Cameron saw the time too but continued. It ought to be settled. It would do no good to bring up Helen Keller; the medicouncilor would use that evidence against him. The Keller techniques had been studied and reinterpreted for Nona's benefit. That much was in her medical record. They had been tried on Nona, and they hadn't worked. It made no difference that he, Cameron, thought there were certain flaws in the way the old techniques had been applied. Thorton would not allow that the previous practitioners could have been wrong. "I've been wondering if we haven't tried to force her to conform. She can be intelligent without understanding what we say or knowing how to read and write." "How?" demanded the medicouncilor. "The most important tool humans have is language. Through this we pass along all knowledge." Thorton paused, reflecting. "Unless you're referring to this Gland Opera stuff you mentioned. I believe you are, though personally I prefer to call it Rhine Opera." "I've been thinking of that," admitted Cameron. "Maybe if there was someone else like her she wouldn't need to talk the way we do. Anyway I'd like to make some tests, with your permission. I'll need some new equipment." The medicouncilor found the sheet he'd been looking for from time to time. He creased it absently. "Go ahead with those tests if it will make you feel better. I'll personally approve the requisition. It doesn't mean you'll get everything you want. Others have to sign too. However you ought to know you're not the first to think she's telepathic or something related to that phenomena." "I've seen that in the record too. But I think I can be the first one to prove it." "I'm glad you're enthusiastic. But don't lose sight of the main objective. Even if she _is_ telepathic, and so far as we're concerned she's not, would she be better suited to life outside?" He had one answer--but the medicouncilor believed in another. "Perhaps you're right. She'll have to stay here no matter what happens." "She will. It would solve your problems if you could break up the group, but don't count on it. You'll have to learn to manage them as they are." "I'll see that they don't cause any trouble," said Cameron. "I'm sure you will." The medicouncilor's manner didn't ooze confidence. "If you need help we can send in reinforcements." "I don't anticipate that much difficulty," said Cameron hastily. "I'll keep them running around in circles." "Confusion is the best policy," agreed the medicouncilor. He unfolded the sheet and looked down at it. "Oh yes, before it's too late I'd better tell you I'm sending details of new treatments for a number of deficients----" The picture collapsed into meaningless swirls of color. For an instant the voice was distinguishable again before it too was drowned by noise. "Did you understand what I said, doctor? If it isn't clear contact me. Deviation can be fatal."