“Someday you’ll understand us,” said the alpha.

After three days, thousands of samples had been brought aboard and stored in the gene banks. The conclusion was clear. Most of the proteins that humans needed could be found readily among the native flora and fauna on both worlds. And a simple array of fast-spreading, highly edible plants would make up the deficiencies. “We can release any Earth fauna we choose,” said Wheaton, “and thus we’ll have meat to eat and enough plants for a varied and pleasing diet.”

“That’s what they’ve found on the other world,” said the expendable, “except that they need to spread a different array of Earth plants.”

“So, no destruction?” asked Noxon.

“Are you disappointed?” asked Ram.

“I still think that walls are a good idea,” said Noxon.

“Because you grew up in a wallfold,” said Ram.

“We can give the mice one wallfold,” said Noxon. “And reserve one on each world for the aliens alone.”

“And give us one to combine with them,” said the alpha mouse.

“If we give one wallfold to aliens and mice together, we have to make sure there’s a tight lid on their technology,” said Noxon. “I’m afraid of what their combined abilities might lead to.”

“Happiness and peace for all sentient species everywhere,” said the alpha mouse.

“No doubt,” said Noxon.

“Same discussion on most of the other ships,” said the expendable.

“Most?” asked Ram. “So we’ve diverged?”

“Two ships on the far world and one here have to deal with a Wheaton with a broken hip,” said the expendable. “It slowed down the decision making.”

“I thought you’d protect me,” said Wheaton accusingly.

“I can’t always anticipate the stupid choices of human beings,” said the expendable.

“Stop bickering,” said Ram. “Dividing up the world is the obvious choice. We have to decide what to do with the extra humans who won’t be needed to found a colony in three of the wallfolds.”

“We can establish more wallfolds than we have ships,” said Noxon. “Let’s make thirteen colonies on each world, ten for humans, one each for aliens and mice, and one for both.”

“Must there also be a colony that includes both mice and humans?”

“I hope not,” said Wheaton.

“Of course,” said Noxon.

“At least don’t let ours be that colony!” said Wheaton.

“You’ll get used to them,” said Noxon.

“That means you already agreed to have ours be the human colony that has mice,” said Wheaton.

“Unless you plan to mate and settle down, Professor,” said Ram, “I think all the copies of you should regularly visit all the colonies. Sleep in stasis in between inspections. See how the alien species are developing, now that they have humans and mice interfering.”

“Assisting,” corrected the alpha mouse. “At least that’s what we’ll be doing.”

“I think that’s an excellent plan,” said Wheaton. “I only wish I could publish my findings.”