Free Hellstrom's Hive by Frank Herbert Page B

instructions remain that we exercise the utmost restraint and caution there. Better to sacrifice the Hive than to lose all.”
    â€œIn your considerations, please note that I disagree,” Old Harvey said.
    â€œYour exception is noted and will not be ignored.”
    â€œThey are sure to send others,” Old Harvey said.
    â€œI agree.”
    â€œEach new team is likely to be more skilled, Nils.”
    â€œNo doubt of that. But great skill, as we’ve learned from our own specialists, tends to narrow the vision. I doubt very much that these first probes involve the central element of this agency that wishes to know about us. Soon, however, they will send someone who knows all of the things we wish to know about those who come prying into our affairs.”
    Old Harvey’s hesitation betrayed that he had not considered this possibility. Presently, he said, “You will try to capture and control such a one?”
    â€œWe must.”
    â€œThat’s a dangerous gambit, Nils.”
    â€œCircumstances dictate the risk.”
    â€œI disagree even more,” Old Harvey said. “I have lived Outside, Nils. I know them. This is an extremely perilous course you plot.”
    â€œDo you have an alternative with a lower potential risk?” Hellstrom asked. “Extend your plotline before answering. You must think of the ultimate consequences along the sequence of events dictated by our present response. We made a mistake with Porter. We thought him the kind of Outsider we have previously taken and consigned to the vats. It was the wisdom of the sweep leader that brought him to my close attention after his capture. The mistake at that point was mine, but the consequences involve us all. My own regrets do not change the situation one whit. Our problem is complicated by the fact that we cannot erase all of the back tracks that led Porter to us. We have been able to do that before without exception. Our previous successes lulled me into a false complacency. A long history of success does not insure correct decisions. I knew this and yet failed. I will entertain an action to depose me, but I will not change my present decision on a course of action, a course of action that includes knowledge of my past mistake.”
    â€œNils, I’m not suggesting that we depose—”
    â€œThen obey my instructions,” Hellstrom said. “Although I am a male, I am chief in the Hive at my brood mother’s command. She reckoned the importance of that choice and, thus far, her vision has remained close to actual events. While you’re putting the sonic probes on that woman and her vehicle, check it for the possibility that she may have a child inside.”
    Old Harvey sounded hurt. “I’m aware of our constant need for new blood, Nils. Your orders will be obeyed at once.”
    Hellstrom released the communications key and Old Harvey’s face disappeared from the screen. Old Harvey might be very old, with a Hive awareness dulled by that early history ofOutside life, but he knew how to obey against the dictates of his most basic fears. In this respect, he was completely trustworthy—more than could be said for most of the human species that had evolved Outside, conditioned as they were by the sharp limitations prevailing in what the Hive thought of as “wild societies.” Old Harvey was a good worker.
    Hellstrom sighed, aware of the burden he carried: almost fifty thousand dependent workers going about their activities in the Hive warren. He listened with his whole being for a moment, probing for the sense that told him all remained normal in the Hive. It was like the low humming of harvesting bees on a hot afternoon. There was a restful sense to this normalcy and he needed it at times to restore him. But the Hive gave him back no such reassurance now. He felt he could actually sense the disquiet of his own commands spreading through the Hive and reflecting back onto