"Lilo almost shared the fate of the teratoids, but someone noticed that she was developing along more conventional lines, and so she survived. But how her rather striking excellence was achieved we never learned, since the geneticist was no longer alive."
"That is an interesting tale," said Glawen.
"As of now, Lilo is similar to a female of the old Duality.
Not wishing to embarrass her, we have not shared this information with her. It seems that she has received the news by another means."
"All this aside," said Glawen, "my first concern is for myself. How much longer do you intend to keep me confined in this hole?"
"I see that I must be totally candid," said Zaa.
"In our efforts to expunge Duality, we have over achieved this you know. We can produce Zubenites at will, but they have many negative characteristics and changes are necessary. Must we amend Monomantics and risk a new sexuality? The theory which I mentioned suggests that this may be necessary, through the inherent nature of protoplasm. From Strock comes nothing but dismal news. The processes are failing. Zygotes die faster than they can be produced; the younglings are sickly and abnormal.
"To survive, it appears that we must return to primitive techniques. Ah, but now? The men are like Mutis, incapable of the task, while the women are like Funo; they would go into convulsions at the idea.
"Now, then! This is not true in every case. A few women ovulate, and are still receptive. It is the men who are helpless. They are a poor lot, dull and limpish."
Glawen said nervously: "They might surprise you! Dress the ladies in pretty costumes; let them grow their hair and play in the sun so that they take on some color. Instead of philosophy, they should learn to dance and sing and set out fine banquets with good wine! The men would soon come around."
Zaa made a sound of disgust.
"We have heard that story before. A certain man claimed full knowledge in the field of human emotions. He stated that our problems were mental, no more; that we should undergo a series of what he called sexual therapy sessions. We tested his theories at great inconvenience and even greater expense! We discovered only that this man's avarice far exceeded his performance."
Glawen pretended only idle interest.
"It seems that you are referring to the Thurben Island affair."
"Obviously. Isn't one such event enough?"
"This avaricious savant accomplished nothing for you? What were his credentials?"
"The results were at best ambiguous. He urged us to continue the program, and our Ordene Sibil remained to observe and to learn, but her news is unclear."
"And the savant: what is his name?"
"I hardly remember; I made none of the arrangements.
Floreste:
that is his name. He directs a troupe of clowns and charlatans; he is mad for money!"
Glawen heaved a sigh. Zaa, he reflected, was remarkably free and open with her information. He wondered what undertakings she would demand before allowing him to go his way--although Plock would surely be arriving at almost any moment.
Zaa said in an offhand voice: "It was Floreste, incidentally, who notified me of your coming. He does not want you returning to Cadwal. You would disrupt his plans, so he tells me."
Glawen spoke in puzzlement: "How could he know anything of my movements?"
"No mystery there. Your associate remained at Fexelburg; am I right?"
"True: Kirdy Wook."
"It seems that Kirdy Wook called Floreste as soon as you boarded the bus and asked if he might rejoin the troupe.
Floreste agreed, and Kirdy is with him now. Whatever your arrangements, insofar as they concern Kirdy, they are not in force."
Glawen sat as if stunned.
Zaa went on.
"Now: in connection with our own arrangements, and here I refer to the so-called contract: when you first arrived, I was favorably impressed. You are healthy, intelligent and well-favored;
you are evidently normal in your sexual functions. I decided that you should attempt to fertilize the ovulating women, and create a cadre of what I shall call Neo-Monomantics. I put Lilo in close association with you, half expecting that some kind of situation might develop. But acting from what seems to be sheer mischief you startled Lilo and put her into a dither. Of course all is not lost; she is at once fascinated and frightened by what she thinks is involved. I will make sure that her hair grows and that she brings color to her skin. Others will do likewise."
Glawen cried out aghast: "All this will take months!"
"Of course. You must now think in these terms--or even longer. In the meantime, you may experiment with me. I am fertile; I am a true woman and I am not afraid. To the contrary."
Glawen asked huskily: "These are to be the 'services' called for in your contract?"
"That is correct."
Glawen found himself unable to think rationally. One thing was clear: in order to escape he must first win clear of Zonk's Tomb. He looked sidelong at Zaa.
"I don't consider the environment particularly congenial."
"It is as good as any other in the seminary."
"The dais is not all that comfortable."
