“Our First Psychostamin, Beirje, would have been a more appropriate choice,” said Arris jovially. “All that fresh meat strolling around in the person of solitary hunters and tourists that the nye aren’t allowed to touch—that inhibiting of their natural instincts, plus the amount of sickening free water present on this planet—”

“Please,” interrupted Carmot. “I know. One look from the shuttle coming in was sufficient. I am not a strong nye. I confess to having become ill. I extend sympathy to my colleague.”

“A more apropos greeting you couldn’t give,” replied the xenobiologist. The two scientists performed the AAnn ritual greeting, clasping each other’s throat with claws retracted.

“I know your reputation, CDC. I am honored to meet so venerable a superior.”

“What compliments you to me even more than your judicious and professional flattery, Observer First, is the relief from boredom that your discovery has brought to this Sector. I have never seen requests for supplies and scientific personnel filled so rapidly! While I dislike being exiled to this hell, I confess I’m enjoying the unusual cooperation from those pause-thinkers at headquarters.”

“Again, sympathy. How do you stand the dampness?”

“The machinery does its best. But you should see some of the nye who are forced to run outside patrol.” Arris shuddered.

“It’s a choice slice of purgatory, Observor,” Arris added. “Yet I believe, too, that your discovery may prove justification for the Corps false pride in maintaining this station.”

“Your pardon, gentlenye,” Commander Parquit interrupted. “Since Engineering has completed the last of the facilities, should we not hasten to observe the transfer of the thing? It is due shortly.”

“Surely, surely!” said the xenobiologist. He led the way down the hall.

“I might hope even that the efforts expended in this project might yield, yea, a small advantage to the Empire for the next conflict with the humanx underbeings.”

“You anticipate war, then, Commander?” asked Carmot.

“One can anticipate without predicting. When the predictors feel it worthwhile, we will engage again. Meanwhile we must curb ourselves. Each must make his sacrifice. When I am required in the City, for example, I find myself considering the well-fleshed human governor from a culinary rather than diplomatic stance. Restraint is the marker of confidence.”

“Well said,” huffed Arris as they turned yet another corner.

For a time now the Vom had perceived atmosphere around itself. At least its senses had improved to that point, however little. Otherwise it was aware only of being suspended in a strong metallic container between two pulsing energy sources. These it correctly interpreted as sources of motive power for its “cage.” The gravity field of the planet beneath had been felt long ago. The Vom was still terribly, terribly weak. Its awareness of that weakness made it cautious.

For example, even though it had now regained enough strength to break free, it did not long consider the idea. It knew that it could spread its organic envelope thin enough to float gently to the surface below, or compact itself and drop to safety deep in rock.