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Truly it is conceivable that they could overcome the instinctive combative
tendencies which they now so ingenuously display to become as peaceful as,
say, the Hivistahm. She turned back to the two Massood, slitted eyes bright
in the moonlight.
Howe ver, a certainty that is not. There is equal evidence to suggest that
such inclinations will continue to manifest themselves even as their
technology advances. It is intriguing to postulate what direction their
society might take if such tendencies are encouraged instead of decried. An
angry Caldaq rose.
Jaruselka stood beside him. I will not be a party to such a thing. It reeks
of the immoral. These people must be allowed to find their way to
civilization.
Even if that way to mutual self-destruction leads them?
Do not try to hide what you want beneath a layer of fatuous altruism. To her
credit, the elderly
Hivistahm was obviously uncomfortable. Truly I am not unaware of the
contradictions posed by this dilemma. If we allow these creatures to achieve
the kind of civilization which would permit them entry into the Weave, then
sacrificing a great weapon we may be. Of what use would such a civilization be
to them if subsumed into the Amplitur Purpose it is eventually?
If we instead allow, even encourage them to vent their natural combative
tendencies not against each other but against the Amplitur, then great things
accomplished may be. Do not forget, Captain, that the future of many races and
not just that of Humans is in the great contest at stake. The Weave survives
because the good of all it considers.
Adjustments to Human inclinations in the future can be made, after the
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Amplitur we have defeated.
Time enough then to embrace these creatures and to the heart of Weave
civilization clasp them. Truly first everything possible we must do to insure
a civilization there is for them to join.
Caldaq s anger at an immutable injustice was already fading. It has already
been decided, hasn t it?
Jaruselka eyed him sympathetically. It was not our decision to make. I am
told that the Council agonized long over it.
The full Science Council, Chief-of-Project elaborated. The General Council
of this world s existence is not yet aware.
Caldaq gestured tiredly, resumed his seat on the sand. And they have already
participated in actual combat?
Chief-of-Project s claws dug at an itch. On Vasarih. A cautious test in hope
executed of confirming results otherwise difficult to believe. Only those who
volunteered were involved, the youngest and strongest, though they received
advice from their seniors as well as from our own people in the field.
The Amplitur force on Vasarih consists mainly of Crigolit with a smattering
of T returi largely providing logistical support. Truly also there are the
divided Vasarih themselves.
And what happened? Caldaq pressed her.
Chief-of-Project hesitated briefly. Conflict these creatures transforms in
ways they themselves are unaware of. They take to combat as to a narcotic.
Their endocrine and nervous systems function differently. The feet that for
the first time in their racial history they were fighting creatures other than
their own kind seemed only further to energize them.
Vasarih a minor theater of conflict is, but in the sector where they were
introduced their impact immediate and devastating was. Not only did they wreak
havoc themselves, their attitude and presence inspired the Massood who were
present safely through any trouble to shepherd them. They fought alongside
Massood? Caldaq said.
Yes. Jaruselka put a hand on his shoulder. I witnessed this myself.
He eyed her sharply. You participated? You did not say&
It would only have worried you. Should I have not? I am trained as any
Massood, and I was one who had dealt with the first specimen, Will Dulac. I
understood more than those Massood who had never encountered a Human before.
Chief-of-Project speaks endless uncomfortable truths. The Hivistahm was
gratified by the support of the Commander s mate. When these creatures are
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