"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—"