“A harsh fact, but true--and who is to judge whether it is right or wrong? We achieved dominance of Earth by our moral responsibility to family, tribe, and nation--and we nearly exterminated ourselves when we forgot that this responsibility went beyond nations and embraced all mankind. We learned that after the Exodus. As for the other races--perhaps someday we will learn moral responsibility for all intelligence--but we are not ready for that yet. That’s too big a mental hurdle.” Brainard sighed. “We are what we are, and we change slowly. But we change.” “True enough,” Kennon said. “But it’s hard to be philosophical about it.” “You’re young. Live a couple of centuries and you will understand patience.” Kennon smiled. “You know,” Brainard said thoughtfully, “you still have plenty of things to do.” “I know. I’ll have to make a transcript of this discussion, have it witnessed, and make a sealed record. I have to arrange for the reposition of the evidence inside the Egg, and a complete recording of the Egg itself.” “And to be safe you’ll need several facsimiles, properly attested. The arms of these outworld entrepreneurs are long, and unfortunately not all Betans are models of honesty.” “I’d better get started then.” “Let me help you,” Brainard said. “I have a little influence in this area--and your cause interests me.” He picked up the phone on his desk. Kennon sighed. He had found an ally. CHAPTER XIX “What are you going to do with that girl?” Brainard asked. “Formalize our mating as soon as she is able to get out of bed,” Kennon replied. “She is an ignorant, untrained savage!” Brainard protested. “You should hear the stories the nurses tell about her!” Kennon chuckled. “You don’t have to tell me about those. I’ve lived with Lani for two years. But she’s not stupid.” “What are your plans?” “After we establish her humanity legally,” Kennon said, “I’m going to send her to school.” “For twenty years?” “If necessary. But I don’t think it will take that long. She has some schooling.” “But no training--and what of the Lani in the meantime?” “I have plans for that. I’m going back to Kardon and give Alexander a chance to make restitution. I think he is an honorable man. Slavery may be as revolting to him as it is to any civilized human. He deserves a chance to rectify his grandfather’s error.” “That is reasonable--and in the best traditions of the Brotherhood.”