self to
Judith's right as he knew Earth custom demanded, and the craft was
lifting slowly over the central area of the ancient city before Mason
spoke.

"Well, how did they treat you in there, sir?"

"Not as well as I had hoped," Kriijorl answered. "Your
President-General spoke with me privately after the World Delegates
Council met to question me, and he held out extremely little hope.
However, the issue is to be debated. I think perhaps more out of
diplomatic courtesy than actual consideration. I am to be informed of
the official decision tomorrow...."

"There were scientists present, of course?"

"Yes; you have brilliant men on Earth, Lieutenant. They are good
thinkers. I am certain they were interested in me for more than the
sole fact that I am an alien of a race so precisely a replica of your
own. But it is again the old factor, cultural difference. Your entire
world simply regards women differently than we. I imagine my request,
to persons less learned than those with whom I spoke, would be quite
shocking anywhere on the planet."

"Perhaps," Judith murmured. "Yet somehow I wonder. Somehow I wonder
how much two hundred years has really changed us. Our history in such
things is not pleasant, Kriijorl. Many of our women once gave their
bodies for money. Shock us? I'm not sure you really could. For your
breeders simply give their bodies to produce the flesh for war. And
there was a time when we did that, too."

There was silence between them for a while, and then Lance began
directing the Ihelian's attention to points of interest as the air
phase of the diplomatic tour got under way.

The blue-green beauty of the Pacific stretched lazily below them from
the colorful California shore line to the west. Surrounding air
traffic was light, and the tour proceeded smoothly eastward; over the
Great Divide, and then swung north. Kriijorl seemed impressed and
grateful for the momentary respite.

* * * * *

It was near the end of the tour's air phase that Mason remembered
Judith's request, and Kriijorl obliged with an amused smile, producing
a personal mentacom for Judith to examine.

"And the receiver simply fits about the head like earphones?"

"Like this," Kriijorl said. They were nearing Denver, and air traffic
at their level had picked up, and the helio was proceeding more slowly
so that Kriijorl's demonstration caused him to miss little of the
tour.

He fitted the compact he