

go meekly back to Aurigae. Surely, they deserved a meal. He might

have had dinner only three hours ago, but he was monstrously hungry

suddenly.

`Thank you kindly, Captain, we'd be delighted but only-' and, to

Rojer's dismay, Afra held up his hand, `-if we're not depriving you of

much needed stores?' `No, indeed you're not, Mr Lyon. Wouldn't matter

anyway, considering the service you've done the Beijing, but not only

do we have orders to return now but your son provisioned us for a much

longer journey. As soon as we're in `portation range, six weeks at

best, we'll be back to our base. We insist on celebrating with you

tonight!' It was, Rojer thought later that night as he slid down in a

real navy bunk in a ship that had searched space and found live Hivers,

the most glorious celebration he'd ever had. No-one had treated him

like a kid. He'd been Mr Lyon this and Mr Lyon that though he'd asked

some of the officers to call him Rojer - that he would have to get his

head down to size by the time they got home or his mother'd discipline

him for fair. But tonight had been his!

Just as he drifted off to sleep, he thought he heard voices: He's

come of age, Damia. It's all there to be tapped. To delay risks more

than it could possibly gain.

Then he fell into one of the more marvellous `Dini dreams he'd

ever had: all bright colours, swirling masses, and intricate shapes and

high-flying swirls and loops - a totally positive dream even if he

hadn't a clue what it signified!

DAD!

The name was broadcast on a wide enough band to bring Rojer wide

awake. It took him only a nanosecond to recognize Thian's voice.

Rojer glanced at the digital's illuminated face and saw he'd been

asleep a bare hour.

Hey, Thi, let a guy sleep.

Sorry, Roj -- That was overlapped with Afra's acknowledgement of

the mental contact.

I didn't wake you, did I, Dad? I checked times and it's...

You didn't wake me, Thian. I've been enjoying the ship's

hospitality. The captain and his officers are quite starved of news so

long in this part of the galaxy. Callisto and Earth are inundated with

requests for transport of personnel and materiel. Mainly to Heinlein

Base, and Rojer heard the amusement in his father's calm tone. So we

have been informed that we must wait in the queue.

I can just believe that! Hoooeee! Every one who can `11 be

flocking out there to gawk. Thian's voice altered. Did you have any

trouble with the stingpzzt? I forgot to warn about that. Did Mother

remember?

I should have, and Afra's tone was unexpectedly rueful, but your

brother was superb. Not so much as a twitch, despite the force and the

unexpectedness of it. You can be very proud of Rojer Of course, I am.

He's my brother, isn't he? That sting-pzzt, and Rojer didn't know

if Thian was explaining or apologizing, it's much heavier around live

ones, though, isn't it? That's how I tumbled to the larvae. Any news

on their development?

None, and that's officially honest. Having a live Queen may speed

things up If it doesn't `Dini out on us. How is your quest going?

We're still several months away from a pick-up point... and we'll

probably have to wait our turn in the queue, too, but I've turned into

a real hotdog artefact finder. Better'n a metal detector in a mine

field.

But that's what you are, Rojer said, awake now and delighting in

this midnight conference with his brother and father. Hey, you haven't

found any more shards like this ... and Rojer envisioned the group that

he and Xexo had been so sure would fit: heavy bands of some ten

centimetres thick, finely tooled. They look like they should fit

together, all of the same pattern.

Yes, we did in fact. I'll copy through to you.

Going for tine reward, too? And the amusement in Thian's voice

took the sting away. There isn't a `Dini on board that isn't trying to

fit the puzzle pieces together. Blank your mind now and I'll send the

specs through.

They'd done this often enough with mass, weights and capsule sizes

during Tower practice so Rojer thought of nothing and Thian sent him

the particulars. Rojer thanked his brother as he swung out of the bunk

and to the terminal where he copied down the specs. Then a yawn

overcame him and he crawled back into his bunk, fitting his legs

between the sleeping `Dinis.

Say, Thian, are Mur and Dip back with you?

Have been for weeks. I didn't realize how much I'd miss them.

They're larger, too. Had a good hiber.. Dad, send me a

visualization of this Heinlein Base, please? It's not part of the

KLTL's files and Captain Plr wants to see where the Queen's being kept.

They sure are nervy about her being anywhere near Earth.

Reassure them. Heinlein Base is built in solid rock.

Nothing could burrow through that. And there's nowhere to go.

Certainly nowhere with oxygen.

I'll tell them.

Rojer couldn't keep awake any longer, falling asleep during the

next part of the rapid mental exchanges.

A full week went by before Damia had to agitate for the return of

her husband and son. There were big daddies to transport and there was

no way she could handle them without the mental muscle Afra and Rojer

supplied.

Rojer hadn't minded. Ensign Bhuto was assigned to show him around

the ship.

`Don't you mean, nursemaid me!' Rojer asked when the exec officer

had completed the introduction and moved away.

Bhuto, with the darkest skin, the whitest teeth and the biggest

brown eyes Rojer had ever seen, grinned broadly.

`Mr Lyon, sir, you don't need a nursemaid, not after what you did

yesterday!' And he rolled his eyes.

`Eat up, Mr Lyon, sir, breakfast's the best meal of the day! Say,

you couldn't haul in some fresh stuff for us, while you and your daddy

are here, could you? I haven't had any fruit in yanks. I didn't get

any last time your brother brought stuff in, but I figure, if I'm with

you as your companion on board this ship, if supplies come in, I've a

better chance now of getting a share. Wouldn't you say so?' Just a

little push at Bhuto's wide open mind and Rojer knew he was genuine.

He soon learned that Bhuto talked all the time, a sort of verbal

diarrhoea.

But he knew the Beijing from turret to shuttle bay, and every

single one of the access alleys. Literally he gave Rojer and the

`Dinis a tour of the ship!

He also practised his `Dini, translating what he to)id Rojer into

their language.

`Look, why don't you just speak `Dini?' Rojer said when they were

midships and descending. `Save your throat.' ``Dini saves no-one's

throat. How do they manage in long speeches? That's why I speak Basic

to you, give my vocal cords a rest now and then. Sure, I could just

use the one language `co they certainly understand Basic, too, the way

their eyes shine. Not stupid, `Dinis, not like some of the A.B.s

think, just because they look like weasels wearing fezes. I've never

seen a weasel - live that is - but there's only a general look of a

weasel about them, what with the smooth pelt and all. But `Dinis are

not the least bit weaselly, if you take the distinction.' Then he

turned to help Mur through a narrow aperture into yet another access

alley. KEEP HEAD DOWN SO AS NOT TO POKE OUT POLL EYE.

`where did you get so fluent in `Dini?' Rojer shoved the question

in quickly.

`Oh, my older brother had `Dini pairs. We were one of the first

families, though I expect that you Lyons were the first-' and he

grinned, white toothed, to show no ill-feeling, `-so to speak, what

with being children of the Raven-Lyon family and each of you had

pairs?' Rojer only had time to nod before Bhuto was off again.

`All of you? Eight? Well, I suppose it's working out what with

your brother first Priming the Vadim and now the KLTL. That was a

really fine gesture of his, to accompany the KLTL to be sure they had

sufficient supplies so that no `Dini had to lay on the line.' Bhuto

rolled his eyes again.

Rojer thought he must be one of the very few people who understood

what that meant. He shuddered, glad that there was absolutely no

chance that either Gil or Kat would have to volunteer.

`One really has to hand it to that species for persevering against

incredible odds, and suiciding to prevent a Hiver from overcoming the

worlds they were pledged to protect.' `Bhuto? Do you stop talking in

your sleep?' `Oh, sorry, Mr Lyon, sir. I do tend to talk a bit.' He

was silent for all of two minutes - Rojer's time sense kept track.

They were in the shuttle deck by then and Rojer was quite willing

to listen to the ensign's vivid description of how the Hiver pod was

netted and hauled inboard.

`Tried to run from us and used up the last whiff of fuel, whatever

it is they use. So the pod was just drifting. Captain thinks towards

the yellow sun in 757-283. No other suitable system nearer than ten

light years in this quadrant. D'you suppose the Queen knew that and

had a pre-planned destination? I mean, that's awful close to their

homeworld, spatially speaking. Could be there's a colony already

there. Isn't one of the `Dini explored worlds: we had to check that.

But it's not one that's tagged. Rather far out from our Hub.

Even with several million planets in this arm of the Milky Way

that are suitable to habitation by our three species, it's remarkable

there was one near enough for the pod to reach. Of course, some think

the Queen'd just go into hibernation, or suspended animation or

something until such time as the instrumentation located a suitable

planet. Or maybe this was always a destination. Off the wreck's

trajectory but then it might not have had a chance to correct when the

nova shock wave hit it.

`At that, our shuttle bay was only just large enough to haul the

pod in. Biiiiiig! Six metres if a centimetre. If it were a human

vehicle, could fit a whole watch on board it. Just hope there's more

in there than just one Queen body. She'd be one mighty huge mother,

she would. But they're saying that she'd have to bring attendants and

workers and drones and such like because she couldn't survive without

their ministrations. `Dinis told us - when we were kids - that the

Queens decide what sort of offspring the Hive needs to function and

then parcel out the types among `em to breed. That's a handy habit.

Not enough deck scrubbers - make two dozen more eggs of that kind.

Not enough ensigns - produce six more.' Bhuto grinned as Rojer

inadvertently made eye contact.

`I do talk too much, don't I?' `You talk all right,' Rojer said,

projecting reassurance, `but mostly you're interesting. Say, any of

your crew interested in the puzzle?' Bhuto drew in a delighted breath,

lifted both hands in surprise and then, grinning even more broadly than

usual, he beckoned Rojer to follow him towards the stern of the

Beijing.

`We're allowed to work in Cargo Hold 3 on account of it's empty.

Chief Firr programmed the engineering computer to replicate, to

scale, every single one of the pieces found and he keeps up to date

when new ones are brought in. I'll bet we got as good a set-up as

Naval Intelligence or the High Councils of either ally.' For a reason

Rojer suspected was due to peer pressure, Bhuto did not talk non-stop

in Cargo 3

In fact, he whispered only twice: once to suggest that they eat

down here with the other diligent puzzlepiece workers and the second

time to ask if perhaps the `Dinis wouldn't like tripods. He knew there

were some available for when Captain Smelkoff had had `Dini experts on

board.

For a short while, Rojer wrestled with his conscience: whether or

not to tell Chief Firr of Thian `5

new finds. Wandering around the edge of the immense table on

which facsimiles .of the pieces were placed - much the same way Xexo

had set up his display - Rojer found the ones he thought were sections

of the whole he and Xexo had been working with.

He asked Bhuto to point out the chief, if he was present, and when

Bhuto did, without saying a word, Rojer accosted the man, a stocky man

with a big, red-veined nose.

`Sir, I'm...' `And a good day to you, Mr Lyon,' was the affable

reply. `My compliments on your hoist yesterday.

Glad to see the last of it. It's safe now?' `At Heinlein Base on

Earth moon.' The chief scowled. `Wouldn't like it in my sky, I can

tell you. What can I do for you, Mr Lyon? I perceive that you may

also be a compulsive jigger or you wouldn't've hung around so long.

Know that look. What do you think of our set-up? Impressive?'

And the chief peered up at Rojer, projecting a wish for praise.

`It's a splendid set-up: easy access to all the main and

peripheral parts,' and Rojer knew he was sounding just like Xexo but it

seemed to gratify the chief. `Ensign Bhuto---' and an odd expression

flashed across the chief's face which Rojer interpreted as meaning the

chief found the ensign tiresome, `aid that you've machined all these

pieces.' `I have indeed, Mr Lyon `I've the specifications of some new

additions.. ` Before he could complete his sentence, the chief had him

by the arm and was propelling him to an alcove where the parts

programmer was installed.

`So... `the chief said, turning it on and holding his fingers

expectantly over the keys.

`Rounds,' Rojer said and the chief's fingers keyed the basic shape

in. `In these dimensions and Rojer rattled them off. Like most of his

family he had an eidetic memory.

When the chief had finished the programming and the items had

dropped into the basket, he made a grand show of adding them to the

table, announcing that these were Mr Lyon's contribution and what said

they?

Rojer felt himself blushing at the cheer that issued from nearly

thirty throats and hid his embarrassment by picking up the first piece

to see if he. could make a match.

Much later in the ship's day, his father extracted him from Cargo

3 to bring in three supply drones.

Rojer remembered the ensign's comment and saved a net of assorted

fruits. The young man's gratitude was touching and Rojer realized that

his talk was as much nerves as anything and Bhuto really needed

understanding and reassurance. Those Rojer could project whenever they

were together, and not necessarily in Cargo 3. Perhaps only Rojer

noticed the decrease in verbiage. Or was it only because Bhuto would

take Gil and Kat to one side and improve his `Dini intonations and

vocabulary. Evidently as long as Bhuto maintained silence, he could

remain in the cargo hold so Rojer, too, was able to indulge his

obsession.

A second compulsive Hive-oriented preoccupation had begun at

Heinlein Base. All over the alliance, viewers waited to see the Queen

emerge from her escape pod. A special channel was devoted to Queen

watching, with experts giving learned discussions on what she must be

doing inside the pod (making sensible investigations of her new

location?); when she could be expected to emerge (a matter which now

involved thousands, even millions, of credits from the speculators);

what she looked like - but this was based on the partial remains that

had been gathered from the nova wreckage and other detritus (large and

insectoid with useful mandibles). Some earlier estimates had to be

considerably revised on the basis of the size of the escape pod.

Granted, considerable space would be taken up by its life support,

guidance and propulsion units. No weapon apertures had been discerned

but weapons on an escape pod were considered unlikely. Of equal

interest to a sight of the Queen was a look into the pod itself, to

examine it inside out in minutest detail and subject the vehicle to

most intense analysis. The hull sheathing was of particular interest.

Considerable debates went on about her probable companions. One

block insisted that she was alone to ensure her survival if a lengthy

journey to a safe haven was required. `Dinis pondered her possible

suicide rather than fall into inimical hands.

A very small group of humans wanted to greet her civilly - that

being the best way to win her cooperation. How would she know, these

proponents argued, that she had been rescued/retrieved by putative

enemies? Human vessels had only recently taken space with their `Dini

allies and the Queen would be unaware of the Alliance. Perhaps if she

was met with courtesy, more could be learned.

`Dini resistance to that interpretation was solid.

Denebians and any Talent interviewed refuted that attitude.

They weren't at Deneb, the Rowan said in an implacable tone of

voice that made Rojer hope his grandmother never directed it at him.

He had heard her addressing his father and he couldn't help but

hear that part of the conversation. They didn't feel the alienness

that we felt, the resolution to have Deneb for their get! The Hivers

cannot be allowed uncontrolled proliferation. Their depredations must

be curtailed.

I agree, Rowan, Afra said. Risking your displeasure, I wonder if

we are taking the right attitude.

With the Hive homeworld destroyed, isn't it possible that the loss

of their home base will limit further activities?

Afra! Do you recall nothing of your contact with the Hivers? His

grandmother's anger at his father's mildly delivered rebuttal was such

that Rojer strengthened his shields. He was only on the periphery of

her mental projection and the agitation was palpable. How could his

father handle the full weight of her disapproval?

I recall it all in an exceedingly vivid memory, Rowan, but so far

- and I haven't been against the Alliance in any way, shape or form

we've blithely accepted the Mrdini judgements as irrefutable. Would it

not be the better part of wisdom - since we consider ourselves

sophisticated and civilized - to see if direct contact with a

representative of the Hivers is justified?

Really, Afra Lyon, only our long-standing friendship and

involvement keeps me from suspecting your loyalties!

Rojer scrunched down under his thermal blanket, reassured by the

warmth of Gil and Kat, sleeping on either side of him. This bunk was

not made for such occupancy and he woke up each morning with cramp.

Not that this minor discomfort was more than that. His bed at

Aurigae had always allowed for three growing bodies. He'd been having

a fascinating `Dini dream and he used this to get back to sleep,

ignoring the distress that conversation had produced in him. The Rowan

might be his grandmother and highly respected, a heroine for being the

focus of the Denebian repulsion, but she shouldn't speak to his father

like that!

When Rojer woke the next morning, he had vivid recollections of

his `Dini dream. So did Gil and Kat.

They were all for rushing down to Cargo 3, for the dream had been

about fitting pieces together.

As sure as they were that three pieces would fit, Rojer scrambled

into his clothes, remembered to depilate the fuzz from his jaw - while

Gil and Kat harangued him for dawdling, jumping up and down like jacks

in their excitement.

CERTAIN PERSONAL HABITS MUST BE PERFORMED TO PROJECT AUTHORITY AND

PRESERVE DIGNITY, he told them so firmly that they subsided. He

couldn't run ragtag about the Beijing as he could about Aurigae. And

his father would give him one of those looks, letting Rojer know that

he had dropped the family standard.

GET ThERE MOST QUICKLY? Gil asked, for the first time asking to

be `ported. Usually that was Rojer' S option and scrupulously observed

by the `Dinis.

GOOD IDEA THIS ONE TIME.

Rojer hunkered down, arms about his friends, and `ported into the

passageway adjacent to Cargo 3.

That should be a safe enough destination. If someone spotted them

miraculously appearing, well, everyone on board knew he was a Prime and

why shouldn't he use the Talent he'd been given. It wasn't as if he

had been indiscriminately popping in and out. And anyone who might be

near Cargo 3 would know that he was also a puzzle buff.

They met no-one but they could hear the usual low murmur and

occasional curse as a hoped match dissolved. Rojer was greeted by a

few noddings but the attention of most was on their fittings and

piecings.

Prompted by their `Dini dreams, the three strode about the table

Gil and Kat with their heads bent so the poll eyes were fastened on

their objective.

Rojer scooped up one piece, moved down the table, extracted a

second and found the third as far to the centre of the table as he

could stretch. By then, everyone was watching, sensing an Incident.

Rojer held his breath and carefully turned the one piece on its

rim, for it was rounded, fitted the s&nd to its longer side and the

third to the short one. There was no question of the fit. A cheer rang

out and those nearest him were slapping him on the back, nearly

upsetting Gil and Kat, and rejoicing in his success. Chief Firr was

roused from his bunk with the news and it percolated quickly through

the ship. Rojer's piecing was registered. The fact that he was one of

seventeen others in the Alliance, six `Dini and eleven humans, to have

found the same match did not reduce the jubilation on the Beijing.

Enjoy this moment with discretion, Rojer, his father said but did

not hide his pleasure at Rojer's achievement.

Count on that, Dad, Rojer replied without bothering to dampen his

private elation. After all, his dad wouldn't think badly of him if he

kept the lid on a public display. Besides which, I was not the only

one.

You are in very good company, for all the others are trained

engineers. I believe that perhaps your mother and I have erred in

appreciating your positive vocation. We will discuss this on our

return.

Your grandparents will be pleased. Ah --Association had brought

to the surface Rojer's inadvertent eavesdropping the previous night and

his father had unerringly caught it.

Well, that can't be helped. Rowan was too distraught to narrow

her thought. We are to return today. You timed your success

perfectly. My compliments, Rojer.

We couldn't possibly go by way of Heinlein Base, could we? The

request was out before Rojer could censor it. Everyone and his uncle's

brother's cousin's grandson would be trying for a chance to visit

Heinlein Base. What made him think that he had a priority on visiting?

I believe we can make a case for ourselves, his father replied.

I didn't mean that to be heard, Dad, believe me!

There was a chuckle through his father's voice. I do. You're

high from your success because, I must assure you in my turn, I was not

invading your privacy.

The significance of that mild statement capped Rojer's day.

Talented parenting involved the perquisite of reading a child as

deeply as possible - especially highly Talented children; to correct

any psychological quirks before they became established and warped a

personality. That Afra had resigned that prerogative meant he

considered his son adult enough to function with no further acute

surveillance.

Then his father went on. It happens that I, too, wish to see the

escape pod closer than at the end of a long tether. Screen definition

is very sharp but there is a certain quality that one perceives only in

the presence of the object of scrutiny. We will have the opportunity

to scrutinize it.

This exchange occurred while the general celebration was

continuing, with many of the dedicated puzzlers examining the fit,

doing and undoing the pieces. When Chief Firr arrived, he put the

three sections under the `scope and verified the fit. He couldn't have

been more pleased than if he'd done the deed himself.

`It's up to you guys now,' Rojer said when the excitement had

calmed down sufficiently for him to speak. `Dad and I have our orders:

we're to `port back to Callisto.' `Hell, man, why'nt you just `port

over to the Moon and get a good look at that al' pod?' one of the mates

asked.

Rojer grinned. `Rank has some privileges...

`Rank?' the chief asked, his eyes widening.

`I'm a civilian after all,' Rojer said, deceptively meek.

`You're a good... guy,' the chief said and Rojer knew that he'd

been about to say `kid' and Rojer grinned in appreciation.

`Wish you luck, Chief. Maybe you'll get the next match!' `For the

honour of the Beijing!' Firr replied with a broad grin and held out his

hand to Rojer.

Without hesitation Rojer took it, and knew that the chief had

liked him for himself, and because he'd put a plug in that motor mouth

of an ensign. He had to shake hands all round after that and did so,

gathering the impression that, despite being a Talent and still downy

cheeked, the crew liked him.

Almost more elated by that than the piecing, Rojer went to join

his father in the messroom.

Gil and Kat asked to stay in Cargo 3, just in case something else

from their shared dream had results. When Rojer asked permission for

the `Dinis to stay behind, Chief Firr absently concurred: he was

already collecting more rounded bits that might possibly add to Rojer's

contribution.

As Rojer left, behind him was an excited buzz of folk given a

positive stimulus to their avocation.

Captain Smelkoff joined them for breakfast, adding his own

compliments for the join.

`On an extended mission like this, Rojer, this sort of

preoccupation is invaluable and you've just added the impetus of

success. Good morale booster. You two are quite a team. I liked that

older boy of yours, Mr Lyon, didn't see enough of him. Real pleasure

to have you aboard, and special thanks for importing those fresh

supplies! Feed the crew well enough and they'll put up with a lot of

privation.' Then the captain leaned towards Afra in a mock

conspiratorial pose. `You couldn't leave this one behind for a while,

could you? I guarantee I'd make a sailor of him!' Afra grinned

broadly. `Unfortunately, Captain, he's about to take up his own

station.

That was news to Rojer but, on the heels of that thought, he

realized his father was courteously dissembling.

`Well, I'm sure he'll be a credit to you. A real credit.' Rojer

began to feel distinctly uncomfortable in the light of such effusive

commendation. He knew he'd done a good job of what he was sent to do:

he was delighted to have had a whole week on board a mission vessel; he

was elated to have matched artefacts, even if he wasn't the first to do

so. That was almost a relief. But he had only been doing what he was

trained to do, `porting and interpreting `Dini dreams.

How many of the others could have shared the same dream? he asked

his father, as he ate, in as self-effacing manner as he could.

That was how it came to you then? It might be instructive to find

out how many had similar dreams. The com indicated diverse origins.

Rojer kept to himself, and from Gil and Kat, that there'd be a

diversion to Callisto Station and a side trip to Heinlein Base. But

that made it easier for him to say his farewells to captain, chiefs,

crew and Ensign Bhuto who, for once, only grinned and let Rojer do the

talking.

With the hatch closed, Rojer took a deep breath and stood behind

his father's focus to push the carrier back to Callisto Station.

So my grandson has covered himself with glory, has he? said his

grandmother in a mood much different from the one he had overheard in

the night.

Not especially, Grandmother, Rojer said equably because he just

knew she'd be waiting to jump on any pretensions.

Hmm. I'd say the mission did you a lot of good, young man. I

hate a cocky boy!

When would one of us Lyons have a chance to learn to be cocky?

That's exactly what I meant. All right, get out of that spatial

coffin and have a meal with me. I don't get the chance to see you

often enough.

I'm stuffed with breakfast, thank you. Hungry as he usually was,

there was a limit to Rojer's capacity.

You'll stop then while I breakfast. Then you can take yourself to

Heinlein Base. I can trust you to do that, can't I?

If Dad's too tired to, Rojer said, wondering just how long last

night's conversation had lasted.

I've an hour before Ca llis to clears.

Rojer caught his father's eye and grinned. They unstrapped,

helped the `Dinis out and took the path from the yard to the Rowan's

house.

To Rojer's surprise, because he'd had no hint, Jeff Raven was also

seated at the breakfast table and beckoned them enthusiastically to

join him.

were set for two more humans and `I add my compliments to all the

others, Rojer,' his grandfather said.

`I'd like a kiss, Rojer,' the Rowan said.

That was the ultimate accolade and Rojer nearly stumbled on his

way to his grandmother's side of the table. His mother had often said

that her mother shamelessly cultivated her imperious pose.

It certainly scared Rojer. But, keeping the thought scrupulously

private, Rojer thought she was a very beautiful grandmother, with her

striking mass of silvery hair, her small but delicately featured face.

She was no taller now than his shoulder. She turned her cheek to

him, held up one hand to encircle his head when he appeared to

hesitate, and he kissed her.

What he had expected to feel he didn't know: what he got was

unqualified approval and acceptance. Her cheek was smooth as a petal

and her perfume was subtly but not sweetly floral.

Thanks, Grandmother, he said gratefully.

That's the trouble with being Talented, Rojer.

The ordinary human touches assume merits beyond their true status.

That was a grandmotherly kiss of welcome after long absence:

nothing more. But I am pleased with your performance. As deftly as

ever I or your grandfather could do it. You deserve to see the thing

if that's your desire.

Clearly the Rowan had no desire to view the escape pod, though

that was all he sensed. No trace of her rancour and anger of last

night was perceivable.

`Coffee or tea, Rojer?' she asked, gesturing him to take his

place. WERE YOUR DREAMS GOOD? she asked Gil and Kat in clipped `Dini

accents as they took their stools.

VERY GOOD. WE FIT PIECES. NOT FIRST BUT FIRST FOR THE SHIP WHICH

RESULTS IN MUCH excitement AND PRAISE, Gil replied.

`Ve virr plezz'd,' Kat added not to be outdone in the courtesy

department. It had never had much luck with the `w' sound though Gil

managed well enough. `Good fun to play Uman gamez.' Kat always leaned

on the plural `5' A USEFUL GAME, the Rowan replied though the word she,

employed to express game was `well-spent free time Rojer drank his

coffee and found enough space for one of the delicious breakfast rolls

that his grandmother said had been `ported in only an hour before. His

grandfather talked of the latest arrivals to the Denebian cousins and

several recent pairings.

He asked after Afra's nieces and nephews who, with Afra's adroit

sponsorship, were finding positions in Talented businesses away from

Capella. Rojer found the Capellan relatives dull - at least until

they'd been off-world a while. Then they shed what his father called

`methody' ways but not, fortunately, their early childhood training.

If his Denebian cousins were wild, outspoken to a fault, his

Capellan ones were too prim and restrained.

Certainly nothing more was said about the Hive vessel or the

escape pod and the Queen or other problems besetting either the

Talented or the Alliance. Breakfast was conducted much as it was at

his own home: pleasant, tension-free, easing into the stresses of the

day.

Linking her arm through her husband's, the Rowan led the way back

to the yard and the two personnel carriers cradled there. The smaller

one was Jeff's and he'd `port himself to the Blundell Tower which was

the immense FT&T administrative headquarters on Earth.

Jeff and the Rowan saw Afra, Rojer and the `Dinis settled in their

capsule.

Who's making the `port? the Rowan asked.

Rojer, Afra replied, with a solemn wink at his son.

Catch the platform bay from my mind, Rojer. This is where you'll

view that place. She apotheosized `that place' in a dismissive tone

but then he'd been forewarned of her attitude so he `looked' deeply and

`saw' the area and the cradles available to visitors. The military

police had their own docking facility.

Rojer could feel the Callisto generators picking up revolutions.

He suppressed the slight nervousness he felt at performing the

`port in the presence of both grandparents but if he was able, he was

able. And he'd do it. He did: the Heinlein Base vivid in his mind's

eye.

Though, of course, he did not land in the base: he set their

carrier down in the orbiting platform that was held a hundred metres

above. The platform looked like a quick assembly job and Rojer

remembered to check the small panel of the carrier that monitored

exterior conditions. There was plenty of air and the clatter of nailed

boots on metal flooring as someone rushed to check on them.

Talents Afra and Rojer Lyon as expected, his father both thought

and said.

`Yes, sir, right on!' was the shouted acknowledgement. `I'll just

open the hatch for you. Ladder's in place.' They heard the scraping

and the hatch opened.

Nice of you two to come, said a second voice laughingly and Rojer

recognized him as his cousin, Roddie Eagle.

His father gave him a stern look and Rojer made a grimace back,

then smoothed his features. Roddie was welcome to guard duty if that's

all he was good for.

Enough of that! his father said on the very tightest beam.

Rojer rose, handing his `Dinis out first so that he'd be - sure

not to `leak' his true feelings at encountering Roddie here. When he

finally did make eye contact, he was rather surprised to see that

scrawny, pimple-faced Roddie was a clean-shaven, fresh-faced young man

of about his height, neatly dressed in an Alliance uniform and wearing

the bars of a first marine lieutenant.

`I guess you all hadn't heard,' Roddie said, smiling a welcome.

`You've been away the past week. I can't say I like being

constantly sting-pzzted all the time - not at the level that Queen is

projecting but it's the place to meet everyone!' And he laughed. GOOD

DREAMS, GRL, KTG. RDI SHARED YOUR DREAMS BUT NO PIECES. `Real glad

you succeeded, Roj. And boy, your placement of that pod was smack on

the X-mark. Good `portation! Got a bad case of family pride, I can

tell you.' Rojer was coping with the new improved Rhodri Eagle, so

unlike his disagreeable adolescent self.

`We've breakfast laid on, Uncle Afra, Roj, if you're hungry.'

`Thank you, Rhodri, Afra said with a nod, `but I don't think either of

us could handle a third breakfast this morning.' Roddie grinned

affably. `Yes, that's one disadvantage to `portation. You meet

yourself coming and going, so to speak. This way. Getting here before

breakfast-' And Roddie chuckled. His humour, Rojer decided, had not

altered all that much: still heavy-handed. `-you've avoided the

crowds. And -we've had them. Thank you, Sergeant,' he said to the man

guarding the entrance to the main section of the platform. `They tell

me we'll have more permanent quarters shortly. These are stripped down

basic but they suffice.' Roddie led them down the corridor and Rojer

noticed that all his baby fat had been converted to a trim muscular

shape. He was however, a finger or two taller and that pleased ùhim.

`I'll take you right away to the main viewer ùroom. It's got full

screens of the base. She won't be able to move anywhere without

observation.

That is, if she ever comes out!' ù`She's still alive?' Rojer

asked.

ù`Oh yes. We've sensors on the hull, you know, ùand sounds are

being picked up all the time. What she's doing with all those

scratching and stroking noises we can't gather. Nothing we have will

penetrate the hull. We did detect that she must have sampled the

atmosphere. But that happened at the end of the first day. Here we

are!' The large room they entered had a plasglas viewplate from floor

to ceiling directly aligned with the escape pod, i hundred metres

below, but optically the gloss was altered to produce a tri-d effect

that made the observer feel he was no more than a few feet from the

pod. Screens gave other views and an auxiliary tier of smaller screens

would be activated when the Queen exited the pod and began using the

buildings.

`She appears to prefer a higher temperature than we humans like,

though `Dinis would be comfortable enough in 32 degrees Celsius. We

have increased the ambient temperature in the base. Blrg, the `Dini

specialist, hypothesized two days ago that she won't make a move until

the pod's oxygen is exhausted. I kinda go along with that.' Roddie

smiled modestly.

`The pod would have had only so much oxygen even in that

generous-sized lifeboat, for some of the cubic volume must be occupied

by food and other necessities. At that you may be very lucky indeed.

Three estimates for her to come out have already been passed: the

experts favour her supply being exhausted some time today. Can you

hang around?' `We have time to hand,' Afra said, to Rojer's intense

delight.

It'd be awful, Rojer thought, to have had the chance to hang about

and see her emerge and not be able to do so.

Not that your timing's been off at all this past week, Rojer.

Except for hunting, his father added privately.

Rojer `pathed a repentant grimace. His cousin then showed them

the amenities and facilities of the installation: they were sparse

enough for the twenty men and three officers assigned here.

`A larger ready room's being `ported in this week, more sanitary

units, a larger kitchen though we get fresh stuff `ported in daily.

I'd put in a special order for breakfast buns. Sorry you've no

appetite,' and there were traces of the young Roddie in the patronizing

grin he gave Rojer.

`Maybe later, if there are any left. Wouldn't want to deprive

you,' and Rojer managed to keep his tone light and pleasant.

They returned to the viewing room where more technicians were on

duty, analysing tapes and discussing print-out.

`Lieutenant, we've a party of twelve asking permission for an

hour's viewing about-' The corporal broke off abruptly as a loud

clatter issued from the speakers. His eyes went wide, his mouth worked

and he pointed frantically to the window.

Rojer and his father had been turned towards the speaker but they

looked back and, as one, recoiled slightly from the view on the

magnified plasglas.

The pod hatch had blown out and rattled about on the plascrete

surface. First, one long spiny, oddly jointed limb appeared, slender

pointed digits closed about the frame on one side, then another. The

limb was a burnished deep coppery red, covered with fine hairs that

Rojer thought might be sensitive: maybe he just thought they moved.

Four more arms came forward to support the body slowly emerging.

Then a `fobt' appeared on the sill. Someone had the presence of

mind to alter a spotlight and catch the form framed just inside the

hatch.

Rojer took firm hold of his nerves and his over-full stomach as,

slowly, the tall, segmented creature emerged: its nether region a

swollen tear-drop, nipping into a narrow joining to a long thin upper

torso. Three sets of arms were spaced along this torso, and two sets

of `legs', one pair moving forward while the other supported the

immense bulge of the lower body. A triangle with bulging eye sockets

at the top of the thin upper torso had to be the head, and from the top

of that multiple antennae waved furiously.

Its coloration, more than its form, captured eye, mind and

attention, for the Queen was the most beautiful shades of shimmering

deep coppery, burgundy red, blues and greens, like the blossom sheath

of the Siberian iris his mother grew in the garden at Aurigae. The

spotlight caressed undertones from her body parts, from the flat

surfaces of the oddly jointed limbs, from what appeared to be the

vestigial wings joined to the upper torso at what would be

shoulder-height, running down to the nipped-in waist and half-opened

over the bulging lower body.

`A praying mantis, that's what she's like,' his father said softly

as the creature remained in the hatchway `Like an actress waiting for

her cue,' was Roddie's unexpected comment.

`She's afraid!' Rojer blurted out, surprising himself and everyone

mesmerized by her appearance.

IT SHOULD BE DESTROYED, Gil said with such fervour that Rojer had

formed a sharp reprimand before he caught his father's quick head

shake. IT HAS DESTROYED MANY MRDINI.

NOT THAT ONE, GRL, his father replied mildly.

It is alone and afraid, Rojer thought and shook his head to

dispense with pity for this member of a dangerously predatory species.

Then, without any grace, the Queen dropped to her six upper limbs

and crawled out of the pod.

She showed more grace when she stood erect on the four lower limbs

and turned her head slowly in a full circle. With great deliberation

then, she waddled, again ungainly, towards the mounds of fresh

vegetables and plants that had been replaced daily just beyond the pod.

Setting back on her hind legs which Rojer thought ended in suction

pads, she daintily conveyed food, hand over hand, to an orifice that

opened in the triangular head. Some hands discarded samples from time

to time and Roddie alerted a corporal - for the viewing room was now

full of the station's personnel - to make notes of what she rejected.

She ate fruits, rind, skin and pith, but carefully put aside seeds

and pits. She rejected grasses, including wheat, rye and oat, though

she sampled all that had been provided, ate tubers, leaf vegetables of

all kinds, and sugar cane, legumes and pulses. She did not eat rice.

She ate steadily through the piles and then sat.

She sat and sat and sat and did not so much a flourish an antenna

or the feelers on her limbs or blink her eyes, settle her wings or give

any further indication that she had moved. Rojer thought she'd stuffed

herself with breakfast. How long had she been without any food, he

wondered.

The twelve visitors who just missed the spectacle were horribly

disappointed at such inertia and one oafish man insisted that Captain

Waygella, Roddie's superior who had not missed the emergence, do

something to stimulate her. The captain refused but she did set the

tapes of the event to automatic replay on the main viewscreen.

When a second visitation was said to be scheduled, Afra, Rojer and

the `Dinis made a determined move to leave. The captain asked Roddie

to accompany them to the bay and greet the new lot.

`Made a tape for you to take back to Aunt Damia and the others,'

Roddie said, passing it to Afra as they reached the bay.

`That's very thoughtful of you, Rhodri.

`Not at all. The corporal'll be copying that sequence all day.

I've been `porting `em out by the dozen to Aunt Rowan to shift to

everyone who needs to know,' and Roddie grinned wryly, `and Primes need

to know, don't they?' Unexpectedly he nodded at Rojer, for the first

time accepting Rojer's higher rating.

`Thoughtful of you all the same, Rhodri,' Afra said.

Rojer murmured a thank you as well because the old Roddie

certainly wouldn't have been so generous. Life in the Alliance Guards

had certainly improved him.

They got into their carrier, made sure the `Dinis were harnessed

properly.

Generator's up, ready for your push, Roddie said.

Do it, Rojer, his father said. If my time sense hasn't failed me,

we should be home in time for breakfast.

DAD!

You're back! Good, Damia said cheerfully. Come have some

breakfast.

Rojer groaned as he unbuckled and his father chuckled.

Little breakfast was actually eaten that morning, and most became

cold as the entire household and Tower staff watched the tape of the

Queen's emergence.

`So that's what they really look like,' Damia said.

`She's rather spectacularly coloured.

`I think she's beautiful!' Zara said, almost defensively.

Fok and Tri had been clicking softly to themselves, their pelt

colours darkening with what Rojer recognized as their aggressive shade.

Gil and Kat were not as bad but Zara's two, Pig and Dzl, were at

first speechless: then crept close, not to Zara, but to Fok and Tri to

be comforted.

After her remark, Zara watched with such a wary, scared expression

on her face that Damia moved closer to her. Rojer `heard' reassuring

words which confused him since his mother wouldn't be projecting that

on a wide enough band to include him.

Rojer began to wonder if Zara should watch the rest of the tape.

He found it affecting enough when the Queen adopted her static

position. Zara was such a sensitive empath, lots of things that didn't

bother him or the others made her fret. At the conclusion, when the

Queen became stationary and the tape wound on and on with that scene

Zara burst into tears and fled the room. Damia cast a quick anxious

look at Afra and then followed her.

Zara's `Dinis did not. Fok and Tri conferred for a moment and

left the room, too.

When the tape finished, Keylarion, Xexo and Herault, the station

manager, wanted to see it again.

So Afra keyed for a repeat.

Rojer slipped out then. He didn't quite know what to do: should

he tell Zara that he had felt sadness and the Queen's loneliness, too.

He doubted his mother would find that a suitable reaction: but it

was genuine. But Zara might be reassured to know she wasn't alone in

her sensitive response to the Queen.

As he started up the stairs, his mother was coming down and her

expression told him she was very worried. But she cleared her face and

smiled down at him, pausing beside him on the step. To his surprise,

she touched his cheek.

`I'm very proud of you, Rojer. Now I'm glad that Father seconded

you. He's very pleased, too. Even about your fussing with the

pieces!' She gave him a droll grin.

`Mother, is Zara all right?' `You're sweet, Rojer. She'll be all

right,' and Damia gave a heavy sigh. `She's just getting used to being

womanly and is a bit ... volatile right now.' `Oooooh,' and Rojer drew

out the soft exclamation as he understood. Then he shook his head.

`Laria wasn't!' `Laria has an entirely different personality. A

much stronger Talent. In fact,' and Damia let out a sigh, `I'm

delighted you're back. What with menstruation hitting her so hard,

she's been useless in the Tower for all she's a T-1. I've never heard

menstruation causing a dysfunction in Talent before, but I suppose

there's always an exception.' Damia sighed again. `I hope you and your

father are rested enough to push out some big-daddies this morning.

Morag was a great help - at least with the Tower,' and Rojer

didn't need a `path to realize that Morag had probably been acting the

maggot.

She could be quite domineering and Zara was too pliable to resist

her.

`How much is there to `port, Mother?' Rojer asked crisply. `I

need to work off several breakfasts. Will you need me to hunt?' `A lot

and yes. We'll warm up the generators while the others have a second

gawk at that raree tape you brought back.' Aware now of her animosity

towards the Hive Queen, he was glad he hadn't revealed his private

reaction.

Afra joined them in the Tower and brought the rest of the Tower

staff with him.

`Did you hear Xexo saying that three more pieces have been added

on to your start?' Afra said as he took his couch.

`No, but I'm glad of it. And it wasn't my start, Dad. Seventeen

other people found it, too.' Damia grinned at her son, then nodded for

them to get set for the first `portation. There was a backlog to send

so they didn't clear the loads until almost lunchtime. Rojer's stomach

gave embarrassing growls as they made their way back to the house.

Morag had lunch ready, looking slightly smug and officious, Rojer

thought, and decided to hunt her legs off in the afternoon; take her

down a peg or two. Morag could be a pain in the neck when she tried to

compete with her siblings. There was really no need for her to do

that. Of Zara there was no sign, though she should have been helping.

Kaltia and Ewain had fed all the Coonies, Slithers, Darbuls and

horses, mucked out the stable, and evidently still had time to replay

the tape for they were watching it again before lunch.

`Where's Zara?' Afra asked, glancing about.

`Leave her, Afra,' Damia replied, and obviously added a private

explanation for Afra said no more about his missing daughter.

Deliberately leaving all the `Dinis home, Rojer took Morag out

with him, taking the short cut - which meant hard and careful riding to

the next valley. He knew of a couple of scurrier dens and rabbit

warrens which he hoped had remained his secret. They were difficult to

access, which was all to the good. At first Morag was delighted to

show him how good a rider she was and kept her pony at Saki's tail on

the way up. On the narrow decline trail, especially where the open

side dropped hundreds of metres down to scree, she was not quite so

cocky. They had to go through stiff underbrush but he'd put on his

leathers and she was only in a shirt. She was definitely sweaty,

branch and thorn marked, and not at all as smug when they reached the

ravine at the bottom. By the time Rojer reached his destination, she

was thoroughly chastened but determined to endure.

Rojer gave her credit for that on the way home, with ten braces

apiece of avians, rabbits and scurriers, which had the most delicious

flesh if you caught them young enough. Rojer had. He relented enough

to take an easier if longer route back but he made that seem

deliberate, rather than considerate, because that track passed by

stands of edible greens and bushes of early plummy-fleshed rindfruits.

They arrived home late afternoon laden down with provender for the

next three days - unless they had unexpected guests.

Although the miners' representatives, Yugin and Mexalgo, had come

to collect copies of the tape, they left after the most cursory of

visits with profuse thanks. They couldn't wait to view the tape and

see the enemy, they said, and on hearing that, Zara ran from the room,

stifling sobs. The miners did not notice, being on their way to the

door.

Zara! Easy, sis, Rojer called. I'll help her, Mother, he added

and followed her.

She was in Laria's old room, having moved out of the one she had

shared with her two younger sisters.

Rojer noticed that neither of his `Dinis accompanied him.

No, Rojer, leave it! she said in a voice that was broken by her

mental anguish.

Sis, would it help if I told you I thought the Queen looked lonely

and sad, as well as beautiful?

But you were there! You watched! And you said nothing?

He entered the room and saw her, tear-streaked face, rebellious

expression, facing him in an attitude of defence.

`Aw now, Zara,' he said tenderly but she held up one hand to

restrain him.

`Don't you dare "aw now, Zara" me,' and she sniffed back tears.

`I get enough of that from Mother.

She just won't "see" or "feel" what I'm going through. And if you

come out with some male gibberish about the time of month, I swear I'll

lash you!' Rojer hadn't any such platitudes in mind and he wasn't

alarmed by her threat though it was one of the first he'd ever heard

her make. She was the gentlest of his sisters and usually

self-effacing and acquiescent: hardly surprising amid seven other

strong sibling personalities. Rojer perched on one edge of her worktop

and folded his arms, subtly projecting affection and reassurance.

`And don't try that either,' she said, rubbing tears away.

`You know, you look more like Grandmother Rowan than any of us.'

She narrowed her eyes. `Don't try misdirection either, Rojer Lyon!'

`I'm not, actually,' he said in a brisker voice, `but I had breakfast

with Grandmother just this morning so I can see the resemblance very

clearly.

You are more like her than Laria or Morag. You haven't seen

Grandmother in a while but you'd be the last one to see the likeness.

I wonder if Dad would.' But Zara was not going to be distracted.

`She'd want to kill the Queen, too, wouldn't she?' `Grandmother 5

not...' and Rojer shrugged, `pacific at any time. You know that,'

and he grinned.

He got an ironic shrug from his sister. `But I'm not talking

about Grandmother's reaction to the Queen, only how much you look like

her. By the way, there is a group of humans who feel that we should at

least make an attempt to understand the Hiver viewpoint.' `But you

don't think much of them,' she retorted, angrily defiant, irritably

pushing back her own silver wing of hair.

`I didn't say that and I don't even project it, sis.

But I did want to tell you that you're not the only one to have

different perceptions. I-' And Rojer jabbed a thumb into his breast

bone. `-thought she was beautiful, too.' He couldn't quite admit that

he, too, had felt she was lonely and afraid.

Zara narrowed her eyes. `Half Aurigae City wants her publicly...

murdered... torn apart limb from limb. Did you know that?' `No,

but it doesn't surprise me, considering the source, and Rojer smiled

condescendingly. `Look, sis, I do respect your reactions, your

feelings about the Queen. I had them myself...

`But you hadn't the guts to make them known!' Zara flashed back at

him, her eyes glinting just like Grandmother Rowan's had but with a

different cause.

`Oddly enough, not all the `Dinis want her killed.

They do want to...

`Probe, pry and drive that poor creature mad, finding out how she

works, how she produces her young. They've already killed half the

larvae Thian found. Oh, I wish he hadn't. Oh, how I wish he hadn't!'

`Sis, you're going off in all directions to no purpose at all,' Rojer

said, becoming slightly exasperated by her capriciousness. `You're not

a Talent for nothing. There are more ways of doing things than

blasting out left, right and centre. That's not like you anyway. Get

in touch with the other like-minded folk. I'll help you there without

Mom and Dad knowing. See what you can do to help change public

opinion. It can be changed, you know. And you'd make a damn fine

lobbyer. That way you can help the Queen.' `She'll never be released.'

Zara was not about to be consoled. Rojer thought she was enjoying this

wallow in sentiment. `She'll die in that awful place, friendless,

childless, alone, with her home all blown up...' Zara put her hands to

her face, weeping desperately again.

Despite `sensing' that she was working herself up, Rojer couldn't

stand his pretty sister in tears. He took her into his arms, and she

leaned exhaustedly against him, crying more piteously than ever.

I'll take over, Rojer, his mother said as she came down the hall.

No need, Mom. I can handle it. I'll soothe her.

You know I always could get her to sleep when she was a baby.

Yes, you could, at that. There's a strong affinity between the

pair of you like- Damia broke off and Rojer knew she had been about to

name Larak.

There is, Mom, so let me use it now to calm her down.

It took time, and it meant Rojer had to forgo the few free hours

he had hoped to spend with the Hive pieces but Zara was more important.

He consoled her with lavish affection, support and understanding,

until, spent with such an emotional storm, she fell asleep.

When she appeared the next morning, she was calm and her usual

self-effacing self though there was a sadness in her eyes that wrenched

Rojer's heart.

She's over her menses, now, Damia said very privately to him.

Thank you for calming her down.

You're a sweet boy as well as a clever one.

Sweet? Rojer replied in disgust. Zara's too tenderhearted for

her own good.

His mother continued, but not to him, to his father and on such a

subject that Rojer was surprised to be included. Then he realized, he

wasn't included: he was catching a private conversation he ought not to

be able to `hear'. He'd've shielded had his mother not been discussing

Zara with his father.

She's a dysfunctional Prime, Afra, Damia was saying with deep

regret and distress. Father can't expect her to do Tower service.

She'd wilt under the stress. And with everyone knowing she's a

T-1, they'll expect her to go to a Tower.

Everyone is not your father, nor Gollee Gren who has a lot more to

do with placing Talents these days than Jeff. Certainly we must inform

Gollee of our anxiety and our assessment. Zara can be trained for

other duties, less emotionally laden. She's got good thrust.

Erratic as her sympathies. . . His mother's tone was peevish.

Well, I'll admit that I felt a pang of sympathy for the Queen YOU?

Rojer was equally startled, and relieved.

Yes, I. It's an attitude that won't endear me to many, but to be

honest, Damia, and we have always been honest in our private thoughts,

there was something pathetic about that Queen! Pathetic, awkward,

and... valiant, I think one could say.

There was a long pause of silence. If one isn't swayed by

conditioning, his mother admitted slowly, and unfortunately, I am

biased about Hivers - I can't help it - one could call her brave to

leave the pod.

Of course, she had to, didn't she? No oxygen, no food.

Rojer nearly cheered to hear his mother admit this.

I worry more about Zara's `Dinis, Damia went on. They do not

understand her perversion...

Not perverse surely, Damia. Wayward, or maybe deviant, but not

perverse. She's an extremely sensative girl . . . I'll work on

reassuring her `Dinis.

Oh, I think they'll pull round once they're over the shock of

hearing Zara defending the Queen.

I don't think she's defending the Queen so much as empathizing

with her. And she's thrown up a very tight mental shield about her

thoughts. We must allow her the privacy we always permit other

Talents, Afra said.

She's not adult yet.

But nearly. I seem to remember.

Afra!

There was such an intimacy in their minds that Rojer hastily

closed off the intriguing conversation.

That mental exchange was not the only one he inadvertently

`overheard' in the next few days for there were `pathed messages

filtering in from all the Primes. Some of the messages Rojer would

rather not have heard: others were curious and fascinating.

Especially the badinage his mother enjoyed with her father, or her

pithy remarks to her brother, Jeran, and her sister, Cera, both of them

Towered Primes.

Rojer now caught Laria's reports from Clarf. Those he was glad

Zara couldn't hear.

There was a faction on Clarf that mirrored the Aurigae City wish

for summary execution as public as possible.

He also caught all the reports from Heinlein Base.

The Queen had remained stationary for seventy-six hours, ignoring

replenishments of the foods she had been seen to eat. Xenobiologists

and xenozoologists were doing their best to be sure the offerings

covered all nutritional requirements for they were certain she would be

laying the eggs that strained her lower body to the point where

striations or cracks were visible in the bulb of it.

There had been several more failed attempts in laboratories within

the Alliance to vitalize the larvae and their numbers were dwindling

rapidly. That was when someone suggested that perhaps the remaining

larvae should be sent to Heinlein Base in the hope that the Queen could

hatch them. Perhaps she required attendants for the egg-laying and,

with these missing, she would be unable to function.

Some of the larvae of each type were therefore `ported into the

base, to see if their appearance would activate the Queen. Men seemed

to dominate the push to give the Queen the larvae. Women seemed less

inclined to sympathize with her condition. For, apart from eating

again, the Queen had done nothing else, though her egg-filled bulb

continued to expand.

However, when the decision to give her some of the three types of

larvae was implemented, Rojer got Zara off by herself to give her what

he felt should be good news.

`The least they can do,' was all Zara said in a disgusted tone,

though, for the rest of the day, Rojer thought she was more cheerful.

Certainly she was on hand to see a screening of the transfer. The

scene was even more dramatic than the Queen's emergence.

The Queen rushed to the larvae, running her upper limbs across

each sac, emitting a low hum.

She deftly turned each larva so she could inspect all round, then

she awkwardly swept a path to the nearest building. This, the experts

said, had to be some sort of instinctive behaviour for the paving had

been brushed clear of any dust or grit when the base was cleaned for

her occupancy. She ran back to collect the day's green offerings and

piled them in the big entrance hall. When she'd done that, she

patiently rolled each larva to its new site, with many pattings and

turnings and hummings. The day's efforts seemed to exhaust her for she

resumed the immobile post-prandial position, propped up by her hind

limbs.

Biologists and zpologists - including two eminent human

orthopediterists - argued over what sort of `bedding' would suit her

needs, and chose straw and wood shavings, as well as several types of

artificial chips, bits and bobbles. A quantity of fine artificial

`wax' and natural tallow were added to the offerings, in case she was

more apiarian than insectoid.

When she settled on the shavings, heaping them in mounds over the

larvae, more was sent in. Rojer had a private smile for the things

cousin Roddie had to do as the Observation Talent.

Zara brightened at each new concession granted the `prisoner' and

kept within viewing distance of the screen, waiting for the next

development. Her mother let her because, as Damia privately admitted

to Afra, she was more use in the house than in the Tower. Zara was

certainly not the only one so involved in what happened at Heinlein

Base. Queenwatching had replaced piece-finding as a galactic pastime.

Two mornings later a frantic call from Zara reached them as they

left the Tower. Damia nodded once at Afra and Rojer and they all

`ported into the main room.

Oh, look! Just look! She's laying! Zara cried, frantically

gesturing at the screen. Morag, Ewain and Kaltia erupted from their

rooms and thundered down the steps. For once, Damia didn't reprimand

them.

The Queen had propped herself up on all frontal limbs, her bulb

half-hidden in the mound of shavings which seemed to heave and enlarge.

`Can't they allow her any privacy!' Zara demanded, her eyes vivid

with her angry protest.

`We can't see anything, Zara,' Ewain said, flopping down in the

nearest chair with a disgusted expression on his face. `And we watch

the Coonies and the Darbuls when they give birth. What's wrong with

watching her?' `Ewain's right, you know, Zara,' Afra said placidly, `we

see nothing of the process itself: merely the result of eggs.' But he

cast a look at his daughter, adding, Your sensitivity is commendable if

unnecessary, Zara. Insectoids do not share human feelings of

embarrassment. In her Hive, helpers and attendants would be swarming

over her at such a time. Privacy is probably a hardship for her.

Rojer knew he wasn't supposed to hear that private remark and he

shook his head, wondering why he was getting all these unexpected

confidences. But Zara plainly had only extrapolated what she might

feel during the birth process, and not the spedes' differences. She

gradually subsided.

`Biology Teach's doing a special on orthopterus, on account of the

Queen,' Ewain said casually, eyes glued to the steady rise of the

shaving-topped mound. `It said insects lay enormous quantities of eggs

at a time. They'll be bursting out of the bedding any moment now.'

They did, shiny white covered pearls, hundreds of them. `Wonder what

variety she's laying now?' Ewain continued conversationally. `She

must've been pregnant - er whatever Hivers get egg-full? - before her

ship was wrecked. There wasn't anything else in the pod with her.'

`Some insects eat the male after mating,' Morag said, casting a quick

glance at her sister. `Maybe that's what caused all the scrabbling we

heard in the pod...' `That is quite enough, Morag,' Afra said firmly

`But, Dad, Biology Teach said we got to observe the Queen for our

project,' Morag protested, her voice almost the whine her parents

deplored in her.

`Then observe, but keep your comments for your class hour.' Morag

obeyed. After such a putdown from her father, Rojer knew she wouldn't

dare provoke Zara any further. Anyway, Zara seemed oblivious to

Morag's taunting, for her gaze was glued to the screen, her expressive

face tender. Her `Dinis were seated close beside her but they

apparently were not picking up on her emotions. Rojer made a tentative

probe at her but she was shielded so tightly he doubted that either of

his parents could have `heard' her thoughts and feelings just then.

It did take the Queen hours to finish her laying.

Rojer left when he got bored and spent an hour with Xexo, trying

to build on his Beijing success.

There were new pieces. The KLTL had calculated the point at which

the Hive ship was probably hit, and quartered the area. Rojer wondered

if that had been Thian's bright idea for it had produced quite a lot of

flotsam and jetsam: some of it too twisted or melted to be useful, but

each fragment, splinter and scrap was gathered up. There were some big

sections of hull, warped and melted but the art of reconstruction might

be able to render the original from the remainder.

Neither Xexo nor Rojer was as interested in the bigger pieces as

the smaller ones that had remained intact, easier to match and piece

together.

These newest pieces Xexo and Rojer first sorted into the

appropriate subdivisions where the most likely matches were possible.

`If only this one didn't have that little hooky edge,' Rojer said,

having vainly tried to mate two very likely looking bits.

`Hooky place?' Xexo flipped the bit he'd been fiddling with to

Rojer.

`That's it! That fits a treat!' Rojer said, crowing with delight.

Xexo rushed around the table to see and grimaced.

`And I handed it over to you!' `I give you leave to report it,

though!' Rojer was quite willing to defer. Lately his name had come up

in his parents' conversations and he'd closed up, rather than hear them

discuss him. They had such high standards, standards he might not be

meeting.

He wished he hadn't become so acute a telepath.

When Xexo returned from making that call, he was grinning from ear

to ear. `Brace yourself for a surprise or two, lad,' he said but

refused to explain.

`Qh, it won't hurt you to simmer a bit. This fit's original, by

the bye. I'm the first to report it. And I made it a joint discovery.

Only fair, Roj. Now, let's see if my hunch is right because I

think we've got part of a gyroscope here. I know it sounds far fetched

because gyroscopic drives are ancient history in engineering usage...

`Gyroscope! Of course it is!' Rojer cried, reaching across the

board for half a dozen shards and scraps which, with little fussing,

came together into a whole ring. Xexo's eyes bulged at the result.

`They won't believe this: two sets in one day . `Well, we always

thought the first match would be the hardest. .

`You report this one on your own, Rojer Lyon!' Xexo said, turning

the band. `Might not be part of a drive. They might have used it as a

compass leveller or ... Go report it.' And Xexo shooed him out of the

basement.

Rojer reported it in as unassuming manner as he could, relieved

when he got an automated answering service. It asked for details and

he gave piece numbers and the sequence in which they fitted together.

He was asked his name and the time of the match and he was thanked

for prompt reportage.

The nice thing about machines, Rojer thought, was that they

couldn't be impressed by rank. They took you as you were!

He and Xexo tried to build in their match but then Rojer's time

sense alerted him that his leisure time was over. He and Morag had to

exercise the ponies and their `Dinis wanted to come along. Damia asked

them to get more greens, if they saw any ready for picking, but they

didn't need to hunt. Ewain and Kaltia came along, stuck up on their

ponies with their young `Dinis still able to ride pillion. Zara stayed

at home, glancing up at the screen and the Queen half-covered with

shavings and eggs.

When Rojer and his group returned to the house, Zara was once

again in floods of tears.

`She might be dead. Has anyone looked? They don't report the

sensor readings. She's exhausted, delivering all those eggs, Mother.

Oh someone has to help her! I'll call Grandmother Isthia myself

if you won't.' `You will not disturb your grandmother. Either one of

them.

And you will stop this hysterical nonsense immediately Rojer

recoiled slightly at the force of his mother's peripheral `pathing.

She was both trying to calm Zara and making certain the girl could

not project a call. Even Damia couldn't `path all the way to Deneb

without some assistance. For that matter, Rojer was on hand - but his

sympathies were oddly on Zara `5

side.

`Ah c'mon, sis,' he began in a drawl, sauntering across the room

to them, `Look there now! They just put food right by her palps.

Roddie's getting good at making deliveries.' `Roddie...' Mention

of their cousin surprised Zara and she blinked her tear-filled eyes and

looked back at the screen, seeing the neat piles of food in easy reach.

`How d'you know Roddie did that?' He sensed that it mattered that

a member of her family, sidereal or not, was involved in actively

succouring the Queen.

`He's the only Talent up there, isn't he, Mother?' Damia agreed

with him vocally and mentally, glad of any diversion for her daughter's

over-sensitivity.

`I know he `ports the fresh food in daily. And, if you'd stop and

think a minute, she has been assisted in every way as soon as her needs

were seen. Like the shavings. Every xenbio and xenzoo's watching the

screen as closely as you. Stop fretting so much. And if you're really

worried, I don't think Roddie'd mind if you shot him a query or two.

Do you, Mother?' Damia regarded him a moment longer and Rojer knew

he'd surprised her.

`If it would ease your anxieties, Zara, I don't think Roddie would

mind. But you're not to bombard him with inane questions,' Damia said,

raising a stern finger. `He has duties to perform and he can't be

distracted any more than your father and I, even if he isn't a Tower

Talent.' `Mother, you never liked Roddie,' Zara said, picking up on

that aspersion.

Rojer felt his mother relax: her remark had been a deliberate

attempt to keep Zara diverted from the Queen. Zara had always

perversely stood up for Roddie, simply because her brothers and sisters

detested him.

`Look, Zar,' Morag said, `she's eating!' Zara was instantly back

in her chair, eyes glued to the Queen's activity. Her movements were

slow, but she'd laboured mightily and she would be drained.

Rojer watched until he saw her carefully putting seeds and pips to

one side and then he went to seek his father. With everyone else

involved in something else, he'd have a chance to speak to his father

who was taking an evening swim, without being interrupted. He

descended to the pool level and shucked out of his clothes.

They swam a companionable few laps and then Afra caught the edge

and turned to his son.

`Something's on your mind and, for the first time in your life, I

can't get a hint of it,' Afra said.

Rojer grinned, having the opening he needed.

`That's just it, Dad, I can block and I am also hearing a lot of

exchanges that I don't believe I should. But I swear, Dad, I'm not

trying to hear.' Afra lazily swirled his free hand and both feet to

keep balanced in the water and he smiled thoughtfully.

`I'd say that you were coming into your full strength as a Talent.

Your mother and I thought you might after the pod transfer. It

was about time for you. You confirmed it by `porting us neatly to

Heinlein and then back here.' `You were in on those --- Weren't you,

Dad?' Afra chuckled, the sound reverberating in the pool.

`No, actually I wasn't. I let you do the work.' `I did those

`ports all by myself?' `I'm surprised you didn't realize it. I assure

you that I wasn't involved.' `But I thought you were the focus -`Only

for lifting the pod.' `Then Afra nodded. `Your mother would rather

that we tell you tonight after the younger ones are in bed.' But the

news, and his father's pride in its purport, was so vivid that Rojer

caught it.

`They have? I'm to join the squadron?' he cried jubilantly. Then

Rojer gasped. `I should have listened to Thian!' `You've already

conducted yourself quite adequately on the Beijing, Rojer. Do you

think you can contain yourself until later, when we can discuss this in

my study?' `Sure, Dad, sure!' But it was hard not to let his joy

escape. Zara, being so sensitive, caught the edge of his elation but

no specifics. So he deliberately regaled everyone at dinner with the

news of the double find, and let her believe that success caused his

jubilant mood.

The youngsters went to bed and then Zara, probably with some

prompting from her mother for she started yawning much earlier than

usual, went off to bed.

Damia winked and led the way into Afra's study which was

completely shielded.

`You've been very good this evening, dear, and we appreciate it

because the news is not generally known. Father said there's a hold on

it. But the B-Squadron which went to track down one of the three Hive

ships that did escape the nova has been located.' Afra took up the

narration. `There're three ships in Squadron B: the `Dini KTTS --`

`That's one of the class Aurigae ore built --` `Yes, and so are the

two human cruisers, the Arapahoe and the Genesee. This may be

premature but the High Councils want to have a Prime out there, to

relay messages. Your brother has done so well in that capacity that,

even though you are not quite sixteen, your grandfather, and Gollee,

feel that you are able for the duties and responsibilities.' `Dad, I

can't teach like Thian could...

`That wouldn't be one of your duties. The complement of the KTTS

have enough Basic, and both human captains have sufficient `Dini for

necessary exchanges. It's the heft of your Talent that's required.'

`Oh,' and Rojer grinned. `Stevedoring' was a longstanding family joke.

`But why, Dad, might it be premature?' `The squadron has

discovered that the Hiver ship is decelerating. Their apparent

destination is a type star system. When the message capsule was sent,

the Hiver was closing with the heliopause. It also had not despatched

either scouts or probes.

It is thought that this system may contain a Hive colony.' `Wow!'

`Precisely. A reasonable enough assumption since this G-type star is

not that far, spatially speaking, from the Hive homeworld. The feeling

is that these are refugees, not colonists.' `Wow! And we're going to

attack it?' `Ah, now that has not been discussed, much less decided.

Considerable reconnaissance is required. In the matter of how

Hive colony worlds are protected, even the `Dini High Council has no

expertise. That star system is galactically opposite to Clarf, north

in a manner of speaking and rimward.' `And that's why a Prime is needed

to `port the findings of reconnaissance probes and scouts!' `Exactly!

To expedite data delivery and receive necessary orders. You have

always been discreet, Rojer.' Rojer let out a sigh, only then realizing

he had been holding his breath. `I'll be a clam with my shields at

maximum.' `Not quite, dear,' his mother said. `You'll be on call at

all times, but there are no Talents above an eight on either of the

human ships. So you can't be read.' `You'll be going out with supply

drones which are badly needed,' his father added.

`I don't mind what I go with so long as I go.' Afra placed his

hand on Rojer's shoulder and gripped it tightly, allowing his pride to

flow through.

Rojer glanced at his mother. There was a slightly sad look in her

eye that made Rojer appreciate his luck was her regret.

`Mom!' He reached out to touch her cheek and she held his hand to

her face briefly. He sensed that she had accepted, if reluctantly, the

disposition of yet another of her children.

`It's all right with me, too, Rojer. But for you, it does mean

deferring your training in engineering. According to Xexo, you've

shown considerable aptitude in that area. And you aren't really the

staid sort that would thrive on Tower life.' `I'd do it, Mother, you

know that.' Damia lifted her eyebrows. `You've had little choice. Nor

more had I at your age.

`But, Mother, it's not a question of choice, is it?

Talent has responsibilities -- ` He stopped.

`You learned thoroughly, didn't you?' she said, smiling.

`Yeah, I guess. You brought us up real good, Mom. And we have

choices, you know. You're seeing that we do. Even Zara `Oh,' and

Damia clicked her tongue. `She is becoming a problem with this

mercurial instability...

`She'll be all right,) Afra remarked soothingly, `though she'll

probably surprise all of us eventually.' `I think so, too, Dad,' Rojer

said stoutly, to reassure his mother. And himself. `Ah, when will I

have to go? And do I take Gil and Kat with me?' `You certainly do.

They're only just out of hibernation so they'll be fine. Not that

it did Thian's pair any harm to do theirs on Clarf,' and Afra smiled

when that remark got a chuckle out of Damia. `As to when you leave,

we'll inform your grandfather that we've asked you and you've

consented.

It's not going to be easy, but you have Thian's experiences as a

guide.

You are a civilian and you are to be protected so don't have a fit

if someone summarily throws you into an escape pod and tells you to get

yourself home. Primes are not expendable.' Rojer grinned, imagining

the ruckus his grandparents would make if anything did happen to a

Prime grandson.

`We'll keep in touch, too,' Damia said, combing her fingers

through the white lock which Rojer kept short. `We're only a thought

away wherever you are.' `I know, Mom, Dad, but I don't think you ought

to tell Zara where I'm going. I think she'd freak out.

Damia nodded, pursing her lips. `I must ask Elizara to come visit

her namesake. Maybe this is just a phase she's going through. It's

not like my family, and certainly not like your father's.' `All our

children are individuals in their own right, Damia.' `I know!' Captain

Osullivan of the Genesee himself welcomed Rojer Lyon on board and

politely but firmly took control of the courier pouch that Rojer had

been sternly charged to deliver only into the captain's hand. His

personal carrier, with drones attached like oblong satellites around

it, was `ported by the efforts of Callisto, Earth, Aurigaean and

Denebian Primes.

That gave Rojer some indication of how very far from his part of

the galaxy the B-Squadron was.

A thought away, indeed, he thought. More like a hoarse whisper.

That's all you know about it, young man, said his grandmother's

unmistakable voice, fainter than usual but clear. I can't abide cocky

youngsters.

There was, for Rojer's peace of mind, the ripple of amusement in

her tone.

The two drones directly obstructing his hatch were shifted and it

was opened. Neither he nor his two `Dinis suffered any untoward effect

from the atmosphere on board: the Genesee, being the prototype

Constellation-class vessel, had an extremely efficient oxygen

regeneration program: sgit plants played a large part in air

filtration.

Rojer shook right hands with the captain: with his left hand,

Rojer released the documents pouch to its stated recipient. Osullivan,

a tall man in his fifth decade, tall, fit, slightly balding but urbane

gave not the slightest reaction, as others behind him did, that such a

young person had been entrusted with the courier pouch and had helped

bring the drone supplies. The captain then introduced Rojer to the

lieutenant who would be his aide while on board. He also issued an

invitation for Rojer with Grl and Ktg - whose names he had no trouble

pronouncing - to join him and his officers at dinner at 1930 hours. He

then excused himself, courier bag clasped tightly to his side, and,

nodding right and left to the dawdling crewmembers to get back to their

work, left the bay.

Lieutenant junior grade Lin Xing Tsu, a slight, wiry young man

with so close a haircut that his sallow scalp showed through his black

hair, immediately picked up Rojer's one duffel and led the way to his

quarters.

Lin was obviously proud of the Genesee, recently commissioned and

on her maiden voyage, and described her amenities in glowing detail as

they traversed the passageways. As they passed some of the more

important features, or Lin indicated which lift to take to reach the

gym, sick-bay and commissary, Rojer began to feel more assured. He,

Gil and Kat were shown into a stateroom, not quite as large as the one

Thian had occupied as described by Damia, but certainly not the cramped

cabin that had been his brother's first accommodation on the Vadim.

`Can I get a little something to eat. .. to tide me over until

dinner?' Rojer asked because he had left Aurigae just after breakfast,

arrived before lunch at Callisto where the drones were attached to his

capsule and arrived after the noon meal on the Genesee.

Smiling, Lin inclined his head. `Sure thing! Considering you

brought us several tonnes or more of food, you're entitled to a decent

meal. Betcha all the edibles are already in the galley and storage.'

As they made their way back to the mess-hall, Rojer asked, `Is there a

piece table aboard this ship?' `A peace table?' Lin slowed to glance

back over his shoulder in surprise at Rojer. `We haven't declared war

yet. How can we make peace?' `Not that kind of peace.' Rojer spelled

out the correct one. `You know, Hive ship pieces... Putting them

together?' His explanation fell on puzzled ears.

`On the Beijing, they had all the pieces, in scale of course, of

the Hive ship that was caught by the nova shock wave. The one that the

Vadim squadron found? People are trying to put it back together.

Lin still didn't understand, so while Rojer continued to explain,

he glumly realized that he'd have no more chance of participation. By

the time this mission ended, the wreck would probably have been totally

reconstructed. He'd so wanted to be part of that effort.

`Maybe Lieutenant Gander would know,' Lin said helpfully, `he's

the morale officer.' `You have seen a tape of the Queen's emergence,

haven't you?' `Queen? Didn't know there were any left on Earth!

Or is it Procyon that has a royal family?' `I'm referring to the

Hiver Queen that was found alive in an escape pod.' `You don't say? A

live Hive Queen? Oooh! Wouldn't want to see that!' `Actually, she's

quite beautifully coloured,' Rojer said, speaking in the most diffident

manner. This was a warship, chasing a Hiver vessel, and their attitude

towards a Hiver Queen would be coloured by that. `They've put her in

Heinlein Base on Earth's moon.' `Thought that installation was

decommissioned decades ago.' `It was, but it's been reopened to

accommodate the Queen. She can't get out of there.' `Who'd want to get

in?' Lin wanted to know.

ù`Your ship's really been out of touch,' Rojer said, shaking his

head.

`Oh, we know what we need to know,' Lin assured him affably.

`We're more interested in what's likely to happen than what has!

Here we are,' he ùadded unnecessarily, for the smell of roasting

meat wafted appetizingly along the corridor.

A meal was cheerfully set before him.

`A single zap and you'd never know it wasn't freshly prepared,'

the cook's mate said as he was served a piping hot plate. `We alius

has something' ùfor the watch. You really a Talent, kid?' `So they

tell me,' Rojer said, grinning. He didn't mind being called a `kid' by

a seaman so grizzled he was probably older than Grandfather Raven.

Then Rojer half-goggled at the multi-coloured pictures on the

sailor's massive forearms: tattoos, he thought they were called.

`Where'd you get them?' he asked between attempts to cool his food

enough to put it in his mouth. The plate had been well zapped.

`Ah, now these, me laddie buck, are the result of a wager. -- `

Settling into the seat opposite Rojer and Lin the mate proceeded to

embellish a tale almost as garish as his forearms.

`Mr Lyon here,' Lin began when the tale was over and duly

appreciated, `says they caught a Hiver Queen. Got her locked up on

Heinlein Base.' `Do they?' and the mate was either sceptical or not

easily impressed.

`She's laid eggs,' Rojer said, hoping to generate some interest.

`Well, laddie buck, in a month or two, we may see more eggs'n

she'll ever lay,' the mate said, rising to his feet. `Aye, wouldn't

doubt we'd see more.

That's a Hiver system we're coming to. Knew we'd find one

sometime. Glad I've lived to see the day.

I'm Denebian, you see, so vengeance is mine! Enjoy your meal.'

`Th ... thanks, I am.' Mentally Rojer was glad he'd kept his remarks

neutral. He was amused, though, that all the startling events he had

witnessed recently were unexceptional on the Genesee, and

philosophically, resigned himself to the situation.

Mother, Father, Damia said, initiating a call to her parents,

still at their breakfast on Callisto.

Yes, Damia? her mother replied. Something is the matter. Jeff I

told you that yesterday when we exchanged Rojer's capsule. And it's

... Zara?

There was gratifying surprise in the Rowan's tone.

Whatever could be the matter with Zara? She's the most pliable of

your lot.

Not any more, Mother. And quickly Damia conveyed a summary of her

daughter's recent aberrant and capricious behaviour. I don't know

where she gets these notions about the Queen --Unusual that, the Rowan

said. Especially across such distance, and with only a tape to

stimulate the reaction - D'you mean - others have reacted the way Zara

has?

Yes, indeed, Jeff put in. There's a growing minority who feel the

Alliance has been authoritarian, peremptory and high-handed. Which is

muddleheaded thinking. After all, the creature was humanely rescued

from sure death. There was no planet on which she could have landed

before oxygen and food supplies ran out. She may be isolated but

that's as much for her own good. There've been two attempts to...

eradicate her from `human soil' already.

We hadn't heard about them Damia was indignant. The Queen was in

responsible protective custody: by observation alone much could be

learned from her about others of her species. She wouldn't be released

but, on the moon, she was certainly no threat to anyone.

You haven't heard because it's been kept top secret. Young Rhodri

is to be commended once more for prompt and effective action, Jeff

said.

Mind you, the Rowan added in a terse caustic tone, there were a

few snide remarks about the profligacy of plummy jobs held by one

particular Denebian family --Damia heard her father's amused chuckle.

Our critics simply fail to appreciate large families: but we're by

no means the only Denebian family with phalanxes of progeny. And

certainly not one family at that: there're Ravens, Eagles, Cranes,

Gwyns, Lyons and a healthy sprinkling of Terran Reidingers, Owenses,

Grens, Maus and Thigbits in the top echelons. That isn't really a

monopoly - just clever family planning.

However, the remarks were just short of libel and slander, and

decidedly snide, the Rowan said, irritated.

Irrelevant, all of it, Jeff said. So far the Queen has been cared

for to the best of our small knowledge.

High Council `Din is are in accord with ours that she be treated

with care as any prisoner of war.

The old Geneva Conventions - and I don't know how old they

actually are - have been scrupulously applied. The difference here is

that she has never seen her keepers, curators, whatever. Which may be

pure serendipity.

Why?

We have to assume that, after centuries of space battles and the

one landing the Hive managed on the `Dini Sef colony, that her species

know what Mrdinis look like. But they can't know what humans look

like, never having encountered us in the flesh as it were. There is a

school of thought that she could be approached by a human

representative, in a friendly manner. That way we may find out.

Father, that is totally reprehensible! That's . . that's taking

advantage of a helpless - You too? the Rowan put in.

Me, too, what?

You feel that she's helpless, alone, isolated, friendless,

worldless? Her mother's tone was sardonic.

Not particularly, Damia remarked dryly, but Zara does!

Zara? Yes, she's always been particularly sensitive, hasn't she?

But how would she pick that up from looking at a tape? That's

real distancing, the Rowan said thoughtfully. Still, there's a use for

that sort of Talent, too.

Damia caught an undertone in her mother's mind.

Mother, she's not fourteen yet. And -- And. . . Jeff Raven

prompted his daughter when she faltered, although what she was finding

hard to say was the reason for her contacting her parents.

Lately she's been almost ... dysfunctional as a Talent. Cross her

off your list of prospective Tower candidates!

Not fourteen yet? the Rowan repeated. And presently

dysfunctional? She's just started menstruation?

Well, the dysfunction could right itself when her cycle settles.

Is that what you wanted to tell us?

Damia heaved a sigh. Yes, I felt you should know.

The Rowan projected sympathy but again Damia felt that undertone,

and a flash of keen interest and some satisfaction.

I will not say that you were not a handful at that age, dear

Damia, her father said, a ripple of fond amusement in his tone.

I was never dysfunctional as a Talent.

No, that you weren't. There was a shade of irony in the

affectionate wave that washed over Damia and she relaxed.

I just wish I knew what to do to help Zara right now, she said

wistfully. We've tried so hard to support and encourage her.

There isn't a parent in the universe who hasn't felt inadequate

and at fault at one time or another, Damia, Jeff said.

Like your father, and the Rowan's mental touch was as full of

affection as Jeff's, I feel that you are being unnecessarily anxious

about Zara. Perhaps you aptly chose to name her after Elizara who has

such amazing empathy for her patients. There's no disgrace in having a

Prime medical Talent.

I doubt Zara has the stomach for a medical career, and Damia shot

a tableau of Zara's reactions to limp animal bodies and the preparation

of meat for cooking.

Surgery's only a minor part of medicine. More is done through bio

feedback, metamorphics, mental conditioning, and genuine compassionate

therapy than intrusive methods, the Rowan said. Consult with Isthia

and Elizara. Either would have some insights that will help you.

I felt you two should know first, Damia added lamely. Why had she

expected her parents to solve her parenting problems when neither she

nor Afra could?

Because you are closest to us, dear heart, said her father, having

picked up on that thought. Don't be hard on your daughter when she is

what she is.

She is what most people aren't right now, sorry for that wretched

Queen. The mental tone in which Damia said `wretched' indicated that

she didn't apply the usual meaning.

Leave it, Damia. Just love Zara, the Rowan said.

And consult with Isthia and Elizara.

Damia withdrew then, but not without a farewell surge of affection

and approval from both parents. Wanting to sort this out now she'd

admitted her reservations about her daughter, she checked the time

differences. And swore under her breath.

Isthia would not enjoy being awakened from sleep.

When she tried for Elizara, she touched a mind that was intensely

occupied in something vital. So Damia desisted, waiting for a more

opportune moment to reach the two healers.

Maybe her parents were right: Zara would settle when her cycle

did. She'd wait a few months and meantime give Zara the benefit of

unconditional support. That was, after all, what Afra had recommended.

He'd lived through her mother's vacillations and vagaries . and

her own. He had always shown how much he understood - and loved - her.

And he was very gentle and understanding with Zara. That might be

all the child needed.

When Rojer, Gil and Kat appeared at the captain's mess for dinner

that night, his presence was welcomed by officers keen to hear more

details to flesh out the official communications that Rojer had

brought.

`Bare bones of the matter,' Captain Osullivan said. `I believe

your brother went on with the KLTL to check on the exact location of

the nova and where the Hive homeworld was supposed to be.' `Did you

know about the great Hive wreck, sir?' `That was the last communique'

we've received,' Osullivan said.

`Then you don't know that three pods escaped.

Rojer asked.

`Three? But they only mention capturing one -, `That's the only

one so far located, sir `Any survivors?' asked one officer.

`Any live survivors?' asked another.

Captain Osullivan held up his hand for silence as his usually

orderly mess erupted into minor bedlam of information-starved queries.

`Shall we let our guest explain in his own time? Then, if there

are additional questions, they can be dealt with in due course.

Rojer took a deep breath, sending his recall back to the proper

sequence of events and gave as comprehensive a report as possible. The

only thing he left out was his own participation, limiting it to

mention of nameless Talents. He had `picked up' that most of them

identified him as a `kid'. He didn't want them to add `cocky' to that.

`We have tapes, gentlemen,' the captain said when Rojer had wound

down, `but these can wait until after a very good dinner. Provided, I

might add, by the arrival of Mr Lyon and eight supply drones.

We'll all be the better for a meal.' However, there were questions

put to Rojer that he was not able to answer. Some he knew nothing

about and others he replied to not as fully as he could, but as fully

as he should. When pressed by the engineering officer, Rojer had the

chance to describe how the great Hive ship was being painstakingly

reconstructed. This venture, aided and abetted by so many autonomous

groups throughout the Alliance, aroused the interest of many of the

officers. They were suddenly obsessed with the notion of initiating

their own piece table Once again the captain's table erupted into

excited babble. When order was restored, Rojer had to disappoint them

because he hadn't brought his spec files with him. It hadn't occurred

to him that the Genesee wouldn't have their own on board.

Every other ship, world, city, town, settlement in the Alliance

seemed to.

`While it would have been a nice leisure-time activity during the

long pursuit,' Captain Osullivan said ruefully, `I think we will soon

be concentrating on more immediate concerns, especially if that is

indeed a Hive-colonized system.' Then he leaned on one elbow towards

Rojer. `With your permission, Mr Lyon,' Rojer felt awkward being so

formally addressed but he tried to look relaxed, `I feel you should

personally report all these details to the Arapahoe and Captain Quacho,

and the KTTS and Captain Prtglm. I'll signal them to join us at 1230

tomorrow for the midday meal. Is that all right?' Rojer grinned.

`Anything you say, Captain. Did you want me to `port them

aboard?' Osullivan cleared his throat and Rojer `heard' that the

captain had overlooked that possibility. `Ahem, yes, that would save

hours of time and a good deal of fuel that we might urgently require in

the near future.' `That's why I'm here, sir.' Rojer saw amusement on

faces about the table and `felt' a generally benign acceptance of him.

The general opinion was that the `kid' was being very useful.

The next day Rojer was more fluent in his account of all that had

happened since the last official bulletin had reached the three ships

of B Squadron. Captain Prtglm was as large and charcoal grey a `Dini'

as befitted its name. It was also the most fluent speaker of Basic

that Rojer had encountered, even more so than his parents' friends, so,

although he used more technical language and emphasized certain phrases

with body movements, he knew the captain of the KTTS understood every

word he said.

`I doubt not that squadron approaches a Hive held system, Prtglm

said, nodding its poll eye politely towards Rojer when he had finished.

Then Prtglm added a gentle tlock. `Captains do not agree with

whole mind but Prtglm is old captain. Longly pursued Hivers. Have

also brought new device for early viewing. Not sensitive to sensors.

It gestured for one of its aides to bring over and unwrap a

warty-looking object which had the sheen of plastic, even about the

obvious jet mouths that ringed one end of it.

With eager excitement, Commander Metrios and the Arapahoe's

engineering officer leaned across the wide table to examine it and then

looked at Prtglm for explanation.

`Hive sensors read metal. No metal in this probe.

Undetected is. Good look round gets.' Captain Prtglm emitted the

rasping noise of `Dini laughter and, when the aide who had unwrapped

the `probe' spoke in a spate of `Dini too fast for anyone but Rojer to

translate, all the `Dinis had a good rasp over that, to0: even Gil and

Kat joined in; more in courtesy, Rojer hoped.

He pretended to look puzzled. The substance of the remark was

that,' `Dinis now had an instrument that would provide even humans with

as long a look ,as was required to be sure of what to do Thian had

mentioned something about the dichotomy of human and `Dini attitudes as

far as aggressive or offensive action was concerned, so Rojer wasn't as

upset about such subtle censure as he might have been. Someone who

hadn't lived with `Dinis all his life might take umbrage at the subtle

insult of such a remark.

`A totally plastic probe, huh?' Captain Osullivan said. `Compact,

and looking like a meteor or an asteroid. Just the sort of debris that

litters space.

But have we ascertained whether or not this system has an asteroid

belt?' `All space has floating and flying objects of no definite

description,' Prtglm said, stiffening its bottle neck.

`The captain would certainly be correct in that, sir,' the

Genesee's astrogator replied, smiling at Prtglm and signing approval

and respect.

`I meant no disrespect, honoured Prtglm,' Osullivan said suavely

and inclined his body in apologetic movements.

`I'd worry about ion trails, sir,' Commander Metrios said.

`Those'd be picked up `What if it left no ion trail?' Rojer put

in. `I mean, it doesn't have to go there, I could send it. No trails

then.' Slowly, with obvious elements of disbelief in its turn, Prtglm

swivelled its poll eye down to Rojer, and blinked.

RESPECTFULLY, LARGE HONOURED PRTGLM, RJR IS

ONE OF THOSE WHO CAN PUT THINGS AND PEOPLE

WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED. SEND MESSAGES TO DISTANT MINDS. Then

Rojer made a most obsequious bow. Beside him, Gil made a barely

audible click of approval.

Prtglm had ignored Gil and Kat from the moment it stepped into the

ready room. So had the rest of its contingent because all the `Dinis

knew that had immediately identified Rojer's friends as younglings with

few hibernations.

THIS IS THE HUMAN TALENT RJR LN, Captain Osullivan added quickly.

THIS SHIP IS ALREADY INDEBTED TO HIM FOR NEWS AND FOOD SUPPLIES,

AND THOSE SUPPLIES FORWARDED TO THE KTTS.

Prtglm clicked and clattered, even shocked once in surprise but it

regarded Rojer without blinking.

With a very slight movement of its head, it also examined Gil and

Kat who respectfully presented uncovered poll eyes to the KTTS captain.

`Rijor,' and Rojer did not worry about misplaced vowel sounds: the

fact that Prtglm would use his name at all was sufficient notice. `You

are Tower?' RJR IS TOWER TYPE SENDER RECEIVER NOW. Which

was true. Adding a title of any kind to his name,

at his obvious age, would have arrogance beyond excuse in the eyes

of such a prestigious `Dini.

YOU ARE ABLE TO SEND PROBE TO HIVE SHIP, AROUND HIVE SHIP FOR

PERFECT SCAN?

RJR IS ABLE, HONOURED PRTLGM.

`Well, lad, that would certainly help a great deal in deciding

what to do next,' Captain Osullivan said suavely. `We've got to know a

lot about that system and which ever worlds the Hivers are using.' `I

can send something that light and little-' and Rojer pointed to the

lumpy, metre-long, quarter-of-a-metre-wide probe, `-anywhere you want

it to go.

And it won't leave ion trails.' The briefing that followed was as

heady an experience for Rojer as finding that first match of Hive ship

pieces.

`We'll have to make certain there're no sensor devices or mines

outside or just inside the heliopause first,' Captain Osullivan said,

`before we let you go inside.' `No such devices are used by Hives,'

Captain Prtglm said and then flicked its forearms open in a gesture

that meant it knew that its reassurance was insufficient for its human

colleagues, and they'd complete that search first.

By the time the squadron reached the heliopause, Captain Osullivan

admitted there were no early warning buoys. `But there was no harm,

and no delay, in making certain of it.' Once inside the heliopause,

they examined the astrogator's diagram of this solar system. It was so

far from Earth and the Nine Star League that it hadn't even a number on

human charts: the `Dini ident was a long series of consonants and `Dini

numerals which were shortened to Xh-33. It had ten planets, having no

asteroid belt where a fifth planet would have been in Earth's system.

When the `Dini engineering contingent produced a round dozen of

the plastic probe lumps, Rojer said that he was quite able to handle

several in the air at one time.

`A juggler, are you, kid?' Commander Metrios asked, mildly

sceptical.

From the beverage counter in the ready room, Rojer `lifted' four

mugs and three glasses, two saucers and a knife, a fork and a spoon and

had the cups gyrating like compass points, the glasses were circling

the room - well above everyone's heads - while the two saucers made a

obvious strip path around both groups as the knife, fork and spoon

dipped into either mug or g!ass at random. This sort of juggling had

been a favorite pastime at home for him and his siblings as good

practice for Tower work. He didn't mention that his parents would have

scolded him for showing off in such a childish fashion or that the

probes would take a lot more concentration - plus generator gestalt but

as soon as he'd figured he'd made his point, he neatly returned

everything to its original position.

`A most accomplished juggler you are, kid,' Commander Metrios

said.

`How much difference is there from that exhibition to handling the

probes, Mr Lyon?' the captain asked.

`To be honest, sir, I'd better stick to no more than three at a

time.' `Even so, we'll cover a lot of ground in a much shorter time

than if we had to wait for the probe to get there by... ah... ordinary

transport methods, Osullivan said. `When you're ready, Mr Lyon.'

Commander Metrios still radiated a certain amount of scepticism as he

led Rojer to the bridge station where a couch had been placed for his

use during gestalt. With the ship in flight, the generators were

humming nicely. It took Rojer only a moment to lift them to the

requisite power to `port the three probes: a second each to lob them on

the parabolic courses about their target planets.

The outer planet, predictably a small cold hunk with a heavy core,

then a larger but equally sterile one, and the third was no more

interesting, though it had several moons. On his second foray, Rojer

sent the first probe around the gas giant. It was not a ringed planet

but it had twenty moons and lots of debris, which interchanged when two

or more moons were close enough to affect gravitational pulls. Rather

a show for the astrogation officer, a very pretty woman named Langio,

who was enchanted by the lunar dance. The fifth in was the largest,

with awesome surface activity and again possessing a herd of moons:

some of which had man-made ruins. Rojer was asked to take that probe

in for closer examination. That suggested that the moon had been mined

at one time.

The sixth planet displayed more extensive ruins, enough to suggest

that it had once been habitable before its atmosphere had drained off

and it had lost the necessary warmth from its cooling primary.

Captain Osullivan called a halt to Rojer's day then and told him

to get some rest. Rojer was only too happy to comply. He was

exceedingly tired and wished he hadn't been such a show-off.

Prtglm's doubt had incensed him. He might still be considered a

youngling by his own kind as well as `Dinis but he was `a useful kid'

and he wanted to prove he was.

When he reported to the bridge the next day, all three captains

were present again and their manner suggested they'd new plans for him.

`Mr Lyon, we'd like you to send one probe to the Hive ship. We've

been lucky that the outer planets do not have warning mechanisms on

them but, if the seventh planet is Hive settled, Prtglm is confident

that it will have monitors in space.

Today let's scan the Hive ship.' Rojer was quite willing to limit

himself to the one `seeing' rock.

`Now,' said It-Commander Langio in her quiet voice, `we know the

Hiver's present position, just past the eighth planet, but we don't

dare risk extending our sensors that far to get you good definition.'

`I don't need it, Commander,' Rojer said easily.

`Hive ships are always the same shape.

`Not always same size,' Captain Prtglm added.

`True, but as there isn't but one out there, that isn't a

consideration.' Rojer nodded to Commander Metrios who ceded control of

the generators to Rojer so he could achieve the necessary gestalt.

He'd seen where Langio had sited the Hive ship on the astrogation

chart: he picked up the lumpy probe and `ported it in a wide parabolic

curve towards the Hiver.

The com officer gave a grunt of surprise. `Getting readings,'

Doplas said. `Can you hold it still a minute?' Rojer obliged and then

followed his directions so that, by the time he retrieved it, the probe

had done several circumnavigations around the Hive ship without,

apparently, alerting the ship to the probe's presence.

Rojer wasn't nearly as tired as he'd been yesterday but that brief

hour's work now occupied every area of the Genesee and every specialist

on all three ships of Squadron B. He was relegated to the sidelines

which he tried to take philosophically.

That lasted until dinner time when he was politely, if absently,

asked to eat in the main mess-hall. He didn't mind that because Gil

and Kat kept him company. The food was nearly as good as he'd gotten

at the captain's table and there was not nearly so much formality. And

a lot of the crew tried out their `Dini on his pair ... with often

amusing results. Gil was particularly good with pronunciation problems

but the methods by which it taught caused great hilarity and provided

an interesting evening's entertainment for everyone. He was proud of

his `Dinis and told them so.

He was roused from a sound sleep by an irritating noise and

finally realized that his comunit was squawking for attention.

`Hmmm? Yes, whacha wan'?' `Captain's compliments, Mr Lyon, and

can you come to the ready room immediately?' Grumpily, Rojer obeyed but

he didn't wake Gil and Kat. They were dead to the world. Someone

should get a full night's rest. Although he was in officer territory,

it was still a hike to the ready room. If he'd been wider awake,

he'd've `ported, but a Talent never did that without full control of

his faculties.

`Ah, there you are, Mr Lyon,' the captain said when he arrived but

there were scowls, an irritated tlock and snubbing switch of the upper

torso by one of the younger `Dini on Captain Prtglm's staff, as if he'd

deliberately delayed his appearance. That they'd been up all night was

obvious by the smell in the room, and the numbers of discarded mugs,

half full of cold liquid which orderlies were clearing away as well as

serving fresh drinks to both human and `Dini. `I'm happy to say that

your efforts bore extremely ripe fruit. There you are!' On the big

tactical screen Rojer sleepily noticed a Hive ship. Only something

about it wasn't quite right: it had coloured marks all over it:

different coloured marks that hadn't been on the original scans.

`I'm not sure what I should be looking for, Captain,' Rojer said,

too sleepy still to pretend to understand.

`You're looking at an unarmed Hiver, is what you're looking at,

lad,' Commander Metrios said, smiling with tired triumph. `She's a new

ship: not so much as a scratch on her hull. She's not on search or

armed to invade. That's a colony world and she doesn't expect us. And

it doesn't know we're on its doorstep.

`Yes, sir,' Rojer willingly agreed, hoping that was all that was

required of him.

`This time a Hiver will not escape,' Captain Prtglm said, and his

body mirrored satisfaction and triumph.

`If she doesn't have weapons, she can't defend herself,' Rojer

said blankly.

His comment caused all conversation in the big room to cease and

he became the unhappy focus of every eye, especially big poll eyes.

`Where's the glory in attacking an unarmed ship?' he asked,

looking directly at Captain Prtglm. The silence continued, but it had

a different quality: a quality that made Rojer terribly uneasy.

`You've a message you need me to send to the Alliance?' he went

on, thinking that was why he had been sent for. The silence was almost

deafening and he was too muddle-headed with sleep to be able to `read'

the conflicting ones. `Or do you want another probe sent out?' `A

message and a probe, lad,' Captain Osullivan said and then signalled to

one of the orderlies. `Some coffee for Mr Lyon, please. He'll need

his wits about him.' When Rojer settled in the couch on the bridge to

`path to Earth Prime, he heard and `felt' not so much animosity as

cynicism and dislike: not outright hatred but definitely contempt.

What he did hear, almost spoken aloud the thought was so strong,

was: `How can we be sure the kid'll send what's written?' The captain

handed him the message. `This must be transmitted verbatim, lad.'

`Sir,' and Rojer raised his voice so that he'd be heard across the wide

room, `a Prime, which I am, has the duty to send what he is given to

send and forget what he is not supposed to remember. I've been trained

in Tower ethics since I was old enough to use telepathy for distance

speaking ten years ago.

And that is why I was sent to serve on the Genesee, because I can

`path accurately over distance. When you're ready, Mr Metrios, I'll

need every erg those engines can give me right now.

To be sure he had made his point, he read the message in a low

voice that would be audible to the captain, Commander Metrios and the

com officer so that they'd know he had sent what he was asked to send

and without comment. He kept his mental tone even and bland but

inadvertently he caught his breath as he felt his grandfather's touch:

clear despite the distance involved.

That's some report, Roj. You been stirring things up?

Me, sir? No, sir.

Jeff Raven had not held his important position as Earth Prime and

the strongest T-1 in the Nine Star League without sensing what

sometimes was not `pathed. He altered his voice after his official

acknowledgement of the communique' to a less formal tone.

Giving you a bit of a rough time, huh, Roj? He was sympathetic

but bracing.

Nothing I can't handle, Granddad. I guess I'm just not used to

naval ways.

There'll be a reply to this, I'm sure, Rojer. Let's set an

arbitrary time every hour on the hour for reply. That'll make it a tad

easier on you. What is your current time?

Rojer looked up at the digital and told his grandfather the ship's

time: 0505. Then, out loud, he added, `The message has been

acknowledged at 0933 Earth time, Captain, and has already been

forwarded to the High Councils. Earth Prime asks me to be ready to

receive a message every hour on the hour: or 0600 Ship's time.' He

slipped out of the couch, making himself straighten up.

`If you don't need me now, sir, I'll get back to my `Dinis. If

they wake and find me gone, they won't know where to find me.' Rather

awkwardly, Captain Osullivan gave him a pat on the back. `Do that,

lad. Do just that.' The fourth time Rojer arrived on the bridge for

the appointed hour, to his immense relief, he `heard' his grandfather's

alert.

`The generators, please, Commander,' he said, nodding to Metrios.

He lay back and let the gestalt extend his range. He also pushed

down all the negative feelings he'd been subjected to during the last

four hours. Hell, he was only a kid. Why was he getting the stick?

It's not as if he could warn the Hivers. Or even wanted to. If

only he'd been more awake, he would have sensed the vibes in the room

and kept his mouth shut. No-one here could tell what he was thinking.

Were these some of the reactions his parents and grandparents had

had to deal with when they were among the unTalented?

That message put the cat among the pigeons, lad, his grandfather

said, chuckling. Here are their orders. Repeat mentally and vocally

after me. There 3" must be no misunderstanding. Rojer said that much

aloud. To Captain Etienne Osullivan, aboard the AS Genesee in response

to telepathed message received 0933 this date by Earth Prime. Reply

1300 hours precisely from Earth Prime Raven to Aurigaean Prime Lyon.

Message reads: No action is to be taken against unarmed ship. No

action must arouse the suspicions of the colony world that it has been

penetrated. If squadron can launch additional reconnaissance units of

the new type, details of the inhabited planets and moons would be of

inestimable value in formulating strategy. Repeat, further

reconnaissance may only be undertaken if there is no risk of disclosing

Alliance presence in the system. When the reconnaissance is completed,

or risk of discovery imminent, Squadron B is to retreat behind

heliopause, maintaining discreet surveillance of system. Do not,

repeat, do not engage enemy. This is by order of the High Councils of

the Alliance. Gktmglnt and Admiral Tohl Mekturian presiding. End of

signal. Earth Prime Raven sending.

Aurigaean Lyon receiving at Earth time 1300:10.90 and

acknowledging.

Well done, lad.

I'll hope they think so, Granddad.

They will. And you are entitled to call yourself Prime, you know,

since you're doing the work of one. That was delivered in a firm

admonitory tone which made Rojer wriggle a little in pride.

Grandfather would not have said something like that if he didn't

mean it. Then his voice took on its `official' tone. A message

capsule has also been des patched. That's what took so long, getting

it written down. Naval types! Get ready to catch it.

Confirmation of the message, signed, sealed and pick it up for

delivery... Now!

`A message capsule's on its way, Commander,' Rojer said, sitting

up and gesturing for Metrios to keep the generators up to peak. `It's

coming in now.' And the slim message tube dropped the last inch on to

the carpeted floor by the captain's feet. Rojer grimaced, wishing that

he had managed an absolutely, perfect landing. `This way, sir, you

know no-one 5 been able to tamper with it.' Someone, somewhere on the

bridge, gave a low whistle. The security officer glared around but the

culprit was not identified.

Captain Osullivan pressed his thumb to the seal of the tube and it

obligingly popped its lid, the rolled sheaf extruding. The captain

opened it, scanned it and grunted. `Good transmission, lad. Every

comma and dot in place.' He handed the flimsy to the com officer.

`Send a coded fax to the Arapahoe and the KTTS, for captains' eyes

only.' He was silent a moment, looking at the forward screens and the

distant glow of the G-type star. None of the planets that Rojer had

sent probes to were visible, just a tight pattern of winking stars of

all kinds.

`Mr Lyon, have you had lunch?' Rojer shook his head, unable to say

that he'd gone to the messroom but the moment he'd been seen, the place

had gone very quiet. He'd left, his `Dinis tlocking in distress behind

him.

`Then it's high time you did eat. We need your particular talents

again and we must be extremely delicate in our investigations.

Engineering, security, astrogation, exec, join us in the ready

room.

And Doplas, inform Captains Quacho and Prtglm that we'd like them

to join us if they'd signal the time to be `ported over after lunch.'

Of all her relatives, only her great-grandmother Isthia proved truly

understanding of what became known as Zara's Antic. Granny Isthia had

raised one beautifully arched eyebrow and said `You do teach them that

where there's a will there's a way!

If they implement their teachings, don't fuss.' Even her father

who was the most understanding kind of dad you could want had replied,

`What if she'd been killed?' `She's half Denebian. We're born

survivors!' was Isthia's imperious reply to that.

Zara had actually spent a lot of time and thought on how to

achieve her end. The will to the way was also well researched.

Eventually her mother gave her credit for that. What really

incensed Grandmother Raven had been Zara's shameless and often

unethical use of her Talent. The redeeming part of that was that Zara

had not abused or misused anyone or more than bent a few laws.

For days after Rojer left - and the nights in which Zara had had

horrible nightmares all involving him in lethal situations - Zara had

alternated Queen watching with her planning. Ever since hatching, the

Queen had been stationary. You couldn't call the use of one palp to

draw food to her mouth `activity' though she did that from time to

time.

Roddie had deftly replaced foods by the one palp used and put more

enticing offerings near the other forward limb. She stayed where she

was, her hind end in the mound of mixed shavings and eggs.

A theory was now circulating that this species of orthopterus

might require a male fertilization of the eggs after laying, not

before. There was endless discussion on the merits of every theory put

forth: sometimes rather loud and furious debates in which speakers lost

their temper with colleagues in other camps.

These discussions did more to make up Zara's mind than deter her

from her wild scheme, for it became painfully obvious that no-one knew

what to do for the Queen. Something would have to be done soon or Zara

was afraid she'd be lost. She was sure she would know if she could

only get close enough to `sense' the need. Roddie was doing as well as

a male could be expected to do. But the Hive Queen was female. It had

been females like her great-grandmother Isthia and her great-aunts,

Besseva and Rakella, who had `heard' the Hive response to the arbitrary

return of the one scout to survive the Rowan-Raven Repulsion above

Deneb.

And that act had brought the great ship to Deneb to be vanquished

in Deneb's hot sun. That was, of course, before the Mrdini had made

contact with humans: in fact it was why `Dinis had made contact with

humans. But that didn't exactly exonerate either from current actions

in Zara's estimation.

The only female on the Observation Module was the non-empathic

Captain Waygella. Why under the suns hadn't either her grandfather or

grandmother thought of putting a Talented empath on board that Module?

They hadn't. She had to supply the need.

That took timing as well as planning for although there was a lot

of FT&T traffic out of Aurigae, not as much as served her purpose went

to either Earth or even Callisto. That's where she had to be unethical

- listening in to `pathed messages to keep informed of what shipments

might be made to either Earth or Callisto. She'd secreted in her own

room a breathing unit in case she was obliged to go by carrier drone,

and a comfortable padded blanket.

She'd her travelling clothes ready and a small sac of necessities,

including travel food for they used such bars on longer hunting and

camping trips.

Her `Dinis, Pal and Diz, were in hibernation which solved that

problem. Not that she couldn't keep things from them but it would be

unfair of her to seem to desert them for no reason she could explain

beforehand.

Time got shorter. The Queen seemed enfeebled and nothing could

tempt her to eat more than a few mouthfuls and the intervals between

these were increasing.

Zara overheard her parents talking about Rojer on board the

Genesee. Until he'd managed to get some new sort of probe around the

inhabited planet of the Hive colony, he'd had some sort of problem on

board. Served him right, she thought disloyally, when he was actively

participating in the destruction of a species. And people said the

Hivers were predatory, merciless and ruthless. She was even pleased to

hear - and certainly did not form part of the majority - that this

colony world was swarming with all kinds of Hive life, with

well-developed defences, and hundreds of satellites and large ships

orbiting. Evidence suggested that the Hivers were even readying for

more exploratory voyages. That was, of course, what they did,

according to the `Dini.

When a world became too populated, that meant too many Queens, a

ship was provisioned with excess Queens and sent forth to find its own

world.

Would that procedure alter when the unarmed homeworld Hive ship

arrived to tell the colony of the nova, and the destruction of their

original system? Many thought it would cause chaos in every one of the

Hive worlds. Maybe even, the incurable optimists suggested, curtail

their explorations while they established a new homeworld. Others were

certain that it wouldn't even give the living Hivers a moment's pause.

There was speculation over what would happen if the Hive worlds

knew a Queen was held prisoner on Earth? Since it was unlikely that

even the B-squadron's quarry would know that the biggest ever Hive ship

had been destroyed, why would they care?

Which made this lone Queen's life even more important to Zara.

Miner Representative Mexalgo approached Aurigae Tower for

transport to Earth for an important meeting of the Federated Nine Star

Miners and Metallurgists Association. That was Zara's chance, for

Mexalgo was a large man, nearly two metres tall and close to one

hundred and ten kilos. He wouldn't fit in the usual single carrier. A

double was allotted him. He also had some alloy samples he wanted to

bring with him. Zara nearly yodelled with delight.

She was so slight in build that she wouldn't cause an imbalance,

especially if she `lifted' herself. And she was small enough so that

she could fit under the second padded couch, with a dark blanket

covering her from Mexalgo's notice.

And, when the double carrier was cradled in the yard first thing

in the morning, she took breakfast with the family as usual but when

she went back to her room, ostensibly to access her morning's Teach,

she assumed a crouched position and `ported right into the carrier.

She hadn't quite judged the interior and barked her shins hard

against the inner couch and scraped her back along the outer one.

She ought to have crouched long ways to the carrier, not athwart

it. Rubbing her legs fiercely and setting a minor block to reduce the

ache, she positioned herself, her sac, and the blanket so that she'd be

lost in the shadow when the carrier was open to settle M.R. Mexalgo.

She'd put her Teach on automatic the night before so it would air

and turn off at appropriate times, and left a note saying she'd gone to

look for greens.

No-one would expect to see her before dinnertime.

She had a moment's shock when something very heavy swung into her

back as Mexalgo settled himself.

`You'll want to secure those samples to the other couch, Mexalgo,'

the stationmaster said, and Zara caught in her breath and shielded

tightly against the chance that Keylarion might investigate.

`Why?' grunted the miner rep.

`Tower policy, sir. Wouldn't want you squashed.

The pack'll fit nicely on the spare couch and belt down safely'

That accomplished and the hatch closed. Despite holding her shields

down as tight as she could, Zara could `feel' the initial lift of the

capsule.

`Takes longer'n I thought it would,' Mexalgo was muttering. `When

are they going to `port me? Don't want to be late for that meeting.

Awkward having different times on different worlds. Why'nt they

synchronize?' Zara would have laughed at his ignorance and his

nervousness. She'd known when they left and when they'd arrived

seconds later, and then the hatch opened.

`Miner Representative Mexalgo?' and cool air flooded the carrier.

`I'm T-10 Guanil. Ground transport will take you to the Blundell

Building where an air car awaits you. Here, let me undo that for you,

sir.

Neither man had any inkling of her presence and Zara stopped the

trembling in her belly. She did exert just a little pressure to keep

the hatch from locking. Just that little bit wouldn't be noticed but

using the kinetics necessary to unlock it from the outside might be.

This was a secured area.

Outside she could hear all kinds of activity but then Earth Prime

was an extremely busy facility, especially since the operations against

the Hiver species had stepped up. She could pick up a gestalt from any

one of the engines she heard moving about outside. But where did she

want to go now?

She had to decide that no-one would expect to be `pathed here on

the cargo field. And Roddie was bringing shipments in from Earth every

day...

What if she could find one? If not today, then tomorrow.

Carefully she let her senses flow beyond the capsule, just as

she'd been taught, to estimate and establish her surroundings. It had

used to be a gene they'd all played, the reward of the most

comprehensive report got one of Dad's origami figures. She didn't have

as many as Laria, Thian and Rojer had got, but then she was younger

than they were and hadn't done that exercise as often. Morag'd only

gotten two.

She was amazed at the size of the cargo yard, as the cradles

emptied and filled almost instantaneously. Then she began to worry if

hers would be flipped out again and quickly, despite her barked shins

and bruised back, `ported herself underneath the carrier. There was

no-one immediately near by so she cautiously looked around the prow of

the capsule.

Gradually, as she `probed carefully, she realized that there were

distinct areas: she was in `live' cradle which was nowhere near as busy

as some of the others, where goods were loaded on to and from immense

grav-lift platforms that silently went up and down the ranks of drones,

large and small. Most of the grav-lift was crated or wrapped. Nothing

`fresh' Nothing even marked fresh food.

She was suddenly startled to hear voices coming near her.

`OK, use that double, Orry, a man's voice said.

`We can put the crates in. The Talent's always careful lifting so

nothing'll roll Out or crash about.

Handles his stuff like he would a baby. Don't know why he bothers

since she doesn't eat it.' `Who does eat then? Them in the Module.' `I

doubt it,' said the first voice with a snort. `It'd be contaminated or

something, having been down there by that critter. I sure as hell

wouldn't touch it. All this choice number-one stuff going to an

insect.' `Big insect . . . OK, strap this down. Harness'll just fit.

Zara did a scan, as she'd been taught, to assess mass and volume

in a capsule. There wasn't much space left. Yes, there was. If she

folded into a tight ball, she could just fit on the end of the couch

where the fresh fruit had been tied down.

This time she knocked herself on the head and nearly gave her

presence away as well by her inadvertent exclamation of pain.

`You hear that, Orry?' `Here what?' Ah, nothing. Let's get out of

the way. Carrier FT-387-B ready for lift. Now like I said -- And she

heard the voices dwindle away.

She also felt the lift: a little jerky as the Talent had to expend

more gestalt to `port her weight.

What have they sent along today? And, if she wasn't mistaken,

that voice was her cousin Roddie's.

She had done her homework, however, and knew exactly where she'd

been landed: in bay A, the Original facility of the now greatly

expanded Module. A second carrier should be in the other cradle. She

`ported herself out of the first one and then hid behind the second.

She'd bumps and bruises enough getting in and Out of capsules and

didn't want to risk any more.

She was no sooner hidden than the door slid open and she `sensed'

her cousin Roddie. His mind was full of his duty and his concern for

his charge. He'd ordered some specially succulent tropical fruits

she'd shown a real interest in fruit until just recently: eating and

saving pips and seeds. She wasn't even doing that lately. He had to

stimulate her appetite, somehow, someway. The xenobs and xenzoos were

getting vehement about her lack of interest in the larvae. Those

things could die from neglect just like the young of any species. If

the Queen didn't make a move to attend them soon, they'd have to be

taken from her to join the programme. Two had made successful

transitions to the next step in their life cycle . . Roddie only knew

the fact not the reality of the transition.

Zara congratulated herself on being on time. She wasn't too late.

She'd help the poor Queen. She'd save her. The sounds of

scuffling continued.

`Right. The fruit first,' and Zara followed Roddie's mind as he

delivered sweet-perfumed melons to the occupant of Heinlein Base.

`Bingo!' he said.

His irreverent attitude towards important things had always raised

dislike in his cousins and, despite having heard his mental

ruminations, it roused Zara's enmity. She followed his second `port.

Felt his confusion. `Hey, now, what's that?' `What's what,

Lieutenant?' `I don't quite know, Sergeant, but I think I should find

out.' Horrified, Zara took a deep breath and followed the direction of

his last `port and slipped on the congealed juices of many ripe fruits,

falling backwards and cracking her head against a larval sac.

For a long moment, Zara was stunned. And then she felt terribly

cold: as if every fibre of her body was frozen. Zara paused, knowing

perfectly well that the temperature of the base was kept at 32

degrees Celsius. Then she looked down at the motionless body of

the Queen. It was a lot larger than Zara realized: taller than she

was, though she wasn't tall: short for a Lyon, in fact. Not for a

Gwyn. Fleetingly she remembered Rojer telling her how much she

resembled her grandmother.

Well, she did, and she was here for a purpose.

And she had part of the answer. 32 degrees Celsius was not warm

enough for an egg-laying queen nor the eggs around here. Zara sensed

terrible hunger, terrible weakness, fear of leaving a. task undone.

Solitude! Hunger! Cold! Strangeness everywhere.

Cold! Hunger!

Zara Raven-Lyon? What are you doing down there? She stared up at

the Observation Module, aware she was dripping rancid fruit juice.

She's cold! She's bloody freezing to death! She's frozen, that's

why she can't eat. Turn up the temperature. Get more shavings down

here to cover her and her eggs or you're going to lose them all.

How under the seventy suns of the Alliance do you know that, Zara

Lyon?

Hive minds are female. The Rowan and everyone else who heard the

Hive Many Mind were female.

I'm female! She's cold! Turn up the heat!

I've already turned it. And I'm turning you up here to face heat

of another kind, young lady!

Zara felt him touch her, to `port her to the Module. She

resisted, grinning.

Did you forget, Cousin Rhodri, that I'm T-i? You can't lift me

unless I want to come.

I suggest, said another voice with great authority and no humour,

that you lift yourself into the Module immediately, Zara Gwyn-Lyon!

Grandmother Rowan, don't make me until she's warm enough to eat

because she needs help and I'll give it to her if no-one else will!

Why you cheeky little snip!

A male chuckle spared Zara from matching strengths with her

grandmother. She's come a long way to do this, Rowan, and it was her

grandfather. Since she's brave enough to be there, and may be correct

in her diagnosis, let's give her the chance to prove it. Otherwise,

the experts are fearful we will lose the Queen.

Over the next two hours, Zara removed what she could to reach some

comfort for herself in what became midsummer tropical heat. But the

Queen began to move, began to eat, and Zara pushed more and more food

close enough for her to grasp it with her palps.

When the bales of shavings appeared, Zara piled them around the

eggs and the larvae. Her cousin sent her down something to drink to

ease her own parched throat, a sweat-band and replaced towels as soon

as they became sopping.

Then slowly, the Queen worked herself free of her egg pile,

crawling forward on her upper limbs.

Zara, keeping a respectful distance from those long arms and

powerful-looking palps, remounded the shavings. The Queen continued to

eat. When she stopped, Zara moved as far from her as she could, with

the larvae in between. The Queen busied herself with adding more

shavings, as if criticizing Zara's efforts. Then she went into

stationary mode.

Zara could sense nothing.

You've done what you set out to do, Zara, now report to the

Module, her grandmother said but she didn't sound angry even if her

statement of what Zara was to do now was not something Zara would, or

could, disobey. I suggest that you shower before you join us on

Callisto. There was a thread of amusement in that addition.

`I'm in for it though,' Zara thought, `but I did do what I set out

to do. And the Queen will live now!' To her surprise those on the

Module did not attack her, or put a guard over her. The first thing

Captain Waygella did was hold her nose and suggest a clean-up for the

first priority.

`We've got a good recycling plant in the Module but, child, you'll

use up all the deodorants for the month.' So Zara was led, at a jog

trot, to the sanitary facility, someone thrust a big towel in her hand

and someone else a knee-length tunic and some soft-soled station shoes.

Only when she picked up her suit, after a long shower, did Zara

realize the pong she'd given off. At arm's length she pinched two

fingers on the leg and thrust it into the disposal.

Then she scrubbed the fingers again.

She was just opening the door, noting a female soldier outside

when she was arbitrarily `ported to the shuttle and beside the carrier

she'd hidden behind.

In you get, chi(d, her grandfather said. We'll spare you what

publicity we can.

Zara `sensed' that Jeff Raven wasn't exactly angry with her, more

surprised than angry, but it was only him she could be sure of on that

score.

She was right about that for when she arrived at Callisto, she was

met in the yard by Gollee Gren, her grandfather's first assistant, and

the man who decided where Talents should be placed when they were old

enough to have official assignments.

`You have surprised all of us, young Zara!' `But, don't you see,

Uncle Gall, I had to do what I did. No-one else knew.' `Zara, honey,'

and he put an arm about her shoulders, sort of guiding her towards the

path that led to her grandmother's house, `the only thing that saves

you from being sent for ever to a boondock Capellan transfer station is

that you did know. And you did save the Queen.' Zara began to feel a

little better and lengthened her step to match his longer stride. His

arm was comforting across her shoulders and she `knew' that she'd need

comforting if her mother was in Grandmother's house. She didn't even

dare `sense' if her parents were there.

I'm here, and she felt the cool serenity of her great-grandmother

lap over her. Your mother and father are far too busy pushing big

daddies about the Alliance.

Then they were on the steps and the door was open.

Great-grandmother Isthia and, Zara's eyes widened, the woman she

was named after was there as well, Elizara. That sank Zara's spirits.

She'd've known where she was with Mother and Dad, even with

Grandmother and Grandfather, but Isthia and Elizara. . ! Uncle

Gollee's arm was still strong on her shoulders and she felt the touch

of both her great-grandmother and the medic implacably - if kindly

gathering her to them.

Rojer woke when he heard the klaxon of red alert.

He scrambled into clothes, wondering for a brief frantic second if

he was supposed to go to his escape pod. But this was red alert, not

abandon ship. He was supposed to report to the bridge for either

yellow or red alert. He pushed his feet through the legs of the

fatigue suit, found the ship shoes with his toes at the same time as he

poked his arms through the sleeves.

STAY HERE. WILL RETURN FOR YOU, he told his

sleepy `Dinis as he closed the front fastening. Then

he `ported himself to his station on the bridge and

just missed colliding with Commander Metrios who

was lunging for his station.

Rojer opened his mind and found the captain's.

The alert was not for danger to them but to the incoming `Dini

which seemed to be under attack.

The previous day, Rojer had put several probes into geosynchronous

orbits about the inhabited planet, high enough to avoid many Hive

units, and about the moons which previous probing had shown to have

weapon emplacements of some kind.

These planetary probes were showing unusual activity and the lunar

ones indicated that long-range torpedoes were being aimed at the

incoming vessel.

`Doesn't have an updated security code, huh?' Metrios remarked to

their gunnery officer, a Lieutenant-Commander Yngocelen.

`Either that or they know that vessel's coming in loaded with

Queens and they don't need more.

Bearing in mind,' Yngocelen added, `what we know of their

colonizing rationale and what seems to be happening on the planet.'

`Yes, but it's their own species, isn't it?' the astrogator said, her

voice puzzled.

`Like I said, maybe they don't have today's password. Wouldja

look at that barrage! Damned glad we don't have to run it!' `They're

not hitting a thing. Look at the blasts!' `Maybe a shot across the

bows?' suggested the exec.

`Their markmanship's not great, Ynggie,' Metrios said

contemptuously. `And the incoming's not in range, not by spatials!

Why'nt they wait?' `Call for you, Captain,' Doplas said, `signal

from Captain Prtglm.' `On screen.' `This is how they fight, Captain

Osulvan, Prtglm said. `Barrage will continue until ship is either

destroyed or retires. Then it will be followed until it is dead.' `But

it's their own ship, Captain.' `The Queens do not like to share,

Osulvan,' Prtglm replied.

`Perhaps the incoming ship has not been able to identify itself as

being a Hiver, or that it comes from the destruction of the homeworld.'

`That does not matter, Osulvan. Too many Queens!

The extra die!' `At least we're learning where their

surface-to-space missiles are launched,' Yngocelen said, his hands busy

over his terminal. `I'm logging them in.' Any chance they'd exhaust

their supply so we'd have a clear run in?' Metrios said.

`Not a valid theory, Commander,' Prtglm said.

`Wooops!' Doplas said and one of the probe screens suddenly went

blank.

The loss of one probe did not mitigate the volume of destruction

that could be followed.

`This is different,' Prtglm said suddenly as the missiles which

had begun to land on the surface of the incoming ship altered to miss.

`They can't miss. They're in range,' cried Ynggie.

`How can they possibly miss? They're bouncing missiles off the

hull!' A rasp of `Dini laughter caused all talk on the Genesee bridge

to stop. They need the ship unharmed. They wish to force the Queens

to leave it.

This is a new tactic. Very new. Very intringsic After a while,

it didn't seem so to Rojer who had to rub his eyes every now and then

as the battle, millions of miles below, was relayed by the probes to

the interested audience. Due to relay time, they didn't realize

exactly when it was over ...

except there were less tiny sparks about the third planet.

`Watch, allies,' Prtglm said, intoning in such a deep voice that

everyone obeyed. `Observe that escape pods now leave ship.' One probe

was fortunately in the perfect position for such an observation.

`They're bloody well sitting ducks, if those bugs have the range,'

Ynggie said.

He groaned as each of the sixteen pods leaving the safety of the

Hive ship was blasted to bits, seconds into its escape trajectory.

`Now, how do they take over the ship?' the exec asked. `No Queen

minds to tell the ordinary ranks what to do... and they haven't stopped

firing, have they?' `What to happen is not known. Observe. This is

not usual pattern.' What happened took far longer than forcing the

Queens to abandon their ship. Rojer had, in fact, fallen asleep on his

couch, weary of watching screens. The com officer roused him with a

few gentle shakes to his shoulder.

`We need you, lad,' he said kindly, but his face was haggard with

fatigue. `It's over and we've got to report it.' What.... happened,

finally, sir?' Rojer knuckled his eyes but a cup of steaming coffee was

put in front of him and he took it gratefully from the astrogator

Langio.

`The incommer ran Out of ammunition, by the looks of it,' Metrios

said, pausing before he sipped from his own cup. `Then a big shuttle

blew a hole midships - probably a cargo or docking area. Prtglm said

that once Queens got on board, they'd take over control of the crew.

But that's only supposition because as Prtglm kept saying on and

on and on ` Doplas muttered, rolling his eyes.

The `Dinis have no precedent for the behaviour we witnessed. Now

everybody, except you, Rojer, can stand down from red alert. Nor shall

I keep you up much longer, either,' Captain Osullivan said, and

surprised Rojer no end by giving him a friendly buffet on the shoulder

as he extended the notepad.

Grandfather was sleepy, too, but he was instantly alert when he

recognized Rojer's voice and overrode apologies.

Rojer delivered the message, speaking it aloud, which of course

made it much longer to transmit.

Well, that is stunning news. Then his grandfather chuckled. The

Squadron would have had a very warm welcome had it ploughed right in

there as some would have liked. Don't repeat that, Rojer.

Of course not, sir, and Rojer even managed to keep his face

straight. We were on red alert. For hours. I'm not sure how long the

fighting did last.

That's irrelevant, Rojer. That it occurred, with such ferocity

and duration, with such a result, is!

Caution, and more caution, are needed. Even the most bellicose

`Dini will see that now. That battle may have saved many human and

`Dini lives.

But, Grandfather, for Rojer realized that the official part of

their contact had been discharged, there're now four Hive ships that

this world can use for colonizing. That's not good.

Perhaps, Rojer. But they haven't left that system yet. Maybe

they won't. I'm nattering with you, lad, because I've sent Captain

Osullivan's report and there may be an immediate signal back. Can you

stay awake? I can feel you yawning along with me.

Rojer grinned. He saw Captain Osullivan's eyebrows raise in

query. `Earth Prime wants me to stay in touch, sir, in case there's an

immediate reply to your report.' `Oh!' And Captain Osullivan began to

pace up and down the narrow walkway along the stations.

Many of the other officers had left the bridge and the duty

helmsman had been replaced. A lieutenant manned Doplas' seat but the

nice astrogator was still at her desk, blinking frequently as she

stared at the display in front of her.

Fraid we'll have to leave you where you are, Rojer, his

grandfather said, and that goes for the squadron, too. Repeat aloud

`Message for Captain Osullivan aboard AS Genesee, report received.

Data being analysed. The squadron is to remain in present

positions unless enemy traffic requires resettlement. All activity on

subject planet is to be reported on an ongoing basis: in twelve-hour

intervals unless increased activity suggests imminent departure of

enemy ships.

Reconnaissance by probe must be continued and the scope increased

if at all possible. Additional personnel will be teleported at further

notice. High Councillor Gktmglnt and Admiral Tohl Mekturian.

End message.' Rojer, I think your brother will be joining you.

May even be replacing you.

Aw, Granddad, it's getting exciting now! And they don't think of

me as just a `kid' anymore!

Professionally and personally, I'm delighted to hear that, but I

do believe that you may have witnessed the only `exciting' part that

will happen for a while. Be that as it may, you're stuck there a while

longer.

Hurrah!

Thian is six weeks at least from a point where we can `port him

from the KLTL. You're stuck on board till then.

That's all right with me, sir. Commander Metrios is giving me

some naval engineering courses, so I'm not even missing schooling.

Ha! was his grandfather's surprising comment.

You're not the only one of my grandchildren who takes the

initiative. Since you couldn't possibly guess what your sister Zara

did She got to see the Queen?

There was such a pause that Rojer wondered if he'd lost contact

and then he heard the low chuckle.

You're not adding precog to your other Talents, are you, Rojer?

No, sir, I just know she was in bits over Queen.

On the contrary, she put bits together, Rojer. You may be proud

of your sister. She's staying on Earth, living on Ca llis to, and

studying with Elizara.

Meanwhile, there's a female T-4 on the Module, monitoring the

Queen. Zara discovered the poor creature was freezing to death.

Temperatures in an egg-laying chamber are degrees higher than they

would be anywhere else in a Hive.

You mean, Zara did all this from Aurigae? Rojer was overwhelmed

by his sister's abilities.

His grandfather gave him a summary of his sister's adventure,

which astonished Rojer thoroughly because he hadn't thought she'd ever

do something as wild as that.

Sometimes, Rojer, we don't know what we are capable of until we

have unexpected goals to achieve!

Zara's happily placed with Elizara now, to the relief of all of

us, I might add. Now, as I can feel you yawning, you get to bed.

We've a waiting game to play, but for now, we can all get some

rest.

The End-For the Time Being