"And what," Vauna asked, "are you going to believe about us when our child is born?" 13. We were around on the other side of the planet by now. I estimated that we had traveled more than seven thousand hours. By this time many things had happened. So much that I doubted my ability to convey all the news to Campbell so that he would get a clear understanding. I had lain awake nights trying to formulate my message. If my words failed, I only hoped that my tone of voice would convey my appreciation. My appreciation of him. Of what he had gone through. Of what he must yet go through. He talked with me quietly through the radio, and I could visualize him as if I were sitting beside him again in the space ship. "Yes, Linden. Go on. I'm listening." I told him of the death of Omosla and the child. He was deeply grieved. It was a long time before he found voice to speak. "Go ahead, Linden. I'm listening." "I have more news," I said. "But tell me of yourself, Campbell. Have you gone ahead, playing your lone hand?" "I've found my way into the customs of the savages, Linden. They have their own legends of Kao-Wagwattl. I can predict that in time the gap can be bridged between them and the Benzendellas. If we work carefully--men like you, Linden, working from within, and other agents from EGGWE that are sure to follow. I believe this planet can be spared the torments of great wars." "Yes, Campbell ... and you, personally ... are you well? Are you still bristling with your usual self-discipline?" "In case you have any doubts about the matter," his voice was slightly caustic, "I haven't broken the Code." "In Omosla's case I wish you had," I said. "I wish it too," Campbell's voice came back, now in a lowered tone. "I loved Omosla. I would have been her mate, gladly." "But you were, Campbell." "Now, don't start that again, Linden, or I'll--" "Wait, Campbell, don't cut me off. You must hear all of my news, first. Most important of all, old Tomboldo has chosen my own son to be his successor. He'll be groomed for the job all through his childhood, and I've decided to stay right here, Code or no Code, and see him through." "Your _son_?" Campbell's voice was mostly breath. "Who are you talking about?" "Our baby--Vauna's and mine. It's several days old. Doing fine. Has eyebrows just like mine. Chalk-dust skin like hers." Campbell blurted. "Do you mean to tell me that as soon as you and Vauna boarded the Kao--" "The ways of life on this planet are something you and I ought to know about, Campbell. Listen closely--" "Shoot!"