“I’ve come back,” he continued, “under my own free will, but in view of our previous disagreement I’m remaining out of sight for the moment. If I appear personally, will you promise not to try and restrict my movements again?”
No one said anything for a while and Alvin wondered what thoughts were being exchanged. Then Seranis spoke for them all.
“I imagine that there is little purpose in doing so. Di-aspar must know all about us by now.”
Alvin flushed slightly at the reproach in her voice.
“Yes, Diaspar knows,” he replied. “And Diaspar will have nothing to do with you. It wishes to avoid contamination with an inferior culture.”
It was most satisfying to watch the councillors’ reactions, and even Seranis colored slightly at his words. If he could make Lys and Diaspar sufficiently annoyed with each other, Alvin realized that his problem would be more than half solved. He was learning, still unconsciously, the lost art of politics.
“But I don’t want to stay out here all night,” he continued. “Have I your promise?”
Seranis sighed, and a faint smile played about her lips.
“Yes,” she said, “We won’t attempt to control you again. Though I don’t think we were very successful before.”
Alvin waited until the robot had returned. Very carefully he gave the machine its instructions and made it repeat them back. Then he left the ship, and the airlock closed silently behind him.