One of the human officials spoke up. He was ordinarily silent and said very little. Nor did he seem gifted with unusual intelligence. Yet his comments were always relevant and to the point.

“I can understand your use of the term desirable. But ‘vital’? I’ve been informed that your command of our language is quite good, and from what I’ve seen so far I wouldn’t dispute that But are you sure of your use of the word?”

“Yes. Vital.” Ryo added a gesture of maximum emphasis that was lost on his attentive listeners. “Vital for our survival because of the increasing depredations of the AAnn and because our culture badly needs a kick in its gestalt, vital to you for your mental stability.”

Several of the officials stirred uneasily, but the white- haired man in their midst only laughed. “I’ve studied the claims you’ve made for your psych techs. Alliances are not made by psychologists.”

“Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad change,” Sanchez suggested softly.

The man glared at her. “I understand Mr. Ryoz—ryiez …”

“Just Ryo,” the Thranx said.

“I understand your reasoning.” He bent to examine papers on the table in front of him, spoke while reading. “It is your contention that a close alliance between and association of our peoples would be beneficial to the mental health of the human species.”

“I have reasons to believe that to be so,” admitted Ryo. “So you think you’re better than we?”

“Not better, just different As I just stated, I believe there are many things you have to offer in return, though doubtless many officials of the government of Hivehom would dispute that.”

“You mentioned a ‘kick’ of some kind,” put in another official.

“Our culture is immensely successful. We have enjoyed interspecies peace for thousands of years. This stability has bred technological success. It has also led to sterility in other areas. Many of your art forms, for example, I find delightful. Your music, your forms of recreation … there is great energy there, reflective of your racial hysteria. These are outlets for your cerebral furies. We could be another. It would benefit us both.”

“Then you want to channel us?” the fat man said dangerously.

“No, no!” Ryo struggled to convey his exasperation as best he could in human terms, without the use of gestures. It was a constant struggle to talk only with air and not with your limbs and body. “I don’t want to channel you, don’t want to see you directed. There is nothing of dominance in this. I don’t want us to do anything for you, or to you. Only with you.”

“With us.” The official considered. “A fine sentiment, but by your own admission it will be difficult to convince your own people of that.”