The Mercy of Gods

Ekur claims that peace is a delusion because it’s neither desirable nor possible. The Carryx believe that conflict is the natural order of the universe: Those who should survive do survive, and those who can be subjugated must be subjugated. Ekur is, however, impressed by “the betrayer,” who managed to uphold the desire for peace while destroying countless worlds, and suggests that it would be wise for the humans to kill him.

Tkson leads the research team through winding hallways. They pass many other aliens, including Rak-Hund, Soft Lothark, and others they don’t recognize. Tkson says they’re allowed access to these pathways and the complex where they’ll work. Tkson shows them to a laboratory resembling the one they used in Anjiin and explains that the team will continue the kinds of work they did at home.

It shows them a creature that looks a bit like a turtle and then something that looks like red berries on a branch, explaining that the specimens come from two different planetary systems. Their task is to translate one biome to the other, so that the berries will nourish the “not-turtle.” Dafyd asks what happens if they can’t do it, and if other alien groups have been given the same task.