Xenocide

The hive queen does not understand Valentine’s role as historian. She views the humans’ style of recording and distributing history as lies. However, Human’s mind is similar to that of humans, so he is able to grasp the importance of Valentine’s work.

Wang-mu and Qing-jao discuss the Lusitania fleet, and Qing-jao is shocked when Wang-mu slanders Starways Congress. She is also shocked to learn that the common people resent the social system of Path. Wang-mu believes that Starways Congress could easily attack Path, just as they plan to destroy Lusitania. Qing-jao’s anger at Wang-mu’s arguments against Starways Congress makes her feel impure, so she traces woodgrains to purify herself. Wang-mu argues that is unfair, for Qing-jao was only listening to Wang-mu’s argument, not supporting it. Qing-jao interprets Wang-mu’s dissent as a sign from the gods that her servant is not faithful. She tells Wang-mu that she must obey Congress if she wishes to remain in her role. Wang-mu suggests that they look for who caused the fleet’s disappearance. At first, Qing-jao ignores her maid’s advice, but later, while pondering Demosthenes’ elusiveness, she realizes that Wang-mu is right. Qing-jao is ashamed that she showed Wang-mu disrespect and then used her idea.