“That’s only to be expected,” Loo noted, “but we didn’t have an ally working for us outside before, either.”

“Very true.” A strange feeling rippled through Ryo, a combination of the way both monsters had stared at him out of their vitreous single-lensed eyes and the way Loo had pronounced the word “ally.”

Days passed, stretched inexorably into months. Eventually Ryo was allowed to communicate freely with his family. From Fal to sire to clanmates, all were pleased but puzzled. They’d been told that he was engaged in very important, serious work for the government. This had been openly accepted.

For his part Ryo was pleased to learn that his initial perfidy in ignoring family and clan directives had been put aside. All were content to accept that he was doing useful work and that he would return home when feasible.

As the days rolled on and the monsters were more tranquil and cooperative, the authorities relaxed their surveillance somewhat, but not even Ryo’s continued assurances that the monsters had come to terms with their fate was enough to convince every member of the observation-and-study staff.

Most of the monsters could now speak some Thranx. A few Thranx were struggling to acquire fluency in monster speech, though this was deliberately and subtly discouraged on Loo and Bonnie’s orders.

Ryo was given a formal position with the research team and the title of assistant consultant. The income momentarily took his breath away. It was considerably more than he accumulated as board member for the Inmot Company’s Paszex operations. He felt guilt at accepting such position and compensation when he was spending most of his time planning to contravene everything he was being paid to do, but he accepted it all with apparent gratefulness.

A time came when even Wuu was ready to return to Willow-wane. The old poet assured Ryo that once his affairs were back to normal he would take the time to travel to Paszex so he could meet with Ryo’s family and assure them of his good health in person.

In addition to his research work and mastering the human language Ryo also casually acquired a thorough knowledge of X Section and all security measures. The monsters’ shuttlecraft was located in a small hangar nearby. It was subject to intense study by Thranx engineers. Occasionally several closely guarded monsters would be allowed aboard to explain design functions and Ryo would accompany them as interpreter.

During such visits security surrounding and on board the shuttle quadrupled. Given such precautions, it took Ryo some time to formulate a plan promising even a slight chance of success.