“Of course. A perfectly reasonable request,” she muttered. “The department you wish to visit is normally closed to nonmilitary inquiries. But since you’ve come such a long way, I will see what I can do for you.”

“Thank you,” said Wuu. “Up till now we’ve had very little help. We’re very tired. Your assistance is most welcome.”

“It’s no bother,” said the soldier, gratified.

The soldier studied her readouts as her fingers danced on the keyboard. “Xenology has its own divisions and subburrows, and a staff devoted to Motivational Analysis.”

“That sounds promising,” Ryo said.

“Here you are, then.” She touched some keys and a pink plastic wand emerged from a hole. She picked it up, inserted it briefly into another hole. There was a pulse of light within the counter and a soft buzz. Then she handed it across the counter to Ryo.

“That’s your directional pass.” Rising in the saddle, she pointed to her left, toward a corridor. Stripes in a dozen different fluorescent colors ran along the framing walls, parallel to the floor.

“Follow the pink stripe,” she instructed them. “Eventually you’ll reach the Xenology Burrow. Motivational Analysis is located on the right. If you become disoriented or have any questions,” she indicated the hole in the counter, “there are information-access points like this one set in the walls. Insert your pass for additional information.” She settled back into her saddle.

“Thanks to you. Thanks greatly,” said Ryo, taking the tiny wand. “Good day and night and a second metamorphosis to you.”

“Good luck.” The soldier was already talking politely to the next supplicant. Ryo was far more gratified than offended by the abrupt dismissal.

The tunnels and corridors of the military complex seemed endless, but no more so than those of Central Administration where they’d wandered hopelessly for days. They descended a dozen levels and crossed whole cubes before the use of the pass stick and judicious questioning of passersby finally brought them to an entranceway marked XENOLOGY—MOTIVATIONAL ANALYSIS Ryo slipped the pass into the hole in the door, which parted obediently.

They stood in a circular, domed chamber. Three desks occupied the three triangular divisions of the chamber to left, right, and straight ahead. Peculiar creatures were mounted on the walls and tridimensional murals of alien landscapes camouflaged chip files and ceiling. Ryo shook as if he were preparing to mate.

An efficient-looking soldier in a green vest greeted them. Three metallic green stars and one brown one were set into his shoulder.

“What service may I perform for you, sirs?” He did not ask what they were doing in the chamber. Without the proper pass, they would not have been admitted. He naturally assumed they were on legitimate business.

Ryo repeated the story he’d told the information clerk. “Yes, I recall many of those sporadic and nasty little attacks on Willow-wane,” the soldier said sadly. “Your world is not the only colony to suffer such attention. There have been many such incidents. Too many. But we are scientists here, not combat burrow. There is no penalty for expressing opinion, however.”