“If we don’t make successful, friendly contact,” she went on, “then any chance our two peoples have for understanding each other will be drowned by the initial outpouring of visceral, ancestral loathing for creatures of Ryo’s appearance.” She broke off suddenly, as if amazed at the length and passion of her unintended polemic.

“That’s all I have to say about it, sir. I’ve already lost a—a very good friend. As you said, two men are dead. That’s only a portent of what could come.”

“No disrespect intended, Colonel Davis,” Sanchez said, “but you can only speak for your immediate staff. The same is true for you, Dr. Rijseen.”

“I will enter the revised staff recommendation in the computer,” Rijseen said, not offended. “You can check it, through your on-board system. All points about keeping this quiet are well taken and will be properly acted upon.

“As to whether this incident will be followed by your suggested establishment of formal contact with the Thranx, that remains to be discussed. On that I really do not have the authority to make promises. Such a decision requires the blessings of at least three of the five acting members of the ruling board of the Terran Society for the Advancement of Science and Exploration, plus permission from the appropriate governmental agencies and elected authorities. The political ramifications are explosive.”

“Then if you cannot promise, you can at least promise to try,” Sanchez said.

“I will do my best. Of course, if you do not return there can be no discussion. What do you say?”

“It’s not for me to make the decision.” She looked back at the large arthropod who was carefully preening his left antenna.

“Ryo, I don’t know you as well as I’d like to. Not as well as Bonnie does, or Loo did. This is your choice to make. If you insist, we’ll move out to five planetary diameters and head for your home. I know what awaits you there, but it’s up to you to decide.” She didn’t smile. She rarely did. “I wouldn’t blame you after all this for wanting to return to your own kind.”

“I really am not sure what to do. I am an agricultural expert, not one prepared to determine the course of future relations, between two species.”

“Like it or not,” Bonnie said, “you’ve been put in that position.”

“Put your trust in God,” Bhadravati urged him.

“Yours or mine?”

“There’s only one God, by whatever name you call him,” the scientist said.

“Theology student, yes? I can see that you and I are going to have many long conversations, Dr. Bhadravati. There is a friend of mine—at least, I left him as a friend—whom I think you would enjoy talking to more than me, but he is not with us right now. I hope someday you have the privilege of meeting him.”