Through some oversight of logic, this had never occurred to Prime, which was indicative of his many deficiencies. Not that his logic had much to recommend it, but at least he might have been consistent.
At the time she spoke thusly she fondled Prime and moved him closer to the light. Attuned as I was to the female through Prime's perceptics, I slowly became entranced with the spell she cast over him.
She said, "I don't doubt that you can destroy me, and perhaps I deserve it. But how proud I am to have custody of the most exquisite diamond in the whole world—even if it is only for a few seconds before I perish."
May I point out at this stage that the female's behavior was now solely motivated by this above-mentioned survival instinct. In the face of almost certain extinction she was mustering every wile and emotional device at her command to influence Prime to spare her insignificant life.
The effect on Prime was fantastic. He flashed cold fire from his facets, and his sensuous delight was a thing of embarrassment.
Yet, in proximity to him as I was, I could not avoid some of the exotic essence of her transparent flattery. I found myself trying to justify Prime's change.
He said at last, "You are quite right, woman. It is fitting that the last human on earth live to pay respect to the creator of her race."
Instantly the female's whole attitude changed. With the realization that she had Prime in her control, she became demanding.
"Of course, I shall require some consideration, too," she said.
"Whatever is necessary to provide for your comfort shall be accomplished," he agreed without hesitation. "What did you have in mind?"