“Well, in the beginning, I destroyed them. I hadn’t caught on. I played into their hands. I won the battles that they fomented. And they were crude, these early Replimoids, some apelike, others mechanical. They went to the very opposite extreme of what they had achieved in enhancing me. But whatever the case, I was a better leader. I won out against their emissaries. But for all I know, there are surviving Replimoids out there now.” He made a gesture to include the wide world. “For all I know there are Replimoids up north building transmitting stations among the northern tribes who are far beyond my influence. There are Replimoids perhaps beyond the seas on islands that have no name. How can we know? And some Replimoids they sent in the first years of Atalantaya disappeared without a trace when I refused to go with them outside the dome—wandering back out to report the failure of their mission, I presume, and being given some other dreary task if not the making of more transmission stations.”

“And no one has ever remained with you to work with you?” asked Derek. “To give you their allegiance?”

“Yes,” said Amel. “They exist and they are here, and they are scattered throughout Atalantaya. But even the latest are not as complex or beautifully realized as you are. The last group before you was excellent, I have to admit. But not as fine as you are.” He paused as if to ponder. “But there are a few here, yes, a very few. Alas, like me, and like you, they are sterile. They’re good workers. But no new tribe can ever be grown from those of us who have been the playthings of Bravenna. Our offspring must be the promotion of love and goodness. Because that is all we can birth and nurture.”

Derek gasped at this. I found myself smiling. Our offspring must be the promotion of love and goodness.

“I want to stay here,” said Derek. He turned to me. “I want to remain with Amel and learn from Amel and serve Amel!” He looked at me, waiting for some sort of permission. “I don’t care if they kill me for it. Who knows, but there aren’t devices inside of us by which they are listening to us here, and devices by which they can paralyze me and punish me! I don’t care! I want to be with Amel!”

“Derek, what authority have I over you?” I asked. “Any authority given me was given by Bravenna. Do what your soul tells you and what Amel will allow.”

“Oh, I would so love to have your loyalty,” Amel said. “You are welcome in Atalantaya no matter what you do. And do know that I have learned and profited from every single Replimoid that has ever stayed behind with me.” He looked tired suddenly, crestfallen, and empty. His mind was wandering. His words had been scattered, and confused though a strong truth united all he had said.