“They are being treated as prisoners, looked upon by many with disgust. That is hardly an atmosphere conducive to cultural understanding,” Ryo argued. “They must have all sorts of things to offer us, from the arts through the sciences. This in addition to military alliance against the AAnn.”

“I am sorry, my boy. The only thing I’ve noticed about them that has made much of an impression on me so far is their violence and their smell, both of which I believe we could survive without. I am surprised you cannot see this.”

“Perhaps—perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I’ve been deluding myself. The days out there in the clith …”

“The strain is quite understandable,” Wuu said sympathetically. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

“I guess you’re right. Surely all the specialists cannot be wrong. I need … just some time. The excitement of the moment of contact, of mutual supportiveness out there …”

“I know it is discouraging, but this is the time for calm consideration of all the facts, not just those you may have been exposed to personally, my boy. You were not alone in your thinking, by the way. Many of the scientific study group favored expanding contact with these people. But at the last, when time came to make the actual decision, they too realized it was better to err on the side of caution. Enthusiasm always gives way under the assault of reason and good judgment.

“You have come a long way from the fields of Paszex. It must be discouraging to see the adventure come to an end, but eventually youthful enthusiasms must give way to reality. The reality is that such contact is not regarded as advantageous by the majority of elders here. I am pleased you have matured sufficiently to realize the truth of this.”

“What you say about my enthusiasm is undeniably true,” Ryo quietly confessed. He sighed and his thorax pulsed. “At least I will be permitted to remain to study these fascinating creatures further.”

“It is not a question of permission, as you well know. The authorities actively solicit your assistance. It is conceivable that had you not agreed to do so, they might have invoked security edicts to keep you here. Your experiences are unique, as is your relationship with the monsters.

“At least you will have one nongovernment friend here while I remain, though flexible and ingratiating as you are, I’ve no doubt you will soon have many friends among the staff.”

“It will be comforting to know you are around,” Ryo told him. “Such discussion as we have just concluded is exhilarating as well as enlightening.”

“For me as well. More material for the massive volume I intend to compile that will detail our entire journey. An arduous work, but one which I look forward to completing. It will be a monument.”