（外文电子版资料）TITAN-JohnVarley_ch14-ch2.docVIP

CHAPTER FOURTEEN When the other Titanide joined them, the disturbing difference Cirocco noted earlier was abundantly clear, and even more disturbing. Between the front legs, where C Sharp had a patch of hair, B Flat had a completely human penis. Holy God, Gaby whispered, nudging Ciroccos elbow. Will you be quiet? Cirocco said. This makes me very nervous. You, nervous? What about me? I cant understand a note youre singing. But its pretty, Rocky. You sing real nice. Other than the male genitals in front, B Flat was almost identical to C Sharp. Both had high, conical breasts and hairless, pale skin. Their faces were both vaguely feminine, wide-mouthed and beardless. B Flat had more paint on his body, more flowers in his hair. Aside from that and the penis the two would have been hard to tell apart. One end of a wooden flute protruded from a fold of skin at the level of his missing navel. Apparently it was a pouch. B Flat stepped forward and extended his hand. Cirocco stepped back and B Flat moved swiftly, putting a hand on each of her shoulders. She was frightened for only a moment, then realized he shared C Sharps apprehension. He had thought she was falling backwards, and meant only to steady her. Im fine, she sang, nervously. I can stand on my own. His bands were large, but perfectly human. It felt very strange to be touching him. Seeing an impossible creature was quite different from feeling its body heat. it brought home forcefully the fact that she was making humanitys first contact with an intelligent alien. He smelled of cinnamon and apples. The healer will arrive soon. He sang the song of equals with her, though scored in a formal mode. In the meantime, have you caters We would offer you food ourselves, Cirocco sang, but in truth, we have run out of provisions. And my fore-sister offered you none? “ B Flat gave C Sharp a reproving look, and she hung her head. She is curious and impulsive, but not thoughtful. Please forgive her. The words he used to