Glim seems similarly affected. Madrin says the others felt the same touch for a time after they first arrived and then less and less frequently until it disappeared altogether. Apparently this is the source of the controversy with the Pool. There are many doc.u.mented phenomena that can cause false Telen, but none ever doc.u.mented as consistently as this without a satisfactory explanation.

Unfortunately, since MON really is in the middle of nowhere (in a physical sense), the phenomenon hasn't been vigorously pursued after the original, inconclusive, investigation dead-ended several years ago.

Glim is drilling the nervousness out of his system with his broadsword in the open area just beyond cottages. The only sounds are his occasional grunts and the elusive avian life of MON which Tikki keeps at bay. I need some distraction as well. Glim can't possibly occupy me all the time. Not that we haven't tried.

While there have been some "contact" events at the Pool arranged by Serba, we have politely declined to join for the time being. Though it might give me an excuse to get Glim near an open body of water at least, I'm not quite up to swimming lessons myself yet.

So far, no one has said anything to us about the time Glim and I spend together, and I a.s.sume that the damper keeps the full nature of our relationship solely between the two of us, but one never knows. It's better not to push too far too soon.

Serba, I call out.

You rang, comes her reply.

What is there to do?

Nothing, she says. Eileen is in a snit --

Am not -- echoes Elleen's grating Telen.

Homar is molting and can't go out, and Eckart's got a problem with the pollen.

So we don't have any contact plans.

You can't tell me that there's nothing to do, I protest.

Harvest, she says. That's it.

Can I help?

You don't have to, she says.

I want to. My belly-b.u.t.ton has been over-contemplated.

What?

Sorry. An old philosophy joke. I'm bored.

Okay. I can call Madrin. Maybe, I'll join you.

Thank you.

I put on a loose-fitting wearall and hoots while I wait for Serba. I rinse my mouth with water. I splash cold water on my face, and sit outside and let the sun dry it.

Madrin will send a zipper as soon as one is available.

Thank you, Serba. It just seems that there should be more to do on a planet. I expected to be bored on Stardust, but here . . .

You'll adjust. Serba comes around the comer. "Do you mind if we talk?"

"No. Something wrong?"

"I just don't want Eileen to overhear us. Another drawback to being twins is that it is very hard to close the other out of our thoughts when speaking telepathically. If we used the 'lectro-Mon she would feel the wall like a headache. This is the most . . . diplomatic way to handle it." The smile while she simultaneously crosses her eyes is not convincing.

"Is there a problem between you two?"

"Not between us really. I know you noticed her fascination with Glim as I did.

Remember, I told you she is young in mind if not in body. I think your relationship with Glim has her a bit jealous. Even if she knows she couldn't handle any physical contact. Somehow she thinks if you can, she must be able to."

"Relationship?" Trying to play dumb as a telepath requires infinitely more finesse than as a non-Tel. It is also incredibly foolish with your peers. "Is it that obvious?"

"The facts are, but the explanation isn't. How do you two survive it? I mean, with a Monitor it is usually doable, in a rather public sort of way for your species, but without . . . How do you protect each other?"

"We don't. We just let it happen."

"You allow each other in completely? Without any protection ? Without even a disrupter?"

"Yes." It is the truth between Glim and me. Absolutely no barriers when we are in contact.

"What . . ."

"What is it like?"

"Well, yes. I mean, I know it's none of my business, but . . . yes."

I start to laugh and Tikki tries to jump on my lap, knocking me to the ground in the process. Soon she and I are one large ma.s.s of sentient protein. Out of breath, I finally pin Tikki by her shoulders and she playfully concedes defeat by throwing her paws out over her head. She opens her mouth and lolls her tongue out to one side.

"That felt so good."

"Nothing like a good wrestle," Serba stands up and gestures toward the Justice building. I let Tikki go, and walk with Serba, the gen-cat bounding in wide circles about us. "Where did you get such a wonderful gen-cat?"

"She was a gift from my parents. I think they were worried I would be alone the rest of my life after I . . . after I was Discovered. It must have cost them a year's salary. I guess they felt guilty for birthing me."

"That's awful."

"I don't mean it that way. I don't blame them. I'm actually proud of who and what I am even if it came with little choice. But I think they have their doubts. Anyway, that's not what I meant. I meant it felt good to talk about Glim and me. And I don't mind you asking. I haven't been able to talk to anyone about it ever. Before we left Zchabus, we were rather avoided. Even my best friends wouldn't talk about it. I think the Inst.i.tute suggested the transfer to MON just to keep things calm."

"So?"

"So? Oh, what's it like? It's like, well, taking a warm bath that hugs back. It flows through you and fills you. It's like you've turned inside out and you're both part of this incredible organism that's both of us individually but also something wonderfully more. It's . . . indescribable. Here," I send her the imagery and emotion that flood me every time Glim and I make love. It isn't perfect; it doesn't even come close to the ever-changing wonderment that Glim and I share, but it leaves Serba stunned and blushing.

"For something you can't share, you've certainly ripped back the curtain."

"So, what do you tell Eileen?"

"The truth, as if I had a choice. I just hope she lets it go. What you and Glim have sounds . . . unmatchable. At least once you get past the concept of two Tels touching, especially in that way. I wonder what makes you two so different?"

"I have no idea, I'm only glad we are:"

The zipper pulls up and we board in silent camaraderie. Watching Serba's back as she walks up the entry, I smile.

Outside, the sun is shining but the temperature is still pleasant in the shade.

I sit down on the bench beside my front door. After a short time (doesn't anyone keep track of time on this planet?), I stand up and scan the sky. No zipper. I am looking forward to being in the fields again today. The work is satisfying and, besides, there isn't a whole lot else to do. Especially since I need to leave Glim a little recovery time.