He threw Fal a sharp look.

“For the same reasons, Ryo,” Fal told him. “If our positions were reversed, you would do the same for me. I’ve worked for that credit as hard and as long as you. You’ve not the right to do whimsy with it.”

“Let me have my share then.” His tone was coaxing, affectionate.

“No. When this attack fades from your mind and you are your rational self once more, you will be grateful for what all your friends have done for you. You have many friends, Ryo.”

“It does not matter,” Ilvenzuteck said. “Even if you had access to all the credit it would not be nearly enough to carry you to Hivehom. You have no concept of the costs of the greater society. Your Learning Time did not include that.”

“I’d get there. One way or the other, I’d get there.”

“Is that truly your wish, or only what you think you wish?” she continued shrewdly. “You’ve listened to me. You’ve seen the reaction of all who love you most. Is it not possible they are right and you are wrong? Against experience, tradition, and love you can marshal only a vague ‘desire.’ Who then musters the better argument, Ryozenzuzex? You are intelligent Use that intelligence now and speak truthfully with your inner self.”

He seemed to slump, his body to droop between his legs. “I cannot fight your arguments, Clanmother. I suppose you are right. You are all right.” He did not sound pleased, but the intensity had left him. “It was the excitement of the moment, the possibilities I saw. But I see now that they are not for me. Foolishness. I am ashamed.”

He executed a gesture of embarrassment mixed with mild humor. “When inspected dispassionately from outside, it does indeed appear irrational and immature.”

“There’s no need to feel embarrassed,” his sire said.

“You are admired for your confession to reality. If your curiosity is so great, perhaps you should have chosen information processing for a career.”

“Not a bad thought. Maybe someday I still could, as a second profession.”

“Perhaps,” Ilvenzuteck said soothingly. She was watching him closely. “How do you feel?”

“Not too well,” he said. “Tired.”

“Understandable. Enough of this silliness, now. Go back to your admirable apartment with your premate.”

“If you want to, that is, Ryo.” Fal was worried.

“Of course I want to.” He looked around gratefully. “I thank you, thank you all, for what you’ve done. For your concern and your affection. I’ve been an idiot, and not for the first time. But for the last.”

Fal approached him and they entwined antennae lovingly.

“That’s much better.” Ilvenzuteck sighed in relief. “A night best forgotten. We’ve all been roused from a sound sleep and all must work tomorrow. So, everyone to home, and let it be the last said of this matter.”

Days passed. Unexpectedly a second message arrived from Brohwelporvot. Fal didn’t hesitate to show it to Ryo. The wording and phrasing were calm, controlled, wholly typical of Broh as opposed to the previous hysterical and life-disrupting communication.