“We can notify your family and clan,” the elder continued. “It will be explained that you are working on a government project of great importance. No lies will be told. We will merely exercise judicious concealment. They should be quite satisfied. Meanwhile, you will be given as free an antenna as possible to work among these creatures.”

“Then why not let me tell them they can return home?” Ryo wondered.

“I am interested in a species of carnivore called the produbia,” one of the elders said. “It lives in the jungles of Colophon. While I am fascinated by its eating habits I have no desire to explore its method of digestion from the inside. We will remain friendly with these creatures, but cautious.”

“I would rather,” the military observer interrupted, “risk the loss of a potential new ally than expose Hivehom to the attentions of a race that cannot even control its most primitive instincts.”

Ryo’s initial reaction to these comments was barely controlled fury. This gave way gradually to rationalization. The attitude of the government, as represented by the six questioners in the chamber, was dreadfully wrongheaded. But there was nothing he, Ryo, could do about it. The aliens would never be allowed to leave.

That would mean that the Thranx would not gain the benefits of interspecies cooperation. Neither would the monsters. As to the business about their being subject to racial paranoia and homicidal tendencies, he simply refused to believe it. The xenopsychs were misinterpreting their data. Machines again, he thought bitterly. Statistics.

No readout would ever convince him that the time he’d spent in the wilderness with Bonnie and Loo had been filled with deceiving data. But for now all he could do was be patient and try to make friends with their associates.

“Yes, I’ll help you. It’s my duty, of course.”

“We knew that would be your reaction.” The elder spokesman was most gratified as he checked his chronometer. “I had not realized we’d been so long. We do not wish to strain you.”

“I am fine,” Ryo admitted honestly.

“No. Enough for now,” one of the other elders said. “We can reconvene tomorrow.”

“I need to meet the other monsters,” Ryo said.

“Of course. As soon as you wish,” Drin told him. “Quarters have been prepared for. you. You will have all the assistance you need. I envy you. I too would like to be able to study these creatures and interact with them at first hand. For now, however, we have to rely on you to interpret.”

Not only because I can communicate with them so well, but because I’m the only one they trust, Ryo thought bitterly.