Ool glared at him helplessly, then sank into a chair. Ryaa came to him and put her arms around him.
"You said you were willing to do what Ryyn wanted. So am I. If he says I'll be all right, I will."
"Well," Ool was only half convinced. "If it's all right with Ryaa. What do you want us to do."
"Just one thing right now—just stay here till I give the word."
Ryyn's announcement spread quickly, and the reception was what might have been expected. The people were shocked.
"I don't think the committee should allow it," was the usual comment.
"There may be more women than men in the Universe, but if Ool keeps on mating with them, we'll soon be even," remarked someone with misplaced humor.
When Ryyn had decided that the news had spread enough, he gave them the word. Ryaa had voted for the space ship to show that she really wasn't afraid of the jinx, but Ryyn forbade that. He had personally chosen a resort, and had used his influence to overcome the owner's reluctance. It was Ryyn, too, who had the would-be interviewers and most of the curious crowd cleared away.
Several of the remarks made by the crowd had started Ool to worrying again. And in spite of her brave remarks, he knew that Ryaa was afraid too.