>>She crooked a near smile. "Allow me to explain."<<

"Explain?" sneered Sepheran. "Oh, please *do* explain how this *unnatural* joining could possibly provide you with any *new* insights!"

Scholar tilted her head, as if considering the human's statement. "What do you mean by 'unnatural?' Does this pertain to the concept 'Law' the fair one mentioned?"

"It's unnatural because it violates natural law -- God's law!"

The female alien blinked. "Explain God. Is he your leader?"

Sepheran's jaw dropped, and he wondered how he was going to "Explain God."

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: SPEW WARNING!! I feel obliged to issue a warning -- eating or drinking while reading the following conversation may be hazardous to your computer!! I won't be responsible for damages if you ignore this warning!!

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Alexander Waverly was also listening to an explanation at that moment, and it wasn't one he really wanted to hear. UNCLE's Cheif Medical Officer was going on with a great deal of enthusiasm about the changes to Illya Kuryakin.

"It's absolutely astonishing!" the doctor said. "The changes go down to the cellular -- possibly even the chromosonal -- level. The internal structures indicate a medical sophistication decades -- even centuries -- beyond our own!"

"That's all very interesting, doctor," Waverly said, "but what I really need to know is one thing: how soon Mr. Kuryakin can return to field duty."

The CMO stared at his superior, totally flabbergasted. "*Field* duty! You can't possibly be serious! We'll need him close at hand for further study. He's unique; do you realize he might very well be the world's first fertile hermaphrodite? There's so much we don't know about his condition -- if he can conceive, carry to term, exactly how the birth would be accomplished, or even if the changes can be passed on to later generations -- and you want to risk him in the field! I know for a fact his lab skills are excellent -- better than most of the researchers we have in our labs now. Couldn't we keep him at HQ, at least long enough to determine if he's able to conceive?"

"Just exactly how," Waverly asked cooly, "were you planning to determine if he could conceive, and what were you planning to do if he did?"

"We'd use artificial insemination, of course, and he'd probably opt to abort before he started to show, around 16 weeks I'd guess, though it would be better if we could convince him to carry to term --"

He was interrupted by his superior's throat-clearing. "Is Mr. Kuryakin aware of your plans for his future?"

"He's a scientist, sir. I'm sure he'd understand the necessity to explore his capabilities."

"Which tells me you haven't asked him yet. Where were you planning to get the raw material, so to speak, for the insemination?"

"I could use my own, unless you think I should ask for donations."

"I *think* you should discuss this with Mr. Kuryakin before you make any plans, and certainly before you ask for 'donations.' Now, to return to my original question -- is he fit enough to return to the field? A yes or no is all I need."

"He's fit enough to return to the field," the CMO conceded, "though I'd rather keep him here."

"I'll take your recommendations under advisement, and let you know what I decide."

Hearing the dismissal in Waverly's voice, the doctor turned and left, making plans to stop by Napoleon Solo's office and ask Kuryakin if he'd care to participate in a small experiment or two.