//He's a fool,// Dallesh says of its best friend. //I don't know what he'll say.// It moves the correct finger easily: of all their senses, vision is the one Yeerks get the most training in integrating. //They're siblings, yes. I'm not sure if they were classmates.//

Five frowns and falls silent. Three takes the opportunity to point at the Natasha-shell when the captain looks his way. It turns its head and eyes the other shell, recognition slowly dawning, to its surprise.