her
be wrong, he prayed silently. Let it be pseudopregnancy this time. Let
the tests be negative.

But they weren't. Unequivocally they confirmed Copper's diagnosis. Here
was the proof he needed. The final test that would prove the Lani human.
And he had no way of getting it where it would do any good. It would
take at least four months of steady labor before the ship was ready, and
he didn't have that sort of time. He was needed here and his prolonged
absence would cause suspicion and investigation. Something would have to
be done--but what? He couldn't take Copper off the island in an airboat.
They were checked with microscopic care by Otpen One's IFF. A jeep
didn't have enough range to take them to the mainland. And even if they
got there they couldn't get off the planet. Alexander knew everything
that happened on Kardon's two spaceports. The Egg was the only way, but
the Egg was unfinished and unspaceworthy.

Frantically Kennon considered concealing Copper. He shook his head. It
wouldn't work. It would be impossible, to hide a baby on a place where
every birth was recorded. Nor could one hide evidence of pregnancy in a
Lani. Childbearing leaves telltale marks upon the body, and Copper, even
if she could be concealed for the duration of her pregnancy, could never
survive the sharp-eyed scrutiny of her fellows or the other humans.
Questions would inevitably be asked.

There had to be a solution. He rubbed his forehead wearily. It was
strange how so little a thing as the union of a spermatozoon and an ovum
could produce so much trouble. He looked across the office at Copper
placidly filing case cards. She wasn't worrying. With sublime faith,
she was sure that he would find the answer, the one that would solve
everything. He shuddered. The only logical solution was abortion--and
that was unthinkable! He would not murder his child--nor would Copper
permit it if he was capable of doing so.

It was almost a relief when his phone rang and Blalok's voice came
cheerfully across the wire.

"Tried to get you about an hour ago," the superintendent said, "but your
girl said you were busy."

"I was."

"You through now?"

"Yes."

"Well, get up to the fortress. Alexander just flew in and he's calling a
meeting. Something important has come up."

Something important! A wave of ice rattled down Kennon's spine, and then
he grinned feebly. Alexander didn't know. He couldn't know. It had to be
something else.

"I'll be ri