"It's my guess. They tried transplants but had to cut them out." Cameron turned to Jeriann. "Do we have equipment for synthetic hormones?" "Maybe. I never prepared any." The doctor leaned over the desk, flipping through the files until he came to the section he wanted. "Some test animals. Probably not enough," he said after studying it briefly. "I'll do something to keep her quiet until I can figure out a substitute." "No experiments on us, Cameron." He smiled wryly. "The history of medicine is a long series of experiments. If it weren't for that we'd still be in the stone age, medically speaking." Docchi shrugged. "Suit yourself. Do what you can with Maureen." "What about Anti?" "We haven't had time to think about her." "I'll see what I can do. If I stumble on anything that seems beneficial I'll let you know." Cameron turned to leave and Jeriann went with him. Docchi watched him go. The doctor was an asset they hadn't counted on. His presence would help silence the objections of those who agreed with the woman at the meeting but hadn't said anything yet. This was the temporary advantage. But there was still the doubt. Cameron might have stayed at the general's request. A few serious illnesses or a death here and there might influence them to turn back. Somehow Docchi couldn't credit the doctor with such intentions. Then what? Well, the doctor might have remained with them on a long, long chance. A gamble, but he was the kind who took risks. It was not suspicion alone that made Docchi suddenly tired and morose. He wished he could call Jeriann back on some pretext. She'd gone and she hadn't looked his way when she left. * * * * * Anti bobbed gently in the acid. "What's the contraption?" "An idea of mine," said Jordan, lowering the coils carefully so the acid didn't splash. Anti looked at it judicially. "Maybe next time you'll think of something better." "Don't be nasty," said Jordan as the coils reached the surface of the liquid and began to submerge. "Cameron thinks it will work." "My faith is shaken." "It isn't a question of faith and anyway he's as good a doctor as we've ever had." Jordan kept lowering until the mechanism reached the bottom. A single cable over the side of the tank was the only thing visible. Jordan wiped his hands on the grass. "I was thinking about radiation when this thing occurred to me." "Would you believe it? Once I was young and radiant myself." "It's not the same thing." "Don't think I wouldn't trade." "You won't have to," said Jordan. "This is my idea, not the doctor's. He merely confirmed it." "In that case it's bound to work." Jordan pulled a tuft of grass loose and tossed it into the tank. It disappeared in a soundless blaze. To conform with what was expected of her, Anti blinked. "Don't be so afraid we're going to fail that you can't listen to what I have to say. Do you want to be cured and not know why? I've run my legs off to make this gadget."