"What message do the Anolyn send?"
The Caligan stood like a man in a cataleptic trance, regarded Jupiter with fixed, unwinking attention.
"I am to inform you that the girl, Tabak, and the man, Reiloc, are unharmed."
Jupiter realized suddenly that his forehead was covered with sweat. He didn't interrupt.
The Caligan continued in that flat, unemotional voice:
"Unless you disband your army and send them away, the girl will be turned over to the long-tailed Begans to play with. If she survives the animal-men, which is doubtful, she will be sent to the biological laboratories for vivisection. Reiloc, of course, will be operated on immediately."
The Caligan paused. The control blister was still.
"In the event you agree to the Anolyn terms," the emissary went on, "both Tabak and Reiloc will be set free outside the city gates. You are to take them aboard your ship and leave Yogol forever.
"Post-hypnotic commands have been implanted in both their minds. If you return or attempt treachery, of any kind, they will kill you.
"You have until sunup to give us your decision."