Phylogenesis Read Online Free PDF Page B

antihuman groups that would oppose such a development, perhaps violently. He said as much to his friends.
    Nio refused to be dissuaded. “Nevertheless, that is what the rumors claim.”
    “Which is why they are rumors, and why stories imaginative travelers tell so often differ from the truth.” For the second time he started to turn away. “It was pleasant to speak with you both.”
    “Des,” Nio began, “I…we both have thought about you often, and wondered if…well, if there is ever anything either of us can do for you, if you ever need any help of any kind…”
    He stopped, turning so suddenly that her antennae flicked back over her head, out of potential harm’s way. It was an ancient reflex, one she was unable to arrest.
    Preparing to leave, he had been struck by a thought pregnant with possibility. Bipedal, tailless, intelligent mammals were an oxymoron, but no one could deny that the humans existed. Tentative, restricted contacts between humankind and the thranx had been taking place for a number of years now. There were not supposed to be any humans on his world. Not since the project begun on Willow-Wane had been shifted to Hivehom. But what if it were true? What if such outrageous, fantastic creatures were engaged in building not a simple research station, but an actual colony right here, on one of the thranx’s own colony worlds?
    It was what the AAnn had sought to do by force, in their repeated attacks on the Paszex region. It was extraordinary to think that the Grand Council might actually have granted equivalent permission to another species, and to one so alien. What possibilities might such an unprecedented situation present? What wonders, however inherently appalling, did it conceal? What promise would such an outlandish discovery hold?
    The promise, just possibly, of the inspiration his muse and life had thus far been lacking? The thought simultaneously terrified and intrigued him.
    “Broud,” he said sharply, “you work for the government.”
    “Yes.” The other young male wondered what had happened to transform his former colleague’s manner so dramatically. “I am a third-level soother for a communications processing division.”
    “Near this Geswixt. Excellent.” Desvendapur’s thoughts were churning. “You just offered me help. I accept.” Now it was his turn to lean forward, as the members of the commemorative funeral crowd began to disperse. “I am experiencing a sudden desire to change my living circumstances and go to work on a different part of the planet. You will recommend me to your superiors, in your best High Thranx, for work in the Geswixt area.”
    “You ascribe to me powers I don’t possess,” his age-counterpart stammered, truhands fluttering to indicate his distress. “Firstly, I don’t live as near this Geswixt as you seem to think. Neither does Nio.” He glanced at the female for support, and she gestured encouragingly. “Rumors may alert and influence, but they weigh little and travel without effort. Also, as I told you, I am only a third-level soother. Any recommendations I might make will be treated by my superiors with less than immediate attention.” Antennae dipped curiously forward. “Why do you want to uproot your life, shift tunnels, and move nearer Geswixt?”
    “Uproot my life? I am unmated, and you know how little family remains to me.”
    His friends gesticulated uncomfortably. Broud was beginning to wish Des had never come over to talk with them. His behavior was uncouth, his manner unrefined, and his motives obscure. They should have ignored him. But Nio had insisted. Now it was too late. To simply turn away and leave would have been an unforgivable breach of courtesy.
    “As for the reason, I should think that’s obvious,” Des continued. “I want to be nearer to these bizarre aliens—if there is any basis to these rumors and if there actually are any still living on Willow-Wane.”
    Nio was watching him uneasily. “What for,