"Negative. Besides, need I remind you that you have already graciously agreed to take a human Companion?"
"And," Hammen said ponderously, "I can't get any Companion other than you to go with me."
"You can't? Sad. But why wouldn't I be acceptable?"
"I hate your soul."
"No doubt," Gordus sighed. "But I believe you said you hated all people."
"I can't stand people, only some people especially do I hate."
"I see. But surely it is only a small difference in degree, not kind, between the contempt and aversion you hold for humanity at large and that which you hold for me. Surely that difference is too small to cause you to break your word, given under the Code."
"I suppose it is." The words tasted bad in his mouth. "Very well. I'll transmit with you."
"Of course you will," the coordinator said smoothly.