“The reason for that, Eistaa,” Akotolp said with some pride, “is that it has never existed before. Ukhereb and I needed to work with the new plants we developed, to work together on their modification. But they are most difficult to handle since they are so poisonous. For this we needed the magnifying abilities of the sanduu. You know the creature I refer to?”

“I do not,” Lanefenuu said, proud of her ignorance. “I am much too busy to devote my time to a study of your squalid beasts.”

“Perfectly correct, Eistaa,” Akotolp said. “It is a messy occupation. Explanation-offered. The sanduu magnifies, that is it makes things look bigger, up to two hundred times bigger and is an essential scientific tool. However, only one Yilanè at a time can use it—Ukhereb and I needed to work together. Therefore we developed this masinduu, which might be called an image-projecting sanduu. We use it in microsurgery, but now we are using it to show you pictures of what we have done, without the necessity of exposing your honored body to the dangers involved.”

“This honored body is much pleased by your efforts. And what may this thing be that we are looking at?”

Akotolp turned one eye toward the brightly lit image on the wall. Sunlight fell on the eye of the masinduu in the outer wall, was amplified to project the multifaceted and brilliant image. “Those are diatoms, Eistaa, tiny creatures that live in the sea. We use them to adjust the masinduu. The colors that you see are generated by a polarized filter . . .” Akotolp broke off when Lanefenuu signed boredom-of-scientific-detail.

The room brightened as Ukhereb entered, followed by a fargi carrying a tray of pictures.

“All is ready, Eistaa,” she said, motioning the fargi to put down the tray and leave. “Here are the latest prints and they will show you the unqualified success of our efforts on your behalf.”

“Begin at once,” Lanefenuu commanded.

The imaged diatoms vanished and a seascape took its place. Beyond the sea was a green coastline above white beaches. As Ukhereb talked she manipulated the masinduu so that one image faded into another so it appeared that the coast grew closer.

“This is the shore of Gendasi*, south of the city of Alpèasak. We selected this site since we could establish ourselves there unobserved. The temperature and soil are the same as the city so our plants could develop in the correct environment.”

“Why not go to the city itself?” Lanefenuu asked.

“The ustuzou have occupied it,” Vaintè said as she entered. “I went there to see. Not all of the city was burned—but it is filled with these vermin.”

“Whose destiny is death, Vaintè,” Lanefenuu said. “I ordered your presence because these accomplished scientists have arranged a demonstration of what has been accomplished here in my name. You will watch with me since you have created all this.”